Abstract: A convective warmer to which blankets of different dimensions may be connected is capable of providing air to the various blankets at flow rates that optimally inflate those blankets to achieve the optimal clinical result for the patients covered by those blankets. The blanket connected to the warmer may range from a full size adult warming blanket to a pediatric warming blanket. The convection warmer may have multiple fixed air flow rates each selectable by a user, via switch(es) either electronically or mechanically. For the electronic selection of a given flow rate, a motor adaptable to rotate a different speeds is used. To vary the flow rate mechanically, a valve is controlled to vary the amount of air that may pass to the blanket. Instead of different fixed flow rates, variable air flow rates, selectable by the user, may be used. Also, a feedback circuit that maintains the pressure sensed at the outlet of the warmer to a preset pressure may be used to eliminate the need for user intervention.

Abstract: A body warm-keeping apparatus for keeping the core temperature of a human body during an X-ray examination is disclosed to include an apparatus body providing a platform for supporting an object to receive an X-ray examination, a heater device or a number of heater devices that allow penetration of X-rays therethrough and are arranged at the platform for the contact of the object to keep the object warm, one or a number of accommodation compartments disposed at one side relative to the platform, said platform defining a radiation region corresponding to an X-ray radiation path, said at least one accommodation compartment being disposed in said X-ray radiation path, said at least one accommodation compartment being adapted for accommodating a photographic receptor adapted for producing a shadow image of the internal structure of a part of the object being X-rayed. The space-saving arrangement of the heater device(s) facilitates design and fabrication of the body warm-keeping apparatus.

Abstract: A garment is provided which is worn by a wearer and which actively cools the wearer. A heat transfer fluid pathway is provided which feeds the heat transfer fluid through a vest and cap or other heat transfer garment, where the heat transfer fluid draws heat away from the body of the wearer. The pathway is established between an inner layer proximate to the body of the wearer and an outer layer. Dots are provided which connect the inner layer and the outer layer together within the pathway. Fences are provided and borders to channel the heat transfer fluid along the pathway within the garment. A supply of elevated pressure air is optionally provided to maintain optimal contact for efficient heat transfer between the heat exchange fluid within the garment and the body of the wearer.

Abstract: Apparatus 10 discloses a cranial orthosis for treating cranial deformities in infants. The device 10 conforms to the contour of an infant's head 18 and is used to correct positional plagiocephaly by redirecting the compressive forces that would otherwise be imposed on soft, compliant areas of the developing cranium. The device 10 is comprised of a frame member 12 housing having front 14 and rear 16 pads incorporating means for adjusting pressure 24 thereon. The cranial orthosis 10 has at least one removable panel 44 for relieving pressure during nighttime use. Alternate embodiments disclose devices having three pads 14, 54 in either an “X” or “Y” configuration.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for blood sampling from skin capillaries are provided. Blood extraction is improved by applying gradient pressure in a proximal to distal direction of an extremity. Blood is extracted and sampled from the skin capillaries with a blood sampling mechanism of at least a lancet and testing kit.

Abstract: To reduce the amount of air input to a patient warming blanket, when the blanket is of a size that does not require the full amount of air output from a convective warmer for optimal pressurization, a regulator is provided to the inlet of the blanket to restrict the amount of air input to the blanket, thereby reducing the airflow rate to one that is appropriate for the optimal inflation or pressurization of the warming blanket. Respective regulators that allow different amounts of air under pressure to pass therethrough may be correspondingly fitted to blankets of different sizes and/or dimensions. Each regulator fitted to the inlet of the blanket may be configured in the form of an adapter with multiple orifices for passage of air, or a filter made of an air permeable material having a preselected porosity.

