Abstract: A flexible reusable thermal pack for therapeutic purposes. A flexible, insulative sealed pouch is partially filled with hollow balls containing freezable or beatable liquid and metal balls of substantial mass. The thermal pack slowly returns to ambient temperature while it conforms to be a body part needing therapeutic thermal treatment.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermal treatment of tissue comprises a compact manipulator (37) for positioning and orienting an energy radiator (50) for heat treatment of biological tissues. The energy radiator (50) is adapted to emit energy in the direction of a focal axis into a focal volume. The manipulator (37) can adjust the position and orientation of a suspension body (20) in a plane. The plane wherein the suspension body can be maneuvered is parallel to a support face of the apparatus. The energy radiator (50) is suspended from the suspension body (20). The energy radiator (50) can be manipulated with five independent degrees of freedom relative to said support face.

Abstract: A hot/cold reusable therapeutic pack is disclosed. The pack comprises a first pouch with salt and a second pouch with sand disposed on top of the first pouch. The pack provides good heat/cold retention and ability to evacuate fluids from the affected area.

Abstract: Electrochemical devices are utilized as an on-demand personal temperature control system, as well as an on-demand power supply for electrical devices. The electrochemical devices are planar stiff fuel cells flexibly interconnected in a plane by a flexible interconnecting means. This allows the fuel cells to move with respect to each other out of the plane. This further allows it to be nicely integrated in an article of clothing, to minimize negative impact to a body region or to the article of clothing, and to maximize the heat conduction area to a body region. To further integrate and increase ease of operation a control system and sensors could be included to control: (i) on-demand power and/or heat supply, (ii) temperature levels, and/or (iii) power levels for the electrical device(s).

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: Methods and systems for treating skin disease are disclosed. Heat is applied at a controlled temperature, for a predetermined period of time, to a skin lesion associated with a skin disease according to embodiments. The temperature used, according to embodiments, is in a range between about 46-62° C., and controlled within a narrow tolerance depending upon the nature of the skin treatment.

Abstract: A device (5) is provided for predicting or simulating a body temperature of a patient (P) at a point in time that is in the future. The device includes a device for determining parameter values concerning the patient (P) and/or the environment thereof. A computing device is provided for simulating a body temperature of the patient (P). A process and a workstation. Are also provided.

Abstract: A triggering plate of a chemical thermos bag has at least a groove with a slit, having two opposite tip parts hiding each other and the tip parts being different in thickness.

Abstract: A method for increasing metabolism of a subject's body in order to lose weight, comprising: a) contacting a part of the body with a cooling element to remove heat from the body; and b) repeating or continuing (a) so as to remove enough heat in total to lose at least 1 kilogram of body weight.

Abstract: A method of localized cell heating introduces a plurality of ferroelectric comprising particles into a target region of a patient, and applies a time varying electrical field to the target region. The ferroelectric particles absorb energy from the electrical field and heat the target region in response, such as to a temperature sufficient to induce apoptosis of cancer cells in the target region. A ferroelectric hyperthermia-based cancer treatment system includes a time varying electrical field source for applying a time varying electrical field to a plurality of ferroelectric particles disposed in a target cancer containing region of a patient. A composition of matter includes a particle having a ferroelectric portion, the particle being non-toxic, slowly biodegradable in body fluids, and less than 15 ?m in its maximum dimension.

Abstract: A device for generating atmospheric pressure cold plasma inside a hand-held unit discharges cold plasma with simultaneously different rf wavelengths and their harmonics. The device includes an rf tuning network that is powered by a low-voltage power supply connected to a series of high-voltage coils and capacitors. The rf energy signal is transferred to a primary containment chamber and dispersed through an electrode plate network of various sizes and thicknesses to create multiple frequencies. Helium gas is introduced into the first primary containment chamber, where electron separation is initiated. The energized gas flows into a secondary magnetic compression chamber, where a balanced frequency network grid with capacitance creates the final electron separation, which is inverted magnetically and exits through an orifice with a nozzle. The cold plasma thus generated has been shown to be capable of accelerating a healing process in flesh wounds on animal laboratory specimens.

