14th week of 2014 patent applcation highlights part 46 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20140094648 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DISPLAYING THREE-DIMENSIONAL ORIENTATION OF A STEERABLE DISTAL TIP OF AN ENDOSCOPE - A system for graphically visualizing an orientation of a steerable distal portion of an elongate instrument is disclosed. The system includes an instrument having an elongate body. The elongate body includes a proximal portion and a steerable distal portion. The system also includes at least one tensioning member attached to said steerable distal portion, wherein the actuation of said at least one tensioning member results in an approximate y-bend and an approximate x-bend of said steerable distal portion, and wherein said approximate y-bend and approximate x-bend define an approximate overall bend of said steerable distal portion. The system further includes a graphical user interface and an icon representing said approximate overall bend on said graphical user interface. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094649 | INSERTION OPENING ATTACHMENT - An insertion opening attachment is used in combination with an endoscope apparatus configured to observe the inside of a subject. The attachment is attached to an insertion opening opened in the subject into which an insertion unit of the endoscope apparatus is inserted, wherein the insertion opening attachment comprises an attachment main body having a flanged cylindrical shape which is fixed to a peripheral edge region of the insertion opening in a state the insertion opening attachment is inserted in the insertion opening. The attachment main body comprises is attachment state detection unit which detects whether the attachment main body is attached to the insertion opening and an insertion state detection unit which detects whether the insertion unit is inserted in the insertion opening. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094650 | LAPAROSCOPIC LENS WIPE FEATURE ON SURGICAL DEVICE SHAFT OR JAW MEMBER - A first surgical instrument includes a shaft having an extension member such as a pair of jaw members at a distal end that are movable about a pivot for grasping tissue. The first surgical instrument enables a user to move the shaft and the pair of jaw members. A cleaning material is disposed on an external surface of the extension member such as at least one jaw member or disposed on the shaft. The first surgical instrument and the second surgical instrument define a distance between each other. The cleaning material is configured to clean at least a portion of at least a second surgical instrument in proximity to the first surgical instrument when the distance between the first surgical instrument and the second surgical instrument is reduced. A corresponding method of cleaning the second surgical instrument with the cleaning material of the first surgical instrument is also disclosed. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094651 | Imaging Catheter System - A catheter with an imaging assembly is disclosed. The catheter is used with a console for viewing and/or storing images obtained from the catheter. The catheter may be a feeding tube assembly. The imaging assembly on the feeding tube assembly allows a user to confirm placement of the feeding tube assembly in the patient's alimentary canal. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094652 | Feeding Tube System with Imaging Assembly and Console Connector - A catheter with an imaging assembly is disclosed. The catheter is used with a console for viewing and/or storing images obtained from the catheter. The catheter may be a feeding tube assembly. The imaging assembly on the feeding tube assembly allows a user to confirm placement of the feeding tube assembly in the patient's alimentary canal. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094653 | Imaging Catheter System - A catheter with an imaging assembly is disclosed. The catheter is used with a console for viewing and/or storing images obtained from the catheter. The catheter may be a feeding tube assembly. The imaging assembly on the feeding tube assembly allows a user to confirm placement of the feeding tube assembly in the patient's alimentary canal. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094654 | MEDICAL DRIVE DEVICE - An object is to detect the pressing force of a tip driven unit. In the controller | 2014-04-03 |
20140094655 | ENDOSCOPE WITH MULTIFUNCTIONAL EXTENDIBLE ARMS AND ENDOSCOPIC INSTRUMENT WITH INTEGRATED IMAGE CAPTURE FOR USE THEREWITH - An endoscope and methods of use thereof are provided, which includes at least one multi-functional extending arm supporting a plurality of imaging, lighting and other sensory elements. The arms provide a mounting platform upon which cameras, lights and sensors may be mounted to generate multiple-angled images and video, arena-like lighting and other data for performing a minimally-invasive surgical (MIS) procedure. The arms may be inserted through a single portal in the endoscope and extended outward in multiple directions from the single portal once inserted into a body cavity. The endoscope may also include support arms which support the extending arms within the body cavity and a stabilization plate which anchors the endoscope to an external surface of the body. An endoscopic tool with optical, lighting and other sensors integrated into a functional end is also provided. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094656 | ENDOSCOPE - An insertion portion, an operation portion, a signal cable, a plate-shaped member, an electric board, and a fixing member are included. The fixing member is formed into a U-shape in which a bottom surface, a top surface, a side surface and a fitting port are formed, and has a stopper for a surplus portion that is fitted in an inside formed, a distance between the bottom surface and the top surface is set to be slightly larger than a diameter in the surplus portion, and the surplus portion is configured not to be disposed in layers in a height direction of the side surface when the surplus portion is housed between the bottom surface and the top surface of the fixing member. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094657 | CONDITION CHECKING DEVICE FOR ENDOSCOPE - An endoscope system includes an endoscope, having a tip device for entry in a body cavity, and a viewing window portion formed in the tip device. A sleeve-shaped condition checking device is disposed on a distal side in an axial direction, for resiliently deforming in a transverse direction crosswise to the axial direction when pushed on an inner wall of the body cavity, to enter a viewing area of the viewing window portion. Furthermore, a propulsion assembly constitutes the condition checking device, and exerts force of propulsion to the tip device, for assistance to entry in the body cavity. The condition checking device includes a resilient end ring, disposed distally of a support sleeve, covered by a propulsion assembly, and having a tapered wall of which a diameter decreases in the axial direction from the support sleeve. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094658 | GUIDE SHEATH AND MEDICAL SYSTEM - A guide sheath includes: an elongated member extending along a longitudinal axis; a manipulation wire extending along the longitudinal axis of the elongated member so as to be capable of advancing and retracting; a bent section formed of a thermoplastic resin in a tubular shape and configured to be bent in accordance with advance or retraction of the manipulation wire; and a first hard section provided at a distal end surface of the bent section and formed by cross-linking the thermoplastic resin to which a distal end section of the manipulation wire is fixed. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094659 | ENDOSCOPE - An endoscope includes: a window portion that protrudes by a predetermined dimension along an insertion direction of an endoscope insertion portion from a flat portion provided at a distal end of the endoscope insertion portion; an air/water feeding nozzle that ejects a fluid toward the surface of the window portion; and an inclined portion formed at a circumferential edge portion of the window portion; wherein, a second angle of inclination against the flat portion being an angle in a direction along a second axis orthogonal to a first axis at the center of the window portion is made a larger angle than a first angle of inclination against the flat portion being an angle in a direction along a first axis passing through a center of the window portion and extending in an ejection direction of the fluid ejected from the air/water feeding nozzle. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094660 | ACCOUNTING FOR NON-UNIFORM LONGITUDINAL MOTION DURING MOVEMENT OF AN ENDOLUMINAL IMAGING PROBE - Apparatus and methods are provided including, while an endoluminal data-acquisition device is being moved through a lumen of a subject, acquiring a plurality of endoluminal data points of the lumen using the endoluminal data-acquisition device. At at least one location it is determined that an event occurred, the event causing the endoluminal data-acquisition device not to acquire a single endoluminal data point at the location. The endoluminal data points are displayed in a stack, in which the endoluminal data points are positioned at locations corresponding to relative locations within the lumen at which the endoluminal data points were acquired, and in which the event is accounted for. Other applications are also described. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094661 | CLINICAL INFORMATION DISPLAY APPARATUS, METHOD, AND PROGRAM - A clinical information display apparatus in which a plurality of clinical information items is classified into display and non-display targets and clinical information corresponding to a clinical information item classified as the display target is displayed on a display unit, including an anomaly detection unit for detecting an anomaly in clinical information corresponding to a clinical information item classified as the non-display target, and a notification unit for, when an anomaly is detected by the anomaly detection unit, making a notification to that effect. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094662 | METHOD OF ASSESSING CAPSULAR FORMATION AND/OR CONTRACTURE - The present specification discloses methods of assessing the extent of capsular contracture around an implantable device and methods of monitoring fibrous capsular formation relating to an implantable device. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094663 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING AND EVALUATING CARDIOPULMONARY FUNCTIONING - Wearable apparatus for monitoring various physiological and environmental factors are provided. Real-time, noninvasive health and environmental monitors include a plurality of compact sensors integrated within small, low-profile devices, such as earpiece modules. Physiological and environmental data is collected and wirelessly transmitted into a wireless network, where the data is stored and/or processed. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094664 | Method for Determining non-invasively a Heart-Lung Interaction - The present disclosure concerns a method for determining a heart-lung interaction factor of a subject, comprising: measuring a heart activity-related signal comprising heart activity-related information; from the heart activity-related signal, calculating a frequency of cardiac cycle and a frequency of respiratory cycle; from the heart activity-related signal, determining a cardiac cycle energy at the frequency of cardiac cycle, determining a respiratory cycle energy at the frequency of respiratory cycle, and determining a heart-lung interaction energy at an intermodulation frequency corresponding to the difference between the frequency of respiratory cycle and the frequency of cardiac cycle, or the sum of the frequency of respiratory cycle and the frequency of cardiac cycle; and determining a heart-lung interaction factor from the ratio of the heart-lung interaction energy and one of the cardiac cycle energy and the respiratory cycle energy. The heart-lung interaction factor can be determined non-invasively. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094665 | URINE BAG FOR COLLECTING BODY FLUIDS - A bag for collecting body fluids, such as urine or vomit, wherein the bag in compact condition includes a front side, a back side, a bottom and at least two side edges, where a bag opening is formed opposite the bottom. The bag includes an expandable bead arranged in or close to the bag opening to keep the bag open. The bead can have several chambers that can be inflated or expanded by a resiliently deformable material arranged in the chambers. A removable absorbing material is arranged at the bottom of the bag so that a sample of the fluid can be taken before it is absorbed. At least a part of the sides of the bag can be transparent. Identification means can be provided to enable identification of the user whose liquid has been collected. The bag and the bead can be compressed and stored in compact condition. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094666 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IN VIVO MEASUREMENT OF BIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS - A system, method and medical tool are presented for use in non-invasive in vivo determination of at least one desired parameter or condition of a subject having a scattering medium in a target region. The measurement system comprises an illuminating system, a detection system, and a control system. The illumination system comprises at least one light source configured for generating partially or entirely coherent light to be applied to the target region to cause a light response signal from the illuminated region. The detection system comprises at least one light detection unit configured for detecting time-dependent fluctuations of the intensity of the light response and generating data indicative of a dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurement. The control system is configured and operable to receive and analyze the data indicative of the DLS measurement to determine the at least one desired parameter or condition, and generate output data indicative thereof. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094667 | NONINVASIVELY MEASURING ANALYTE LEVELS IN A SUBJECT - A method for noninvasively measuring analyte levels includes using a non-imaging OCT-based system to scan a two-dimensional area of biological tissue and gather data continuously during the scanning. Structures within the tissue where measured-analyte-induced changes to the OCT data dominate over changes induced by other analytes are identified by focusing on highly localized regions of the data curve produced from the OCT scan which correspond to discontinuities in the OCT data curve. The data from these localized regions then can be related to measured analyte levels. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094668 | METHOD FOR SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC BLOOD OXYGENATION MONITORING - According to the present invention, a method and apparatus for non-invasively determining the blood oxygen saturation level within a subject's tissue is provided. The method comprises the steps of: a) providing a spectrophotometric sensor operable to transmit light into the subject's tissue, and to sense the light; b) detecting light after passage through the subject's tissue using the sensor, and producing initial signal data from the light sensed; c) calibrating the sensor to that particular subject using the initial signal data, thereby accounting for the specific physical characteristics of the particular subject's tissue being sensed; and d) using the calibrated sensor to determine the blood oxygen parameter value within the subject's tissue. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094669 | NASAL AND ORAL PATIENT INTERFACES - A patient interface for communicating fluids to and/or from a patient's nasal cavity and/or oral cavity is disclosed. In addition, a patient interface for fluid and physiological function monitoring proximate to the patient's nasal cavity and/or oral cavity is disclosed. An apnea monitor and a method for monitoring apnea are also disclosed. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094670 | Methods And Systems For Monitoring Respiration With Photoplethysmography - The present invention relates to novel lip/cheek probes for detection of pulse-based differences in light absorbence across the vascularized tissue of a lip or cheek of a patient. These probes are fabricated to provide signals to estimate arterial oxygen saturation, and/or to obtain other photoplethysmographic data. The present invention also relates to a combined probe/cannula. The present invention also relates to other devices that combine a pulse oximeter probe with a device supplying oxygen or other oxygen-containing gas to a person in need thereof, and to sampling means for exhaled carbon dioxide in combination with the novel lip/cheek probes. In certain embodiments, an additional limitation of a control means to adjust the flow rate of such gas is provided, where such control is directed by the blood oxygen saturation data obtained from the pulse oximeter probe. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094671 | ZWITTERION SURFACE MODIFICATIONS FOR CONTINUOUS SENSORS - Devices are provided for measurement of an analyte concentration, e.g., glucose in a host. The device can include a sensor configured to generate a signal associated with a concentration of an analyte; and a sensing membrane located over the sensor. The sensing membrane comprises a diffusion resistance domain configured to control a flux of the analyte therethrough. The diffusion resistance domain comprises one or more zwitterionic compounds and a base polymer comprising both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094672 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROCESSING PHYSIOLOGICAL SIGNALS IN WAVELET SPACE - Methods and systems are disclosed for analyzing multiple scale bands in the scalogram of a physiological signal in order to obtain information about a physiological process. An analysis may be performed to identify multiple scale bands that are likely to contain the information sought. Each scale band may be assessed to determine a band quality, and multiple bands may be combined based on the band quality. Information about a physiological process may determined based on the combined band. In an embodiment, analyzing multiple scale bands in a scalogram arising from a wavelet transformation of a photoplethysmograph signal may yield clinically relevant information about, among other things, the blood oxygen saturation of a patient. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094673 | RECEIVERS FOR ANALYZING AND DISPLAYING SENSOR DATA - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for processing, transmitting and displaying data received from an analyte sensor, such as a glucose sensor. The system may include a display device with at least one input device. In response to movement of or along the input device, the display device may change a glucose data output parameter and update an output of the display device using the changed output parameter. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094674 | IMPLANTABLE WIRELESS NEURAL DEVICE - Systems and methods for providing an electrical interface to a body are provided. In one embodiment, an implantable module is disclosed, comprising: an implantable electrode array, implantable within a body and capable of providing a plurality of communication channels for communicating electrical signals detected in a body; an amplifier circuit for processing electrical signals received from the electrode array; a wireless transceiver for sending and receiving telemetry data between the amplifier circuit and a wireless receiver located outside of the body; and a sealed enclosure that houses the amplifier circuit and the wireless transmitter and is biocompatible with surrounding tissue, the enclosure having a window that is transparent to a wireless medium used by the wireless transceiver. In another embodiment, a wireless transceiver and amplifier is detachably coupled to a transcutaneous attachment device, and the implantable electrode array is electrically coupled to the interface board via the transcutaneous attachment device. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094675 | ARRAYED ELECTRODES IN A WEARABLE DEVICE FOR DETERMINING PHYSIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS - Embodiments relate generally to electrical and electronic hardware, computer software, wired and wireless network communications, and wearable computing devices in capturing and deriving physiological characteristic data. More specifically, an array of electrodes and methods are configured to determine physiological characteristics using a wearable device (or carried device) that may be subject to motion. In one embodiment, an array of electrodes is disposed substantially in a wearable housing. At least a portion of the array including electrodes configured to either drive a first signal to a target location or receive a second signal from the target location. The second signal includes data representing one or more physiological characteristics. A sensor selector is configured to identify a subset of the electrodes adjacent to the target location and to select the subset of the electrodes from which to receive a sensor signal that includes data representing one or more physiological characteristics. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094676 | FLEXIBLE, LIGHTWEIGHT PHYSIOLOGICAL MONITOR - Wearable (ambulatory) monitors of the present invention have a segmented design, with at least two and preferably three (or more) mechanically independent, spaced apart sensors (e.g., electrodes or other types of physiological sensors) located in discrete islands, or housing structures that are flexibly connected to one another. Each of the sensors is in operable communication with one or more electronics module(s), also located in one or more of the islands. In some embodiments, an electronics module may be centrally located with respect to two or more peripherally located sensors. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094677 | BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION DETECTING APPARATUS AND FIXING STRUCTURE - There is provided a biological information detecting apparatus including: an apparatus main body; a pair of heart rate detecting parts provided on the apparatus main body, each of the heart rate detecting parts having an electrode in contact with a biological surface; a strip-shaped fixing band attached to the apparatus main body and configured to fix the apparatus main body and the pair of heart rate detecting parts to a body; free rings provided to be slidable along a longitudinal direction of the fixing band; and joining parts configured to join the pair of heart rate detecting parts and the free rings, wherein the pair of heart rate detecting parts and the free rings are joined through protrusions and recesses. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094678 | Skin Marking Porous Grid and Related Method of Use - An image guided biopsy grid markable with marking medium for marking a subject's skin underlying the grid with a marking to identify a needle entry target. The grid includes a flexible substrate and a plurality of substrate pores extending therethrough. An adhesive layer on the underside of the substrate conformingly and removably attaches the substrate to the skin substantially without gapping therebetween. The adhesive layer defines a plurality of adhesive pores and/or adhesive free spaces that allow marking medium to flow through the adhesive layer and onto the skin to mark the skin and identify the needle entry target. The biopsy grid may be marked substantially anywhere along its upper surface and marking medium will pass therethrough and mark the skin. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094679 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PERFORMING ORGAN DETECTION - A method for automatically detecting an organ of interest that includes accessing a medical image dataset using a processor, automatically segmenting the medical image dataset to identify an outline of a body of a patient, automatically determining an axial reference image slice and a axial center point using the segmented body of the patient, automatically determining a location of the organ of interest using the axial reference image slice and the axial center point, and automatically placing a visual indicator in the organ of interest based on the determined location. A medical imaging system and a non-transitory computer readable medium are also described herein. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094680 | ANGIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION METHOD FOR THE REPRESENTATION OF FLOW PROPERTIES - An angiographic examination method for the representation of flow properties of vessels of an object under examination is presented. To determine blood-flow parameters in 3-D with high temporal resolution, at least one 4-D DSA sequence is acquired for the generation of measurement-based 4-D DSA data sets. A model-based method determines time-dependent volume data sets, which, in terms of time, lie between the time-dependent volume data sets of the measurement-based 4-D DSA method. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094681 | SYSTEM FOR NAVIGATING SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS ADJACENT TISSUE OF INTEREST - A system for navigating a surgical instrument adjacent tissue of interest is provided and includes a magnetic device and a surgical instrument. The magnetic device is positionable within a body of a patient. The surgical instrument includes a magnetic detection device that is operably disposed thereon to detect the magnetic device. The surgical instrument is configured to remove tissue of interest within the patient. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094682 | IMAGE GUIDED HIGH INTENSITY FOCUSED ULTRASOUND TREATMENT OF NERVES - A method for using high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to treat neurological structures to achieve a desired therapeutic effect. Depending on the dosage of HIFU applied, it can have a reversible or irreversible effect on neural structures. For example, a relatively high dose of HIFU can be used to permanently block nerve function, to provide a non-invasive alternative to severing a nerve to treat severe spasticity. Relatively lower doses of HIFU can be used to reversibly block nerve function, to alleviate pain, to achieve an anesthetic effect, or to achieve a cosmetic effect. Where sensory nerves are not necessary for voluntary function, but are involved in pain associated with tumors or bone cancer, HIFU can be used to non-invasively destroy such sensory nerves to alleviate pain without drugs. Preferably, ultrasound imaging synchronized to the HIFU therapy is used to provide real-time ultrasound image guided HIFU therapy of neural structures. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094683 | DEVICE PRODUCING TEST SONICATIONS FOR HIGH INTENSITY FOCUSED ULTRASOUND - A medical apparatus ( | 2014-04-03 |
20140094684 | MRI CATHETER WITH RESONANT FILTER - A medical probe includes a flexible insertion tube having a distal end for insertion into a body cavity and having a proximal end. The probe further includes an electrode attached to the distal end of the insertion tube and configured to make electrical contact with tissue in the body cavity. An electrical lead runs through the insertion tube between the distal and proximal ends. In addition a coil is electrically coupled between the electrode and the lead in the insertion tube so as to define a resonant circuit having a resonant frequency in a range between 1 MHz and 300 MHz. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094685 | MAGNETIC FIELD VIEWING FILM FOR TRACKING IN-SITU SURGICAL APPLICATIONS - A method is provided. The method includes placing a magnetic field viewing film over a region of tissue; inserting at least one of a medical device or a medical instrument comprising at least one magnetic element into the region of the tissue; and determining a location of at least one of the medical device or the medical instrument based on a visualization by the magnetic field viewing film of a magnetic field produced by the at least one magnetic element. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094686 | MEDICAL INSTRUMENT, MEDICINE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING THE POSITION OF A POSITION MARKER - A medical instrument contains at least three navigation markers which in each case have at least one marker element which can be captured by a camera in a camera image in an identifiable manner. The navigation markers are each attached to the instrument at an attachment point lying on a first straight line. At least one of the navigation markers contains at least three marker elements arranged at a known distance on a second straight line associated with the respective navigation marker. Moreover, a medicine system and a method display a position of a position marker spatially correlated with the medical instrument. