20th week of 2013 patent applcation highlights part 58 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20130123608 | RECORDER WITH PIEZO MOTOR USED TO DRIVE PLATEN FOR HIGH MAGNETIC ENVIRONMENTS - An apparatus and method generates a print out of physiological information from a patient ( | 2013-05-16 |
20130123609 | Flexible Coil for MR Experiments on Small Animals - A flexible coil device for supporting imaging experiments on subjects, such as small animals. The device has a rigid part where electronics are accommodated and a flexible loop acting as a receiving coil that picks up the imaging signal. The flexible loop allows its shape to be adapted to the particular shape of the imaged subject at the point of placement. This provides a better filling factor and hence better SNR of the region of interest (ROI). This has the advantage that various imaging applications pose less of a compromise than with rigid coils. The flexible loop can be positioned right against the region of interest (ROI) and so maximises the filling factor and the image SNR. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123610 | MRI-COMPATIBLE DEVICE FOR OBTAINING SOFT TISSUE PROPERTIES IN VIVO - A method and apparatus for obtaining force versus deformation data for tissue in vivo includes a displacement system that cycles an anatomical member, for example, a foot, repeatedly through a loading/unloading cycle while using a gated imaging procedure such as magnetic resonance imaging to obtain the deformation response of tissues in the foot. The imaging is conducted during the loading/unloading cycle, such that a rate-dependent deformation response is imaged. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123611 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COMBINED TIME-RESOLVED MAGNETIC RESONANCE ANGIOGRAPHY AND PERFUSION IMAGING - A method for performing magnetic resonance angiography and perfusion imaging using the same pulse sequence is provided. Time-resolved image data is acquired as a contrast agent passes through a subject. This image data is acquired by sampling Cartesian points in k-space that are contained within either a central region of k-space, or one of a plurality of different sets of radial sectors extending outwards from the central region. The image data is combined to form individual image frame data sets that are then reconstructed to produce a time series of image frames. From this time series, MR angiograms and perfusion maps are produced. With the added acquisition of calibration data, T1 relaxation parameters are estimated and quantitative perfusion maps produced. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123612 | MRT SURFACE COIL ARRAY - A surface coil for an imaging system includes a spine coil array that includes a plurality of coil elements. The surface coil also includes a cardiac coil array including a plurality of coil elements. The spine coil array and the cardiac coil array are both arranged in the same housing. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123613 | Magnetic Particle Heating System And Method For Occlusion Of The Fallopian Tube - In a magnetic particle heating method for occlusion of the Fallopian tubes, biocompatible magnetic particles are delivered transcervically to the entrance of the Fallopian tube. Placement of the particles (e.g., magnetic nanoparticles) in the Fallopian tube is confirmed, and a coil is positioned about or proximate the patient's abdomen. Alternating current is applied to the coil to couple magnetic energy into the nanoparticles, heating the nanoparticles and causing thermal injury to the Fallopian tube. Temperature within the Fallopian tube may be monitored during heating, to prevent overheating, or alternating current may be applied for a predetermined treatment time, with or without temperature monitoring. Each Fallopian tube may be treated with nanoparticles and the two tubes heated simultaneously, or the tubes may be sequentially treated and heated. Treatment may be visualized via in-office hysteroscope, fluoroscopy or ultrasound. Thermal injury to the Fallopian tube mucosa occludes the tube and completes sterilization. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123614 | Location Tracking of a Metallic Ojbect in a Living Body - A method and apparatus are provided for determining and tracking location of a metallic object in a living body, and then directing a second modality such as ultrasound waves to the determined location. The metal detector may be a radar detector adapted to operate on a living body. The adaption may include disposing a transfer material having electromagnetic properties similar to the body between the radar detector and the living body, ECG gating the radar detector, and/or employing an optimal estimator with a model of expected stent movement in a living body. Applications include determination of extent of in-stent restenosis, performing therapeutic thrombolysis, or determining operational features of a metallic implant. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123615 | OCCLUSION-CROSSING DEVICES, ATHERECTOMY DEVICES, AND IMAGING - Described herein are methods for producing and identifying characteristic (“crescent shaped”) regions indicative of an atherectomy plaque within a vessel, and systems and devices adapted to take advantage of this characteristic region. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123616 | Medical Workflow System and Method - A method of conducting a medical workflow with a touch-sensitive bedside controller is disclosed. The method includes initiating a medical workflow using a graphical user interface on the bedside controller, positioning an imaging tool within a patient's body based on images captured by the imaging tools and displayed on the bedside controller, controlling the commencement and termination of a recordation of images captured by the imaging tool using the graphical user interface on the bedside controller, navigating through the recorded images to identify an image of interest using the graphical user interface on the bedside controller, and performing measurements on the image of interest using the graphical user interface on the bedside controller. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123617 | Method and Apparatus for the Non-Invasive Measurement of Pulse Transit Times (PTT) - Method and apparatus for measuring a pulse transit time (PTT) value of a subject, comprising: measuring a first arterial pressure pulse arrival time (PAT) and measuring a second PAT value; calculating a PTT value from the difference between the first PAT value and the second PAT value; processing a sequence of electrical impedance tomography (EIT) images to identify at least one region of interest (ROI); and estimating at least one of the first and second PAT value from the variation of impedance value determined from said at least one ROI. The method allows for the non-invasive and continuous measurement of the PTT value and arterial blood pressures. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123618 | Imaging Agents - This invention provides amino acid derivatives useful in detecting and evaluating brain and body tumors, including (1S,2S) anti-2-[ | 2013-05-16 |
20130123619 | HEMODYNAMIC PRESSURE SENSOR TEST SYSTEM AND METHOD - A pressure sensor suitable for use in a powered contrast injector system may be tested to help validate the operability and/or integrity of the sensor. In some examples, the pressure sensor may be tested by generating a pressure pulse in a fluid line fluidly connected to the pressure sensor so as to generate a first pressure reading. A high pressure fluid at a pressure above a maximum operating pressure of the pressure sensor may be conveyed through a valve fluidly connected to the pressure sensor. Subsequent to conveying the high pressure fluid through the valve, the pressure sensor may again be tested by generating a pressure pulse in the fluid line fluidly connected to the pressure sensor so as to generate a second pressure reading. In some examples, the first pressure reading is compared to the second pressure reading to determine whether the pressure sensor has passed or failed. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123620 | TIP DEFLECTING PUNCTURE NEEDLE - A method of puncturing an interatrial septum between a right atrium and a left atrium may include introducing a distal end of a catheter endoluminally into the right atrium. The method also may include introducing a distal end of a cannula into the right atrium. The cannula may include a proximal first segment and a distal second segment. The distal second segment may be deflectable away from a linear configuration relative to the proximal first segment. A needle tip may be provided at a distal end of the distal second segment. At least a portion of the cannula may be received within a lumen of the catheter. The method also may include deflecting the distal second segment in the right atrium to a deflected configuration by actuating a mechanism at a proximal end of the cannula to align the needle tip with a target point on the interatrial septum. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123621 | DUAL CHAMBER IRRADIATION BALLOONS - Dual chamber, conforming, irradiation balloons with independent filling means can be filled with water or air in either chamber and allow fine control over dosimetry. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123622 | Balloon catheter system for draining fluids from hollow organs, body cavities or cysts and/or for supplying medication - The present invention relates to a balloon catheter system for draining and/or supplying fluid from/into hollow organs, body cavities or cysts, comprising a conduit catheter with an open distal end, a hollow needle guided in a separate guide conduit and a balloon surrounding the catheter stem at the distal end of the conduit catheter. The conduit catheter with the hollow needle can be inserted from outside into the hollow organ via a guide catheter, into the body cavity or cyst, the balloon can be filled with filling medium via the hollow needle through an opening formed in the guided duct and provided in the lumen of the balloon, and it can be fixed in the hollow organ, body cavity or cyst. The hollow needle can be removed from the guide duct after filling the balloon. The balloon and the conduit catheter remain in the hollow organ, body cavity or cyst. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123623 | SPECIMEN COLLECTION TREATMENT INSTRUMENT - In a distal end portion of a flexible sheath which is inserted integrally with an ultrasound transducer array, cell collecting hole portions each including a through-hole which allows a distal end portion outer periphery and an internal space of the flexible sheath to communicate with each other is provided, an edge for specimen cutting is formed at an opening portion of an outer circumferential side of each of the cell collecting hole portions, and after the flexible sheath is caused to reach a lesion part or the like of a subject, specimen collection is performed without additionally inserting a biological forceps or the like into the flexible sheath, whereby a specimen of a target site such as a lesion part is reliably collected without unnecessarily increasing the number of times of insertion and extraction of an instrument into and from a body, and the burden on an examinee is reduced. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123624 | VENTRICULAR ASSIST DEVICE CAPABLE OF IMPLANTATION OF STEM CELLS - A biologic ventricular assist device that also has the capability to capture, grow, and administer stem cells to regenerate and restore damaged myocardium in the heart. The device works in conjunction with a traditional ventricular assist device and possesses an additional external path or tube that is in-line with the path of the ventricular assist device. The external path allows for the administration of stem cells, genes, genetically modified cells or other therapeutic biologic or pharmacologic agents, as well as leading to a stem cell collecting accessory that captures circulating stem cells. The stem cell collecting accessory is also associated with a chamber for culturing the captured stem cells. The cultured stem cells can be delivered back to the heart by an electro-mechanical or ultrasound/echocardiographic delivery system that runs through the external path back into the ventricular assist device and allows for the delivery of the stem cells, or other therapeutic biologic or pharmacologic agents, directly into the internal chambers of the heart. Administering the stem cells, genes, genetically modified cells or other therapeutic biologic or pharmacologic agents, either alone or in combination, to the heart allows the myocardium to regenerate and repair itself even while the heart is attached to the ventricular assist device, ultimately allowing the heart to regenerate, recover and allow the VAD to be removed. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123625 | INTEGRATED ULTRASOUND ABLATION AND IMAGING DEVICE AND RELATED METHODS - Intravascular nerve modulation systems and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. An example system may include an elongate shaft having a proximal end region and a distal end region and a central longitudinal axis. An ablation transducer may be disposed at the distal end region. The system may also include a rotational drive configured to rotate the ablation transducer about the central longitudinal axis. A control and power system may be operably connected to the ablation transducer and the rotational drive. In some instances, the ablation transducer may be a combined ablation and imaging transducer. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123626 | ULTRASOUND APPARATUS FOR DISPLAYING A PLURALITY OF KEY-SETS AND ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSIS METHOD USING THE ULTRASOUND APPARATUS - An ultrasound apparatus comprising a control panel on which a plurality of key-sets are printed, wherein each of the plurality of key-sets responds to at least one beam from among a plurality of beams, and then is displayed on the control panel. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123627 | OBJECT INFORMATION ACQUIRING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - Disclosed is an object information acquiring apparatus for acquiring object information, including: a probe including a plurality of elements arranged along at least a first direction and configured to sequentially perform transmitting of acoustic wave beams and receiving of reflected waves along the first direction by the plurality of elements; a scanning unit configured to set a second direction intersecting the first direction as a main scanning direction and move the probe at a predetermined speed; and a adjusting unit configured to acquire information on a measurement depth for acquiring object information in a transmitting direction of the acoustic wave beams and determine the number of times of transmitting of acoustic wave beams and receiving of reflected waves along the first direction based on the depth, resolution of the object information in the main scanning direction, and a moving speed of the probe. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123628 | ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE AND ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC METHOD - The present invention provides an ultrasound diagnostic device including an ultrasound probe including a plurality of ultrasound transducers transmitting ultrasound waves to an object and receiving ultrasound waves reflected from the specimen to output an ultrasound detection signal, a region-of-interest setting unit setting a region of interest within the specimen, and a variation measuring unit measuring a sonic variation or an attenuation variation of ultrasound waves in the region of interest. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123629 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING THE THICKNESS OF ADIPOSE TISSUE - Provided are body fat measuring techniques employed to date, usually applying a certain level of force to the tissue causing narrowing of the adipose tissue layer at the time of measuring. This creates a bias in the adipose layer thickness measurement results that is not accounted for when employing these methods. Provided is a current apparatus and method offering a solution for accounting for this bias thus improving the accuracy of body fat measurements. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123630 | Adaptive Image Optimization in Induced Wave Ultrasound Imaging - Adaptive image optimization is provided in induced wave ultrasound imaging. The values for various transmit and receive parameters may be set adaptively. Based on feedback from use with a given patient, the values are set to better optimize signal-to-noise ratio, off-time, tracking accuracy or other consideration. Transmit frequency, F-number, line spacing, tracking pulse repetition frequency, line sampling count, and/or push pulse amplitude values may adapt. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123631 | System and Method of Characterizing Vascular Tissue - A system and method is provided for using backscattered data and known parameters to characterize vascular tissue. IVUS data is transmitted to a computing device and used to create an IVUS image. The blood vessel is then cross-sectioned and used to identify its tissue type and to create a corresponding image (i.e., histology image). A region of interest (ROI) is then identified on the histology image. The computing device identifies a corresponding region on the IVUS image. After the corresponding region is identified, the IVUS data that corresponds to this region is identified. Signal processing is then performed and at least one parameter is identified. The identified parameter and the tissue type is stored in a database. In another embodiment of the present invention, the characterization application is adapted to use the parameters stored in the database to identify a tissue type or a characterization thereof. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123632 | ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING APPARATUS - Disclosed is an ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus including an ultrasound probe which outputs transmission ultrasound waves toward a subject by a driving signal and which outputs received signals by receiving reflection ultrasound waves from the subject and a transmitting unit which generates the transmission ultrasound waves by the ultrasound probe by outputting the driving signal, and the transmitting unit generates the driving signal of square wave having a waveform in which a standard pulse signal where a pulse cycle is 2T is combined with two first pulse signals of same polarity having a pulse width A (A2013-05-16 | |
