Abstract: A disposable portable therapeutic cooling system that utilizes convective cooling and re-circulated air to efficiently, safely, and effectively cool the head and body of the patient, clothed or not, after a life-threatening health event, such as a cardiac arrest or stroke.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention comprises a device and method for altering the temperature of an area of an individual's body. This alteration may be accomplished by cooling or heating the skin proximate the area of the body, including but not limited to the area proximate the carotid artery, by utilizing the embodiments of the invention disclosed and alluded to herein. An embodiment of the invention generally comprises a container, a container cap connectable thereto, at least one inlet tube, at least one outlet tube, and a temperature-altering element contained in an operable configuration in relation to the container. An exemplary method of use includes the steps of operably coupling a temperature-altering element with a container; introducing fluid into the interior space of the container; altering the temperature of the fluid; and expelling the altered fluid toward a body surface.

Abstract: The nosebleed treatment apparatus features a pair of pliable mirror image nose pads comprising a first nose pad and a second nose pad. A gel pack is disposed within each nose pad. Each gel pack has a first side spaced apart from a second side. The first side is adjacent to an inner surface of the medial pad section. The second side is disposed within the lateral pad section. A smooth shouldered reinforcement member is disposed atop each nose pad. A U-shaped oblong tensing member connects the first nose pad to the second nose pad at each reinforcement member. The apparatus can be placed in a freezer or cooler for extended cool retention within the gel packs when removed. Upon removal, the apparatus is placed on a bleeding nose and remains until removed, so that a patient need not hold it in place.

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: A thermally adjustable compress assembly, kit, device and methods of using the same. A compress assembly includes a thermally adjustable gel pack and an external frame positionable against the outwardly facing surface of the gel pack. The external frame can be passively positionable against the gel pack to apply backward pressure against the gel pack during use or can be actively attached to the gel pack to provide additional support to at least a portion of the gravitational weight of the gel pack during use.

Abstract: A thermally adjustable compress assembly, kit, device and methods of using the same. A compress assembly includes a thermally adjustable gel pack and a plurality of moistened, disposable sheets that are removable from the outer surface of the gel pack. The sheets can be fabricated from a non-woven fabric material, a foam material or a film material. A compress assembly can further include an external frame attachable to the gel pack and one or more sheets of the plurality of sheets.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for the cooling of the cranial and extracranial portions of a patient in need thereof. The apparatuses and methods of the present invention preferably employ a head cooling apparatus which includes a watertight shroud for the head and which needs no refrigeration. In certain preferred embodiments, the apparatuses of the present invention are collapsible and possess a reduced profile. In some presently preferred embodiments, the present invention includes a hammock that supports the head. In some embodiments, the present invention includes a shroud that lies behind the head with optional portions that may be drawn over the patient's neck and cranial area. The apparatuses and methods of the present invention also provide an improved mechanism for cooling the cranial and extracranial areas through the use of a novel distribution of endothermic solids (e.g. ammonium nitrate).

Abstract: The improved garment is constructed in a circular and attached manner effectively providing superior functionality, warmth, water repellence, convenience, comfort, ease of use and fashion. Further, particularly for those with physical limitations, the garment provides a higher degree of safety than a piece of clothing that can easily slip out of place or fall to the ground. With the garment hanging around the shoulders or neck, the wearer can position the twisted area and the garment to allow multiple versatile and useful alternatives. The improved garment is unique in shape and composition and provides added functionality, warmth, water repellence, convenience, and comfort for the wearer in a manner far superior to traditional shawls, scarves, sweaters and headwear. The garment can be constructed in such a way that each side of the product is of a varying fabric, color, or other quality thus providing enhanced usefulness, versatility and cost effectiveness.

Abstract: A reversible eye pillow provides a set of opposed sides, each formed of a continuous fabric panel that is resiliently stretchable. Each side includes peripheral portions that conform to and contact peripheral portions of a user's eye and a recessed portion that enables a user to open his or her eye with the eye pillow in place. The eye pillow is tightly filled with small bead like thermal storage filling material that maintains a reduced temperature and includes a smooth surface to provide easy deformability of the eye pillow even at reduced temperatures.

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: The present invention is an hat for cooling the head of a wearer having a chamber comprising a central cavity and at least one opening for placing ice into the cavity; and at least one porous member secured to one end of said chamber; wherein the apparatus is configured to be demountably attached to the head of a wearer.

