Abstract: A multi-zone electric heating blanket. The blanket may be shaped to cover the outstretched arms or other body parts of a patient. The blanket includes first and second body part portions and a connecting bridge. The interconnection via the bridge leaves an open gap between the first and second body part portions for unblocked access to the patient. A power controller may supply power to heating elements in both body part portions based on a temperature sensor in one of the body part portions.

Abstract: A device and method is taught for providing thermo therapeutic relief through the positioning of a heating element at a predetermined position in association with a garment to support and sustain the heat generated by the heating element in a designated area. The invention more particularly relates to a method and a device for treating menstrual cramps by application of thermo therapeutic relief to specific areas associated with a woman's abdomen. In addition a kit is taught for providing a particular type of undergarment and reusable heating pad for use therein, effective for relieving the discomfort of menstrual cramps.

Abstract: A vasodilation sleeve (10) is disclosed having a tubular middle section (11) having on opening (12) at each end to which a stretchable cuff (13). The tubular middle section (11) is made of a soft, flexible heat reflective material which retains a patient's body heat. The sleeve (10) is placed upon a patient's limb over the site of a vascular puncture. The patient's body heat is trapped within the sleeve (10) causing a warming of the skin, the heat reflective material aids in quickly warming the limb which causes the underlying veins to dilate.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for activating brown adipose tissue (BAT) with cooling. Generally, the methods and devices can activate BAT to increase thermogenesis, e.g., increase heat production in the patient, which over time can lead to weight loss and/or improved metabolic function. In one embodiment, a medical device is provided that activates BAT by cooling tissue having a high density of cold sensitive thermoreceptors and/or by cooling BAT depots directly, thereby increasing thermogenesis in the BAT and inducing weight loss and/or improved metabolic function through energy expenditure.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for improving vein access. An exemplary device includes a porous substrate saturated with a disinfectant. The device may maintain a temperature sufficient to cause vasodilation for an extended period of time after removal from a heat source.

Abstract: A moist heat therapy compress for therapeutic treatment of a treated body part. The moist heat therapy compress includes a fluid-permeable shell, a flexible backing fastened to the shell to define an enclosure, and hydrophilic zeolite fill granules loosely contained within the enclosure. The moist heat therapy compress is exposed to a source of moisture to cause absorption of water into the hydrophilic zeolite, and the moisture is delivered from the hydrophilic zeolite through the fluid permeable shell to the treated body portion.

Abstract: A multi-zone electric heating blanket. The blanket may be shaped to cover the outstretched arms or other body parts of a patient. The blanket includes first and second body part portions and a connecting bridge. The interconnection via the bridge leaves an open gap between the first and second body part portions for unblocked access to the patient. A power controller may supply power to heating elements in both body part portions based on a temperature sensor in one of the body part portions.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein for treatment of a disease, disorder, or condition in a vertebrate subject. A device is provided that includes one or more cooling elements configured to be applied to one or more tissues of a vertebrate subject to modulate at least one activity of brown adipose tissue of the vertebrate subject, and a programmable controller configured to provide instructions to the one or more cooling elements in response to information regarding one or more physiological conditions of the vertebrate subject.

Abstract: A therapeutic ice bag shaped to cover a specific body part of a wearer. A timer is positioned on the bag to enable the user to determine when to remove the bag after a period of use.

Abstract: A scrotal cushion and therapeutic device is provided that fits securely under and around the scrotum when a patient is seated or supine (body position characterized by lying flat on one's back). The scrotal cushion comprises a device body, a cap, four lateral wing elements contiguous with the scrotal cushion body, a temperature altering element (cooling or heating) and/or a receptacle for receiving the temperature altering element, and aeration elements. The body, cap and wings are preferably constructed of a soft, absorbent, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-decubitus, fast drying, durable, washable material. The scrotal cushion can be used to decrease pain, increase comfort, reduce scrotal swelling, improve hygiene, prevent scrotal skin tears, prevent infections, and alter fertility.

