31st week of 2011 patent applcation highlights part 52 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20110190568 | ENHANCED PERFORMANCE IMPLANTABLE MICROPHONE SYSTEM - To improve the performance of an implantable hearing prothesis having an implanted microphone, the present invention discloses the use of an acoustic hearing aid to amplify the ambient sound signals. This results in a higher signal level for the implanted microphone, and hence improved performance. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190569 | NON-INVASIVE METHODS AND DEVICES FOR INDUCING EUPHORIA IN A PATIENT AND THEIR THERAPEUTIC APPLICATION - A novel non-invasive magnetic stimulator is used to modulate electrical activity of a patient's vagus nerve. Parameters of the stimulation are selected in such a way as to induce a state of euphoria in the patient. The methods and devices may be used for anesthesia, or to treat insomnia, depression, or premenstrual syndromes. They may be used as substitution withdrawal tools for individuals who otherwise would depend on substances and behaviors to achieve a euphoric state of mind, particularly individuals who abusively consume drugs, alcohol or food, or who exhibit behavioral disorders such as compulsive gambling. The devices and methods may also be used to prevent, manage, or relieve stress. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190570 | BIOFEEDBACK INTERFACE DEVICE AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING HEARTRATE IN RESPONSE TO SIGNALS - Elevation in resting heart rate is associated with anxiety disorders and depression. Biofeedback techniques enable individuals to regulate involuntary physiological parameters such as heart rate. Embodiments of the invention described herein relate to a compact wearable biofeedback interface device which alerts the wearer when their measured heart rate exceeds a preselected individualized threshold. Once alerted of an elevation in heart rate the user can take steps to reduce their heart rate such as taking medication, employing meditative or relaxation techniques or seeking medical treatment. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190571 | METHOD OF SUPPORTING PELVIC ORGANS - A method of supporting pelvic organs in a patient includes forming a tissue incision providing access to the pelvic organs in the patient; inserting a knit material into the tissue incision; and supporting at least one of the pelvic organs in the patient with the knit material. The knit material has a filament knitted into a chain of loops that are coupled together by having each loop suspended by a neighboring loop, and at least one loop in the chain of loops having the filament tied around said one loop to form a closed loop. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190572 | Methods and Compositions for Vein Harvest and Autografting - The leading cause of graft failure is the subsequent development of intimal hyperplasia, which represents a response to injury that is thought to involve smooth muscle proliferation, migration, phenotypic modulation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. Surgical techniques typically employed for vein harvest—stretching the vein, placing the vein in low pH, solutions, and the use of toxic surgical skin markers—are shown here to cause injury. The invention therefore provides for non-toxic surgical markers than also protect against stretch-induced loss of functional viability, along with other additives. Devices and compositions for reducing physical stress or protecting from the effects flowing therefrom, also are provided. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190573 | BODY IMPLANTABLE FABRIC HAVING CLOSED LOOP KNIT - A body implantable fabric includes an organ support device separated from a knit material and has a filament forming a chain of loops that extend along a length of the knit material. The chain of loops are coupled together by having each loop suspended by a neighboring loop, and at least one loop in the chain of loops having the filament tied around that one loop to form a closed loop. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190578 | Endoscope Cap - The present application relates to a medical gripping device ( | 2011-08-04 |
20110190579 | INTRAVAGINAL MONITORING DEVICE - The invention relates to an intravaginal monitoring device, method of intravaginal monitoring, and system and network for intravaginal monitoring. The intravaginal monitoring device and or network includes multiple modes of operation that enable non-pregnancy monitoring, pregnancy testing, pregnancy monitoring, STD detection, precancerous condition monitoring, cancerous condition monitoring, pre-birth monitoring and prediction, neo-natal monitoring, ovulation monitoring, an automated rhythm method, among various applications of the device, method and network of the present invention. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190580 | ANALYSIS ENGINE WITHIN A NETWORK SUPPORTING INTRAVAGINAL MONITORING - An intravaginal monitoring device in a supporting network, and including supporting devices such as servers, computing devices and phone (of both medical staff and patients), together participate to collect, exchange and display data relating to a female reproductive system. Therein, and within one or many of such systems, analysis operations are performed to at least assist in reaching conclusions relating to a status of the reproductive system under service. As input to the analysis operations, one or more of, for example, (i) current and historical sensor data of varying types such as imager, temperature, pH, glucose, EKG, etc.; (ii) general medical information; (iii) patient and medical staff input; and (iv) input from other medical systems or processes. The output of analysis operations at least assists in the drawing of intermediate and final status conclusions. Analysis operations are supported by various visual working environments tailored for patients, medical staff, and third party computing systems. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190581 | INTRAVAGINAL MONITORING SUPPORT ARCHITECTURE - An intravaginal monitoring device supporting network infrastructure, including a smart phone with applications supporting female's healthcare diagnostics. The intravaginal monitoring device communicates via a communication interface to local external devices. The intravaginal monitoring device also communicates with external (central) support servers, smart phones, healthcare professional's supporting systems and devices, research and development systems and devices, pharmaceutical computing systems and devices via wired and/or wireless network pathways. The data flows from the intravaginal monitoring device, to a remote device, e.g. smart phone, and includes image (or sensor) data collected within a memory (e.g. a built-in memory or memory stick) of the intravaginal monitoring device, and then is delivered for inspection, suggestions, annotations, recommendations, discussions and/or treatment, to another device communicatively linked to a cellular network, and Internet, used by a user, one or more healthcare professionals, one or more user forums, research and developmental or pharmaceutical professionals or for secure storage at a remote site. The data is sent in an encrypted form so as to be able to maintain privacy of a female, that is, without the female's (user's) authorization the data cannot be seen or used by anyone within the support network infrastructure in an unauthorized manner. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190582 | INTRAVAGINAL OPTICS TARGETING SYSTEM - Intravaginal monitoring devices (IMDs) with adjustable optics assemblies support local and remote control of mechanical and electro-mechanical mechanisms associated with multiple imagers and other sensors for tailoring an IMD to meet the specific dimensions and characteristics of various female reproduce systems. Such mechanisms also assist in guiding and analyzing pathways through a vaginal channel to and including a cervix. Exemplary pivoting, rotational, and telescopic infrastructures with integrated, local and remote control and monitoring are supported with external visual displays of images and video streams in devices such as phones, tablet and laptop computers, and servers for use by a patient or any medical support staff. Such multiple images or video streams may be combined to provide an enhanced viewing experience. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190583 | MEDICAL FIXED BALLOON, ACTUATOR FOR INTRADUCTAL MOVING BODY, AND ENDOSCOPE - A medical fixed balloon disposed in an insertion portion to be inserted into a body cavity so as to fix the insertion portion to the inside of the body cavity, comprising:
| 2011-08-04 |
20110190584 | Surgical method and medical device - To perform treatment by readily introducing a device causing minimal invasion even where approach from the body surface is difficult, a medical device includes a guide that is inserted into a lumen; a first balloon at a distal end of the guide, connected to a first flow path extending to a proximal end of the guide; a second balloon on the guide, separated from the first balloon on the proximal-end side and connected to a second flow path extending to the proximal end of the guide; a third balloon extending along the guide from a point between the first balloon and the second balloon to the proximal end and having a port for supplying or discharging fluid at the proximal end; and a cleansing flow path having a discharge port between the first balloon and the second balloon and extending to the proximal end of the guide. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190585 | SURGICAL TOOL, PARTICULARLY FOR USE IN LAPAROSCOPY - A surgical instrument ( | 2011-08-04 |
