초록 ▼

Described herein are temperature-controllable devices, and methods for using them. In some variations, the devices comprise a fluid passageway region, which is configured to allow a fluid to flow therethrough, and a splint. The splint may be moldable to at least a portion of a subject's anatomy, e.g

Described herein are temperature-controllable devices, and methods for using them. In some variations, the devices comprise a fluid passageway region, which is configured to allow a fluid to flow therethrough, and a splint. The splint may be moldable to at least a portion of a subject's anatomy, e.g., a nose. In other variations, the devices comprise a fluid passageway region configured to allow a fluid to flow therethrough, and an absorbent pad. In some variations, the devices comprise three layers, in which two of the layers form a fluid passageway region and the third layer forms a pocket or pouch. In this way, the pouch may be configured to receive at least one splint therein, e.g., in order to provide support to an injured area such as a nose. Methods for using the devices to treat an injured area are also described. Kits are also described.

대표청구항 ▼

What we claim is: 1. A temperature-controllable device for providing thermal therapy to a subject's face, said device comprising: a) a face mask, wherein said face mask comprises one or more regions, wherein said regions of said face mask are fluidically interconnected, and wherein said face mask h

What we claim is: 1. A temperature-controllable device for providing thermal therapy to a subject's face, said device comprising: a) a face mask, wherein said face mask comprises one or more regions, wherein said regions of said face mask are fluidically interconnected, and wherein said face mask has two openings for a subject's eyes; (b) a pliable fluid passageway for allowing a fluid to flow in each of said regions and between said interconnected regions; (c) a re-formable splint for applying pressure, wherein said splint is moldable to at least a portion of the subject's face, wherein said splint comprises a solid material, and wherein said solid material comprises: (i)a metal; (ii)a ceramic; (iii)a thermoplastic material; or (iv)any combination thereof; and wherein the splint is connected to the fluid passageway. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the splint is releasably connected to the fluid passageway. 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the splint is releasably connected by a fastener selected from the group consisting of hook and loop fasteners, adhesives, snaps, rivets, buttons, zippers, magnets, and friction fittings. 4. The device of claim 1, further comprising multiple splints. 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the fluid passageway region is made at least in part from a material selected from the group consisting of vinyl, polyvinyl chloride, rubber, urethane, polyurethane, neoprene, silicone, and mixtures thereof. 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the fluid passageway permits pulsatile fluid flow. 7. The device of claim 6, further comprising a valve between at least two of said interconnected regions, wherein said valve is for creating a pressure differential in said fluid passageway between said interconnected regions, and wherein said pressure differential causes a pulsatile fluid flow. 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the fluid is blocked from at least one of said interconnected regions of said face mask. 9. The device of claim 1, further comprising one or more valves, wherein one of said valves is located between two of said interconnected regions of said face mask, wherein said valves are for controlling fluid flow into and out of at least one of said interconnected regions. 10. The device of claim 9, wherein at least one of said valves between two of said interconnected regions of said face mask comprises a temperature sensitive valve, wherein said temperature sensitive valve controls fluid flow between said two interconnected regions based on the temperature. 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the fluid passageway has a non-uniform thickness corresponding to a region of the subject's face. 12. The device of claim 1, further comprising an eye flap for each of said two eye openings, wherein said eye flaps can be in an open position or a closed position, and wherein said fluid passageway extends into said eye flaps. 13. The device of claim 1, further comprising an adhesive. 14. The device of claim 1, further comprising an inlet and an outlet, wherein both the inlet and the outlet are configured to attach to a fluid supply unit and to the fluid passageway. 15. The device of claim 14, further comprising an attachment region for connecting to at least one strap for securing the device to the subject's face. 16. The device of claim 1, further comprising an active agent, wherein the active agent is selected from the group consisting of a moisturizer, a surfactant, a disinfectant, an alcohol-based product, a cosmetic, a vitamin, an acid, a base, a pharmaceutical, and an anesthetic. 17. The device of claim 1, further comprising at least three layers, wherein at least two of said layers are bonded together to form at least part of said fluid passageway, wherein said bonded layers are pliable and fluid-resistant, wherein said third layer is at least partially bonded to one of said other layers, and wherein said splint is held between said third layer and one of said other layers. 18. The device of claim 1, further comprising a countercurrent exchange pathway in said fluid passageway. 19. The device of claim 1, wherein said fluid passageway has an outer surface, wherein said outer surface is in contact with the subject's face, and wherein said outer surface is textured. 20. The device of claim 1, wherein said fluid has a high viscosity, a high thermal conductivity, or a high viscosity and a high thermal conductivity. 21. The device of claim 1, wherein said splint comprises perforations, wherein said perforations allow said splint to be deformable. 22. The device of claim 1, wherein said splint has a textured surface. 23. The device of claim 1, wherein said solid material of said splint comprises a metal, and wherein said metal is selected from the group consisting of aluminum, stainless steel, tin, and metal alloys. 24. The device of claim 1, wherein said splint is re-formable by heat activation, wherein heat activation of said splint comprises heating said splint to an activation temperature range, changing the shape of said splint, and lowering said splint below said activation temperature range. 25. The device of claim 1, further comprising a support structure, wherein said support structure is wearable over a subject's head, and wherein said face mask is supported by said support structure. 26. The device of claim 1, wherein one of said interconnected regions comprises a periorbital face mask, and wherein another of said interconnected regions comprises a full face add on, and wherein said periorbital face mask and said full face add on are fluidically connected.