Abstract: Plastic sheet can be heat-sealed to form a water-tight envelope having an open top. A water-tight frangible container can be loaded into the envelope through the open top. The water-tight frangible container can contain a predetermined amount of water. A predetermined amount of urea can be loaded into the envelope through the open top. Separate from the loading of the urea, a predetermined amount of ammonium chloride can be loaded into the envelope through the open top. The relative proportions of the predetermined amount of urea, the predetermined amount of ammonium chloride, and the predetermined amount of water can be selected to provide a target cooling effect to a portion of a body to which cooling is to be applied. The open top of the envelope can be heat-sealed to form a water-tight outer pack.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods according to various aspects of the present technology may comprise a treatment device configured for localized application of temperature treatment to aid in the therapeutic treatment of hemorrhoid disease. In one embodiment, the treatment device may comprise a body suitably configured to be placed directly against an external portion of an intergluteal space proximate to an anal verge of a user to allow localized exchange of heat energy between the external portion of the intergluteal space and composition disposed within a cavity of the body. In one embodiment, the body may be configured to be retained in position against the treatment area during use and to decrease a possibility of being inadvertently displaced after being positioned for use.

Abstract: A personal thermal regulating device (PTRD) typically includes a heat generating device, a power source, a switchable control operably coupled with each of the heat generating device and the power source, and a head retention device coupled with the heat generating device and configured to retain the heat generating device positioned centrally at and in thermally conductive contact with a user's forehead. The present invention affects a tangible warming of the extremities, particularly the hands and feet, extending retention of manual dexterity and peripheral comfort under cold conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus of evaporative cooling which targets one or more of an animal's muscle tissue areas, as the head and neck, chest, shoulder, back or gluteal muscles, and leg and ankle of the body chest, shoulder, back and gluteal muscles, and does not otherwise restrict movement of the animal. The apparatus of the present invention is formed of a lower layer and an upper layer, which together form a pocket for receiving a cooling means, wherein the pocket is adapted to open and dose. The apparatus of the present invention is contoured to position around one or more body areas of the animal and secured in the position for evaporative cooling of the animal.

Abstract: A clogged milk duct relief device provides warmth and vibration to the breast to relieve pain associated with a clogged milk duct. The device includes a pouch having an outer shell enveloping an interior space. A heat retention substance is positioned in the interior space of the pouch wherein the pouch is configured to deliver heat to a breast positioned against the pouch. A panel is coupled to the pouch proximate a perimeter edge of the panel such that the panel defines a pocket coupled to the pouch. A vibrator is selectively positionable in the pocket wherein the pouch is configured for delivering vibration to the breast.

Abstract: A thermal assistance device is useful to provide supplemental heating or cooling to a user's circulating core blood, or to the blood supply to an extremity of a user.

Abstract: Thermal therapy pads for providing a temperature controlled therapy to a portion of a patient's body. The pad includes an inner surface and an outer surface that define a tortuous path for the fluid flow throughout the pad. The pad receives a temperature controlled fluid from a pumping unit via an inlet, and the fluid circulates throughout the pad before being returned to the cooling unit via an outlet. The pads are configured to conform to the shape of the portion of the body receiving the therapy. One such pad is a convertible vest that has one configuration that covers the upper torso and another configuration that covers the back and arms. Another such pad wraps around the wrist after being secured at the thumb. Another pad conforms to the face of the patient.

Abstract: A warming device for perioperative use includes a clinical garment and a convective thermal blanket supported on an inside surface of the clinical garment. A mechanism may be provided to releasably attach the thermal blanket to the clinical garment.

Abstract: An inflatable convective pad for warming a person during surgery has two ends, two sides, and at least two openings, each located in an area of the pad between the two ends and between a respective side and the center of the pad. The openings, which may be in the form of slits, allow the threading of a sheet or the person's arms through the pad to restrain the arms during surgery.

Abstract: The present invention is a two-layer garment adapted to receive one or more body parts to provide a user with compression and thermal therapy. The two layers comprise of an inner base layer having a compression fit and an outer mesh layer. The layers are attached to one another such that an intermediate space exists between the two layers. The intermediate space is accessible through one or more openings to the intermediate space. The opening and intermediate space are adapted to receive a thermal transferring element. A thermal pouch having a plurality of projections on an outward facing surface may receive the thermal transferring element prior to insertion into the intermediate space or the projections may be located on the thermal transferring element itself. The outer mesh layer receives the projections securing the thermal transferring element at any location, resulting in unmatched customizable thermal and compression therapy.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a cryo therapy system suitable for use on a patient's lumbar area. A belt is provided with a front closure and a posterior window. The belt is looped around the patient's abdomen, with the posterior window lying over the lumbar spine. The front closure is secured using VELCRO fasteners. A pocket is preferably provided on each end of the belt. The pockets allow the user to more easily apply and tighten the belt. A cover panel is provided to selectively cover and close the posterior window in the belt. The cover panel includes an inward facing surface which is at least partially covered in loop material. One or more cold packs are provided. Each cold pack includes a hook panel configured to engage the loop material on the inward facing surface of the cover panel.