Abstract: A method of performing CPR on the patient while altering the body temperature of a patient comprises covering at least a thoracic region of the patient with a cover. A heat transfer liquid is directed to flow through liquid passages in the cover for contact with the thoracic region of the patient. Oxygen is supplied to the lungs of the patient, and the thoracic region of the patient is compressed directly through the cover while heat transfer liquid is being directed through the liquid passages in the cover. Apparatus for adjusting the body temperature of a patient generally comprising an enclosure sized and shaped for receiving at least a torso of the patient's body. A heat transfer liquid has a temperature between about 0° C. and about 5° C. A pump drives the heat transfer liquid into the enclosure for connect with the patient's body at a rate greater than about 6 liters per minute.

Abstract: A warming device includes a clinical garment having an inside surface supporting a convective apparatus with comb-shaped, interleaved, separately inflatable sections, each adapted to enable a particular mode of warming.

Abstract: A thermotherapy device has a plurality of heat generation portions disposed on a flexible band-like body, the heat generation portions each comprising a base sheet and an oxygen permeable sheet forming the flexible band-like body, a bag-like accommodation portion formed between the base sheet and the oxygen permeable sheet, and a composition that generates heat filled in the accommodation portion, wherein the filling ratio R satisfies expression (1) below and is less than 0.7, and the heating value of the exothermic composition is not less than 0.26 kcal/cm2 per planar area of the accommodation portion: R??0.016S+0.94??(1) wherein S is the planar area of the accommodation portion of the exothermic composition (unit: cm2), and R is defined by the following expression: R=(mass of the exothermic composition in the accommodation portion)/(maximum mass of the exothermic composition that can be filled in the accommodation portion).

Abstract: A garment combines features of posture braces, compression garments and thermal therapy devices in a single garment constructed in one piece and folded and reversibly affixed to form an undershirt-like structure fitting around the torso under the arms, thereby covering the back and extending between the cervical spine and the lumbo-sacral spinal region. On the back and front of the garment are a plurality of pouches which can contain a thermal unit which can heat or cool the back. In this manner, the garment can apply variable compression to the back and/or torso and/or abdomen horizontally and/or vertically, and can, independently of the compression, also, apply heat or cold to the back and/or torso.

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 method for routine monitoring and quality assurance of field asymmetry of high energy circular radiation beam producing equipment. The quality assurance process of field symmetry for devices such as stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) systems is simplified by directly measuring the integration of the half-beam profile. The method of the invention provides that the field symmetry is obtained by positioning the tip of an ion chamber, with a collecting length approximately half the diameter of the beam, at the central axis of the beam, and rotating the ion chamber at varying angular positions, acquiring and comparing readings at desired angular positions. Each pair of readings from positions 180 degrees opposed from each other, are plugged into the equation, Asymmetry=2(R1?R2)/(R1+R2) to compute asymmetry.

Abstract: A therapeutic device for thermally assisted urinary function is presented. The therapeutic pad (14) is composed of an upper thermal element (18) and a lower thermal element (19) having a portal (15), both elements substantially cup-shaped to cover and contact the groin. The therapeutic pad (14) is composed of a material sufficiently capable of storing energy from either an external or internal source. The therapeutic pad (14) communicates stored energy as heat to tissues comprising the groin and regions adjacent thereto. The portal (15) allows for the unimpeded flow of urine from the urinary tract into a receptacle.

Abstract: A thermal blanket for warming the limbs includes a surface, an inactive region of the surface adapted to lie against the thoracic and/or abdominal area of a person extending at least from the thighs to the abdomen of the person, active regions of the surface adapted to circulate pressurized air to limbs of the person, and an inflatable pneumatic structure adapted to distribute pressurized air to the active regions. When warmed, pressurized air is introduced into the pneumatic structure, prewarming and/or comfort warming is provided.

Abstract: An infant garment preserves body heat and facilitates access to a localized region of the body surface of a patient. The garment has a slit on the front that allows the region of the patient's body surface to be monitored and, if necessary, treated without requiring removal of the garment. The garment also has sleeves with cuffs that can be reversibly folded to cover or uncover the hand-openings in the distal ends of the sleeves.

