44th week of 2012 patent applcation highlights part 52 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20120277534 | ENDOSCOPE - An endoscope includes a control method input section provided in a bending operation input unit and configured to input a control method of a bending operation, and a control method detector provided in an operation section body and configured to detect the input control method of the bending operation. The endoscope includes an activated portion provided in the bending operation input unit and configured to change its activated state in response to the bending operation in a bending operation input section, an activated state detector provided in the operation section body and configured to detect the activated state of the activated portion, and a drive member provided in the operation section body and configured to be driven in accordance with the detected control method and the detected activated state, thereby bending a bending section. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277535 | BENDING OPERATION DEVICE FOR ENDOSCOPE AND THE ENDOSCOPE - A bending operation device includes a bending operation knob, a friction plate, two tabular fastening members, an annular member including a cam groove for moving the two tabular members from a first position to a second position, and a fixing lever configured to actuate the annular member. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277536 | WATER BOTTLE ADAPTER FOR COUPLING AN ENDOSCOPE TO A WATER BOTTLE - An adapter for coupling a water bottle to an endoscope including a cap manufactured from a thermoplastic elastomer material. The cap is removably secured to an associated water bottle. The cap includes a first port and a second port. The adapter further includes a scope connector manufactured from the thermoplastic elastomer and/or thermoset elastomer having a first scope connector port and second scope connector port, wherein the scope connector is configured to be frictionally coupled to an endoscope. A first supply tube couples to the first port of the cap and the first scope connector port and a second supply tube coupled to the second port of the cap and the second scope connector port. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277537 | Atraumatic Arthroscopic Instrument Sheath - An arthroscopic inflow and outflow sheath providing an improved inflow and outflow system reducing the diameter of a continuous flow system while eliminating the need for a third portal during arthroscopy. The improved arthroscopic inflow and outflow sheath comprises an elongated atraumatic sheath having an inner surface, outer surface, proximal end, and distal end. The atraumatic sheath further comprises plurality of ribs or webs extending from the inner surface of the sheath and designed to contact an outer surface of the arthroscope creating outer lumens facilitating the inflow and outflow of fluid to a surgical site. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277538 | BODY INSERTION INSTRUMENT - A body insertion instrument has an inserting portion inserted into a body near a target organ as a target of surgery. The body insertion instrument further includes a space securing unit, disposed to the inserting portion, configured to secure a space, in which the target organ is operated on, one of between the target organ and an organ different from the target organ and between the target organ and one of an abdominal wall and a chest wall, and a drive unit configured to drive the space securing unit for acting force the one of between the target organ and the organ different from the target organ and between the target organ and the one of the abdominal wall and the chest wall. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277539 | WOUND RETRACTOR - An incrementally adjustable wound retractor ( | 2012-11-01 |
20120277540 | Triangulation Concept for Minimally Invasive Access Surgery - A surgical system is adapted and configured for use in a minimally invasive surgical procedure. The surgical system includes surgical instruments that are configured and adapted to be inserted into an underlying body cavity in a first configuration and to transition to a second configuration within the body cavity to provide improved manipulation and visualization of internal body structures. A method of using the surgical system is also disclosed. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277541 | TWO-PIECE CANNULA, A KIT COMPRISING A TWO-PIECE CANNULA AND AN INSERTER - The invention relates to a two-piece cannula. The two-piece cannula comprises an outer cannula member that is engageable with an inner cannula member to define a continuous passage when the two cannula members are coupled together. When inserted in body tissue, the continuous passage can receive a surgical instrument, such as an arthroscope, for medically analyzing and/or treating a region of interest located beneath the body tissue. The outer cannula member and the inner cannula member comprise an outer portion and an inner flange, respectively, for sealing and securing the body tissue between the outer portion and the inner flange. In a further embodiment, the invention relates to kit comprising a two-piece cannula and an inserter for inserting the two-piece cannula into body tissue. In yet a further embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for inserting the two-piece cannula into body tissue. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277542 | GEL SEAL FOR A SURGICAL TROCAR APPARATUS - A seal assembly for use with an access device during a surgical procedure includes a housing having a passageway therethrough dimensioned to permit passage of a surgical instrument and being adapted for mounting to a trocar device, and a seal comprising a gel material and being mounted to the housing across the passageway. The seal includes inner seal portions defining an access channel dimensioned to form a substantial sealing relation with an object therethrough and substantially close in the absence of the surgical instrument. The seal preferably comprises a second material having a hardness greater than a hardness of the gel material. The gel material may be selected from the group consisting of urethane gel, silicon gel. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277543 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR UPLOADING AND SECURING HEALTH CARE DATA FROM PATIENTS AND MEDICAL DEVICES TO TRUSTED HEALTH-USER COMMUNITIES - Systems and methods of uploading patient medical and/or physiological data to the patient's associated CarePod are disclosed. Devices that are capable of sensing patient medical and/or physiological data are disclosed that are in authenticated and secure communication with the patient's CarePod. Doctors and other caregivers may be able to analyze the patient medical and/or physiological data in near real-time basis. Other devices, systems and methods are disclosed to provide authenticated and secure therapeutic treatment in possibly a closed loop system. Other devices, systems and methods are disclosed to guard against the inadvertent misdirection of patient medical and/or physiological data between medical devices and the patient's CarePod. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277544 | BIODEGRADABLE INSERTION GUIDE FOR THE INSERTION OF A MEDICAL DEVICE - The present invention includes an insertion guide configured to be inserted in combination with a stylet wherein the insertion guide is left in the brain after the stylet is removed. The insertion guide then provides a path way for the stimulation lead, catheter, or other medical device to be placed into the brain to allow for the application of stimulation or therapeutic fluids to be administered. The insertion guide is further made of biodegradable material such that, after the lead is inserted through the insertion guide, the material forming the insertion guide biodegrades and is absorbed by the body. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277545 | PROBABILISTIC BIOMEDICAL PARAMETER ESTIMATION APPARATUS AND METHOD OF OPERATION THEREFOR - A probabilistic digital signal processor for medical function is described. Initial probability distribution functions are input to a dynamic state-space model, which operates on state and/or model probability distribution functions to generate a prior probability distribution function, which is input to a probabilistic updater. The probabilistic updater integrates sensor data with the prior to generate a posterior probability distribution function passed to a probabilistic sampler, which estimates one or more parameters using the posterior, which is output or re-sampled in an iterative algorithm. For example, the probabilistic processor operates using a physical model on data from a medical meter, where the medical meter uses a first physical parameter, such as blood oxygen saturation levels from a pulse oximeter, to generate a second physical parameter not output by the medical meter, such as a heart stroke volume, a cardiac output flow rate, and/or a blood pressure. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277546 | METHOD AND DEVICE TO MONITOR PATIENTS WITH KIDNEY DISEASE - A medical monitoring device for monitoring electrical signals from the body of a subject is described. The medical monitoring device monitors electrical signals originating from a cardiac cycle of the subject and associates each cardiac cycle with a time index. The medical monitoring device applies a forward computational procedure to generate a risk score indicative of hyperkalemia, hypokalemia or arrhythmia of the subject. The medical monitoring device can adjust the forward computational procedure based upon clinical data obtained from the subject. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277547 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF TESTING THE GASTRIC VALVE AND URETHRAL SPHINCTER - A system and method tests the gastric valve and urethral sphincter in a patient. A contrast agent is administered into the esophagus of a patient followed by inducing an involuntary reflex cough epoch within the patient to isolate the gastric valve from the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and isolate the external urethral sphincter from the internal urethral sphincter. An imaging sensor detects the flow of the contrast agent during the involuntary reflex cough epoch and determines whether stomach reflux occurred indicative of a malfunctioning gastric valve. A determination is made if urine leakage occurs indicative of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). | 2012-11-01 |