Abstract: A thermal regulation blanket includes a plurality of cells with a first reagent. A plurality of pouches with a second reagent are disposed within the plurality of cells. A plurality of dividers are disposed between each of the plurality of cells. A thermally conductive layer is disposed over the cells and the plurality of dividers. When the first reagent and the second reagent mix, a thermal reaction occurs which modifies a temperature of the thermally conductive layer. A method of providing thermal therapy to a patient includes positioning the patient on a thermal regulation blanket, an abdomen of the patient is engaged with at least one abdominal blanket of the thermal regulation blanket. At least one cell of the thermal regulation blanket is activated to begin providing thermal therapy to the patient. A temperature of the thermal regulation blanket is monitored with a temperature sensor. At least one additional cell is activated to adjust the temperature of the thermal regulation blanket.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for regulating body temperature. The system includes a housing that comprises compartments for a phase change material and a heat transfer material. The compartments are configured to transfer heat from the heat transfer material to the phase change material. A temperature sensor is used to determine when the phase change material has reached a pre-determined temperature. When the pre-determined temperature is reached, a release mechanism or lever is coupled to the temperature sensor to separate the phase change material compartment from the heat transfer material compartment or to remove the heat transfer material away from the phase change material compartment. The heated phase change material compartment can be used to regulate body temperature.

Abstract: A steam-generating warming article 1 which has a steam generating element 2 making use of chemical energy and is adapted to supply steam while in contact with a human body. The article 1, while in contact with the body, maintains the skin surface temperature at 38° to 49° C. for 3 to 15 hours and cumulatively generates 0.5 to 12 mg/3 hr·cm2 of steam. The steam-generating warming article 1 is used to improve the human body's physiology. The steam generating element 2 is preferably a heat generating sheet prepared by incorporating an aqueous electrolyte solution into a molded sheet containing an oxidizable metal, a reaction accelerator, and a fibrous material.

Abstract: A control unit coupled to a thermal therapy device, a compression therapy device and DVT therapy devices is provided. The thermal therapy device includes a fluid bladder for delivering hot and/or cold therapy to a patient. The compression therapy device includes an gas bladder for providing compression to a patient. The DVT therapy devices provide pulsed compression in coordination with the compression therapy device.

Abstract: A personal artificial transpiration cooling system having a transpiration surface with a substrate, a transpiration membrane layer which is spaced from the substrate layer by one or more spacers to define one or more interior fluid flow channels between a first surface of the transpiration membrane layer and the substrate; and a stoma layer disposed adjacent a second surface of the permeable membrane layer, the stoma layer being spaced from the second surface of permeable membrane layer by a predetermined distance to define one or more cavities disposed between pores in the at least one stoma layer and the second surface of the permeable membrane layer. A fluid reservoir is provided in fluid communication with the one or more interior fluid flow channels, while the transpiration surface is configured to be worn by a human or an animal and the fluid reservoir is designed to be supported, in use, by the human or animal wearing the transpiration surface.

Abstract: A hands-free lactation aid and soothing garment can be used for simultaneous warm and cool therapy. Therapeutic cozies can be used in conjunction with a camisole or nursing camisole, bra, or nursing bra or apparel, can be inserted into a cozy cover for use with an adjustable neckband. With the appropriate breast cozies, breast pumping or nursing can occur simultaneously with warm/cool therapy, and a privacy shield attaches easily. An additional neck therapy insert can be used to sooth a sore neck, while an additional nipple soother can be attached to the center of the cozies to provide simultaneous warm and cold therapy to the effected area.

Abstract: A sequential compression and temperature therapy blanket with a plurality of air chambers is disclosed. The air chambers are filled and released by a valve assembly that may be separate from or integrated within the blanket. The temperature therapy blanket includes a fluid bladder for delivering hot and/or cold therapy to a patient. The temperature therapy blanket may also include an air bladder for providing compression.

Abstract: A device that is used to reduce the pain of a needle stick to a person, the device having a casing containing a vibratory device and a temperature reducing device, and a method for using the device to reduce the pain of a needle stick by applying both thermal and vibration analgesia to a subject during a needle stick.

Abstract: A non-surgical method for improving both the external pubic appearance and the internal vaginal tightness of a female patient in a single procedure includes providing a cosmetic skin-tightening device having a wand having a tip that applies heating energy to skin collagen, where the wand is shaped such that the tip can be inserted into the patient's vagina. During the procedure, the wand is alternately passed over the external pubic skin and inserted into the patient's vagina, thereby tightening both the pubic and vaginal regions during a single procedure while preventing overheating of any one area. The heat energy can be conductively transmitted heat or a radiated energy such as infra-red, laser, or radio frequency energy. A disposable sleeve can be applied over the wand to facilitate cleaning and sterilization after use. A vaginal lubricant and/or ultrasound gel can be applied.

