Abstract: A neuropathy diagnostic device includes a body having a neutral temperature surface disposed on an exterior of the body, a variable temperature surface disposed on the exterior of the body, and a vibrating surface having a variable vibration amplitude. The vibrating surface extends outwardly from the body. A touch sensor extends outwardly from the body. A processor is disposed within the body. The processor is adapted to set a temperature of the neutral temperature surface, vary a temperature of the variable temperature surface, and vary the vibration amplitude of the vibrating surface.

Abstract: Various embodiments are disclosed for applying a cool compression effect. One embodiment, among others, is an adjustable wrap configured as a sleeve with a variable peripheral size. The wrap comprises a first elongated layer comprising a liquid-absorbent sheet and a second elongated layer. The first elongated layer and the second elongated layer are substantially coextensive in size, and one of the first elongated layer and the second elongated layer is configured to be applied directly to a selected body part and provide a cold compression effect to the body part. The adjustable wrap further comprises a fastener coupled to one of the first elongated layer and the second elongated layer, the fastener comprising a first section and a second section for providing an adjustable peripheral size of the wrap.

Abstract: A device and method for the sanitary provision of wax to the skin of patrons. Paraffin wax containers shaped to conform to the patrons face, hands, and feet provide individual reservoirs of paraffin which are heated and subsequently applied to the patron's body. Exothermic pouches are provided to heat the individual portions of paraffin wax housed in the body-part-shaped containers.

Abstract: Skin tissue is subjected to thermal energy that creates heating of the area being treated causing pores and follicle ducts to open so that excess oil, sebum, fatty deposits, or other unwanted deposits can be removed. A vacuum device is used to direct suction to the treated skin area helping to remove the unwanted deposits. Patterned thermal modification of tissue is used to expedite healing and minimize pain. The heating is controlled so that no skin tissue is damaged while still providing enough heat to the skin to alter the flow of sebum and destroy bacteria in the treated area.

Abstract: A method of partial breast radiation therapy includes placing within a breast cavity a substantially radio-opaque implant constructed of biocompatible material, said substantially radio-opaque implant supporting the tissue surrounding the breast cavity; and directing a radiation beam to said substantially radio-opaque implant serving as a target for delivery of radiation therapy to margins around the breast cavity, such that the radiation beam does not materially irradiate the whole of the breast.

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: The invention relates to a device for conveying heated air to a person and comprises an air-permeable inner sheet and an air-impermeable outer sheet which are connected to one another by welds in order to form a panel-like shape in the inflated state. The welds produce a main duct having, viewed at the inlet end and in the non-inflated state, a main duct width. The main duct is delimited by at least one first series of elongate first welded strips, the first intermediate spaces which are in line with one another. The length of each of these first intermediate spaces, viewed in the non-inflated state, is in each case smaller than the main duct width. The length of each first welded strip is at least 15% of the main duct width and at most 80% of the main duct width.

Abstract: The invention provides a wound dressing or therapy compress (100) containing a fill material (108) permanently loaded with an antimicrobial silver. The dressing or compress comprises a flexible upper backing (104) and a lower shell (102) fastened to one another, and each of which comprises a synthetic fabric. The lower shell is fluid-permeable and is adapted to be placed in direct or covered contact with a wound or tissue to be treated. The backing may be either fluid permeable or non-permeable, as desired, to allow for the release or retention of moisture. The shell and backing are joined to one another to form a plurality of fill material enclosures (106) therebetween, each such fill material enclosure containing a zeolite fill material which is permanently loaded with antimicrobial silver. The presence of the silver within the fill material promotes a germ and microbial free environment approximate the shell and within the dressing or compress.

Abstract: A system is described for removing heat from a subject's subcutaneous lipid-rich regions, such as tissues, organs, cells, and so forth. In various embodiments, the system includes a controller, a computing device, a data acquisition device, a chiller, and one or more applicators. The system can employ these components to receive a selection of a treatment profile and apply the selected treatment using an applicator. The treatment profile may be received from a patient protection device that connects to an applicator.