20120277548 | ANAESTHESIA AND CONSCIOUSNESS DEPTH MONITORING SYSTEM - Methods and systems incorporating non-linear dynamic (NLD) analysis such as entropy or other complexity analysis monitoring continuous or evoked signals from a biological subject are presented, where such a system comprises of processing steps including: a) the combination of a biological signal evoked as a result of patient stimulation presented to a biological subject and a non-linear analysis method capable of capturing temporal changes in signal order or regularity; b) any combination of processed evoked or continuous central nervous or peripheral physiological mechanisms b) a means to generate a measure indicative of a patient's level of anaesthesia and consciousness depth (A&CD), sedation or sleep/wake state. Methods and systems incorporating a NLD analysis means to improve the discrimination between different signals origins including any combination of: a) central nervous system (CNS), b) peripheral control or nervous system (PNS), c) autonomic control or nervous system (ANS), d) arousals, and e) artifacts. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277549 | ADHERENT DEVICE FOR SLEEP DISORDERED BREATHING - An adherent device is configured to adhere to the skin of the patient with an adherent patch, for example breathable tape, coupled to at least four electrodes. The device comprises impedance circuitry coupled to the at least four electrodes and configured to measure respiration of the patient to detect sleep apnea and/or hypopnea. The impedance circuitry may be used to measure hydration of the patient. An accelerometer can be mechanically coupled to the adherent patch such that the accelerometer can be coupled to and move with the skin of the patient. Electrocardiogram circuitry to generate an electrocardiogram signal may be coupled to at least two of the at least four electrodes to detect the sleep apnea and/or hypopnea. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277550 | DEVICE FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF INDIVIDUAL FARM ANIMAL DATA - The invention relates to a measuring device for the measurement of at least one physiological parameter of a farm animal's organism, whereby the measuring device is placeable in the gastro-intestinal tract of livestock and comprises the following components arranged in a casing: at least one sensor for the measurement of at least one physiological parameter of a farm animal, at least one transmitter with antenna for the wireless transmission of information, at least one control unit for controlling the measuring device, and at least one power supply device for the measuring device, whereby a hollow protective guard is provided inside the casing which covers at least the power supply unit in order to protect it from mechanical impact. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277551 | INTERSESSION MONITORING FOR BLOOD FLUID REMOVAL THERAPY - Methods for monitoring patient parameters and blood fluid removal system parameters include identifying those system parameters that result in improved patient parameters or in worsened patent parameters. By comparing the patient's current parameters to past parameters in response to system parameters or changes in system parameters, a blood fluid removal system may be able to avoid future use of parameters that may harm the patient and may be able to learn which parameters are likely to be most effective in treating the patient in a blood fluid removal session. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277552 | CHRONIC pH OR ELECTROLYTE MONITORING - Methods include monitoring blood pH or electrolyte levels and setting initial fluid parameters, such as dialysate fluid parameters or replacement fluid parameters, for a blood fluid removal session based the monitored data. Blood fluid removal systems may employ sensors that monitor blood pH or electrolyte levels to adjust the fluid parameters during a blood fluid removal session. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277553 | SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC MEASUREMENT IN COLOR-BASED BIOCHEMICAL AND IMMUNOLOGICAL ASSAYS - A process is provided for analyzing a specimen of biological material in any of a number of biochemical or immunological tests for an analyte which involves subjecting the specimen to treatment which develops a color correlating to the amount of analyte in the specimen. According to the invention at least one defined color characteristic selected from hue angle, chroma, saturation and lightness of the developed color is measured and the results of that measurement analyzed to determine the presence or concentration of the analyte in the specimen. Particular applications are to the detection of cancerous or pre-cancerous abnormalities from the analysis of lung mucus, throat mucus, cervical mucus or seminal fluid. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277554 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CREATING A STABLE OPTICAL INTERFACE - A system and a method for creating a stable and reproducible interface of an optical sensor system for measuring blood glucose levels in biological tissue include a dual wedge prism sensor attached to a disposable optic that comprises a focusing lens and an optical window. The disposable optic adheres to the skin to allow a patient to take multiple readings or scans at the same location. The disposable optic includes a Petzval surface placed flush against the skin to maintain the focal point of the optical beam on the surface of the skin. Additionally, the integrity of the sensor signal is maximized by varying the rotation rates of the dual wedge prisms over time in relation to the depth scan rate of the sensor. Optimally, a medium may be injected between the disposable and the skin to match the respective refractive indices and optimize the signal collection of the sensor. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277555 | Transmission Fluorometer - This disclosure relates generally to a system and method for noninvasive, non-destructive fluorescent measurement. More specifically, the disclosure provides a non-invasive metrology system and method to monitor levels of fluorescent chemicals in the blood. A major application for the invention is field-based non-invasive blood testing for micro-nutrient deficiency and diseases resulting from it, such as Iron deficient anemia. The invention may help reduce or eliminate the need for blood drawing, sending the sample to a blood lab and having to wait for a result. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277556 | APPARATUS FOR NON-INVASIVE BLOOD GLUCOSE MONITORING - An apparatus for non-invasive blood glucose monitoring includes a light source for generating at least one ray of light, a beam splitter with a focusing function leads the light into an eyeball and focuses on the eyeball, a set of photo detectors for measuring optical rotatory distribution (ORD) information and absorption energy information of the reflected light reflected from the eyeball and transmitted through the first beam splitter to the set of photo detectors, and a processing unit. The processing unit receives and processes the ORD information and the absorption energy information to obtain an ORD difference and an absorption energy difference resulting from the light emitted from the light source and the reflected light transmitted to the set of photo detectors, and analyzes the ORD difference and the absorption energy difference to obtain a glucose information to read the blood glucose information. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277557 | METHOD FOR NON-INVASIVE BLOOD GLUCOSE MONITORING AND METHOD FOR ANALYSING BIOLOGICAL MOLECULE - A method for non-invasive blood glucose monitoring includes the following steps. At least one ray of light is emitted from at least one light source. The light emitted from the light source is leaded into an eyeball and focused on the eyeball through a first beam splitter. The reflected light reflected from the eyeball is transmitted through the first beam splitter to a set of photo detectors. Optical rotatory distribution (ORD) information and absorption energy information of the reflected light transmitted to the set of photo detectors are measured. ORD difference and absorption energy difference resulting from the light emitted from the light source and the reflected light transmitted to the set of photo detectors are obtained. Glucose information is obtained by analyzing the ORD difference and the absorption energy difference, and since glucose information has a corresponding relationship with blood glucose information, blood glucose information may be read. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277558 | Apparatus and Method for Orthogonalizing Signals Detecting Blood Oxygenation and Blood Volume - A filter for detecting changes in skin color. The filter includes a filter material capable of filtering a frequency range and configured to orthogonalize an overall red response and an overall blue response in response to a spectral power distribution of a given light condition. The overall red response is based on a first plurality of spectral responses for a first human perceived chromatic channel used primarily for detecting blood oxygenation in a human. The overall blue response is based on a second plurality of spectral responses for a second human perceived chromatic channel used primarily for detecting blood volume. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277559 | Apparatus for Measuring Blood Parameters - Apparatus for measuring blood parameters such as chromophore, for example haemoglobin, concentration and blood flow detects light scattered from tissue surface ( | 2012-11-01 |
20120277560 | MEDICAL SENSOR FOR REDUCING MOTION ARTIFACTS AND TECHNIQUE FOR USING THE SAME - A sensor may be adapted to reduce motion artifacts by damping the effects of outside forces and sensor motion. A sensor is provided with a motion damping structure adapted to reduce the effect of motion of a sensor emitter and/or detector. Further, a method of damping outside forces and sensor motion is also provided. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277561 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTION OF VENOUS PULSATION - In accordance with an embodiment of the present technique, there is provided methods and systems for detecting the presence of venous pulsation by adjusting the sensitivity of a detection algorithm based on a sensor characteristic and/or notifying a caregiver of the presence of venous pulsation by ceasing display of physiological parameters. An exemplary embodiment includes receiving one or more signals from a sensor, the one or more signals corresponding to absorption of light in a patient's tissue; calculating one or more physiological parameters of the patient based on the one or more signals; displaying the patient's physiological parameters; enabling detection of venous pulsation with variable sensitivity based on a location of the sensor; and suspending or terminating the display of the one or more of the patient's physiological parameters when venous pulsation is detected. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277562 | TRANSCUTANEOUS ANALYTE SENSOR - The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277563 | GLUCOSE MONITORING METHOD AND DEVICE FOR TREATING HUMANS - This invention relates to a monitoring and/or stabilizing glucose level in the blood stream in a human body signaling the person in the event glucose is at a dangerous level, said method comprising the following steps:
| 2012-11-01 |
20120277564 | Optimizing Analyte Sensor Calibration - Method and apparatus for optimizing analyte sensor calibration including receiving a current blood glucose measurement, retrieving a time information for an upcoming scheduled calibration event for calibrating an analyte sensor, determining temporal proximity between the current blood glucose measurement and the retrieved time information for the upcoming calibration event, initiating a calibration routine to calibrate the analyte sensor when the determined temporal proximity is within a predetermined time period, and overriding the upcoming scheduled calibration event using the current blood glucose measurement are provided. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277565 | Method and System for Providing Analyte Monitoring - Methods and apparatuses for determining an analyte value are disclosed. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277566 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR PROCESSING ANALYTE SENSOR DATA FOR SENSOR CALIBRATION - Systems and methods for processing sensor analyte data are disclosed, including initiating calibration, updating calibration, evaluating clinical acceptability of reference and sensor analyte data, and evaluating the quality of sensor calibration. The sensor can be calibrated using a calibration set of one or more matched sensor and reference analyte data pairs. Reference data resulting from benchtop testing an analyte sensor prior to its insertion can be used to provide initial calibration of the sensor data. Reference data from a short term continuous analyte sensor implanted in a user can be used to initially calibrate or update sensor data from a long term continuous analyte sensor. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277567 | INTRA-CARDIAC TRACKING SYSTEM - In general, in one aspect, a method is disclosed for determining information about a position of an object. The method includes: (i) causing current to flow between each of three or more sets of current-injecting electrodes on a first catheter inserted into an organ in a patient's body, the organ having a periphery (ii) in response to current flow caused by each set of current injecting electrodes, measuring an electrical signal at each of one or more measuring electrodes located on one or more additional catheters inserted into the organ in the patient's body and (iii) determining the position of each of one or more of the measuring electrodes on the additional catheters relative to the first catheter based on the measured signals from the one or more measuring electrodes. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277568 | WIRELESS INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE MONITORING DEVICE, AND SENSOR UNIT AND READER UNIT THEREOF - A wireless intraocular pressure monitoring device includes a sensor unit and a reader unit. The sensor unit includes: a soft contact lens for wearing on a cornea such that a curvature of the soft contact lens corresponds substantially to that of the cornea; an inductor embedded in the soft contact lens and having an inductance that corresponds to intraocular pressure when the soft contact lens is worn on the cornea; and a wireless transceiver module operable to generate an oscillation signal having a frequency dependent on the inductance of the inductor and to wirelessly transmit the oscillation signal. The reader unit is operable to receive and convert the oscillation signal into an output signal corresponding to the intraocular pressure. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277569 | Optic Characteristic Measuring System and Method - The invention teaches a method, apparatus and system for measuring bio-medical attributes of the eye, such as internal or intraocular pressure. The invention enables taking measurements of the relative location of various surfaces of components of the eye under different conditions. The invention provides for applying a pressure disturbance to the eye acoustically and, using non-invasive optical techniques to perform measurements of vibrations or measurements of the time varying relative location of one or more surfaces or structures in a manner correlated with the pressure disturbance. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277570 | 3D Tracking of an HDR Source Using a Flat Panel Detector - A method and apparatus are used to compare in real-time an intended radiation treatment plan with a delivered plan. Markers are arranged, on a subject receiving radiation, at three-dimensional (3D) positions between a two dimensional radiation detector and a radiation source and are used to reconstruct the actual position of a high dose rate (HDR) source in three-dimensional (3D) space. The detected position is compared with the intended radiation path of the treatment plan. Adjustments can be made to the treatment plan if the detected position and the intended path do not correspond. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277571 | Method For Measuring Trabecular Bone Parameters From MRI Images - Disclosed is a method for measuring trabecular bone parameters from MRI images, including: scanning an experimental group with a 3D MRI scanner; segmenting the MRI images to extract bone area and perform skeletonization of the bone area; detecting end-point, joint and branch voxels in the skeleton to analyze bone structure; and measuring trabecular bone parameters based on the result of the structural analysis. The method enables diagnosing osteoporosis. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277572 | Method to Diagnose and Measure Vascular Drainage Insufficiency in the Central Nervous System - Neurodegenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, may be caused or aggravated by insufficient venous draining from the central nervous system. Functional MRI measures the surge of blood flow into localized regions of cerebral cortex in response to activation of those regions by performing visual, auditory or executive tasks. These fMRI measurements are based on blood-oxygen-level dependence. The resulting fMRI/BOLD data is converted to hemodynamic response data and analyzed to determine any abnormality in the hemodynamic response data. Vascular drainage insufficiency is identified in the presence of abnormal hemodynamic response data. Abnormal hemodynamic response data can be determined by a negative trough in a graph of the HDR data or by the duration, depth, or area of the negative trough. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277573 | ULTRASOUND-ACTIVATED NANOPARTICLES AS IMAGING AGENTS AND DRUG DELIVERY VEHICLES - The invention provides nanoparticles for delivery of imaging agents, drugs, and other molecules, such as genetic material. The nanoparticles have a core structure comprising the imaging agent and/or drug, and a shell structure that allows for water solubility. The shell structure further provides a barrier with limited water permeability that protects the core. The nanoparticles can be induced to release their cargo by treatment with ultrasound. Methods of delivering drugs and imaging agents are also provided, whereby the nanoparticles are delivered to tissues of interest in a substantially inert form, then activated using ultra-sound to release the drugs or imaging agents. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277574 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GUIDING CATHETERS USING REGISTERED IMAGES - Systems and methods for imaging a body cavity and for guiding a treatment element within a body cavity are provided. A system may include an imaging subsystem having an imaging device and an image processor that gather image data for the body cavity. A mapping subsystem may be provided, including a mapping device and a map processor, to identify target sites within the body cavity, and provide location data for the sites. The system may also include a location processor coupled to a location element on a treatment device to track the location of the location element. The location of a treatment element is determined by reference to the location element. A treatment subsystem including a treatment device having a treatment element and a treatment delivery source may also be provided. A registration subsystem receives and registers data from the other subsystems, and displays the data. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277575 | COIL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OBTAINING VOLUMETRIC PHYSIOLOGICAL MEASUREMENTS - A coil device is provided having a member adapted to extend around and conform to an outer surface of a subject and a conductor adapted to extend only once around a first portion of the subject. The coil device can be positioned about the subject in order to measure a volume of the subject. When placed about the subject in the presence of a relatively homogeneous magnetic field, the conductor can generate a signal indicative of a volume of the first portion of the subject. The coil device may also include two or more conductors separately generating signals indicating volumes of two or more corresponding portions of the subject. In some cases the coil device includes associated authorization data that can limit use of the coil device. Systems and methods incorporating the coil device are also provided. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277576 | ECHOGENIC INFUSION PORT CATHETER - Among other things, a delivery catheter assembly for insertion into a patient's vasculature is disclosed. In particular embodiments, the assembly includes a catheter, an obturator, and a hub. The hub is configured to maintain the proximal end of the catheter thereon. The hub and the proximal end of the obturator are configured to securely engage each other until a physician desires to release the obturator from the hub. When the catheter and obturator are assembled, the distal ends of the catheter and the obturator are adjacent or substantially aligned. In one form, the distal end of the obturator is made of an echogenic material that is visible with sonography or ultrasound imaging. In another form, a plurality of echogenic markers is positioned along the obturator including the distal end of the obturator. Beneficially, the position of the catheter is determined by locating the obturator using sonography or ultrasound imaging. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277577 | BODY CAVITY ULTRASONIC PROBE AND ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS - A body cavity probe which scans an object with ultrasonic waves includes a probe main body, and a linear array constituted by a plurality of piezoelectric elements and a convex array constituted by a plurality of piezoelectric elements, which are provided in the probe main body to transmit ultrasonic waves to the object and receive an echo signal from the object. The linear array and the convex array have different array shapes. The respective array surfaces are included in the same plane. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277578 | Balloon Resection Method - A balloon resection method is disclosed generally comprising inserting a catheter with at least one balloon having an outer wall with a resecting, non-slip surface for resecting unwanted biological material, such as tissues or tumors, and supplying fluid thereto in pulsed fashion to repeatedly deflate and inflate the balloon. In certain embodiments, a pump controls the pulsed supply of fluid based on an established frequency or change in volume. In some embodiments, the a keyed connector is used to identify the balloon type, and in some cases, intra-lumen diameters and densities are calculated. In some embodiments, the balloon portion of the catheter includes multiple balloon segments, which in some cases, are inflatable separately from one another. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277579 | INTER-FRAME COMPLEX OCT DATA ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES - Techniques for collecting and processing complex OCT data to detect localized motion contrast information with enhanced accuracy and sensitivity are presented. In a preferred embodiment, vector differences between complex OCT signals taken at the same location on the sample are used to detect blood flow in the retina. Additional embodiments involving non-linear intensity weighting of the motion contrast information, normalization of the vector difference amplitudes, and calculating the absolute value of the standard deviation of Doppler signal are described. Image processing techniques to enhance the images resulting from these motion contrast techniques are also presented. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277580 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DILUTING BLOOD IN A VESSEL - A device for delivering fluid inside a vessel includes an elongated member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a channel extending between the proximal end and the distal end, and a first port located at the distal end, wherein the first port is in fluid communication with the channel, wherein the first port faces at least partially towards a proximal direction. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277581 | X-RAY MOVING IMAGE RADIOGRAPHING APPARATUS - An X-ray moving image radiographing apparatus includes an X-ray detector configured to detect an X-ray transmitting through a subject to acquire a subject image, an image processing unit configured to process an X-ray radiographic image output from the X-ray detector, and a control unit configured to capture a mask image by selectively scanning X-ray focal positions of an X-ray source which has a plurality of X-ray focal points so that an X-ray incident angle varies with respect to a target point of the subject, and to capture a moving image after a predetermined work is performed on the subject by selectively scanning X-ray focal positions of the X-ray source similar to the scanning operation used to capture the mask image. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277582 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR OSTEOLYTIC LESION ASSESSMENT USING A STEERABLE CATHETER - A method of assessing the volume of a lesion in a bone comprises inserting a steerable catheter comprising an expandable structure, a suction member, and a steerable element into the bone along a longitudinal axis. The method further comprises steering the steerable element away from the longitudinal axis toward the lesion, removing cellular matter from the lesion using the suction member, and inflating the expandable structure with inflation medium to create a cavity defining the boundary of the lesion. The method also comprises measuring the volume of inflation medium in the expandable structure, thereby determining the volume of the cavity. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277583 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TESTING THE GASTRIC VALVE - A system and method tests the gastric valve in a patient. A contrast agent is supplied into the stomach of the patient. An involuntary reflex cough epoch is induced within the patient to isolate the gastric valve from the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). A fluoroscopic instrument is used to detect whether stomach reflux has occurred indicative of a malfunctioning gastric valve. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277584 | TWO-PHASE SURGICAL PROCEDURE FOR CREATING A PNEUMOSTOMA TO TREAT CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE - A two-phase surgical procedure is disclosed for creating a pneumostoma to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease The first phase is a procedure to induce creation of a localized pleurodesis and is preferably performed as an outpatient procedure. The second phase is a procedure to introduce a surgical instrument into the lung via the pleurodesis to create the pneumostoma. An interval of about one of more days between the first and second phases allows the formation of a stable pleurodesis to prevent pneumothorax during the procedure. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277585 | Method and Apparatus for Calibrating and Re-aligning an Ultrasound Image Plane to a Navigation Tracker - The present disclosure relates to acquiring image data of a subject with an imaging system that has been calibrated. The imaging system can include an ultrasound imaging system that collects one of more images based on a plane of image acquisition. The plane of image acquisition can be calibrated to a tracking device associated with the ultrasound transducer. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277586 | FEEDING TUBE HAVING ECHOGENIC TIP - A feeding tube for insertion into the jejunum of a patient. An elongated tubular member has a proximal portion, a distal portion, a lumen extending between the proximal and distal portions, and at least one aperture at the distal portion. The aperture is sized for passage of fluid material from the lumen into the jejunum. An inflatable balloon is disposed about a length of the elongated tubular member distal portion. The balloon is sized and configured such that upon inflation via water or saline inflation media, the balloon projects outwardly from the tubular member distal portion so as to be engageable with an interior wall of the body passageway. An echogenic material is disposed along the tubular member distal portion in conjunction with the balloon to provide an echogenic capability, so that the tubular member length is visible under ultrasound imaging. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277587 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REAL TIME MONITORING OF TISSUE LAYERS - The disclosed method and apparatus employ ultrasound beams to monitor the tissue type composition of body tissue that is to be treated and the temperature at each body tissue type or layer in real time. Additionally, the disclosed method and apparatus also provides ultrasound-based thermo-control of an aesthetic body treatment session. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277588 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FUSING SENSOR AND IMAGE DATA FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL VOLUME RECONSTRUCTION - An imaging system for generating three-dimensional (3D) images includes an imaging probe for acquiring two-dimensional (2D) image data of a region of interest. A sensor is coupled with the imaging probe to determine positional data related to a position of the imaging probe. A position determination module utilizes the image data acquired with the imaging probe and the positional data determined by the sensor to calculate a probe location with respect to the acquired 2D image data. An imaging module is configured to reconstruct a 3D image of the region of interest based on the 2D image data and the determined probe locations. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277589 | ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE - An ultrasound diagnostic device includes: an ultrasound probe which transmits ultrasound toward a tested subject by a plurality of transducers and obtains a received signal; a beam forming section for adding the received signal for each of the transducers with matching a phase of the received signal; an image processing section which generates an image data; a coherent factor calculation section which calculates a coherent factor which represents a ratio of a coherent sum to an incoherent sum; a coherent factor correction section which corrects the coherent factor so as not to be smaller than a predetermined value; and a signal correction section which correct the received signal after having been subject to the adding, by multiplying the received signal after having been subject to the adding by the coherent factor corrected by the coherent factor correction section as a coefficient. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277590 | BEAMFORMING METHOD AND APPARATUS, AND MEDICAL IMAGING SYSTEM - A beamforming method includes generating a control signal for implementing a delay time for each of a plurality of transducers of each of a plurality of two-dimensional (2D) transducer-arrays, transmitting the control signal to a plurality of driving units respectively corresponding to the plurality of 2D transducer-arrays via an interposer that electrically connects the plurality of 2D transducer-arrays to each other, and driving each 2D transducer-array of the plurality of 2D transducer-arrays with a corresponding driving unit of the plurality of driving units according to the control signal transmitted via the interposer. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277591 | ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS - An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus capable of obtaining a high-quality ultrasound image while suppressing the temperature rise in an ultrasound probe. The ultrasound probe includes receive amplification units including amplifiers for amplifying reception signals outputted from a transducer array and a power supply unit for supplying bias current to the amplifiers. The power supply unit changes the bias current it supplies to the amplifiers according to the depth of a reflection position of ultrasonic echo. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277592 | IMAGING PROBE HOUSING WITH FLUID FLUSHING - An imaging probe for use in a catheter for ultrasonic imaging is provided. The catheter may be of the type including a sheath having an opening at a distal end for conducting a fluid there through. The imaging probe includes a distal housing coupled to a drive shaft for rotation, a transducer within the distal housing for generating and sensing ultrasonic waves, and a fluid flow promoter that promotes flow of the fluid within the sheath across the transducer. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277593 | IMAGING BASED INTERFEROMETRIC PRESSURE SENSOR - An imaging based interferometric pressure sensor apparatus compromise a fluid pressure sensor unit ( | 2012-11-01 |
20120277594 | MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING - Mental illness is a huge burden on those afflicted with it, as well as their caregivers and represents a major cost to society as a whole. The invention herein is concerned with methods and apparatus to improve the well-being of persons afflicted with mental illness, as well as to provide early and better diagnosis. It is felt that in some cases such diagnosis can lead to a potential for eliminating the worst effects of the illness altogether, by allowing intervention before a first psychotic episode occurs. The invention uses sensors, primarily 2D or 3D cameras and voice recognition to observe persons in many instances during ordinary activity such as playing video games, chatting on the internet or other such computer based activity. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277595 | ADJUSTING PARAMETERS USED IN PULSE OXIMETRY ANALYSIS - Adjusting a pulse qualification criterion includes receiving a signal representing a plurality of pulses, where the signal is generated in response to detecting light scattered from blood perfused tissue. A characteristic is determined A pulse qualification criterion used for qualifying a pulse is adjusted in accordance with the characteristic. The pulses are evaluated according to the pulse qualification criterion. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277596 | IMAGING VIA BLOOD VESSELS - A method and system are described for generating a signal indicative of an intravascular image received at least partly via a light transducer and invoking circuitry for passing the generated signal out of a subject's body. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277597 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR NON-INVASIVELY MEASURING PHYSIOLOGIC PARAMETERS OF ONE OR MORE SUBJECTS - Improved apparatus and methods for non-invasively assessing one or more physiologic (e.g., hemodynamic) parameters associated with a living organism. In one embodiment, the invention comprises an apparatus adapted to automatically and accurately place and maintain a sensor (e.g., tonometric pressure sensor) with respect to the anatomy of the subject. The apparatus is comprised of a sensor device removably coupled to a host device which is used to position the sensor during measurements. Methods for positioning the alignment apparatus and sensor, and operating the apparatus, are also disclosed. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277598 | DEVICE FOR ATTACHING TO LUMEN WALL - A fixing device for attaching to a lumen wall, the device including a base ( | 2012-11-01 |