20110190586 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR INTRAVASCULAR IMAGING AND FLUSHING - A method and apparatus for initiating intravascular imaging and flushing is described herein. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190587 | ENDOSCOPE WITH FIRST AND SECOND IMAGING AND ILLUMINATION UNITS - A container body includes an illumination section and an image pickup section. A tube body is integrally provided to the container body. A distal end of a hollow duct line provided in the tube body penetrates the container body to have an opening on an outer surface of the container body. First and second illumination and image pickup units are provided in the container body having opposite reference view field directions and are respectively freely tilted in an arbitrary direction within predetermined inclination angles from the reference view field direction. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190588 | SURGICAL RETRACTOR INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME - A retractor system for percutaneous surgery in a patient includes first and second retractor portions positionable opposite one another in an incision of the patient. The system also includes at least one actuating member operable to provide an oscillating motion to at least one of the first and second retractor portions. The actuating member is in communication with a controller and is responsive to the controller to move and adjust at least one of the first and second retractor portions between a first position and a second position. The system also includes at least one pressure sensor and display and at least one timing circuit with display. In another form, a method is directed to retracting tissue for percutaneous access to a surgical site in a patient using the pressure sensors and display as will as the timing circuit and display to assure that the amount of pressure applied and the duration does not exceed pre-determined values. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190589 | SURGICAL ACCESS APPARATUS WITH SEAL AND CLOSURE VALVE ASSEMBLY - A surgical access apparatus includes an access housing, an access member extending from the access housing, a seal mount disposed within the access housing and having an object seal for forming a seal about the surgical object and a monolithic closure valve mounted to the housing distal of the seal mount. The access housing and the access member define a longitudinal passage for passage of a surgical object. The closure valve includes an interface segment and a closure segment extending from the interface segment. The interface segment is in contacting relation with the seal mount and comprises a generally compliable material adapted to maintain a substantial seal with the seal mount and within the longitudinal passageway during angular movement of the surgical object. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190590 | MULTI-LUMEN ACCESS PORT - An access device includes a body, a first tube, a second tube, and a mechanism. The first and second tubes extend through the body. The mechanism operably couples the first and second tubes such that at least one tube is pivotable about an axis with respect to the other tube. The body may form a substantially fluid-tight seal at the incision. In another embodiment, the access device further includes a third tube extending through the body and the mechanism operably couples the tubes together such that at least two tubes are pivotable about the axis with respect to the remaining tube. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190591 | SURGICAL RETRACTOR - The present invention is a surgical retractor that can be manipulated with only a digit of a single hand. The surgical retractor includes a shaft, which may be cylindrical, with a finger member attached to one side. The finger member may be an arc segment properly sized to keep a digit next to the shaft. Attached to one end of the shaft is a rake head. The rake head consists of three segments attached to one another, the first of which is attached to the shaft. The final segment has a concavity formed upon it to allow another instrument access beneath the surgical retractor. The method of using the surgical retractor is also disclosed. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190592 | BLADELESS OPTICAL OBTURATOR - The invention is directed to a bladeless trocar obturator to separate or divaricate body tissue during insertion through a body wall. In one aspect, the obturator of the invention comprises a shaft extending along an axis between a proximal end and a distal end; and a bladeless tip disposed at the distal end of the shaft and having a generally tapered configuration with an outer surface, the outer surface extending distally to a blunt point with a pair of side sections having a common shape and being separated by at least one intermediate section, wherein each of the side sections extends from the blunt point radially outwardly with progressive positions proximally along the axis, and the shaft is sized and configured to receive an optical instrument having a distal end to receive an image of the body tissue. With this aspect, the tapered configuration facilitates separation of different layers of the body tissue and provides proper alignment of the tip between the layers. The side sections include a distal portion and a proximal portion, the distal portion of the side sections being twisted radially with respect to the proximal portion of the side sections. The intermediate section includes a distal portion and a proximal portion, the distal portion of the intermediate section being twisted in a first radial direction and the proximal portion of the intermediate section being twisted in a second radial direction opposite the first radial direction. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190593 | Computerized Systems and Methods for Stability-Theoretic Prediction and Prevention of Falls - A system, methods and computer-readable media are provided for the automatic identification of patients according to near-term risk of sudden kinematic injury (falling). Embodiments of the invention are directed to event prediction, risk stratification, and optimization of the assessment, communication, and decision-making to prevent falling in humans, and in one embodiment take the form of a platform for wearable, mobile, unteathered monitoring devices with embedded decision support. Thus the aim of embodiments of the present invention relates to automatically identifying persons who are at risk for falls through the use of an inexpensive, noninvasive, portable, wearable electronic device and sensors equipped with signal-processing software and statistical predictive algorithms that calculate stability-theoretic measures derived from the digital accelerometer and gyroscope timeseries acquired by the device. The measurements and predictive algorithms embedded within the device provide for unsupervised use in the home or in general acute-care and chronic-care venues and afford a degree of robustness against variations in individual anatomy and sensor placement. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a leading indicator of near-term future abnormalities, proactively alerting the user, for example, 2 hours or more in advance, and providing the wearer and/or care providers with sufficient advance notice to enable effective preventive maneuvers to be undertaken. In one exemplary embodiment, the device is equipped with radiofrequency telecommunication capabilities that enable integration with case-management software, electronic health record decision-support systems, and consumer personal health record systems. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190594 | DEVICE AND METHOD TO MONITOR, ASSESS AND IMPROVE QUALITY OF SLEEP - A medical sleep disorder arrangement integrates into current diagnosis and treatment procedures to enable a health care professional to diagnose and treat a plurality of subjects suffering from insomnia. The arrangement may include both environmental sensors and body-worn sensors that measure the environmental conditions and the condition of the individual patient. The data may be collected and processed to measure clinically relevant attributes of sleep quality automatically. These automatically determined measures, along with the original sensor data, may be aggregated and shared remotely with the health care professional. A communication apparatus enables the healthcare professional to remotely communicate with and further assess the patient and subsequently administer the treatment. Thus, a more accurate diagnosis and more effective treatment is provided while reducing the required clinician time per patient for treatment delivery. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190595 | NETWORK SUPPORTING INTRAVAGINAL MONITORING DEVICE - The invention generally relates to intravaginal monitoring devices, supporting networks, web services, billing services, modes of operation of the devices and networks, and processing of data harvested by an intravaginal device and communication to the network. Methods, systems and networks for advertising are provided herein. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190596 | ENDOTRACHEAL TUBE APPARATUS - An apparatus for monitoring EMG signals of a patient's laryngeal muscles includes an endotracheal tube having an exterior surface. Conductive ink electrodes are formed on the exterior surface of the endotracheal tube. The conductive ink electrodes are configured to receive the EMG signals from the laryngeal muscles when the endotracheal tube is placed in a trachea of the patient. At least one conductor is coupled to the conductive ink electrodes and is configured to carry the EMG signals received by the conductive ink electrodes to a processing apparatus. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190597 | INTERVERTEBRAL DISC ANALYSIS SYSTEM AND METHOD - The invention pertains to an analysis device for measuring physical, chemical and/or biological parameters in an intervertebral disc. It comprises a probe adapted to be inserted in the intervertebral disc; the probe including at its distal end at least three different sensors. The intervertebral disc analysis system and method is useful for measuring physical, chemical and/or biochemical parameters in the intervertebral disc, the data generated by these sensors providing an effigy of the physiological status of the intervertebral disc. The invention further pertains to a method for obtaining physical, chemical and/or biological data of the intervertebral disc, the data being useful for matters in relation to diseases of the intervertebral disc, in particularly for diagnostics and therapies of diseases of the intervertebral disc. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190598 | Health Data Dynamics, Its Sources and Linkage with Genetic/Molecular Tests - Method and system for the analysis and source localization of the dynamical patterns in medical and health data, and linking such dynamical patterns with the individual's genetic and/or molecular data. The invention makes use of optimally positioned sensors (sensor arrays) providing input data for signal processing, time-series analysis, pattern recognition and mathematical modeling to facilitate dynamical tracking of systemic arterial pressure without a pressure cuff, local vascular activity, electrocardiographic (ECG), respiratory, physical, muscular, gastrointestinal and neural activity, temperature and other physiological/health data. The invention also facilitates separation of local signals (such as local aneurisms or local vascular activity) from non-local, central or systemic patterns (e.g. systemic blood pressure). In addition, the invention improves identification of dynamical patterns associated with a specific genotype/disorder for screening, personalized risk assessment, diagnosis and treatment control. The system can be implemented in a specialized processor, such as an ambulatory blood pressure monitor, Electrocardiograph, Holter monitor located outside subject's body or implanted inside the body, mobile/cell phone or Smart Phone/Personal Digital Assistant, computer or computer network (the Internet), including wireless or mobile network. The system can be also linked to the electronic health/medical records and other databases. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190599 | System And Method For Diagnosing Sleep Apnea Based On Results Of Multiple Approaches To Sleep Apnea Identification - Various embodiments may provide methods and systems capable of evaluating physiological parameter data. The methods and systems may include a receiver capable of collecting a signal representative of a physiological status of a patient, a plurality of data analysis components, wherein each of the plurality of data analysis components is capable of generating a metric based on the signal, and an arbitrator communicatively coupled to each of the plurality of data analysis components and capable of generating a single metric from the metrics generated by the plurality of data analysis components. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190600 | COMBINED PHYSIOLOGICAL SENSOR SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A combined physiological sensor and methods for detecting one or more physiological characteristics of a subject are provided. The combined sensor (e.g., a forehead sensor) may be used to detect and/or calculate at least one of a pulse blood oxygen saturation level, a regional blood oxygen saturation level, a respiration rate, blood pressure, an electrical physiological signal (EPS), a pulse transit time (PTT), body temperature associated with the subject, a depth of consciousness (DOC) measurement, any other suitable physiological parameter, and any suitable combination thereof. The combined sensor may include a variety of individual sensors, such as electrodes, optical detectors, optical emitters, temperature sensors, and/or other suitable sensors. The sensors may be advantageously positioned in accordance with a number of different geometries. The combined sensor may also be coupled to a monitoring device, which may receive and/or process one or more output signals from the individual sensors to display information about the medical condition of the subject. In addition, several techniques may be employed to prevent or limit interference between the individual sensors and their associated input and/or output signals. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190601 | System for Determining the Left-Ventricular Ejection Time TLVE of a Heart of a Subject - In order to reliably determine the left-ventricular ejection time T | 2011-08-04 |
20110190602 | METHOD FOR MEASURING BLOOD OXYGEN AT A FINGER AND FINGER-CLIPPED OXIMETER - The present invention provides a method for measuring blood oxygen at a finger, comprising the following steps: | 2011-08-04 |
20110190603 | Sensor Inserter Having Introducer - A sensor inserter assembly having an introducer configured with one or more holding members to releasably retain a sensor and/or a compressible member. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190604 | Nitric oxide sensors and systems - The present disclosure relates to nitric oxide sensors and systems. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190605 | BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION DETECTOR, BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION MEASURING DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR DESIGNING REFLECTING PART IN BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION DETECTOR - To reduce the effect of directly reflected light on a contact-surface side of a contact member, a biological information detector includes a light-emitting part, a light-receiving part, a reflecting part, a protecting part for protecting the light-emitting part, and a substrate. The protecting member is formed from a material that is transparent with respect to a wavelength of the light emitted by the light-emitting part and has a contact member provided with a contact surface in contact with the detection site. Light emitted from the light-emitting part is inhibited from reflecting once on a contact-surface side of the contact member of the protecting part and being incident on a light-receiving region of the light-receiving part. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190606 | FLUID HANDLING CASSETTE - A fluid handling module that is removably engageable with a bodily fluid analyzer is provided. The module may comprise a fluid handling element, and a fluid component separator that is accessible via the fluid handling element and configured to separate at least one component of a bodily fluid transported to the fluid component separator. The fluid handling element may have at least one control element interface. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190607 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS TO CORRECT FOR HEMATOCRIT EFFECTS - Described and illustrated herein are exemplary methods of operating an analyte measurement system having a meter and a test strip. Such methods may be exemplarily achieved by determining a first glucose concentration by measuring a first reflectance at about a first wavelength at a testing surface of the pad; measuring a second reflectance at about a second wavelength; formulating at least one equation to correct the first glucose concentration for temperature or hematocrit effects using the second reflectance at about the second wavelength; determining a second glucose concentration using the first glucose concentration, the second reflectance at about a second wavelength; and displaying the second glucose concentration that is corrected for temperature and hematocrit effects. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190608 | OPTICAL SENSOR FOR MEDICAL DEVICE - An optical sensor for a medical device includes a fixed lens spacing between emit and receive modules to achieve target sensor sensitivity, while varying other sensor parameters in order to increase signal amplitude without increasing power demand. The size of at least one of emit and receive module lenses of an optical sensor, and the offset between the opto-electronic component and the respective lens of at least one of emit and receive modules is decreased to increase amplitude of the signal received by the receive module from the emit module. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190609 | OPTICAL SENSOR FOR MEDICAL DEVICE - An optical sensor for a medical device includes a fixed lens spacing between emit and receive modules to achieve target sensor sensitivity, while varying other sensor parameters in order to increase signal amplitude without increasing power demand. An optical sensor connected to a housing of a medical device includes a circuit board, an opto-electronic component, a wall, a lens, and a ferrule. The circuit board is arranged within the housing. The opto-electronic component is mounted on a surface of the circuit board. The wall protrudes from the surface of the circuit board and surrounds the opto-electronic component. The lens is offset from the surface of the circuit board. The ferrule is connected to the housing, the lens and the wall. An inner surface of the wall mates with an outer surface of the ferrule. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190610 | OPTICAL SENSOR FOR MEDICAL DEVICE - An optical sensor for a medical device includes a fixed lens spacing between emit and receive modules to achieve target sensor sensitivity, while varying other sensor parameters in order to increase signal amplitude without increasing power demand. The arrangement of an opto-electronic component within an optical sensor receive module is improved by masking the receive module lens with an opaque member to create a masked lens leading edge that is aligned with a leading edge of the opto-electronic component. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190611 | OXYGENATION PROCEDURES FOR NEWBORNS AND DEVICES FOR USE THEREIN - The present invention relates to methods and systems for resuscitation of an infant which maintains healthy blood oxygen saturation values in the infant by titration of supplemental oxygen concentrations. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190612 | Continous Light Emission Photoacoustic Spectroscopy - Methods and systems are provided for analyzing microcirculation using photoacoustic spectroscopy by emitting continuous light at one or more frequencies. A photoacoustic spectroscopy monitor may utilize a slow modulation method to vary the wavelength of light emitted, such that different absorbers may be measured in a patient's tissue. The photoacoustic spectroscopy sensor may emit a lower power continuous light towards a patient's tissue. The acoustic response generated by the tissue may be sensed by a thin polymer sensing film at the detector of the sensor. Based on the amplitude and phase information of the acoustic response sensed by the detector, the monitor may determine a concentration of an absorber, as well as a location of the absorbers, in the patient's tissue. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190613 | HYBRID SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC MONITORING OF BIOLOGICAL CONSTITUENTS - Systems, methods, and related computer program products for non-invasive NIR spectrophotometric (NIRS) monitoring of total blood hemoglobin levels and/or other blood constituent levels based on a hybrid combination of phase modulation spectrophotometry (PMS) and continuous wave spectrophotometry (CWS) are described. PMS-based measurements including both amplitude and phase information used in the determination of a non-pulsatile component of an absorption property for each of at least three distinct wavelengths are processed to compute PMS-derived intermediate information at least partially representative of a scattering characteristic. CWS-based measurements including amplitude information is processed in conjunction with the PMS-derived intermediate information to compute a pulsatile component of the absorption property. A metric representative of at least one chromophore level, such as the total blood hemoglobin level, is computed from the pulsatile component of the absorption property at the at least three wavelengths and displayed on an output display. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190614 | TRANSCUTANEOUS ANALYTE SENSOR - The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190615 | ELECTRODE PATCH MONITORING DEVICE - An electrode patch monitoring device that enables fast and accurate application is described. According to some embodiments, the electrode patch monitoring device comprises an array of electrodes for monitoring bioelectrical data that are formed on a flexible substrate. The electrode patch monitoring device may be available in a plurality of sizes, and various methods are provided for selecting an appropriate size according to the physiology of a patient. Methods for applying the electrode patch monitoring device to the patient's body are also provided. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190616 | CODED APERTURE MASKS FOR RADIATION-BASED MEDICAL IMAGING - This invention relates to a coded aperture mask for use in diagnostic nuclear medicine imaging. The coded aperture mask consists of a sheet of radiation opaque mask material having a series of apertures extending therethrough. The thickness of mask material has an attenuation percentage of less than 75% and, in a preferred embodiment, about equal to 29%. The coded aperture mask also, in a preferred embodiment, has a lead attenuation tube and has a projection of the smallest hole occupying the same area as a single pixel of a detector. The invention extends to a diagnostic nuclear medicine imaging system which uses a 16 bit gamma camera as a radiation detector. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190617 | PHOTOACOUSTIC IMAGING DEVICES AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME - A photoacoustic imaging device includes an array of light sources configured and arranged to illuminate a target region and an array of ultrasonic transducers between the array of light sources and the target region. The array of transducers may be fixedly coupled to the array of light sources, and the array of ultrasonic transducers may be configured and arranged to receive ultrasound transmissions from the target region. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190618 | IMAGING NEUROINFLAMMATION - The present invention concerns in vivo imaging and in particular in vivo imaging of the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR). A tetracyclic indole in vivo imaging agent is provided that binds with high affinity to PBR, has good uptake into the brain following administration, and which preferentially binds to tissues expressing higher levels of PBR. The present invention also provides a precursor compound useful in the synthesis of the in vivo imaging agent of the invention, as well as a method for synthesis of said in vivo imaging agent comprising use of said precursor compound, and a kit for carrying out said method. A cassette for the automated synthesis of the in vivo imaging agent is also provided. In addition, the invention provides a radiopharmaceutical composition comprising the in vivo imaging agent of the invention, as well as methods for the use of said in vivo imaging agent. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190619 | Magnetic Resonance Imaging Apparatus and Method using Squid Detection and Field-Cycling - There is described an MRI system in which the detection of the NMR signal is performed by a resonant input at a median field range above 100 gauss and where the main field is cycled to a low field of below 50% of the resonant frequency after the excitation of the NMR signal for a period sufficient to develop differences in magnetisation (T1). The advantage of this system is that images can be generated at much lower field intensities than prior art systems and is able to detect abnormalities in tissue such as cancerous tissues in a patient. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190620 | MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING APPARATUS AND METHOD - A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus scans a region including a predetermined part of a subject to acquire magnetic resonance signals. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a plurality of coil elements, a calculation device for calculating a proportion of the predetermined part to a first scan region of a first subject and a position of the predetermined part, based on magnetic resonance signals acquired from the first scan region, a prediction device for predicting a region of the predetermined part from within a second scan region of a second subject, based on the proportion and position of the predetermined part related to the first subject, the proportion and position being calculated by the calculation device, and a coil element selection device for selecting at least one coil element used to receive each magnetic resonance signal in the second scan region from within the coil elements, based on the region of the predetermined part predicted by the prediction device. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190621 | Methods and Systems for Regional Synchronous Neural Interactions Analysis - Systems and methods for quantifying neurophysiologic activity of a subject. A set of subject data representing a time series of neurophysiologic activity acquired by each of a multiplicity of spatially distributed sensors arranged to detect neural signaling in the subject is received. A time series of data obtained from each of the sensors is associated with a corresponding neural population within the brain of the subject. Interaction sets among at least two neural populations in the brain of the subject are determined based on a statistical analysis of a plurality of time series of data from a corresponding plurality of sensors. A plurality of regional groupings of neural populations is stored, with each one of the plurality of regional groupings encompassing a plurality of neural populations having a predefined relationship. An aggregated representation of cross-regional interactions between the neural populations across a selected plurality of the regional groupings is produced based on a selected subset of the interaction sets. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190622 | MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING APPARATUS AND METHOD - A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus executes a pulse sequence for generating a phase shift of each spin, corresponding to a flow rate of the spin to thereby acquire magnetic resonance signals from a subject and determines a position of each blood vessel of the subject, based on each of the magnetic resonance signals. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a blood vessel position specifying device for specifying a position of each blood vessel, based on a change in signal intensity of the magnetic resonance signal with time and based on a change in the flow rate of the spin with time. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190623 | THERMALLY-ACTIVATABLE LIPOSOME COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR IMAGING, DIAGNOSIS AND THERAPY - Disclosed are thermally-activatable liposomal compositions and methods for their use in the formulation and administration of therapeutic, prophylactic, and diagnostic agents. The disclosed liposome structures are capable of carrying a variety of biologically active reagents, and permitting their controlled release in vivo by exploiting properties of their thermoregulatable lability. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190624 | OPTICAL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LOCALIZING THE FOSSA OVALIS DURING TRANS-SEPTAL PROCEDURES - A system and method for identifying the location of a medical device within a patient's body may be used to localize the fossa ovalis for trans-septal procedures. The systems and methods measure light reflected by tissues encountered by an optical array. An optical array detects characteristic wavelengths of tissues that are different distances from the optical array. The reflectance of different wavelengths of light at different distances from an optical array may be used to identify the types of tissue encountered, including oxygenated blood in the left atrium as detected from the right atrium through the fossa ovalis. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190625 | CARDIAC MAPPING - A non-contact cardiac mapping method is disclosed that includes: (i) inserting a catheter into a heart cavity having an endocardium surface, the catheter including multiple, spatially distributed electrodes; (ii) measuring signals at the catheter electrodes in response to electrical activity in the heart cavity with the catheter spaced from the endocardium surface; and (iii) determining physiological information at multiple locations of the endocardium surface based on the measured signals and positions of the electrodes with respect to the endocardium surface. Related systems and computer programs are also disclosed. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190626 | MEDICAL IMAGE DIAGNOSIS ASSISTING APPARATUS AND METHOD, AND COMPUTER READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM ON WHICH IS RECORDED PROGRAM FOR THE SAME - Extracting a lung field area and a branch structure area from a three-dimensional medical image, dividing a branch structure local area representing a portion of the branch structure area into a plurality of branch structure local sub-areas and estimating a lung field local sub-area in the lung field area functionally associated with each divided branch structure local sub-area based on the branch structure area, obtaining a pulmonary evaluation value in each estimated lung field local sub-area, and displaying, in a morphological image representing morphology of at least a portion of the branch structure local area, the pulmonary evaluation value in each lung field local sub-area functionally associated with each branch structure local sub-area in the morphological image superimposed such that correspondence relationship between the pulmonary evaluation value and the branch structure local sub-area in the morphological image is visually recognizable. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190627 | Method and Device for Marking a Medium, and Marker Usable in Such a Method - To mark an area of interest in a target medium, an initially inactivated and ultrasound-activatable optical marker is added to the medium, and then an ultrasound activation beam is emitted, being focused on the area of interest in order to locally activate the marker, which then colors the area of interest. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190628 | Syringe With Piston Seal - A syringe comprises a syringe body ( | 2011-08-04 |
20110190629 | 3D Motion Detection and Correction By Object Tracking in Ultrasound Images - An arrangement to determine physiologic data, position, orientation and/or geometry of an object of interest includes an ultrasound unit with a multiplicity of ultrasound transducers to monitor physiologic parameters, especially motion and deformation, of an object of interest encapsulated by a body in real-time in three dimensions of space and to generate numerical control or trigger information for other medical devices. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190630 | System and Method for Performing An Electrosurgical Procedure Using An Ablation Device With An Integrated Imaging Device - An ablation device includes an antenna assembly having a radiating portion configured to deliver energy from a power source to tissue. The radiating portion has an outer conductor and an inner conductor. The inner conductor is disposed within the outer conductor. The device also includes an imaging device operably coupled to the radiating portion. The imaging device is configured to generate imaging data corresponding to tissue proximate the radiating portion of the antenna assembly. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190631 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR QUANTIFICATION OF CARDIAC WALL MOTION ASYNCHRONY - A phase analysis technique provides for quantification of regional wall motion asynchrony from endocardial border contours generated from two-dimensional echocardiographic ventricular images. The technique produces results including a degree of radial ventricular asynchrony in heart failure patients with ventricular conduction delay to predict a magnitude of contractile function improvement with pacing therapy. Quantification of change in ventricular regional wall motion asynchrony in response to a therapy provides for a means to identify candidates to receive the therapy and quantitatively predict the benefit of the therapy. Quantification of changes in ventricular regional wall motion asynchrony in response to a sequence of therapies provides for a means to determine an approximately optimal therapy for an intended patient response. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190632 | ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPRATUS AND ULTRASONIC IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - Disclosed herein is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and ultrasonic image processing method. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasonic transmission unit; An ultrasonic probe emits; An ultrasonic reception unit; An image processing unit; A sound velocity determination unit; and A control unit. Accordingly, there is an advantage in that the actual sound velocity of a reflected wave is estimated, so that high-quality ultrasonic images can be provided, and the time required for the estimation of a sound velocity can be reduced. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190633 | IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS, AND IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - According to one embodiment, an image processing apparatus includes a storage unit, setting unit, associating unit, and registering unit. The storage unit stores 2D or 3D first time series image data and second time series image data over a predetermined period. The setting unit sets a first ROI on the first image data and a second ROI on the second image data for each of a plurality of phases in the predetermined period in accordance with a user instruction or by image processing. The associating unit associates the set first ROI with the set second ROI for each of the plurality of phases. The registering unit registers the first image data and the second image data for each of the plurality of phases based on a relative positional relationship between the first ROI and the second ROI which are associated with each other. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190634 | ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND MEDICAL IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS - In general, according to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an image generating unit configured to generate medical images from a multislice which covers an area including the heart of an object. Each slice is almost perpendicular to the long axis of the heart. Each medical image is a short-axis image of the heart. A series of medical images captured at different times correspond to each slice. The embodiment generates a polar map associated with myocardial motion indices from a plurality of medical images. A polar map is segmented into segments. The embodiment calculates the average value of motion indices for each segment. The utility of an average value depends on the range covered by each segment. This embodiment matches the boundary of a segment with the position of a vein. This prevents a deterioration in the utility of average values due to the influences of veins. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190635 | ULTRASOUND SCANNER WITH GEL DISPENSER DEVICE ATTACHED TO OR INTEGRATED WITH AT LEAST ONE PROBE AND USE - The invention relates to an ultrasound scanner comprising a gel distributing device which is attached, or built into, at least one signal emitting probe. The ultrasound scanner is provided with a gel holder for gel used to transmit ultrasound waves for medical, paramedical and/or veterinary procedure purposes. The holder is fixed to the probe and has an opening in the vicinity of the signal emitting or receiving window of the probe. The holder is a tight, sterile, supple pouch, which is tightly connected by tubes or the equivalent to a pump which, in turn, is tightly connected to at least one probe. The invention also relates to the use of the fluid circuit of the ultrasound scanner, comprising at least the tight, sterile, supple pouch that is tightly connected via the tube to the pump set which, in turn, is tightly connected via the tube for supplying the signal emitting and/or receiving window of the probe with gel, in order to automatically prevent the operator from having to manually supply the gel and to stop the gel remaining for subsequent procedures from coming into contact with the air, the patient, or any other sources of contamination. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190636 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR NON-CONTACT BIOMETRIC SENSING - A non-contact biometric sensing device is described. The device includes a processing device, a user interface communicatively coupled to the processing device, a display communicatively coupled to the processing device, a laser doppler vibrometer sensor communicatively coupled to the processing device, and an infrared camera communicatively coupled to the processing device. The processing device is programmed to utilize mechanical motion data received from the laser doppler vibrometer sensor and thermal distributions data from the infrared camera to calculate biometric data, when signals originating from the laser doppler vibrometer sensor and the infrared camera are reflected back towards the device from a target. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190637 | MEDICAL MEASURING SYSTEM, METHOD FOR SURGICAL INTERVENTION AS WELL AS USE OF A MEDICAL MEASURING SYSTEM - The invention relates to a medical measuring system, surgical intervention methods, and the use of a medical measuring system. The measuring system comprises two two-dimensional imaging sensors, a light source that is rigidly connected to the camera system in order to project structured light onto objects, and a structure that has a two-dimensional pattern and is mounted on an object. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190638 | Illumination Apparatus for Use in Examining a Body of Living Tissues - An illumination apparatus for use in examining a body of living tissues, the apparatus comprising a head for contacting the body of living tissues, a light source mounted in the head for illuminating the tissues, and an annular switch disposed around the light source, the annular switch being adapted automatically to permit illumination of the light source at an examination intensity when the head contacts the body at least around an annular contact area on the head corresponding to the annular switch. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190639 | Bi-Spectral Peroperative Optical Probe - Optical probes for medical applications are provided. The probe is devised so as to be able to be held in one hand. A basic version of the probe includes: a first excitation lighting source suitable for causing a fluorescence radiation of predetermined substances; a second visible lighting source, the first and the second source being devised so as to illuminate a common zone termed the intervention zone; a first photosensitive matrix sensor; and a second photosensitive matrix sensor. The first and second photosensitive matrix sensors are devised in such a way that, when the optical probe is arranged a predetermined distance from the intervention zone, the image in the visible spectrum of the said zone is formed on the photosensitive surface of the first matrix sensor and the image in the fluorescence spectrum of the said zone is formed on the photosensitive surface of the second sensor. A first variant of the probe includes only a single optical objective, a second variant only a single photosensitive matrix sensor, and a third variant makes it possible to work under polarized light. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190640 | Pressure sensor with an interferometric sensor and an in-fiber Bragg grating reference sensor - A pressure sensor ( | 2011-08-04 |
20110190641 | BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION MEASUREMENT APPARATUS - Disclosed herein is a biological information measurement apparatus for rendering laser light incident on an examinee and measuring a state of internal tissue of the examinee based on light scattered within the examinee. The biological information measurement apparatus includes a laser light source for emitting the laser light, photoelectric conversion means for receiving the scattered light and generating a measurement signal based on the scattered light, signal amplification means for generating an amplified signal by amplifying a signal level of the measurement signal, signal supply means for intermittently supplying the measurement signal to the signal amplification means, first output means for intermittently holding the amplified signal corresponding to a period in which the measurement signal is supplied to the signal amplification means and outputting the held signal as a first signal, second output means for intermittently holding the amplified signal corresponding to a period in which the measurement signal is not supplied to the signal amplification means and outputting the held signal as a second signal, signal subtraction means for generating a subtraction signal based on a difference between the first signal and the second signal, and arithmetic output means for arithmetically outputting information about the internal tissue of the examinee based on the subtraction signal. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190642 | Method of detecting sleep apnea and treatment thereof - A method is presented for evaluating whether an episode of sleep apnea is occurring in a patient suffering from chronic sleep apnea disorder, for delivery of appropriate therapy. The method, performed by an implantable device, includes sensing the patient's EKG signal and using electrical energy generated by the heart to power subsequent signal processing. This signal is applied as the sole input to a differential signal processing circuit for passage through both a high impedance path and a substantially lower impedance path and amplification of the difference in magnitude between the resulting two signals, to determine changes in the patient's thoracic impedance. Based on such changes, the presence or absence of patient ventilation is detected, to enable an assessment of whether an episode of sleep apnea is occurring. An actual episode of sleep apnea is deemed to have occurred if lack of ventilation exceeds a predetermined interval of time between otherwise regular respiratory cycles. If sleep apnea is indicated, the appropriate therapy is delivered by the device to induce ventilation and halt the apnea episode. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190643 | System for Cardiac Status Determination - A system improves detection and diagnosis of blood pressure based cardiac function and tissue activities by analyzing and characterizing cardiac blood pressure signals (including non-invasive and invasive blood pressure, discrete values and continuous waveforms) using pressure signal variation and variability calculation and evaluation. The system combines blood pressure analysis with multi clinical related factors and parameters to detect and quantify cardiac health status and arrhythmia severity. The system determines an accurate time, location and severity of cardiac pathology and events by calculating blood pressure variability and statistical variation. The accurately and reliably identifies cardiac disorders, differentiates cardiac arrhythmias, characterizes pathological severity, predicts the life-threatening events, and supports evaluation of drug delivery effects. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190644 | Living body pressing device, method of manufacturing same, and blood pressure measuring device - Provided are a living body pressing device which can perform effective pressing at both ends in the short-side direction of the device and is reduced in size, a method of manufacturing the living body pressing device, and a blood pressure measuring device. An air bag ( | 2011-08-04 |
