The present invention relates to a device for measuring, recording, and acting in response to changes in air pressures encountered through the lumen of a connected needle. The device signals when it has been powered and signals when the device recognizes both pressures and pressure change rates indicative of synovial cavity joint penetration, such as knee joint penetration. Synovial cavity pressures detected and acted upon may either be supra- (positive) or sub-atmospheric (negative). Internal light emitting diodes and a laptop connected display are demonstrated as signaling and communication mechanisms. Methods for delivering medicaments into human and animal intra-articular cavities or joints such as synovial cavities are provided. Furthermore, methods for facilitating the diagnoses of joint effusion also are provided.

A skin care device includes a receptacle that includes an outlet port and defines a chamber that extends from the outlet port to a sump, which is defined by an impermeable portion of the receptacle, and is disposed for receiving one end of a tube inserted through the outlet port. Wicking material is received over a permeable portion of the receptacle for location over a particular region of the skin. When a vacuum is applied at the sump, the particular region is cooled by evaporative cooling when the particular region is moist. The device includes at least one vent that is so disposed as to promote air flow and to prevent a vacuum from occurring at a portion of the skin adjacent where the wicking material is located while the vacuum is applied. The device can be used for wound care and to dispose wicking material within a skin fold.

An apparatus for applying negative pressure to a tissue site of a patient may include a tissue interface, a cover, an aperture in the cover, and a sealing member. The tissue interface may have an anatomical shape configured to cover the tissue site. The cover may be configured to cover the tissue interface. The aperture in the cover may be fluidly coupled to the tissue interface. The sealing member may be configured to seal the cover to the patient, wherein the cover and the sealing member are configured to cooperate to form a sealed chamber containing the tissue interface. The tissue interface may be coupled to a source of negative pressure, which can be delivered to the tissue interface for distribution to the tissue site. The source of negative pressure may be coupled to the cover of the apparatus.

An apparatus for applying negative pressure to a tissue site of a patient may include a tissue interface, a cover, an aperture in the cover, and a sealing member. The tissue interface may have an anatomical shape configured to cover the tissue site. The cover may be configured to cover the tissue interface. The aperture in the cover may be fluidly coupled to the tissue interface. The sealing member may be configured to seal the cover to the patient, wherein the cover and the sealing member are configured to cooperate to form a sealed chamber containing the tissue interface. The tissue interface may be coupled to a source of negative pressure, which can be delivered to the tissue interface for distribution to the tissue site. The source of negative pressure may be coupled to the cover of the apparatus.

A system and method are provided to monitor performance of an intraosseous device by using a supporting structure and an attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism releasably secures the supporting structure proximate an insertion site for the intraosseous device. The supporting structure includes an opening formed therein and sized to receive at least a portion of the intraosseous device. A sensor detects parameters associated with providing fluids and/or medications through the intraosseous device to the bone marrow. The attachment mechanism and the supporting structure cooperate with each other to minimize movement of the intraosseous device relative to the insertion site when the portion of the intraosseous device is disposed in the opening of the supporting structure.

A wound irrigation system and method of making and using. The system uses a pored, closed-ended delivery conduit to enhance the consistency and speed with which anti-microbial or related irrigation fluids may be delivered in order to promote cleansing, debridement and biofilm reduction in wounds. The ease of use of the system as a moist wound healing cascade makes it applicable to both in-home and in-facility environments that is not offered through traditional instillation negative pressure systems. In one form, the fluid delivery conduit is used as part of a dual-conduit approach in order to also help promote the removal of drainage, waste, irrigation overflow or other fluid from the wound. Utilization of such a pored, closed-ended delivery conduit in conjunction with a separate drainage conduit infusing helps reduce the frequency of dressing changes as well as the likelihood of microorganism formation and colonization.

A disposable basin for extremity procedures, irrigation and lavage in the operating room, treatment clinic or ward allows the extremity to rest comfortably, safely, and securely inside the basin, allowing the surgeon, physician, clinician, and or provider ease of access within a contained protective barrier. Contaminated fluid safely and efficiently drains into an integrated suction trough via the intrinsic design of the basin, resulting in decreased exposure to pathogens, containment of contamination, ease of execution and disposal, and cost savings.

A reduced-pressure treatment system for applying reduced pressure to a tissue site at a limited-access location on a patient includes a reduced-pressure source, a treatment manifold for placing proximate the tissue site and operable to distribute reduced pressure to the tissue site, and a sealing member for placing over the tissue site and operable to form a pneumatic seal over the tissue site. The reduced-pressure treatment system also includes a reduced-pressure bridge and a moisture-removing device on at least portion of the reduced-pressure bridge. The reduced-pressure bridge includes a delivery manifold operable to transfer the reduced pressure to the treatment manifold, an encapsulating envelope at least partially enclosing the delivery manifold and having a patient-facing side, and a reduced-pressure-interface site formed proximate one end of the reduced-pressure bridge.

Embodiments of systems and methods for monitoring use of an orthopedic device are at least disclosed. In some embodiments, the system can include an orthopedic device, a housing, and a controller. The orthopedic device can provide support to a limb of an individual. The orthopedic device can include a magnet configured to generate a magnetic field. The housing can attach to the individual, and the housing can support a magnetometer configured to generate a signal responsive to the magnetic field. The controller can determine from the signal whether the individual is using the orthopedic device to provide support to the limb and accordingly output usage indications.

A reduced-pressure treatment system for applying reduced pressure to a tissue site at a limited-access location on a patient includes a reduced-pressure source, a treatment manifold for placing proximate the tissue site and operable to distribute reduced pressure to the tissue site, and a sealing member for placing over the tissue site and operable to form a pneumatic seal over the tissue site. The reduced-pressure treatment system also includes a reduced-pressure bridge and a moisture-removing device on at least portion of the reduced-pressure bridge. The reduced-pressure bridge includes a delivery manifold operable to transfer the reduced pressure to the treatment manifold, an encapsulating envelope at least partially enclosing the delivery manifold and having a patient-facing side, and a reduced-pressure-interface site formed proximate one end of the reduced-pressure bridge.