Abstract: A therapeutic heated pocket and method of use in accordance with the present disclosure generally comprises an outer covering, edge trim, baby-dry material, insulation material, headliner material, heating coil, heating element, power cord and power adjustment controller. The pocket allows an arthritis sufferer to quickly and evenly warm an affected area in order to increase blood flow to the area. This has been shown to increase mobility and decrease pain for several hours after use.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a reusable pain relieving treatment device, such as a belt, and a disposable thermal device having one or more thermally conductive components that extend from a surface of the device and are capable of transferring heat, cold or vibrations from disposable or reusable devices to targeted sections of the user's body.

Abstract: A controlled temperature therapy system has a pump, a reservoir, and a therapy component. The reservoir has an inlet in communication with the therapy component and an outlet in communication with the pump. The reservoir may also include a baffle adjacent the outlet. The inlet may be a movable inlet, a nozzle or include a flow directing surface.

Abstract: A portable thermal therapeutic apparatus, adapted to transfer heat between a creature and the atmosphere by circulating heat transfer fluid within a conduit held in contact with the creature. The apparatus includes a housing with a support structure that is particularly adapted for portable use. A heat pump is disposed within the housing, and operates to transfer heat between a first portion and a manifold. A heat sink is thermally coupled to the first portion, and transfers heat between the first portion and the atmosphere. A pump is disposed within the housing and circulates the fluid through the manifold and the conduit. A power supply is disposed within the housing and drives the pump, thereby causing the fluid to circulate within the manifold and the conduit. The power supply is also provides direct current to the heat pump, thereby causing heat to flow from the manifold to the first portion.

Abstract: A system and method for portably delivering a therapeutic dose of heat to the skin to relieve pain, reduce accommodation of thermal nerve receptors, promote healing, and deliver transcutaneous medications. The heating device is user programmable or pre-programmed to deliver according to a variety of cycles, patterns and algorithms. The cycles, patterns, and algorithms of the heat are programmable parameters, are under the user's control, and increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the device. The heating algorithms are designed to interact with an individual user's thermal nerve receptors and other tissue characteristics and to reduce the tendency of the receptors to accommodate to the external stimuli with back pain, muscular pain, dysmenorrhea, headaches, fibromyalgia, post-herpetic neuralgia, nerve injuries and neuropathies, and sprains and strain.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for removing heat from subcutaneously disposed lipid-rich cells are disclosed. In selected embodiments, suction and/or heat removal sources are coupled to an applicator. The applicator includes a flexible portion and a rigid portion. The rigid portion includes a thermally conductive plate and a frame coupling the thermally conductive plate and the flexible portion. An interior cavity of the applicator is in fluid communication with the suction source, and the frame maintains contiguous engagement between the heat removal source and the thermally conductive plate.

Abstract: A method for utilizing an implant in a human breast includes forming a breast cavity within the breast at a lumpectomy site, the breast cavity having surrounding tissue; forming a substantially radio-opaque implant constructed of biocompatible and biodegradable material configured to allow for in-growth of fibrous tissue into and replacing the biocompatible and biodegradable material, the biocompatible and biodegradable material being elastically compressible; sizing the substantially radio-opaque implant to occupy the breast cavity; and implanting within the breast cavity the substantially radio-opaque implant to support the tissue surrounding the breast cavity, the step of implanting including compressing the biocompatible and biodegradable material.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for treating a human condition by providing an appendage chamber having a thermal exchange member. A vacuum may be applied to the appendage chamber to maintain vasodilation of an appendage when placed within the appendage chamber. The appendage may be heated or cooled at the thermal exchange member for therapeutic application of thermal energy to treat a number of circulatory, neurological, lymphatic, or endocrinal maladies.

Abstract: A personal thermal regulating device (PTRD) typically includes a heat generating device, a power source, a switchable control operably coupled with each of the heat generating device and the power source, and a head retention device coupled with the heat generating device and configured to retain the heat generating device positioned centrally at and in thermally conductive contact with a user's forehead. The present invention affects a tangible warming of the extremities, particularly the hands and feet, extending retention of manual dexterity and peripheral comfort under cold conditions.

