12th week of 2009 patent applcation highlights part 55 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20090076318 | Expandable surgical implants and methods of using them - Disclosed herein are expandable surgical implants that may be expanded one or more times by directly or indirectly uncinching one or more expansion loops. Use of the expandable surgical implant permits a physician to expand, with minimal invasion, a surgical implant that was over-tensioned by a surgeon during implantation or became over-tensioned due to changes in the patient's anatomy. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076319 | ENDOSCOPIC-USE TREATMENT INSTRUMENT - An endoscopic-use treatment instrument according to the present invention includes: a wire; an Y-shaped knife formed by a flexible material and is disposed at the distal end of the wire and used for treatment conducted in a body cavity; a flexible sheath having the wire passing therethrough; an operation section provided to the proximal end of the wire and capable of rotating the wire around an axial line; a cylindrical bearing fixed to the distal end of the sheath; a rotative member inserted into the bearing and capable of freely rotating relative to the bearing; and a regulator section provided to the rotative member and regulating the rotation of the treatment member relative to the rotative member around the axial line, so that the Y-shape knife is urged to expand outward in a radial direction of the sheath when the Y-shape knife is in the exterior of the sheath, and the rotation of the Y-shape knife relative to the rotative member around the axial line is regulated when the Y-shape knife makes contact with the regulator section. The rotational operation amount corresponds to rotational amount of a distal end mechanism correspond desirably according to this configuration. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076320 | Intra-subject information acquiring system | 2009-03-19 |
20090076321 | DIGITAL CAMERA FOR TAKING IMAGE INSIDE ORAL CAVITY - To provide a digital camera for taking an image inside the oral cavity without causing a sanitary problem and enabling a dentist to easily monitor an object in the oral cavity of a patient on a screen and the patient to easily view the object on the screen when the camera is used. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076322 | CAPSULE ENDOSCOPE - A capsule endoscope includes at least an imaging device that images a location of a subject and an optical system that focuses the location at the imaging device. The imaging device has plural pixel portions that are arranged in in-plane directions on a substrate. The pixel portion has a photoelectric conversion portion that includes a lower electrode, a photoelectric conversion layer formed over the lower electrode, and an upper electrode formed over the photoelectric conversion layer, and a signal output portion that outputs a signal based on a charge generated at the photoelectric conversion layer through a field effect thin film transistor. The field effect thin film transistor includes at least a gate electrode, a gate insulation film, a semiconductor layer, a source electrode and a drain electrode. The photoelectric conversion portion and the signal output portion are superposed in plan view. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076323 | OPTICAL OBTURATOR - An optical obturator apparatus includes an obturator sleeve defining a longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal bore for receiving surgical instrumentation and a transparent window mounted to the obturator sleeve and being dimensioned and configured to pass through tissue. The transparent window is mounted for movement between a first position in general alignment with the longitudinal axis of the obturator sleeve and a second position radially displaced from the longitudinal axis to thereby expose the longitudinal bore of the obturator sleeve to permit passage of the surgical instrumentation. The transparent window may include a cutting blade, or alternatively two cutting blades, adapted to penetrate tissue | 2009-03-19 |
20090076324 | MAGNETIC FIELD CONTROL METHOD AND MAGNETIC FIELD GENERATOR - There is provided a magnetic field control method and a magnetic field generator which are capable of moving a local maximum point of magnetic field intensity on a predetermined plane easily to any given point within a predetermined area on the predetermined plane. A magnetic field generator | 2009-03-19 |
20090076325 | IN-VIVO INFORMATION ACQUIRING APPARATUS, IN-VIVO INFORMATION ACQUIRING SYSTEM, AND IN-VIVO INFORMATION ACQUIRING METHOD - To stably and properly monitor an inside of a body by using an easily operable placement technique, a capsule endoscope | 2009-03-19 |
20090076326 | IN-VIVO IMAGE ACQUIRING APPARATUS AND IN-VIVO IMAGE ACQUIRING SYSTEM - The in-vivo image acquiring apparatus includes an imaging unit which captures an inside of a subject, a transmission processing unit which wirelessly transmits the image information captured by the imaging unit, a power supply unit which supplies driving power for each unit of the apparatus, and a switching unit which detects an external input and switches a supply state of the driving power from the power supply unit. The apparatus also includes a mode setting unit which sets predetermined operation modes based on information of the external input which is input to the switching unit, and a control unit which controls the operation of each unit of the apparatus according to the operation mode set by the mode setting unit. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076327 | OBSERVED IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An observed image forming apparatus comprises: an apparatus body including a plurality of connector receivers to which electric connectors of a plurality of observation devices for obtaining an image of an object to be observed can be connected; a cap that is to be mounted to one of said plurality of connector receivers to which any of said plurality of electric connectors is not connected; and a cap insertion and extraction detecting circuit that detects whether or not the cap is mounted to the one of the connector receivers in the apparatus body, wherein, when mounting of the cap has been detected by the cap insertion and extraction detecting circuit, one of the observation devices an electric connector of which is connected to the other one of the connector receivers in the apparatus body is controlled to be driven. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076328 | ENDOSCOPE WITH INTERNAL LIGHT SOURCE AND POWER SUPPLY - The present invention provides an endoscope with a watertight and air-tight endoscope handle that in preferred embodiments contains in its interior a solid-state light source and a gas permeable and liquid impermeable sealed compartment holding a battery and an electronic circuit, where the sealed compartment is preferably transverse to the long axis of the endoscope handle, and, in certain embodiments, at least partially surrounded by a movable structure. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076329 | Disposable Stereoscopic Endoscope System - A disposable simultaneous stereo endoscope system is disclosed. The disposable endoscope does not include image relay. Instead, two electronic imaging sensors and solid illumination lighting are arranged inside the endoscope. A demultiplexing beam splitter is used for splitting the two imaging light beams to the two imaging devices. A wedged multi-facet illumination window is used to create an illumination field that is larger than the field of view of the imaging optics. An electrically conductive heat sink is engaged for dissipating the heat generated by the solid light source and also for shielding end side of the endoscope. The disposable endoscope is shielded from electromagnetic interferences. A repeater unit is used to electrically connect the disposable endoscope with a remote receiver and to increase the data transfer rate. An electrical isolation means is provided between the endoscope and an image processing and power conditioning unit to protect the endoscope against electric shock. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076330 | ENDOSCOPE - The endoscope includes an insertion section having a bending portion near a distal end of the insertion section, a manipulating unit that manipulates bending of the bending portion, a pulling unit that couples the manipulating unit to the bending portion and pulling the bending portion to bend in response to manipulation by the manipulating unit, an auxiliary unit that assists in the pulling of the bending portion by the pulling unit, a sensing unit that senses a manipulative force applied to the manipulating unit and a control unit that controls the assisting in the pulling of the bending portion by the auxiliary unit in accordance with the manipulative force sensed by the sensing unit. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076331 | Compact endoscope tip and method for constructing same - This application presents to an endoscope having a compact distal tip, and to a method for constructing same. In some embodiments one or more optical and sensing elements are mounted directly on an internal surface of a lumen within an external housing, which housing comprises an outer wall of the endoscope tip. Space saved by eliminating intervening containing elements can be used to enhance endoscope performance and/or reduce endoscope size. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076332 | ACTUATOR AND IMAGE PICKUP DEVICE - An actuator has a magnet moved together with a moving lens frame, an SMA wire capable of extending and contracting in a moving direction I of the moving lens frame with execution or non-execution of energization thereof, a fixing member made of a magnetic material attached to a distal end of the SMA wire, a pressing spring which urges the fixing member toward the magnet along the moving direction I, and a stopper member and a stopper portion which limits the movement of the magnet along the moving direction I at a first position or a second position. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076333 | Flip Control Retractor Support - A flip control support connection in a surgical retractor system includes a receptacle head having a through-hole for receiving a nipple on a retractor blade in either of two directions. In one direction, flats on the receptacle head mate with flats on the nipple so the blade is rotationally fixed relative to the receptacle head and its handle. The handle/receptacle head can be hand-detached from the nipple/blade, flipped to the opposing orientation, and hand-reattached to provide a second mode of tissue retraction. In the second mode of tissue retraction, the flats on the receptacle head do not mate with the flats on the nipple, and the nipple/blade is free to pivot during retraction relative to the receptacle head/handle. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076334 | Illuminated Vaginal Speculum and Illumination Device - This invention relates to an illuminated vaginal speculum suitable for cervical speculoscopy to enable a user to distinguish abnormal cells from normal cells, the illuminated vaginal speculum comprising: a first blade having a first open part and a first holding part; a second blade, which is pivoted to the first blade, comprising a second open part and a second holding part; an adjuster installed between the first and the second blades for adjusting the relative angle between the first and the second open parts; and a first illumination member connected to the first open part or the second open part, the first illumination member being capable of emitting light of a color different from that of the normal cells so as to enable the user to distinguish abnormal cells from normal cells. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076335 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INCREASING COMPLIANCE WITH A HEALTH PLAN - System and method to determine user compliance with personalized diet and exercise plans by analyzing responses to messages about the plans. An expert system has a number of stored messages and display characteristics from which it chooses. The expert system generates message relating to the user's diet or physical activity that are sent to a user's mobile device and analyzes responses. Display characteristics change periodically and compliance data relating to the user's adherence to the plan when certain display characteristics are used is stored (e.g., meal plan adherence, acceptance of specific food selections, and adherence to instructions and advice in messages). The expert system then determines which messages and display characteristics achieve the greatest compliance to the dietary and physical activity schedule and goals. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076336 | Medical Device Automatic Start-up Upon Contact to Patient Tissue - Methods and devices for monitoring and/or treating patients comprise a switch to automatically start-up the device when the device contacts tissue. By automatically starting up the device, the device may be installed without the clinician and/or user turning on the device, such that the device can be easy to use. In many embodiments, the device comprises startup circuitry with very low current and/or power consumption, for example less than 100 pA. The startup circuitry can detect tissue contact and turn on circuitry that is used to monitor or treat the patient. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076337 | Control System For Childbirth And Method Thereof - A childbirth control system comprises: a plurality of PDAs (personal digital assistants) | 2009-03-19 |
20090076338 | PATIENT CUSTOMIZED THERAPEUTIC REGIMENS - Methods, systems and compositions that allow for treating a patient according to a patient customized therapeutic regimen are provided. Embodiments of the invention include obtaining dosage administration information from a patient and using the same to tailor a therapeutic regimen for the patient. Embodiments of the invention further include preparing and forwarding to the patient physical pharmaceutical dosages based on the customized therapeutic regimen. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076339 | Method and Device for Predicting Abnormal Medical Events and/or Assisting in Diagnosis and/or Monitoring, Particularly in Order to Determine Depth of Anesthesia - The invention relates to the field of technological assistance for anaesthesia and intensive care practitioners, as well as to the field of simple, reliable medical monitoring for managing anaesthesia and/or predicting deleterious medical events. The invention aims to provide a system enabling prevention and anticipation of procedures necessary for patients and/or maintenance of patients in a suitable anaesthetic state for a surgical operation at a given time. For said purpose, the invention provides a method of predicting abnormal medical events and/or assisting in diagnosis and/or monitoring, which is characterised in that it essentially comprises the continuous, real-time detection of a concomitant occurrence of a temporary inefficiency in cardiac baroreceptor reflex and an activation of non-baroreceptor reflex cardiovascular control. The invention also relates to the device used to implement said method. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076340 | Adherent Cardiac Monitor with Advanced Sensing Capabilities - An adherent device comprises an adhesive patch with at least two electrodes and an accelerometer. The accelerometer can be used to determine an orientation of the at least two measurement electrodes on a patient. By determining the orientation of the electrodes of the patch on the patient, physiologic measurements with the at least two electrodes can be adjusted and/or corrected in response to the orientation of the patch on the patient. The adherent patch and/or electrodes can be replaced with a second adherent patch and/or electrodes, and the orientation of the second adherent patch and/or electrodes can be determined with the accelerometer or a second accelerometer. The determined orientation of the second patch and/or electrodes on the patient can be used to correct measurements made with the second adherent patch and/or electrodes. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076341 | Adherent Athletic Monitor - A system is provided for tracking an individual, engaged in extreme physical activity, physiological status and detecting and predicting negative physiological events. A monitoring system is provided that includes a plurality of sensors. Each sensor has a sensor output, and a combination of the sensor outputs is used to determine distress of the monitored individual engaged in extreme physical activity. A wireless communication device is coupled to the plurality of sensors and transfers data directly or indirectly from the plurality of sensors to a remote monitoring system. A remote monitoring system is coupled to the wireless communication device and configured to receive the processed data. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076342 | Adherent Multi-Sensor Device with Empathic Monitoring - A system and methods are provided for physiological monitoring and prediction. The system includes a detecting system and a remote monitoring system. The detecting system includes, (i) an adherent device with a plurality of sensors that provide an indication of at least one physiological event of a patient, the adherent device being coupled to the patient's thorax and (ii) a wireless communication device coupled to the plurality of sensors and configured to transfer patient data directly or indirectly from the plurality of sensors to a remote monitoring system. The remote monitoring system is coupled to the wireless communication device. Logic resources may be provided at the remote monitoring system to determine the physiological event of the patient. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076343 | Energy Management for Adherent Patient Monitor - A heart failure patient management system includes a detecting system. The detecting system includes an adherent device configured to be coupled to a patient. The adherent device includes a plurality of sensors to monitor physiological parameters of the patient to determine heart failure status. At least one ID may be coupled to the adherent device that is addressable and unique to each adherent device. A wireless communication device is coupled to the plurality of sensors and configured to transfer patient data directly or indirectly from the plurality of sensors to a remote monitoring system. The remote monitoring system is coupled to the wireless communication device. An energy management device may be coupled to the plurality of sensors | 2009-03-19 |