Abstract: The invention provides a cooling blanket useful for lowering the body temperature of a mammal, such as a human. The cooling blanket may be particularly useful when used in connection with a deleterious cardiac event, such as myocardial infarction. The cooling blanket is activated when reagents, such as ammonium nitrate, urea, and/or water, are placed in contact with one another; thereby producing an endothermic reaction.

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: It is an object of the invention to develop a method and an apparatus for improving a skin condition by improving the condition of the subcutaneous fat tissue that induces abnormal secretion of adipocytokines by the subcutaneous fat cells. The present invention provides a method for improving skin condition of the face and/or neck. The method for improving skin condition of the present invention comprises a step for applying 60 to 90 minutes of thermal stimulation at 41 to 43° C. to the subcutaneous fat of the face and/or neck. The present invention also provides an apparatus for improving the skin condition of the face and/or neck. The apparatus for improving skin condition of the present invention comprises a heater and applies 60 to 90 minutes of thermal stimulation at 41 to 43° C. to the subcutaneous fat of the face and/or neck.

Abstract: Methods and related systems for modulating neural activity by blocking conduction in peripheral neural structures with thermal stimuli are disclosed. Methods and systems for reversing effects of thermal blocking stimuli and/or for producing substantially permanent conduction block are also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the treatment of skin conditions and lesions are disclosed herein. A thermal device can be used to heat or cool a personal care pack that can then be used to cleanse, treat, and rejuvenate the skin. The personal care pack can be formulated with smooth or abrasive material and can contain a variety of liquids, lotions or gels. Application of the personal care pack, at the desired temperature to the skin can stimulate deeper blood circulation, clear pores, diminishes or removes deep and fine wrinkles, accelerate acne clearing, treat blemished skin, decrease edema and erythema of the skin, and reduce puritis of various etiologies.

Abstract: The purpose of this invention is to provide a facemask designed to apply and maintain direct, constant heat in an evenly distributed fashion at a constant temperature of up to about 46° C. to the nasal cavity and surrounding sinuses, thereby creating a thermal environment within the nasal cavity and surrounding area that impedes HRV as well as other heat-labile microorganism replication in order to retard the progression and severity of the common cold and accelerate recovery therefrom. The facemask may include a flexible heating element attached to the inside of the facemask, also an inner lining of foam may be laid over the top of the flexible heating element for added support and insulation. The facemask is secured to the face, e.g. by an elastic strap that wraps around the head and is secured on both ends of the facemask. The heating element is powered by an external power source, e.g.

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: Cold pack apparatus for abstracting heat comprises a container charged with a first liquid and with small auxiliary containers free to circulate in the first liquid. Each of the small auxiliary containers is charged with a second liquid. The first and second liquids each have a selected temperature of transformation that facilitates use of the apparatus to heat or cool a substance contacted by the apparatus. The cold pack apparatus reduces pain at a joint or at a diseased area in the epithelium by producing spaced apart points of cold at the joint or diseased area for an extended period of time of one hours or more.

Abstract: A method and device for treating neurological disorders involving the application of noninvasive, regional brain thermal stimulation to a region of a patient's head associated with a subject neurological disorder. The brain thermal stimulation method and device alters the brain function in the region of the brain underlying the region of the patient's head to which the brain cooling is applied. The method can also include the steps of adjusting the temperature and timing of the thermal stimulation process to optimize the impact on the subject disorder. The brain thermal stimulation device is comprised of a localized means for cooling or warming a desired region of a patient's brain.

Abstract: ICEY WRAP can be used primarily during many outdoor activities in hot climates to help keep cool. Ice is used as the primary cooling medium. As ice melts in the internal compartment, water is absorbed by polymer crystals in the lower chamber of the wrap, is needed to continue keeping the wrap cool. Ice is more accessible, quicker to use and can be transported in any size ice chest during outside activities. Ice is also readily available at convenience stores, fast food restaurants and other establishments where outdoor activities take place. Adding ice to the ICEY WRAP is more sanitary than putting an entire traditional neck cool into an ice chest or water container that may have other items inside. Current forms of neck ties need to be periodically soaked in cold water for 10-20 minutes or placed in a refrigerator for up to 10 to 20 minutes to keep them cold. Most outdoor activities do not allow for quick access to a refrigerator and the longer delay of cooling can hinder one's activity.

