44th week of 2008 patent applcation highlights part 59 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20080269544 | Snooze Ezz - Snooze Ezz is a device to aid an individual in sleeping while in a seated position. One embodiment of the invention utilizes a chin cup, adjustable straps with hangers, quick release clips and ear pads. Other embodiments of the invention may include earplugs on the adjustable straps. Still other embodiments of the invention may utilize velcro hook and loop arrangements instead of hangers. To use the preferred embodiment of Snooze Ezz, a user would simply attach the hangers to a seatback or other suitable location. He would then slip his head between the adjustable straps and position the chin cup under his chin. The individual can also slip the ear pads and/or earplugs on to block out light or noise. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269545 | Dreamstate programming method and device - Dreaming has been found to occur among mammals almost continuously throughout sleep, and can be influenced by environmental stimuli while taking place, particularly with humans by utilizing recordings of short, simple, and repeated questions in the sleeper's own voice, then played back at preset intervals during the sleepstate; this invention incorporates these factors as a methodology to enhance the homeostatic nature of dreams, more specifically focusing them for the sleeper's immediate and long-term wellbeing. The device employs sonic technology in various formats as a novel governor of nocturnal or naptime information-processing by the brain, permitting the safe and effective resolution of immediate issues as well as concerns from even the distant past; it is contraindicated as a diagnostic or therapeutic aid, without the intent of medical application. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269546 | Self-acting urethral valve - The invention emulates the operation of a healthy urethra by providing a valve with a large differential between the opening pressure and the closing pressure. The differential is achieved by using a snap action created by the action of the urine flow on a force that drops off rapidly with displacement. A preferred way to achieve such as force is by using permanent magnets. The valve is installed simply by insertion into the urethra and can easily be removed. No surgical procedure is involved. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269547 | Adjustable Incontinence Apparatus - In an exemplary embodiment an adjustable urethral sling includes a flexible mesh support having a mesh envelope at a suburethral potion and an expansion chamber within the mesh envelope. A conduit may be provided that extends along the flexible mesh support and that is in fluid communication with the expansion chamber. When installed in a patient the sling may loop under the urethra and out exit sites. An access port may be provided in a subcutaneous pocket and attached to the conduit to allow for remote expansion of the expansion chamber from a desirable location to allow adjustment of the sling with the patient in a standing position. The mesh envelope allows tissue ingrowth around the container so that the container can be expanded for a long period of time after implantation. The expansion chamber may be U-shaped to provide lateral closing pressure to the urethra when expanded. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269548 | DYNAMIC AND ADJUSTABLE SUPPORT DEVICES - The present invention relates generally to dynamic and/or adjustable support devices, methods of providing dynamic and/or adjustable support to target tissues, and kits comprising these devices. These devices may have particular utility in providing support to the urethra. The dynamic support devices generally comprise at least one attachment member for attachment to bodily tissue, and at least one expandable member capable of assuming an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration. The adjustable support devices generally comprise at least one attachment member for attachment to bodily tissue, and at least one shape-changing portion that is capable of assuming first and second configurations, each with different shapes. Additionally, the dynamic support devices may comprise features of the adjustable support devices, and vice versa. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269549 | METHOD, ARTICLE, AND APPARATUS FOR CRYOPRESERVATION OF BIOLOGICAL SAMPLES - Described herein is a method of storing a biological sample, such as a sperm sample, in an elongated container for cryopreservation. Multiple volumes of biological sample may be placed in each elongated container such that each volume of sample is separated from its nearest neighbor by a separation gas. The present invention further relates to an apparatus and method for loading biological samples, such as sperm samples, into an elongated container for cryopreservation of the sample material. The apparatus and method employs drawing the sample into the elongated container such that individual sample volumes are interspaced by gaps of separation gas. This alternating pattern may be created by repeatedly contacting and removing the elongated container from the sample under suction pressure. The apparatus further incorporates the use of a computer to control the volume and number of aliquots as desired. A container according to such methods is also provided. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269550 | Cardiac Apical Suction Device for Cardiac Surgery - A cardiac apical suction device (CASD) for supporting an apical region of a beating heart during off-pump, beating heart surgery. The apparatus consists of an outer frame configured to fit over the apical region of the heart having a flexible inner member. The inner member has an inner surface defining a cavity of select volume sized to receive the apical region of a heart. The inner member further has a peripheral lip sized to make sealing engagement along a contour of the surface of the heart. The inner member and outer frame are connected by an actuation member operative to selectively increasing the volume of the inner cavity. The CASD may be placed over the apical region of a heart such that the peripheral lip forms a sealing engagement with the surface of the heart. Upon operation of the actuation member, the increase in the volume of the inner cavity causes a decrease in the pressure within the inner member, resulting in suction adhesion between the CASD and the surface of the heart. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269551 | STEERABLE LESION EXCLUDING HEART IMPLANTS FOR CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE - Devices, systems, and methods for treating a heart of a patient may make use of one or more implant structures which limit a size of a chamber of the heart, such as by deploying a tensile member to bring a wall of the heart toward (optionally into contact with) a septum of the heart. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269552 | Pelvic floor health articles and procedures - Articles and procedures for preventing or treating vaginal prolapse, urinary incontinence, and other disorders of the pelvic floor. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269555 | Intragastric Balloon With Extraction Reinforcement - An intragastric balloon ( | 2008-10-30 |