20090076344 | Multi-Sensor Patient Monitor to Detect Impending Cardiac Decompensation - Systems and methods of detecting an impending cardiac decompensation of a patient measure at least two of an electrocardiogram signal of the patient, a hydration signal of the patient, a respiration signal of the patient or an activity signal of the patient. The at least two of the electrocardiogram signal, the hydration signal, the respiration signal or the activity signal are combined with an algorithm to detect the impending cardiac decompensation. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076345 | Adherent Device with Multiple Physiological Sensors - An adherent device to monitor a patient comprises an adhesive patch to adhere to a skin of the patient. At least four electrodes are connected to the patch and capable of electrically coupling to the patient. Impedance circuitry is coupled to the at least four electrodes to measure a hydration signal of the patient. Electrocardiogram circuitry is coupled to at least two of the at least four electrodes to measure an electrocardiogram signal of the patient. An accelerometer can be mechanically coupled to the adhesive patch to generate a signal in response to at least one of an activity or a position of the patient. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076346 | Tracking and Security for Adherent Patient Monitor - A heart failure patient management system includes a detecting system. The detecting system includes an adherent device configured to be coupled to a patient. The adherent device includes a plurality of sensors to monitor physiological parameters of the patient to determine heart failure status. At least one ID may be coupled to the adherent device that is addressable and unique to each adherent device. A wireless communication device is coupled to the plurality of sensors and configured to transfer patient data directly or indirectly from the plurality of sensors to a remote monitoring system. The remote monitoring system is coupled to the wireless communication device. An energy management device may be coupled to the plurality of sensors | 2009-03-19 |
20090076347 | Pattern Recognition System for Classifying the Functional Status of Patients with Chronic Disease - A method employing pattern recognition techniques for identifying the functional status of patients with chronic disease is described. This method describes a process by which sets of cardiopulmonary exercise gas exchange variables are measured during rest, exercise and recovery and stored as unique data sets. The data sets are then analyzed by a series of feature extraction steps, yielding a multi-parametric index (MPI) which reflects the current functional status of a patient. The method also employs a description scheme that provides a graphical image that juxtaposes the measured value of MPI to a reference classification system. An additional description scheme provides a trend plot of MPI values measured on a patient over time to provide feedback to the physician on the efficacy of therapy provided to the patient. The method will enable physicians to gather, view, and track complicated data using well-understood visualization techniques to better understand the consequences of their therapeutic actions. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076348 | Injectable Device for Physiological Monitoring - An injectable detecting device is provided for use in physiological monitoring. The device includes a plurality of sensors axially spaced along a body that provide an indication of at least one physiological event of a patient, a monitoring unit within the body coupled to the plurality of sensors configured to receive data from the plurality of sensors and create processed patient data, a power source within the body coupled to the monitoring unit, and a communication antenna external to the body coupled to the monitoring unit configured to transfer data to/from other devices. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076349 | Adherent Multi-Sensor Device with Implantable Device Communication Capabilities - A system for physiological monitoring and prediction. The system includes a detecting system, one or more medical devices and a remote monitoring system. The detecting system includes an adherent device configured to be coupled to a patient, the adherent device including a plurality of sensors that provide an indication of at least one physiological event of a patient and a wireless communication device coupled to the plurality of sensors and configured to transfer patient data from the plurality of sensors and one or more medical treatment devices to the remote monitoring system. The one or more medical treatment devices are coupled to the wireless communication device to communicate wirelessly with the plurality of sensors, with at least one medical treatment device being an implanted device. The remote monitoring system is coupled to the wireless communication device, wherein the remote monitoring system uses data from the sensors and the one or more medical treatment devices to determine heart failure status and predict impending decompensation of the patient. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076350 | Data Collection in a Multi-Sensor Patient Monitor - A system for tracking a patient's physiological status and detecting and predicting negative physiological events, with a detecting system and a remote monitoring system. The detecting system includes a plurality of sensors that provide an indication of at least one physiological event of a patient, and a wireless communication device coupled to the plurality of sensors, and configured to transfer patient data from the plurality of sensors to a remote monitoring system. The a remote monitoring system coupled to the wireless communication device, wherein during a registration period, the detecting system being activated for a first time and communicating with the remote monitoring system to register the detecting system and activate data logging. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076351 | Rehabilitation System for Neurological Disorders - A rehabilitation system for neurological disorders, especially for the rehabilitation of patients being in a vegetative state or minimal conscious state, comprises at least two sensors adapted to measure two different physiological values of the patient and a stimulation generator. Initially predefined target signals determined and based on parameters relating to the injury are generated and, during a rehabilitation session, compared with the measurement signals to drive the stimulation generators delivering sensory stimulation to the patient as feedback. The controlling processor is adapted to change the predefined target signals during a rehabilitation session based on the development or changes of the measurement signals of the different physiological values, to enable a faster and better improvement of the alertness of the patient. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076352 | Receiving Apparatus - A receiving apparatus that can prevent beforehand that a portable recording medium is erroneously ejected during examination, and can prevent body cavity image data from being lost and the portable recording medium from being damaged is provided. When an ejection operation of the portable recording medium is detected (step S | 2009-03-19 |
20090076353 | IMPLANTABLE ELECTRO-OPTICAL SENSOR - Embodiments of the invention are related to electro-optical implantable sensors, amongst other things. In an embodiment, the invention includes an implantable medical device including a housing defining an interior volume, the housing comprising a housing wall and defining an aperture. The implantable medical device can include an optical sensor assembly coupled to the housing wall. The optical sensor assembly can occlude the aperture in the housing wall. The optical sensor assembly can include an electro-optical module including an optical excitation assembly and an optical detection assembly. The optical sensor assembly can also include a chemical sensing element configured to detect a physiological analyte by exhibiting a change in optical properties. An optical window can be disposed between the electro-optical module and the chemical sensing element. The optical window can be configured to allow the transmission of light between the electro-optical module and the chemical sensing element. Other embodiments are also included herein. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076354 | COMPENSATION OF HUMAN VARIABILITY IN PULSE OXIMETRY - The invention relates to a method of calibrating a pulse oximeter, in which the effects caused by tissue of a subject can be taken into account. A detector output signal is measured when living tissue of the subject is present between emitters and the detector in a sensor. Nominal calibration and nominal calibration characteristics are read from a memory, whereupon values for the same nominal characteristics for the sensor on living tissue of the subject are established using the detector output signal. Then, changes in the nominal calibration characteristics induced by the living tissue are calculated and a subject-specific calibration is formed by correcting the nominal calibration with the changes. Finally, the hemoglobin fractions are solved using the corrected nominal calibration. The invention also relates to a pulse oximeter having pre-stored data in a memory comprising data of initial characterization measurements, data of nominal characteristics describing calibration conditions under which a predetermined calibration of the apparatus has been applied, and data of nominal calibration and nominal calibration characteristics. An extinction coefficient compensation block is operatively connected to the first signal processing means and to the memory for reading data, said block comprising first calculation means adapted to correct the nominal characteristics of the sensor on living tissue of the subject. A transformation compensation block is operatively connected to the first signal processing means for receiving the DC signals and to the memory for reading data, said block comprising second calculation means adapted to correct the transformation values based on the changes in the DC signals induced by tissue of the subject. Alternatively, said data may be stored in the sensor part of the pulse oximeter. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076355 | Method And Apparatus For Providing Rechargeable Power In Data Monitoring And Management Systems - Method and apparatus for charging a power supply unit such as a rechargeable battery for use in data monitoring and management system using the ESD protection circuitry of the existing electrode contacts including guard contact and counter electrode thereby reducing system cost, complexity, and any unprotected battery contacts exposed for potential contamination is provided. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076356 | DUAL ELECTRODE SYSTEM FOR A CONTINUOUS ANALYTE SENSOR - Disclosed herein are systems and methods for a continuous analyte sensor, such as a continuous glucose sensor. One such system utilizes first and second working electrodes to measure analyte or non-analyte related signal, both of which electrode include an interference domain. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076357 | Methods and Apparatuses for Navigating the Subaracnhnoid Space - Disclosed is a method of navigating a spinal subarachnoid space in a living being, that includes percutaneously introducing a device into the spinal subarachnoid space at an entry location. The device has a first passageway that is sized to slidably receive, and work with, at least a guidewire. The device can be a catheter or a sheath. The method can also include advancing the device within the spinal subarachnoid space at least more than 10 centimeters from the entry location. Alternatively, the method can include advancing the device within the spinal subarachnoid space to facilitate intracranial access with a second device introduced through the first passageway. Also disclosed is a device suited for attachment to a patient's skin, such as a sheath, that includes an elongated member, a skin-attachment apparatus having a flexible skin-attachment flap, and a valve apparatus. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076358 | Method and System for Providing Data Management in Data Monitoring System - Method and system for providing a fault tolerant data receiver unit configured with a partitioned or separate processing units, each configured to perform a predetermined and/or specific processing associated with the one or more substantially non-overlapping functions of the data monitoring and management system is provided | 2009-03-19 |
20090076359 | Analyte monitoring and management system and methods therefor - Method and apparatus for providing multiple data receiver units in a data monitoring and management system such as analyte monitoring system where a first data receiver includes all of the functionalities for the data monitoring and management system receiver unit, and a second data receiver unit is configured with a limited functions to provide application specific convenience to the user or patient is disclosed. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076360 | TRANSCUTANEOUS ANALYTE SENSOR - The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076361 | TRANSCUTANEOUS ANALYTE SENSOR - The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076362 | Electrode Structure - An electrode structure includes at least one pair of electrode units, and at least one electrode unit including a fabric component for a skin contact. The fabric component is electrically connectable to an electric circuit of a user-specific performance monitor system. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076363 | Adherent Device with Multiple Physiological Sensors - An adherent device to monitor a patient for an extended period comprises a breathable tape. The breathable tape comprises a porous material with an adhesive coating to adhere the breathable tape to a skin of the patient. At least one electrode is affixed to the breathable tape and capable of electrically coupling to a skin of the patient. A printed circuit board is connected to the breathable tape to support the printed circuit board with the breathable tape when the tape is adhered to the patient. Electronic components electrically are connected to the printed circuit board and coupled to the at least one electrode to measure physiologic signals of the patient. A breathable cover and/or an electronics housing is disposed over the circuit board and electronic components and connected to at least one of the electronics components, the printed circuit board or the breathable tape. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076364 | Adherent Device for Sleep Disordered Breathing - An adherent device is configured to adhere to the skin of the patient with an adherent patch, for example breathable tape, coupled to at least four electrodes. The device comprises impedance circuitry coupled to the at least four electrodes and configured to measure respiration of the patient to detect sleep apnea and/or hypopnea. The impedance circuitry may be used to measure hydration of the patient. An accelerometer can be mechanically coupled to the adherent patch such that the accelerometer can be coupled to and move with the skin of the patient. Electrocardiogram circuitry to generate an electrocardiogram signal may be coupled to at least two of the at least four electrodes to detect the sleep apnea and/or hypopnea. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076365 | MEDICAL ELECTRODE - A medical electrode is provided for detecting and transmitting electric pulses from the body surface of a patient to an electric pulse processor. The medical electrode includes an outer carrier and at least one inner carrier ( | 2009-03-19 |
20090076366 | Composite Electrode - An electrode for applying electric fields to a patient includes a plurality of ceramic elements (e.g., ceramic discs) that are designed to be positioned against the patient's skin. Electrical connections are made to the ceramic elements (e.g., using a flex circuit). Temperature sensors (e.g., thermistors) are preferably provided at at least some of the ceramic elements to sense the temperature at the skin beneath the ceramic elements, so that appropriate action can be taken if an overtemperature condition is detected. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076367 | Monitoring Intraocular Pressure - Some embodiments of the system described herein provide non-invasive intraocular pressure monitoring throughout an extended period. Such monitoring systems can be used for the diagnosis and management of glaucoma patients and those at risk for glaucoma. In some embodiments, the monitoring system provides intraocular pressure monitoring in the patient's normal environment without the need to house the patient in a sleep laboratory. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076368 | Integrated imaging workstation and a method for improving, objectifying and documenting in vivo examinations of the uterus - Exemplary embodiments provide an imaging workstation with improved ergonomics, and a method for improving, objectifying and documenting in vivo examinations of the uterus. The imaging workstation may include an imaging head and a display, and may include mechanical supporting structures that allow the imaging head, display, and examination area to be simultaneously placed in an examiner's field of view. The imaging workstation may include means for the uniform application of a diagnostic marker. The method may involve acquiring a reference image of a tissue surface, applying a diagnostic marker and initiating image acquisition, acquiring tissue images in time sequence, aligning the captured images, and calculating dynamic optical curves and dynamic optical parameters from the images. The curves and parameters may be used to create a pseudocolor map representing different functional or structural features represented in the images, or different pathologies. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076369 | Method For Reducing Motion Artifacts In Highly Constrained Medical Images - A composite image is produced for use in HYPR processing a current image frame. The amount of a priori data used to form the composite is determined by the amount of subject motion. The current composite image may be spatially registered with the current image frame to offset subject motion before being used to form an updated composite image. Subject motion may be analyzed on a frame-by-frame basis, a region-by-region basis or a pixel-by-pixel basis to optimize the SNR of the updated composite image. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076370 | System and method for determining in vivo body lumen conditions - Provided are a system and method for in vivo and in situ detection of body lumen conditions. The system comprises at least one interaction chamber for containing an endo-luminal sample, the interaction chamber comprising at least one indicator; at least one light source for illuminating the interaction chamber; and at least one optical detector for detecting in vivo optical changes occurring in the interaction chamber. The reaction between the indicator and sample may result in an optical change, which is detected and possibly imaged by the optical detector. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076371 | Joint and Cartilage Diagnosis, Assessment and Modeling - Methods for assessing the condition of a cartilage in a joint and assessing cartilage loss, particularly in a human knee, are disclosed. In one method, a method for modeling healthy cartilage, the method includes measuring the distance between each of at least two points on an articular cartilage surface corresponding to margins of a defect and a corresponding point on the sub-chondral bone surface, and interpolating a reconstructed cartilage boundary. In a second method, a method for generating a three-dimensional approximation of healthy cartilage, the method includes determining a set of distances between at least three points on a first articular surface corresponding to margins of a defect and at least three corresponding points on a second cartilage surface, and approximating a reconstructed cartilage surface. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076372 | OBJECTIVE DETERMINATION OF CHRONIC PAIN IN PATIENTS - A method for objectively determining if a patient suffers chronic pain by initially observing a multiplicity of persons who are free of chronic pain and subjecting them to a given pain stimulus. Radiofrequency (RF) emissions generated by the brains of the persons who are free of chronic pain while they are subjected to the pain stimulus are measured and a chart in the form of an average f-MRI image for all such persons is prepared which statistically reflects an average of RF emissions generated by the brains of the persons who are free of chronic pain while subjected to the pain stimulus. The same pain stimulus is then applied to the patient, RF emissions generated by a brain of the patient while the pain stimulus is applied are sensed, and the RF emissions from the patient's brain are compared to the chart to determine if the RF emissions from the patient's brain are statistically different from the approximately average RF emissions from the persons who are free of chronic pain on the chart. If so, it can be concluded without any conscious input from the patient that the patient suffers chronic pain. The method can be used to verify insurance or other compensation claims by persons who assert that they suffer chronic pain that might prevent them from performing certain functions such as work. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076373 | Medical imaging facility, in particular for producing image recordings in the context of a treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, and associated method - The invention relates to a medical imaging facility, in particular for producing image recordings in the context of a treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, the medical imaging facility being configured as an integrated facility with at least one computed tomography device configured as a C-arm computed tomography device and configured to produce soft-tissue recordings and at least one image recording element based on intravascular magnetic resonance imaging, the medical imaging facility having at least one common control facility for both image recording methods, being configured for the automatic evaluation and display of at least one image recording of at least one computed tomography facility and/or at least one image recording element based on intravascular magnetic resonance imaging and/or for the display of identified scar tissue and/or regions of impaired and/or increased electrophysiological activity by means of at least one program means in real time. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076374 | Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus - A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes an acquisition unit which acquires first data in which a tissue of interest has higher signal intensity than a background and second data in which the tissue of interest has lower signal intensity than the background, with regard to images of the same region of the same subject, and a generation unit which generates, on the basis of the first data and the second data, third data in which the contrast of the tissue of interest to the background is higher than those in the first and second data. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076375 | Myocardial tissue ablation device for treatment of cardiac arrhythmias by ablation of myocardial tissue in a patient as well as associated catheter and associated method - The invention relates to a myocardial tissue ablation device for treatment of cardiac arrhythmias by ablation of myocardial tissue in a patient, with the myocardial tissue ablation device featuring a catheter which is embodied as an integrated unit with at least one myocardial ablation means and at least one imaging element based on optical coherence tomography and/or intravascular magnetic resonance imaging. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076376 | Material For Electrical Isolation And Vibro-Acoustic Performance - The present invention provides a material for the construction of external coverings accessible by humans or animals. It aims to increase the breakdown voltage between a high voltage VRF, high frequency source of energy and the human or animal, by adaptation of materials and structures. According to an embodiment of the invention, a structure is provided for the cover | 2009-03-19 |
20090076377 | SIMPLE DECOUPLING OF A MULTI-ELEMENT RF COIL, ENABLING ALSO DETUNING AND MATCHING FUNCTIONALITY | 2009-03-19 |
20090076378 | INTRACAVITY PROBES AND INTERFACES THEREFOR FOR USE IN OBTAINING IMAGES AND SPECTRA OF INTRACAVITY STRUCTURES USING HIGH FIELD MAGNETIC RESONANCE SYSTEMS - An intracavity probe for use with an MR system allows images or spectra of a region of interest within a cavity of a patient to be obtained. The probe includes a shaft, a balloon at one end thereof, and a coil loop within the balloon. The coil loop preferably includes two drive capacitors and a tuning capacitor, all of which in series. A junction node between the drive capacitors serves as a ground for electrically balancing the coil loop. Diametrically opposite the junction node, the tuning capacitor enables the coil loop to resonate at the operating frequency of the MR system. Across each drive capacitor is connected an output cable having an electrical length of S | 2009-03-19 |
20090076379 | Ultrasonic Imager for Motion Measurement in Multi-Modality Emission Imaging - A medical imaging device has an emission tomograph, at least one ultrasonic (US) probe for providing images giving real-time information about the location of the internal organs of a subject, a tracking system for spatially locating the at least one ultrasonic probe in relation to the medical imaging device, and an image processing unit in which the location information obtained by the ultrasonic probe is used for attenuation correction of image information obtained by the emission tomograph. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076380 | COMPACT FEATURE LOCATION AND DISPLAY SYSTEM - The present disclosure provides systems and methods for imaging and display of features of a region of interest such as a portion of a body of a patient. A first imaging portion of the system is used to cause an interaction of an imaging beam with an underlying feature of a region of interest. A reflected or returned portion of said imaging beam is detected by a detector which then provides an output to control a display portion of the system for displaying an image corresponding to that which was detected. The system can be used for guiding or assisting clinical or industrial operations or for diagnosis of medical conditions and other uses within medicine, industry and others. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076381 | METHOD OF DISCRIMINATING RIGHT OR LEFT FOR BREAST REGIONS - A method of discriminating left or right for breast regions, including generating data of plural breast images when a left breast region and a right breast region are alternately imaged in an order and are repeatedly imaged in various imaging directions in the same order by image generating sections arranged in a certain direction. A breast image is specified which is capable of being discriminated whether the imaged breast region is left or right among the plural breast images, and it is discriminated whether the left breast region or the right breast region is imaged concerning other breast images, based on the specified breast image and the order of imaging of the plural breast images of a single patient. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076382 | Methods and apparatus for Determining Proportions of Body Materials - The present invention provides an apparatus and methods for measuring proportions of body materials in body parts. The apparatus includes a device for retaining the body part, at least one reference material with at least two thicknesses positioned adjacent to the device, and at least three radiopaque markers positioned on the reference material(s). The reference material(s) each have an attenuation characteristic that is selected in correspondence to the body materials in the body part. The apparatus further includes a radiation device to simultaneously irradiate the body part, the reference material(s) and the radiopaque markers as well as a detector to detect attenuated beams of radiation and a pattern projected from the irradiated radiopaque markers. A calculation device determines the thickness of the body part based on this projected pattern and compares the attenuation values of the body part and the reference material(s) at the determined thickness. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076383 | MEDICAL INJECTION SYSTEM - A method of preventing extravasation of contrast agent during a computed tomography injection. An automatic injector device facilitates ease of accomplishing the method. The method includes establishing the absence of extravasation using an absorbable injectate, such as saline, prior to injecting the contrast agent. The device includes a computerized injector head capable of switching between two injectates without physical human intervention. The device is controlled by a remote operating panel located in a control room that is protected from X-ray radiation. The device includes various software driven safety features that prevent the occurrence of unsafe conditions. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076384 | Ultrasonic Diagnostic System With Flexible Examination Protocols and Report Generation - An analysis feature of an ultrasonic diagnostic system contains one or more exam protocols which guide a sonographer in carrying out one or more standardized ultrasound exams. During the conduct of an exam protocol template protocol steps are available. The sonographer can augment the standard protocol by selecting one of these template protocol steps and giving it a unique name for the current protocol. The execution of this added step will automatically invoke the diagnostic tools, such as measurements and calculations, which are inherent in the cloned conventional protocol step. In addition, the sonographer can add other diagnostic tools to the added step. The results of the standard and customized protocol steps are automatically recorded in the proper sequence and context of an automatically produced diagnostic report. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076385 | Ultrasonic Imaging System With Body Marker Annotations - An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system is operated to acquire an ultrasound image of a region of the body containing suspect anatomy such as a suspected lesion. A body marker template ( | 2009-03-19 |
20090076386 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ACQUIRING VOLUME OF INTEREST BASED ON POSITIONAL INFORMATION - A method for imaging based on a position of an image acquisition device is presented. The method includes obtaining a first desired image data set representative of a first desired image, where the first desired image data set is acquired at a first position of the image acquisition device. Further, the method includes recording positional information corresponding to the first position of the image acquisition device. In addition, the method includes obtaining a second desired image data set representative of a second desired image, where the second desired image data set is acquired at a second position of an image acquisition device. The method also includes recording positional information corresponding to the second position of the image acquisition device. Moreover, the method includes acquiring image data between the first position and the second position of the image acquisition device. Systems and computer-readable medium that afford functionality of the type defined by this method is also contemplated in conjunction with the present technique. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076387 | Gain optimization of volume images for medical diagnostic ultrasonic imaging - Tissue information is equalized by adaptively controlling gain and mapping input data to output data based on the gain in three-dimensional medical diagnostic imaging. A hypersurface is fit in three spatial dimensions to tissue information in input data. The hypersurface is used to adjust the gain so that input values are mapped to output values with more uniform soft tissue levels. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076388 | LINEAR WAVE INVERSION AND DETECTION OF HARD OBJECTS - A method for providing an ultrasound image, includes: assembling data from ultrasound image data of a subject; performing linear wave inversion to provide a reflectivity volume from the assembled data; and performing vision processing to identify and localize features within the ultrasound image. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076389 | Imaging by time reversal beamforming - A high resolution imaging system is used to detect and locate targets using time reversal in rich scattering environments, where the number of scatterers is significantly larger than the number of antennas. Our imaging system performs two major tasks by time reversal: clutter mitigation and target focusing. Clutter mitigation is accomplished through waveform reshaping to suppress the clutter returns. After the suppressed clutter is subtracted from the returned signal, a second time reversal for target focusing is performed. A final image is then obtained by beamforming. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076390 | INTEGRATED ULTRASOUND IMAGING AND ABLATION PROBE - A system for imaging and providing therapy to one or more regions of interest is presented. The system includes an imaging and therapy catheter configured to image an anatomical region to facilitate assessing need for therapy in one or more regions within the anatomical region and delivering therapy to the one or more regions of interest within the anatomical region. In addition, the system includes a medical imaging system operationally coupled to the catheter and having a display area and a user interface area, wherein the medical imaging system is configured to facilitate defining a therapy pathway to facilitate delivering therapy to the one or more regions of interest. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076391 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR LEADING MACROMOLECULE SUBSTANCES INTO LIVING TARGET CELLS - A method and system for leading macromolecule substances into target cells includes an image picking unit, an image merging unit, an injection unit, and an energy conversion module. The image picking unit is used for picking up the three-dimensional (3D) and the 3D blood vessel photographic images of the tissue or organ where the target cells locate. The image merging unit is used for merging the 3D structure images into the 3D blood vessel photographic images, therefore choosing a blood vessel passage fully covering the target cells for transmitting the macromolecule substances. The injection unit is used for injecting liquid and transmitting the macromolecule substances to the target cells. The energy conversion module is used for exerting energy to activate the liquid to perform biological effects, thereby forming non-permanent holes in the cell membranes of the target cells. The macromolecule substances enter into the target cells through the non-permanent holes. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076392 | Ultrasonic Diagnostic Apparatus - For realization of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of satisfactorily narrowing a beam width while suppressing an increase in the number of focus data, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is designed to include an ultrasonic probe | 2009-03-19 |
20090076393 | ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER AND ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSIS SYSTEM INCLUDING THE SAME - A micromachined ultrasound transducer including a plurality of ultrasound transducer cells each of which includes a substrate on which a bottom electrode is formed, and a membrane provided apart from the substrate and having an upper electrode formed thereon, said ultrasound transducer generating ultrasound with the membrane vibrating when voltage is applied between the bottom electrode and the upper electrode, comprises: a vibration propagation suppression unit suppressing propagation of vibration of said each ultrasound transducer cell to an adjacent ultrasound transducer cell. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076394 | High-frequency tissue imaging devices and methods - The present invention relates to systems and methods for signal processing of an ultrasound images. More specifically, a preferred embodiment of an ultrasound imaging system includes a transducer array that provides imaging signals at a first frequency, f | 2009-03-19 |