Abstract: A cooling device for cooling a portion of a body. The device includes a curved bias member disposed in a bias member chamber, and a plurality of elongated liquid permeable containers comprising a plurality of elongated chambers, wherein each have a plurality of liquid absorbent particles disposed therein. The elongated chambers are in fluid communication with a plurality of compartments, and configured to redistribute the particles in the containers. The particles have a thermal conductivity constant less than that of ice; and the particles expand into a gel and occupy a volume of the containers when the device is immersed into a liquid. In other embodiments, the bias member has a pair of end portions extending outwardly therefrom in a substantially orthogonal orientation, forming an omega shaped bias member.

Abstract: A mask for eyes is disclosed to include a mask body, a support member formed of an elastic material and fixedly fastened to the mask body at the back, the support member having a thin flap containing a natural mineral stone powder or blocks that emits negative ions, far infrared rays, electrons and radioactive rays to produce Holmishis Effect, and two fastening members for securing the mask body to the user's ears.

Abstract: A therapeutic device for use on a head of a patient is disclosed, and includes a chin portion adapted for receiving and substantially covering the chin of the patient. The device includes a pair of upper flexible straps, each terminating at a proximal end at the opposing sides of the chin portion, and each terminating at a distal end at an upper strap attachment means, such as a hook-and-loop type fastener. Similarly, a pair of lower flexible straps is included, each terminating at a proximal end at the opposing sides of the chin portion, and each terminating at a distal end at a lower strap attachment means. A plurality of pockets are included, each pocket comprising a front portion and a rear portion. The upper and lower straps each terminate at one of the pockets, the pocket connecting the straps to the chin portion. Each pocket includes both a closed end positioned proximate the chin portion, and an open side positioned proximate the patient's ears when the device is worn.

Abstract: A method of treating meibomian gland dysfunction. Heat is applied to the outside of the eyelid to provide conductive heat transfer to the meibomian glands. The application of heat assists in the expression of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands to restore sufficient sebum flow to the lipid layer to treat dry eye. A force may also be applied to the outside of the patient's eyelid to improve conductive heat transfer and reduce blood flow in the eyelid that causes convective heat loss. Thus, the application of force can further increase the temperature level and/or reduce the time to reach desired temperature levels for removing obstructions or occlusions. Reaching increased temperature levels may improve the melting, loosening, or softening of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands while reducing the amount of time to reach desired temperature levels and/or aid in reducing discomfort to the patient during treatment.

Abstract: A pair of cooling ear muffs, for use by a user in cooling the head of the user. A pair of ear covers each have a shell and contain a reservoir for holding a chilled liquid. A sealing ring on each ear cover encircles the ear and a thermal membrane communicates heat from the ear to the reservoir. A connecting band extends between the ear covers for maintaining the ear muffs on the head of the user while holding the ear covers in position on the ears.

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 thermal wrap having identical side portions, each having a pocket formed therein for receiving thermal material such as gel packs. The side portions are connected at the top by at least two independently attached straps, and at the bottom by a singe, relatively wide chin strap to ensure that the pockets allow for even application of thermal energy to the mandibular region of the face. The pockets are sized to receive standard sized gel packs.

Abstract: A thermocautery block is formed by mixing alumina, zirconium silicate, feldspar, pottery stone, siliceous limestone, kaolin, Gairome clay (Japan), and black soil with water; evenly stirring the mixture; compressing, dehydrating, and extruding the mixture into polygonal blocks; and drying, kilning, and cooling the blocks. The thermocautery block has a high density and a hardness higher than 6.0, and could store thermal energy after being heated for a short time. The stored thermal energy is progressively released via superficial areas of the block other than corners thereof to produce the effect of progressive temperature rise.

Abstract: The invention provides a medical device having a thermister for temperature measurement, irrigation/aspiration ports for fluid exchange and application of therapeutic modalities, a pressure manometer for pressure measurement, and an external system for control of temperature, pressure, and flow rate. When applied to the eye and orbit, this device can be used in hypothermia or hyperthermia applications, the control of intraocular pressure (IOP), and the application of treatment modalities. Methods of using the device in treating patients suffering from central retinal artery occlusion, anterior optic nerve disease, pathology of the choroid and retina including the macula, inflammation of the eye including the vitreous and anterior segment, glaucoma, inflammation and/or infections of the anterior and/or posterior segment of the eye, treatment before/during/after surgery of the eye, and the application of treatment modalities through a semi-permeable membrane are described.

Abstract: A travel pillow has one or more air filters and a body with a soft material coupled to the one or more air filters. The air filters can be powered by a power source located within the pillow. The one or more air filters can have an air intake and an air outflow in communication with an exterior surface of the body. The air filters may be an electrostatic precipitator filter or use a filtering material to clean the air.