Abstract: A convective warmer to which blankets of different dimensions may be connected is capable of providing air to the various blankets at flow rates that optimally inflate those blankets to achieve the optimal clinical result for the patients covered by those blankets. The blanket connected to the warmer may range from a full size adult warming blanket to a pediatric or neonate warming blanket. There is provided on each blanket a code, marking or marker, to be read by a sensor(s) provided at the outlet of the warmer, that identifies the type of blanket when the blanket is coupled to the warmer. Consequently, heated air may be automatically output by the warmer to the blanket at the appropriate flow rate of that blanket to optimally inflate the blanket without any need for intervention by a user. In addition to being used to control the flow rate of the heated air, the code from the blanket may also be used to control the temperature of the heated air to be input to the blanket.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to apparatus for transcutaneous photodynamic therapy (“PDT”) of a target tissue or compositions in a mammalian subject, which includes a light source that is external to the subject and is selected from among one or a plurality of laser diodes; light emitting diodes; electroluminescent light source; incandescent light sources; cold cathode fluorescent light sources; organic polymer light sources; or inorganic light sources, where the light source is adapted to direct the light in a direction lengthwise and parallel to a vessel wall comprising the lesion.

Abstract: An oral supplement or topical supplement containing glucosamine sulfate and oleocanthal provides relief of pain and reduces inflammation in joints. The topical supplement is used in conjunction with a heat patch.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for inducing therapeutic levels of hypothermia in a patient in the emergent care setting. The system consists of a small battery operated console and one or more garments. The garments are connected to the console by one or more umbilicals. The console provides cold fluid to the garments under pressure and the garment cools the surface of the body. Fluid returns from the garment back to the console in a closed loop fashion. The console contains an electrical battery and a thermal battery that provides operation of the system for more than one hour. The cooling capacity of the system is sufficient to induce therapeutic levels of hypothermia in approximately 30 to 90 minutes in most patients. Use of the system does not preclude any therapeutic or diagnostic interventions that are commonly performed in the emergent care setting.

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: A clinical garment having a lower hem and sleeves includes permeable surfaces inside near peripheral portions, a duct in communication with the permeable surfaces, and at least one inlet port opening into the duct. When worn by a patient, the permeable surfaces are positioned adjacent the patient's limbs. Warmed pressurized air may be introduced into the duct and conducted to the permeable surfaces. The warmed pressurized air circulates through the permeable surfaces to warm the adjacent limbs.

Abstract: A simple warmth-retaining article comprising a heat insulating material, a cover material and an exothermic article that generates heat in the presence of air and that is inserted between the heat insulating material and the cover material, and a warmth-retaining cloth formed by connecting a plurality of the simple warmth-retaining articles in a plane-like state.

Abstract: A device has four fundamental components: an enclosure, a soft seal, a vacuum system and a thermal energy system having a thermal energy contacting element. The device provides thermal energy therapy and negative pressure therapy device simultaneously and/or in conjunction to a patient. The device has a thermal energy system that is more efficient in thermal energy transfer and the soft seal decreases tissue interface pressure to obtain the desired soft seal effect.

Abstract: A sauna garment for stimulating sweat excretion includes a body, a heating device, a tube and a sweat collecting device. The body is mounted with far infrared micro particles and has an inlet. The heating device is mounted on the body and has a heating member. The heating device is connected into the body with the tube. When someone activates the sauna garment, the heating device heats and blows air into the sauna garment. The micro particles in the body are also heated and radiate far infrared rays. The far infrared rays stimulate a human body to secrete sweat. The sauna garment is made of flexible material so is highly portable.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods, apparatuses, and systems for reducing elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in a patient to either prevent or treat open-angle glaucoma. Heat is applied to the trabecular meshwork in the patient's eye without damaging proteins in the trabecular meshwork. The application of heat to the trabecular meshwork has the effect of relaxing or loosening protein clogs or other inhibitors in the trabecular meshwork, which are either reducing or obstructing of the outflow of aqueous humor, thereby increasing the patient's IOP and causing ocular hypertension (OHT). By loosening or relaxing clogs or other inhibitors in the trabecular meshwork, the outflow path for aqueous humor is increased or restored, which can lower IOP and either prevent or treat glaucoma. Force may also be applied to the patient's eye to apply pressure to the trabecular meshwork to further assist in the loosening or relaxing of clogs or other inhibitors in the trabecular meshwork.

