98 results about "Spinal injury" patented technology

Systems and methods are disclosed to stimulate spine tissue to treat medical conditions such as pain and spinal injury. The invention uses electrical stimulation of the spine, where vibrational energy from a source is received by an implanted device and converted to electrical energy and the converted electrical energy is used by implanted electrodes to stimulate the pre-determined brain site. The vibrational energy is generated by a controller-transmitter, which could be located either externally or implanted. The vibrational energy is received by a receiver-stimulator, which could be located in the various regions on around the spine. The implantable receiver-stimulator stimulates different locations in the spine region to provide therapeutic benefit.

A therapeutic agent for spinal cord injury, a modulator of differentiation of neural stem cells and an inhibitor of differentiation into glia cells comprising an interleukin-6 antagonist as an active ingredient.

The instant invention discloses novel methods of treating vertebrae, intervertebral discs, and facet joints by administering to these areas or to the implants in these areas a flowable composition comprising an organic material capable of being cured or polymerized in vivo.

The invention relates to a mass balancing device and method for a lower limb rehabilitation training patient. The balancing device comprises a reduced gravity generating mechanism, a bracket, an electric winch, a steel wire rope, a pulley wheel, a force sensor, a suspender, a running machine and a control system. When a reduced gravity walking training is carried out, the patient wears the suspender to stand on the running machine; the suspender is connected to the steel wire rope through the pulley wheel and two ends of the steel wire rope are respectively mounted on the reduced gravity generating mechanism and the electric winch; and the size of the actual reduced gravity detected by the force sensor is fed back to the control system to realize closed-ring control. Aiming to the patient of lower limb motor dysfunction caused by central nervous system diseases including spinal injuries, brain stroke and the like, a load to lower limbs of the patient which is caused by the self-gravity of the patient and the dynamic load in the walking process can be simultaneously relieved when the reduced gravity walking training is carried out, so as to realize constant-mass gravity reduction. According to the rehabilitation conditions of the patient or the training requirements, a weight reducing device provided by the invention can conveniently adjust a gravity reducing ratio. The suspender of the weight reducing device can be moved along the gravity center of the patient in real time and is good for the rehabilitation of normal physiological gaits of the patient.

Systems and methods are disclosed to stimulate spine tissue to treat medical conditions such as pain and spinal injury. The invention uses electrical stimulation of the spine, where vibrational energy from a source is received by an implanted device and converted to electrical energy and the converted electrical energy is used by implanted electrodes to stimulate the pre-determined brain site. The vibrational energy is generated by a controller-transmitter, which could be located either externally or implanted. The vibrational energy is received by a receiver-stimulator, which could be located in the various regions on around the spine. The implantable receiver-stimulator stimulates different locations in the spine region to provide therapeutic benefit.

This invention is concerned with stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood serum and a method for growing human embryonic stem cells and adult cells comprising sera separated from clotted umbilical cord blood, including growing and differentiating cord blood stem cells into neural precursors, comprising transdifferentiating CD34+ stem cells from mononuclear cells derived from umbilical cord blood to neural precursors. The stem cells obtained from the umbilical cord include pluripotent stem and progenitor cell population of mononuclear cells, and separating pluripotent stem and progenitor cell population of mononuclear cells obtained from the umbilical cord blood. A magnetic cell separator is used to separate out cells which contain a CD marker and then expanding the cells in a growth medium containing retinoic acid and one or more growth factors BDNF, GDNF, NGF and FGF as a differentiating agent. The invention is also concerned with the transplantation and repair of nerve damage, stokes, spinal injury, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, prepared in accordance with the aforesaid method and a media for culturing umbilical cord blood stem calls consisting essentially of cord blood stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood serum.

The present invention relates generally to pharmaceutical dosage forms having immediate release and controlled release properties that contain a γ-aminobutyric acid (GABAB) receptor agonist, e.g., baclofen, for the treatment of medical conditions, which includes spasms, cramping, and tightness of muscles, associated with ailments such as multiple sclerosis or certain spinal injuries.

Apparatus for preventing or limiting spinal injuries to a passenger seated in a forward facing position in a moving vehicle during vehicular impact or sudden deceleration. The apparatus includes a vehicle-installed supporting seat for the passenger, the seat having a support portion behind the seated passenger which includes a resilient surface in contact with the supported passenger. The resilient portion is supported on an underlying stiff support shell. A controllably deformable energy absorbing crush zone is disposed to the rear of the shell as to be compressed by rearward displacement of the passenger, whereby the support portion acts to decelerate the supported spine of the passenger during a vehicle rear end impact, while the controlled deformation of the crush zone absorbs energy, to prevent or limit spinal injuries to the passenger. The crush zone material is characterized in a rear end collision by exhibiting a total energy absorption of the kinetic energy gained by the impact accelerated passenger of at least 80%; and the coefficient of restitution for the crush zone material being in the range of 0.05 to 0.4.

