The present invention provides a method and device for visualizing and treating an injury, wound or skin, using a visual tourniquet and skin bandage system made of transparent materials. The inventive bandage system is capable of applying pressure while absorbing bodily fluids away from the wound or skin and providing support for the application of one or more medicaments or a combination of treatment gas and/or medicine. The inventive bandage system enables the practitioner to visually inspect and measure the size of the wound over time without removing or touching the bandage or tourniquet thereby reducing pain and contamination of the wound bed. One embodiment of the inventive bandage system continuously controls the wound bed temperature thereby reducing pain and inhibiting bacterial growth. Other embodiments of the inventive bandage system are used as a visual tourniquet to apply a combination of pressures to a wound or skin injury.

The present invention provides a method and device for visualizing and treating an injury, wound or skin, using a visual tourniquet and skin bandage system made of transparent materials. The inventive bandage system is capable of applying pressure while absorbing bodily fluids away from the wound or skin and providing support for the application of one or more medicaments or a combination of treatment gas and/or medicine. The inventive bandage system enables the practitioner to visually inspect and measure the size of the wound over time without removing or touching the bandage or tourniquet thereby reducing pain and contamination of the wound bed. One embodiment of the inventive bandage system continuously controls the wound bed temperature thereby reducing pain and inhibiting bacterial growth. Other embodiments of the inventive bandage system are used as a visual tourniquet to apply a combination of pressures to a wound or skin injury.

A swallow exerciser device that exercises and thereby strengthens the muscles involved in swallowing includes a rigid shell, an adjustable fastener, and an inflatable pad. The rigid shell has a longitudinal dimension such that the shell extends above and below the larynx of the subject when the swallow exerciser device is positioned over the larynx of the subject. The adjustable fastener is dimensioned to secure the shell around a neck of the subject with the shell positioned over the larynx of the subject. The inflatable pad is connected to a proximal surface of the shell. The inflatable pad is dimensioned to apply resistance to force of at least one swallowing muscle of the subject when the shell positioned over the larynx of the subject and when the inflatable pad is in an inflated position. The swallow exerciser device can be used in a method for improving swallowing function in a subject.

A swallow exerciser device that exercises and thereby strengthens the muscles involved in swallowing includes a rigid shell, an adjustable fastener, and an inflatable pad. The rigid shell has a longitudinal dimension such that the shell extends above and below the larynx of the subject when the swallow exerciser device is positioned over the larynx of the subject. The adjustable fastener is dimensioned to secure the shell around a neck of the subject with the shell positioned over the larynx of the subject. The inflatable pad is connected to a proximal surface of the shell. The inflatable pad is dimensioned to apply resistance to force of at least one swallowing muscle of the subject when the shell positioned over the larynx of the subject and when the inflatable pad is in an inflated position. The swallow exerciser device can be used in a method for improving swallowing function in a subject.

The present application discloses a hemostatic device comprising a flexible, adjustable closure device that is adapted to fit the lower leg and foot of patients having a range of anatomical differences in leg and foot shape and size, the hemostatic device further comprising at least one compression element that is adapted to apply targeted pressure to a surgical vascular access site located on the patient's lower leg or foot. In some embodiments, the compression element is moveable such that it may be used to apply pressure to a select one of common arterial access points located on the lower leg or foot.

The present application discloses a hemostatic device comprising a flexible, adjustable closure device that is adapted to fit the lower leg and foot of patients having a range of anatomical differences in leg and foot shape and size, the hemostatic device further comprising at least one compression element that is adapted to apply targeted pressure to a surgical vascular access site located on the patient's lower leg or foot. In some embodiments, the compression element is moveable such that it may be used to apply pressure to a select one of common arterial access points located on the lower leg or foot.

A device that holds a radial sheath, catheter or similar structure in place during surgical procedures. The device has a strap configured to fit around a patient's wrist and a two-part section that includes a sheath holder or clamp. The clamp is configured to accept a free end of the sheath or other device and to allow the physician access to the open end of that sheath so that they can insert instruments through it. The second section contains a compression device that, when positioned over the puncture site, can be expanded such that it provides pressure and patent hemostasis to the site to stop bleeding. Adhesive surfaces with peel away releasable liners on one or more surfaces of the device allow the flap featuring the compression balloon to be folded over onto the flap containing the sheath clamp and hold it in place.

A device that holds a radial sheath, catheter or similar structure in place during surgical procedures. The device has a strap configured to fit around a patient's wrist and a two-part section that includes a sheath holder or clamp. The clamp is configured to accept a free end of the sheath or other device and to allow the physician access to the open end of that sheath so that they can insert instruments through it. The second section contains a compression device that, when positioned over the puncture site, can be expanded such that it provides pressure and patent hemostasis to the site to stop bleeding. Adhesive surfaces with peel away releasable liners on one or more surfaces of the device allow the flap featuring the compression balloon to be folded over onto the flap containing the sheath clamp and hold it in place.

A surgical stapler including an anvil, a staple cartridge, and a buttress material removably retained to the anvil and/or staple cartridge. In various embodiments, the staple cartridge can include at least one staple removably stored therein which can, when deployed, or fired, therefrom, contact the buttress material and remove the buttress material from the anvil and/or staple cartridge. In at least one embodiment, the anvil can include at least one lip and/or groove configured to removably retain the buttress material to the anvil until deformable members extending from the surgical staple are bent by the anvil and are directed toward and contact the buttress material.

A surgical stapler including an anvil, a staple cartridge, and a buttress material removably retained to the anvil and/or staple cartridge. In various embodiments, the staple cartridge can include at least one staple removably stored therein which can, when deployed, or fired, therefrom, contact the buttress material and remove the buttress material from the anvil and/or staple cartridge. In at least one embodiment, the anvil can include at least one lip and/or groove configured to removably retain the buttress material to the anvil until deformable members extending from the surgical staple are bent by the anvil and are directed toward and contact the buttress material.