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: Methods and apparatus are provided for thermally-induced renal neuromodulation. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers. In some embodiments, parameters of the neural fibers, of non-target tissue, or of the thermal energy delivery element, may be monitored via one or more sensors for controlling the thermally-induced neuromodulation. In some embodiments, protective elements may be provided to reduce a degree of thermal damage induced in the non-target tissues.

Abstract: A system and method for control of energy application to a target location based on a measured localized harmonic motion is disclosed. The system includes a first energy source configured to deliver a beam of energy to a subject to induce mechanical vibration of a desired region, a second energy source configured to deliver a second beam of energy into the desired region, and a receiver configured to receive echo signals from the desired region indicative of reflected energy from the second energy source. The system also includes a computer programmed to analyze at least one of amplitude, phase, and frequency of the vibration of the desired region indicated by the received echo signals, monitor the amplitude, phase, and/or frequency of the vibration in the desired region during application of the beam of energy, detect a change in the amplitude, phase, and/or frequency of the vibration in the desired region and, if the change exceeds a pre-determined size and rate, generate an alert.

Abstract: Methods for treating a network of organs including generating a map of at least a portion of the network of organs using a rendering system; selecting at least one treatment location within the luminal passageway of the network of organs; and applying an energy therapy to the treatment location to treat the smooth muscle tissue, where the energy therapy applied to the respective treatment location is defined by a plurality of parameters that are associated with a map. Such a system allows for historical or ideal treatment parameters to be identified, visually or otherwise to actual treatment locations. Also, control systems and methods for delivery of energy that may include control algorithms that prevent energy delivery if a fault is detected and may provide energy delivery to produce a substantially constant temperature at a delivery site. In some embodiments, the control systems and methods may be used to control the delivery of energy, such as radiofrequency energy, to body tissue, such as lung tissue.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of treating thermal burns, chemical burns, and other injuries by a bandage within which is activated an endothermic chemical reaction upon withdrawal of the bandage from a dispenser. The endothermic bandage thereby provides a cooling treatment effect for a burn or injury. The easily portable dispenser contains an endothermic bandage that can be cut or separated in varying size, dependent upon the size and extent of the burn or injury.

Abstract: A therapy system, device and method comprising a wrap adapted to be secured to the body surface of a user. The wrap further comprises at least one wire and a plug that is capable of removably coupling with an external cooling device. The external cooling device is coupled with the wrap by a cord and the plug to deliver a cooling effect to the body surface, thereby removing heat therefrom. When the therapy is complete, the wrap may be easily removed from the body surface through cutting or similar means, and is entirely disposable.

Abstract: Motion artifacts less electrode for bio-potential measurements and electrical stimulation is discussed under the present invention. Three different arrangements of the electrode are introduced. Further the electrode embodiments are generalized for reducing motion artifacts of any skin contact senor or an actuator embodiment. In addition a piggy backed daisy chained sensor nodes or actuator nodes cabling system is introduced to minimize the motion artifacts further. A PPG sensor is constructed according to the generalized sensor embodiment and this PPG sensor is used for constructing an ear wearable heart rate monitoring unit. Moreover an ear wearable EEG monitoring system based on piggy backed daisy chained sensor or actuator nodes and caballing arrangement is illustrated.

Abstract: This invention relates to devices for insertion into the mouth for the application of heat or cold to oral tissue to provide a therapeutic effect. The device 10 includes an upper member 11 substantially conforming to a contour of an upper gum line, a lower member 12 substantially conforming to a contour of a lower gum line, a first hinge member 13, and a second hinge member 14, wherein at least one hinge member 13, 14 is configured to exert a compressive force to maintain the upper member 11 substantially in contact with an upper gum and the lower member 12 substantially in contact with a lower gum.