Abstract: Apparatus for a disposable, portable thermal therapy device that is self-contained for shipping as a single unit to a patient. The therapy device has a shipping configuration that presents a single, self-contained durable container. The container includes an insert that defines a compartment between the insert and the container. The compartment storing various electrical components. The insert has a cavity that contains a pump and stores a thermal pad and associated fluid lines. The therapy device has a deployed configuration in which the power connector, the control unit, and the thermal pad are extended from the interior of the container. In one embodiment, the insert is a solid insulating material that has a configuration suitable for nesting the inserts for shipping. In another embodiment, the insert is a planar material folded into a basket shape. Insulation is provided by the gap between the insert and the containing box.

Abstract: A multifunction warming device for perioperative use includes a clinical garment and two convective warming apparatuses supported on an inside surface of the clinical garment. A first convective apparatus is disposed transversely in an upper portion of the clinical garment, running between sleeves of the clinical garment. The second convective apparatus is disposed longitudinally in a lower portion of the clinical garment and has separately inflatable sections, each for enabling a particular mode of warming.

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

Abstract: A device for applying cold therapy to the foot of a wearer is disclosed. The device comprises a foot pad having a premolded configuration for directly contacting the bottom of the foot and surrounding heel area. The foot pad includes a heel portion sized to receive and surround the heel of the foot and a raised and contoured arch portion positioned to place localized pressure on the arch of the foot. The entire foot pad is formed of an ice pack that includes a container or shell for receiving and containing a substance capable of maintaining an extremely low temperature for an extended period of time during application to the foot. The device also includes a securement mechanism that is arranged for engaging the foot pad to the bottom of the wearer's foot.

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: A pain management system that includes a support undergarment with a pouch configured to removeably secure a therapy pack, wherein the support undergarment comprises an anti-microbial material and at least one moisture barrier. The system further includes a therapy pack configured to form into a contoured design.

Abstract: A negative/positive pressure, thermal energy therapy device is described in this application. The present invention uses a conventional negative pressure, thermal energy device and/or an alternative embodiment thereof and adds a significant modification. The modification is that positive pressure, not just ambient pressure, is at least occasionally applied to the patient's body contained in the negative pressure, thermal energy device.

Abstract: A temperature therapy pad for use with a person including a thermal unit for making the pad either hot or cold and a therapeutic slot extending from one side of the pad which substantially divides the pad into sections. An elastic member may extend across the slot. The therapy pad can include a strap or an adhesive for attaching the therapy pad to a user's body. The thermal unit can be an electric heating coil and include a controller. The thermal unit may also be a material which has a high specific heat capacity or a material which heats when exposed to oxygen. The thermal unit may also be in the form of two separate chemical substances which change temperature when mixed. Another embodiment is for a temperature therapy pad including a substance which presents a heating or cooling sensation to a user's skin.

Abstract: A fluid disinfection unit [40] is incorporated into a patient warming/cooling system [10], to reduce the risk of bacteria buildup in the warming/cooling fluid, which is typically water. More particularly, a mobile housing [17] contains the operable components for circulating warming/cooling fluid to a patient [12], including a pump [23], a heating/cooling source [24], a reservoir [22], a controller [26] and a control panel [32] to assist a user in operating the components. The reservoir [22] has upper [22a] and lower [22b] sections, for replenishing water and circulating water, respectively. A UV source [40] is mounted so as to extend through both reservoir sections [22a, 22b], to simultaneously emit UV light into both sections during circulation of the warming/cooling fluid, thereby to disinfect the water contained therein. The UV source [40] includes a bulb [42] protected within a transparent cover [44] that is completely transparent, and has been treated so as to be shatterproof.