20090076395 | Optimized intravascular ultrasound probe catherers - The present invention provides intravascular diagnostic catheters that include a centrally disposed intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging element and radially extendable, wall-contacting optical probe arms of a novel design for improving the IVUS imaging aspect of combined IVUS and optical analysis. In one embodiment, the dimension of the portion of the probe arm(s) that is in the field-of-view of the IVUS imaging element is minimized. In another embodiment, thin tethers are disposed in the field-of-view of the IVUS imaging element, rather than a continuation of the probe arm itself into the IVUS field. In still another embodiment, the probe arms at least substantially do not impinge on the field-of-view of the IVUS imaging element and tethers that are not within the field-of-view of the IVUS imaging element are used to control the probe arms, thereby providing a clear field-of-view for the IVUS imaging element. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076396 | Optical wavelength range for high contrast imaging of cancer - An apparatus for imaging cancer in which cancer tissue is contrasted against adjacent healthy tissue. The apparatus includes illumination and, possibly polarization means configured to provide illumination light on a region of tissue. Detection means are optically coupled to the illumination means, the detection means being adapted to detect reflected light from the tissue (and its polarization state, if applicable) when the tissue is illuminated by the illumination means. Filtering means are optically coupled to the detection means. The filtering means are configured to filter the illumination light and/or reflected light to pass only light within a range, or any subrange between about 1050 to about 1400 nm. Methods for imaging cancer contrast cancer tissue against adjacent healthy tissue. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076397 | Adherent Emergency Patient Monitor - An adherent device comprises an adhesive patch to adhere to a skin of the patient. At least two electrodes are connected to the patch and capable of electrically coupling to the patient. Electrocardiogram circuitry can be coupled to at the least two electrodes to measure an electrocardiogram signal of the patient. An accelerometer can be mechanically coupled to the adhesive patch to generate an accelerometer signal in response to at least one of an activity or a position of the patient. A processor comprising a tangible medium can be configured to communicate with the electrocardiogram circuitry and the accelerometer to generate an alarm signal in response to the electrocardiogram signal and the accelerometer signal. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076398 | Continuous Non-Invasive Blood Pressure Measurement Apparatus and Methods Providing Automatic Recalibration - A blood pressure measurement system is configured to perform a calibration automatically when a calibration condition is satisfied. The calibration condition is based upon one or more parameters of pulse waves of a subject. The parameters may include pulse wave area; a time difference between systolic peak and reflected wave peak or dichrotic notch in the pulse wave and a shape of at least a portion of the pulse wave. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076399 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS - The present invention is directed to a method and system for monitoring function and/or diagnosing dysfunction of the cardiovascular system of a human subject. The method comprise measuring pulse wave signals of the subject during rapid excitation of the cardiovascular system, analyzing the measured signals and computing indicators reflecting a response to said excitation. The cardiovascular excitation preferably comprise a controlled breathing protocol characterized by a predefined frequency of breaths (e.g., about 0.1 Hz). | 2009-03-19 |
20090076400 | SIGNAL PROCESSING APPARATUS - The present invention involves method and apparatus for analyzing measured signals that are modeled as containing primary and secondary portions. Coefficients relate the two signals according to a model defined in accordance with the present invention. In one embodiment, the present invention involves utilizing a transformation which evaluates a plurality of possible signal coefficients in order to find appropriate coefficients. Alternatively, the present invention involves using statistical functions or Fourier transform and windowing techniques to determine the coefficients relating to two measured signals. Use of this invention is described in particular detail with respect to blood oximetry measurements. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076401 | Injectable Physiological Monitoring System - A system and method are provided for decompensation prediction of a heart failure patient with one or more injectable detecting systems communicating wirelessly with a remote monitoring system. The system includes one or more injectable detecting systems having a plurality of sensors that provide an indication of at least one physiological event of a patient, a wireless communication device coupled to the one or more injectable detecting systems and configured to transfer patient data directly or indirectly from the one or more injectable detecting systems to a remote monitoring system, and a remote monitoring system coupled to the wireless communication device, the remote monitoring system using processed data to determine heart failure status and predict impending decompensation of the patient. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076402 | Method and apparatus for determining susceptibility for arrhythmias using wedensky modulated electrocardiography and alternans analysis - A method of assessing a patient's susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmia obtaining data by applying electrodes to detect electrocardiographic signal. A plurality of synchronized subthreshold electrical stimuli are delivered into the patient's body to present stimulated cardiac cycles to the electrodes and unstimulated reference cardiac cycles to the electrodes the signals are analyzed by creating a matrix of vectorized time-phase data representing a plurality cardiac cycles contained in the electrocardiographic signals that are recorded the method includes processing the matrix to generate spectral analytic representation of the matrix, analyzing at least the spectral analytic representation to determine at least one alternans index for the patient; and displaying the at least one alternans index as an indicator of the patient's susceptibility to arrhythmia. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076403 | Waveform feature value averaging system and methods for the detection of cardiac events - Disclosed is a system for detecting pathophysiological cardiac conditions. The system comprises a diagnostic device that contains electronic circuitry that can detect a cardiac event such as an acute ischemia. The cardiac diagnostic device receives electrical signals from subcutaneous or body surface sensors. The cardiac diagnostic device includes a processor that computes QRS onset and offset points and fiducial points associated with T and U waves. The processor than baseline corrects the original signal/waveform by fitting a polynomial function to QRS offset points, and subtracting this function from the original waveform. Based on the baseline adjusted signal and/or the above mentioned fiducial points, the processor then computes averages of various waveform feature values, including a QRS measure sensitive to QRS curvature, T wave timing measures, ST segment deviation (difference between signal amplitudes at QRS offset and onset and/or minimum amplitude between QRS offset and peak T wave); and T/U wave amplitudes. These averages are computed by exponential averaging. From the exponential averages, the processor computes an average of the change in the averages over time. Based on the averages and the change in the averages, the processor applies an ischemia test to determine a likelihood of ischemia. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076404 | System and methods for analyzing QRS curvature to detect cardiac events - Disclosed is a system for detecting pathophysiological cardiac conditions. The system comprises a diagnostic device that contains electronic circuitry that can detect a cardiac event such as an acute ischemia. The cardiac diagnostic device receives electrical signals from subcutaneous or body surface sensors. The cardiac diagnostic device includes a processor that computes a measure of QRS curvature and applies an ischemia test based on the measure of QRS curvature to determine a likelihood of ischemia. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076405 | Adherent Device for Respiratory Monitoring - A respiratory monitoring system is provided. A measuring system is provided that includes, (i) an adherent device configured to be coupled to a patient, the adherent device including a plurality of sensors that monitor respiratory status, at least one of the sensors configured to monitor the patient's respiration, and (ii) a wireless communication device coupled to the plurality of sensors and configured to transfer patient data directly or indirectly from the plurality of sensors to a remote monitoring system. A remote monitoring system is coupled to the wireless communication device. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076406 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OBJECTIVE ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF VISUAL FUNCTION - For electrophysiological assessment of visual function using a head mounted stereo display (e.g. virtual reality goggles) for displaying a stimulus which is used to generate a retinal or cortical response. In particular, a method for objective electrophysiological assessment of visual function of at least one eye of a subject includes presenting a visual stimulus to at least one eye of the subject, recording at least one of a retinal response and, a cortical response generated as a result of the presenting; analyzing said response and, as a result of said analyzing, forming a map of the visual function of the at least one eye of the subject | 2009-03-19 |
20090076407 | Brain Function Scan System - A portable EEG (electroencephalograph) instrument, especially for use in emergencies and brain assessments in physicians' offices, detects and amplifies brain waves and converts then into digital data for analysis by comparison with data from normal groups. In one embodiment, the EEG electrodes are in a headband which broadcasts the data, by radio or cellular phone, to a local receiver for re-transmission and/or analysis. In another embodiment, the subject is stimulated in two modes, i.e., aural and sensory, at two different frequencies to provide the subject's EPs (Evoked Potentials), assessing transmission through the brainstem and thalamus. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076408 | PET BODY FAT MEASURING TOOL - A pet body fat measuring tool | 2009-03-19 |
20090076409 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR THERMALLY-INDUCED RENAL NEUROMODULATION - Methods and system are provided for thermally-induced renal neuromodulation. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers. In some embodiments, parameters of the neural fibers, of non-target tissue, or of the thermal energy delivery element, may be monitored via one or more sensors for controlling the thermally-induced neuromodulation. In some embodiments, protective elements may be provided to reduce a degree of thermal damage induced in the non-target tissues. In some embodiments, thermally-induced renal neuromodulation is achieved via delivery of a pulsed thermal therapy. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076410 | System and Methods for Wireless Body Fluid Monitoring - An adherent device to monitor a tissue hydration of a patient comprises an adhesive patch to adhere to a skin of the patient. At least four electrodes are connected to the patch and capable of electrically coupling to the patient. Impedance circuitry is coupled to the at least four electrodes to measure a tissue resistance of the patient, where the circuitry is configured to determine the tissue hydration in response to tissue resistance. The circuitry may comprise a processor system and the tissue resistance may correspond to a change in patient body fluid. The impedance circuitry is configured to measure the hydration signal using at least one low measurement frequency, which may be in the range of 0 to 10 kHz. Multiple measurement frequencies may be used and the hydration signal may include a tissue reactance measurement. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076411 | Endometrial anesthesia delivery device and methods of use thereof - The field of the present invention relates to medical devices. More particularly, the field of the present invention relates to devices for providing anesthesia to an endometrial cavity of a patient and, furthermore, to methods of using such devices for endometrial biopsy and other medical procedures. According to certain preferred embodiments of the invention, devices for delivering anesthesia to an endometrial cavity are provided, which generally comprise (i) a primary shaft, (ii) a port located in a backside portion of the device, and (iii) a substantially spherical tip. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076412 | Apparatus and Methods for Obtaining a Sample of Tissue - Described herein are systems and methods for obtaining a sample of tissue with low power electrosurgical energy. The systems can include an apparatus for obtaining a sample of tissue from a patient having a cannula having a distal opening for receiving the sample of tissue. A wire, located proximate to the distal opening, can delivery energy to ablate tissue such that damage to the tissue sample is minimized. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076413 | DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR SPECIMEN COLLECTION - Holders for specimen collection such as urine collection and systems including holders and specimen collection cups are disclosed. The holders include resiliently deformable features for retaining cups of varying sizes therein. In some forms, the holders are alignable to minimize spillage when advancing the specimen cup into a urine stream. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076414 | CLOSED SPECIMEN COLLECTION SYSTEM - A closed specimen collection system for blood samples includes a collection tube that has a shaped nozzle adapted to fit sealably into a port connected to a centrally inserted venal catheter. A protective cover for the nozzle is attached to the collection tube and has an internal, female thread that mates to a male thread on the port. A specimen container has a hollow body, a front end and a back end. The front end has an aperture sized and shaped to attach to the collection tube. The aperture is sealable after removal of the collection tube. A piston fits closely within the hollow body and is attached to an actuating rod. When the port is connected to the collection tube, the collection tube is connected to the specimen container and the actuating rod is pulled toward the back end, blood will flow into the container in a sterile condition. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076415 | Cap for a Lancing Device - A cap for a lancing device for lancing dermal tissue is provided. The cap includes a cap body having a proximal end for connecting to the distal end of the housing of the lancing device and a contact ring attached to the distal end of the cap body. The contact ring includes an opening for <; i portion of the lancet of the lancing device to pass therethrough. The contact ring has a multi-contoured surface oriented generally about an axis distinct from the axis of motion of the lancet. The multicontoured surface is designed to pressure the dermal tissue to facilitate expression of a fluid sample after lancing the dermal tissue. The fluid sample can include blood, interstitial fluid, or both. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076416 | Guidewire with Adjustable Core - A movable-core guidewire including a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion includes a proximal hollow tube. The distal portion includes a coil coupled to the proximal hollow tube and an elastomeric distal tube disposed within the coil. A core wire is disposed within the hypotube. The core wire is movable between a distal position wherein a portion of the core wire is disposed in the distal tube and a proximal portion wherein the core wire is removed from the distal tube. A method is also disclosed for advancing the guidewire to the treatment site. | 2009-03-19 |
20090076417 | Glide Clip - The present invention includes a self-tensioning apparatus for controlling the advancement and rotation of a surgical guideware comprising a torsion spring comprising one or more torsion spring handles; one or more arms connected to the torsion spring and one or more elastomeric guideware grippers, wherein compression of the one or more torsion spring handles reduced the compression between the one or more elastomeric grippers and the guideware; and an elongated, hollow housing comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the housing surrounds the spring tension metal clip comprising two or more opposing flexible pads positioned adjacent the spring tension handles that allow compression of the spring tension handles, the housing comprising a guideware guiding groove that extends from the first to the second end of the housing, wherein the one or more elastomeric guideware-grippers are aligned with and are positioned about the groove, wherein the one or more elastomeric grippers contact and grip the guideware in the groove when the one or more spring tension handles are not engaged, but release variably as the user compresses the flexible pads on the housing. | 2009-03-19 |