20120277599 | MEASUREMENT OF CARDIAC CYCLE LENGTH AND PRESSURE METRICS FROM PULMONARY ARTERIAL PRESSURE - A method and apparatus for monitoring a cardiovascular pressure signal in a medical device that includes comparing the sensed pressure signal to a first pressure threshold, identifying a first sense greater than the first pressure threshold, determining a metric of the pressure signal in response to the identified first sense, comparing the sensed pressure signal to a second pressure threshold not equal to the first pressure threshold in response to the identified first sense, identifying a second sense, subsequent to the first sense, greater than the second pressure threshold, identifying a third sense, subsequent to the first sense, greater than the first pressure threshold, and determining a cycle length corresponding to electrical activity of a heart in response to one of the first sense and the third sense or the second sense and the third sense. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277600 | MEASUREMENT OF CARDIAC CYCLE LENGTH AND PRESSURE METRICS FROM PULMONARY ARTERIAL PRESSURE - A method and apparatus for monitoring a cardiovascular pressure signal in a medical device that includes determining whether the sensed pressure signal is greater than a first pressure threshold, determining a first metric of the pressure signal in response to the sensed pressure signal being greater than the first pressure threshold, determining whether the sensed pressure signal is greater than a second pressure threshold not equal to the first pressure threshold, determining a second metric of the pressure signal in response to the sensed pressure signal being greater than the first pressure threshold, and determining at least one of a systolic pressure or a diastolic pressure, wherein the at least one of a systolic pressure or a diastolic pressure is determined based on the first metric in response to the pressure signal not being greater than the second threshold, and based on the second metric in response to the pressure signal being greater than the second threshold. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277601 | DETECTION OF HYPOVOLEMIA USING IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - An implantable medical device receives a physiological signal indicative of circulatory blood volume and detects hypovolemia from that physiological signal. In one embodiment, an implantable pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) senses a PAP signal, and the implantable medical device detects hypovolemia from the PAP signal. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277602 | CONTINUOUS BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORING - The systems and methods monitor a subject's blood pressure under a constant applied pressure. Measurements taken from a pressure measuring element and a pulse sensing element are combined to determine the subject's systolic and diastolic pressure. The systolic pressure is measured directly by the pressure measuring element, and the diastolic pressure is determined indirectly by using a pulse waveform to extrapolate portions of a pressure waveform. The systems and methods can be employed in any number of applications, including, without limitation, taking a single reading from a subject, continuously monitoring a subject, or evaluating a subject during physical exertion. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277603 | Device and Method for Detecting and reporting of a stress condition of a person - For easy determination of the current stress condition of a person, a device is proposed that detects the pulse rate and therefrom additionally determines the heart rate variability—preferably by means of a fast Fourier transform. In addition, at least one parameter related to the history of one of the two values mentioned above shall be used. Preferably, the deviations of the cardiac frequency and of the heart rate variability from corresponding norm parameters are integrated and thus used as an additional stress indicator. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277604 | MONITORING FLUID VOLUME FOR PATIENTS WITH RENAL DISEASE - A method includes monitoring an indicator of fluid volume of a patient via a sensor device, and setting an initial fluid volume removal prescription for a blood fluid removal session based on the monitored indicator of fluid volume. The method may further include transmitting data regarding the indicator of fluid volume from the implantable sensor device to fluid removal device. In some embodiments, the fluid removal device sets or calculated the initial fluid volume removal prescription based on the data received from the implantable sensor. The indicator of fluid volume may be an indicator of tissue fluid volume or an indicator of blood fluid volume. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277605 | DYNAMIC HEART RATE THRESHOLD FOR NEUROLOGICAL EVENT DETECTION - A method may include sensing a time of beat sequence of a patient's heart and processing said time of beat sequence with a medical device to identify a change in heart rate of a patient from a first heart rate to a second heart rate. The method may continue by determining with the medical device at least one of a) a ratio of the second heart rate to the first heart rate and b) a difference between the second heart rate and the first heart rate. The method may include determining with the medical device at least one of a) a dynamic ratio threshold for the ratio and b) a dynamic difference threshold for the difference, wherein the at least one threshold is based upon the first heart rate. The ratio and/or the difference may be compared to the threshold(s) to detect a neurological event, for example, an epileptic seizure. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277606 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE WITH AUTOMATIC SENSING THRESHOLD ADJUSTMENT IN NOISY ENVIRONMENT - An implantable medical system includes an implantable medical lead including at least one electrode and an implantable medical device (IMD) coupled to the implantable medical lead. The IMD includes a sensing module that obtains electrical signals on the implantable medical lead. The electrical signals on the implantable medical lead include cardiac signals as well as noise-induced signals. The IMD also includes a noise detection module that obtains noise signals independently of the electrical signals on the implantable medical lead. A control module of the IMD adjusts a sensing threshold of the sensing module in response to detecting the noise signals via the noise detection module. In instances in which the amplitude of the noise-induced signal on the lead is too large, the IMD may transition to a noise operating mode specifically designed to accommodate noisy environments. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277607 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IDENTIFICATION OF ISCHEMIC/INFARCTED REGIONS AND THERAPY OPTIMIZATION - A method and apparatus is described for detecting and localizing areas of myocardial infarction or ischemia. By pacing sites in proximity to the infarcted or ischemic region with appropriately timed pacing pulses, the region is pre-excited in a manner that lessens the mechanical stress to which it is subjected, thus reducing the metabolic demand of the region and the stimulus for remodeling. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277608 | AUTOMATIC DETECTION OF PREMATURE VENTRICULAR COMPLEXES FOR HEART RATE TURBULENCE MEASUREMENTS - A medical device system and method for monitoring a cardiac signal in a patient senses ventricular R-waves and computes a morphology metric of an R-wave and a corresponding preceding morphology metric of a preceding R-wave. One of a difference and a ratio of the R-wave morphology metric and the preceding R-wave morphology metric is compared to an established detection threshold for discriminating premature ventricular contractions from premature atrial contractions. A cardiac signal measurement is computed from the sensed R-waves in response to detecting a premature ventricular comparison based on the comparison. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277609 | DISTINGUISHING PREMATURE CONTRACTIONS IN A MEDICAL DEVICE - A method and device of distinguishing premature contractions that includes a sensor sensing cardiac signals, and a processor configured to determine a plurality of intervals in response to the sensed cardiac signal, detect a premature contraction being associated with a first R-wave of the plurality of R-waves, determine whether a metric of the first R-wave is greater than a premature contraction threshold, and identify the detected premature contraction as one of a premature atrial contraction or a premature ventricular contraction in response to determining whether a metric of the first R-wave is greater than a premature contraction threshold. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277610 | DISTINGUISHING PREMATURE CONTRACTIONS IN A MEDICAL DEVICE - A method and device of distinguishing premature contractions that includes a sensor sensing cardiac signals, and a processor configured to determine a plurality of R-waves in response to the sensed cardiac signal, detect a premature contraction being associated with a first R-wave of the plurality of R-waves, determine a first area of the detected first R-wave, compare the determined first area to an area threshold, and identifying the detected premature contraction as one of a premature atrial contraction or a premature ventricular contraction in response to the comparing. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277611 | DISTINGUISHING PREMATURE CONTRACTIONS IN A MEDICAL DEVICE - A method and device of distinguishing premature contractions that includes a sensor sensing cardiac signals, and a processor configured to determine a plurality of R-waves in response to the sensed cardiac signal, detect a premature contraction being associated with a first R-wave of the plurality of R-waves, determining a first area of the detected first R-wave, determine a second area of a second R-wave, determine a ratio of the first area and the second area, compare the ratio to a ratio threshold, and identify the detected premature contraction as one of a premature atrial contraction or a premature ventricular contraction in response to the comparing.. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277612 | SYSTEMS FOR INTRAVENOUS DRUG MONITORING - A system for monitoring a concentration of an anesthetic drug using a patient's breath is provided. The system comprises a sampling subsystem for processing the patient's breath to form a breath sample, one or more sensors to measure drug concentration in the breath sample, one or more sensors to measure a concentration of gases in the breath sample; and one or more microprocessors for determining a concentration of the drug in a plasma of the patient using a transfer function and the concentration of the drug in the breath sample. A system for monitoring propofol concentration in patient's breath sample is also provided. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277613 | METHODS OF INTRAVENOUS DRUG MONITORING - A method of monitoring a concentration of an anesthetic drug using a patient's breath is provided. The method comprises forming a breath sample using the patient's breath; exposing one or more sensors to the breath sample; detecting one or more components of the anesthetic drug in the breath sample; measuring a concentration of at least one of the components of the anesthetic drug in the breath sample; and determining a concentration of the component in a plasma of the patient using a transfer function and the concentration of the component in the breath sample. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277614 | High-Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation Monitoring Method and System - A method of monitoring high frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) wherein the oscillatory movement of the chest wall of an individual is measured. An average amplitude is determined and compared to a pre-determined baseline amplitude, which is established by using the average amplitude at a particular instant of time. If the variance between the average amplitude and the baseline meets and/or exceeds a pre-determined threshold above or below the baseline value, an operator is alerted. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277615 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INTELLIGENT FLOW SENSORS - A single sensor capable of detecting both airflow in spirometry and the full range of sound frequencies needed to track clinically relevant breath sounds is provided. The airflow sensor includes a movable flap with one or more integrated strain gauges for measuring displacement and vibration. The airflow sensor is inherently bidirectional. The sensor is an elastic flap airflow sensor that is capable of detecting data needed for both spirometry and auscultation measurements. The sensor is sterilizable and designed for the measurement of human respiratory airflow. The sterilizable sensor is also suitable for non-medical fluid flow metering applications. Additional devices such as sensors for the ambient level of various chemicals, sensors for temperature, sensors for humidity and microphones, may be affixed to the flap. When the strain gauge is placed in a conventional Wheatstone bridge configuration, the sensor can provide the airflow measurements needed for medical spirometry. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277616 | WORK OF BREATHING DISPLAY FOR A VENTILATION SYSTEM - A breathing support system is provided. The system may include a breathing support device configured to deliver gas to a patient and a display device associated with the breathing support device. The display device may he configured to display a work of breathing graphic indicating one or more work of breathing measures regarding the patient's breathing. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277617 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR FRACTIONALLY COLLECTING CONTENTS OF EXHALED AIR - A device for fractionally collecting contents of exhaled air by changing the state of matter of the contents by means of the Joule-Thomson effect arising during the expansion of pressurized gas. The temperature of the exhaled air conducted in a flow channel is lowered, because of the cooling of the expanding gas, to a temperature that is suitable for condensing the contents in the exhaled air flow. This device and method provides a more efficient means by which condensate can be separated from exhaled air in comparison to conveying exhaled air along a cooling surface for the condensation of the contents, as a result of which condensation of the contents occurs only in the area of these cooling surfaces, so that several breath cycles are required for the collection of sufficient condensate for analysis. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277618 | SEIZURE PROBABILITY METRICS - In some examples, systems, devices, and techniques for determining a particular sleep stage of a patient, determining a seizure state of the patient during the particular sleep stage, and generating a seizure probability metric for the particular sleep stage based on the sleep stage and seizure state are described. In some cases, a patient may be more susceptible to seizure events during particular sleep stages. One or more seizure probability metrics indicative of a patient's susceptibility to seizure events during a particular sleep stage may be useful in creating a patient-specific treatment regimen. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277619 | DETECTING FOOD INTAKE BASED ON IMPEDANCE - In some examples, the disclosure relates to a systems, devices, and techniques for monitoring the occurrence of food intake by a patient. In one example, the disclosure relates to a method including determining a phase of tissue impedance at one or more gastrointestinal tract locations of a patient via a medical device, and determining the occurrence of food intake by the patient based on the determined phase of the tissue impedance. In some examples, a medical device may control the delivery of therapy to a patient based on the determination of food intake based on the phase to the tissue impedance. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277620 | Method of Improving Electrode Tissue Interface - A critical element of a retinal prosthesis is the stimulating electrode array, which is placed in close proximity to the retina. It is via this interface that a retinal prosthesis electrically stimulates nerve cells to produce the perception of light. The impedance load seen by the current driver consists of the tissue resistance and the complex electrode impedance. The results show that the tissue resistance of the retina is significantly greater than that of the vitreous humor in the eye. Circuit models of the electrode-retina interface are used to parameterize the different contributors to the overall impedance. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277621 | DETERMINING NERVE LOCATION RELATIVE TO ELECTRODES - An implantable nerve stimulator is implanted in a patient near a nerve target. The implantable nerve stimulator has a plurality of electrodes through which stimulation is provided to the nerve target. The relative location of the nerve target and the electrodes may be determined by applying stimulation to the nerves via each of the electrodes, determining an effect of the stimulation for each of the electrodes, and mapping a location of the nerve relative to the electrodes based on the effect of the stimulation for each of the electrodes. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277622 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR VISUAL STIMULATION AND RECORDING OF THE PATTERN ELECTRORETINOGRAM OF THE VISUAL EVOKED POTENTIALS - A method and apparatus for visual stimulation and recording of the pattern electroretinogram (PERG) and of the visual evoked potentials (VEP), by way of transient and steady-state visual stimuli, including a simultaneous transient and steady-state stimulation of a plurality of zones of the visual field visualization element, and an algorithm able to reconstruct the second harmonic component of the steady-state signal and the transient signal of the zones. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277623 | Methods and Systems of Delivering a Probability of a Medical Condition - Methods and systems for delivering a probability that a subject has a medical condition are disclosed herein. The methods comprise calculating the probability of a medical condition using biomarker values and the rate of change of the biomarker values over time. In most embodiments, the methods comprise relations and calculations that require computer systems to execute the methods of the invention. Systems of the invention may include computer systems, as well as medical systems, such as biomarker assays and courses of medical action. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277624 | METHOD OF COLLECTING AND IN SITU PROCESSING OF ASPIRATED FAT TISSUE SAMPLED FROM A HUMAN PATIENT DURING TISSUE ASPIRATION OPERATIONS - A method of collecting and in situ processing of aspirated fat tissue sampled from a human patient. The method involves providing a surgeon with a powered-assisted hand-held fat tissue aspiration instrument having a cannula, and a fat tissue sampling, processing and collection device installed between the power-assisted fat aspiration instrument and a vacuum source. The fat tissue sampling, collection and processing device includes a suction plate, mounted within a collection chamber, and having multiple hollow projections for supporting the open proximal ends of a plurality of tissue collection and processing tubes, wherein each tissue collection and processing tube has micro-pores formed in the side walls thereof, and its distal end opening is capped. Aspirated fat tissue is collected in a selected tissue collection and processing tube, while allowing fluid to flow and filter through the micro-pores as aspirated fat tissue flows through the cannula of the fat aspiration instrument. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277625 | RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE CAPTURING APPARATUS - A radiographic image capturing apparatus includes a compression member, which is displaceable with respect to a holding member that holds a target object to be examined. The compression member is displaced toward the holding member for compressing the target object held by the holding member while the compression member is tilted with respect to the holding member along lateral directions of the target object as viewed in front elevation. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277626 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR SECURING MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS TO DESIRED LOCATIONS IN A PATIENT'S BODY - A medical device for localization of tissue at a target site in a patient's body includes a tube having a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal axis. The medical device is configured for placement of the distal end at the target site. A fixation device is disposed on the distal end. The affixation device is configured to mechanically fix the distal end of the medical device to tissue at the target site. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277627 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PHLEBOTOMY THROUGH A PERIPHERAL IV CATHETER - An apparatus for performing phlebotomy through a peripheral intravenous line is described herein. The apparatus includes an introducer and a cannula and is configured to advance the cannula through a peripheral intravenous line. A y-adapter with a port of larger diameter is configured to receive the cannula to place the cannula in fluid communication with the peripheral intravenous line. When advanced, the cannula is configured to transport a bodily fluid to a volume outside of the body. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277628 | FLUID COLLECTION/INJECTION DEVICE HAVING SAFETY NEEDLE ASSEMBLY/COVER AND SAFETY SYSTEM AND METHOD - Fluid collection/injection device comprises a body having a front end, a back end, and a main hollow section arranged between the front and back ends and a needle hub securing section arranged on the front end and being structured and arranged to receive therein a needle member. The fluid collection/injection device is structured and arranged to utilize at least an operational mode, an operational mode, and a post-use mode. In the installation mode, the needle member is coupled to the body via the needle hub securing section. In the operational mode, fluid passes through the needle member and into or out of a receptacle inserted into the main hollow section. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277629 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COLLECTION AND/OR MANIPULATION OF BLOOD SPOTS OR OTHER BODILY FLUIDS - The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for receiving blood (or other bodily fluids) from a subject, e.g., from or beneath the skin of a subject. In some cases, the blood (or other bodily fluids) may be deposited on a membrane or other substrate. For example, blood may be absorbed in a substrate, and dried in some cases to produce a dried blood spot. In one aspect, the present invention is generally directed to devices and methods for receiving blood from a subject, e.g., from the skin, using devices including a substance transfer component (which may contain, for example, one or more microneedles), and directing the blood on a substrate, e.g., for absorbing blood. The substrate, in some embodiments, may comprise filter paper or cotton-based paper. After absorption of some blood onto the substrate, the substrate may be removed from the device and shipped or analyzed. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277630 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PHLEBOTOMY THROUGH A PERIPHERAL IV CATHETER - An apparatus for performing phlebotomy through a peripheral intravenous line. The apparatus includes an introducer and a catheter configured to advance the catheter through a peripheral intravenous line. A y-adapter with a port of larger diameter is configured to receive the catheter and place in fluid communication with the peripheral intravenous line. When advanced the catheter is configured to transport a bodily fluid (i.e. blood) to a volume outside of the body. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277631 | OPTICAL DISPLACEMENT SENSOR AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING DISPLACEMENT - An optical displacement sensor is provided according to one embodiment. The optical displacement sensor comprises a housing; a displacement member coupled to the housing, configured to contact an object under test and move based on displacement of the object under test; a light emitter coupled to the housing; an optical transducer coupled to the housing; and a reflecting surface coupled to the displacement member to reflect at least a part of the light emitted from the light emitter to the optical transducer, such that movement of the displacement member modifies intensity distribution of the light reflected to the optical transducer. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277632 | METHOD AND A DUAL-ARRAY TRANSDUCER PROBE FOR REAL TIME MECHANICAL IMAGING OF PROSTATE - The present invention relates to a transrectal probe and method for real time mechanical imaging of a prostate. The probe is equipped with dual-array pressure sensors—one on the probe head and another on the shaft of the probe spaced away from the head with an angular and linear offset forming an S-shaped transition between the shaft and the head of the probe. The addition of the shaft pressure sensor array together with orientation tracking sensors allows precise calculation of the current head position throughout the examination of the prostate. Display means are used to guide the user in the proper manipulation of the probe in order to reduce the forces on surrounding tissues and organs and to minimize patient's discomfort. | 2012-11-01 |
20120277633 | Control System for Childbirth and Method Thereof - A childbirth control system is provided to control the labor process of a patient. The patient's physical information of the patient and her fetus is continuously obtained during the labor via a plurality of diagnosis devices connected to a user terminal. The system includes an analysis module, which generates a childbirth progress data by continuously comparing the series of patient's measurement data with a series of reference measurement data. The childbirth progress data is provided on the user terminal to show the current progress of the childbirth as well as suggestions as to alternative childbirth method and medical treatment options. The system also provides the childbirth progress data to the user terminal of remotely located medical service providers, and allows them to remotely assist the childbirth process. | 2012-11-01 |