An external medical device includes a fluid inlet, an inlet valve in fluid communication with the fluid inlet to control fluid flow through the fluid inlet in response to fluid inlet control signals, a fluid outlet in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir, a fluid pump configured to deliver a therapeutic fluid from the fluid reservoir through the fluid outlet in response to fluid outlet control signals, a fluid sensor configured to monitor the therapeutic fluid between the fluid pump and the fluid outlet and further configured to output sensor data corresponding to a monitored condition of the therapeutic fluid, and a control module configured to receive the sensor data and output, based on the sensor data, the fluid inlet control signals to the inlet valve and the fluid outlet control signals to the fluid pump.

Provided herein is an injectable composition including, in some embodiments, a soft-tissue augmenting agent and a vehicle for the soft-tissue augmenting agent formulated for augmenting one or more soft tissues of a human or animal. Also provided herein is a soft-tissue augmenting kit including, in some embodiments, a syringe and the injectable composition formulated for augmenting one or more soft tissues of a human or animal. Also provided herein is a method for augmenting one or more soft tissues of a human or animal including, in some embodiments, injecting the injectable composition into the one or more soft tissues of the human or animal.

The invention comprises an apparatus and a method for aiding function of a heart, comprising the steps of: (1) sensing a pulse; (2) providing a blood flow assist device, comprising: a first electroactive polymer sleeve segment circumferentially positioned about a portion of a first body part and a second electroactive polymer sleeve segment circumferentially positioned about a segment of a second body part; (3) sequentially constricting, timed to the pulse, the first electroactive polymer sleeve segment and the second electroactive polymer sleeve segment to aid the heart in circulation of blood; and (4) repeating the step of sensing the pulse and the step of constricting.

In a configuration in which a holder holding a controller is mounted on a seat part with a plate-shaped member, the exposure of the mounting part of the plate-shaped member on which the holder is mounted is eliminated. A seat device includes a pressure sensor measuring a value relating to the seated person's state a vibration imparting device performing a vibration imparting operation, an ECU controlling the vibration imparting device corresponding to the measurement result of the pressure sensor, a holder holding the ECU, and a mounting bracket fixed to a lower frame such that the holder is mounted on the lower frame of a seat part. The mounting bracket includes a mounting projection on which a side wall of the holder is mounted in a predetermined mounting direction. When the side wall is mounted on the mounting projection, the mounting projection is covered with the side wall.

A treatment application garment, such as a glove or a sock, is disclosed. The garment allows for various treatments directed toward the fingers and toes, such as the fingernails and toenails. For example, each digit of the garment may contain an absorbent pad containing acetone. The hand or foot is inserted into the garment such that the nail is positioned below the absorbent pad containing the acetone, allowing the acetone to be constantly applied to the nail to remove polish therefrom. After the treatment is complete, the glove may be removed and the open end thereof tied off, thereby containing the acetone and the smell thereof within the glove. Other features and treatments are also disclosed.

Provided herein are methods for treating nail infections, in particular fungal nail infections, comprising applying a drug delivery system comprising a desiccant such as silica gel to an external surface of the infected nail.

A system for irrigating a patient's skin. The system includes a fluid container that includes a first compartment and a second compartment, the first compartment being adapted to retain a first fluid on a first side of a divider and the second compartment being adapted to retain a second fluid on a second side of the divider. The system also includes an irrigation sleeve adapted cover a portion of the patient's skin. The system also includes a fluid charging portion adapted to receive a portion of the first fluid and a portion of the second fluid, wherein the portion of the first fluid reacts with the portion of the second fluid to form a charged compound in the fluid charging portion. The system also includes a compound delivery portion that extends at a first end of the compound delivery portion from the fluid charging portion, the compound delivery portion being adapted to deliver the charged compound from the fluid charging portion to the irrigation sleeve.

A method of treating plantar fasciitis or chronic heel spur syndrome includes inserting a first needle having a distal tip into a plantar aspect of a foot and advancing the distal tip to a location where a plantar fascia originates, and inserting a second needle having a distal tip into a medial aspect of the foot and advancing the distal tip of the second needle to the location where the plantar fascia originates. Medical imaging confirms that the distal tips of the first and second needles are located where the plantar fascia originates. After medical imaging, the second needle is removed from the foot, and a third needle having a sharpened distal tip is inserted into a medial opening formed by the second needle. The sharpened distal tip of the third needle is advanced through the medial opening to the location where the plantar fascia originates. Medical imaging confirms the location of the sharpened distal tip of the third needle. The sharpened distal tip of the third needle is used to cut the plantar fascia. After cutting the plantar fascia, the third needle is removed from the foot. A fourth needle coupled with a syringe containing a growth factor is inserted into the medial opening in the foot, and a distal tip of the fourth needle is advanced to the location where the plantar fascia originates. Medical imaging confirms the location of the distal tip of the fourth needle. The syringe coupled with the fourth needle is engaged for injecting the growth factor into the plantar fascia.

An implantable externally driven fluid delivery system for localized delivery of medical agents and drugs, such as antibiotics, may be provided herein. The fluid delivery system includes a housing that incorporates a filling septum connected to a flexible internal reservoir. The reservoir is connected to a miniature diaphragm pump with coupled magnetic components. The entire fluid delivery system is implantable into a body cavity or surgically formed location that provides for local medical agent delivery. The reservoir is filled via percutaneous injection through the skin into the septum. Fluid delivery is achieved through proximity of the external controller that generates an oscillating or reversing magnetic field suitable to actuate the pump's diaphragm resulting in controlled fluid flow. Once local drug delivery treatment is complete, the controller can be discarded.

Provided herein are methods for treating nail infections, in particular fungal nail infections, comprising applying a drug delivery system comprising a desiccant such as silica gel to an external surface of the infected nail.