Abstract: A personal cooling device includes a housing member manufactured from a first predetermined material. Such housing member has a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape. A second predetermined material is housed within such housing member. Such second predetermined material is freezable.

Abstract: A therapeutic apparatus, comprising a base and a container supported by the base, the container being hollow, elongate, with angles comprised between 30 and 60 degrees, the container comprising a front part that slides relative to a rear part on rails, the container being made of stainless steel and wood; in which a user lies to be submitted to heat diffused by radiant strips, the head of the user remaining out of the container and isolated from the rest of the body by a removable flap mounted on the front part of the container.

Abstract: Modular therapy apparatus for treatment of at least a portion of an animate body comprises a first modular member and a second modular member. The first modular member comprises a heat transfer device adapted to transfer heat between the device and the at least a portion of an animate body. The second modular member forms a pouch having a perimeter and is adapted to receive the first modular member. The second modular member comprises a front side and a back side. The front side has a hook portion, which forms the hook portion of a hook and loop fastener. The back side has a loop portion, which forms the loop portion of the hook and loop fastener. The second modular member can be wrapped around the at least a portion of an animate body and the hook and loop portions fastened to one another to secure the second modular member with the first modular member positioned therein to the at least a portion of the animate body.

Abstract: A clinical garment having a lower hem and sleeves includes permeable surfaces inside near peripheral portions, a duct in communication with the permeable surfaces, and at least one inlet port opening into the duct. When worn by a patient, the permeable surfaces are positioned adjacent the patient's limbs. Warmed pressurized air may be introduced into the duct and conducted to the permeable surfaces. The warmed pressurized air circulates through the permeable surfaces to warm the adjacent limbs.

Abstract: A device for application to a body or body parts and releasing chemical/physical parameters has an applicator with at least two layers. A space formed between the layers includes at least one chamber and/or one channel for releasing the chemical/physical parameters that can be filled with fluidic, i.e., gaseous and/or liquid, media. A control device is connected for controlling parameters such as flowthrough volume, temperature, pressure, and the like, of the media in the chambers or channels. Biosensors for detecting body parameters such as temperature, EKG, and the like are connected to the control device.

Abstract: A device for providing therapeutic treatment to a body part such as a joint to promote healing of the body part comprises a signal generator for generating a pulsed electromagnetic field based upon a selected treatment mode, a controller for storing the treatment mode and communicating the treatment mode to the signal generator, a heat source configured to provide thermal therapy to the body part, and monitoring means for monitoring the electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic stimulating means. The device may also include telemetry means in communication with the monitoring means for remotely accessing the controller to modify the treatment mode. The device can also be disposable.

Abstract: A novel method of partial breast radiation utilizing a breast implant which can provide a stable and improved target for stereotactic radiation treatment.

Abstract: A thermotherapy device comprises a cup-like housing (1) having a heat radiation opening (1a), a rod-like electric heater (2) contained in the housing (1) with the leading end thereof being directed toward the heat radiation opening (1a), and a controller (3) for supplying power to the electric heater (2) and controlling the amount of heat generation from the electric heater (2). Since the electric heater (2) is employed, replacement of a combustion rod and handling of combustion ash are not required, and the thermotherapy device can be used even in bed. Moreover, power is supplied to the electric heater (2) while regulating the amount of heat generation by means of controller (3). Accordingly, the skin (S) can be heated in safety to a high temperature of 55 to 60 degrees C., and an affected part (A) located on or under the skin (S) can be exposed to a sufficiently high temperature for treatment of cancer.