Abstract: A patient temperature control system (10) uses variable temperature gradient warming/cooling in combination with a warming/cooling device (16), such as a blanket, to increase efficiency in driving a patient's temperature to a desired setpoint, with reduced occurrence of and magnitude of overshoot conditions. In operation, the controller (26) of the system (10) senses the temperature of a patient (12) via a sensor (31), for comparison to a temperature of the circulating water, sensed via sensor (30). If the patient temperature is not sufficiently close to a setpoint temperature, the system (10) is operable to warm/cool the circulating water to a temperature which differs from the patient's temperature by a temperature gradient of 10 ° C., or some other preselected initial temperature gradient.

Abstract: A flameless heater apparatus and method whose heating capacity and performance can be selected and tuned at the time of manufacture, and which is easily used and has a long shelf life. The apparatus and method may be used in flameless ration heaters, such as may be used in military or emergency situations. There is provided a flameless heating method and apparatus in which the solid reactive ingredients (not including liquid reactant, typically water) are not all blended or mixed together at the time of apparatus fabrication. Rather, at least one key ingredient (typically a super-corroding alloy of magnesium and iron) in a dry powder form is kept physically segregated from all the other ingredients, such as catalysts (normally acids such as acetic or tartaric acid or acidic mixtures) and surfactants. The exothermic chemical reaction is initiated only after at least one (typically a dry powder catalyst) goes into aqueous solution after the application of water (saline or non-saline).

Abstract: The present application relates to systems and methods for altering temperature in a mammalian body. Optionally, the systems and methods can be used to lower or raise core body temperature of a mammalian subject. Optionally, the systems and methods can be used to lower or raise the temperature of glabrous skin of a mammalian subject.

Abstract: A cold therapy system includes a cooling bath; a therapy pad; a heat exchanger; a first pathway fluidly connecting the cooling bath to the heat exchanger; a second pathway fluidly connecting the heat exchanger to an inlet of the therapy pad; a third pathway fluidly connecting an outlet of the therapy pad to the heat exchanger; and a fourth pathway fluidly connecting an outlet of the heat exchanger to the cooling bath.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermal therapy treatment of male genitalia includes a contoured cup for receiving the male genitalia in a close, confronting, confining relationship therein, and an adjustable body harness connected to the cup for holding and maintaining the cup in a treatment position in which pressure is exerted against the genitalia. The cup has a contoured inner shell for receiving the genitalia, a contoured outer shell permanently and irremovably sealed to the inner shell, and a thermal medium permanently sealed in an internal chamber between the shells.

Abstract: A convective underbody blanket has a head portion and a body portion. Provided at the head portion is a non-inflatable head area surrounded by a channel that has arranged thereat at least one row of air apertures that are oriented toward the non-inflatable head area when the channel is inflated. At the body portion there is provided a non-inflatable body area. Along each longitudinal side of the body area there is at least one longitudinal channel. Each of the longitudinal channels is in fluid communication with the channel that surrounds the non-inflatable head area. The longitudinal channels that sandwich the non-inflatable body area extend substantially along the length of the non-inflatable body area and are in fluid communication with each other by way of a cross channel formed at the foot end of the blanket.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to apparati and associated methods for an easy on-off device to support and provide direct therapeutic cooling relief to the affected genitalia of persons having post-operative pain and swelling.

Abstract: A thermal regulatory system to reduce swelling caused by trauma to a variety of tissues and limbs is provided. One or more substantially flexible, at least partially thermally conductive housing containing optionally activatable thermal regulatory medium may be coupled with one or more applicator, such as a splint, that is adapted to apply the medium housing to the tissue. Methods of therapeutically regulating tissue temperature are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system, and a method for thermally comforting a patient include pneumatic, convective device providing thermal treatment for persons or animals, which is adapted for use in combination with a clinical garment such as a hospital gown, robe, bib, and other equivalents. The pneumatic convective device provides convective warming focused or directed primarily on the thorax or body core. The pneumatic convective device includes at least one inlet for being accessed through a clinical garment, a region in distribution with the inlet for distributing a stream of pressurized, thermally treated air, and a permeable member for emitting pressurized, thermally treated air from the distribution region.

Abstract: An article of apparel may include a polymer chamber element that defines an interior void for containing a substance in either a liquid or a solid state. Depending upon the substance located within the chamber element, the apparel may be utilized for increasing or decreasing the body temperature of the individual. The chamber element may have a plurality of subchambers, which may have a triangular shape and may be in fluid communication. In some configurations, the subchambers may have different sizes or volumes.

Abstract: Provided in the present invention are a composition for ameliorating or treating back pain and methods of making and using the same.