Abstract:
A prosthetic liner, prosthesis socket or orthosis with a base body, which has a volume through which gas can flow and which comprises at least one supply line and at least one evacuation line, wherein at least one compressed gas source, which is connected or can be connected to the at least one supply line such that an activation of an activation element causes compressed gas to flow out of the compressed gas source through the volume and at least partially cools the base body.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for affecting metabolism, such as the treatment of metabolic syndrome are disclosed. A method for treating metabolic syndrome can include one or more of the steps including identifying a region of the patient comprising glabrous tissue; positioning the region of the patient comprising glabrous tissue into an enclosed chamber; adjusting the relative humidity of the enclosed chamber sufficient to create a physiologic metabolic effect; and activating a convection fan within the chamber to promote heat transfer from the glabrous tissue. The method need not involve altering the temperature within the enclosed chamber.
Abstract:
A passive neonatal transport incubator (PNTI), useful for thermo-regulating a neonate, comprising an inner volume configured by means of size and shape to accommodate the neonate, the inner volume is defined by an envelope having a main longitudinal axis with a proximal end and an opposite distal end, having the envelope is at least partially perforated. Further the PNTI is configured to be ventilated by an independently ventilated medical device, and is configured by means of size, shape and material to allow the neonate be examined by the medical device.
Abstract:
A noise-attenuating neonate incubator (NANI) comprising sound attenuating module (SAM) configured to decrease the ratio, (AmpRatt_i), of the sound's amplitude at a time, t_i, to a reference amplitude, to a critical amplitude ratio value of said sound measured over a predetermined time, At, (AmpRQVΔt) or less. The SAM comprises passive noise attenuating, active noise attenuating or both. A method for sound attenuating a neonate incubator, characterized by: (a) obtaining a noise-attenuating neonate incubator (NANI) comprising sound attenuating module (SAM) configured to decrease AmpRatt_i to AmpRQVΔt or less; (b) accommodating said neonate in said NANI; and, (c) attenuating said noise by said at least one SAM, thereby changing the sound signature.
Abstract:
A method for controlling performance of an MCM capable support surface having a flowpath for guiding a stream of air along at least a portion of the surface, comprises specifying a desired evaporative rate greater than an evaporative rate achievable with unconditioned ambient air, chilling the unconditioned ambient air to a temperature at least as low as that required to achieve 100% relative humidity, thereby demoisturizing the air, and supplying the chilled, demoisturized air to the flowpath. The method may also include the step of heating the chilled, demoisturized air prior to step of supplying it to the flowpath. A system for carrying out the method includes a microclimate management (MCM) capable support surface 22, a chiller 60 for cooling air to be delivered to the MCM capable surface, a user interface 42 for receiving instructions concerning desired microclimate management performance, and a controller 50, responsive to the instructions, for operating the chiller.
Abstract:
A method for controlling performance of an MCM capable support surface having a flowpath for guiding a stream of air along at least a portion of the surface, comprises specifying a desired evaporative rate greater than an evaporative rate achievable with unconditioned ambient air, chilling the unconditioned ambient air to a temperature at least as low as that required to achieve 100% relative humidity, thereby demoisturizing the air, and supplying the chilled, demoisturized air to the flowpath. The method may also include the step of heating the chilled, demoisturized air prior to step of supplying it to the flowpath. A system for carrying out the method includes a microclimate management (MCM) capable support surface 22, a chiller 60 for cooling air to be delivered to the MCM capable surface, a user interface 42 for receiving instructions concerning desired microclimate management performance, and a controller 50, responsive to the instructions, for operating the chiller.
Abstract:
An apparatus (1) for assisting cardiopulmonary resuscitation by applying compression to the chest of a patient to stimulate blood circulation. The apparatus (1) comprises a pressurized gas container (70), preferably storing a gas in liquid form, a turbine (90), an electrical power generator (91) and a defibrillator (80). The turbine is actuated by the pressurized gas and adapted for powering the electric power generator (91), and the electric power generator (91) is adapted for energizing the defibrillator (80). The apparatus may further comprise a pneumatic compressor assembly (10) operably connected to the pressurized gas container (70).
Abstract:
A closed-loop system for cryosurgery includes a cryofluid at cryogenic temperatures flowing through a closed-loop flow path. A pump, configured for operating at cryogenic temperatures, circulates the cryofluid in the closed-loop flow path. The closed-loop flow path includes a heat exchanger coupled to a heat sink configured for cooling the cryofluid in the closed-loop flow path to cryogenic temperatures. The closed-loop system includes one or more cryoneedles configured for providing cryotherapy, and one or more flow control devices, wherein each flow control device is configured for operating at cryogenic temperature and for selectively flow connecting or flow disconnecting at least one of the cryoneedles to the closed-loop flow path.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for lowering the body temperature of a patient or inducing hypothermia are generally described. In certain embodiments, the core body temperature of a patient can be lowered by using a heat exchanger. In certain embodiments, the heat exchanger of configured to facilitate transfer of heat from an intubation gas to a cooling fluid prior to delivering the intubation gas to the patient (e.g., to the patient's lungs).
Abstract:
Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for cooling tissue, and in particular for applying therapeutic hypothermia to the spinal canal, tissue disposed within the spinal canal, and nerve roots extending from the spinal canal. Bone screws, intervertebral implants, stabilization rods, spinous process spacers, and other devices are described which define a chamber through which a chilled fluid, expandable gas, or other coolant means can be circulated, delivered, or activated to cool adjacent tissue. The degree of cooling can be regulated using a controller, which can be configured to increase or decrease the cooling effect based on any of a variety of measured or predicted physiological or thermodynamic properties. Methods are disclosed for implanting cooling instruments and for carrying out various treatment regimens that involve cooling tissue using such instruments.