Abstract: In general, the disclosure presents techniques for rapidly cooling the body of a patient. A cooling garment is placed in contact with the body of the patient. Spacers within the cooling garment create a space between at least a portion of the cooling garment and the body of the patient. The cooling garment receives a coolant from a coolant supply and delivers the coolant to the body of the patient. The heat from the body of the patient may evaporate the coolant. A carrier gas, which circulates within the space between the cooling garment and the patient, carries the gaseous coolant out of the cooling garment via an exit port. The rapid cooling of the patient may slow the neurological damage to the patient.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for uniform selective cerebral hypothermia. The apparatus includes a brain-cooling probe, a head-cooling cap, a body-heating device and a control console. The brain-cooling probe cools the cerebrospinal fluid within one or more brain ventricles. The brain-cooling probe withdraws a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid from a ventricle into a cooling chamber located ex-vivo in close proximity to the head. After the cerebrospinal fluid is cooled it is then reintroduced back into the ventricle. This process is repeated in a cyclical or continuous manner. The head-cooling cap cools the cranium and therefore cools surface of the brain. The combination of ventricle cooling and cranium cooling provides for whole brain cooling while minimizing temperature gradients within the brain.

Abstract: An aromatherapy herb pack has a flexible, aroma-permeable cover having upper and lower layers joined at their outer edges to form an interior space to contain 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 contained materials. A central opening is provided penetrating the upper and layers of the cover. The opening permits a user to place the herb pack over his head and onto his shoulders. The opening is X-shaped to permit maximum shoulder contact. The openings are circular in another embodiment, designed to fit snugly about a user's neck. A slit is provided extending from the outer edge of the herb pack 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.

Abstract: In general, the disclosure presents techniques for control of a cooling garment in response to a signal that is a function of a patient parameter such as body temperature. In particular, a cooling garment that receives a coolant and a carrier gas is placed in contact with the body of a patient. A sensor within the cooling garment may generate a signal as a function of a patient parameter. A controller receives the signal via communication link, and may send a signal to a regulator that may regulate delivery of the coolant and/or carrier gas, for example.

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 invention relates to a cooling article comprising a polymer absorbent enclosed within a bag delimited by a collapsible envelope having non-watertight walls, wherein said polymer absorbent is under the form of particles each of which comprises a core of less cross-linked polymer sequences more active in retaining absorbed water and a shell of more cross-linked polymer sequences apt to retard diffusion of water from a particle to another during desorption of absorbed water.

Abstract: Disclosed is a skin cooling device which utilizes the sensory ability of the skin as an integumentary sense organ so that it is applicable to medical treatments and surgical operations, while being configured to use the heat absorbing effect of a thermoelectric element while having a small size to be easily handled. The skin cooling device includes a case having a size allowing the user to grasp the case by the hand, and a thermoelectric element installed in the case. The thermoelectric element has a heat emitting portion and a heat absorbing portion. The skin cooling device also includes a heat sink unit provided at the heat emitting portion of the thermoelectric element, and cold heat transfer unit provided at the heat absorbing portion of the thermoelectric element, and adapted to locally transfer cold heat from the thermoelectric element to the skin. Thus, the cold heat can be locally applied to the skin.

Abstract: A therapy device for providing heated air to the upper body of a patient and a method of making and using the therapy device have been provided. The therapy device is an inflatable tube mounted on a base sheet and having a cover sheet. The patient is placed on the base sheet with the patient's head located between the legs of the tube. The cover sheet is placed over the patient's face. A heated air supply tube is connected to the tube and the heated air inflates the tube and heated air is forced out of the exhaust ports of the tube, thereby providing an environment in which a portion of the patient's body is heated. One method of fabricating the therapy device includes forming the individual pieces, attaching the tube sheets to form a tube, lancing the tube to form exhaust ports, and attaching the remaining pieces.