20110190645 | Recovery Determination Methods And Recovery Determination Apparatuses - Recovery determination methods and recovery determination apparatuses are described. According to one aspect, a recovery determination method includes accessing an input for a recovery marker which corresponds to a characteristic of an individual, wherein the input comprises data pertinent to the individual for the recovery marker while the individual is at rest following a period of exercise by the individual, processing the data of the individual for the recovery marker, and determining recovery information which is indicative of a state of recovery of the individual using the processing. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190646 | BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION MEASURING DEVICE - A biological information measuring device includes a setting part for setting a target value relating to exercise intensity, a measurement part for measuring biological information that can be converted to exercise intensity, and a correction part for correcting the target value according to a first measured value relating to exercise intensity, where the first measured value is determined from biological information measured by the measurement part during a first exercise period. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190647 | RESPIRATION-GATED CARDIOGRAPHY - In a cardiographic apparatus ( | 2011-08-04 |
20110190648 | Electrocardiogram Analysis and Parameter Estimation - A system, method and memory medium for operating on an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal. A multiscale short-time Fourier transform (STFT) is perform on a set of ECG samples {s(n)} to obtain a transform array. For each sufficiently energetic peak in the transform array, a refined window width value and a refined window displacement value is generated by: computing an inner product between the set of samples and each of a plurality of functions, where the plurality of functions are sufficiently close to a coarse approximation function given by the peak location; and solving a linear system Av=c for the unknown vector v, where the vector c is determined by the inner products, where the matrix A is determined by the center times of the plurality of functions. After appropriate selection, the refined window width and refined window displacement may be used to represent ECG waveform features. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190649 | Systems And Methods For On-Site And Real-Time Electrocardiographic Imaging (ECGI) - A computer-implemented method for electrocardiographic imaging (ECGI) is provided. The method includes computing a transfer matrix, measuring a plurality of electrical potentials, and computing an estimation of electrical potentials on a surface of interest based at least in part on the measured potentials and the computed transfer matrix. The transfer matrix computing step is performed prior to the measuring step. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190650 | Computerized Systems and Methods for Stability-Theoretic Prediction and Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death - Systems, methods and computer-readable media are provided for automatic identification of patients according to near-term risk of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Embodiments of the invention are directed to event prediction, risk stratification, and optimization of the assessment, communication, and decision-making to prevent SCD, and in one embodiment take the form of a platform for wearable, mobile, unteathered monitoring devices with embedded decision support. Thus embodiments relate to automatically identifying persons at risk for arrhythmias and SCD through the use of noninvasive, portable, wearable electronic device and sensors equipped with signal-processing software and statistical predictive algorithms that calculate stability-theoretic measures derived from the digital electrocardiogram timeseries acquired by the device. The measurements and predictive algorithms embedded within the device provide for unsupervised use in the home or in general acute-care and chronic-care venues and afford a degree of robustness against variations in individual anatomy and sensor placement. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190651 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR APNEA DETECTION - In an apnea detecting apparatus, a respiratory pace analyzer determines a respiratory pace of a user based on an ambient noise (including a breathing sound, a snore, and the like of the user) generated in a surrounding area and on information of a posture of the user in determining whether or not the user suffers from the apnea syndrome. Then, an apnea time extracting unit in the apnea detecting apparatus determines whether or not a silent time is included in a time period during which the user is estimated to be breathing based on the respiratory pace and the silent time in the ambient noise. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190652 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACQUIRING AND DISPLAYING UTERINE EMG SIGNALS - A system and method for acquiring and processing uterine EMG signals from a maternal patient. Raw uterine EMG signals are acquired and processed in a central unit designed to isolate the patient and any internal circuitry from electrical shock. The central unit has a circuit board that amplifies and filters the EMG signal, then transmits the signal to an AID converter, after which the digitized signal is transmitted to a computer for further processing of the signal and subsequent display of a signal representative of uterine activity. The system and method provide a more accurate measurement of uterine EMG signals than a tocodynamometer or IUPC, and are useful in predicting delivery or monitoring the patient during post partum uterine activity. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190653 | Surgical Forceps Capable of Adjusting Seal Plate Width Based on Vessel Size - A surgical forceps includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto and an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end of the shaft. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members having opposed seal plates, each of the seal plates having a width. At least one of the jaw members is moveable from an open position to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. A sensing component is configured to determine an output relating to a diameter of tissue or a composition of tissue disposed between the opposed seal plates of the first and second jaw members. An expanding component is configured to expand the width of at least one of the opposed seal plates according to the determined output. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190654 | QUANTIFYING AUTONOMIC TONE WITH THORACIC IMPEDANCE - The disclosure describes techniques for quantifying the autonomic nervous system (ANS) health of a patient with thoracic impedance measurements. Thoracic impedance may be measured utilizing cardiac electrodes and an implantable medical device housing or other electrodes located on or within the patient. Since greater variability in thoracic impedance may indicate better health of the ANS, monitoring impedance changes in a patient may be used to quantify autonomic tone of the ANS, and ultimately, overall patient health. In some examples, thoracic impedance may be measured in response to a change in patient posture for acute monitoring or at predetermined times over several days, weeks, or months for more chronic monitoring of the patient. An implantable medical device may independently analyze the impedance measurements and transmit an alert to the patient or clinician when impedance changes indicate a change in patient health. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190655 | Scanning head including at least two electrodes for impedance measurement, arrangement, and related method - The present invention proposes a scanning head including at least two electrodes, in particular voltage measurement electrodes, for the impedance measurement on a patient's body. It moreover specifies a corresponding arrangement including a scanning head and suitable methods. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190656 | ELECTRODE - An object of the present invention is to provide a microelectrode capable of recording action potentials of nerve cellsneurons as large-amplitude waveforms and being appropriate for multi-channeling. The electrode | 2011-08-04 |