20130123633 | ULTRASOUND SYSTEM AND METHOD OF FORMING ULTRASOUND IMAGE - The present invention is directed to an ultrasound system capable of providing a plurality of M-mode images corresponding to M-mode lines without moving a probe. A volume data forming and reconstructing unit of the present invention forms volume data based on the ultrasound echo signals, the volume data forming and reconstructing unit being configured to determine a beat period of the moving object and reconstruct the volume data based on the beat period. A processor forms at least one reference image based on the reconstructed volume data and one or more M-mode images corresponding to one or more M-mode lines set on the reference image and a display unit displays the reference image, the M-mode lines and the M-mode images. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123634 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROMOTING FLOW OF AN ACOUSTICALLY-FAVORABLE MEDIUM OVER A TRANSDUCER OF AN ULTRASOUND IMAGING SYSTEM - A catheter assembly includes an imaging core insertable into a lumen of a sheath of a catheter. The imaging core includes a rotatable driveshaft and a transducer that is coupled to the driveshaft and that rotates with the driveshaft. One or more inlet ports and one or more outlet ports are defined in a distal portion of the sheath. A flow-inducing element is coupled to the driveshaft and rotates with the driveshaft. The flow-inducing element draws fluid into the lumen through the inlet port(s) from the environment external to the sheath and pushes the drawn fluid out of the lumen through the outlet port(s). One of the one or more inlet ports or the one or more outlet ports is disposed proximal to the flow-inducing element and the transducer, and the other of the inlet port(s) or the outlet port(s) is disposed distal to the flow-inducing element and the transducer. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123635 | SPREAD SPECTRUM CODED WAVEFORMS IN ULTRASOUND IMAGING - Techniques, systems, and devices are disclosed for ultrasound imaging using spread spectrum, coherent, frequency- and/or phase-coded waveforms. In one aspect, a method of creating an image from an acoustic waveform in an acoustic imaging device includes setting the device into a transmit mode to transmit an acoustic waveform toward a target, in transmitting the acoustic waveform, synthesizing, in one or more waveform synthesizers, a plurality of substantially orthogonal coded waveforms that form a composite waveform as the transmitted acoustic waveform toward the target, in which each waveform corresponds to a distinct frequency band, setting the device into a receive mode to receive a returned acoustic waveform that returns from at least part of the target, converting the received returned acoustic waveform from analog format to digital format as a received composite waveform comprising information of the target, and processing the received composite waveform to produce an image of the target. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123636 | Methods and Devices For Proper Stabilization Of Fetal Monitoring Devices - Certain embodiments of the present invention provide fetal monitoring belt devices. The fetal monitoring belt devices include belts and a back support. In certain embodiments, the belts may further include one or more rows of buttonholes to provide multiple places for attachment of one or more ultrasound transducers via buttonhooks. In certain embodiments, the back support may further include an interior pouch to hold a therapeutic device, such as a hot or cold pack and/or a vibration element. The fetal monitoring belt devices of the present invention provide a comfortable, long-term, stable way of maintaining the proper positioning of ultrasound transducers during prenatal exams, labor and delivery. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123637 | METHOD OF REDUCING ULTRASOUND SIGNAL AMBIGUITY DURING FETAL MONITORING - The present invention relates to a method and a device for fetal cardiac monitoring. For improving ultrasonic monitoring, the number of periodic signals, such as signals caused by the fetus and the mother, is assessed and the time window of the signal demodulation is adapted if more than one periodic signal is assessed. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123638 | ULTRASOUND CATHETERS FOR SENSING BLOOD FLOW - Disclosed herein are ultrasound devices for sensing blood flow. More particularly, a medical catheter is disclosed to detect the presence of blood vessels. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123639 | MEASURING METHOD OF LIFE ACTIVITY, MEASURING DEVICE OF LIFE ACTIVITY, TRANSMISSION METHOD OF LIFE ACTIVITY DETECTION SIGNAL, OR SERVICE BASED ON LIFE ACTIVITY INFORMATION - According to a measuring method or a control method of life activity, a life object is illuminated with an electromagnetic wave including a wavelength in a designated waveband, and a characteristic in a local area of the life object is detected, or a life activity thereof is controlled. This “local area” is an area constituted by one or more cells. The “designated waveband” is defined based on any one of the following phenomena:
| 2013-05-16 |
20130123640 | Scanned Laser Vein Contrast Enhancer - The present invention is a Miniature Vein Enhancer that includes a Miniature Projection Head, The Miniature Projection Head may be operated in one of three modes, AFM, DBM, and RTM. The Miniature Projection Head of the present invention projects an image of the veins of a patient, which aids the practitioner in pinpointing a vein for an intravenous drip, blood test, and the like. The Miniature projection head may have a cavity for a power source or it may have a power source located in a body portion of the Miniature Vein Enhancer. The Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to one of several improved needle protectors, or the Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to a body similar to a flashlight for hand held use. The Miniature Vein Enhancer of the present invention may also be attached to a magnifying glass, a flat panel display, and the like. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123641 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ANALYZING SUBSURFACES OF A TARGET MATERIAL - A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a method for aligning first and second light signals on an optical path directed to a target, where the first light signal provides a visualization of the target, and a portion of the second light signal reflects from at least one subsurface of the target. The method also includes aligning a first focal point of the first light signal and a second focal point of the second light signal, where the first focal point is at least in a first proximate location of the second focal point, and adjusting a first position of the first and second focal points to be in at least a second proximate location of the target without adjusting the at least first proximate location of the first focal point relative to the second focal point. Other embodiments are disclosed. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123642 | ESTIMATING APPARATUS AND ESTIMATING METHOD - A photodynamic therapy apparatus as an estimating apparatus is an apparatus for irradiating a tissue having absorbed photo-sensitive pharmaceutical, the photo-sensitive pharmaceutical absorbing an excitation light and emitting fluorescence, with the excitation light emitted from a tip portion of a laser the catheter, including a connector, a light source, and a light detection unit. The laser the catheter is capable of being attached/detached to/from the connector. The light source outputs the excitation light to the laser the catheter via the connector. The light detection unit detects intensity or a spectrum of the fluorescence, the fluorescence being entered from the laser the catheter via the connector, to estimate whether the tissue has changed because of reaction between the excitation light emitted from the tip portion of the laser the catheter and the photo-sensitive pharmaceutical absorbed in the tissue. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123643 | MEASURING ARRANGEMENT FOR RECORDING A SPECTRUM, IN PARTICULAR FROM VITAL TISSUE - The invention relates to a measuring arrangement having a mobile spectrometer device which comprises a measuring head structure, wherein the measuring head structure is designed in such a way that, to carry out the spectrometric measurement, it can be placed on a portion of tissue, and a socket element which forms an inner receiving space into which the measuring head structure can be inserted, wherein a calibrating medium, produced from an opaque material, is arranged in a bottom region bounding the inner receiving space, and the socket element and the measuring head structure are designed such that, after the measuring head structure has been introduced into the socket element, the calibrating medium is sealed off in a light-tight manner from the surroundings. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123644 | OPTICAL MEASUREMENT APPARATUS, ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM, AND COMPUTER READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM - An optical measurement apparatus of the present invention includes a light source unit; an operation unit that performs an operation process on the basis of a result of the measurement performed by a measurement unit to obtain a characteristic value of a living tissue; a validity evaluator that evaluates, on the basis of an operation result of the operation process performed by the operation unit, whether the result of the measurement is valid; an output unit that outputs a result of the evaluation performed by the validity evaluator; an input unit that inputs an instruction to adopt the result of the measurement performed by the measurement unit; and a determination unit that determines, on the basis of the result of the evaluation performed by the validity evaluator and the instruction information from the input unit, whether to adopt the result of the measurement performed by the measurement unit. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123645 | Kinematic System - A kinematic system is described. The kinematic system includes a kinematic device for attachment to a subject's body part. The kinematic device projects a light line, and a movement of the light line is used to evaluate a movement, posture, or balance of the subject. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123646 | METHOD AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE FOR REMOTE DIAGNOSIS - The present invention relates to a remote treatment method and an electronic device. More specifically, the present invention provides a remote treatment method and an electronic device that guide a manipulation of a checkup tool. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123647 | Methods Useful in Optimizing the Treatment of Neuropathies and Targeting Tissues with Cosmetic Botulinum Injections - The present invention pertains to methods of determining where, on the skin, a diagnostic, therapeutic, or cosmetic agent is likely to be most effectively applied (e.g., injected), and to methods for monitoring a patient after such an agent has been administered. The monitoring can produce information useful in determining whether a diagnostic, therapeutic (e.g., surgical), or cosmetic regime should be initiated, continued, continued in a modified fashion, or terminated (e.g., for a brief or prolonged period of time). The methods can be repeated periodically and use a non-invasive, in vivo form of digital image speckle correlation (DISC) to track deformation of the skin. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123648 | MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT USING MULTI-CORE OPTICAL FIBERS - Devices and techniques are disclosed for delivering light from a plurality of single emitter lasers to a biological tissue and detecting light from a biological tissue with a plurality of detector components using multi-core optical delivery and detection fiber or fibers for minimally invasive treating and/or diagnosing conditions and/or diseases in an individual. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123649 | CUFF FOR A BLOOD PRESSURE MEASURING SYSTEM - A cuff for a blood pressure measuring system including a flexible elongate band having a first end and a second end and a sizing mechanism coupled to the band, wherein the sizing mechanism selectively permits relative movement between the first end and the second end of the band to expand and constrict a diameter of the band. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123650 | HEALTH MONITORING DEVICES - An electronic device which includes a detector, a counter and a processor. The detector is configured to detect a plurality of pulse signals and the counter is connected to the detector and configured to count the plurality of pulse signals. The processor is configured to receive the count from the counter and use the count to determine a heart rate, characterized in that the processor generates and send out an activation signal if the determined heart rate reaches or goes lower than a threshold of 60 beats per minute. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123651 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ANALYZING A PATIENT STATUS FOR CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE FOR USE IN AUTOMATED PATIENT CARE - A system and method for providing diagnosis and monitoring of congestive heart failure for use in automated patient care is described. At least one recorded physiological measure is compared to at least one other recorded physiological measure on a substantially regular basis to quantify a change in patient pathophysiological status for equivalent patient information. An absence, an onset, a progression, a regression, and a status quo of congestive heart failure is evaluated dependent upon the change in patient pathophysiological status. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123652 | ACCURATE TIME ANNOTATION OF INTRACARDIAC ECG SIGNALS - A method for analyzing signals, including: sensing a time-varying intracardiac potential signal and finding a fit of the time-varying intracardiac potential signal to a predefined oscillating waveform. The method further includes estimating an annotation time of the signal responsive to the fit. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123653 | USING DEVICE BASED ELECTROGRAMS TO IDENTIFY BUNDLE BRANCH BLOCK MORPHOLOGY - A patient QRS duration can be received or determined, such as using one or more patient physiological sensors. A portion of the QRS duration can be determined, such as a right or left ventricular activation time. In an example, the right ventricular activation time can be determined by identifying an onset of a QRS complex and an R-wave peak in the QRS complex. In an example, when the QRS duration exceeds a threshold duration, and the RV activation time does not exceed a second threshold duration, an indication of a cardiac conduction dysfunction can be provided, such as for discriminating between left bundle branch block and right bundle branch block. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123654 | APNEA DETECTOR AND SYSTEM - An apnea detector is disclosed. A detector unit in communication with a capacitive type sensor is adapted to receive an electrical signal which is indicative of variable capacitance resulting from movement of a subject and to emit an alert signal when the received electrical signal is indicative of symptoms of apnea. In one embodiment, a detector unit is in communication with a curvature sensor adapted to detect a variable curvature of a subject body surface resulting from breathing patterns of a subject. The detector unit is attached to an article of clothing of the subject. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123655 | Peak Expiratory Flow Rate Measurement Apparatus - Herein disclosed is a peak expiratory flow rate measuring apparatus (PFM) having at least one measurement channel and at least one bypass flow channel comprising at least one entrance, at least one exit, at least an inner wall and an outer wall, and wherein at least a portion of said at least one bypass flow channel has a variable cross-sectional area. Further disclosed is a PFM having at least one measurement channel comprising at least one first flow entrance, at least one bypass flow channel comprising at least one second flow entrance, and at least one guide wall, having an axially forward portion adjacent to said second flow entrance and an axially aft portion adjacent to said first flow entrance. Still further disclosed is a PFM comprising at least one measurement channel having at least one first flow entrance, at least one bypass flow channel having at least one second flow entrance, wherein at least a portion of said at least one bypass flow channel comprises a variable cross-sectional area, and at least one guide wall, comprising an axially forward portion adjacent to said second flow entrance and an axially aft portion adjacent to said first flow entrance. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123656 | Control System and Apparatus Utilizing Signals Originating in the Periauricular Neuromuscular System - The invention enables a person to control the real or virtual action or movement of an output device in from one to three dimensions through the use of at least one electrical sensor which can either be implanted beneath the skin or placed on the surface of the skin as a part of a headset on either one side or if more than one sensor is used on both sides of a person's head in electrical communication with a vestigial periauricular nerve or muscle. Each sensor then communicates through a selected channel to transmit information preferably in digital form to an output device designating an action to be taken or the position of a target location for enabling the output device to perform the action or to move toward or to a target location through real or virtual space. At least one and preferably up to four sensors are located on each side of the head. The invention also provides a new method for enabling an individual to actuate or control an output device by first placing an electrical sensor on at least one side of the head in electrical communication with a vestigial periauricular nerve or muscle, then using a signal provided by the sensor for transmitting information designating an action to be performed or to move the device toward or to the target in real or virtual space. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123657 | THERMOCHROMATIC EARPLUG AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME - Disclosed are a thermochromatic earplug and a method for manufacturing the same, in which the color of the thermochromatic earplug is changeable according to the body temperature of a wearer, so that the health state of the wearer is able to be determined through the color of the thermochromatic earplug. The method for manufacturing the thermochromatic earplug includes (a) mixing an earplug raw material including urethane resin with a thermochromatic material, (b) molding and curing a mixture, which is obtained by mixing the earplug raw material with the thermochromatic material, into an earplug shape by pouring the mixture into a mold having a cavity with a shape corresponding to the earplug shape, and (c) demolding a resultant structure, which is obtained by molding and curing the mixture into the earplug shape, from the mold. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123658 | Child-Care Robot and a Method of Controlling the Robot - A child-care robot for use in a nursery school associates child behavior patterns with corresponding robot action patterns, and acquires a child behavior pattern when a child behaves in a specified pattern. The robot selects one of the robot action patterns, which is associated with the acquired child behavior pattern, and performs the selected robot action pattern. Additionally, the robot associates child identifiers with parent identifiers, and receives an inquiry message from a remote terminal indicating a parent identifier. The robot detects one of the child identifiers, which is associated with the parent identifier of the inquiry message, acquires an image or a voice of a child identified by the detected child identifier, and transmits the acquired image or voice to the remote terminal. The robot further moves in search of a child, measures the temperature of the child, and associates the temperature with time of day at which it was measured. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123659 | METHOD OF ASSESSING NEURAL FUNCTION - A method of determining a change in nerve function attributable to a surgical procedure includes assessing the nerve function via a first, induced mechanomyographic muscle response prior to the surgical procedure, and reassessing the nerve function via a second, induced mechanomyographic muscle response after the surgical procedure. Each mechanomyographic muscle response may be induced through an electrical stimulus provided directly to the nerve of the subject. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123660 | SENSOR SYSTEM FOR MEASURING, TRANSMITTING, PROCESSING AND DISPLAYING A BRAIN PARAMETER - A sensor system is used for measuring, transmitting, processing and displaying a brain parameter. The sensor system has an implantable brain parameter sensor with a wireless transmission unit for measuring the brain parameter. A receiving unit with an antenna is in wireless signal connection with the latter. A data read module is in signal connection with the antenna and a data processing and display device is in turn in signal connection with the data read module. The sensor system also has a head cap or a head hood, on which the receiving unit is fixed to predetermine a relative position relative to the transmitting unit. A sensor system is the result, the use of which remains comfortable for the patient even over a relatively long measuring period. A method for transmission of measurement data measured with the brain parameter sensor to the external data read module is also provided. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123661 | ENDOSCOPIC PRESSURE DETECTION ASSEMBLY - A pressure detection assembly ( | 2013-05-16 |
20130123662 | JOINT BIOPSY NEEDLE FOR TAKING TISSUE SAMPLES - The invention relates to a joint biopsy needle ( | 2013-05-16 |
20130123663 | BIOPSY DEVICE WITH AUXILIARY VACUUM SOURCE - A biopsy device includes a body, a needle, a hollow cutter, a vacuum pump, and a tissue sample holder. The needle extends distally from the body. The hollow cutter is movable relative to the needle to sever a tissue sample. The vacuum pump is carried by the body. The tissue sample holder is supported on the body and disposed proximally of the needle and receives tissue samples severed by the cutter. The tissue sample holder is in fluid communication with the vacuum pump and an external source of vacuum. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123664 | MEDICAL DEVICE HAVING A LUBRICIOUS COATING WITH A HYDROPHILIC COMPOUND IN AN INTERLOCKING NETWORK - A medical device having a lubricious coating on at least a section of the medical device, and a method of coating a medical device, the lubricious coating being a network of short chain and long chain hydrophilic compounds cross-linked to one another and interlocked with a network of a cross-linked polymerized multifunctional monomer or polymer. The coating can include one or more agents which provide enhanced adhesion of the coating on the device, or which provide faster hydration of the coating and/or improved lubricity. Additionally, the lubricious coating can be provided with one or more therapeutic or diagnostic agents, and in one embodiment the agent elutes relatively quickly in a concentrated release from the lubricious coating upon hydration of the coating. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123665 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR 3D GAIT ASSESSMENT - The invention relates to a system and a method for assessment of walking and miming gait in human. The method is preferably based on the fusion of a portable device featuring inertial sensors and several new dedicated signal processing algorithms: the detection of specific temporal events and parameters, 5 optimized fusion and de-drifted integration of inertial signals, automatic and online virtual alignment of sensors module, 3D foot kinematics estimation, a kinematic model for automatic online heel and toe position estimation, and finally the extraction of relevant and clinically meaning-full outcome parameters. Advantageously including at least one wireless inertial module attached to foot, the system provides common spatio-temporal parameters (gait cycle time, stride length, and stride velocity), with the 10 advantage of being able to work in unconstrained condition such as during turning or running. It furthermore may provide original parameters for each gait cycle, both temporal (load, foot-flat and push duration) and spatial (foot clearance and turning angle), and their inter-cycles variability. The system and method according to the invention allows the assessment of various aspects of gait which have shown recently to be of premium importance in research and clinical field, including foot clearance, 15 turns, gait initiation and termination, running, or gait variability. The system may be light weight, easy to wear and use, and suitable for any application requiring objective and quantitative evaluation of gait without heavy laboratory settings. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123666 | Movement disorder recovery system and method for continuous monitoring - The present invention relates to a movement disorder monitor, and a method of measuring the severity of a subject's movement disorder. The present invention additionally relates to a treatment delivery system for treating a subject in response to changes in the severity of a subject's symptoms. The present invention further provides for a system and method, which can accurately quantify symptoms of movement disorders, utilizing continuously obtained kinetic information to be analyzed, accurately distinguishing between symptoms of movement disorders and activities of daily living, relating quantified symptoms to a standard clinical rating scale, and correlating a subject's symptoms with certain physiological and environmental factors. The present invention still further provides for home monitoring of symptoms in subjects with these movement disorders in order to capture the complex fluctuation patterns of the disease over the course of days, weeks, months, or years. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123667 | SYSTEMS, APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR NON-INVASIVE MOTION TRACKING TO AUGMENT PATIENT ADMINISTERED PHYSICAL REHABILITATION - A system, apparatus and method are thereby provided for the non-invasive motion tracking to augment patient administered physical therapy via a motion tracking apparatus, a display, and a computing platform coupled to the motion tracking apparatus and the display. The computing platform serves to provide a menu driven interface to the patient, an instruction to the patient, a determination of the patient's motion or action in response to the instruction, a comparison between the instruction to the patient and the determination of the patient's motion or action, and to provide a feedback display to the patient. In certain embodiments, the system, apparatus and methods further includes a social networking link. In yet other embodiments, a live telemedicine link is provided, and optionally triggered based upon detection of an alert or alarm condition. In yet other embodiments, rehab tools are utilized. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123668 | DEVICE FOR MEASURING SKINFOLD THICKNESS - The object of the present invention is a device for measuring skinfold thickness digitally instrumented for reading the thickness of skin folds and possessing wireless data communication capability with a remote station (for example, a personal computer) in which is installed a software application integrating a database. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123669 | GAIT CHANGE DETERMINATION DEVICE - A gait change determination device includes a main body unit, an accelerometer that detects an acceleration of the main body unit, and a control unit, and determines a change in the gait of a user that wears the main body unit on a predetermined area. The control unit specifies a trajectory of a predetermined area on which the main body unit is worn during walking based on accelerations detected by the accelerometer, calculates the temporal change amount of the specified trajectory, and determines the degree of change, which is the degree of the temporal change, based on the calculated temporal change. The degree of change in the gait can be more accurately determined. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123670 | DEVICE AND METHODS FOR RENAL NERVE MODULATION - Systems for nerve modulation are disclosed. An example system may include a first elongate element having a distal end and a proximal end and having at least one nerve modulation element disposed adjacent the distal end. The nerve modulation element may be an ultrasound transducer. Activation of the nerve modulation element may ablate multiple regions of a target area. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123671 | MOTOR CONTROL DEVICE, WALKING ASSIST DEVICE, AND MOTOR CONTROL METHOD - A motor control device includes: a coil temperature detection unit which detects a coil temperature of a motor; an upper limit current determination unit which determines an upper limit value of a coil current in which a coil temperature after a lapse of a first predetermined time from the present is maintained at an upper limit temperature or lower, every time a second predetermined time shorter than the first predetermined time elapses, by using a coil temperature detected by the coil temperature detection unit; and a coil current control unit which controls the coil current so as to be equal to or lower than the upper limit value. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123672 | LOCOMOTION ASSISTING DEVICE AND METHOD - An exoskeleton bracing system includes: a trunk support for affixing to the trunk of a disabled person and leg braces for connecting to the legs of the person, each leg brace including limb segment braces. Motorized joints are adapted to provide relative angular movement between the limb segment braces of the leg braces and between the leg braces and the trunk support. One or more ground force sensors are designed to sense ground force exerted on each of the leg braces. The system also includes a controller for receiving sensed signals from said one or more ground force sensors, with an algorithm for identifying a stance from the sensed signals and, based on the identified stance, actuating the motorized joints to perform an action relating to a mode of locomotion selected from a set of predefined actions corresponding to the identified stance. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123673 | CPR Assist Device Adapted for Anterior/Posterior Compressions - A resuscitation device for automatic compression of a victim's chest using a compression belt operably attached to a platform upon which a patient rests. In use, the compression belt is wrapped around the patient and at least one spindle operably attached to the platform. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123675 | GUM MASSAGING TOOL - A gum massaging tool includes a handle portion which accommodates electric or mechanical members and in which a selector switch is provided in an exposed manner; a fixed shaft portion that is fixed to the handle portion so as to extend from one end of the handle portion and is heated according to an operation of the selector switch; a gum contact portion that is rotatable around a distal end portion of the fixed shaft portion and that includes a carbon body which receives heat from the fixed shaft portion and transfers the heat to a gum contacting surface; and a supporting portion that is rotatably engaged with and supports the gum contact portion and is detachably attached to the handle portion. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123676 | Device and method for self-applying back massage - A device easily handled by a user to self-massage the user's back using any existing flat surface such as a wall and the weight and motion of the users's body. The device uses two holding straps for the user's hands attached to a firm metal rod with two or more semi-compressible “bouncy balls” that rotate with the rod and touching each side of the person's spinal column. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123677 | AUTOMATIC SALIVATION FACILITATING APPARATUS - Provided is an automatic salivation facilitating apparatus including a first parotid gland massaging device which massages user's one-side parotid gland, a second parotid gland massaging device which massages user's other-side parotid gland, a first fixing member which connects the first and second parotid gland massaging devices and allows the user to wear the automatic salivation facilitating apparatus, a salivation agent injection unit which is disposed to a lower portion of one of the first and second parotid gland massaging devices to periodically automatically inject salivation agent, and a controller which operates a main body. The automatic salivation facilitating apparatus utilizes a submandibular gland massaging device together with the salivation agent injection unit and the parotid gland massaging devices, so that the effect of facilitating salivation can be maximized. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123678 | Disruptable Adhesive Layer for Fluid Activated Debonding - Various systems, methods and materials are disclosed that enable efficient delivery of an agent into an adhesively adhered article, in which the agent elicits a desired outcome, on demand. This strategy, though general in scope, is also more specifically described with regard to enabling painless or atraumatic removal of products adhering to mammalian tissues such as skin and hair by suitably exploiting the ingress of an appropriate agent or like fluid. Other techniques and articles that aid in the handling or removal of such adhesive products are also disclosed. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123679 | WOUND AND BANDAGE PROTECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - Wound/bandage protectors configured as a wrap, a sock/mitten, which may be made out of stretchable material. The wrap may have one or more fastening straps as well as possibly a first catch fastening surface. The sock/mitten may have a fastening strap and a sheath. The wrap, the sock/mitten, and the bandages may have apertures and aperture covers. The wrap may have one or more fastening straps as well as possibly a first catch fastening surface and an accessory holder. The sock/mitten may have a fastening strap and a sheath. The strap may be attached to an internal side of a body of the sock/mitten and extend out a slit. The internal portion of the strap having a non-slip grip surface and the external portion of the strip configured to fasten to the body or to the strap itself. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123680 | FLUID MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR USE IN A MEDICAL PROCEDURE - An apparatus and method for controlling fluid flow provided by an apparatus to a patient's eye during a surgical procedure. The method includes automatically adjusting an irrigation fluid source to a predetermined height during the surgical procedure using the apparatus, receiving a request either that the irrigation fluid source be moved to a different height from the predetermined height or that a manual adjustment mode be entered, and ceasing automatic adjusting and requiring manual adjustment of the height of the irrigation fluid source until the surgical procedure is completed or an indication received to resume automatic height adjustment of the irrigation fluid source. As an alternative, fluid flow rate or intraocular pressure may be maintained, and the design may include making adjustments to default values in other modes based on the adjustment made. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123681 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DELIVERING A SUBSTANCE TO A BODY CAVITY - A system and method for creating a medicated atmosphere in an organ, or body cavity is disclosed. The system includes a flexible aerosolization catheter that can be manipulated during use, a device for the introduction of the aerosolization catheter, a medication delivery apparatus configured to control delivery of a medication to the catheter, a gas delivery apparatus in communication with the catheter, a gas pressure relief apparatus configured to relieve pressure in the organ or body cavity, and a central controller. The method includes providing insufflation gas and an aerosol of medication to an organ or body cavity while controlling overall pressure in the organ or cavity. The method may also include re-entering a patient through at least one port to apply gas and an aerosolized medicament, in either a post-operative procedure or in a chemotherapy context. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123682 | Device for Insufflating Gas and Collecting Effluents from the Body Cavities of an Individual - A device which includes a gas insufflation device ( | 2013-05-16 |
20130123683 | DEVICE FOR SAMPLING AND REINJECTING A FLUID, AND RELATED INJECTOR AND SAMPLING KIT - A device includes a hollow body delimiting a cavity for receiving the fluid, which cavity opens in a proximal opening and at least one distal opening for sampling and/or reinjection and a piston movably mounted in the receiving cavity to obturate the proximal opening. The device includes an assembly for selective distribution of a proximal part of the fluid located in the receiving cavity, including a fluid circulation channel that passes through the piston, which channel opens into the receiving cavity. The circulation channel and/or a distribution channel is able to cooperate or to communicate with an additional flow regulation device which can be manually actionable. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123684 | Method and system for tuning of movement disorder therapy devices - A system and method for tuning the parameters of a therapeutic medical device comprises a movement measurement data acquisition system capable of wireless transmission; processing comprising kinematic feature extraction, a scoring algorithm trained using scores from expert clinicians, a therapeutic device parameter setting adjustment suggestion algorithm preferably trained using the parameter setting adjustment judgments of expert clinicians; and a display and/or means of updating the parameter settings of the treatment device. The invention facilitates the treatment of movement disorders including Parkinson's disease, essential tremor and the like by optimizing deep brain stimulation (DBS) parameter settings, eliminating as much as possible motor symptoms and reducing time and costs of surgical and outpatient procedures and improving patient outcomes. In preferred embodiments, the system provides recommendations for treatment which may be semi-automatically or automatically applied to update the parameter settings of a treatment device such as a DBS implant. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123685 | ELECTRONICALLY MONITORED INJECTION DEVICE - Medical injection advice adapted for operating in a dose setting mode and in a dose administration mode, comprising a dosing actuator ( | 2013-05-16 |
20130123686 | NEEDLELESS INJECTION DEVICE COMPONENTS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS - A high-pressure fluid injection system, which includes a rechargeable injection chamber with a proximal end, a distal end, and an internal opening extending from the proximal end to the distal end, a plunger slideably engaged with the internal opening of the injection chamber, an injection tube extending from the distal end of the injection chamber and in fluidic communication with the internal opening of the injection chamber, and a check valve between the proximal and distal ends of the injection chamber. The internal opening includes a high-pressure zone adjacent to the check valve and having a first diameter, and a low-pressure zone proximal to the high-pressure zone and having a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123687 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR RECOGNIZING COUPLINGS BETWEEN TWO SYSTEM COMPONENTS - In an apparatus for recognizing couplings between a first and a second component of a system, one of the two components is provided with an identification unit. A checking unit is operatively connected to the second component. The identification unit contains an item of information relating to the first component. The checking unit is designed for recognizing and processing this item of information. The checking unit moreover is designed such that, as a function of a result of the processing of the item of information, it allows or prevents coupling between the first and the second component. This apparatus enables a combined use of system components only in the case of an admissible coupling thereof. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123688 | BREAST PUMP - In a breast pump, milk expressed from a user's nipple may be drawn into the pumping mechanism used to create a vacuum. This can lead to unhygienic situations because pumping mechanisms are difficult or impossible to clean by a user. The present invention relates to a breast pump comprising first and second pressure chambers ( | 2013-05-16 |
20130123689 | PISTON PUMP WITH VARIABLE BUFFER - The invention comprises a breast pump apparatus comprising a vacuum pump and a variable-volume buffer volume coupled together in fluid communication. The apparatus also includes a breast-receiving portion coupled to the vacuum pump and the buffer volume such that the vacuum pump is operable to generate negative pressure at the breast-receiving portion to stimulate milk expression, and the negative pressure generated at the breast-receiving portion can be controlled by controlling the buffer volume. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123690 | FLUID DISPENSER WITH TONGUE DEPRESSOR - A fluid dispenser contains a fluid and selectively delivers the fluid orally to a subject. The fluid dispenser includes a main body defining a vessel that contains the fluid. The fluid dispenser also includes a dispensing portion that extends from the main body. The dispensing portion defines a passage therethrough that is in fluid communication with the vessel. The passage terminates at a dispenser opening through which the fluid exits the passage and flows into the mouth of the subject. Moreover, the fluid dispenser includes a tongue depressor that extends from the dispensing portion. The tongue depressor is operable to depress the tongue of the subject while the fluid is dispensed into the mouth of the subject. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123691 | MEDICAL DEVICE CONTROL HANDLE WITH MULTIPLYING LINEAR MOTION - A catheter adapted for use in a tubular region of the heart, has a catheter body, a deflectable intermediate section and a distal a mapping assembly that has a generally circular portion adapted to sit on or in a tubular region of the heart. A control handle of the catheter allows for deflection of the catheter via a first and second puller wire responsive to a deflection assembly and manipulation of distal assembly via a third puller wire responsive to a linear motion actuator assembly. The linear motion actuator assembly includes a pair of user interface knobs, a body to which a proximal end of the third puller wire anchored, and a pair of arms that movably suspends the body and transmits longitudinal travel of the knobs to the body in a manner that multiples the travel of the body relative to the travel of the knobs. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123692 | Steerable Medical Guide Wire Device - A steerable guide wire including one or more electroactive polymer layers, wherein each EAP layer is disposed between a layer of a first electrode and a layer of a plurality of second electrodes. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123693 | MECHANICALLY ASSISTED INFLATION DEVICE HANDLE AND METHOD OF USE - An inflation device including a handle mechanism configured to selectively engage and disengage threads within the device. In some instances the threads are configured to couple a plunger to a syringe body. The handle mechanism may be configured to (1) provide a mechanical advantage and (2) change the location and direction of the input force, thereby making the device easier to use. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123694 | DIAGNOSTIC KIT AND METHOD FOR MEASURING BALLOON DIMENSION IN VIVO - A method for measuring a balloon expansion profile in vivo is provided. The method comprises providing a balloon with at least one sensing element as a diagnostic device, where the at least one sensing element is characterized by at least one attribute that is representative of balloon dimension; measuring the at least one attribute to obtain an observed attribute value; and estimating the balloon dimension and the balloon expansion profile based on the observed attribute value. A diagnostic kit for measuring a balloon expansion profile in vivo is also provided. The diagnostic kit comprises the diagnostic device; a measurement module for measuring an observed attribute value for the attribute; and a processor module for processing the observed attribute value to estimate the balloon expansion profile as one or more outputs. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123695 | BALLOON CATHETER COATED WITH AN ANTI-RESTENOTIC ACTIVE INGREDIENT AND A MOLECULAR DISPERSION AGENT THAT PROMOTES TRANSPORT - The present invention relates to balloon catheters with or without crimped stent, whose surface is coated with at least one antirestenotic agent and at least one transport promoting molecular dispersant, as well as a method for the preparation of these medical devices. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123696 | HIGH PRESSURE BALLOON - Composite fiber reinforced balloons for medical devices are prepared by applying a web of fibers to the exterior of a preformed underlayer balloon, encasing the web with a matrix material to form an assembly, and inserting the assembly into a preformed outer layer balloon to form the composite balloon. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123697 | Auto-Injector With A Torsion Spring - The invention relates to an auto-injector for administering a dose of a liquid medicament (M), comprising:
| 2013-05-16 |
20130123698 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SHIELDING A HYPODERMIC NEEDLE AFTER USE - An apparatus for shielding a hypodermic needle after use may include a device adapted to accommodate a needle extending from an end thereof, a guard element coupled to the device, a lock element, and an indicator element. The guard element may slide axially with respect to the device and may include a slider portion and a shield portion. The shield portion may include an open slot to accommodate the needle. Upon sliding the guard element to a designated position, the lock element may automatically secure a position of the guard element relative to the device, such that the shield portion obstructs access to the needle tip. The indicator element may provide visual, audible, and/or tactile feedback to indicate that the lock element has been actuated to shield the needle tip. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123699 | CONTINUITY CIRCUITS FOR DETECTING ACCESS DISCONNECTION - A monitor for an extracorporeal therapy access site is disclosed. The monitor includes a bandage atop or adjacent the access site and a sensor for monitoring the bandage. The bandage includes a layer of polymer that expands when wetted with blood. The expansion causes a break in continuity of the sensor, or in an alternate embodiment, causes a sensor to cease detecting a target. When the break occurs, the control circuit monitoring the bandage sends a signal that a break has occurred, and a remote monitor then takes appropriate action, such as ceasing therapy, sending an alert, or sounding an alarm. In another embodiment, connecting wires in a continuity circuit are held apart by a polymer that dissolves when contacted by blood. If a leak occurs and a small portion of the polymer dissolves, the wires make contact, thus detecting a blood leak. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123700 | TRANSSEPTAL SHEATH WITH AIR BUBBLE TRAP - A transseptal sheath defining a sheath lumen, a proximal end, and a distal end. A valve disposed within the sheath lumen proximate the distal end. The transseptal sheath defining at least one port along a portion of its periphery proximate the valve. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123701 | EAR IRRIGATION DEVICE - The ear irrigation device for the removal of earwax integrates a fluid injector assembly with a fluid container ( | 2013-05-16 |
20130123702 | SYSTEMS, KITS, AND METHODS FOR INFUSING FLUIDS TO A PATIENT - Systems, kits, and methods for programming infusion systems are disclosed. A system comprises an infusion device and a mock pump set. The infusion device is programmable with at least one infusion protocol. The infusion device includes a pathway adapted to receive a pump set and at least one pump adapted to pump fluid through the pump set when the pump set is received in the pathway. The mock pump set is sized to be received in the pathway of the infusion device, and is not configured to receive fluid from the fluid container. A kit comprises the mock pump set. A method comprises inserting a mock pump set in a pathway of an infusion device and programming the infusion device with at least one infusion protocol while the mock pump set is received in the pathway. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123703 | PULSE INFUSION DEVICE SYSTEM AND METHOD - A device, system and method are disclosed for providing infused medication in a continuous pulse flow at a defined volume and frequency while maintaining a stable and accurate average flow rate, in order to provide improved nerve bathing and thus continuous pain blockage. The system may comprise an external reservoir, such as an infusion bag, and a pulsed flow generation device for generating a controlled pulse of fluid received from the external reservoir and retained in an internal reservoir such as a disposable syringe. One method according to an embodiment of the present invention may comprise receiving a fluid medication, such as an anesthetic substance, from an external reservoir, containing the fluid in an internal reservoir, and when the volume of fluid reaches a certain predefined value, releasing at least one pulse of fluid to create nerve bathing at a treated area. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123704 | ACCESS DEVICE - An access device places a medical article within a body space of a patient. The device has a needle that includes an elongated body and a needle hub. The device further includes a dilator and a medical article. A track can extend in a proximal direction from the dilator. The needle hub can slide along at least a portion of the track between a first position and a second position. The device can further include a locking mechanism operably disposed between the track and the needle hub so as to inhibit further axial movement of the needle in the proximal direction when the needle hub is in the second position. The device can further include a guidewire that can bend such that the guidewire can both pass through the needle hub at one end and attach to the needle hub at another end. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123705 | INTRODUCER SHEATH ASSEMBLY HAVING A LOCKING DILATOR - An introducer assembly includes a valve having a first end and an opposite second end; a sheath fixedly secured to and extending axially from one of the first and second ends of the valve; a dilator extending through the valve and sheath; and a lock knob rotatable between locked and unlocked positions to releasably axially lock the tool relative to the sheath without causing corresponding rotation of the tool therewith. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123706 | CATHETER SYSTEM FOR DELIVERY OF TUMESCENT ANESTHESIA - An intravascular catheter for placement in a vessel and for injecting anesthetic or other drug into tissues proximate the catheter distal tip. | 2013-05-16 |
20130123707 | AQUEOUS FORMULATIONS FOR COATING MICRONEEDLE ARRAYS - Aqueous formulations that include at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient; and at least one excipient, wherein the aqueous formulation has a viscosity of from 500 to 30,000 centipoise when measured at a shear rate of 100 s | 2013-05-16 |
20130123708 | Injection Molded Adjustable Shape Abscess Irrigation Device - An adjustable shape abscess irrigation device includes a first tube that is slidably associated with a second tube. The irrigation device includes a retainer that defines a variable shape diameter. The diameter of the retainer is selectively adjustable by the relative positioning of the first tube and the second tube such that, once placed relative to an abscess, the shape of the device can be manipulated to allow desired drainage of irrigation and abscess fluids beyond the confines of the abscess. Upon adequate drainage of the abscess, the cross-section shape of the retainer can be reduced to facilitate more comfortable and less detrimental removal of the device from the patient. Preferably, the irrigation device is formed via one or multi-shot injection molding and is formed of more than material. | 2013-05-16 |