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 gas vent valve assembly may be attached or incorporated to a disposable fluid transfer set used with a fluid warmer to administer an infusate to a patient. The gas vent valve assembly has a housing having a fluid inlet, a gas outlet and a fluid outlet. The gas outlet is located at the top of the housing while the fluid outlet is located at the bottom of the housing. The fluid inlet is located at a side lower portion of the housing. Inside the housing is an actuator float that has an upper seal and a lower seal. The dimension of the float relative to the chamber of the housing is such that the float is freely movable within the housing to an upper position whereby its upper seal closes the gas outlet while the fluid outlet is opened, and to a lower position whereby its lower seal closes the fluid outlet and the gas outlet is opened. The movement of the float is dependent on the respective amounts of air and fluid in the housing, and the buoyancy of the float relative to the fluid in the housing.

Abstract: System method and apparatus for accurately carrying out the in situ heating of a targeted tissue. Small implants are employed with the targeted tissue which exhibit an abrupt change of magnetic permeability at an elected Curie temperature. The permeability state of the implant is monitored utilizing a magnetometer. The implants may be formed as a setpoint temperature determining component combined with a non-magnetic heater component to enhance the tissue heating control of the system. With the system, a very accurate quantum of heat energy can be supplied to a neoplastic lesion or tissue carrying infectious disease so as to maximize the induction of heat shock proteins. The system also may be utilized in conjunction with non-magnetic arterially implanted stents for the hyperthermia therapy treatment of restenosis and in conjunction with the mending of boney tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing warming therapy is described. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a warming platform, a heating source, a controller, and a plurality sensors. The heating source comprises a plurality of heating elements forming a matrix, wherein each heating element is operable to heat a corresponding region of the warming platform. The controller is operatively coupled to the heating source for controlling the temperature in each region of the warming platform. The plurality of sensors are operatively coupled to the controller for sensing a physiological parameter of a patient (e.g., body temperature) residing on the warming platform, and providing one or more control signals to the controller for selectively controlling the heating elements.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating inflammatory disorders by administering low frequency ultrasound energy to decrease the inflammatory response. Exemplary inflammatory disorders are rheumatoid disorders including, but not limited to, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile arthritis, bursitis, gout, spondylitis, scleroderma, Still's disease, and vasculitis.

Abstract: Methods of increasing gas exchange performed by the lung by damaging lung cells, damaging tissue, causing trauma, and/or destroying airway smooth muscle tone with an apparatus inserted into an airway of the lung. The damaging of lung cells, damaging tissue, causing trauma, and destroying airway smooth muscle tone with the apparatus may be any one of or combinations of the following: heating the airway; cooling the airway; delivering a liquid to the airway; delivering a gas to the airway; puncturing the airway; tearing the airway; cutting the airway; applying ultrasound to the airway; and applying ionizing radiation to the airway.

Abstract: A heat exchange system for use in a garment, for example a protective garment, or temperature conditioning garment, comprising one or more internal channels for carrying heat exchange fluid and control means for controlling the flow of the heat exchange fluid through the internal channels, wherein the internal channels are defined within a pair of sheets of weldable material by virtue of a welding process.

Abstract: A focus card evokes a neurological response in a user to dampen the user's response to a negative stimulus. A focus card has a first face comprising visual graphics such as lenticular graphics, and a second face comprising indicia pertaining to the visual graphics. Indicia are configured for a target population, and can include novel questions, tasks or directions. A parent or other untrained individual can direct a patient as indicated by the indicia. A single focus card can have indicia for several target populations. A focus card can be used in combination with an analgesia means to further reduce a patient's pain response. By focusing the patient's attention with a focus card, behavior of the patient's anterior cingulate gyrus can be modified to reduce the patient's response to a pain-causing stimulus. It can also be used to reduce agitation, anxiety or distress outside of a medical environment.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for percutaneous energy delivery in an effective, manner using one or more probes. Additional variations of the system include array of probes configured to minimize the energy required to produce the desired effect.

Abstract: In a dynamic contrast temperature system including a thermocycling block and an organism zone multi-modules temperature applicator a method of spatiotemporal temperature-physiological optimizing includes modules structure arranging and modulating a module temperature action with a law, a range and a frequency providing a cooling phase and a heating phase of a “drop-shaped” form law so, that each two side by side disposed the modules form a temperature pair with a modulated binary temperature action gradient, and a modulation comparative phase provides a phase shift to a comparative phase of an independent periodic additional action process; and gradient-wave therapeutically optimized changing the modulation parameters in dependence on the changes of the organism physiological characteristics.