20080269556 | ENDOSCOPE WITH FLEXIBLE TIP - An endoscope is provided. The endoscope includes a support body; a shaft mounted to the support body; a micro motor mounted in the support body; a flexible tip mounted to the shaft; and a directional cable. The directional cable is operably coupled to the micromotor at a first end and to the flexible tip at a second end and extends through the shaft. The flexible tip is configured for movement to a plurality of positions relative to the shaft through movement of the directional cable under control of the micro motor. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269557 | Surgical Method Utilizing Transluminal Endoscope and Instruments - A method of transluminal surgery is provided, which utilizes an endoscopic surgery apparatus having pivotable arms attached by hinges on its distal end. The arms are interchangeable with arms of various configurations. The method includes the steps of inserting an endoscopic surgery apparatus into a body cavity of a patient, making an incision in the body cavity wall to allow access to the patient's abdominal cavity, and further inserting the apparatus through the incision. Surgery is performed at the desired surgical site and the apparatus is withdrawn into the body cavity where the incision is closed. Finally, the apparatus is withdrawn from the patient's body. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269558 | ENDOSCOPIC INSTRUMENT - An endoscopic instrument includes: a high-frequency knife for carrying out incisional intervention; a wire having a distal end connected to the high-frequency knife; an outer sheath for allowing the wire to pass therethrough; a main body having a proximal end of the sheath fixed thereto; a first slider, capable of freely sliding on the main body, having the wire fixed thereto; at least a stopper projecting radially outward relative to the wire; a first abutment member making contact with the stopper and regulating distal sliding movement of the wire; and a projection-length-adjusting member, provided in the outer sheath, for regulating proximal sliding movement of the wire by making contact with the stopper. This configuration allows the high-frequency knife to be maintained at different projection lengths based on the stopper making contact with the first abutment member and the stopper making contact with the projection-length-adjusting member. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269559 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM, ENDOSCOPE, SUPPORTING MEMBER, AND METHOD OF USING ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An endoscope system includes: an endoscope including an elongated insertion portion provided with a bendable bending portion, the insertion portion being inserted into a duodenum; and a first balloon to a fourth balloon for moving a one-side surface of a distal end portion located nearer to a distal end side than the bending portion in the insertion portion in parallel with respect to a field of view direction S of an objective lens which is a diameter direction of the insertion portion, separately from bending of the bending portion, the one-side surface being located in a circumferential direction along an insertion direction W of the insertion portion and parallel to a central axis P of the insertion portion. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269560 | MEDICAL APPARATUS - A medical apparatus includes an insertion-section-side body of an endoscope, which serves as a first member, a power unit which serves as a second member having an outer peripheral portion which is surrounded by walls, and having a reception chamber to which the insertion-section-side body is detachably connected, a fluid connection unit which is connected to the insertion-section-side body on an outside of the reception chamber, and a non-fluid connection unit which is connected to the insertion-section-side body on an inside of the reception chamber. Thereby, a medical apparatus is provided, wherein a fluid connection unit for fluid connection of, e.g. air feed and water feed, can be shut off, by a simple structure, from a non-fluid connection unit for non-fluid connection of, e.g. an illumination optical system, a signal line and a driving force system, and the reliability of a water-proof measure is high. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269561 | ENDOSCOPIC IMAGING SYSTEM - An endoscopic imaging system includes a reusable control cabinet having a number of actuators that control the orientation of a lightweight endoscope that is connectable thereto. The endoscope is used with a single patient and is then disposed. The endoscope includes an illumination mechanism, an image sensor and an elongate shaft having one or more lumens located therein. A polymeric articulation joint at the distal end of the endoscope allows the distal end to be oriented by the control cabinet. The endoscope is coated with a hydrophilic coating that reduces its coefficient of friction and because it is lightweight, requires less force to advance it to a desired location within a patient. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269562 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM WITH PIVOTABLE ARMS - An endoscopic surgery apparatus is provided, including a tubular member, a handle located on a proximal end of the tubular member, and one or more pivotable arms detachably connected to a distal end of the tubular member. The tubular member has channels along its longitudinal axis, wherein at least one of the channels is an optical channel and at least one other channel is an illumination channel. The arms have guiding channels adapted to receive surgical tools, which direct the surgical tools. The arms are interchangeable with other arms of different configurations. Also, said arms have an open and a closed position, such that when the arms are in the closed position an opening is defined allowing viewing of a surgical site via the optical channel. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269563 | Illumination light application structure and endoscope provided with the same - An illumination light application structure provided for irradiating an observation object with illumination light in an observation optical apparatus provided with an objective optical system inside a lens barrel whose top is configured into a slender shape, includes a wavelength converting element located in the proximity of a position of an entrance pupil of the objective optical system; a light source emitting light whose wavelength is converted by the wavelength converting element; and an irradiation device irradiating the wavelength converting element with the light emitted from the light source through the objective optical system. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269564 | Surgical retractor system and method - The present invention provides a system and method of retracting tissue during medical procedures. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a blade portion for retracting tissue and a shaft portion coupled thereto. In one embodiment, the shaft portion of the surgical retractor is adapted to engage at least one retaining member. The retaining member may have one or more channels through which the shaft portion may be slidably inserted. In one embodiment, the retaining member provides one or more securing members for receiving at least one elastic member. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269565 | Vaginal Speculum Apparatus - A vaginal speculum apparatus includes a disposable speculum and a releasably attachable illumination assembly. A handle portion of the disposable speculum includes a receiving cavity that is adapted to interchangeably receive either a first or a second illumination assembly. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269566 | ENDOSCOPIC DEVICE - An endoscopic instrument for performing surgical procedures. The instrument includes an elongate member having a distal end for insertion into a patient's body and a proximal end opposite the distal end. The member has a distal portion adjacent the distal end and a central portion adjacent the distal portion. The distal portion has a first mechanical stiffness of a stiffness type selected from a tensile stiffness, a compressive stiffness and/or a bending stiffness. The central portion has a second mechanical stiffness of the stiffness type of the first mechanical stiffness. The first mechanical stiffness is different from the second mechanical stiffness. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269567 | SURGICAL ACCESS DEVICE ASSEMBLY - A surgical access device assembly that allows access to a pathology being treated while significantly reducing the risk of damaging anatomical structures proximate the pathology. The access device assembly includes a base portion having a central bore extending therethrough, and retractor blades pivotably mounted to the base portion. An insertion handle is coupled to the base portion to thread the retractor blades into the patient. The insertion handle is removed from the base portion, and a core hollow screw is threaded into the base portion to separate the retractor blades to gain access to the pathology through the hollow screw. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269568 | METHODS FOR VALIDATING A RADIOTHERAPY PLAN BY A DOSIMETRY SERVICE - Described are various methods for validating a patient's radiotherapy plan. One possible method comprises receiving a dose distribution at a dosimetry service, receiving dose data at the dosimetry service from a radiation detection device at a treatment site removed from the dosimetry service, the data having been gathered in accordance with the dose distribution, and evaluating the dose data in comparison to the dose distribution to prepare a validation report. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269569 | FOLLOW-UP SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES - Individual implantable medical device (IMD) follow-up support unit supports follow-up session for IMD. IMD includes a data input for receiving IMD data which includes an IMD identification code identifying an individual IMD and IMD type, and IMD irregularity messages including data identifying type/date of irregularity, a database for storing IMD, a follow-up history dataset that includes date(s) of latest follow-up session. Includes a data processor that generates a list of irregularities taking place after previous follow-up session, calculate an individual IMD irregularity index for each type of irregularity based on IMD irregularity messages for an individual IMD via IMD identification code, calculate for type of irregularity an average irregularity index over the same irregularity over all IMD irregularity messages associated to the same type of IMD, compare calculated individual IMD irregularity index (IIII) with the calculated average irregularity index (ARI) and generate an indication if IIII significantly differs from the ARI. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269570 | Medical device for delivering drug and/or performing physical therapy - Current methods of delivering drug usually require a certain degree of human intervention. For example, a doctor, a paramedic or a patient is required to inject insulin manually when the blood sugar level becomes low. This invention provides a medical device for use with a patient for performing at least one of the functions of delivering drug and performing physical therapy to the patient. The device of this invention includes a sensor for measuring at least one parameter from the patient, an analyzer for analyzing the parameter to determine appropriate function to be carried out on the patient by said medical device, and at least one actuator to perform at least one of the functions of delivering drug and performing physical therapy. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269571 | REMOTE HEALTH MONITORING SYSTEM - The invention relates generally to remote health monitoring systems, as applied to the field of public health surveillance. In particular, it relates to a multi-user remote health monitoring system that is capable of reliably identifying and collecting data from frontline healthcare providers, laboratory and hospital information systems, patients and healthy individuals in a number of ways, with a view to aid in the field of public health. The system can also be used to query and collect additional information regarding specifics pertaining to the health of the individuals, and for patient tracking, monitoring, and the collection of individual data. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269572 | MULTIPURPOSE HOST SYSTEM FOR INVASIVE CARDIOVASCULAR DIAGNOSTIC MEASUREMENT ACQUISITION INCLUDING AN ENHANCED DYNAMICALLY CONFIGURED GRAPHICAL DISPLAY - The present invention provides a multipurpose host system for processing and displaying invasive cardiovascular diagnostic measurement data. The system includes a an external input signal bus interface. The bus interface receives data arising from cardiovascular diagnostic measurement sensors. Measurement processing components receive data from particular sensor types. Based on the received data, the processing components render diagnostic measurement parameter values. A multi-mode graphical user interface includes display components corresponding to data received from particular sensor types. The user interface provides recommended action prompts that guide a user through a series of actions. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269573 | PROCEDURE AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING A PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETER WITHIN AN INTERNAL ORGAN OF A LIVING BODY - A system and surgical procedure for monitoring physiological parameters within an internal organ of a living body. The procedure entails making a first incision to expose the organ and a second incision through an external wall of the organ and into an internal cavity. A sensing unit is placed in the second incision such that a proximal end thereof remains outside the organ. The unit includes a sensing device having a sensing element for sensing the physiological parameter within the organ, and an anchor to which the sensing device is secured. The unit occludes the second incision and a distal end of the unit does not extend more than one centimeter into the cavity. The anchor is then secured to the wall of the organ, after which the first incision is closed and a readout device telemetrically communicates with the sensing device to obtain a reading of the physiological parameter. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269574 | Diagnosing Peripheral Vascular Disease by Monitoring Oxygen Saturation Changes During a Hyperemia Phase - Peripheral vascular disease is diagnosed through measurements of oxygen saturation. In a specific implementation, peripheral vascular disease is diagnosed based on changes in oxygen saturation in tissue. Ischemia is induced, and then measurements of changes in oxygen saturation in tissue are made. Based on changes in oxygen saturation during a hyperemia phase, a diagnosis is provided of whether a patient has or does not have peripheral vascular disease. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269575 | Method and Apparatus for Monitoring Bodily Analytes - The present invention relates mainly to a method and apparatus for monitoring bodily analytes, such as glucose, by use of an analyzer ( | 2008-10-30 |
