21st week of 2013 patent applcation highlights part 63 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20130131491 | Tumor Response Prediction to Therapy - Tumor responses to a therapy can be predicted in a more objective and quantitative fashion allowing doctors to make earlier determinations of how well a tumor is responding to therapy. If a patient were not responding well, valuable time could be saved and the patient could be switched to a more efficacious therapy. Tumor response predictions to therapy are determined from a combination of (i) the tumor volumes over time, (ii) the cellular proliferation over time and (iii) the cellular apoptosis over time. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131492 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATED TRACKING OF VESSEL MOVEMENT USING MR IMAGING - A system and method is disclosed for tracking a moving object using magnetic resonance imaging. The technique includes acquiring a scout image scan having a number of image frames and extracting non-linear motion parameters from the number of image frames of the scout image scan. The technique includes prospectively shifting slice location using the non-linear motion parameters between slice locations while acquiring a series of MR images. The system and method are particularly useful in tracking coronary artery movement during the cardiac cycle to acquire the non-linear components of coronary artery movement during a diastolic portion of the R-R interval. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131493 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING DUAL-MODALITY IMAGING - A method for performing an examination of a patient using a dual-modality imaging system includes accessing a list that includes a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination protocol to be used to perform a predetermined MRI examination, the examination protocol including a plurality of MRI protocol actions, receiving an input selecting at least one of the MRI protocol actions, scanning the patient using the MRI examination protocol, scanning the patient using a positron emission tomography (PET) imaging system to acquire PET data, and marking the PET data, using a first visual indication, to indicate the selected MRI protocol action. An imaging system and a non-transitory computer readable medium are also described herein. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131494 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR GUIDED SHIELDING OF A PATIENT VOLUME FROM ULTRASOUND ENERGY - In order to decrease collateral heating of ribs and tissue surrounding the ribs in a patient during high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) therapy, shielding material may be positioned on or adjacent to an external surface of the patient and aligned with ribs to be protected using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. The MRI system may be used to image the shielding material and the ribs to be protected, and an error of alignment between the ribs to be protected and the shielding material may be determined based on the images. The shielding or masking material may be repositioned based on the determined error of alignment, images of the shielding material and the ribs to be protected may be reacquired, and the error of alignment may be redetermined based on the reacquired images until the shielding material is aligned with the ribs to be protected. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131495 | PLANNING SYSTEM FOR TARGETING TISSUE STRUCTURES WITH ULTRASOUND - The disclosed subject matter provides systems and methods for targeting tissue structures and applying ultrasound thereto. A method according to the disclosed subject matter for targeting a tissue structure using corresponding tissue structure image data includes inputting the tissue structure image data into a targeting simulator, determining acoustic properties of the tissue structure from the corresponding tissue structure image data, and utilizing the determined acoustic properties to align a simulated transducer with the tissue structure such that the tissue structure is targeted. The method can further include acquiring the tissue structure image data, aligning the image data with an atlas of a body structure encompassing the tissue structure and/or selecting parameters of the simulated transducer such that a focal region of an ultrasound wave generated by the simulated transducer targets the tissue structure. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131496 | MRI-GUIDED CATHETERS - An MRI-compatible catheter that reduces localized heating due to MR scanner-induced currents includes an elongated flexible shaft having a distal end portion and an opposite proximal end portion. A handle is attached to the proximal end portion and includes an electrical connector interface configured to be in electrical communication with an MRI scanner. One or more RF tracking coils are positioned adjacent the distal end portion of the shaft. Each RF tracking coil includes a conductive lead, such as a coaxial cable, that extends between the RF tracking coil and the electrical connector interface and electrically connects the RF tracking coil to an MRI scanner. In some embodiments of the present invention, the conductive lead has a length sufficient to define an odd harmonic/multiple of a quarter wavelength of the operational frequency of the MRI Scanner, and/or includes a series of pre-formed back and forth segments along its length. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131497 | PLATFORM, ASSEMBLY, AND METHOD OF POSITIONING AN RF COIL - A platform configured to be mounted onto a body support. The platform includes a body portion having an underside and an opposite top side. The underside is configured to face the body support, and the top side is configured to support a patient. The body portion also has a coil-receiving recess along the underside. The coil-receiving recess is configured to form a coil-receiving gap when the platform is mounted onto the body support. The coil-receiving gap is sized and shaped to permit a radio-frequency (RF) coil to be positioned therein. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131498 | ADJUSTABLE MRI HEAD COIL APPARATUS AND MRI SYSTEM - An adjustable MRI head coil apparatus includes a plurality of plates. Each of the plurality of plates includes a plurality of RF receive elements arranged in a fixed orientation. The adjustable MRI head coil apparatus also includes a support coupled to at least one of the plurality of plates. The support includes a ball head mechanism configured to allow tilting of the adjustable MRI head coil apparatus in a least one direction. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131499 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMAGING AND TREATMENT USING OPTICAL POSITION SENSING - An apparatus, system and method for determining a position includes a transducer device ( | 2013-05-23 |
20130131500 | IN-SITU PROXIMITY RECOGNITION APPARATUS - The present disclosure is directed to a medical device comprising an elongate member having a proximal portion and a distal portion, at least one adapter operably coupled to the elongate member, said adapter including at least one inductor configured to convert electromagnetic energy into an electrical current, and at least one indicator operably coupled to said inductor. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131501 | NEURO-VASCULATURE ACCESS SYSTEM AND DEVICE - A neuro-vasculature access system and device for placing a cannula adjacent to a nerve. The neuro-vasculature access system and device includes a needle injector pivotally attached to an ultrasound transceiver which is operated to place a sterilizable needle or needle/cannula unit within the neuro-vasculature of a patient by a single user-device operator in which the neuro-vasculature is made visible in a monitor image by ultrasound insonification. A guidance template having an expected path trajectory is overlaid on at least one of a transverse short axis, a longitudinal long axis, or a three-dimensional image of the neuro-vasculature and predicts path of the needle or needle with overlapping cannula when it undergoes movement implemented by a controller located on the needle injector. The needle injector, ultrasound transceiver, and needle or needle/cannula unit may be contained within a flexible sheath capable of being sterilized. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131502 | BLOOD VESSEL ACCESS SYSTEM AND DEVICE - An access system and device having a needle injector pivotally attached to an ultrasound transceiver is operated to place a sterilizable needle or needle/cannula unit within a blood vessel by a single user-device operator in which the blood vessel is made visible in a monitor image by ultrasound insonification. A guidance template having an expected path trajectory is overlapped on at least one of a transverse short axis, a longitudinal long axis, or a three-dimensionally imaged blood vessel that illustrates the predicted path of the needle or needle with overlapping cannula when it undergoes movement implemented by a controller located on the needle injector. In alternate embodiments the needle injector, ultrasound transceiver, and needle or needle/cannula unit may be contained within a flexible sheath that is capable of being sterilized. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131503 | TRACKING A GUIDEWIRE - In one aspect, in general, a method includes receiving, at a computer system, data from an electromagnetic sensor, determining, at the computer system, based on the received data, a location of a tip of a guidewire inserted in a patient, and causing, by the computer system, an indication of the determined location of the tip of the guidewire to be displayed in an overlay image representing at least part of the guidewire. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131504 | SOFT BODY AUTOMATIC REGISTRATION AND SURGICAL MONITORING SYSTEM - A surgical hardware and software monitoring system and method allows for surgical planning while the patient is available for surgery, for example while the patient is being prepared for surgery so that the system may model the surgical site. In one embodiment, the model may be used to track contemplated surgical procedures and warn the physician regarding possible boundary violations that would indicate an inappropriate location in a surgical procedure. In another embodiment, the monitoring system may track the movement of instruments during the procedure and in reference to the model to enhance observation of the procedure. In a further embodiment the monitoring system can be used to model and track the changes in the surgical site itself. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131505 | SURGICAL LOCATION MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD USING SKIN APPLIED FIDUCIAL REFERENCE - The present invention involves a surgical monitoring system and method for modeling surgical procedures. A multi-element fiducial reference pattern observable by a tracker may be transferred directly to the skin proximate the surgical site, either through a stencil as a radio-opaque ink pattern or via transfer tape, or may be applied in prepared form on a surgical incise film. Alternatively the surgical incise film may be applied over the surgical site and the inked reference pattern applied to the film before surgery. A controller determines the three-dimensional location and orientation of the surgical site by comparing the position and orientation of the reference pattern in a prior scan with the position and orientation of the reference pattern in image information about the surgical site obtained from the tracker. The system may track the movement of instruments relative to the surgical site, or may be used to track changes in the surgical site itself. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131506 | INTRAVENOUS INFILTRATION DETECTION - A process and apparatus system for detecting an intravenous infiltration. A separate infiltration detecting solution containing an intravenously administerable infiltration indicator is intravenously administered singly or on a periodic basis and a qualitative and/or quantitative assessment of the indicator in tissue proximate and/or distal to the site of intravenous administration of a biological fluid is carried out. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131507 | SYNTHETIC VISUALIZATION AND QUANTIFICATION OF PERFUSION-RELATED TISSUE VIABILITY - A computing system and method for generating, displaying and manipulating synthetic 2D and 3D brain tissue viability images and associated metrics from multiple perfusion maps derived from CT or other imaging system input image datasets. Stored linguistic tissue classification rules characterizing infarct, ischemic and/or normal or other tissue classes as a function of one or more perfusion parameters are used. The perfusion maps are normalized to normal brain tissue regions. Elements of the input image dataset are classified into one of the tissue classes as a function of the normalized perfusion maps and the classification rules. The classification includes ranking each of the plurality of tissue classes for elements of the input image dataset, and assigning one of the classes to elements of the dataset as a function of the ranks. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131508 | APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR DETECTING GAS CONTAMINATION - In one embodiment, a gas contamination detection apparatus includes a gas analyzer adapted to receive a sample of a gas to be delivered to a patient and to analyze the gas sample to determine whether the gas contains a contaminant, and a gas shut-off valve adapted to automatically prevent the gas from being delivered to the patient if the gas is determined to contain a contaminant. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131509 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR BREAST IMAGING - Systems and methods for breast imaging are provided. One includes a gantry, a first nuclear medicine detector mounted to the gantry and having a multi-bore collimator coupled thereto, and a second nuclear medicine detector mounted to the gantry and having a multi-bore collimator coupled thereto. The first and second nuclear medicine detectors are configured to be independently titled with respect to a breast therebetween. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131510 | ULTRASOUND IMAGE GENERATION APPARATUS AND ULTRASOUND IMAGE GENERATION METHOD - An ultrasound image generation apparatus includes: a first motion estimation unit which estimates, as a first motion vector, a motion vector of the ultrasound probe using a first estimation method, the motion vector indicating the movement between images of the respective ultrasound signals; a second motion estimation unit which estimates, as a second motion vector, a motion vector of the ultrasound probe using a second estimation method different from the first estimation method in direction dependency of estimation accuracy; and a position reconstruction unit which (i) assigns, based on a direction of the first motion vector or a direction of the second motion vector, weights to the first and the second motion vectors, (ii) combines the weighted first and second motion vectors into a combined motion vector, and (iii) constructs an ultrasound diagnostic image of a subject using the combined motion vector and the images. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131511 | ULTRASONIC SHEAR WAVE IMAGING WITH FOCUSED SCANLINE BEAMFORMING - An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system produces an image of shear wave velocities by transmitting push pulses to generate shear waves. A plurality of tracking lines are transmitted and echoes received by a focusing beamformer adjacent to the location of the push pulses. The tracking lines are sampled in a time-interleaved manner. The echo data acquired along each tracking line is processed to determine the time of peak tissue displacement caused by the shear waves at points along the tracking line, and the times of peaks at adjacent tracking lines compared to compute a local shear wave velocity. The resultant map of shear wave velocity values is color-coded and displayed over an anatomical image of the region of interest. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131512 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISPLAYING ULTRASOUND IMAGE - A method of displaying an ultrasound image, the method including acquiring patient identification information; providing an examination list including a bookmark used to identify at least one ultrasound image based on the acquired patient identification information; receiving selection information regarding the at least one ultrasound image included in the examination list; and displaying the ultrasound image selected based on the selection information. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131513 | RECANALIZING OCCLUDED VESSELS USING RADIOFREQUENCY ENERGY - A method and systems for treating chronic total occlusions, particularly those that are difficult to treat, is disclosed. In this approach, recanalizing the CTO is achieved using a combined antegrade and retrograde approach. The proximal end of the occlusion is penetrated using an antegrade wire, using a traditional approach. Using collateral vessels, the distal end of the occlusion is crossed in a retrograde fashion. By appropriately maneuvering each member and applying radiofrequency energy between the proximal and distal ends of the occlusion, a continuous channel is created. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131514 | BEAMFORMING METHOD, BEAMFORMING APPARATUS, AND MEDICAL IMAGING SYSTEM PERFORMING THE BEAMFORMING METHOD - A beamforming apparatus includes a storage for storing a plurality of basis vectors obtained from a beamforming coefficient of a previously-measured echo signal; a weight calculator for calculating a weight to be applied to an echo signal reflected from a target; and a synthesizer for applying the weight to the echo signal reflected from the target and synthesizing signals to which the weight is applied. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131515 | FIXED FOCUS TRANSDUCER ARRAY AND ULTRASONIC WAVE TRANSCEIVING APPARATUS USING THE SAME - There are provided a fixed focus transducer array and an ultrasonic wave transceiving apparatus using the same. The fixed focus transducer array includes: a plurality of transducers, transducing electrical signals into ultrasonic signals to thereby focus the ultrasonic signals on a single focal point and transducing reflected ultrasonic signals from the single focal point into electrical signals to thereby output the electrical signals, wherein the plurality of transducers are disposed to be symmetrical to each other based on one transducer and simultaneously focus the ultrasonic signals on the single focal point at speeds according to the respective natural frequencies thereof. Therefore, a circuit area is reduced, whereby miniaturization may be implemented and a processing speed may be increased. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131516 | ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC METHOD - An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes: an ultrasound probe including a plurality of ultrasound transducers; a device for determining optimum sound speed values at a lattice point set in a shallower region than a region of interest (ROI) and in the ROI on the basis of an ultrasound detection signal outputted by the ultrasound probe; a device for arithmetically operating a received wave received from the ROI on the basis of the optimum sound speed value; a device for setting an assumed sound speed in the region of interest, obtaining a received wave received from each lattice point on the basis of the assumed sound speed and the optimum sound speed value at the lattice point, and synthesizing received waves at lattice points to obtain a resultant received wave; and a device for determining a local sound speed value in the ROI on the basis of the received wave and the resultant received wave. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131517 | MEDICAL HYPERSPECTRAL IMAGING FOR EVALUATION OF TISSUE AND TUMOR - Apparatus and methods for hyperspectral imaging analysis that assists in real and near-real time assessment of biological tissue condition, viability, and type, and monitoring the above overtime. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful in surgery, clinical procedures, tissue assessment, diagnostic procedures, health monitoring, and medical evaluations, especially in the detection and treatment of cancer. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131518 | MEDICAL INSTRUMENT WITH PROBE, PROBE COVER, AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME - A medical instrument including a probe adapted to be inserted into an orifice of an animal's body. The instrument includes an emitter of electromagnetic radiation that is sensed by a sensor mounted on the probe. The sensor can then determine, by variations in the amount of radiation received from the emitter, whether a probe cover is mounted over the probe. A sensor can also be used to determine whether the walls of the body orifice block the radiation received from the emitter, thereby indicating position of the sensor, and thus, the probe within the orifice. A special probe cover is disclosed, and methods of using the medical instrument are also disclosed. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131519 | LIGHT-GUIDING DEVICES AND MONITORING DEVICES INCORPORATING SAME - A monitoring device configured to be attached to the ear of a person includes a base, an earbud housing extending outwardly from the base that is configured to be positioned within an ear of a subject, and a cover surrounding the earbud housing. The base includes a speaker, an optical emitter, and an optical detector. The cover includes light transmissive material that is in optical communication with the optical emitter and the optical detector and serves as a light guide to deliver light from the optical emitter into the ear canal of the subject wearing the device at one or more predetermined locations and to collect light external to the earbud housing and deliver the collected light to the optical detector. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131520 | BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION MEASURING APPARATUS AND BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION MEASURING METHOD - A biological information measuring apparatus includes: a measuring apparatus configured to measure biological information, and a display apparatus configured to switch a first frequency that receives first information indicating the biological information transmitted from the measuring apparatus and a second frequency which is a frequency that transmits second information generated on the basis of the received first information and is a frequency higher than the first frequency. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131521 | CONCENTRATION PRESENCE/ABSENCE DETERMINING DEVICE AND CONTENT EVALUATION APPARATUS - A concentration presence/absence determining device includes: a brain blood flow volume obtaining unit configured to obtain a brain blood flow volume of the user; a varying threshold obtaining unit configured to obtain a varying threshold that is a value smaller than the brain blood flow volume of the user at a base time; and an determining unit configured to determine that the user concentrates, when the brain blood flow volume obtained by the brain blood flow volume obtaining unit falls below the varying threshold obtained by the varying threshold obtaining unit. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131522 | APNEA TYPE DETERMINING APPARATUS AND METHOD - An apnea classification system provides for apnea monitoring and differentiation based on several sleep apnea related parameters for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Monitoring of such sleep apnea related parameters allows the apnea classification system to differentiate among the different types of apnea and hypopnea and to identify an occurrence of periodic respiration. This information may then be used to determine the best method of therapy, or adjust current therapy parameters to more effectively treat a subject. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131523 | INTRAVASCULAR SENSING METHOD AND SYSTEM - Methods and systems for calculating a corrected Fractional Flow Reserve. Methods include delivering a pressure sensing device including a pressure sensor to a location in an artery having a stenosis, positioning the pressure sensor distal to the stenosis, measuring the distal pressure, measuring the proximal pressure, and calculating a corrected Fractional Flow Reserve using the measured proximal and distal pressures and applying a correction factor or correction equation. The correction factor or correction equation corrects for changes in the measured distal pressure caused by a presence of the pressure sensing device. A data set of correction factors or correction equations may be stored in a memory component of the system. The corrected Fractional Flow reserve may approximate the Fractional Flow Reserve that would be obtained if a different sized device was used to measure the distal pressure, such as a pressure sensing guidewire having a 0.014 inch outer diameter. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131524 | BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENT SYSTEM - A blood pressure measurement system includes an article of clothing, an occluding cuff, a blood pressure measurement unit, a first transmission module, and an operation module. The clothing includes tarpaulin. The occluding cuff is disposed at an inner side of the tarpaulin. The blood pressure measurement unit is disposed at the inner side of the tarpaulin for measuring blood pressure of a user to generate a blood pressure measurement result of the user, controlling a removable inflation module to inflate the occluding cuff, controlling a deflate valve to deflate the occluding cuff, and transmitting the blood pressure measurement result. The first transmission module is used for receiving the blood pressure measurement result. The operation module is coupled to the first transmission module for calculating diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure, and/or pulses of the user according to the blood pressure measurement result. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131525 | MONITORING OF VITAL BODY SIGNALS DURING MOVEMENT - The present invention relates to a multi-sensor system and method of monitoring vital body signals during movement of a body of a human or an animal, wherein acceleration sensors are placed at body locations in such a way that an acceleration angle change induced by said vital body signals differs between said at least two acceleration sensors. The retrieval of the vital body signals is achieved by extracting a wanted vital body signal based on measurement results from multiple sensors that may be motion contaminated. Three retrieval schemes are proposed, each with preferred sensor locations that provide optimal performance of retrieving the vital body signal(s). | 2013-05-23 |