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

Abstract: A warming product (e.g., mask, glove, sock, etc.) configured to provide heat to the body part of a user is provided. The warming product contains a thermochromic composition that undergoes a color change at a certain temperature. The color change may signal to a user that the warming product is hot, thus providing an indication that the desired treatment is still functioning. Likewise, the color change may signal that the product is cool, thus providing an indication that the treatment is complete.

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: An apparatus and method for controlling a warming therapy device (e.g., incubator, warmer, etc.) is described. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a Graphical User Interlace (GUI) coupled to the warming therapy device for monitoring patient medical information, and for controlling various aspects of the warming therapy device accordingly.

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

Abstract: The invention provides a system for monitoring, analyzing and auto-feedback of health conditions. The system can analyze the conditions of a user by monitoring the distribution of fat, muscle activities, and changes of poses. The system can further suggest or instructs the user to do suitable exercise and adjust to correct poses or behaviors, to reduce the accumulation of fat and to avoid the withering of muscles. The system can also analyze the psychological conditions to provide better assistance of health. Furthermore, the system includes a sensor, a near-end monitoring center, and a distal-end monitoring center. The sensor can detect the physical and psychological conditions of the user, and transfer related information to the near-end monitoring center, which can monitor, analyze, and display the conditions and either send feedback or provide instructions to the user. Additionally, the user can interact with the distal-end monitoring center via the near-end monitoring center.

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: An apparatus and method that is effective for the treatment of skin itch and skin rash is disclosed. The apparatus is contained within a body which can be easily manipulated with one hand, and which is powered by a self-contained battery. Also contained within the body is a heating means, controlled by a thermostat, a temperature selector if the heating means if intended to provide multiple temperatures, and means to warn the user when the desired temperature is reached. In addition the apparatus includes means to apply the heat in a cyclical manner, in which the heat is repeatedly applied and removed, with a cycle time and pulse width in which is controlled by user by means of a control located on the body heater and some other elements that can ensure only one substantially unique temperature is used.

Abstract: A medical device embodied as a stretcher, body bag, or mattress is disclosed. The device includes water and a selectively breakable package. The selectively breakable package includes a chemical, such as ammonium nitrate, which when mixed with water will cause an endothermic reaction. In use, the package is broken in order to cause the water to cool. The cooled water absorbs heat from an injured person placed on the device, thereby minimizing inflammation that may occur from injuries sustained by the person.

Abstract: A temperature pack adapted to enclose an appendage, and method of forming such a temperature pack is provided. The temperature pack is a tubular pouch with an inner wall spaced apart from an outer wall. An opening extending through the tubular pouch, and the inner wall is twisted relative to the outer wall. The temperature pack is formed by rolling a tube onto itself such that the distal ends of the tube are aligned to each other. One distal end is then twisted with respect to the other so as to form a temperature pack having a mobious strip and only one seal. The temperature pack may be filled with a gelatinous solution capable of retaining heat or cold. Alternatively the temperature pack may be filled with particulate material separated from a liquid solvent wherein when the two are mixed an exothermic or endothermic reaction occurs.

Abstract: A system and method are provided that employ a monitoring device to monitor at least one patient physiological response to a change in temperature of the patient (e.g. pursuant to induced hypothermia therapy), wherein a monitoring signal is provided by the monitoring device. In turn, an output (e.g. a visual and/or auditory output) may be provided to a user indicative of at least one measure of patient response to the change in temperature. Alternatively or additionally, a processor may be provided to process the monitoring signal and provide an output employable by medical personnel to control a patient shivering response to the patient temperature change. Such information may comprise information regarding one or more anti-shivering medicament(s), e.g. corresponding dosage and/or frequency information for use by medical personnel in the administration of the anti-shivering medicament.