20080269576 | Light Source for Fluorescence Diagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy - Disclosed herein is a light source device for fluorescence diagnosis and photodynamic therapy comprising: a plurality of light source means having a wavelength range different from each other and providing selected light; a light path coupling means coupling light emitted from the light source means to the incident direction of a light guide; a filtering means selectively transmitting the emitted light based on the wavelength; and a switching device that is directed to an opening/closing means, established at a long distance to be controlled by a remote control device and selecting the kinds of light sources of the light source means to change the modes of the light. Accordingly, the device simplifies the configuration by excluding elements causing errors in the process of fluorescence diagnosis in the diagnostic region. Moreover, the light source device for fluorescence diagnosis and photodynamic therapy couples the light emitted from a combined light source to provide a sufficient light strength in the visible light region, thus improving the illumination quality to increase the accuracy of the diagnosis and further improving the therapeutic efficiency. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269577 | INSTRUMENT FOR MEASURING CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING OF HUMANS USING IN VIVO NIRS TECHNOLOGY - Spectral, frequency based non-invasive procedure for determination of blood constituents utilizing in vivo NIRS (Near-Infrared Spectrum) technology, which is the measurement of the near-infrared absorption spectrum within a region of the living human body for the purpose of identifying tissue and blood components and their concentrations and more particularly to novel applications and methodology for determining the optical response, measurements and calculations relating to the concentrations of individual chromophores in the bloodstream and particularly to the level of CO chromophores in the tissues of an animal or human being. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269578 | Method for Detecting an Analyte Within the Body of a Patient or an Animal - The invention relates to a method for detecting an analyte within tissue of a patient or an animal. In the laboratory medicine it is often necessary to determine the amount of analytes within body fluids such as blood. For that purpose a blood withdrawal is carried out by experienced medical personnel, and the blood is analysed in the laboratory. This ex-vivo measurement of analytes is uncomfortable for the patient. Moreover, there is an unwanted delay between the blood withdrawal and the time at which the measurement values are obtained from the laboratory. In order to avoid these disadvantages it is suggested to detect analytes | 2008-10-30 |
20080269579 | System for Monitoring Changes in an Environmental Condition of a Wearer of a Removable Apparatus - A system for detecting at least one of an environmental condition and a physical condition of a user, the system including a removable apparatus that may be placed in contact with the user when a change in at least one environmental condition is expected, a probe as part of the removable apparatus for detecting the change in the at least one environmental condition, a power source as part of the removable apparatus for powering the probe, a monitoring unit, and a communication system for communicating between the removable apparatus and the remote monitoring unit. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269580 | System for Non-Invasive Measurement of Bloold Glucose Concentration - A system and method for non-invasive measurement of glucose concentration in a live subject including a thermal emission spectroscopy (TES) device | 2008-10-30 |
20080269581 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING BLOOD VOLUME - In one aspect, a conductance catheter is provided for measuring the volume of a fluid. The conductance catheter comprises a series of electrodes and a circuit to compensate for variations in sensitivity of the electrodes in the catheter. In another aspect, a resistivity sensor is provided for determining the resistivity of a fluid. The sensor comprises a series of electrodes spaced such that the total distance between endmost electrodes does not exceed the diameter of the catheter deploying the sensor. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269582 | Methods and devices for surgical drains with sensors - The present invention is directed to a system and method for postoperative monitoring of the condition of a tissue or organ utilizing sensors that may be embedded in various types of surgical drains. The system is comprised of a probe and a monitoring unit. The probe may include a surgical drain with fluid draining channels housing one or more sensors to measure various parameters of the adjacent tissue. The monitoring unit which controls the sensors of the probe may include a processor to process, record and display the measured parameters. This system may be valuable for monitoring transplanted organs and tissue grafts during the critical postoperative period when most of the clinical complications, such as vascular thrombosis, may occur. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269583 | Detection and Monitoring of Stress Events During Sleep - A computer-implemented method for monitoring a patient ( | 2008-10-30 |
20080269584 | Devices for Continuous Measurement of Glucose in Body Fluid - A device for monitoring a constituent of body fluid continuously or repeatedly over a time period includes a body fluid sampling system and an optical sensor arrangement. The sampling system has a pumping arrangement which pumps body fluid from a cannula to a fluid sink. The optical sensor determines a concentration of at least one constituent of the body fluid. The pumping arrangement preferably ejects drops of body fluid from a fine nozzle. According to certain embodiments, optical sensor arrangements ensure that the optical paths do not pass through surfaces wetted by the fluid to be examined. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269585 | System for determining insulin dose using carbohydrate to insulin ratio and insulin sensitivity factor - An apparatus and method are provided for determining a patient's carbohydrate to insulin ratio (CIR) and insulin sensitivity factor (ISF), and using these values, along with values for current blood glucose level and deviation from target blood glucose level, for determining insulin dose in view of carbohydrate intake during a particular time period. The apparatus and method employ algorithms that can be implemented in any of a personal computer, personal data assistant, hand held computing device, blood glucose monitor, infusion pump, medication delivery pen, meter, calculator, among other therapeutic, diagnostic or informational devices used for managing a patient's blood glucose levels. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269586 | ELECTROPORATION TO INTERRUPT BLOOD FLOW - A method for disrupting blood flow to undesirable tissue such as cells of a cancerous or non-cancerous tumor is disclosed. It involves the placement of electrodes into or near the vicinity of vessels supplying blood to the undesirable tissue and through the application of electrical pulses causing blood flow disruption. The electric pulses irreversibly permeate the cell membranes, thereby invoking cell death. The irreversibly permeabilized cells are left in situ and are removed by the body immune system. The process may further comprise monitoring blood flow and/or infusion of a material such as a chemotherapeutic agent or marker into the blood. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269587 | PROCESS AND DEVICE FOR MONITORING THE STATUS OF THE BODY FLUIDS OF A PERSON - A process and a device are provided for monitoring the status of the body fluids of a person. The device includes a piece of clothing with ventilating ducts, a first temperature sensor ( | 2008-10-30 |