The present invention relates generally to pharmaceutical dosage forms having immediate release and controlled release properties that contain a γ-aminobutyric acid (GABAB) receptor agonist, e.g., baclofen, for the treatment of medical conditions, which includes spasms, cramping, and tightness of muscles, associated with ailments such as multiple sclerosis or certain spinal injuries.

A method and device for reducing the damaging effects of radiant energy, blast, or concussive events includes applying pressure to at least one jugular vein to reduce the egress of blood from the cranial cavity during or before the incidence of the imparting event. Reducing blood outflow from the cranial cavity increases intracranial volume and / or pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid to reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury and injuries to the spinal column. Reducing blood outflow further increases the intracranial pressure and volume, and thereby increases the pressure and volume of the cochlear fluid, the vitreous humor and the cerebrospinal fluid to thereby reduce the risk of injury to the inner ear, internal structure of the eye and of the spinal column. In addition, increasing intracranial pressure and volume reduces the likelihood of brain injury and any associated loss of olfactory function

An advanced combat clothing system for military medics and medical professionals actively involved in the field of combat while providing acute emergency care for wounded soldiers. The Advanced Combat Uniform for Medics also referred to as the ACUM consists of a pair of trousers, a long sleeve shirt and a unique pocket receptacle invention which stabilizes the content within the pockets. The ACUM was invented to replace the use of roll-up bags and back packs used to carry the tools and supplies of the military medics during combat zone engagements.The ACUM invention was strategically designed to disburse the weight of the medical gear over the entire body, therefore, decreasing the entire weight load from exerting pressure over the lumbar and thoracic spinal locations. Additionally, by disbursing the pay-load or weight over the entire body, the military medic will be able to maneuver and combat with more accuracy and precision.The ACUM invention has a unique pull cord system in which the military medic can access lifesaving medicines and triage supplies at the pull of a cord. The ACUM can be made using any fabric including the digital camouflage material used and preferred by military personnel. The ACUM can hold over 100 required medical items while providing extremely fast easy access to the medical supplies carried by the military medics.The ACUM invention was designed to systematically place all of the medical supplies carried by the military medic in strategic areas around the wearer's body. The ACUM can be made to fit any size, male or female. This combat uniform can be produced relatively quick and easy using a line production clothing protocol. Lumbar and spinal injury affects a large population of military personnel at one time or another, by disbursing the weight or load of the military medics gear; this will significantly reduce the risk of developing lumbar spinal disease in general.

A wearable spinal protective apparatus is presented which will protect all parts of the human spinal column from cervical to lumbosacral vertebrae during high velocity activities. The apparatus is worn by user to cover the entire backside from neck and shoulders down, to be secured around the hips. This apparatus has many sections each uniquely designed to work together to reduce all forms of spinal injury. Protection provided by this apparatus is most valuable during high velocity activities. Because of its unique sectional design this apparatus can be tailored to match any size individual and any level of protection desired. The design of this apparatus goes well beyond the prior art of simple hard shell and padding.

Apparatus for preventing or limiting spinal injuries to a passenger seated in a forward facing position in a moving vehicle during vehicular impact or sudden deceleration. The apparatus includes a vehicle-installed supporting seat for the passenger, the seat having a support portion behind the seated passenger which includes a resilient surface in contact with the supported passenger. The resilient portion is supported on an underlying stiff support shell. A controllably deformable energy absorbing crush zone is disposed to the rear of the shell as to be compressed by rearward displacement of the passenger, whereby the support portion acts to decelerate the supported spine of the passenger during a vehicle rear end impact, while the controlled deformation of the crush zone absorbs energy, to prevent or limit spinal injuries to the passenger. The crush zone material is characterized in a rear end collision by exhibiting a total energy absorption of the kinetic energy gained by the impact accelerated passenger of at least 80%; and the coefficient of restitution for the crush zone material being in the range of 0.05 to 0.4.

A method and device for reducing the damaging effects of radiant energy, blast, or concussive events includes applying pressure to at least one jugular vein to reduce the egress of blood from the cranial cavity during or before the incidence of the imparting event. Reducing blood outflow from the cranial cavity increases intracranial volume and / or pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid to reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury and injuries to the spinal column. Reducing blood outflow further increases the intracranial pressure and volume, and thereby increases the pressure and volume of the cochlear fluid, the vitreous humor and the cerebrospinal fluid to thereby reduce the risk of injury to the inner ear, internal structure of the eye and of the spinal column. In addition, increasing intracranial pressure and volume reduces the likelihood of brain injury and any associated loss of olfactory function.

