An electronically controllable pillow is thermally regulated. At least one temperature sensor is configured to communicate temperature measurements. Temperature measurements comprise the internal temperature of a pillow. Temperature measurements are communicated to a processing unit. At least one presence sensor is configured to communicate presence measurements. Presence measurements are configured to indicate the presence of a user employing a pillow. Presence measurements are communicated to a processing unit. At least one transceiver is connected to a processing unit. A transceiver is configured to communicate with at least one remote device. At least one thermal element is activated, based at least in part on, temperature measurements and presence measurements over at least one period of time.

A process for recovering one or more blastocysts from a uterus of a human is disclose which comprises placing a device transvaginally into a cervical canal of the patient; delivering fluid through the device to the uterus and applying a vacuum to the uterus to aspirate fluid and entrained one or more blastocysts from the uterus; and causing a disruption of to the uterus and/or to one or more embryos remaining in the uterus following removal of one or more blastocysts from the uterus to reduce the chance that any such retained embryos remaining in the uterus will form a viable pregnancy, wherein the causing a disruption comprises one or more of the following: inducing a mechanical disruption of the uterus, delivering a hormonal agent to the uterus, delivering a chemical agent to the uterus, inducing a thermal disruption of the uterus, or using ultrasound or radiofrequency energy to induce said disruption. Kits and uterine lavage systems are further provided for performing the processes described in the invention.

The invention relates to a forced air warming blanket for regulating a temperature of a patient, the blanket having a patient drape detachably connected thereto.

A method of promoting a desired oral microbiota to treat an inflammation condition related to an allergic reaction in a subject in need of such treatment including providing a preformulated edible composition including an amino acid containing ingredient comprising L-arginine, the composition configured to be present as individual molecules of L-arginine within an oral cavity of the subject; removing a biofilm from surfaces within an oral cavity including exposing the biofilm to a biofilm degrading enzyme; wherein during or following removal of the biofilm, the composition is provided contained and at least partially dissolved within an oral cavity of the subject for a period of at least from about 30 seconds to about an hour on a daily basis comprising at least one day to promote an increased concentration of selected oral microbiota, the selected microbiota including Veillonella and Streptococcus.

An apparatus providing heat for treatment of an eyelid includes a heater unit configured to apply heat directly to an outer surface of the eyelid when an electrical signal is applied to the heater unit. The heater unit is affixed directly to the outer surface of the eyelid using an adhesive. A temperature regulator applies the electrical signal to the heater unit in order to achieve heating of the outer surface of the eyelid to a specified temperature range. A method is also disclosed that comprises affixing a heater unit directly into contact with the outer surface of the eyelid using an the adhesive. A control signal is applied to the heater unit to generate heat to the outer surface of the eyelid and is maintained for a period of time until the outer surface of the eyelid is heated to a specified temperature range.

Methods and devices are disclosed herein that generally involve applying thermal therapy to tissue (e.g., localized cooling or heating of tissue), and in particular applying thermal therapy to the spinal canal, tissue disposed within the spinal canal, and/or nerve roots extending from the spinal canal. In some embodiments, tissue can be cooled or heated by implanting a malleable or deformable thermal device in proximity to the targeted tissue. The thermal device can be left in place following surgery to facilitate application of post-surgical thermal therapy. In some embodiments, the thermal device can be removed post-surgery in a minimally- or non-invasive manner. The thermal device can be connectionless or can include penetrable regions, pre-attached tubing, or detachable connectors to facilitate application of cooling or heating means to the device. Methods are disclosed for utilizing thermal devices and for carrying out various treatment regimens that involve cooling or heating tissue using such devices.

A fluid infusion system includes an air pump connected to an accumulator tank to produce pressurized air that is stored in the accumulator tank. The system can include one or more fluid bag chambers wherein each fluid bag chamber includes an inflatable bladder positioned inside the fluid bag chamber to apply pressure on the fluid bag supported inside the chamber. The fluid bag can be connected by a tube set to deliver fluid from the fluid bag to a surgical tool at a surgical site. The fluid can, for example, be irrigation fluid or distention fluid. The system can include a controller connected to the pump to control the pump to produce the pressurized air and an adjustable pressure regulator can be connected between the accumulator tank and the inflatable bladder to control the pressure of air delivered to the inflatable bladder and the pressure that the fluid is delivered to the surgical tool. A pressure sensor can be connected between the adjustable pressure regulator and the inflatable bladder to measure the air pressure delivered to the inflatable bladder and send the air pressure measurements to the controller. The controller can configure the system display to show the air pressure measured by the pressure sensor.

A cooling apparatus and a cooling method are proposed. The cooling device may spray a coolant received from a coolant reservoir toward a target region to cool the target region. The cooling device may include a spraying unit from which the coolant is sprayed, a valve configured to regulate a flow of the coolant, and a control unit configured to control opening and closing of the valve. When cooling starts. the control unit may control a first cooling mode in which a temperature of the target region is decreased and a second cooling mode in which the temperature of the target region is maintained in a predetermined temperature range to be sequentially performed.

The invention provides a device for controlling the temperature of liquids delivered to the skin during cosmetic, diagnostic, or curative procedures. The invention further provides procedures for treating the skin, including an efficient procedure for removing pigments or tattoos, employing a liquid delivered to the skin with precisely controlled temperature and flowrate.

Presented herein are various systems, methods, and apparatuses for heating infusate by an induction heater e.g., an electromagnetic heater, and storing thermal energy in a reservoir of thusly heated infusate. In certain embodiments, a system includes a reservoir for containing an infusate, a fluid heater, a diversion valve, a patient line, and a recirculation line.