Abstract: A patch for facilitating blood circulation, including a warmer, a powder-containing bag and a base sheet. The warmer includes iron powder for generating heat oxidized by oxygen in the air and an oxidization regulatory agent enclosed in a flat, air permeable bag. The outer shape of the bag is larger than that of the warmer, and contains powder including components contained in bamboo vinegar or wood vinegar. The outer shape of a base sheet is larger than that of the bag, and the base sheet has an air ventilation hole at a central portion. An adhesive layer is formed on the surface of one side of the base sheet. The warmer and the powder-containing bag are sequentially adhered onto the adhesive layer to cover the air ventilation hole.

Abstract: Devices and methods that provide consistent skin side temperature comprising a primary insulative material disposed on a skin side of a thermal source; wherein the device provides a rate of change in temperature of less than about 0.8 are disclosed. Also included are methods of providing improved skin health, and methods of providing passive skin side temperature control.

Abstract: A thermal pack having a bent lip uniformly disposed away from a skin side of the thermal pack. The thermal pack of the present invention eliminates discomfort associated with prior art thermal packs by providing a lip that bends up and away from the skin, thereby avoiding or minimizing contact with the skin and limiting irritation. The pack is preferably provided with an insulated wrap 90 that can be attached to the pack, such as by a hook-and-loop fastener. The wrap will aid in placement of the device upon the user, as well as extend the benefits of the thermal medium. The wrap is conventionally formed of a thermoplastic material commonly used in packaging.

Abstract: A thermal therapy device (100) comprises a tissue-interacting device (400) which is designed to target one or more significant areas of the therapy-receiving person's body by concentrating the passage of the therapy-providing fluid in these areas. The thermal therapy device (400) can comprise a head pad, eye pads, a knee pad, an ankle/foot pad, an elbow pad, or a neck/shoulder pad.

Abstract: A cooling device, which includes a cooling solution and an absorption means; such that the cooling solution includes one or more low boiling point alcohols, one or more cooling sensates and water; wherein the total concentration of low boiling point alcohols is between 5% and 25% of the cooling solution; the total concentration of cooling sensates is up to 20% of the cooling solution, and the concentration of any single cooling sensate is a maximum of 10% of the cooling solution; and the water concentration is at least 50% of the cooling solution, wherein at least part of the absorption means is configured to releasably absorb any cooling solution applied to it and, in use, allow contact between a user's skin and the cooling solution; and wherein said absorption means is a flexible garment configured to closely fit one or more body parts of the user.

Abstract: A therapeutic upper body wrap has a flexible, aroma-permeable cover having upper and lower layers joined at their outer edges to form an interior space to contain particulate matter which may include thermal reservoir and aromatherapy materials. The interior space is divided into a series of subspaces in the form of parallel, tube-shaped containers to prevent shifting of the materials. A central opening is provided penetrating the upper and layers of the cover. The opening permits a user to place the wrap over his head and onto his shoulders. The openings are substantially circular, designed to fit snugly about a user's neck. A slit is provided extending from the outer edge of the wrap to the opening for easy placement about the neck. A fastener, such as a hook and loop, button, zipper or tie string is used to close the slit. The wrap is heated or cooled before use.

Abstract: To provide a heat generating body which nevertheless an excellent warming effect (for example, an effect for relaxation of a pain by a thermal stimulus) can be obtained, hardly provides a user with an unwell feeling due to a high temperature, is fit to curved surface parts such as the abdominal region and the waist and is able to comfortably warm a desired site with a good feeling for use over a long period of time.

Abstract: Various forms of skin irritations are treated with an appropriately configured and sized pad provided with a chilled skim milk additive which is useful for treating skin irritations such as diaper rash, irritations caused by incontinence, breast irritations experienced by nursing mothers, hemorrhoidal irritation, and skin irritations resulting from burns, insect bites, and the like. The irritated skin can be treated by applying the pad directly to the irritated skin. The treatment can continue during normal daily activities in various ways. The pad can take the form of breast pads that can be worn inside of a nursing bra, or it can take the form of an adhesive strip that can be adhered to the skin at the affected site. For treating diaper rash or incontinence-caused irritations, the pad can be placed in diapers or in suitable incontinence undergarments.

