Some embodiments relate to compositions for active compression devices and related methods. In some embodiments, a composition for an active compression device comprises an electro-active polymer film. In some embodiments, the electro-active polymer film comprises at least one polymer and at least one additive.

A chest compression device with a chest compression belt assembly including guards and sensors operable with a control system to control operation of the system depending on detection of proper installation of the guards.

A system and method for determining CPR induced chest compression depth using two sensors while accounting for different orientations of the two sensors.

Systems, devices and methods for providing active and/or passive compression therapy to a body part can include a compression device worn over a compression stocking. The compression device can have a pulley based drive train that is driven by a motor to tighten and loosen compression elements, such as compression straps, in a precise, rapid, and balanced manner. Sensors can be used in the compression device and/or compression stockings to provide feedback to modulate the compression treatment parameters.

Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a garment system including at least one muscle or at least one joint activity sensor, and at least one actuator that operates responsive to sensing feedback from the at least one muscle or the at least one joint activity sensor to cause a flexible compression garment to selectively compress against or selectively relieve compression against at least one body part of a subject. Embodiments disclosed herein also relate to methods of using such garment systems.

A wearable massage and/or compression device for applying controllable scrolling or intermittent sequential forces, such as compression forces, to the body and limbs of a user comprises one or more shape-memory wires integrated into an article of clothing and configured to apply a compression pressure to the limb through the fabric body upon changing shape in response to a stimulus, a pre-tensioning apparatus in the form of a bungee cord associated with each shape memory wire, and a micro-processor based controller for selectively actuating the one or more shape memory wire to reduce the length of the shape memory wire to thereby apply pressure to the wearer's body.

A system applies cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to a recipient. An automated controller is provided together with a compression device which periodically applies a force to a recipient's thorax under control of the automated controller. A band is adapted to be placed around a portion of the torso of the recipient corresponding to the recipient's thorax. A driver mechanism shortens and lengthens the circumference of the band. By shortening the circumference of the band, radial forces are created acting on at least lateral and anterior portions of the thorax. A translating mechanism may be. provided for translating the radial forces to increase the concentration of anterior radial forces acting on the anterior portion of the thorax. The driver mechanism may comprise a tension device for applying a circumference tensile force to the band. The driver mechanism may comprise an electric motor, a pneumatic linear actuator, or a contracting mechanism defining certain portions of the circumference of the band. The contracting mechanism may comprise plural fluid-receiving cells linked together along the circumference of the band. The width of each of the fluid-receiving cells becomes smaller as each cell is filled with a fluid. This causes the contraction of the band and a resulting shortening of the circumference of the band.

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.

Devices and methods for performing CPR on a patient within an imaging field of an imaging device. The device has a compression belt and a belt tensioning mechanism, both located on or in the device such that the head, neck, thorax and abdomen of the patient may be place within the imaging field with the compression belt installed about the patient and the belt tensioning mechanism will be located outside of the imaging field.

An apparatus 40 for enhancing venous blood flow through a limb of a subject includes a detachable compression sleeve 41 extendable around the subject's limb and having a plurality of compressors 43-48 situated next to one another along the sleeve 41. In use, the compressors 43-48 substantially encircle the limb and compress the limb in a continuous cyclical compression sequence to move blood within the limb from the distal end of the sleeve 41 to the proximal end to replicate venous blood flow and to prevent backflow. In particular, as a said first compressor begins to compress the limb, a said second compressor preceding the first compressor in sequence already compresses the limb and continues to compress the limb at least until the first compressor compresses the limb to substantially the same extent as the second compressor, and a said third compressor which precedes the second compressor in sequence ceases to compress the limb.