Abstract: Retrograde methods of accessing and treating collagenous pelvic tissue from a fixed point behind the endo-pelvic fascia, particularly from a space of retzius, are disclosed. Performing treatment from the space of retzius provides for simple and reliable placement and application of the system which in turn enhances both safety and efficacy of such retrograde methodologies. Generally, the systems of the present invention comprise at least a two-part assembly including a penetrating cannula or trocar and an expansible energy applying applicator that is preferably dismounted from behind the endo-pelvic fascia, particularly the space of retzius. The systems and methods are particularly well suited for the treatment of incontinence and other conditions related to insufficient collagenous pelvic tissue support.

Abstract: A removable component for a probe used to treat a patient's skin with a skin-treatment substance, include an attachment device having a plurality of holes for respectively accommodating a plurality of electrodes disposed on a head of the probe. It also includes at least one gauze pad disposed between the attachment device and the head of the probe. The attachment device is removably attached to the head of the probe.

Abstract: Methods and systems for noninvasive mastopexy through deep tissue tightening with ultrasound are provided. An exemplary method and system comprise a therapeutic ultrasound system configured for providing ultrasound treatment to a deep tissue region, such as a region comprising muscular fascia and ligaments. In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, a therapeutic ultrasound system can be configured to achieve depth from 1 mm to 4 cm with a conformal selective deposition of ultrasound energy without damaging an intervening tissue in the range of frequencies from 1 to 15 MHz. In addition, a therapeutic ultrasound can also be configured in combination with ultrasound imaging or imaging/monitoring capabilities, either separately configured with imaging, therapy and monitoring systems or any level of integration thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to devices for insertion into the mouth for the application of heat or cold to oral tissue to provide a therapeutic effect. The device 10 includes an upper member 11 substantially conforming to a contour of an upper gum line, a lower member 12 substantially conforming to a contour of a lower gum line, a first hinge member 13, and a second hinge member 14, wherein at least one hinge member 13, 14 is configured to exert a compressive force to maintain the upper member 11 substantially in contact with an upper gum and the lower member 12 substantially in contact with a lower gum.

Abstract: A tuckable electric warming blanket for patient warming and a method of using such a warming blanket. The blanket may be used to warm the lower body of the patient or other portion of the patient's body. The blanket may include one or more rigid stays that extend along the right and left sides of the blanket. The stays assist in fully tucking the blanket under the patient and reduce the potential for bunching up the heating element under the patient. The blanket may also include a flexible, unheated foot portion that is tuckable about the patient's feet.

Abstract: A patient temperature control system and method are provided for automated temperature control according to a programmed protocol. In one aspect, at least one programmed protocol may be established for each of a plurality of patient thermal therapy phases. In turn, the temperature of a thermal exchange medium may be controlled, based at least in part, upon the programmed protocol, during each of the phases. In another aspect, a plurality of programmed protocols may be established, wherein a selected one of the protocols (e.g. selected by a user at a user interface) may be utilized for automated temperature control during patient thermal therapy. The protocol(s) may include a target patient temperature and/or a set duration for one or more of the phase of thermal therapy. Further, the protocol(s) may be user-definable and modifiable during therapy.

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: A cooling or warming sheet includes a first fibrous layer; a first air-impermeable sheet layer; an aqueous gel layer; and a second air-impermeable sheet layer, wherein the first fibrous layer, the first air-impermeable sheet layer, the aqueous layer, and the second air-impermeable sheet layer are stacked in the order mentioned, wherein the aqueous gel layer is unexposed and has a jelly strength of 200 to 3,000 g when the jelly strength is determined under the following conditions: Measuring apparatus: Compression-type analyzer for determining physical properties; Atmospheric conditions for determination: 20 degrees Celsius, 65% Relative Humidity; Shape to be compressed and area: Circle having a diameter of 30 mm, 7.065 cm2; Quantity to be compressed (Amount of displacement): 2 mm; Compression rate: 1 mm/second; Size of test sample: 20 cm×30 cm×6 mm (width×length×thickness).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to using cryogenic compositions, which are non-toxic, non-flammable, and have desirable ozone depletion and global warming potential, for cooling heated skin during skin treatments with a skin treatment apparatus.