Abstract: A device for providing thermal therapy for post-surgery or post-injury recovery of the breast region is provided. The thermal therapy device includes a bladder for allowing temperature-controlled fluid to flow throughout the bladder and a shell for holding the bladder. The bladder can include holes to increase its conformability to irregular three-dimensional shapes. One or more splints on the shell help to stabilize the breasts and a layer provides insulation to the bladder. The device is designed to be separable in the front, thereby allowing it to be easily worn and removed.

Abstract: A convective warming device including a clinical garment and at least one inflatable convective apparatus supported on an inside surface of the garment is provided with a drape. When the convective warming device is used to warm a person, the drape is deployed over skin of the person not covered by the clinical garment. The drape protects the covered skin from thermal injury by an air hose used to conduct heated pressurized air to the inflatable convective apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a patch and method for providing therapy to an individual. The patch and method provide a user or therapist with the flexibility to apply a patch to highly contoured areas on the individual's body. In some embodiments, the patch includes a body that applies therapy to the individual when the patch is placed on the individual. The patch further includes at least one cut in the body of the patch. In other example embodiments, the present invention relates to a method of providing therapy to an individual. The method includes selecting a patch that provides therapy to an individual. The patch includes a body and at least one cut in the body. The method further includes applying the patch to the individual where the cut in the body allows the patch to conform to the individual as the patch is applied to the individual.

Abstract: A therapeutic pack provides effective therapeutic heating or cooling to an area of a body. The therapeutic pack comprises a fabric bag, such as taffeta or a spandex material, and a plurality of therapeutic modules within the bag. In one example, the bag is tubular. In another example, the bag including structurally restrict free movement of the plurality of the therapeutic modules from one section of the bag to another section of the bag. However, the therapeutic modules may be capable of freely moving within the bag relative to one another. The therapeutic modules may include a material that repeatedly provides a prolonged cooling or heating, such as a phase change material, within a durable, impermeable shell, such as a polyethylene shell.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an article adapted to produce heat, the article including an outer surface having a skin-facing surface, the outer surface enclosing a heat generator; and a thermal grill disposed on the skin-facing surface. The present disclosure also provides an article for delivering a heating sensation, the article including a skin-facing surface; a plurality of warm portions disposed on the skin-facing surface; and a plurality of cool portions disposed on the skin-facing surface, wherein the warm portions and cool portions are disposed in an alternating pattern.

Abstract: A warming device includes a clinical garment having an inside surface supporting a convective apparatus with comb-shaped, interleaved, separately inflatable sections, each adapted to enable a particular mode of warming.

Abstract: A form-fitting elastic garment includes a plurality of pockets at locations corresponding to a plurality of muscle groups and/or tendons. The pockets are adapted to receive a thermal medium and hold the thermal medium tightly against a muscle group and/or tendons of a wearer. A thermal therapy kit includes a thermally insulated container storing a thermal medium and such a form fitting garment.

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 method for enhancing sexual encounter of a woman during coitus includes heating a heat transfer pack that radiates heat; thereafter, warming the labia and clitoris of the woman by positioning the heat transfer pack in the pelvic region of a woman so that the heat transfer pack radiates heat from the pouch to the pelvic region of the woman, the positioning of the heat transfer pack including securing the heat transfer pack to the legs and waist of the woman; and once the clitoris and labia has been warmed, engaging in intercourse with the clitoris and labia in the warmed state. A method for facilitating the enhancement of a woman's sexual encounter during coitus includes the steps of selling a heating apparatus and, in conjunction therewith, providing appropriate instructions for use of the heating apparatus for the enhancement of a woman's sexual encounter during coitus.