The invention is an apparatus that allows weight resistance to be applied to the upper torso during the performance of the squat exercise and actively aligns the spine to reduce the chance of spinal injury. The apparatus consists of a set of pads or rests on the shoulders in front of the spine which are connected through a pivot or lever to a lower back rest or pad behind the spine which create and maintain spinal alignment. The pivot between the front and back rests, is positioned over, but not contacting, the spinal axis of the user and is the point at which resistance is applied.

A cervical spine protection apparatus one or more composite bands attached to provide restraint of one or more motions of the cervical spine of a wearer. The apparatus is designed to protect a wearer from incurring cervical spinal injuries, and / or to reduce the severity of cervical spine injuries without substantially compromising the normal functional range of motion of the wearer's cervical spine.

The present invention relates generally to pharmaceutical dosage forms having immediate release and controlled release properties that contain a γ-aminobutyric acid (GABAB) receptor agonist, e.g., baclofen, for the treatment of medical conditions, which includes spasms, cramping, and tightness of muscles, associated with ailments such as multiple sclerosis or certain spinal injuries.

A method and device for reducing the damaging effects of radiant energy, blast, or concussive events includes applying pressure to at least one jugular vein to reduce the egress of blood from the cranial cavity during or before the incidence of the imparting event. Reducing blood outflow from the cranial cavity increases intracranial volume and / or pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid to reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury and injuries to the spinal column. Reducing blood outflow further increases the intracranial pressure and volume, and thereby increases the pressure and volume of the cochlear fluid, the vitreous humor and the cerebrospinal fluid to thereby reduce the risk of injury to the inner ear, internal structure of the eye and of the spinal column. In addition, increasing intracranial pressure and volume reduces the likelihood of brain injury and any associated loss of olfactory function.

The present invention provides novel block copolymers as structural supplements for injectible bodily prosthetics employed in medical or cosmetic procedures. The invention also includes the use of such block copolymers as nucleus pulposus replacement materials for the treatment of degenerative disc disorders and spinal injuries. The copolymers are constructed by polymerization of a tertiary amine methacrylate with either a (poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(propylene oxide)-b-poly(ethylene oxide) polymer, such as the commercially available Pluronic® polymers, or a poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether polymer.

A concussive reduction helmet attachment system which reduces the total area available for acceleration of the head in all axis, specifically designed to provide a measured reduction in accelerative force at the critical moment within the blow. A helmet attachment that reduces the factors that contribute to mechanical transfer of energy to the brain thereby reducing potential traumatic brain injury, concussions and neck compression. A helmet augmentation for body-contact sport helmets, also having utility for military ground based personnel helmets where blunt force trauma injury to the head and neck are apt to occur. A concussive helmet attachment having a Translational Axial Rotation Control Bracing System (TARCBS) that transfers mechanical energy to the torso, reduces available area for linear and rotational acceleration while reducing potential for neck and spinal injury. A concussive helmet attachment having two construction types, single and multiple component and three embodiments: hard, soft and mechanical.

A seat is provided having a layer of high impact energy absorbing material and a sacral well provided therethrough. The seat may form a bottom portion of a vehicle seat that may further include a back support portion extending upwardly for supporting the rearward side of a seated individual. The back support may include a lower section for supporting the thorax and lower back, and an upper section. There may be one or more overlying sections positionable for supporting and restraining rearward movement of an individual.

A computerized model simulates the human spinal cord and makes it possible to draw inferences about the probability of future injury or the likelihood that specific injuries occurred in the past. The spinal cord is modeled by a plurality of two-dimensional graphs formed of a large number of finite elements. The two-dimensional graphs are stacked in positions corresponding to the measured positions of the spinal cord at various vertebral levels of a patient. The stacked graphs yield a three-dimensional model, which may be compared with similar data taken from other patients. The model may include the simulation of stress, applied to all or part of the spinal cord, resulting in a perturbed three-dimensional model which may again be compared with similar data taken from patients having known injuries. The invention can therefore be used, among other things, to verify claims of spinal injury as a result of vehicular or sporting accidents.

The invention belongs to the field of biomedical engineering and computers, and puts forward a feature extraction method based on an electroencephalogram and near infrared signal. The method mainly comprises the following steps that: (1) simultaneously collecting electroencephalogram and near infrared data; (2) preprocessing the electroencephalogram and near infrared data; (3) carrying out the feature extraction of the electroencephalogram and near infrared data; (4) carrying out the feature fusion of the electroencephalogram and near infrared data; and (5) carrying out brain intention identification. By use of the method, the problems of low brain intention identification rate and few identification instructions in a brain-computer interface are solved, and powerful support is provided for the neurological rehabilitation of patients who suffer from stroke and spinal injury.