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: 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: A cooling system includes a console and a tissue cooling device such as a head-cooling device. An operator applies the head-cooling device to the head of a patient at risk for ischemic injury. The console provides a cooling fluid to a fluid circulation space located between the cooling device and the patient's head under a positive gage pressure. Direct contact between the cooling fluid and the patient's head provides a relatively rapid induction of systemic hypothermia in the patient, thereby minimizing or preventing ischemic injury in the patient. The console also removes air from a channel disposed about an inner rim of the cooling device, using a negative gage pressure. Such removal of the air from the channel seals the rim of the cooling device to the head of the patient, including portions of the channel in contact with hair of the patient's head, and minimizes leaking of the cooling fluid beyond the rim of the cooling device.

Abstract: The present invention is a cooling vest which has a type of phase change heat sink that particularly lends itself to layering of the heat sinks on the body. The heat sinks are quilted and have a means for the transportation of moisture through them and the means of transportation of air through channels in the quilted heat sinks. Thus they can remove moisture from the surface of the body and remain flexible.

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: An ice harness for cooling brown adipose tissue. The ice harness includes a front section, wherein the front section is configured to be placed on a user's chest. The ice harness also includes a rear section, wherein the rear section is configured to be placed on the user's upper back. The ice harness further includes a first cold-gel pack, wherein the first cold-gel pack is attached to the front section. The ice harness additionally includes a second cold-gel pack, wherein the second cold-gel pack is attached to the rear section.

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: Apparatus for altering the body temperature of a patient comprises a cover for covering at least a portion of a patient's body and a compliant support adapted to underlie and generally conform to the shape of the portion of the patient's body to define a well adjacent to the patient's body portion for accumulating heat transfer liquid. The cover and compliant support cooperatively define an enclosure for receiving the portion of the patient's body and are constructed to conduct a heat transfer liquid into direct contact with the portion of the patient's body received in the enclosure to promote heat transfer between the patient's body and the heat transfer liquid.

Abstract: A portable moist heat delivery system comprising a water vapor generating portion comprising a water vapor source and a heat source; a water vapor-air regulating portion, said water vapor-air regulating portion comprising a water vapor-air mixing layer, and a water vapor-air distribution layer; said water vapor generating portion and said water vapor-air regulating portion being in fluid communication; and said water vapor-air regulating portion having a latent heat delivery surface disposed adjacent said water vapor-air regulating portion which delivers moist heat at a preselected temperature range wherein about 15% to about 95% of the moist heat is latent heat of condensation. Methods include delivering improved pain relief, blood flow, relaxation, and reduced cardiac workload.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a therapeutic knee brace system including a leg brace for support, a retainer for securing the therapeutic knee brace system to a knee joint therapy site, a brace joint providing a limited range of flexion to the knee brace, and an active thermal exchange bladder coupled to a contrast therapy system for delivering a therapy fluid at a select temperature, pressure and rate. Thermal exchange bladder is removable, and the pressure may be constant or dynamic. The angle of flexion may be selected by the therapy recipient, and the range of flexion of the brace joint is configurable. The knee brace may communicate range and instant angle of flexion of the brace joint to a continuous passive motion (CPM) device, and communication may be mechanical, electronic or wireless. A knee brace coupler attaches to a CPM coupler on the CPM device to selectively couple the therapeutic knee brace system to the CPM device.

Abstract: Apparatus for altering the body temperature of a patient comprises an enclosure defining an interior space for receiving at least a portion of a patient's body therein. The enclosure is constructed for transferring a heat transfer liquid into direct contact with the portion of the patient's body received in the enclosure to promote heat transfer between the patient's body and the heat transfer liquid. A drain for draining the heat transfer liquid from the interior space of the enclosure is at least partially disposed beneath the enclosure. A hold-open inhibits occlusion of the drain. A weir in fluid communication with the drain maintains the heat transfer liquid at a predetermined height in the enclosure. A control system is preprogrammed with a target temperature for the body temperature of the patient.

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

Abstract: A back alleviative pillow uses hot and cold packs combined with memory foam in a pillow to provide comfort and alleviation from pain to an operator. The pillow includes a plurality of adjustable straps such that the pillow may be positioned at a desired location on the operator's body. The straps may secure the pillow to the operator, to a chair back, or other structure proximal to the desired point of contact on an operator's body.

