Skin compression devices are disclosed that are formed of a shape memory material and that have multiple tensioning members. Disposal of one or more skin compression devices on the skin of a subject increases the temperature of the shape memory material and causes the tensioning members to bend inward, thereby compressing the area of skin disposed between the tensioning members; this compression shields the compressed skin from tensile loading. Methods of production and use of the skin compression devices are also disclosed.

A protective device configured in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a cover including a first region that extends over a vulnerable site on a patient and a second region that extends over an area on the patient peripheral to the vulnerable site. The first region of the cover is at least generally impermeable to liquid water. The device further includes an adhesive film and a liquid-absorbing element. The adhesive film is configured to form an adhesive bond between the second region of the cover and the patient. The bond has an inner edge portion positioned toward the vulnerable site and an outer edge portion positioned away from the vulnerable site. The liquid-absorbing element is configured to absorb liquid contamination at the outer edge portion of the bond and/or liquid contamination approaching the outer edge portion of the bond when the cover is operably positioned on the patient.

A wound care accessory device providing pre-cut tape and an infection control barrier includes a sheet that comprises a first section and a second section. The sheet is substantially rectangularly shaped. A plurality of tape strips is disposed on and peelable from the second section of the sheet. The sheet is configured for placement proximate to a wound that requires care. The sheet provides a barrier to control infection. The first section is configured for placement of accessories used in caring for the wound. The tape strips are positioned on the second section of the sheet. The strips are configured for peeling by the user from the sheet to be used in caring for the wound.

A method for inhibiting fungal and bacterial infections of the foot enables a foot to be covered with a flexible, waterproof sheath while an upper region of the body is being washed. The sheath is donned on the foot before the upper region of the body is washed, so as to protect against carriers of the fungal contaminants, such as liquids, debris, and soap that flow towards the foot. The sheath is sufficiently sized and dimensioned, so as to snugly encapsulate the foot, and thereby inhibit moisture, soap, fungus, and bacterium that originate at the upper regions of the body from engaging the foot, anywhere from the ankle to the toes. The method enables the entirety of the foot to be covered with the sheath through a simple tugging motion. After washing the upper region of the body, the sheath is urged off the foot, and the foot is washed independently.

A device for protecting an umbilical stump-catheter interface, includes: a shield having a wall that defines a cavity for accommodating an umbilical stump, wherein the shield further includes a base for attachment to a patient; and an opening at the shield for allowing an umbilical catheter to extend therethrough. A method for protecting an umbilical stump-catheter interface, includes: providing a device having a shield with a wall that defines a cavity for accommodating an umbilical stump, wherein the shield further includes a base for attachment to a patient, and wherein the device further includes an opening at the shield; shielding the umbilical stump from an environment using the shield; and accommodating an umbilical catheter using the opening at the shield.

A wound treatment apparatus is provided for treating tissue damage, which comprises a fluid impermeable wound cover sealed over a site for purposes of applying a reduced pressure to the site. The apparatus also can include a cover with protrusions on its surface for purposes of monitoring pressure at the site. One or more sensors can be positioned under the cover to provide feedback to a suction pump controller. The apparatus can have a miniature and portable vacuum source connected to the wound cover.

This present patent application relates to a waterproof post-operative carpal tunnel surgery glove structured to be worn by an individual after experiencing a carpal tunnel surgery. The glove prevents a bandage and surgical stitches from getting wet for an extended period of time up to the point of the stitches being removed. The glove can be easily worn by sliding the glove over the fingers, palm, and wrist. The glove can be secured via a hook and loop fastener strap on the wrist area to conform to a wear's arm. A wearer can also adjust the fit of the glove to comfortably accommodate the hand using the hook and loop fastener strap. The glove keeps the bandage dry at all times and maximizes protection against water and cross-contamination of the bandage while hand washing, showering and the like.

A dressing assembly for providing a warning to a patient or caregiver that the patient needs attention. The dressing assembly is adapted to be applied to or near a surface of the patient's body and generate electrical outputs corresponding to soft tissue pressure and other health characteristics sensed at the surface. The dressing assembly includes a pocket formed therein for removable, secured and protected insertion of a variety of different sensors such as multiple pressure sensors.

A protecting element for wounds includes a rigid or semi-rigid substantially concave covering portion adapted to be anchored so as to face a wound and to be spaced therefrom, and anchoring members of the covering portion adapted to be anchored to the skin surrounding the wound to be protected. In particular, the anchoring members include at least one pair of movable fins that are independent from each other and are rotatably coupled to the covering portion.

A medical cast protective structure apparatus and methods are used to protect against unsanitary contamination of a medical cast. A medical cast has a hardened exterior layer and a plush interior layer. A water-resistant fabric cover has a substantially cylindrical shape and is positioned over at least a portion of an exterior of the medical cast and a terminating end of the medical cast. An annular pocket is formed in a first end of the fabric cover, wherein the first end of the fabric cover is positioned abutting the plush interior layer of the medical cast. A biasable clip is positioned within the annular pocket, wherein the biasable clip is movable between collapsed and expanded states, wherein in the expanded state, the annular pocket with biasable clip therein contacts the plush interior layer of the medical cast and is retained in a substantially stationary position relative to the medical cast.