20080269588 | Intraoperative Image Registration - A system to allow registration of a patient to image space is disclosed. The registration can be performed without touching a plurality of fiducial points on the patient or in the image data. The registration process can eliminate manual steps of image to patient registration and image to image registration. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269589 | Apparatus for the Detection of Heart Activity - The invention relates to heart measurement and heart monitoring, in particular the measurement of mechanical heart activity, and includes a method and apparatus to using doppler radar to transmit an electromagnetic signal of a certain frequency into, and detect a reflected signal from out of, the chest of the individual, to processing the detected signal to produce an output signal representing the rate of change of the doppler signal associated with the reflected signal and to identify from the output signal a group of at least one characteristic point of the output signal, and further to calculate at least one parameter representative of heart activity, this calculation based on the at least one identified characteristic point. The apparatus provides a system for monitoring which is particularly suitable for use in the home and which does not require repeated use of impedance cardiograms which are inappropriate for use by untrained personnel. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269590 | MEDICAL INSTRUMENT FOR PERFORMING A MEDICAL INTERVENTION - A medical instrument for performing a medical intervention on a body region is provided. The medical instrument includes a sensor for recording tissue parameters of a body region to be treated using measuring techniques. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269591 | BAND STOP FILTER EMPLOYING A CAPACITOR AND AN INDUCTOR TANK CIRCUIT TO ENHANCE MRI COMPATIBILITY OF ACTIVE MEDICAL DEVICES - A band stop filter is provided for a lead wire of an active medical device (AMD). The band stop filter includes a capacitor in parallel with an inductor. The parallel capacitor and inductor are placed in series with the lead wire of the AMD, wherein values of capacitance and inductance are selected such that the band stop filter is resonant at a selected frequency. The Q of the inductor may be relatively maximized and the Q of the capacitor may be relatively minimized to reduce the overall Q of the band stop filter to attenuate current flow through the lead wire along a range of selected frequencies. In a preferred form, the band stop filter is integrated into a TIP and/or RING electrode for an active implantable medical device. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269592 | Method for Diagnosis of Functional Lung Illnesses - In a method for diagnosing functional lung illnesses, image exposures of the lungs are obtained at various phase points in time of the respiration of a subject, such as at maximum inhalation and maximum expiration, and the image exposures are segmented and at least two of the image exposures are compared on a segment-by-segment basis to identify a change in tissue density between the compared segments, as an indicator of lung functioning. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269593 | Method of integrated proton beam and therapeutic magnetic resonance therapy - A method of therapeutic treatment including the steps of modulated application of a time domain radiation beam to a therapeutic target; and providing a time domain application of a modulated magnetic resonance (MR) signal to the therapeutic target during the periods of application out-of-phase with energy peaks of the radiation beam. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269594 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR IMAGE ALIGNMENT FOR COMBINED POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY (PET) AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI) SCANNER - A phantom and method are provided for co-registering a magnetic resonance image and a nuclear medical image. The phantom includes a first housing defining a first chamber configured to receive a magnetic resonance material upon which magnetic resonance imaging can be performed in order to produce the magnetic resonance image. The phantom also includes three or more second housings configured to be attached to the first housing, where the second housings each define a second chamber configured to receive a radioactive material upon which nuclear imaging can be performed in order to produce the nuclear medical image and upon which the magnetic imaging can be performed in order to produce the magnetic resonance image. The first chamber has a volumetric capacity that is larger than a volumetric capacity of each second chamber. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269595 | Mapping of Vascular Perfusion Territories - Techniques, systems computer program products are disclosed for mapping of vascular perfusion territories by placing one or more blood vessels of the vascular perfusion territories in a tag condition and others in a control condition by applying a train of pseudo-continuous radio frequency tagging pulses. In addition, an encoding scheme is applied to fully invert or relax the blood vessels of the vascular perfusion territories. Also, a tagging efficiency is measured for each blood vessel based on the applied encoding scheme. Further, the vascular perfusion territories are separated by using the measured tagging efficiency in a decoding process. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269596 | Orthpaedic Monitoring Systems, Methods, Implants and Instruments - Orthopaedic operating systems, operating rooms, computer aided surgical methods, trackable implants, instruments and surgical planning and IGS software applications are described. The integrated surgical system is for use in an orthopaedic operating room to enable a surgeon to carry out a computer aided surgical procedure on a subject. A subject support, wireless magnetic tracking system, registration system, at least a first display device, a control system and a surgeon interface operable by the surgeon to control operation of the plurality of parts of the integrated surgical system are provided. The method comprises determining the position of at least a first marker being wirelessly tracked by a wireless magnetic tracking system, registering the position of the body part of the subject with an image of the body part of the subject, displaying a registered image of the body part of the subject and at least an image representative of an implant, and receiving a command from a surgeon interface operable by the surgeon. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269597 | Gauze or the Like Having a Device for its Detection at a Distance - A gauze or other material for surgical use comprising at least one presence detection device for remotely identifying said gauze or other material for surgical use. The presence detection device can be a radio-opaque element or can be activated by a radio-frequency or a magnetic signal. It can be provided with a chip, an antenna and a memory. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269598 | Identifying Abnormal Tissue in Images of Computed Tomography - An imaging method for identifying abnormal tissue in the lung is provided, comprising the recording of slice images of the lung by means of X-ray radiation, recording of blood vessels, differentiation of blood vessels and abnormal tissue, segmentation of the abnormal tissue and display of the segmented abnormal tissue on an output device. In addition, a computer tomograph for identifying abnormal tissue in the lung is provided, having a radiation source for recording slice images of the lung and blood vessels by means of X-ray radiation, a computer unit for differentiating the blood vessels from the abnormal tissue and for segmenting the abnormal tissue, as well as an output device for displaying the segmented abnormal tissue. Furthermore, a computer program is provided for controlling a computer tomograph for an identification of abnormal tissue in the lung by means of a radiation source, designed to record slice images of the lung and blood vessels by means of X-ray radiation, to differentiate the blood vessels from abnormal tissue, to segment the abnormal tissue and to control an output device for displaying the abnormal tissue. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269599 | Method for Performing Multiple Registrations in a Navigated Procedure - A system can be used to navigate or guide an instrument or device into an anatomy of a patient. The navigation can occur with the use of image data acquired of the patient. The image data can be registered to the patient space for navigation. Registration can occur more than once to increase efficiency and speed of the procedure. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269600 | Flexible Array For Use In Navigated Surgery - A system can be used to determine a position of a structure in physical space. The system can include a flexible member, such as a drape, cloth, sheet, etc. that can include one or more trackable devices associated therewith. The trackable devices can be incorporated into the weave of a woven cloth or the matrix of a polymer member. The trackable devices can be used within a tracking system to determine the location of the trackable devices. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269601 | FIDUCIAL MARKER WITH RINGS - An interstitial marker for the location of one of an organ, tumor and tumor bed within a mammalian body includes a plurality of rings having an inner diameter and a ribbon positioned within the inner diameters of the plurality of rings. The plurality of rings may be of the same material or different materials. The materials are visible under different imaging modalities. The ribbon similarly may be of a material visible under various imaging modalities. Tips are attached to the ribbon to hold the rings in place. Alternatively, one or more of the rings may be attached to the ribbon. A helical coil may also be used in connection with a central ribbon for improved imaging. A plurality of coils, of the same material or different materials, may be positioned on a ribbon for a marker. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269602 | Method And Apparatus For Performing A Navigated Procedure - A system can be used to navigate or guide an instrument or device into an anatomy of a patient. The navigation can occur with the use of image data acquired of the patient. The image data can be registered to the patient space for navigation. Also, one or more coils can be used for tracking or localization. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269603 | SITE MARKER VISIBLE UNDER MULTIPLE MODALITIES - Various embodiments of a site marker are disclosed that comprise a body portion and a marker element. The body portion is constructed of a bioabsorbable material and defines at least one cavity therein. The marker element is captured within one of the cavities. The marker element is constructed of a material that may be imaged under at least one imaging modality. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269604 | Ultrasound Calibration and Real-Time Quality Assurance Based on Closed Form Formulation - Disclosed is a system and method for intra-operatively spatially calibrating an ultrasound probe. The method includes determining the relative changes in ultrasound images of a phantom, or high-contrast feature points within a target volume, for three different ultrasound positions. Spatially calibrating the ultrasound probe includes measuring the change in position and orientation of the probe and computing a calibration matrix based on the measured changes in probe position and orientation and the estimated changes in position and orientation of the phantom. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269605 | ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND IMAGE DISPLAY METHOD THEREOF - A generation unit generates data of a plurality of images whose scan time is different on the basis of an output of the probe. A calculation unit calculates a plurality of index values related to pressure of the probe against the tested body on the basis of a physical quantity changing with the strength of the pressure. A specifying unit specifies a first image, which corresponds to a first index value of the plurality of calculated index values, and a second image, which corresponds to a second index value, among the plurality of generated images. A display unit displays the specified first and second images side by side. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269606 | Method of Displaying Elastic Image and Diagnostic Ultrasound System - To carry out objective or definitive diagnosis on the basis of an elastic image regardless of experience and proficiency, a method of displaying an elastic image includes the steps of measuring ultrasound cross-section data of a cross-section region of a subject by applying pressuring to the subject, determining a physical value correlating with the elasticity of tissue in the cross-section region on the basis of the ultrasound cross-section data, generating an elastic image of the cross-section region on the basis of the physical value and displaying the elastic image on a display device, determine compression state information relating to the compression state of the cross-section region on the basis of the pressure applied to the subject, and displaying the compression state information together with the elastic image on the display device. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269607 | Ultrasonic Treatment Apparatus - An ultrasonic treatment apparatus includes a trace and follow computing unit | 2008-10-30 |