Abstract: A system and method of providing a temperature controlled gaseous medium for dermatological applications is described. The gaseous medium may be cooled and applied to an area such as a skin area to provide an analgesic effect thereon. The system and method also include an automated defrost cycle for minimizing the effects of decreased hydraulic diameter due to freezing.

Abstract: An arrangement for, and a method of, cooling a body site, especially for treating menopause-associated vasomotor symptoms, places one or more cold packs in a thermally insulated housing in which a cold source is present, and cools each cold pack by placement of the housing, either opened or closed, in a freezer or like apparatus. The cold packs retain their cold temperature prior to onset of a condition requiring cold therapy relief by the presence of the cold source and the thermally insulating properties of the housing. Each cold pack is removable from the housing after onset of the condition, is externally applied to a user experiencing the condition requiring cold therapy relief, and is re-usable.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

Abstract: A medical warming system includes a plurality of heating elements respectively adapted to be disposed closed to various parts of a plurality of patients' bodies, a first group of sensors disposed at the proximity of the heating elements and configured for measuring the temperatures of the heating elements, a second group of sensors adapted to be disposed at the various parts of the patients' bodies and configured for measuring the temperatures of the various parts of the patients' bodies, and a controller being in communication with the first group and the second group of sensors. The controller is configured for receiving temperature data from the sensors and controlling the temperature of each heating element accordingly. Each heating element includes a conductive layer made from a nano-thickness material.

Abstract: A stretch mark removal device having a first portion that includes a plurality of light emitting devices each positioned on a surface of the first portion, a heating unit extending along the surface of the first portion between the light emitting elements and a handle coupled to the first portion.

Abstract: A heat generating device includes an air-permeable first side located proximal to a wearer's body, a second side located distal to a wearer's body, and a heat generating member between the two sides. The second side includes an adhesive layer for attaching the device to a garment. The first side is formed of a nonwoven fabric having an uneven surface topography. The nonwoven fabric includes a first fiber layer, inclusive of a first surface of the fabric, and a second fiber layer, inclusive of a second surface of the fabric, partly bonded to each other and including a large number of protrusions and recesses on the side of the first fiber layer. The first surface is used as the first side.

Abstract: Disclosed are a sedative for external use, and sedative sheet, and textile, clothing, wall material, and hyperthermia equipment, brain vitalization sheet, brain vitalization small pillow which are with high productivity, adaptive for various shape and various treatment style for patients with pain, and with high treatment effect, comparing with conventional sedative for external use. A sedative for external use 10 is provided which is a bag 2 containing desert rose powder 1 prepared by pulverizing desert rose.

Abstract: In a stimulus method, a stimulus applying apparatus is attached to an area selected from a group of specific parts of a body surface by an acupuncture needle(s) or heating etc. thereby releasing the stress, and a stress-free medical treatment method based on the stimulus method.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a housing comprising a cavity being configured to accept at least a portion of a user's body part and a quantity of a liquid for surrounding the portion of the body part. At least one receptacle comprises an interior that is configured to contain at least one cooling device. The receptacle further comprises at least one divider separating the interior from the cavity. The at least one divider is configured to be operable for transferring heat from the liquid to the at least one cooling device to cool the user.

Abstract: A patient warming device includes a gasket coupled to an interior surface of a base film to define a target region that is attachable to a body surface of a patient. The base film extends from a perimeter of the gasket to provide a surgical drape. An evacuation port is in fluid communication with the target region. When attached to the patient, suction applied to the target region via the evacuation port vasodilates the body surface of the patient such that a heat source communicating with the target region increases a core temperature of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a foam pad containing far-infrared and/or ion generating particles and method for producing such foam material. The method for producing the foam pad consists of mixing fine particles of a far-infrared and/or ion emitting stone into the base material prior to further processing such as forming, molding or extruding the material. Alternatively, the fine particles of far-infrared and/or ion generating stone may be mixed with an adhesive and used as a coating on the foam pad. The stone generating far-infrared radiation and/or ions is preferably from the group consisting of tourmaline, granite porphyry, quartz porphyry, zeolite, perlite, serpentine, or mixture thereof.

