The present invention provides, among other things, apparatus and methods of use for treating a subject in need of assistance with breathing. In some embodiments the subject suffers from airflow obstruction. In some embodiments, the subject suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

In embodiments, a CPR chest compression system includes a retention structure that can retain the patient's body, and a compression mechanism that can perform automatically CPR compressions and releases to the patient's chest. The compression mechanism can pause the performing of the CPR compressions for a short time, so that an attendant can check the patient. The CPR system can include a user interface that can output a human-perceptible check patient prompt, to alert an attendant to check the patient during the pause. The compression mechanism can during a CPR session retreat a distance away from the patient's chest whereby the patient's chest can expand without active decompression of the patient's chest beyond the chest's natural resting position.

A method includes disposing a plurality of actuators about a subject, each actuator being configured to generate a respective vibration signal, each vibration signal applying a normal force to the subject, and controlling the plurality of actuators such that the respective vibration signal of each actuator of the plurality has a respective vibration characteristic. Each actuator is oriented such that the respective vibration signal propagates along a longitudinal axis of the subject for stimulation of the subject remote from the plurality of actuators.

An adjustable knee ankle foot orthosis for unloading weight from a knee joint afflicted with osteoarthritis, thus reducing pain and improving mobility, comprising: an upper and lower frame connected by an unloading hinge assembly, optionally comprising a sensor and processor allowing for remote or automatic control of brace tension. In embodiments, the brace includes a user mechanism that is capable of adjusting a tensioning element while the brace is being worn. In other embodiments, electronic motors, sensors, and indicators may be included in the brace to improve brace performance and user interaction.

A method for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) includes elevating the heart of an individual to a first height relative to a lower body of the individual. The lower body may be in a substantially horizontal plane. The method may also include elevating the head of the individual to a second height relative to the lower body of the individual. The second height may be greater than the first height. The method may further include performing one or more of a type of CPR or a type of intrathoracic pressure regulation while elevating the heart and the head. The first height and the second height may be determined based on one or both of the type of CPR or the type of intrathoracic pressure regulation.

A massage applicator including a housing, a piston having a proximal end and a distal end, a motor within the housing operatively connected to the piston, wherein the motor is configured to cause the piston to reciprocate, an applicator controller configured to operate the motor, and an attachment head releasably coupled to the piston so as to be located at the distal end of the piston, the attachment head including at least one sensor configured to collect sensor data, wherein the applicator controller is configured to adjust operation of the motor based on the collected sensor data.

A portable automated life-saving system, comprising one or more sensors utilized for collecting data related to a patient's current medical condition and to transmit the collected data to a main computer; a main computer adapted with suitable hardware and software to process data, received from the one or more sensors, with respect to predefined medical conditions and corresponding life-saving treatment protocols, thereby to determine an initial life-saving treatment protocol to be delivered to the patient, and accordingly to operate a main controller configured to activates corresponding life-saving devices; a main controller adapted to be operated by the main computer, for controllably activating fastening means, and for controllably activating one or more life-saving devices for delivering life-saving treatment to the patient; two or more fastening means, controllably activated by the main controller for obtaining a firm attachment of the automated life-saving system to a patient; one or more life-saving devices controllably activated by the main controller for delivering life-saving treatment to the patient; one or more batteries. The portable automated life-saving system continuously monitors the evolving medical condition of a patient, and correspondingly adapts the given treatment, namely, the operation of the one or more life-saving devices.

Medical devices, plug-ins, systems, and methods for CPR quality feedback are disclosed. The medical devices can calculate peripheral circulation relevant parameters based on measured signals containing at least partial hemodynamic characteristics. Amplitude and area characteristics included in the peripheral circulation relevant parameters can further be determined for providing feedback and control relating to CPR quality during the compression process. Also, compression interruption during CPR can be evaluated based on a pulse waveform generated from the measured signals.

A system and method for promoting angiogenesis and adipogenesis in soft tissue using a tissue enlargement apparatus. The tissue enlargement apparatus includes an interface configured for affixation to the soft tissue. A force generating device is coupled to the interface by a connecting tube for applying mechanical forces to the soft tissue. A processor is coupled to the force generating device and is configured to apply intermittent cyclical patterns of the mechanical forces to the soft tissue to promote angiogenesis and adipogenesis in soft tissue. The intermittent cyclical patterns are based on at least one of duration, frequency, and intensity of the mechanical forces.

A compression garment having one or more flex frames that can be shortened or lengthened to apply or release a compressive force to the limb or other anatomical feature of a user. The compression garment can have a wire made of shape memory material (shape memory alloy). A controller of the compression garment can supply an electrical input to the wire, generating heat that can cause the wire to contract such that the flex frame deflects to a shorter length to apply a compressive force to the limb or other anatomical feature of the user. The one or more flex frames can be contracted in unison or in sequence to direct the flow of bodily fluids in the limb or other anatomical feature of the user.