20130131526 | OVERVOLTAGE PROTECTION FOR DEFIBRILLATOR - A defibrillation circuit comprising a gas discharge tube and a light source arranged to pre-energize the gas discharge tube in order to provide predictable breakdown conditions of the gas discharge tube. The gas discharge tube may be used as an overvoltage protection device for the defibrillation circuit or for certain parts of the defibrillation circuit. An overvoltage protection device for medical devices is also described. The overvoltage protection device comprises a gas discharge tube and a light source arranged to pre-energize the gas discharge tube in order to provide predictable breakdown conditions of the gas discharge tube. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131527 | METHOD FOR GUIDING AND MONITORING INTRAPERICARDIAL LEAD POSITION FOR AN INTRAPERICARDIAL LEAD SYSTEM - A first cardiac signal associated with an activity of a first implant site of a heart during a cardiac cycle is sensed. A second cardiac signal is sensed using an intrapericardial lead located on an epicardial surface proximate a second implant site of the heart. The second cardiac signal is associated with an activity of the second implant site during the cardiac cycle. A timing delay between the activity of the first implant site and the activity of the second implant site is obtained and analyzed to determine if the intrapericardial lead location is appropriate. The preceding is repeated until an appropriate intrapericardial lead location is determined. Other measurements obtained during implant determine whether the intrapericardial lead location is at or near slow conduction zone and whether the intrapericardial lead is placed at the location having the greatest mechanical delay. Post implant measurements determine whether the intrapericardial lead has migrated. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131528 | METHOD OF DETECTING AND CLASSIFYING ARRHYTHMIAS - A method of detecting and classifying cardiac arrhythmias, comprising: receiving a hemodynamic wave signal from at least one hemodynamic sensor by a processor; receiving a cardiac electrical wave signal from a cardiac stimulation device by the processor; integrating, by the processor, the received hemodynamic wave signal and the received cardiac electrical wave signal; determining if a heart arrhythmia is present via examination of the regularity of the hemodynamic signal; and if a heart arrhythmia is determined, classifying the arrhythmia according to a time correlation between the hemodynamic signal and the electrical signal. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131529 | SENSING ZONE FOR SPATIALLY RELEVANT ELECTRICAL INFORMATION - Systems and methods are disclosed to determine one or more sensing zones on a body surface for electrocardiographic mapping of a region of interest associated with the heart. The sensing zone can be utilized to facilitate acquisition, processing and mapping of electrical activity for the corresponding region of interest. In other examples, an application-specific arrangement of electrodes can also be provided based on the sensing zone that is determined for the region of interest. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131530 | Method and Apparatus for Identifying Cardiac Risk - A cardiac-based metric is computed based upon characteristics of a subject's cardiac function. In accordance with one or more embodiments, the end of a mechanical systole is identified for each of a plurality of cardiac cycles of a subject, based upon an acoustical vibration associated with closure of an aortic valve during the cardiac cycle. The end of an electrical systole of an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal for each cardiac cycle is also identified. A cardiac-based metric is computed, based upon a time difference between the end of the electrical systole and the end of the mechanical systole, for the respective cardiac cycles. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131531 | AUTOMATIC MEASUREMENT OF ISCHEMIC LEVELS IN CORONARY SEGMENTS TO DETERMINE ARTERY RESPONSIBLE THEREFOR - A method for localizing ischemia in segments of a heart in a patient under test includes attaching a plurality of electrodes to the patient to form a plurality of leads, capturing electric signals at each of the leads, determining a normalized vector magnitude for each lead as is inherent in a normal heart, calculating an output for each cardiac segment as a percentage of the left ventricle (LV) by adding up the contributions for all of the leads in the direction of each segment at the J point based on the normalized vector magnitudes and a correct calibration factor for conversion to the percent of LV and taking a dot product of each lead vector and each segment vector to identify a normalized response for each lead at each segment center and using the dot products to multiply the ST J-point signal for each lead. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131532 | Medical Diagonstic System - A medical diagnosis system includes recording at least one sound generated from a portion of an internal organ of a patient. Further, the medical diagnosis system includes comparing the at least one sound to a pre-recorded sound of a plurality of pre-recorded sounds for identifying a sound from the at least one sound. Thereafter, the medical diagnosis system includes storing the sound to a memory location based on the identification of the sound from the at least one sound. The sound is stored in form of an electronic file. The electronic file corresponding to the sound is capable of providing diagnostic inputs and a written display corresponding to the diagnosis for a diagnosis of the sound. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131533 | SUBJECT INTERFACE APPLIANCE AND METHOD FOR DELIVERING A BREATHABLE SUBSTANCE TO A SUBJECT WHILE OBTAINING GAS SAMPLES FROM THE AIRWAY OF THE SUBJECT - A subject interface appliance ( | 2013-05-23 |
20130131534 | RESPIRATORY MASK ASSEMBLY - A respiratory mask assembly is provided. The assembly includes at least one post having a nasal engaging portion on about a first end thereof for delivering treatment gases to the nasal cavity of a patient. A mask having an inlet for receiving treatment gases from a fluid source and at least one receptacle for being sealably engaged with a respective one of the at least one post for delivering treatment gases from the inlet through the receptacle and into the nasal cavity of the patient is provided. The mask is configured for selective sealable engagement with the patient's mouth, patient's nose, or both the patient's mouth and the patient's nose. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131535 | BRAINWAVE CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD OPERABLE THROUGH TIME DIFFERENTIAL EVENT-RELATED POTENTIAL - A brainwave control system and method operable through time differential event-related potential includes a brainwave capturing unit attached to a user's head, a brainwave signal processing apparatus and a display unit to display at least two sets of stimuli. The brainwave signal processing apparatus includes a signal processor connected to the brainwave capturing unit and a central processor. The signal processor converts brainwave signals generated by the user after having received a set of short time interval stimuli to digital signals. The central processor performs analysis and generates identification results and executes control commands accordingly. Thus user can rapidly and accurately execute his requirements of operation control so as to achieve non-contact operation control with improved usability and practicality. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131536 | System And Method For Diagnosis Of Brainstem Disorders - A system and method for detection of a brainstem disorder, such as schizophrenia, by means of brainstem audiometry is disclosed. A subject's ( | 2013-05-23 |