Abstract: A patient warming appliqué typically includes a cover layer, a tape layer for releasably securing the appliqué to the patient's skin and an array of encapsulated cells. The encapsulated cells include a chemical heating mechanism beneath the cover layer and a phase change gel sheet between the chemical heating mechanism and the tape layer. The phase change gel sheet is configured to melt and flow when the chemical heating mechanism is activated. The preferred appliqué further includes zones of weakness between the spaced cells allowing the individual cells or a subset of cells to be removed from the appliqué.

Abstract: A physiology enhancing device for improving physiological functions of a human body, etc., which comprises a heat generating element making use of chemical energy and a sheet interposed between the heat generating element and a body surface of a wearer, and which is designed to supply steam generated from the heat generating element while the device is applied to the body surface. The device exhibits steam generating capability for 2 hours or longer and, while applied to the body surface, raises the body surface temperature to a temperature from 38° C. to lower than 42° C. within one hour from the application. The sheet interposed between the heat generating element and the body surface preferably has a function of regulating air feed to the heat generating element and a function of transferring the heat of the physiology enhancing device to the body surface and preferably has a total thickness of 0.05 to 1.5 mm.

Abstract: A device for directly applying thermotherapeutic liquid to an area upon the surface of an afflicted patient, and methods of use thereof, are described. In particular, a device for apply water-based liquid at a therapeutic temperature directly to an afflicted area in order to create a localized hyperthermia, is presented. The afflicted area may be either on the skin of the patient, or subcutaneous. The device is also effective for disinfection, irrigation, lavage, and the like, when employing a suitable solution. The liquid may also have a mild oxidizing effect, which, if greater upon afflicted than upon non-afflicted cells, would enhance the therapeutic effect in conjunction with the therapy herein described.

Abstract: A thermotherapy device worn on a joint that includes a tubular holder composed of a stretchable material and a chemical warmer held in the holder. The holder has an accommodating portion in which the chemical warmer can be placed and removed therefrom, or to which the chemical warmer can be attached. The thermotherapy device can maintain temperatures suitable for thermotherapy for a long period, remains in place despite the motion of the joint, and can hold a heat-generating member in a suitable area. The thermotherapy device is thus effective for use on joints.

Abstract: A thermal therapy system for providing thermal treatment to a body requiring treatment. The system may include a plurality of therapy wraps, each configured to exchange heat with the body. The therapy wraps may be secured to different locations on a substrate and unfurled onto a rigid board for supporting the body. A control unit may be configured to independently control the therapy wraps. The therapy wraps may have a plurality of layers. One of the layers is a heat exchange layer comprising a heat transfer device for exchanging heat with the body. One of the layers may be a compressive layer for applying a compressive force to the body. One of the layers may be a structural layer including a rigid structural member. Also disclosed are methods of administering a temperature-controlled treatment to an animate body.

Abstract: A therapeutic device for providing cold or heat therapy is provided. The device includes solid spherical materials and a medium that may include an alcohol mixture. An impermeable enclosure contains the spherical materials and the medium to form the therapeutic device. The therapeutic device applies cold or heat therapy and is pliable to conform to curved contours of the body. The therapeutic device also has a weight which provides pressure to, and desired contact with, the injured area. Certain embodiments further include an accessory for holding the device in contact or otherwise close proximity to a body region being treated.

Abstract: An occupant support includes a mattress 20, a detector 54 and an energy management system comprising thermally conductive pathways and a controller 60. The controller activates one or more selected pathways in response to information from the detector to regulate energy transfer at a detected region of risk 66 on the mattress.

Abstract: A biostimulation apparatus of the present invention includes a laser oscillator for oscillating an ultra short pulsed laser beam and an optical system for focusing the ultra short pulsed laser beam, wherein the ultra short pulsed laser beam is focused by the optical system at a target portion of a living subject to cause the target portion to be irradiated with the laser beam to stimulate an acupuncture point, and wherein the target portion is either the acupuncture point or its periphery.