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 apparatus for generating a stream of steam for direction against an area of skin of a person includes a water vessel for retaining a quantity of water, the vessel having an upright tubular vessel side wall and a vessel bottom wall and a vessel mounting structure, and a water heating mechanism mounted outside and in thermal proximity to the vessel including a heating element and a power source connection structure for generating heat for transfer into the water vessel to heat the quantity of water sufficiently to progressively transform the quantity of water into a stream of steam; a steam guidance framework including a vessel cover structure having a structure upper surface and a structure lower surface, a vessel engaging structure for suspending the vessel from the vessel cover structure, the vessel cover structure having a steam port over the water vessel for passing a stream of steam from the water vessel; a steam delivery tube including a steam delivery tube receiving end and a steam delivery tube disc

Abstract: A method for preventing or reducing the development of delayed brain damage in a patient, comprises applying headwear (1) to the patient's head and circulating a fluid coolant through conduits (3) or passages in the headwear to cool the brain and thermostatically controlling the coolant temperature within a predetermined range to maintain the brain at a temperature sufficiently below normal for an extended period sufficient to prevent the death of neurons, glial or other cells that would otherwise die as a consequence of direct injury to the brain or other injury to the patient likely to cause injury to the brain.

Abstract: A manually activated Peltier device was placed in direct contact with a cortical slice. Seizures terminated within seconds of the onset of cooling, sometimes preceding a detectable drop in temperature measured near the top of the slice. Activation of the Peltier did not stop seizures when slices were no longer in direct physical contact with the device, indicating that this was not a field effect. When cooling was shut off and temperature returned to 33° C., the bursting sometimes returned, but a longer term suppressive effect on seizure activity could be observed. In two experiments, a custom computer program automatically detected seizure discharges and triggered a TTL pulse to activate the Peltier. In these experiments the Peltier automatically terminated the slice bursting in less than four seconds. When the Peltier device was placed in contact with the normal, exposed cortex of a newborn pig, we found that the cortical temperature rapidly decreased from 36° C. to as low as 26° C., at a depth of 1.

Abstract: A heat-generative, steam generation facial sheet that is planar and is adapted to cover a part or the whole of a wearer's face in intimate contact. It has a planar heat generator capable of generating steam upon contact with oxygen in such a manner that the skin surface temperature reaches 34° C. or higher within 120 seconds from the contact with air and the skin surface temperature is maintained at 34° C. or higher for at least 5 minutes.

Abstract: A garment for warming, cooling or maintaining the temperature of a specific area of a user's body includes a hoop-shaped support structure, at least one pocket on the support structure and at least one mass. The mass is removably positionable in the at least one pocket. The garment is worn by a user such that the at least one pocket is positioned adjacent the specific area of the user's body in a working position.

Abstract: The basic object of this invention is the use of light selective materials and fabrics to increase the utility of a garment or sports article. The invention is the novel idea that light selective materials and fabrics can radically improve the usefulness, pleasure, and appeal obtained from sportswear and other garments. Examples taught include life vests, ski vests, ski pants, ski helmet/hat, and sunglasses.

Abstract: A method for enhancing cerebral blood flow in a patient. The patient's baseline cerebral blood flow is measured. An artery of the patient is cooled or warmed to produce vasodilatation of the artery. The artery is typically one or more of the left or right common carotid artery, left or right internal carotid artery, left or right middle cerebral artery, anterior cerebral artery, left or right vertebral artery, or basilar artery. Vasodilatation enhances cerebral blood flow. The enhanced cerebral blood flow is measured after cooling or warming the artery. The enhanced cerebral blood flow is compared to the baseline cerebral blood flow. Cooling or warming is then adjusted as needed to achieve a desired enhancement in cerebral blood flow. Devices for cooling and warming are also described.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a hot stone therapy apparatus for self-applied hot stone therapy. The apparatus comprises at least one elongated flexible member, and a plurality of stones connected to each other by means of the at least one elongated flexible member. The stones are capable of storing heat energy from, for example, a bowl of hot water. The distribution of the plurality of stones permit self-application of the stones about a desired area of a person's body such as the shoulders, neck, or hips of a person.

Abstract: A method and expandable device for thermally affecting tissue in which there is a fluid conduit. The fluid conduit defining a spiral-shaped element. The fluid conduit includes a wall defining an inner volume. The inner volume being configured to pass thermally transmissive fluid. Optionally, the tissue contact region is operable to have a first contact surface area and a second contact surface area in which the second contact surface area is larger than the first contact surface area. A method of use of the device is provided.

Abstract: A facial skin protective assembly for reducing and/or eliminating pulling and pushing forces on the facial skin surfaces that occur while sleeping. The facial skin protective assembly includes a face shield cage structure, a number of securing straps attached to the face shield cage structure and being extendable about the sides and back of the user's head in a manner to comfortably but firmly hold the face shield cage structure in place while the user is sleeping, and, as an option, a number of heat/cool insert cushion cells.