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094687 | IMAGE ANNOTATION IN IMAGE-GUIDED MEDICAL PROCEDURES - Presented herein are methods, systems, devices, and computer-readable media for image annotation in image-guided medical procedures. Some embodiments herein allow physicians or other operators to use one or more medical devices in order to define annotations in 3D space. These annotations may later be displayed to the physician or operator in 3D space in the position in which they were first drawn or otherwise generated. In some embodiments, the operator may use various available medical devices, such as needles, scalpels, or even a finger in order to define the annotation. Embodiments herein may allow an operator to more conveniently and efficiently annotate visualizable medical data. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094688 | Optic-based contact sensing assembly and system - The invention relates to an optic-based sensing assembly and a system incorporating the assembly and related use of the assembly. In particular, the invention relates to an optic-based catheter assembly and related system used to determine contact between a catheter and surrounding proximate environment, such as tissue. An embodiment of such a system may, for example, be used for visualization, mapping, ablation, or other methods of diagnosis and treatment of tissue and/or surrounding areas. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094689 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING A PLURALITY OF LOCAL CALIBRATION FACTORS FOR AN IMAGE - Apparatus and methods are described including acquiring a first set of extraluminal images of a lumen, using an extraluminal imaging device. At least one of the first set of images is designated as a roadmap image. While an endoluminal device is being moved through the lumen, a second set of extraluminal images is acquired. A plurality of features that are visible within images belonging to the second set of extraluminal images are identified. In response to the identified features in the images belonging to the second set of extraluminal images, a plurality of local calibration factors associated with respective portions of the roadmap image are determined. Other applications are also described. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094690 | DISPLAYING A DEVICE WITHIN AN ENDOLUMINAL IMAGE STACK - Apparatus and methods are described including, while an endoluminal data-acquisition device is being moved through a subject's lumen, acquiring a plurality of endoluminal data points of the lumen using the endoluminal data-acquisition device. It is determined that respective endoluminal data points correspond to respective locations along the lumen. A display is driven to display at least some of the plurality of endoluminal data points in a stack. While a second endoluminal device is inside the lumen, a current location of at least a portion of the second endoluminal device with respect to the lumen is determined. In response thereto, an image of the second endoluminal device is displayed within the stack, at a location within the stack corresponding to the current location of the second endoluminal device. Other applications are also described. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094691 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR MAPPING A SEQUENCE OF IMAGES TO A ROADMAP IMAGE - Apparatus and methods are described including a processor ( | 2014-04-03 |
20140094692 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING A DIMENSION OF A PORTION OF A STACK OF ENDOLUMINAL DATA POINTS - Apparatus and methods are described including, while an endoluminal data-acquisition device is being moved through a lumen, acquiring a plurality of endoluminal data points of the lumen using the endoluminal data-acquisition device. The endoluminal data points are displayed in a stack, and are co-registered to respective locations along the lumen in an extraluminal image of the lumen. Based upon the co-registering of the endoluminal data points to respective locations along the lumen in the extraluminal image of the lumen, a parameter of a portion of the lumen that corresponds to a portion of the stack of endoluminal data points is determined. An output is generated in response thereto. Other applications are also described. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094693 | ACCOUNTING FOR SKIPPED IMAGING LOCATIONS DURING MOVEMENT OF AN ENDOLUMINAL IMAGING PROBE - Apparatus and methods are described including, while an endoluminal data-acquisition device is being moved through a lumen of a subject, acquiring a plurality of endoluminal data points of the lumen using the endoluminal data-acquisition device. It is determined that, at at least one location, no endoluminal data point was acquired. An output is generated using at least a portion of the plurality of endoluminal data points of the lumen acquired using the endoluminal data-acquisition device, the output including an indication that no endoluminal data point was acquired at the location. Other applications are also described. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094694 | Registration of Anatomical Data Sets - Methods and systems are disclosed for relating additional spatial information associated with one volume data set of an anatomical structure with another volume data set of the anatomical structure where the spatial information is not available. A unique spatial characteristic of the volume data set is identified, such as an image moment of inertia, and an arbitrary reference frame is assigned to the volume data set and correlated with the unique spatial characteristic. The additional spatial information is also correlated with the arbitrary reference frame. The additional spatial information is then correlated to a second volume data set of the anatomical structure by registering the first and second volume data sets based on the unique spatial characteristic. The methods and systems allow registration of different volume data sets of the same anatomical structure and transfer of the additional spatial information without establishing a local reference frame based on predefined landmarks. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094695 | THREE-DIMENSIONAL NEEDLE LOCALIZATION WITH A TWO-DIMENSIONAL IMAGING PROBE - An imaging system and method include a medical device ( | 2014-04-03 |
20140094696 | IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE, RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE CAPTURING SYSTEM, COMPUTER-READABLE MEDIUM AND IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - An image processing device includes: an acquisition unit that acquires plural projection images captured by applying radiation from multiple directions, while moving a radiation applying unit, with respect to an object between the radiation applying unit and a radiation detector and by detecting the radiation via the radiation detector; a tomographic image generating unit that generates tomographic images of the object by reconstructing them from the acquired plural projection images; a projection image mask generating unit that generates plural projection image masks for separating an object region and a direct incidence region of each of the plural projection images; a tomographic image mask generating unit that reconstructs and generates, from the plural projection image masks, tomographic image masks for separating the object region and the direct incidence region of the tomographic images; and a masking unit that performs masking by applying the tomographic image masks to the tomographic images. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094697 | OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY AND PRESSURE BASED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - In part, the invention relates to methods, apparatus, and systems suitable for determining a fractional flow reserve (FFR) and variations of modifications thereof One embodiment relates to a method and apparatus for obtaining a corrected FFR in a vessel having a stenosis. In one aspect, the invention relates to an apparatus for measuring corrected FFR of a vessel having a stenosis. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a probe comprising an optical coherence tomography assembly and a pressure assembly; and a processor in communication with the optical coherence tomography assembly and the pressure assembly. In one embodiment, the pressure assembly measures values of pressure in predetermined locations the vessel and communicates them to the processor. In one embodiment, a dual guidewire is used to reduce the interference in the pressure measurement. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094698 | CAVITY FILLING BIOPSY SITE MARKERS - The invention provides materials, devices and methods for marking biopsy sites for a limited time. The biopsy-marking materials are ultrasound-detectable bio-resorbable powders, with powder particles typically between about 20 microns and about 800 microns in maximum dimension, more preferably between about 300 microns and about 500 microns. The powders may be formed of polymeric materials containing cavities sized between about 10 microns and about 500 microns, and may also contain binding agents, anesthetic agents, hemostatic agents, and radiopaque markers. Devices for delivering the powders include tubes configured to contain the powders and to fit within a biopsy cannula, the powders being ejected by action of a syringe. Systems may include a tube containing powder, and a syringe containing sterile saline. The tube may be configured to fit within a biopsy cannula such as a Mammotome® or SenoCor 360™ cannula. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094699 | PROCESS FOR PRODUCING A RADIOLOGY REPORT - A process for manufacturing a radiology report wherein a first technologist prepares a worksheet that records objective data from the image display of the condition of a patient's body that was subjected to a controlled source of imaging energy. A second different technologist prepares a preliminary report in narrative form from the work sheet prepared by the first technologist and image display. A radiologist uses the preliminary report and the image to prepare a final report. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094700 | ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND BEAMFORMING METHOD - An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes: a first reference beam generating unit generating a first reference beam from DAS signals calculated in an N-th frame; a second reference beam generating unit generating a second reference beam from a DAS signal calculated in an (N−1)-th frame, the DAS signal calculated in the N-th frame, and another DAS signal calculated in an (N+1)-th frame; an attenuation coefficient calculating unit calculating, based on the first reference beam and the second reference beam, an attenuation coefficient to be multiplied by the DAS signals calculated in the N-th frame; and a beamforming unit generating and providing a beamformed signal generated for a reference scan line in the N-th frame by multiplying a DAS signal calculated in the N-th frame by the attenuation coefficient. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094701 | DEVICES THAT COOPERATE WITH ULTRASOUND PROBES FOR MUSCOSKELETAL EVALUATIONS AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Adaptors for ultrasound probes can have an adaptor body can have an open lower end that allows a distal end of the ultrasound probe to extend therethrough to contact skin of a patient. The adaptor can include a plurality of spaced apart resilient members held by the adaptor body that, in operation, are able to change in length such that the resilient members translate from a first longer length to a second shorter length when the probe applies compressive force to the target tissue. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094702 | METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR MEASURING TISSUE STIFFNESS CHANGES USING ULTRASOUND ELASTICITY IMAGING - A method of evaluating tissue stiffness of a target area includes positioning an ultrasound elasticity imaging apparatus adjacent a surface of an area of tissue where the target area is located and applying a dynamic range of force to the tissue. A plurality of ultrasound beams can be directed at the tissue and a plurality of ultrasound echoes can be acquired from the strained tissue in the target area to calculate an amount of developed strain within the target area. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094703 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SYNTHESIZING ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC SIGNALS USING POSTURE DATA - The present specification discloses methods and systems for synthesizing electrocardiographic (ECG) signals. In one method, a first group of electrodes are attached to predetermined locations on the human body. A posture sensor is attached to the human body and generates data indicative of the human body's posture. The system receives signals from the first group of electrodes connected to the predetermined locations on a human body and acquires a first set of ECG signals. The system then derives at least one further ECG signal by applying transformation(s) on the first set of ECG signals, or a subset thereof, to form a desired set of signals, where the applied transformations are selected based on the human body's posture. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094704 | RECYCLABLE OR BIODEGRADABLE BLOOD PRESSURE CUFF - A blood pressure cuff is defined by a first sheet, having an opening, and a second sheet. The second sheet is attached to a bottom of the first sheet to form an interior inflatable portion between the first sheet and the second sheet, with the opening of the first sheet fluidly interconnecting the interior inflatable portion with an exterior of the cuff. The blood pressure cuff is made from a single type of material and can be recycled, biodegradable, or composted. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094705 | Recovery Determination Methods and Recovery Determination Apparatuses - Recovery determination methods and recovery determination apparatuses are described. According to one aspect, a recovery determination method includes accessing an input for a recovery marker which corresponds to a characteristic of an individual, wherein the input comprises data pertinent to the individual for the recovery marker while the individual is at rest following a period of exercise by the individual, processing the data of the individual for the recovery marker, and determining recovery information which is indicative of a state of recovery of the individual using the processing. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094706 | MEDICAL DEVICE FOR POSITIONING OF A LEAD - The present invention relates generally to medical devices for electrode positioning during implantation procedures. A cardiac signal measuring device measures cardiac signals sensitive to inherent differences between cardiac tissue and blood using at least one electrode of a medical lead arranged at a distal tip of the medical lead and at least a second electrode arranged at a distance from the distal electrode and being connectable to the measuring unit. An analyzing module acquires cardiac signals measured during predetermined measurement sessions. The analyzing module determines at least one cardiac signal value based on the cardiac signals for each measurement session and analyzes changes of the cardiac signal values between different measurement sessions to determine a position of the electrode relative a tissue border. A maximum of the change of the cardiac signal values between two successive measurement sessions indicates that the electrode has reached the tissue border. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094707 | WEARABLE APPARATUS FOR MEASURING HEART-RELATED PARAMETERS AND DERIVING HUMAN STATUS PARAMETERS FROM SENSED PHYSIOLOGICAL AND CONTEXTUAL PARAMETERS - A monitor device and associated methodology are disclosed which provide a self contained, relatively small and continuously wearable package for the monitoring of heart related parameters, including ECG. The detection of heart related parameters is predicated on the location of inequipotential signals located within regions of the human body conventionally defined as equivalent for the purpose of detection of heart related electrical activity, such as on single limbs. Amplification, filtering and processing methods and apparatus are described in conjunction with analytical tools for beat detection and display. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094708 | APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING POSSIBILITY OF RETURN OF SPONTANEOUS CIRCULATION - An apparatus for determining a possibility of return of spontaneous circulation, includes: an electrocardiogram acquiring unit acquiring electrocardiogram waveform data from a subject in a cardiac arrest condition during chest compression applied to the subject; a bandpass filter unit allowing only a frequency component in a vicinity of a frequency of a P wave of the electrocardiogram waveform to pass through the bandpass filter unit; a resuscitation possibility determining unit determining whether an output of the bandpass filter unit exceeds a predetermined value or not, and determining that there is the possibility of return of spontaneous circulation when the output exceeds the predetermined value; and an outputting unit outputting a result of determination related to the possibility of return of spontaneous circulation. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094709 | BIOLOGICAL SIGNAL MANAGEMENT - Systems and techniques for managing biological signals. In one implementation, a method includes receiving a cardiac biological signal that includes information describing events, determining a merit of each event based on one or more of a severity of a cardiac condition associated with the event and a quality of the event, and handling a subset of the events that meet a merit criterion. The subset can be handled for medical purposes. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094710 | COMPUTATONAL TOOL FOR PRE-SURGICAL EVALUATION OF PATIENTS WITH MEDICALLY REFRACTORY EPILEPSY - A method of identifying an epileptogenic zone of a subject's brain includes receiving a plurality of electrical signals from a corresponding plurality of surgically implanted electrodes, calculating a first plurality of connectivities between each pair of electrodes based on a portion of each of the plurality of electrical signals corresponding to a first time period, assigning a rank corresponding to each electrode for the first period of time based on the first plurality of connectivities to provide a first plurality of ranks, calculating a second plurality of connectivities between each pair of electrodes based on a portion of each of the plurality of electrical signals corresponding to a second time period, assigning a rank corresponding to each electrode for the second period of time based on the second plurality of connectivities to provide a second plurality of ranks, identifying a cluster of electrodes among the plurality of electrodes based on relative changes between the first plurality of ranks from the first time period and the second plurality of ranks at the second time period, and identifying the epileptogenic zone based on the cluster of electrodes. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094711 | OPHTHALMOLOGICAL DEVICE - An ophthalmic instrument for the application of laser radiation in a patient's eye, particularly for the examination and/or surgical laser treatment of the cornea and the lens of the eye, includes a femtosecond laser, an objective and optical assemblies. The optical assemblies are arranged in front of the objective, and selectively vary the focus position in the coordinate direction X,Y and Z either within the region of the cornea or within the region of the lens of the eye. The objective or at least one lens group is movable relative to the eye. The variation of the position of the lens group or objective shifts the focus position from the cornea to the lens of the eye and vice versa. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094712 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR ACOUSTICALLY OR MECHANICALLY STIMULATING A COCHLEA AND INTRACOCHLEAR RECORDING OF MECHANICALLY OR ACOUSTICALLY EVOKED AUDITORY POTENTIALS IN THE COCHLEA - An apparatus for acoustic or mechanical stimulation of a cochlea and measurement of acoustically or mechanically evoked electrophysiologic responses from the cochlea is provided. In one example, the apparatus includes an acoustic stimulator for generating an acoustic signal and an electrophysiologic response measuring device positioned proximal the cochlea or within the cochlea for measuring an acoustically evoked electrophysiologic response to the acoustic signal. Methods of utilizing the apparatus for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures related to hearing impairment are also provided. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094713 | TETHERLESS BIOPSY DEVICE - A biopsy device comprises a body, a needle, and a cutter operable to sever tissue protruding through a lateral aperture of the needle. A vacuum pump is in fluid communication with the cutter. A fluid pump is in fluid communication with the needle. A fluid pump actuation assembly is operable to actuate the fluid pump to deliver a bolus of fluid to the needle based on movement of the cutter. A valve assembly responsive to cutter movement is operable to selectively couple the needle with the fluid pump, couple the needle with atmospheric air, or seal the needle relative to the fluid pump and atmospheric air. The fluid from the fluid pump and atmospheric air cooperate with the vacuum to urge severed tissue samples proximally through the cutter. Components operable to actuate the cutter and the fluid pump include coaxial lead screws having different pitch diameters. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094714 | NEEDLE TIP FOR BIOPSY DEVICE - A biopsy device includes a body portion, a cannula, a cutter, and a tissue stop having a proximal face. The cannula has a transverse aperture that is defined in part by a proximal edge and a distal edge. The cutter is movable to a distal position to sever tissue protruding through the transverse aperture. A tip at the distal end of the cannula has a sharp edge that extends proximally to a longitudinal position that is proximal to the longitudinal position of the distal edge of the transverse aperture. The sharp edge of the tip extends to a longitudinal position that is proximal to the longitudinal position of the distal cutting edge of the cutter when the cutter is at the distal position. The sharp edge of the tip extends to a longitudinal position that is proximal to the longitudinal position of the proximal face of the tissue stop. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094715 | DISTRACTOR FOR MEASURING LOAD AND POSITION OF LOAD APPLIED BY THE MUSCULAR-SKELETAL SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREFOR - A distractor suitable for measuring a force, pressure, or load applied by the muscular-skeletal system is disclosed. An insert couples to the distractor. The insert has at least one articular surface allowing movement of the muscular-skeletal system when the distractor is inserted thereto. The insert can be a passive insert having no measurement devices. A sensor array and electronics are housed within the distractor. The distractor can dynamically distract the muscular-skeletal system. A handle of the distractor can be rotated to increase or decrease the spacing between support structures. The measurement system comprises a sensor array and electronic circuitry. In one embodiment, the electronic circuitry is coupled to the sensor array by a unitary circuit board or substrate. The sensors can be integrated into the unitary circuit board. For example, the sensors can comprise elastically compressible capacitors or piezo-resistive devices. The distractor wirelessly couples to a remote system for providing position and magnitude measurement data of the force, pressure, or load being measured. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094716 | INTRAUTERINE PRESSURE CATHETER INTERFACE CABLE SYSTEM - Methods and systems for zeroing an intrauterine pressure catheter system are provided. The interface cable system includes a first connector and a second connector configured to provide electrical interconnection between an intrauterine pressure catheter and a monitoring system. The interface cable system includes a plurality of conductors extending between s the first and second connectors. A momentary switch is configured to activate a zeroing operation for a predetermined time period. The zeroing operation may include activating a switching element subsequent to the release of the momentary switch. An indicator is configured to provide an indication, during the predetermined time period, that the zeroing operation can be completed. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094717 | GAIT ANALYSIS SYSTEM AND METHODS - Systems and methods for analyzing the gait of an individual are disclosed. The disclosed systems and methods can be configured to acquire data from a first array and a second array of sensors that are configured to be placed in a left and/or right shoe, respectively. The acquired data can be collected or separated into at least two separate gait phases for each array, compared to a baseline condition for each gait phase and categorized into one of at least two uniformity categories for each gait phase. Examples of collected and/or calculated data include pressure values, shear stress values and torque values. The analysis can be focused on both feet of a person, or focused on one foot. A graphical output showing at least one entire gait cycle based on the uniformity categories can then be generated. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094718 | System and method for tattoo removal - A combination device for applying a treatment of light and ultrasound on a tattooed area of a patient desiring tattoo removal. The device includes an ultrasound and a LED light source. The ultrasound source produces high-frequency ultrasound waves. These waves are applied directly to the tattooed area for a first specified period of time resulting in release of tattoo ink from tattooed cells. The LED source produces a continuous high-intensity light that is applied directly over the entire tattooed area for a second specified period of time resulting in degradation of the tattoo ink. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094719 | ULTRASOUND NEUROMODULATION TREATMENT OF SCHIZOPHRENIA - Disclosed are methods and systems and methods for non-invasive neuromodulation using ultrasound to treat schizophrenia. The neuromodulation can produce acute or long-term effects. The latter occur through Long-Term Depression (LTD) and Long-Term Potentiation (LTP) via training. Included is control of direction of the energy emission, intensity, frequency, pulse duration, pulse pattern, and phase/intensity relationships to targeting and accomplishing up regulation and/or down regulation. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094720 | Methods and Devices for Modulating Cellular Activity Using Ultrasound - The present invention comprises methods and devices for modulating the activity or activities of living cells, such as cells found in or derived from humans, animals, plants, insects, microorganisms and other organisms. Methods of the present invention comprise use of the application of ultrasound, such as low intensity, low frequency ultrasound, to living cells to affect the cells and modulate the cells' activities. Devices of the present invention comprise one or more components for generating ultrasound waves, such as ultrasonic emitters, transducers or piezoelectric transducers, composite transducers, CMUTs, and which may be provided as single or multiple transducers or in an array configurations. The ultrasound waves may be of any shape, and may be focused or unfocused. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094721 | Device and Method for Knee Rehabilitation - A device for increasing the range of motion of a patient's knee joint comprising of a longitudinal track frame, having a sitting platform at one end and a movable leg and foot platform at the other end, driven back and forth by a foot actuation mechanism in a flexion-extension motion, linearly along the longitudinal track by an electronically controlled motor in accordance with user defined settings and operable in a passive, active or resistive mode in either a supine or sitting position. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094722 | WATERPROOF HAND-HELD ELECTRIC BREAST MASSAGER - A waterproof hand-held electric breast massager includes a casing, a driving motor, a power supply element and a massaging member. The sealing cover is disposed at one end of the tubal body and at least one a protrusion at another end of the tubal body. The bottom body further has a conductive sheet, and at least one a positioning slot around a hollow portion of the bottom body. When the positioning slot of the bottom body is aligned with the protrusion, the bottom body can be inserted into the tubal body. The driving motor is mounted in the tubal body, and the driving motor has a first and a second conductive parts. The first conductive part and the conductive sheet make contact with each other. The massaging member has a bowl-like shape and a lip with an elastic curved surface at a circumference edge such that the casing is disposed perpendicular with the lip of the massaging member. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094723 | KIT FOR REHABILITATION APPARATUS - A kit for assisting a disabled person in rehabilitation is disclosed herein. The kit includes a frame. The kit also includes at least one loop mounted on the frame. The loop defines a first opening. The kit also includes a flexible elongate member extending between first and second opposite ends. The flexible elongate member is selectively receivable in the at least one loop. The kit also includes first and second attachment members. The first and second attachment members can be connected at one of the first and second opposite ends of the flexible elongate member or at some point between the first and second opposite ends. Each of the first and second attachment members is operable to form an opening of variable size to receive and releasibly tighten around a limb of the disabled person. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094724 | Method and Device for Performing Alternating Chest Compression and Decompression - A plunger adapter and a detachable compression pad for piston driven chest compression devices optimizes the application of chest compressions to a fixed location on a patient's chest. The detachable compression pad may be removably secured to the patient above the patient's sternum to ensure that the compression pressure from the piston through the piston adapter is applied to a fixed location on the patient's chest. As the plunger and plunger adapter retract from the chest, the compression pad remains fixed to the patient's chest, and as the plunger and plunger adapter extend from the chest compression unit for subsequent compression strokes, the distal end of the plunger adapter reengages the compression pad to apply compression to a fixed location on the patient's chest. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094725 | RESIDUAL PRESSURE CONTROL IN A COMPRESSION DEVICE - A method of controlling a compression device controls a vent phase of a compression device having an inflatable bladder capable of being pressurized for applying compression to a part of a subject's body. The method includes delivering pressurized fluid from a source of pressurized fluid to a first inflatable bladder disposed about a portion of the subject's body and venting the pressurized fluid from the first inflatable bladder by opening a first valve. The method further includes monitoring fluid pressure in the first inflatable bladder during the venting of the first inflatable bladder. Based at least in part on the monitored fluid pressure, the first valve is selectively closed and selectively reopened to control fluid pressure in the first inflatable bladder to remain within a desired residual pressure range. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094726 | VASCULAR COMPRESSION SYSTEM - A vascular compression system includes a compression garment and a controller for compressing a body part of a person. In some embodiments, the compression garment is a foot cuff or a leg sleeve. The controller inflates compression garment apparatus includes a compression garment and a pressurizer. The pressurizer has instructions for executing cyclic compression cycles for applying intermittent compression therapy to the body part. Each compression cycle includes an inflation phase and a vent phase. At least one of the inflation phases includes a pre-fill step and a therapeutic step. In the pre-fill step, gas pressure in the inflatable chamber may be increased at a reduced rate, and in the therapeutic step, the gas pressure in the inflatable chamber may be increased at a rapid rate. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094727 | COMPRESSION DEVICE PUMPING - A compression device includes a compression garment positionable on the limb of the wearer and having an inflatable bladder for providing compression treatment to the limb. A pump assembly is supported by the compression garment. The pump assembly is in fluid communication with the bladder for pressurized fluid delivery. The pump assembly includes at least first and second pumps. Passaging connects each of the first and second pumps for fluid communication with the inflatable bladder. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094728 | MOTORIZED TENSIONING SYSTEM FOR MEDICAL BRACES AND DEVICES - A tensioning system for medical braces and devices is disclosed. The tensioning system includes a tensioning member that is tightened or loosened using a motorized tensioning device for winding and unwinding the tensioning member on a spool. The motorized tensioning device includes a torque transmitting system that allows for incremental tightening, incremental loosening, and full loosening of the tensioning member. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094729 | SUPPORTIVE BELT ASSEMBLY FOR LOWER EXTREMITY ORTHOTIC DEVICES - A multi-segment supportive belt assembly for reducing displacement of one or more orthotic devices on the lower extremities of a user. The supportive belt comprises a first group of segments including a plurality of linking segments linking the supportive belt assembly to the anatomical structure of the user, and a second group of segments including, for each lower extremity, at least one lateral segment connecting adjacent linking segments, the at least one lateral segment being longitudinally aligned with the user's hips, at least one of the lateral segments being adapted to be connected to the one or more orthotic devices. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094730 | WOUND DRESSING - Embodiments disclosed within herein relate to a wound dressing, suitable for use in negative pressure wound therapy, comprising a body of porous material, the body of porous material comprising a plurality of cuts which provide regions of flexibility within the body. Further embodiments relate to methods of manufacturing and method of use of such wound dressings. In addition, the wound dressing can comprise a retaining mechanism removably coupled to the material and configured to retain the material in the expanded conformation. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094731 | COMPRESSION WRAP - A compression wrap for providing pressure to an injured portion of a joint of a limb is provided. The compression wrap includes flexible body that includes a pressure application portion for applying pressure to the limb of user and a strap portion. The strap portion is connected to the pressure application portion and adjustably secures the compression wrap to the limb. A strap attachment is attached to the flexible body having a first portion that releasably engages the flexible body when the compression wrap is in a large configuration and a second portion that releasably engages the flexible body when the compression wrap is in a small configuration. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094732 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR REMOVAL OF RADIOCONTRAST MEDIA FROM BLOOD - An extracorporeal blood circuit including: a withdrawal conduit connectable to a coronary withdrawal catheter; a withdrawal pump connectable to the withdrawal conduit, wherein a pumping rate of the withdrawal pump determines a blood withdrawal rate from the coronary withdrawal catheter; a filter having an input connected to the withdrawal conduit and a blood output connected to an infusion conduit and a filtrate output connected to a filtrate conduit; a filtrate measurement device to determine an amount of filtrate removed from the blood in the filter; a fluid supplementation conduit providing a blood replacement fluid to at least one of the withdrawal conduit, filter and infusion conduit; a supplementation pump connectable to the fluid supplementation conduit, wherein a pumping rate of the supplementation pump determines a rate at which the blood replacement fluid flows into the blood flowing through the blood circuit, and a controller regulating the pumping rate of the supplementation pump such that the rate of the blood replacement fluid provides an amount of blood replacement fluid to the at least one of the withdrawal conduit, filter and infusion conduit so as to substantially match the amount of filtrate removed. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094733 | Tympanic Membrane Pressure Equalization Tube - The invention is a tympanic membrane pressure equalization tube. The tube has a distal end and a proximal end and a tube lumen. A medial flange is located at the distal end of the tube and has 2 or more retention elements and a space between each retention element. A lateral flange is located at the proximal end of the tube. The outside diameter of the medial flange is greater than the outside diameter of the lateral flange and the diameter of the medial flange is between about 2.0 and 5.0 mm and the diameter of the lateral flange is between about 1.75 mm and 4.0 mm. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094734 | SATIATION DEVICES AND METHODS - A satiation device is described which includes a sheath or liner extending from the proximal or middle stomach to the distal antrum. Food ingested by the patient passes through the sheath or liner, thereby minimizing contact between the ingested food and the stomach. It is believed that over time, reduced contact between food and the stomach will result in decreased Ghrelin production by the patient and a consequent decrease in appetite. In some embodiments, the satiation device may also include a proximal pouch and/or a distal bypass tube. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094735 | VALVE SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH MULTI-DIRECTIONAL PUMPING - An implantable valve system and method of using same, including a housing with a resilient membrane defining a reservoir in fluid communication with at least two ports, and at least a first set of opposing sealing features disposed on upper and lower surfaces within the housing. The membrane is capable of being depressed by a human finger to bring the sealing features together to substantially restrict fluid from passing through at least one of one of the ports, and is capable of being depressed additionally by a rolling motion of the finger to drive fluid through the other of the ports. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094736 | Valve Position Sensor - An IOP control device for implantation in an eye of a patient is disclosed, including a housing with an entrance port and an exit port, a membrane anchored within the housing in a manner forming a flow control chamber on a first side of the membrane and a fluid flow passageway on a second opposing side of the membrane, and a position sensor system. The flow control chamber is arranged to contain a gas creating a flow control chamber pressure, and the membrane is configured to affect flow through the fluid flow passageway from the entrance port to the exit port by deflecting in response to changes in the flow control chamber pressure. The position sensor system includes a first conductive portion and a second conductive portion positioned to selectively contact the first conductive portion to indicate the position of the membrane relative to the fluid flow passageway. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094737 | GAS MIST PRESSURE BATHING METHOD AND GAS MIST PRESSURE BATHING SYSTEM - Provided are a gas mist pressure bathing method and a gas mist pressure bathing system that improve the efficiency of absorbing a gas mist from the skin and mucous membranes of a living body. The gas mist pressure bathing method is provided with a first step, a second step and a third step. The first step involves supplying a gas mist for a predetermined time to at least a first cover | 2014-04-03 |
20140094738 | PUMPING SYSTEMS FOR CASSETTE-BASED DIALYSIS - A dialysis machine includes: a hardware unit including at least one pump actuator, at least one valve actuator and a cassette interface, the cassette interface including: (i) a plate that abuts the cassette; (ii) at least one pump aperture defined by the plate; (iii) at least one pump head moveable out of and retractable into the at least one pump aperture to operate a pumping portion of the cassette; (iv) at least one valve aperture defined by the plate; (v) at least one valve apparatus moveable out of and retractable into the at least one valve aperture to operate a valve portion of the cassette; (vi) at least one sensor aperture defined by the plate; and (vii) at least one sensor located in the least one sensor aperture, the at least one sensor operable with a sensor portion of the cassette. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094739 | PUMPING SYSTEMS FOR CASSETTE-BASED DIALYSIS - A dialysis machine includes: a hardware unit including at least one pump actuator, at least one valve actuator and a cassette interface, the cassette interface including: (i) a plate that abuts the cassette; (ii) at least one pump aperture defined by the plate; (iii) at least one pump head moveable out of and retractable into the at least one pump aperture to operate a pumping portion of the cassette; (iv) at least one valve aperture defined by the plate; (v) at least one valve apparatus moveable out of and retractable into the at least one valve aperture to operate a valve portion of the cassette; (vi) at least one sensor aperture defined by the plate; and (vii) at least one sensor located in the least one sensor aperture, the at least one sensor operable with a sensor portion of the cassette. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094740 | DIALYSIS CONNECTOR AND CAP COMPATIBLE WITH GAS STERILIZATION - A dialysis disposable sterilization apparatus includes a connector and a protective cap fitted to the connector. The apparatus also includes a sealing ring provided by one of the protective cap or the connector, the sealing ring forming a seal between the cap and the connector, the seal capable of holding pressure. The apparatus further includes a stabilization rib provided by the connector, the stabilization rib positioned and arranged to (i) tend to prevent the protective cap from vibrating about the sealing ring and (ii) enable a sterilizing gas to flow past the stabilization rib to contact the sealing ring. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094741 | SYMMETRICAL TIP ACUTE CATHETER - A medical catheter assembly includes a catheter tip coupled to a distal end of an elongate catheter member and is symmetric about a plane defined by a septum of the elongate catheter member. The catheter tip defines first and second lumens, and the catheter tip defines first and second openings in the distal portion of the catheter tip. Each opening of the catheter tip is defined by a respective side surface of the catheter tip. Each opening is in fluid communication with a respective one of the first and second lumens of the catheter tip and with a respective one of a pair of lumens defined by the elongate catheter member. The distance between upper and lower surfaces of the catheter tip decreases from a distal end of the proximal portion toward a closed distal end of the catheter tip. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094742 | DERMATOLOGICAL DRUG INJECTING DEVICE - The present invention relates to a dermatological drug injecting device, and more particularly, to a dermatological drug injecting device that can use a needle to treat wrinkles, dry skin, scars, freckles, hair loss, etc. on human skin, or to use ink to inscribe images or characters. To achieve said technical aims, a dermatological drug injecting device of the present invention installed on a skin maintenance apparatus comprises: a body portion installed on a fixing portion of a drug injecting device of the skin maintaining apparatus; a connecting driveshaft portion installed on the body portion and moved linearly; an actuating portion installed on the body portion and moved linearly by means of the connecting driveshaft portion; and a needle fixing portion installed on the actuating portion. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094743 | System for Optimizing a Patient's Drug Dosage Regimen Over Time - A system for optimizing a patient's basal insulin dosage regimen over time, adapted to (a) determine from blood glucose values whether and by how much to vary a patient's present recommended amount of the insulin-containing drug in order to maintain the patient's future blood glucose level measurements within a predefined range, and (b) at the same time display blood glucose value data and the recommended amount data as a function of time. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094744 | PROCESSING PROGRAM DATA FOR MEDICAL PUMPS - An apparatus for maintaining a library of program data for medical pumps, the apparatus comprising: memory loaded with a database, the database including a plurality of program data records and a plurality of data key records, each program data record containing a set of program data items, at least some of the program data items included in the database for controlling operation of a medical pump, each data key record containing a data key and each data key identifying one of the data program records; a database management system programmed to link a data key to a set of program data; and a scanner in data communication with the database management system, the database management system being further programmed to receive a code scanned by the scanner, save the code in a data key record, and link the code to a set of program data, the code being a data key. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094745 | Apparatus for Optimizing a Patient's Insulin Dosage Regimen - An apparatus for optimizing a patient's insulin dosage regimen over time, comprising: at least a first computer-readable memory for storing data inputs corresponding at least to one or more components in a patient's present insulin dosage regimen and the patient's blood-glucose-level measurements determined at a plurality of times; a processor operatively connected to the at least first computer-readable memory, the processor programmed at least to determine from the data inputs corresponding to the patient's blood-glucose-level measurements determined at a plurality of times whether and by how much to vary at least one of the one or more components of the patient's present insulin dosage regimen in order to maintain the patient's future blood-glucose-level measurements within a predefined range; and a display operative to display information corresponding to at least the patient's present insulin dosage regimen. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094746 | Fluid Delivery System With Electrochemical Sensing Of Analyte Concentration Levels - A system and a method for delivering fluid to and sensing analyte levels in the body of the patient are disclosed. The system includes a dispensing apparatus configured to infuse fluid into the body of the patient and a sensing apparatus configured to be in communication with the dispensing apparatus and further configured to detect a level of analyte concentration in the body of the patient. | 2014-04-03 |
20140094747 | Breast Pump - The invention provides a breast pump capable of effectively preventing the occurrence of leaking of breast milk from a milk expressing section having an enlarged diameter during expression of milk, and also effectively preventing the loss of negative pressure due to leaking. A breast pump has an accommodating vessel for collecting breast milk; a breast pump main body which generates negative pressure for expressing milk; an enlarged-diameter milk expressing section having an enlarged diameter for abutting against a breast of a user; and a shock absorbing section, at least a portion of which abuts against a breast of a user by being formed in a substantially circular trumpet shape following an opening section of the enlarged-diameter milk expressing section, wherein the shock absorbing section includes an abutting section which abuts against an areola of the user and a tight contact section which makes tight contact with the user's breast. | 2014-04-03 |