This invention is concerned with stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood serum and a method for growing human embryonic stem cells and adult cells comprising sera separated from clotted umbilical cord blood, including growing and differentiating cord blood stem cells into neural precursors, comprising transdifferentiating CD34+, CD45= and CD133+ stem cells from mononuclear cells derived from umbilical cord blood to neural precursors. The stem cells obtained from the umbilical cord include pluripotent stem and progenitor cell population of mononuclear cells, and separating pluripotent stem and progenitor cell population of mononuclear cells obtained from the umbilical cord blood. A magnetic cell separator is used to separate out cells which contain a CD marker and then expanding the cells in a medium containing retinoic acid as a differentiating agent supplemented with one or more growth factors BDNF, GDNF, NGF and FGF in presence of cord blood serum. The invention is also concerned with the transplantation and repair of nerve damage, strokes, spinal injury, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, prepared with a media for culturing umbilical cord blood stem cells in umbilical cord serum.

Apparatus for suspending the calf and foot of a patient recumbent on a bed to relieve pressure on the thigh of the patient includes a leg lift unit in the form of a rigid, trough-like posterior shell shaped to engage under the patient's calf and foot. A bail having opposite ends is connected to the side walls of the shell so that the bail loops above the shell and a support frame extends up and over the bed. A cord hanging from the frame is releasably connected to the bail. By appropriately adjusting the position of the frame, the patient's calf may be subjected to the necessary amount of lift and / or tension to minimize localized pressure on the patient's thigh and buttock areas and to relieve compression forces on the patient's spinal column.

A computerized model simulates the human spinal cord and makes it possible to draw inferences about the probability of future injury or the likelihood that specific injuries occurred in the past. The spinal cord is modeled by a plurality of two-dimensional graphs formed of a large number of finite elements. The two-dimensional graphs are stacked in positions corresponding to the measured positions of the spinal cord at various vertebral levels of a patient. The stacked graphs yield a three-dimensional model, which may be compared with similar data taken from other patients. The model may include the simulation of stress, applied to all or part of the spinal cord, resulting in a perturbed three-dimensional model which may again be compared with similar data taken from patients having known injuries. The invention can therefore be used, among other things, to verify claims of spinal injury as a result of vehicular or sporting accidents.

The invention relates to a treatment device for orthopedic spinal injury, which effectively solves the problems that the prior treatment device is single in function, inconvenient in use and high in cost and a patient is painful during treatment. The technical solution includes a seat base body and a storage box at the lower end. The seat base body is provided with a transfer pulley at the front end thereof. A bearing wheel seat of the transfer pulley has a telescopic rod cooperatively rotated thereon. A hand turntable is arranged rotatably and cooperatively on the upper end of the telescopicrod. Rotating handles are mounted on both sides of the hand turntable. The hand turntable cooperates with the transfer pulley in a transmission manner through a main belt. The transfer pulley is in transmission connection with a driving wheel arranged rotatably and cooperatively inside the storage box through an auxiliary belt. The driving wheel is coaxially matched with two unidirectional wheelswith opposite directions of rotation. The unidirectional wheels are rotatably matched with the storage box. The two unidirectional wheels control a lumbar vertebra tapping device and a back spine massaging device respectively. A cervical vertebra turning device controlled and driven by the same unidirectional wheel is arranged on the upper end of the back spine massaging device. The treatment device of the invention has the advantages of ingenious structure, strong practicability and good treatment effect of the patient.

A method for creating a monkey model of spinal cord injury, which includes exposing the dura mater of the cervical cord of a monkey and applying a load on the dura mater; the thus-created monkey model of spinal cord injury; and a method for evaluating a therapeutic drug for spinal cord injury by use of this model. According to the present invention, it is possible to create a monkey which is close to the human and thus useful as a model of human spinal cord injury. This model enables proper evaluation of therapeutic effects of various drugs on spinal cord injury. Through use of this model, it has been confirmed for the first time that transplantation therapy of human neural stem cells is efficacious against spinal cord injury.

The present invention provides a combined therapy for treating loss of GABA-mediated pre-synaptic inhibition after spinal injury. The therapeutic regimen includes spinal segment-specific upregulation of GAD65 (glutamate decarboxylase) gene and administration of a GABA uptake inhibitor to modulate chronic spasticity in patients after spinal traumatic or ischemic injury.