| 14th week of 2009 patent applcation highlights part 46 |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20090088632 | Method for Dynamic Road Mapping - A method of determining a three-dimensional (3D) position of a catheter tip includes: compensating a 2D position of the tip of the catheter for respiratory motion to generate a compensated 2D catheter position, generating weighted sample points around the compensated 2D catheter position, determining correspondent points of the weighted sample points in a 3D image, computing a weighted mean and a weighted covariance of each correspondent point, and determining the 3D position of the catheter tip in the 3D image from a fusion of the weighted means and weighted covariances. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088633 | Method for the combined image display of a catheter inserted into the heart area of a patient with electrophysiological cardiological data - The invention relates to a method for the combined three-dimensional image display of a catheter. The catheter is inserted into the heart area of a patient with electrophysiological data, as part of a cardiological investigation or treatment. A current position of the catheter is localized with fluoroscopy-aided. The current position of the catheter and the electrophysiological data of the patient are blended into a three-dimensional volumetric image of a structure of the heart for the combined three-dimensional image display. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088634 | TOOL TRACKING SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMAGE GUIDED SURGERY - In one embodiment of the invention, a tool tracking system is disclosed including a computer usable medium having computer readable program code to receive images of video frames from at least one camera and to perform image matching of a robotic instrument to determine video pose information of the robotic instrument within the images. The tool tracking system further includes computer readable program code to provide a state-space model of a sequence of states of corrected kinematics information for accurate pose information of the robotic instrument. The state-space model receives raw kinematics information of mechanical pose information and adaptively fuses the mechanical pose information and the video pose information together to generate the sequence of states of the corrected kinematics information for the robotic instrument. Additionally disclosed are methods for image guided surgery. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088635 | Method of Enhancing Ultrasound Visibility of Hyperechoic Materials - A permanent or temporary marker is embedded within a hydrogel plug used in a biopsy procedure to indicate the location of a suspicious lesion so that the marker may be found in a subsequent surgical procedure. A combination of at least one permanent and at least one temporary marker may be used. Inserts of differing sizes and shapes may also be placed into the hydrogel plugs during their manufacturing process and removed from the plugs after the plugs have cured so that air-filled cavities are left in the plug. These cavities are temporary but may be used to augment location of a permanent marker. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088636 | APPARATUS FOR DELIVERING HIGH INTENSITY FOCUSED ULTRASOUND ENERGY TO A TREATMENT SITE INTERNAL TO A PATIENT'S BODY - An apparatus for delivering HIFU energy may include a probe with a plurality of leaves that provide a bowl-shaped HIFU therapy transducer. In once case, pins may slide within grooves in the leaves to deploy the leaves. In another case, spines may be configured to slide in a channel defined in each leaf. In other cases, a spring or a shape memory alloy may be used to deploy the leaves. In another implementation, a probe may be fitted with a flexible material that couples the HIFU therapy transducer to the probe and allows the transducer to be drawn to the side of the probe for insertion. In another implementation, a probe may have one or more inflatable bladders that form the HIFU therapy transducer. In yet another implementation, a probe may have an imaging component and a HIFU therapy transducer disposed thereon that rotate, as a unit, about a hinge. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088637 | MEDICAL IMAGE DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM, MEDICAL IMAGING APPARATUS, MEDICAL IMAGE STORAGE APPARATUS, AND MEDICAL IMAGE DISPLAY APPARATUS - In a system for diagnoses of mammary glands and breasts using radiation and ultrasonic waves in combination, images are correlated for easier visual recognition. The system includes an apparatus for acquiring a radiation image of an object projected on a projection surface, acquiring an ultrasonic slice image of the object along a slice surface substantially orthogonal to the projection surface, and generating first image data representing ultrasonic slice images along slice surfaces, second image data representing a radiation image, and location data representing locations of the slice surfaces on the projection surface; an apparatus for correlating and storing those data; and an apparatus for displaying an ultrasonic slice image based on the first image data, and displaying a radiation image, on which a marker indicating a location of the slice surface on the projection surface is shown, based on the second data and the location data. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088638 | ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS AND PROGRAM - An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes an image synthesizing unit for performing the following processings. That is, the image synthesizing unit performs a multiple resolution analysis for the respective images of a plurality of frames by a predetermined transform processing, performs a filter operation processing for each of the coefficients corresponding among the images of a plurality of frames, in each coefficient of each resolution obtained by the multiple resolution analysis, and performs an inverse transform processing of the predetermined transform processing for a result of the filter operation processing to generate an image of one frame. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088639 | Ultrasound device - An ultrasound device is provided. The ultrasound device includes an ultrasound transducer to be moved along an object to be examined and a control device that communicates with the ultrasound device, controls the transmit and receive mode of the ultrasound transducer and processes the ultrasound signals received. The ultrasound transducer is arranged on a robotic arm that can be freely moved in space and controlled in terms of its movement. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088640 | Automated View Classification With Echocardiographic Data For Gate Localization Or Other Purposes - A view represented by echocardiographic data is classified. A probabilistic boosting network is used to classify the view. The probabilistic boosting network may include multiple levels where each level has a multi-class local structure classifier and a plurality of local-structure detectors corresponding to the respective multiple classes. In each level, the local structure is classified as a particular view and then the local structure is detected to determine whether the currently selected local structure corresponds to the class. The view classification may be used to determine gate locations, such as a gate for spectral Doppler analysis. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088641 | ULTRASONIC IMAGING APPARATUS AND A METHOD FOR GENERATING AN ULTRASONIC IMAGE - A scanner transmits and receives ultrasonic waves at a specified pulse repetition frequency (PRF). A storage stores received signals acquired through the transmission and reception. A calculator generates a Doppler spectrum image by executing frequency analysis on the received signals. A display displays the Doppler spectrum image. When a desired Doppler velocity range for the displayed Doppler spectrum image is inputted, a processor reads out the received signals from the storage, and executes a resampling process on the read-out received signals at a sampling frequency corresponding to the desired Doppler velocity range. The calculator generates a new Doppler spectrum image by executing frequency analysis corresponding to the desired Doppler velocity range on the received signals having been subjected to the resampling process by the processor. The display displays the new Doppler spectrum image. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088642 | ULTRASONIC IMAGING APPARATUS AND ULTRASONIC IMAGING METHOD - In an ultrasonic imaging apparatus, image quality is improved without increase in the number of ultrasonic transducers. The ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes: a transmitting unit for supplying drive signals to plural ultrasonic transducers so as to form an ultrasonic beam having a beam width that covers adjacent two or more transmission lines; a receiving unit for performing phase-matching processing and addition processing on the reception signals to generate RF data in which focuses of ultrasonic echoes are narrowed in positions corresponding to respective pixels of an ultrasonic image to be displayed; an RF data storage unit for storing the RF data with respect to a plural number of transmissions of the ultrasonic beams; and an image signal generating unit for averaging the RF data for the plural number of transmissions and generating an image signal representing the ultrasonic image based on the averaged RF data. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088643 | ULTRASONIC PROBE AND PIEZOELECTRIC TRANSDUCER - A ultrasonic probe has a plurality of piezoelectric transducers arranged in the array direction. Each piezoelectric transducer has a piezoelectric element which vibrates in the thickness direction. A signal electrode is formed on the lower surface of the piezoelectric element. An earth electrode is formed on the upper surface of the piezoelectric element. Inside the piezoelectric element, a plurality of non-piezoelectric elements are arranged along the lens direction. Each non-piezoelectric element does not come in contact with the signal electrode and the earth electrode. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088644 | CIRCULAR ARC WIDE BEAM TRANSMISSION METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ULTRASONIC IMAGING - A circular arc wide beam transmission method includes setting parameters for a focusing circular arc and calculating a transmission delay for each of the array elements in a transmission aperture of a probe based on the parameters for the focusing circular arc. An ultrasonic imaging system controls each array element to transmit ultrasonic waves according to the transmission delay for that array element. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088645 | Portable Ultrasonic Diagnostic Device - There is provided a portable ultrasonic diagnostic device wherein a handle for easy carriage or transportation is removably coupled to a main body. The portable ultrasonic diagnostic device comprises: a main body having two fixing holes at one edge thereof; a handle, one end portion and the opposite end portion thereof being adapted to be inserted into the main body through the two fixing holes; and a device for removably coupling the one end portion and the opposite end portion of the handle to the main body. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088646 | ULTRASONIC ENDOSCOPE - An ultrasonic endoscope in which the temperature rise can be suppressed with a reduced diameter. The ultrasonic endoscope includes: an ultrasonic transducer part including plural ultrasonic transducers; an exterior member for accommodating the ultrasonic transducer part; and a heat conducting part provided inside of the exterior member and respectively connected to the ultrasonic transducer part and an inner surface of the exterior member. It is preferable that the heat conducting part has a coefficient of thermal conductivity equal to or more than 10 W/(m·K). Further, it is preferable that one of the heat conducting member and the exterior member has an electric insulation property. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088647 | ULTRASONIC ENDOSCOPE - An ultrasonic endoscope capable of suppressing temperature rise of an insertion part without increase in diameter. The ultrasonic endoscope includes: an ultrasonic transducer part having plural ultrasonic transducers; an exterior member for holding the ultrasonic transducer part; an opening formed in the exterior member; a heat conducting member arranged inside of the exterior member and connected to the ultrasonic transducer part; and a heat radiating member provided on an outer surface of the exterior member and connected to the heat conducting member via the opening. For example, a part of the heat radiating member is located within the opening and the part is connected to the heat conducting member. The heat radiating member is electrically insulated from the ultrasonic transducer part. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088648 | Methods and devices for image-guided manipulation or sensing or anatomic structures - Forward-looking ultrasound transducers are positioned at the tip of a transseptal catheter to facilitate transseptal puncture and interventions within the left atrium, pulmonary veins and mitral valve. Catheter devices and systems are guided by forward-looking ultrasound or optical coherence tomography imaging for penetrating from one location within a mammalian patient's body to another location, and/or performing diagnostic or therapeutic interventions. A penetrator, diagnostic, or interventional device (eg. probe, biopsy apparatus, electrode, needle) is positioned at the catheter tip and is advanceable from the catheter to a target location outside of the lumen in which the catheter is positioned. The imaging probe uses forward-looking ultrasound or optical coherence tomography that allows one to locate both the target and the medical device. The operator may then adjust the position and/or rotational orientation of the catheter such that when the medical device is subsequently advanced it will either enter or be deployed at the target location. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088649 | PROBE DEVICE - A probe device includes a sheet-like probe holder, a plurality of light-emitting probes and a plurality of detection probes mounted on the probe holder at a predetermined interval, a sheet holding unit holding the probe holder at a predetermined position on the biological surface, and a fixing band mounting the sheet holding unit on the living body. Each of the plurality of light-emitting probes and the detection probes includes a probe body including a light emitting unit or a detection unit, and a probe mounting part detachably mounting the probe body to the probe holder at a predetermined position. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088650 | INTRAVASCULAR PRESSURE DEVICES INCORPORATING SENSORS MANUFACTURED USING DEEP REACTIVE ION ETCHING - An intravascular pressure sensor assembly is disclosed herein that is produced in part using photolithography and DRIE solid-state device production processes. Using DRIE production processes facilitates a number of features that could not be readily incorporated in sensor chips fabricated using mechanical saws. In accordance with a first feature, sensor chips are created with non-rectangular outlines. The sensor chip includes a widened portion that substantially abuts an inner wall of a sensor housing, and a cantilevered portion that is relatively narrow in relation to the widened portion. The non-rectangular outline of the sensor chip is formed using photolithography in combination with DRIE processing. In accordance with another feature, the sensor chip is positioned width-wise in the housing, thereby reducing a required length for the housing. In accordance with yet another feature, the sensor chip comprises one or more cutouts for receiving signal wires for connection to signal lead lines on the sensor chip. The outline of the sensor chip and the cutouts are formed using photolithography in combination with DRIE processing. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088651 | Method and apparatus to perform transvascular hemodynamic sensing - An implantable transvascular pressure sensing device may include at least one deflection sensor configured to output a deflection signal indicative of vascular wall deflections. A implantable transvascular pressure sensing device may further include an implantable sensor support member attached to the deflection sensor, the sensor support member configured to facilitate contact between the deflection sensor and a first vessel wall at a portion of a first vessel proximate a second vessel, wherein the portion of the first vessel wall is adjacent to the second vessel such that wall deflections of the second vessel deflect the portion of the first vessel wall. A method of measuring a parameter of a vessel can include generating a deflection signal from a sensor within a vein, the deflection signal indicative of venous wall deflections of the vein, and determining a parameter value associated with a vessel contacting the vein using the deflection signal. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088652 | Physiological sensor placement and signal transmission device - A garment is used to facilitate the placement of biomedical sensors or other electrodes on the body. The garment is comfortable and allows freedom of movement much like typical clothing. Textile based electrical components are included in the garment which are capable of transmitting an electrical signal to and from various external electrodes placed on the body. A textile based EMI shield protects the signals from electromagnetic interference. The garment may take any form such as a vest, sports bra, long sleeve shirt, bonnet, or other form and may provide access to an electrode placement site without requiring removal of the garment. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088653 | Device for detecting heartbeats of a person using cycles and training implements - A device for detecting pulsations or heartbeats of a person using cycles in general and movable and training implements, includes a plurality of detecting electrodes operating to contact the hands of the person and operatively coupled to at least a cardiac frequency meter, the electrodes being arranged on a cycle or training implement steering control element. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088654 | EKG measurement device - The invention relates to an EKG measurement device. The EKG measurement device comprises a number of EKG electrodes and a common-mode measurement unit connected on its input side to the EKG electrodes. Inventively an EKG trigger unit is connected on its input side to the EKG electrodes and to the common-mode measurement unit. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088655 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF CARDIAC ELECTRICAL EVENTS - Method and apparatus for computer enabled analysis of ECG (electro cardiographic) data by exploiting computerized three-dimensional spatial presentation of the measured data using vectors. A three-dimensional presentation of the human heart may be correlated with waveforms specific for standard ECG or derived ECG signals based on the dipole approximation of the heart electrical activity. Additional tools for analyzing ECG data are also provided which may be used to determine the time of cardiac electrical events, to select specific beats for automated cardiac interval determination, and to flag ECGs that have been evaluated by automated means but may benefit by human reading. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088656 | FLUID DRYING MECHANISM - There is provided an exhaled breath moisture reduction system including a dryer mechanism and a connector adapted to connect the dryer mechanism proximate to a respiratory output device. There is also provided an exhaled breath sampling assembly including an airway adaptor and a moisture reduction sleeve comprising a material adapted to reduce moisture and a connector adapted to connect said sleeve substantially adjacent to a breath sampling inlet within the adaptor. Also provided, a method of sampling breath which includes attaching an exhaled breath moisture reduction sleeve substantially adjacent to a breath sampling inlet. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088657 | SENSOR FOR MEASURING CARBON DIOXIDE IN RESPIRATORY GAS - A sensor main unit | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088658 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SUBJECT-ADAPTIVE REAL-TIME SLEEP STAGE CLASSIFICATION - A method of subject-adaptive, real-time sleep stage classification to classify electroencephalogram sleep recordings into sleep stages to determine whether a subject exhibits a sleep disorder includes performing subject adaptation to improve classification accuracy for a new subject with limited training data, the performing subject adaptation comprises using linear-chain conditional random fields and potential functions, training the linear-chain conditional random fields using the training data, continuously receiving the electroencephalogram waves, continuously extracting features from the electroencephalogram waves, the extracting features comprising transforming each of the electroencephalogram waves to capture information embedded in the electroencephalogram waves, and continuously classifying the sleep stages according to extracted features and learned parameters from the linear-chain conditional random fields. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088659 | Biological Sensing With Haptic Feedback - Systems and methods as described the present disclosure are capable of generating haptic feedback in response to sensing a biological signal from a vertebrate. A method according to one embodiment, among others, includes detecting a neural signal from a vertebrate. The method also includes generating a haptic effect on the vertebrate corresponding to the neural signal. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088660 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR NERVE RESPONSE MAPPING - Systems and methods are described to detect and anatomically map the location of active nerves or nerve bundles before, during, or after surgical procedures. The optical-based system supports and provides for methods to stimulate nerves in a non-electrolytic manner to activate or stimulate nerves within muscular tissue within the surgical field so that a given nerve's anatomical location or level of functional activity may be made contemporaneously apparent to the surgeon or operating personnel in the form of a neural activity map. The neural activity map provides for mapping of nerve location and classifying the mapped nerves by functional levels. The contemporaneously presented neural activity map enables the surgeon or operating personnel to initially plan a neural muscular surgery before undertaking incisions, or modify the surgical procedure based upon the updated neural mapping of the surgical region of interest. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088661 | BIOMETRIC APPARATUS - A biometric apparatus includes: at least two electrode members arranged so as to be capable of coming into contact with a measured person; a determining device that determines whether the at least two electrode members are in a conducting state via a body of the measured person or not; a measuring device that measures biometric data of the measured person; and a control device that activates or deactivates the measuring device on the basis of a result of determination provided by the determining device. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088662 | Determination of Position of Injection Needle - The present invention relates to a method for detecting contact between an injection needle of a medication delivery device and a body of a patient. The method comprises the step of generating a contact signal in response to closure of an electrical signal path comprising an exterior surface part of the injection needle, an exterior surface part of a handle of the medication delivery device and at least part of the body of the patient. The present invention further relates to a method for determining the position of insertion of the injection needle, and to the insertion depth of the injection needle. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088663 | SURGICAL SYSTEM - A surgical device is disclosed. The surgical device comprises a housing, a cutting element, a spool, a piston, and a spring. The cutting element extends from the housing at the distal end of the housing. The cutting element comprises an outer cannula and an inner cannula. The spool is engaged with the outer cannula. The piston is engaged with the inner cannula. A spring is positioned between the spool and the piston. The spool is translated distally to translate the outer cannula towards the distal end. And the piston translates the inner cannula towards the distal end to sever tissue. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088664 | SURGICAL DEVICE AND METHOD FOR USING SAME - A method of using a surgical system that includes an outer cannula is disclosed. The method includes removably mounting a surgical device to an adapter. The adapter is secured to a stage. The surgical device and adapter is positioned at a predetermined location for inserting the outer cannula toward a target site in a body. Once positioned in the body, the outer cannula is fired to the target site. At least one tissue sample is taken using the surgical device and tissue samples are harvested from the surgical device. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088665 | MARKER DEVICE AND METHOD OF DEPLOYING A CAVITY MARKER USING A SURGICAL BIOPSY DEVICE - A biopsy marker introduction assembly is configured for introduction through a specimen retrieval recess into a probe cutter lumen of a handheld breast biopsy handle. Advancing the cutter causes an extending deployment rod to distally translate within an introducer tube of the introduction assembly, pushing a biopsy marker out of a distal end of the probe at a surgical biopsy site. Thereby, the surgeon is able to position the probe and effect deployment of the marker even if using the other hand to position an imaging device such as an ultrasonic transceiver. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088666 | SURGICAL DEVICE - A surgical device is disclosed. The surgical device comprises a housing, a cutting element, a spool, a piston, and a spring. The cutting element extends from the housing at the distal end of the housing. The cutting element comprises an outer cannula and an inner cannula. The spool is engaged with the outer cannula. The piston is engaged with the inner cannula. A spring is positioned between the spool and the piston. The spool is translated distally to translate the outer cannula towards the distal end. And the piston translates the inner cannula towards the distal end to sever tissue. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088667 | SURGICAL OPERATING APPARATUS - A surgical tool includes a sheath, a probe body, a distal end portion and a proximal end portion. A probe distal end portion is provided at the distal end portion of the probe body, a jaw is rotatably supported on the distal end portion of the sheath and is engaged with the probe distal end portion. A first tubular member a fits on the proximal end portion of the sheath and extends rearward. It has an elongated slit and extends in an axial direction of the sheath. A second tubular member fits in a rear end portion of the first tubular member. A tubular driving member is slidably inserted in the sheath and rotates the jaw. A coupling member including a projection body passes through the second tubular member, includes an engaging portion which is engaged in the slit of the first tubular member. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088668 | SURGICAL OPERATING APPARATUS - A surgical operating apparatus includes a sheath having a distal end and a proximal end, a rod-shaped probe main body which is inserted into the sheath and has a distal end and a proximal end, and which is transmitted with ultrasonic vibration, a jaw pivoted to the distal end of the sheath, a probe distal end which is provided at the distal end of the probe main body and meshes with the jaw, and a driving member which is provided with a tubular main body portion which is inserted into the sheath slidably along an axial direction of the sheath and an acting portion which is provided at a distal end of the main body portion and has a connection portion connected to the jaw, for rotating the jaw according to a sliding action of the main body portion, wherein the sheath includes a notched portion for preventing the sheath from contacting the driving member when the connection portion of the driving member with the jaw moves in a direction perpendicular to a sliding direction of the driving member at a rotation time of the jaw. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088669 | Vacuum Disruption Apparatus With Triple Variable Intersecting Ultrasonic Beams - A vacuum disruption apparatus with triple variable intersecting ultrasonic beams, capable of disrupting a great number of cells efficiently without chemical loading. The apparatus includes a vacuum disruption vessel for containing and sealing a sample solution having living cells to be disrupted; at least three ultrasonic generation units for emitting ultrasonic beams toward the vacuum disruption vessel; and an ultrasonic modulation unit for varying the intensities and frequencies of ultrasonic from the ultrasonic generation units. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088670 | SHOCK WAVE COUPLING ADAPTER AND METHOD OF USE - A shock wave adapter for use with a focused shock wave applicator has a flexible, rigid or semi-rigid membrane or housing adapted to be filled with a fluid. The membrane or housing is devoid of any air or gases and when filled forms a spacer volume for passing acoustic shock waves at low impedance. The wave pattern of the shock wave applicator enters the membrane or housing as a converging wave form to a focus inside the membrane or housing and exits through the membrane or housing in a diverging wave form into the patient to be treated. The spacer adapter may further include a gas filled shield around the perimeter of the fluid filled membrane or housing to block transmissions of acoustic shock waves. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088671 | Method for Treatment of an Intervertebral Disc - The present disclosure is directed to methods for relieving pain associated with an intervertebral disc having a disc nucleus pulposus and an outer annulus fibrosus surrounding the nucleus pulposus. The method includes the steps of providing an elongated thermal or electromagnetic probe member having a flexible guidable region adjacent the distal end thereof; introducing the flexible guidable region of the probe into the annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc; and supplying thermal or electromagnetic energy, from an energy source, to heat or induce an electromagnetic field adjacent to the annulus fibrosus sufficient to produce a thermal or electromagnetic effect on the intervertebral disc. The flexible guidable region of the probe may be introduced at a location which is in relative close proximity to the region of intervertebral disc to be thermally or electromagnetically treated. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088672 | INTERCHANGEABLE BACK SCRATCHING DEVICE - A back scratching device for mounting on a corner which includes a mounting element and a scratching element. The mounting element is mounted on the wall while the scratching element is releasable attached to the mounting element. The external surface of the scratching element is a material appropriate for scratching the user's back. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088673 | Adjustable arm sling - An adjustable sling that can be used to hold a patient's arm in a multiple positions and eliminate stress to the neck and shoulder. The adjustable sling has a pouch for holding the patient's arm and the pouch is held at its opposite ends by a pair of straps that are detachably affixed to the pouch. The straps pass over the shoulders of the patient on both sides of the head with free ends extending downwardly over the back of the patient to be affixed to the clothing of the patient much in the manner of suspenders. Both of the straps have length-adjusting devices that allow the length of the straps to be adjusted in accordance with the desired position of the pouch. The free ends may be attached to the belt of the patient at the patient's back with connecting devices that clamp onto the belt. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088674 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DESIGNING PATIENT-SPECIFIC ORTHOPAEDIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - A method and system for designing a patient-specific orthopaedic surgical instrument includes coupling a knee sleeve to a leg of the patient. The knee sleeve includes sensors configured to generate sensor data indicate of the position of the respective sensor. The method also include determining angulation data indicative of the angulation of the knee based on the sensor data. The angulation data may be indicative of, for example, the ligament laxity of the knee. The method may also include generating a medical image(s) of the knee. The design of the patient-specific orthopaedic surgical instrument is determined based on the angulation data and the medical image(s). | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088675 | FLUID AND AIR HANDLING IN BLOOD AND DIALYSIS CIRCUITS - An air purging method includes: (a) detecting a low fluid level in a blood circuit indicating a high amount of air in the blood circuit; (b) stopping a blood pump; (c) closing a venous patient line; (d) opening a blood circuit air vent valve and a drain valve; and (e) running the blood pump to meter air through the air vent valve and the drain valve to a drain. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088676 | Perfusion System for Pancreas Treatment - A perfusion system is so formed that enclosed areas may be formed in the artery system related to the pancreas and the venous system related to the pancreas, respectively, by using balloon catheters, the blood inside the venous system in the enclosed area may be extracted outside the human body, and that, after injecting a pharmaceutical such as anticancer agent into the extracted blood, the extracted blood including pharmaceutical may be returned to the artery system in the enclosed area again. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088677 | EAR TUBES - The invention provides a flexible ear tube ( | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088678 | TRANSLUMENAL PERITONEAL ACCESS AND CATHETER THEREFOR - A working cannula is advanced through the urethra into the bladder. Gas is infused through the cannula into the bladder, pressurizing the bladder. A fenestrating shunt catheter is then advanced through the urethra into the bladder and against the wall of the bladder, fenestrating it. A distal segment of the shunt catheter is then advanced through the wall into the peritoneal space, while a more proximal segment of the shunt catheter remains in the bladder. Shunt holes are formed in both the distal segment and more proximal segment so that gas from the pressurized bladder flows through the shunt holes into the peritoneal space, insufflating the peritoneal space. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088679 | Electronically-Degradable Layer-by-Layer Thin Films - A decomposable thin film comprising a plurality of alternating layers of net positive and negative charge. At least a portion of the positive layers, the negative layers, or both, comprise a polyelectrolyte. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088680 | OPTICAL TISSUE INTERFACE METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STIMULATING CELLS - In one example, a system electrically stimulates target cells of a living animal using an elongated structure, a modulation circuit and a light pathway such as provided by an optical fiber arrangement. The elongated structure is for insertion into a narrow passageway in the animal such that an end of the elongated structure is sufficiently near the target cells to deliver stimulation thereto. The modulation circuit is for modulating the target cells while the elongated structure is in the narrow passageway, where the modulation circuit is adapted to deliver viral vectors through the elongated structure for expressing light responsive proteins in the target cells. The light pathway is used for stimulating the target cells by delivering light to the light-responsive proteins in the target cells. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088681 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR THE TREATMENT OF INTRA-ABDOMINAL DISEASE - An apparatus, such as a medical device, includes an elongate member having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The elongate member defines a lumen extending from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion. The distal end portion of the elongate member is configured to be inserted into a body of a patient. The apparatus includes a heating element configured to heat the lumen defined by the elongate member such that a material within the lumen is heated and can be delivered to bodily tissue. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088682 | Wearable infusion device - A wearable infusion device comprises a component that causes a piston to move an incremental distance to cause the device to dispense a dose of medicament from a reservoir. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088683 | ADAPTIVE ALGORITHM FOR ACCESS DISCONNECT DETECTION - An extracorporeal therapy machine removes blood from a patient in order to treat the blood and then return the blood to the patient. If the removal needle or the return needle is dislodged and blood is not returned, the patient may suffer a great blood loss. A new technique for detecting dislodgement uses the normal, initial values of a plurality of parameters of the patient and the therapy machine to set criteria or limits for an alarm, and then adjusts those criteria based on the later values of those parameters as they change during one therapy or over several therapies experienced by the patient. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088684 | FREEZER BAG - A breast milk freezer bag for receiving and conserving breast milk. The freezer bag includes a filling opening which has a collar which extends over the upper edge of the breast milk freezer bag and which is used to secure the breast milk freezer bag to a breast pump. At least two receiving units which are connected in a communicating manner, respectively, to at least one adjacent receiving unit by at least one connection channel are provided such that the breast milk in the receiving units can, in the frozen state, be distributed in portions which correspond to the receiving volume of the receiving units and in the defrosted state, can be administered in a portioned manner. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088685 | Endovascular devices and methods for exploiting intramural space - The present disclosure is directed to a device. The device may include a distal shaft defining a central lumen and an orienting element comprising at least one inflatable member. Wherein a first portion of the orienting element extending from the shaft in a first direction and a second portion of the orienting element extending from the shaft in a second direction. Further, wherein the second direction is substantially opposite the first direction. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088686 | Method of locating vessel puncture access sites via tattoo or permanent marking - A method of marking the boundaries of at least one vessel with a vessel access marking for locating a vessel puncture access site to facilitate the introduction or withdrawal of fluid from the vein in connection with a medical procedure, the method comprising the steps of: designating an anatomical portion of an individual on which the medical procedure is performed; locating a vessel along the anatomical portion of the individual; applying a marking material to designate the boundaries of the vein, the marking material defining a region for vessel puncture access; cleansing an area proximate the vessel access marking and accessing the region of vessel puncture access using the vessel access marking as a visual reference. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088687 | MEDICAL FLUID AIR BUBBLE DETECTION APPARATUS AND METHOD - A medical fluid air detection apparatus includes an emitter, a receiver, a housing configured to hold at least a portion of a medical fluid conduit between the emitter and the receiver, where the medical fluid conduit includes a narrowed inner diameter at the medical fluid conduit portion that forces flow of medical fluid through the narrowed diameter, and where the narrowed diameter is configured to enhance operation of the emitter and the receiver. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088688 | INJECTION DEVICE - An injection device ( | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088689 | Disposable infusion device with snap action actuation - A wearable infusion device comprises a reservoir that holds a liquid medicament, an outlet port that delivers the liquid medicament to a patient, a pump that displaces a volume of the liquid medicament to the outlet port when actuated, and a control that actuates the pump. The control comprises a snap action actuator. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088690 | Disposable infusion device with reuse lock-out - A wearable infusion device comprises a reservoir that holds a liquid medicament, an outlet port that delivers the liquid medicament to a patient, a pump that displaces a volume of the liquid medicament to the outlet port when actuated, and a control that actuates the pump. A lock-out disables the device when a predefined amount of medicament has been delivered to the outlet. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088691 | Disposable infusion device with medicament level indicator - A wearable infusion device comprises a reservoir, an outlet port, and a pump. The device further comprises a medicament level indicator including a non-elastic, non-compressible, elongated web fixed at one end with respect to the reservoir. The web is arranged to move with linear movement as the reservoir is filled and emptied. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088692 | Disposable infusion device with tactile dosage volume indicator - A wearable infusion device comprises a reservoir that holds a liquid medicament, an outlet port that delivers the liquid medicament to a patient, a pump that delivers a volume of the liquid medicament from the reservoir to the outlet when actuated, and a tactile indicator representing the volume of the liquid medicament delivered to the outlet with each actuation of the pump. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088693 | Disposable infusion device layered structure - A disposable infusion device comprises a reservoir that holds a liquid medicament, a pump that displaces the liquid medicament from the reservoir to the patient, at least one valve that conducts the displaced medicament from the reservoir, and a fluid conduit that conducts the medicament from the reservoir, to the pump, and to the patient. The device includes a layered structure that defines the reservoir, pump, valve, and fluid conduit. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088694 | Disposable infusion device with dual valve system - A wearable infusion device comprises a first control movable between a first position and a second position that when in the first position, establishes a first fluid path between a reservoir and a pump and when in the second position, establishes a second fluid path between the pump and an outlet. A second control actuates the pump only when the second fluid path has been established by the first control. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088695 | Catheter for reduced reflux in targeted tissue delivery of a therapeutic agent - A catheter for delivery of a therapeutic agent directly into a targeted tissue that reduces or substantially prevents reflux and back flow by providing rigidity and strength via a stylet thereby eliminating the need for a guide or delivery sheath during positioning. The catheter has a flexible proximal section and a substantially rigid distal section formed from a plurality of distal subsections. The proximal and distal sections having decreasing outer diameters starting from the proximal end and advancing towards the distal end. The distal subsection closest to the distal end providing an adjustable flow rate via multiple output ports defined radially therein while the distal end itself is closed off. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088696 | CATHETER INSERTION DEVICE WITH AUTOMATIC SAFETY BARRIER - A catheter insertion device with an automatic safety barrier includes a housing, a barrier member, and a biasing element. The housing includes a central bore configured to receive a needle therethrough, and further includes a channel extending through the housing and intersecting the central bore. The barrier member is hingedly coupled to the housing, and includes a leg to extend through the channel. An opening in the leg substantially aligns with the central bore to accommodate the needle therethrough. The biasing element biases the barrier member relative to the housing such that withdrawing the needle through the opening causes the biasing element to misalign the opening with the central bore, thereby occluding the central bore to shield an end of the needle. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088697 | CONTROL HANDLE WITH DEVICE ADVANCING MECHANISM - A catheter having an internal advancing mechanism that can advance stiffening wires or other devices, has a catheter with a catheter body, a tip section distal the catheter body, a device extending through at least the catheter body, and a control handle proximal the catheter body, where the control handle has an advancing mechanism with a threaded member, an adjustment member, and a guided member to which the device is connected, and the advancing mechanism is configured to advance and retract the device along the catheter body as controlled by a user. Each of the threaded member and the adjustment member has a generally cylindrical configuration. The threaded member has an outer surface configured with a helical guide channel. The adjustment member is configured to guide the guided member to move within the helical guide channel to advance and retract the device. The adjustment member can be rotatable over the threaded member by the user to control advancement and retraction of the device. The device may be a stiffener wire, a needle or any other device suitable for advancement and retraction in a catheter. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088698 | Blood Collection Needle Assembly - Disclosed is a needle assembly for viewing flashback during a blood collection procedure. The needle assembly including a housing having a base portion defining a cavity and an extension extending distally from the base portion, the extension being of a transparent material and defining a lumen therethrough, a first cannula supported within the extension and extending distally from the extension, the first cannula having a piercing tip configured to enter a vessel, and a second cannula supported within the cavity of the base portion, wherein the second cannula is fluidly communicated with the first cannula via the lumen formed in the extension. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088699 | Continuous Multi-Geometric Profile Catheter - Catheters and their uses for vascular access to a patient, especially during dialysis procedures, are described. The catheter contains a continuous, multi-geometric flow path profile along the axis of the catheter. Thus, the shape and material forming the fluid pathway of the catheter can change anywhere along the axis of the catheter. With multi lumen catheters, this profile transforms from a substantially D-shaped cross section in the lumen of the catheter shaft to a substantially circular-shaped cross section in the extension leg. The materials used in the catheter can also transform from an opaque material used in the catheter shaft to a clear or transparent material that is used in the extension leg. The transition between these shapes and materials can be seamless, eliminating the need for a mechanical joint that is needed because the catheter shaft and catheter extension leg(s) are comprised of a single component. Other embodiments are described. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088700 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR LIQUID SPRAY ADMINISTRATION - A liquid spray administration apparatus which is inserted into a body to spray and administer liquid, including a liquid filling unit which is filled with the liquid, a catheter which is connected to the liquid filling unit at one end while having a spray nozzle at the other end, the spray nozzle spraying the liquid, a voltage generation unit which generates a voltage, and a voltage application unit which is disposed near the liquid filling unit or one end of the catheter, and applies the voltage generated from the voltage generation unit to the liquid in the spray nozzle through the liquid in the catheter, wherein the liquid is applied is sprayed and administered in a form of a charged misty liquid fine particulate from the spray nozzle toward a region, the region having a potential which is different from that of the liquid in the spray nozzle. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088701 | Contact Free Reading of Cartridge Identification Codes - The present invention relates to a cartridge adapted to contain a medicament, the cartridge further being adapted to be inserted into an associated medication delivery device. The cartridge according to the present invention comprises a plurality of electrode elements arranged on an exterior surface part of the cartridge, wherein an electrode element of said plurality of electrode elements comprises a receiver zone and a transmitter zone, said receiver and transmitter zones being electrically connected. The receiver and transmitter zones are adapted to electrically couple to one or more transmitters and to one or more receivers, respectively, said one or more transmitters and said one or more receivers being arranged on the associated medication delivery device. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088702 | METHODS FOR MANUALLY INJECTING/ASPIRATING FLUIDS THROUGH SMALL DIAMETER CATHETERS AND NEEDLES AND MANUAL INJECTION/ASPIRATION SYSTEMS INCLUDING SMALL DIAMETER CATHETERS AND NEEDLES - A system for increasing rates at which fluids may be manually forced through injection/aspiration elements, such as catheters and needles, includes the injection/aspiration elements, as well as a syringe including a pair of crossed handles, one associated with the barrel of the syringe, the other associated with the plunger of the syringe, to provide a mechanical advantage. The system may include and injection/aspiration element of small (e.g., 0.052 inch or smaller) inner diameter. Such systems enable the use of a single hand to hold and operate a syringe in a variety or procedures, including angiography, angioplasty, discography, glue/cement injection, and a variety of aspiration procedures (e.g., biopsy, sampling, media removal, etc.). | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088703 | SKIN TREATMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A skin treatment system is provided for applying liquid medication through a controlled intra-dermal injection. The skin treatment system includes a microinjector unit with a proximal end and an opposing distal end. The proximal end of the microinjector unit may be press fitted or twist fit to a distal end of a tube via a luer lock mechanism. A fluid moving chamber is disposed within the microinjector unit. The fluid moving chamber is configured to receive liquid medication and distribute the liquid medication to a plurality of hypodermic needles. The plurality of hypodermic needles are operative for receiving the liquid medication from the fluid moving chamber and delivering the liquid medication to the skin of the patient. The plurality of hypodermic needles extends from the distal end of the microinjector unit. The distal end of the microinjector unit may encompass a variety of different shapes while the needles are maintained equidistantly spaced apart. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088704 | Two Position Septum for Implantable Vascular Access Device - An implantable access device for intravenous delivery and/or withdrawal of fluids is described herein. The access device includes a septum which is movably supported within a housing of the access device from a retracted, low profile position to an extended, high profile position to facilitate easy identification of the location of the septum by medical personnel. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088705 | APPLICATION SYSTEM FOR TOPICALLY APPLIED COMPOSITIONS - The present invention provides a system and method of delivery of topical compositions, such as povidone iodine, anti-itch compositions or anti-fungal compositions, for home use that is effective, yet spreading to non-target areas. A plurality of absorbent pads are located in a container, a fluid containing the composition absorbed onto the pads, the pads being sufficiently absorbent to accept a unit dose of the fluid therein, such that the pads in the container when handled are moist but not soaking, the dose applied with slight pressure when the pad contacts the target area, thereby avoiding spread of the fluid to non-target areas, or dripping onto nearby surfaces. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088706 | HEMORRHOID PAD AND METHOD FOR MAKING THE SAME - A hemorrhoid pad includes a folded laminated body having a folded end and two opposite folded halves diverging from the folded end. Each of the folded halves of the folded laminated body has inner and outer surfaces. The inner surfaces of the folded halves have a release agent coated thereon and face toward each other. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088707 | DRESSING, METHOD AND KIT FOR SKIN CRACK REPAIR - The invention provides a dressing, method and kit components useful for effectively and conveniently treating skin cracks or other skin conditions requiring a moist healing environment. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088708 | METHOD FOR TREATING A WOUND - A method for treating a wound with sutures is disclosed. One method includes placing the body and shaft of the device within a cavity of the wound; attaching a first end of at least one suture to a first side of the wound; passing a second end of the at least one suture through the body and coupling it to the shaft; attaching a second end of the at least one suture to the second side of the wound; and rotating the shaft with respect to the body to pull the first side of the wound and the second side of the wound toward one another. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088709 | Illuminated fluid collection bag - A urine collection bag is provided which includes a light source to allow a caregiver to take fluid readings during sleep periods, and other lights-out periods, without needing to turn on room lighting and risk disturbing the patient. The light can be permanently mounted to the bag and discarded with the bag after use. A reusable light is also provided which can be moved from bag to bag. Embodiments are presented wherein the light attaches to a bag specifically accommodated to accept lighting, as well as embodiments where the light can be used with any commonly-available collection or distribution bag. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088710 | VOLUME LIMITING BODILY FLUID DRAINAGE SYSTEM - A system and method are disclosed for automatically limiting the drainage of a bodily fluid such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a patient into a collection chamber. The collection chamber includes a vent having an hydrophobic filter for the passage of air to facilitate the movement of CSF yet to maintain a closed system. The system includes a buoyant float hingedly connected with the top of the collection chamber in one embodiment. When fluid rises in the collection chamber to a predetermined volume, buoyant force raises the float and causes a seal plug mounted on top of the float to seal one of an inflow port or a vent port. The float is limited to pivoting movement in one plane and to a certain angle within that plane. The system and method avoid overdrainage of CSF from the patient and overfilling of the collection chamber. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088711 | Multi-Layer Odor Barrier Tube, and Combination Odor Barrier Tube and Odor Barrier Collection Bag - A multi-layer odor barrier catheter tube for a fecal drainage catheter. The external surface has a low coefficient of friction, as does the internal surface. The layers of the catheter tube may be co-extruded, or formed as a heat-laminated film rolled into a cylindrical shape and heat-welded. A flexible scrim may be included intermediate the first and third layers. One or more tie layers may be included between at least one of the first and second layers, or the second and third layers. A combination of a multi-layer odor barrier catheter tube with an odor barrier collection bag is also described. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088712 | Receptacle and Method for Disposing of Bodily Waste Materials - A disposable receptacle for receiving bodily waste collection bags and a bodily attachment for the collection bag, having an artificial excretory opening is disclosed. The receptacle includes an elongate body having a top end, a base end, an intermediate portion between the top end and the base end, and formed with an internal bodily waste material-receiving chamber. The receptacle includes an inlet opening formed on the elongate body, proximate to the top end thereof, the elongate body being adapted to receive within the inlet opening bodily waste discharge from the artificial excretory opening, a used bodily waste material collection bag, and used bodily attachments. The receptacle also includes securing means for holding the bodily waste material-receiving chamber in position relative to the artificial excretory opening. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088713 | METHOD OF REINFORCING A BOND BETWEEN WEB MATERIALS AND AN ABSORBENT ARTICLE COMPRISING BONDED WEB MATERIALS - A method of bonding a first and a second web material ( | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088714 | Sanitary napkin - A sanitary napkin includes a flexible absorbing rod body, an elastic band, and a flap. The absorbing rod body has a longitudinal first side adapted to block a vaginal opening, and a longitudinal second side opposite to the first side. The elastic band is disposed longitudinally at the second side of the absorbing rod body, and applies a contracting force to the second side so that the first side is curved. The flap projects from the second side of the absorbing rod body, and is adapted to facilitate handling of the sanitary napkin. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088715 | Absorbent Product for Protection of Disposable Tape from Ultraviolet Ray - An absorbent product comprises (i) a package and (ii) a plurality of absorbent articles contained in the package. The package comprises a first panel and a second panel opposed to the first panel. The package comprises a first window area in the first panel. Each of the absorbent articles has a body facing surface and an external surface opposed to the body facing surface. Each of the absorbent articles has a front region and a rear region opposed to the front region. Each of the absorbent articles comprises a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, and a disposable tape secured to the external surface of the rear region. Each of the absorbent articles comprises a graphic in the front region and in the rear region. The front region faces the first panel and the rear region faces the second panel. The graphic of the front region is visible through the first window area. As the disposable tape is located in the rear region, the disposable tape faces the second panel. The disposable tape faces away from the first panel, and may be protected from the ultraviolet ray. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088716 | Article for absorption of human exudate - The invention encompasses an absorbent article having a shape so as to guard against leakage, especially when the wearer is in a prone or supine position. In one embodiment, the absorbent article comprises a body, including an exudate impermeable backsheet, and exudate permeable topsheet that is attached to the bottom sheet, and an absorbent core that is positioned between the backsheet and topsheet. Further, a front end comprises a first upraised peak, while a back end comprises a second upraised peak, with a central portion extending between the first and second upraised peaks. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088717 | ABSORBENT NURSING PAD ADHESIVE COVER - A reusable, washable selectively adhesive cover for use by lactating women in combination with an absorbent nursing pad, said cover comprising a plurality of laminated silicone compound membranes, an outer laminate of a generally higher durameter than an inner laminate. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088718 | Disposable Diaper - A disposable diaper ( | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088719 | ABSORBENT ARTICLE HAVING INTEGRAL STRETCH PANELS AND METHODS FOR MAKING THE SAME - Absorbent articles suitable for use as training pants or other hygiene products are provided. The absorbent articles include a chassis having a contiguous front section, a rear section, and a crotch section extending between the front section and the rear section. Edges of the front section connect to edges of the rear section to define a waist opening. The chassis includes a substrate layer having pairs of film sections attached to the front section and the rear section. Each film section is spaced apart from one another and are stretchable in at least a direction along the waist opening. Products according to the invention may provide any of several benefits, including at least one of improved fit, comfort, manufacturability, and visual appearance. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088720 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HARVESTING, STORING, AND IMPLANTING HAIR GRAFTS - A system and method for harvesting, storing, and implanting biological units, in particular hair follicular units (FUs). The system is particularly useful to facilitate hair transplant procedures. FUs are harvested from a body surface, either attached to a patient or in a strip of removed tissue, and shuttled into a cartridge having a plurality of receptacles. The receptacles are open in a distal direction toward a removal tool, but a cover over the proximal ends of the receptacles prevents the FUs from continuing out of the cartridge. The cover is made of a permissible medium, which may be fluid permeable and/or puncturable. One way to shuttle the FUs is to provide a pressure differential, such as by applying suction to the proximal end of a receptacle. The shuttle subsystem may be incorporated within an overall automated or robotic system, or the shuttle subsystem may form part of a semi-automated or even manual apparatus. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088721 | Enhanced retinal delivery of a nucleic acid through iontophoresis - The present invention provides a device and a method for the enhanced retinal delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics utilizing iontophoresis to evoke a transient elongation of the Müller Cells of a mammalian eye. The enhanced retinal deposition can be achieved by either a topical application, subconjunctival, or an intravitreal injection of the nucleic acid composition followed by, preceded by, or administered simultaneously with the iontophoretic application. The present invention thus provides a particularly advantageous method for the treatment of ocular diseases comprising the in vivo administration of a nucleic acid capable of alleviating the symptoms of a disease, the delivery of the nucleic acid being enhanced by using iontophoresis. This method can be applied particularly to the diseases of the retina resulting from an alteration of a gene expression and/or the over-expression of particular growth factors. The diseases include, but are not limited to, human ocular retinopathies including, neovascular diseases (Age-Related Macular Edema, Diabetic Retinopathies, Diabetic Macular Edema, etc.) and inherited retinopathies such as retinitis pigmentosa. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088722 | Straight Insertion Safety Infusion Set - An infusion set assembly comprising a cannula housing having a base surface and a septum housing adapted to be pivotally attached to the cannula housing for movement between a position where an axis thereof is substantially perpendicular to the base surface and a position where the axis is substantially parallel to the base surface. The infusion set assembly further comprises an insertion needle assembly including an insertion needle and a cannula supported by the needle assembly with a tip of the insertion needle extending from a distal end of the cannula. An insertion guide housing is configured to support the insertion needle assembly with the needle substantially perpendicular to the base surface and adapted for movement between a position where the needle tip and cannula distal end are spaced from the base surface and a position where the needle tip and cannula distal end extend beyond the base surface. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088723 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR TREATING PSEUDOANEURYSMS - Apparatus and methods are provided for treating pseudoaneurysms using freeze-dried hydrogel particles that expand and/or absorb fluid within a pseudoaneurysm. An apparatus includes an elongate tubular member including a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction through tissue into a pseudoaneurysm or other body cavity, and a lumen communicating with an outlet on the distal end. The particles are provided within the lumen and dischargeable through the outlet, e.g., using a plunger or other actuator. The apparatus may include one or more of a bled-back channel, flow sensor, pressure sensor, and markers for monitoring the distal end during introduction into the pseudoaneurysm. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088724 | Multiple Stage Fluid Delivery Device and Method of Use - Multiple stage fluid delivery devices are provided for dispensing a first fluid at a first flow rate and thereafter dispensing a second fluid at a second flow rate which is substantially lower than the first flow rate. The device may be used to inject a fluid into a catheter to flush the catheter and to thereafter slowly deliver fluid into the catheter to maintain patency of the catheter. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088725 | ACCESSORY SLEEVE FOR A MEDICAL DEVICE - The present invention provides a medical system including a protective sleeve for a medical device having a distal end positionable in a blood vessel, the protective sleeve including a body defining a passage therethrough and a vent in fluid communication with the passage, where at least a portion of the distal end of the medical device is positionable within the passage. An introducer device may be included having a sheath, where the sheath defines a first passage for receiving a portion of the catheter. In addition, the sleeve may be releasably engageable with the introducer device for subsequent insertion of the medical device into the introducer device. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088726 | SYMBIOTIC BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS AS PLATFORMS FOR SENSING, PRODUCTION, AND INTERVENTION - Provided are systems and/or methods that facilitate sensing, detecting, or treatment of a condition or need of a living body using a genetically engineered symbiotic agent. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088727 | Catheter - A catheter comprises a tubular body portion ( | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088728 | MALLEABLE SLEEVE FOR BALLOON CATHETER AND ENDOSCOPIC SURGICAL METHOD - The present invention is directed towards a malleable sleeve used in conjunction with a multi-lumen catheter with an expandable device, such as a balloon, incorporated into its surface. The malleable sleeve allows the catheter to be pre-formed into a shape that corresponds with the shape of the nasal passageway. The present invention also covers endoscopic surgical methods utilizing the malleable sleeve. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088729 | Vascular Access Devices Including A Tear-Resistant Septum - A vascular access device may include a body, a septum at least partially disposed within the body, and/or a protective material adapted to resist tearing of the septum. A method of manufacturing a vascular access device may include disposing at least a part of a septum within a body and disposing a protective material in communication with the septum. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088730 | Catheter for reduced reflux in targeted tissue delivery of a therapeutic agent - A therapeutic agent delivery system that includes a catheter having a proximal end and an opposite distal end. The catheter has a body with a lumen defined therein. The body of the catheter includes a non-bulbous region having a substantially uniform outer diameter and a bulbous region made from an elastically deformable material. While in a first state the bulbous region has a maximum outer diameter greater than the substantially uniform outer diameter of the non-bulbous region; and while in a second state the maximum outer diameter of the bulbous region is reduced relative to that while in the first state. | 2009-04-02 |
| 20090088731 | Infusion Device Menu Structure and Method of Using the Same - A portable infusion system that is programmable by an individual for delivering fluid from a reservoir into a user includes a drive mechanism, an input device, a processor, and a display. The drive mechanism forces the fluid out of the reservoir, and the input device accepts one or more inputs. The processor uses one or more of the one or more inputs to control the drive mechanism. The display receives information from the processor and visually displays one or more screens containing the information. At least one of the one or more screens includes a menu with at least two menu items, and the input device is used to select one menu item from amongst the at least two menu items. | 2009-04-02 |