20110190657 | GLAUCOMA COMBINATORIAL ANALYSIS - The subject invention relates to combinatorial analyses of data from two or more diagnostic tests for the detection of eye diseases, simplified interpretation of test results, and assessment of disease stage and rate of change. Of particular interest is to develop combinatorial analyses to improve glaucoma detection and progression rate assessment based on combinations of structural and functional tests. More specifically, approaches are described where data of one or more tests and their normative database are converted to the distribution and scale of another test for further analysis to detect glaucomatous damage; approaches are also described where data of more than one tests are used to assess stage index and rate of change; in addition, methods for displaying the combinatorial analysis results are disclosed. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190658 | PORTABLE SOUND SOURCE REPRODUCING APPARATUS FOR TESTING HEARING ABILITY AND METHOD USING THE SAME - A method of testing hearing ability using a sound source reproducing apparatus, the method comprises outputting at least one test sound representing at least one frequency band, acquiring a response of a testee to a degree of audibility of the at least one test sound, and testing hearing ability of the testee in the at least one frequency band corresponding to each of the at least one test sound, respectively, according to the response of the testee. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190659 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ELECTRODE - A surgical instrument can comprise a first electrode, a second electrode positioned about the first electrode, and a third electrode positioned about the second electrode. In various embodiments, a surgical instrument can comprise a biopsy punch shaft and one or more electrodes mounted to the outside of the shaft. In certain embodiments, a surgical instrument can comprise a cylinder configured to be rolled over a tissue surface wherein electrodes extending from the cylinder can contact and/or penetrate the tissue. In various embodiments, a surgical instrument can comprise at least one rotatable electrode wherein the electrode can be rotated to grasp and pull tissue. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190660 | Biopsy Devices - Tissue biopsy devices having improved safety, adaptability, and firing power and speed. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190661 | Tissue Splitting Biopsy Needle - Tissue splitting biopsy devices and methods use a needle portion and a sheath portion that are configured such as to allow simultaneous sectioning of a tissue to produce two tissue samples with corresponding surfaces using motion of the needle portion relative to the sheath portion. Most preferably, the needle portion has a chisel blade tip and at least two cavities opposite to each other and at the same distance from the tip, while the sheath portion has a sharpened front edge. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190662 | RAPID EXCHANGE FNA BIOPSY DEVICE WITH DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC CAPABILITIES - A device for needle biopsy and delivery of a diagnostic or therapeutic agent is presented. The device includes a handle member having proximal and distal portions. A proximal handle member is disposed to the proximal portion of the handle member and a distal handle member is disposed to the distal portion of the handle member. A sheath lumen is disposed within the handle member and extends from the distal portion of the handle member. A needle housing member is partially disposed to the proximal portion of the handle member and a needle is disposed within the sheath lumen. The needle housing member includes one or more ports for introducing an agent or a device into the housing member. The needle can include an agent or a device disposed at a distal portion thereof. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190663 | Device and kit for collecting body fluids - The present invention provides for a device and a kit for collecting body fluids. The device includes a body fluid collection portion comprising a body fluid absorbing material. The body fluid connecting portion has a free edge and is hingedly connected at the edge opposite to the free edge to a first support panel and a second support panel. A base panel is hingedly connected to the first support panel or the second support panel. In a first folded condition the body fluid collection portion is sandwiched between the first support panel and the second support panel in a substantially face contacting relationship. The device for collecting body fluids is configured to be folded from the first folded condition into a second folded condition, wherein the body fluid collection portion is exposed so that by grasping the device for collecting body fluids by means of a handle formed by the first support panel, the second support panel and optionally the base panel the body fluid collection portion can be inserted into a sample container containing a body fluid to be sampled. Moreover, the device for collecting body fluids is configured to be folded from the second folded condition into a drying or triangle configuration, wherein the first support panel, the second support panel and the base panel form the three sides of a triangle such that the body fluid collection portion is suspended from its hinged connection with the first and second support panels and arranged within the space defined by the first and second support panels and the base panel. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190664 | HIGHLY FLEXIBLE TUBULAR DEVICE FOR MEDICAL USE - The invention relates to an elongated torque tube for use in medical applications. The torque tube comprises an elongated tubular structure having a cylindrical cross section and defining a longitudinal axis and a circumferential axis, the elongated tubular structure including a helical cut having a finite thickness and extending along the length of the elongated tubular structure, the helical cut being oriented along the circumferential axis and including a plurality of flexural units defined by discontinuous cuts aligned with the circumferential axis. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190665 | ELECTRONIC STETHOSCOPE SYSTEM FOR TELEMEDICINE APPLICATIONS - An electronic stethoscope includes a housing configured for hand-held manipulation, a transducer supported by the housing and configured to sense auscultation signals at a first location, and a headset coupled to the housing and configured to deliver audio corresponding to the auscultation signals through earpieces on the headset. The electronic stethoscope further includes a processor disposed in the housing and configured to convert the auscultation signals to first digital signals representative of the auscultation signals and to wirelessly transmit the first digital signals from the electronic stethoscope via a secure digital network to a second location such that the audio corresponding to the auscultation signals is provided to headsets of one or more additional electronic stethoscopes at the second location in substantial real time with the sensing of the auscultation sounds at the first location. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190666 | TONGUE DEPRESSOR WITH A FORCE/PRESSURE SENSING ELEMENT - A body force measurement system for both assessment and therapeutic usage comprising a non-rigid tongue depressor with a force sensing element attached to it and a means of converting the force sensed into quantifiable data. The system provides convenient method for making body force measurements consistent with current clinical practice and without the need for a fixed registration point. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190667 | Method and System for the Derivation of Human Gait Characteristics and Detecting Falls Passively from Floor Vibrations - The gait monitor system and method provides various basic gait parameters including step count, cadence, and step duration, in addition to its ability to distinguish between normal, limping and shuffling gait modes, as well as determine falls. Moreover, this gait monitor may be provided with additional sensors, e.g. beam break at the beginning and end of a corridor to estimate average walking velocity (with the distance between the beams known or determined); this enables the calculation of additional gait characteristics such as average step length and average stride length. These parameters can additionally be used to detect various gait anomalies and other diagnostic information. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190668 | ULTRASOUND NEUROMODULATION OF THE SPHENOPALATINE GANGLION - Disclosed are methods and systems for non-invasive neuromodulation of the Sphenopalatine Ganglion and associated neural structures vidian nerve and/or sphenopalatine nerve using an ultrasound transducer to treat migraine and cluster headaches as well as other indications such as neurologic and psychiatric conditions. Treatment may be unilateral or bilateral. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190669 | ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER FOR A METALLIC CAVITY IMPLANTED MEDICAL DEVICE - Implantable medical devices including an ultrasonic transducer and methods of optimizing an ultrasonic transducer of an implantable medical device are disclosed. The implantable medical device can include a housing, an ultrasonic transducer disposed within an interior of the housing, and a limiting structure configured to constrain deformation of the ultrasonic transducer. The limiting structure can include a separate structure coupled to the housing, or can comprise a resonant portion of the housing itself. During operation, the ultrasonic transducer is configured to communicate at a frequency at or near a resonant frequency of the housing. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190670 | FLUID DISC PUMP WITH SQUARE-WAVE DRIVER - A pump having a substantially cylindrical shape and defining a cavity formed by a side wall closed at both ends by end walls wherein the cavity contains a fluid is disclosed. The pump further comprises an actuator operatively associated with at least one of the end walls to cause an oscillatory motion of the driven end wall to generate displacement oscillations of the driven end wall within the cavity. The pump further comprises a valve for controlling the flow of fluid through the valve. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190671 | Massage and/or Care Device Using a Jet of Droplets - A device for providing massage and/or care by means of a jet of drops of liquid, the device comprising a liquid feed circuit ( | 2011-08-04 |