20130131537 | TONG REN BRAINWAVE ENTRAINMENT - A system and method for creating a Tong Ren Brainwave Entrainment (TRBE) signal. Electroencephalography (EEG) signals are recorded from a Tong Ren practitioner during a session. Practitioner EEG signals are processed and appended to produce TRBE audio compositions for select applications according to the type of Tong Ren session. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131538 | FLUID LEVEL INDICATOR DETERMINATION - A method for use in analysing impedance measurements performed on a subject, the method including, in a processing system, determining at least one impedance value at each of a number of frequencies, each impedance value representing the impedance of a segment of the subject, determining a dispersion parameter value indicative of a dispersion of the impedance values and, determining an indicator based at least in part on the dispersion parameter value. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131539 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF AN ELECTRICAL IMPEDANCE MEASUREMENT ON TISSUE - The present invention relates to a method of assessing the quality of an electrical impedance measurement on tissue of a subject, the method comprising: performing the impedance measurement on a tissue region of said tissue of the subject, whereby impedance data is obtained, said data comprising at least one impedance value measured in said tissue region; applying an evaluation algorithm to the obtained impedance data, whereby the quality of the impedance measurement is assessed; and presenting the assessed quality of the impedance measurement such that a decision can be made on whether to use the impedance measurement for diagnosing a condition of said tissue of the subject. The invention also relates to a device for electrical impedance measurement on tissue of a subject. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131540 | THERMOCROMATIC PATCH FOR MONITORING/DETECTING BODY TEMPERATURE - A thermocromatic device for detecting body temperature includes a substrate treated with a thermocromatic composition. The thermocromatic composition includes a thermocromatic agent that changes color at a predetermined temperature indicative of a condition to be detected. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131541 | CELL PHONE APP FOR COUPLING A CELL PHONE TO A BASAL BODY TEMPERATURE THERMOMETER FOR PREDICTING OVULATION - A system for predicting ovulation cycles by employing an application running on a mobile communication device such as an iPhone®, a Blackberry™, or an Android-based smartphone is provided. The system includes a basal body temperature thermometer coupled to a mobile communication device. The thermometer takes temperature measurements, encodes the temperature measurements and transmits the encoded temperature measurements to the mobile communication device. The mobile communication device receives and decodes the encoded temperature measurements. The mobile communication device includes an application that analyzes the decoded temperature measurements to determine whether they are satisfactory or unsatisfactory, provides feedback to a user in real-time and provides an ovulation prediction. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131542 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TINNITUS EVALUATION - Methods, articles of manufacture, and systems for evaluating tinnitus are disclosed herein. According to various embodiments, a tinnitus evaluation system may include a tinnitus evaluation module configured to perform one or more tinnitus evaluation tests. A tinnitus evaluation test may comprise generating a first single-frequency sound based at least in part on a sound of a patient's tinnitus, and generating a narrow-band sound centered at the frequency of the first single-frequency sound. Tests include a hearing threshold test, a loudness match test, a pitch match test, a bandwidth match test, a minimum masking level test, and a residual inhibition test. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131543 | TINNITUS TESTING DEVICE AND METHOD - Objectively identifying an acoustic characteristic of tinnitus of a subject. The subject is exposed to a sound pattern having a background acoustic signal preceding an audible silence. The background acoustic signal has a selected acoustic characteristic. An electrical response of the subject's central nervous system to the exposure to the sound pattern is measured. The measured electrical response has a first portion representing the electrical response of the subject's central nervous system to the background acoustic signal, and a second portion representing the electrical response of the subject's central nervous system to the audible silence in the sound pattern. The first portion of the measured electrical response is compared to the second portion of the measured electrical response and a determination is made as to whether the subject has tinnitus with an acoustic characteristic similar to the selected acoustic characteristic based on the comparison. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131544 | BIOPSY FORCEPS INCLUDING SELF ALIGNING JAWS WITH DRAINAGE OPENINGS - Improved biopsy forceps include pivotally coupled self aligning jaws with drainage holes therethrough. The biopsy forceps include a pair of jaw members that include cup shaped jaws. The biopsy forces may be formed by a series of metal etching and forming operations to allow the manufacture of the biopsy forceps using high volume manufacturing techniques. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131545 | BONE MARROW ASPIRATION DEVICE AND NEEDLE - Devices for extracting bone marrow from a bone of a patient are disclosed. The device includes a housing defined in part by a cannula and a hollow needle disposed within the cannula. The hollow needle is movable axially relative to the cannula and extendable therefrom. The hollow needle is configured to aspirate bone marrow within a bone. A depth adjustment mechanism coupled to the hollow needle and the cannula is used to adjust the depth of the hollow needle relative to the cannula to control the distance of the needle within the bone. The device is attachable to an extraction device to extract bone marrow from the patient through the hollow needle. Methods of using these devices and methods of extracting bone marrow are also included. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131546 | SYSTEM FOR COLLECTING AND PROCESSING BONE MARROW - Methods and systems for collecting and processing bone marrow in a closed system are provided. The systems and methods include the use of a bone marrow aspiration needle and guide configured to puncture cortical bone. Tube assembly is in fluid flow communication with the bone marrow aspiration needle. A first syringe is in fluid flow communication with the tube assembly and the bone aspiration. A bone marrow aspirate collection container in fluid flow communication with the first syringe and the tube assembly. A second syringe is connected to the collection container, a bone marrow aspirate filter in fluid flow communication with the tube assembly to filter bone marrow aspirate from the first syringe into the collection container. At least one flow controller is configured to direct the flow of bone marrow aspirate between the aspiration needle, the first syringe and the collection container. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131547 | ROTATING FULL-CORE BIOPSY NEEDLE - There is disclosed, among other things, embodiments of a biopsy needle for taking a full core sample through soft tissue. In the illustrated embodiments, the needle includes a single monolithic tubular member having a notch cut part-way through a distal portion of the tubular member to form an arch-shaped finger. At least a portion of the finger is bent toward the notch and into the lumen of the tubular member. Methods for using these embodiments are also described. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131548 | COAXIAL INCISIONAL FULL-CORE BIOPSY NEEDLE - Among other things, there are disclosed embodiments of full-core biopsy needles having an outer needle component and a middle cannula through a lumen in the outer component, through which a mandrel may be placed. The outer component includes an internal boss that reduces its internal diameter, and the cannula includes fingers that extend distally. When the needle is inserted for biopsy, tissue enters the outer component and cannula. Moving the cannula forward causes the fingers to engage a surface of the internal boss, resulting in the fingers curving into the tissue. The fingers pinch the tissue while reducing or eliminating compression of the sample to provide an easier removal of the tissue from adjacent tissue, as well as providing a block or backstop keeping the tissue within the needle. Gaps are provided between the fingers to further reduce damage to the tissue sample. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131549 | DEVICE - The present invention is directed to a method and a device for accurately guiding a chest tube to an intended position within a pleural cavity of an animal or human being. There is also provided a kit-of-parts comprising a catheter and a catheter guiding device according to the present invention. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131550 | GUIDEWIRE HAVING LINEAR CHANGE IN STIFFNESS - The invention is directed to a guidewire having a distal section with multiple distally tapered core segments with at least two contiguous distally tapering core segments in which the most distal tapered core segment preferably has a greater degree of taper than the proximally contiguous tapered core segment. The invention is also directed to an elongated intracorporeal device, preferably a guidewire or section thereof, that has a core member or the like with a plurality of contiguous tapered segments having taper angles that are configured to produce a linear change in stiffness over a longitudinal section of the device. The device may also have a core section with a continuously changing taper angle to produce a curvilinear profile that preferably is configured to produce a linear change in stiffness of the core over a longitudinal section of the device. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131551 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR DIAGNOSING AND TREATING VOCAL CORD DYSFUNCTION - Methods for diagnosing and treating vocal cord dysfunction by recording the position of the vocal cords of a subject during a monitoring period are disclosed. Portable devices are disclosed using electronic signals to provide diagnostic data indicating a subject's closed or open vocal cords to diagnose and treat vocal cord dysfunction. Corresponding software and circuitry are also disclosed. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131552 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR CERVIX MEASUREMENT - A device for measuring a length of a cervix includes an elongate measurement member, a hollow member, a flange, a handle, and a locking mechanism. The elongate measurement member extends along a longitudinal axis and includes a measurement scale thereon. The hollow member is coaxial with and disposed over the elongate measurement member. The flange is offset from the longitudinal axis and attached to a distal end of the hollow member. The handle is attached to a proximal end of the measurement member. The locking mechanism is configured, when locked, to fix the hollow member relative to the measurement member and, when unlocked to allow the hollow member to slide along the measurement member and rotate about the longitudinal axis so as to place the flange in a desired position without moving the measurement scale. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131553 | PATIENT ASSESSMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD - A patient assessment apparatus, such as for balance assessment, includes an elongated member having a length and first, second and third positions along the length, a first receiving member situated at the first position, and a second receiving member situated at the third position, the second position situated between the first and third positions. The first and second receiving members are each arranged to receive a marker from a patient. Reach characteristic data is collected from a patient using the balance assessment apparatus, and the reach characteristic data is analyzed to determine whether the patient has a balance deficit. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131554 | METHOD, DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR MEASURING TORSION OR BENDING AT A JOINT BETWEEN TWO LIMBS - Method, device and system for measuring a degree of torsion or bending of a joint. The method comprises the steps of attaching a sensor ( | 2013-05-23 |
20130131555 | GAIT ANALYSIS USING ANGULAR RATE REVERSAL - The gait of a subject can be assessed based on angular rate reversals in one or more limbs. Angular rotation sensors are secured to the limb and the associated data is processed to determine angular rate reversals. Alternatively, image capture systems can be used to identify rate reversals. Based on two or more rate reversals, subject gait and gait characteristics can be evaluated, even for subjects having shuffling gaits. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131556 | USE OF A SUPPORT DEVICE - A method and system for determining a pose of a subject. The subject is placed onto a surface of a platform having a first radio-frequency transceiver and a second radio-frequency transceiver. A first radio-frequency transponder is placed onto an upper extremity of the subject. A second radio-frequency transponder is placed onto a lower extremity of the subject. A first signal is transmitted from the first transceiver to the first transponder, resulting in the first transponder sending a second signal. A third signal is transmitted from the second transceiver to the second transponder, resulting in the second transponder sending a fourth signal. The second signal is received by the first transceiver. The fourth signal is received by the second transceiver. A pose of the subject is determined based on receiving the second signal and the fourth signal. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131557 | Selective Destruction of Cancer Cells via Tuned Ultrasound Resonance - Disclosed is a method to use tuned resonant frequency ultrasonic energy for treatment of cancer that selectively destroys neoplastic cells while leaving surrounding healthy tissue minimally affected. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131558 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PREVENTING LOCALIZED STASIS OF CEREBROSPINAL FLUID - A system and method for treating, inhibiting or ameliorating Alzheimer's disease in a patient, comprising one or more transducers operatively connected to a power source for radiating vibrational or acoustical energy to the maxilla of the patient, wherein the energy is sufficient to radiate through the paranasal sinuses of the patient to the base of the patient's skull to assist in cerebrospinal fluid clearance and inhibit localized stasis of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131559 | Light And Massage Multi-Therapy Hairbrush - A hairbrush includes a control panel, an interior vibratory element for providing massage therapy and a plurality of LEDs carried by the brush head for providing light therapy at a preselected wavelength selected to be of benefit to the hair and/or scalp. In response to user control input mode selection, the light and massage multi-therapy hairbrush selectively provides phototherapy, massage therapy, and combined massage and phototherapies. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131560 | TORSO ASSIST ORTHOTIC DEVICE - A torso assist orthotic device configured to be worn by a user requiring assistance in holding his torso in a vertical position and returning the his torso to a vertical position from a forward bent over position. The torso assist orthotic device includes an upper body engaging portion that is open in the front in the abdominal and pelvic areas. A lower body engaging portion is custom formed to the wearer's lower extremities. A hinged connection at each side has a spring assist device in engagement. The spring assist device is selectively disengagable, such that when the spring assist device is engaged, the spring assist device provides resistance to forward movement of the user's torso and urges the user's torso back into alignment with the user's lower body. The spring assist device includes a self-latching spring engagement/disengagement device. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131561 | THERAPEUTIC SYSTEM - The therapeutic system provides an oscillatory, pivoting table for applying motion-induced therapeutic sensory stimuli to a user. Further, therapeutic audio and visual output may be provided to the user during the application of the therapeutic sensory stimuli. The therapeutic system includes a base having an upper vertex. A tabletop is pivotally mounted to the upper vertex of the base, and the upper surface of the tabletop is adapted for supporting the user. At least one piston is provided, with the lower end thereof being mounted within the base, and the upper end thereof being pivotally mounted to a lower surface of the tabletop in order to pivot the table with respect to the base in a controlled, oscillatory manner. Oscillation of the table at a user-controlled frequency and angle induces the therapeutic sensory stimuli in the user. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131562 | MASSAGE DEVICE - A massage device includes a rotation member and a massage head seat. The rotation member includes a driving axle at an upper end thereof to connect an eccentric rotation disc. A motor is to drive an axle of the eccentric rotation disc. A rivet is inserted in a through hole of a rotation post and pivoted to a hole of the eccentric rotation disc. The hole is disposed at an eccentric position of a top end of the eccentric rotation disc. The rotation post is secured in a link post at one end of the massage head seat. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131563 | NOVEL COMPRESSION TEXTILES - The present invention relates to a compression textile, e.g. a compression bandage or garment, which comprises at least one chitosan-containing fibre. The compression textile is suitable for medical applications, but also for non-medical applications in the field of wellness and sport. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131564 | TISSUE TREATMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS HAVING A POROUS SUBSTRATE WITH A COMPRESSED REGION AND AN EXPANDED REGION - A system for treating a tissue site of a patient includes a dressing filler adapted to be positioned at the tissue site. The dressing filler is comprised of a porous substrate having at least one compressed region and at least one expanded region. The compressed region of the porous substrate is held in a compressed state by a first coating capable of dissolving in the presence of a fluid, and the expanded region of the porous substrate is held in an expanded state by, a second coating. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131565 | SMART BANDS ELASTIC BANDAGES - An elastic bandage having an elongated length in which the bandage has a portion that extends along its length that is of a shade of a color that is a function of the amount the material is stretched, representing either a loose fit, a firm fit, or a tight fit. A novel color chart may be used with the elastic bandage that includes different shades printed thereon to assist the user during wrapping of the bandage around a part of a body. The elastic bandage may further include a second portion that extends along its length that is of a color different from the first portion and wherein, upon completion of a proper wrapping of the bandage, most of the first color of the first portion is visible and nearly none of the second color of the second portion is visible. The elastic bandage may further have a different color on its opposite side wherein the user places that opposite side down, toward the body part to be wrapped, and then upon completion of wrapping, an enclosure mechanism can properly be used to prevent the bandage from unraveling. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131566 | CORE JACKET - A core jacket including one or more weights and adapted to provide a compression force to a wearer of the jacket. The compression force may be created by one or more inflatable bladders disposed in the core jacket. The core jacket is adapted to provide a readily accessible tool to foster self-reliance in the wearer, increasing self-confidence and self/body awareness of the wearer. The core jacket may also be used as an educational device to assist the wearer in understanding and experiencing the body and mind connection. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131567 | BACK BRACE SYSTEM - A back brace for support of a patient's back having a pair of belts that together distract the spine. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131568 | SHOULDER IMMOBILIZER AND FRACTURE STABILIZATION DEVICE - A shoulder immobilizer ( | 2013-05-23 |
20130131569 | ORTHOSIS AND PRODUCTION METHOD - An orthosis and a method for the production thereof are provided. The orthosis includes a first support section and at least one further support section that form a three-dimensional support body. The support sections rest on the patient and support limbs or body areas of the patient. The orthosis also comprises fixing means which engage on the support body and which fix the orthosis on the patient. The support body comprising the support sections includes a reinforcing structure that comprises a support layer onto which at least one reinforcing thread is sewn. A pattern layout of the reinforcing thread is oriented along force lines corresponding to stresses that occur in the support body. The layout of the reinforcing thread lies within a surface on the support layer, said surface corresponding to a two-dimensional pattern layout of the three-dimensional support body. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131570 | CERVICAL REPOSITIONING, RESTRAINT, TRACTION AND EXERCISE DEVICE AND METHOD - A cervical restraint, traction, and exercise device and method includes a padded restraint system for a person's head, and an adjustable support system. The head may be placed in any of a number of three dimensional orientations until a particular orientation is reached, for example a pain-free or substantially pain-free orientation, and then a restraint system engaged, restraining the head in the particular three dimensional orientation against a set of one or more pads. The system may then be adjusted to apply a traction force. The device may be used in conjunction with a second restraint system that positions and restrains the person's torso. Use of the system may enable the user to perform exercises while certain body parts, including the head and neck, are restrained in pain-free or substantially pain-free positions to obtain therapeutic effects. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131571 | GAUZE FORMED IN CONTRASTING COLORS - A colored gauze scheme helps locate a gauze pad in low light, resulting in cost savings by minimizing lost gauze. Moreover, the colored gauze scheme can provide a method of matching a color to a particular day, allowing medical staff to quickly identify the day the gauze was applied and quickly identify when to change the gauze, thereby reducing the risk of infection. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131572 | ADAPTED COMPRESSION/SPLINT ORTHOSIS FOR REINFORCEMENT OF THE CALF MUSCULOAPONEUROTIC PUMP - The orthosis ( | 2013-05-23 |
20130131573 | SELECTIVE ANTI-HLA ANTIBODY REMOVAL DEVICE AND METHODS OF PRODUCTION AND USE THEREOF - An anti-MHC removal device includes a serologically active, soluble MHC moiety covalently coupled to a solid support. Methods of production include covalently coupling the serologically active, soluble MHC moiety to the solid support. Methods of use of the anti-MHC removal device include contacting a biological sample with the device so that antibodies specific for the MHC moiety are removed from the biological sample. The biological sample is then recovered. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131574 | DIALYSIS TREATMENT MONITORING - This disclosure describes dialysis treatment monitoring systems and methods for operating dialysis treatment monitoring systems. The disclosure describes novel systems and methods for collecting and processing dialysis treatment information from a patient. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131575 | SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS INCLUDING INFECTION-FIGHTING AND MONITORING SHUNTS - Systems, devices, methods, and compositions are described for providing an actively controllable shunt configured to, for example, monitor, treat, or prevent an infection. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131576 | CATHETER ASSEMBLY FOR USE WITH SHUNT SYSTEMS AND METHOD OF USING SAME - A catheter assembly for inserting in a fluid filled space in a body includes a main body having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is positionable within the fluid filled space and the second end portion is adapted to extend outward from the fluid filled space when the first end portion is positioned within the fluid filled space. The catheter assembly also includes a catheter tip that is connected to the second end portion. The catheter tip includes a housing having a cavity defined therein. The catheter tip also includes a rotating element positioned within the cavity. The rotating element is configured to rotate within the cavity to facilitate movement of the first end portion of the main body within the fluid filled space. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131577 | UVEOSCLERAL DRAINAGE DEVICE - An ophthalmic shunt implantable in an eye having an elongate body and a branched conduit for conducting aqueous humor from an anterior chamber of the eye to the suprachoroidal space of the eye and the subconjunctival space, and a plate extending from an upper surface of the elongate body. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131578 | Ophthalmic System and a Computer Program Product - The invention relates to an ophthalmic system for controlling an infusion liquid pressure at a distal end of an ophthalmic irrigation device penetrating an eye and being connected to an irrigation line for feeding the device with an infusion liquid. The system comprises a processor that is arranged for estimating a compensation pressure for compensating an internal pressure loss in the eye due to surgical acts in the eye. The estimation result is used for dynamically adjusting, in response to the estimated compensation pressure, the pressure of the irrigation liquid in the irrigation line. The estimation step is based on a configuration and/or actual operation of an ophthalmic surgical device performing the surgical acts in the eye. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131579 | SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING THE PRESENCE AND CORRECTNESS OF A MEDICAL DEVICE ACCESSORY - A medical device accessory comprising an interface configured to connect the medical device accessory with a medical device for administration of a medical treatment using the medical device and the medical device accessory, a plurality of electrical contacts proximate the interface, the electrical contacts comprising a lead electrical contact adapted to receive an voltage from a power source associated with the medical device and one or more identifying electrical contacts, and at least one conductor providing an electrical connection between the lead electrical contact and the one or more identifying electrical contacts. An arrangement of the one or more identifying electrical contacts connected to the lead electrical contact identifies a characteristic of the medical device accessory. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131580 | RELATING TO SYSTEMS FOR LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY - This invention relates to a surgical smoke evacuation system for use in removing gases and smoke created in surgical procedures from within an insufflated surgical cavity. Such a system comprises a discharge assembly adapted to form a gases path, and having an end which in use is located within said surgical cavity so that gases and/or surgical smoke inside said cavity can pass out of said cavity and through said discharge assembly along said gases path, a flexible discharge limb having an operational site end and an outlet end, and a self-supporting wall defining a gases flow passage between said operational site end and said outlet end, in use said open operational site end sealingly connected to said discharge assembly so that said gases and/or surgical smoke can pass out of said discharge assembly and into said discharge limb, a filter connected in use to the outlet end of the discharge limb, at least part of said wall of the discharge limb formed from a breathable material, said breathable material allowing the passage of water vapour through the wall of the discharge limb without allowing the passage of liquid water or surgical smoke or other gases. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131581 | METHOD OF OPERATING A DIPSOSABLE PUMPING UNIT - A method of operating a disposable pumping unit includes enabling the disposable pumping unit to be loaded into a peritoneal dialysis hardware unit between a door and a housing of the hardware unit; structuring the disposable pumping unit to have a fluid pump receptacle, the fluid pump receptacle constructed and arranged to extend from both surfaces of the unit so as to fit within a first opening provided in the door and a second opening provided in the housing of the hardware unit; and enabling the disposable pumping unit to be guided into the hardware unit such that the fluid pump receptacle becomes aligned with the opposing first and second openings when the door is closed against the housing. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131582 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PERFORMING PERITONEAL DIALYSIS - A regenerative peritoneal dialysis system includes a dialysis fluid loop; a filter located in the dialysis fluid loop, a first portion of the dialysis fluid sent to the filter rejected by the filter and returned upstream of the filter, a second portion of the dialysis fluid sent to the filter forming permeate, the permeate being rich in urea; and a urea removing apparatus located in the dialysis fluid loop downstream from the filter to receive the permeate and absorb urea from the permeate. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131583 | TRANSFER SETS FOR THERAPY OPTIMIZATION - Transfer sets are disclosed in the present patent. The transfer set provides a connection between a source of peritoneal dialysis fluid and a patient for whom peritoneal dialysis has been prescribed. The transfer sets disclosed herein are smaller and provide a more compact and convenient device by which a dialysis patient controls the flow of dialysis fluid to and from the peritoneum of the patient. The devices are more compact and convenient because they include more convenient mechanisms for starting and stopping flow of the dialysis fluid. It is also easy to determine whether the mechanism is in a closed or open configuration by simply looking at the mechanism. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131584 | Anti-Extravasation Catheter - The disclosed devices and methods provide for the minimization of fluid extravasation during use of infusion catheters such as peripherally inserted central catheters and central venous catheters. The anti-extravasation catheter allows a surgeon to drain fluids from soft tissue surrounding an infusion site while also providing fluid inflow to a patient. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131585 | INTERVENTIONAL CATHETER ASSEMBLIES, CONTROL CONSOLES AND ADAPTIVE TUBING CASSETTES - Interventional catheter assemblies, operating systems and adaptive interface components allow operation of a variety of interventional catheter assemblies, including infusion catheters, aspiration catheters and interventional catheters that provide both infusion and aspiration, using a common control console housing infusion and aspiration systems. Adaptive tubing cassettes having a handle and one or more preformed tubing loops route aspiration and/or infusion tubing in a predetermined configuration to mate with aspiration and infusion systems on a control console. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131586 | DRUG STORAGE AND DISPENSING DEVICES AND SYSTEMS COMPRISING THE SAME - Drug storage and dispensing devices for dispensing a drug dosage form to a patient are disclosed. The dispensing device has a programmable lock-out feature for locking the dispensing device and is capable of detecting the identity of a user. The invention further provides a method for the treatment of subject, by administering to the subject a drug dosage form using a dispensing device of the invention. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131587 | MEDICAL EQUIPMENT SYSTEM - The invention is directed to a medical equipment system by means of which the provision of medication to a patient is adapted according to continuously recorded physiological measurement signals. The object of the invention is to find ways by which medication can be administered to a patient with a high degree of accuracy. This object is achieved, according to the invention, by a medical equipment system with a spectrometer for recording measurement signals from vital tissue of a patient, in particular for continuously determining the material composition of body liquids and also of tissue-bound substances possibly present only temporarily in the corresponding tissue area, with a signal processor for processing the measurement signals supplied from the spectrometer and for generating a medication signal, and with medication equipment for administering a medicament according to the medication signal. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131588 | HIGHLY EFFICIENT BREASTPUMP AND SYSTEM FOR EXPRESSING BREASTMILK - The present invention provides a breastshield for use in a breastpumping system for expressing milk, the breastshield being of such a construction that substantially limits the amount of air between the breast/nipple and the breastshield surrounding the breast/nipple, and most preferably virtually eliminates any air at least in the area of the breast and nipple. In some embodiments, any air in the breastpumping system is substantially eliminated. With the amount of air limited, the mechanism used for generating the pressure difference in the breastshield (e.g., vacuum or negative pressure), such as a diaphragm pump, does not need to do as much work. Less energy is required for the expression of milk, and thus the size of pump used can be decreased, thereby reducing the overall cost of the device. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131589 | INJECTION DEVICE HAVING AN ANGLED TIP PORTION - In one embodiment, the handheld injection device includes a first housing having a first axis and a second housing having a second axis. In one embodiment, the second housing is configured to support a needle. In one embodiment, the first axis and a second axis form an adjustable angle between about 180 degrees and about 90 degrees. | 2013-05-23 |
20130131590 | Injection Device - Injection device comprising a tubular elongated main body, a needle shield slidably arranged in said main body, a needle shield link slidably connected to said needle shield, a enclosure containing medicament arranged in said main body, a needle connected to said enclosure, a plunger operatively arranged to said enclosure for ejecting said medicament through said needle and arranged on its upper part with a number of outwardly extending stop members, spring means arranged to said plunger for operating said plunger, a dose activating means, a needle shield spring surrounding the needle shield link. The injection device is capable of setting and delivering a certain preset dose. | 2013-05-23 |