20080269608 | Non-Invasive Treatment of Fascia - Various methods and devices for minimally invasive treatment and prevention of conditions of the fascia are provided. In one aspect, a method includes providing an acoustic wave source effective to deliver a focused acoustic wave to a target site within a patient's body, and focusing an acoustic wave through a patient's skin such that at least one location in the patient's fascia is fenestrated in a desired pattern. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269609 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TRACKING BLOOD FLOW AND DETERMINING PARAMETERS OF BLOOD FLOW - Provided herein is a method for use in medical applications that permits (1) affordable three-dimensional imaging of blood flow using a low-profile easily-attached transducer pad, (2) real-time blood-flow vector velocity, and (3) long-term unattended Doppler-ultrasound monitoring in spite of motion of the patient or pad. The pad and associated processor collects and Doppler processes ultrasound blood velocity data in a three dimensional region through the use of a planar phased array of piezoelectric elements. The invention locks onto and tracks the points in three-dimensional space that produce the locally maximum blood velocity signals. The integrated coordinates of points acquired by the accurate tracking process is used to form a three-dimensional map of blood vessels and provide a display that can be used to select multiple points of interest for expanded data collection and for long term continuous and unattended blood flow monitoring. The three dimensional map allows for the calculation of vector velocity from measured radial Doppler. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269610 | Method and apparatus for automatic optimization of scanning parameters for ultrasound imaging - An ultrasonic probe has transducer elements for transmitting and receiving ultrasound signals to form an ultrasound image. An optimization module receives a first scanning depth based on the ultrasound image and determines a first transmit pattern and receive filter settings based on the first scanning depth. The first transmit pattern and the receive filter settings are used to acquire the ultrasound image. Transmit and receive circuitry transmit and receive the ultrasound signals based on the first transmit pattern | 2008-10-30 |
20080269611 | Flow characteristic imaging in medical diagnostic ultrasound - Flow is characterized in medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging. The flow information over time for each spatial location may be broken down into component parts using Fourier analysis. For example, the average or steady state component of the flow at each location may be determined and used for imaging. The first harmonic may likewise be used. Imaging using one or more component parts of the flow information over time may provide diagnostically useful information. In addition or independently, the flow information may be analyzed to identify a vortex. The vortex characteristics may provide diagnostically useful information. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269612 | ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS - A transmission wave corresponding to an FM continuous wave having been subjected to an FM modulation processing is transmitted from a transmitting transducer | 2008-10-30 |
20080269613 | Versatile Breast Ultrasound Scanning - Versatile ultrasound scanning of a breast is described using an apparatus ( | 2008-10-30 |
20080269614 | CAPACITIVE MICROMACHINED ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER (cMUT) DEVICE AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME - A capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (cMUT) device, comprising: a cMUT formed on a semiconductor substrate; a DC high-voltage generation unit that is provided on the semiconductor substrate and that is for generating a DC high-voltage signal to be superposed on a driving signal for the cMUT; a driving signal generation unit that is provided on the semiconductor substrate and that is for generating the driving signal; and a superposition unit that is provided on the semiconductor substrate and that is for branching the DC high-voltage signal output from the DC high-voltage generation unit and for superposing one of the branched DC high-voltage signals on the other of the branched DC high-voltage signals via the driving signal generation unit. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269615 | TRANSDUCER WITH MULTIPLE RESONANT FREQUENCIES FOR AN IMAGING CATHETER - A single transducer element that is capable of oscillation at a plurality of natural resonant frequencies may be used in an ultrasonic imaging catheter assembly including a catheter body configured to be inserted and guided through the vascular system of a living being, a lumen and a rotatable imaging core adapted to pass through the lumen, the imaging core including a flexible drive-shaft. Because the transducer element is capable of oscillation at a plurality of natural resonant frequencies, a user can switch from one frequency to another in order to improve the depth of field or resolution without having to switch out the catheter or imaging core. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269616 | MIR SPECTROSCOPY OF TISSUE - Disclosed are methods of determining long-term deposition pattern of a compound in tissue. The following steps can be followed: placing tissue against a receptor; directing mid-infrared electromagnetic radiation onto the tissue; quantifying the electromagnetic radiation that is reflected from the tissue to obtain a reflected amount; using a calibration equation to calculate the concentration of a compound from the reflected amount; and using the concentration of the compound to evaluate presence of a clinical condition in the tissue. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269617 | Absorption and Scattering Map Reconstruction For Optical Fluorescence Tomography - Optical fluorescence tomography is a highly sensitive method to image contrast agents in the body. However, current reconstruction methods suffer from a high complexity or even instability. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method for absorption/scattering map reconstruction for optical fluorescence tomography may be provided, which uses a spectral model. This may provide for a subsequent fluorescence reconstruction with improved image quality. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269618 | Non-Invasive In-Situ Detection Of Malignant Skin Tissue And Other Abnormalities Using Laser Plasma Spectroscopy - Disclosed is a system and method for a non-invasive method for determining the presence or absence of cancerous cells in the skin and deeper tissue levels. The system includes a portable handheld laser coupled with a spectroscopy system to produce real-time material analysis of the presence of cancerous cells without sample preparation. The system focuses a high peak power laser pulse onto a targeted material to produce a laser spark or micro-plasma. Elemental line spectra emission is created, collected and analyzed by a spectrophotometer. The line spectra emission data is quickly displayed on a laptop computer. “Eye-safe” Class I lasers provide for practical in-situ laser plasma spectroscopy applications such as detection of cancerous skin tissues. The emission data can be used to detect changes in the levels of a series of elements that are associated with cancerous cells versus normal skin cells. The system also finds use during excisional biopsy procedures to ensure that all cancerous cells have been removed. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269619 | Method and Means for Measuring Systolic Blood Pressure in the Ankle - A flexible pad for measuring systolic ankle blood pressure comprises two or more pairs of light emitting diodes and photo detectors. The pairs are disposed in parallel. The detectors are adapted for detecting light emitted by the respective diode into tissue and reflected from there. The pad further comprises conductor means for providing power to the light emitting diodes from a power source and means selected from conducting means and wireless means for putting the detectors in communication with electronic equipment for detector signal analysis. Also disclosed is the combination of the pad and an inflatable cuff, and a method for measuring systolic ankle blood pressure. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269620 | Diagnosing Peripheral Vascular Disease by Monitoring Oxygen Saturation Changes During an Accumulation Phase - Peripheral vascular disease is diagnosed through measurements of oxygen saturation. In a specific implementation, peripheral vascular disease is diagnosed based on changes in oxygen saturation in tissue. Ischemia is induced, and measurements of changes in oxygen saturation in tissue are made. Based on changes in oxygen saturation during an accumulation phase, a diagnosis is provided of whether a patient has or does not have peripheral vascular disease. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269621 | Diagnosing Peripheral Vascular Disease by Monitoring Oxygen Saturation Changes During an Ischemia Phase - Peripheral vascular disease is diagnosed through measurements of oxygen saturation. In a specific implementation, peripheral vascular disease is diagnosed based on changes in oxygen saturation in tissue. Ischemia is induced, and then measurements of changes in oxygen saturation in tissue are made. Based on changes in oxygen saturation during the induced ischemia phase, a diagnosis is provided of whether a patient has or does not have peripheral vascular disease. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269622 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR DETECTION OF CONTEXT WHEN ADDRESSING A MEDICAL CONDITION OF A PATIENT - Methods and devices detect context related to a patient when monitoring a physiological condition of the patient and/or when applying one or more modes of therapy. The context may be a patient context such as posture or an environmental context such as ambient conditions. The context may be used in various ways in relation to the physiological measurement, such as to control when the physiological measurements are made, to appropriately flag physiological measurements, to be recorded in association with the physiological measurements, and/or to correct the physiological measurements based on a reference context. A device such as a beacon transmitter is used in detecting the context and a measurement device such as an implantable cardiovascular device is used to capture the physiological measurements. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269623 | METALLIZATION WITH TAILORABLE COEFFICIENT OF THERMAL EXPANSION - The present invention is directed to an interconnect for an implantable medical device. The interconnect includes a pad and a first layer introduced over the pad. At least one of the pad or the first layer comprise a negative coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) material. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269624 | MORPHOLOGY BASED ARRHYTHMIA DETECTION - A medical device system and associated method sample an EGM signal over a processing window having a predetermined time duration. A number of morphology metrics are determined from the sampled EGM signal, and a heart rhythm is detected in response to the morphology metrics without determining depolarization intervals. The morphology metrics include metrics determined from a slope signal derived from the EGM signal in one embodiment. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269625 | PREDICTION AND MONITORING OF CLINICAL EPISODES - A method is provided for predicting an onset of an asthma attack. The method includes sensing at least one parameter of a subject without contacting or viewing the subject or clothes the subject is wearing, and predicting the onset of the asthma attack at least in part responsively to the sensed parameter. Also provided is a method for predicting an onset of an episode associated with congestive heart failure (CHF), including sensing at least one parameter of a subject without contacting or viewing the subject or clothes the subject is wearing, and predicting the onset of the episode at least in part responsively to the sensed parameter. Other embodiments are also described. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269626 | FALSE POSITIVE REDUCTION IN SPO2 ATRIAL FIBRILLATION DETECTION USING AVERAGE HEART RATE AND NIBP - The method and system includes detecting atrial fibrillation in a patient by monitoring the blood oxygen saturation level over a period of time. The method and system produces a plethysmographic waveform from the monitored blood oxygen saturation level and analyzes the plethysmographic waveform and detected intervals and determines whether the patient is in atrial fibrillation. The method and system is preferably implemented in a software application and may be configured to report to the user on the current state of atrial fibrillation (AFIB) and a current trend. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269627 | Method and Apparatus for Sensing Improvement Using Pressure Data - Method and apparatus for sensing improvement using pressure data. The method and apparatus may be used in an implantable medical device to confirm that an EGM event signifies a true mechanical cardiac activity and not just electrical oversensing. The mechanical activity may be used to create a mechanical marker channel in the implantable medical device. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269628 | Denoising and Artifact Rejection for Cardiac Signal in a Sensis System - A method and apparatus for denoising and rejecting artifacts from cardiac signals, having the steps of accepting a cardiac signal from a patient, subjecting the cardiac signal from the patient to a frequency band width controllable choke to separate the cardiac signal into predefined frequencies, filtering each of the predefined frequencies to remove dynamic common noise, joining each of the predefined frequencies into a cardiac signal without the dynamic common noise, and providing a feedback control to the filtering of each of the predefined frequencies. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269629 | Multimodal therapeutic and feedback system - The generation of alpha waves in a mammalian subject may be stimulated through a process of measuring a wave-from produced by the electrical activity of the subject's brain, analyzing the wave-form to determine changes in its frequency, and delivering audio and visual stimulation to the subject, each at a rate selected to vary the frequency of the wave-form until any alpha state is achieved. The rate may be selected by the subject, by a therapist, or may be varied automatically through a feedback mechanism. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269630 | Seizure prediction - Seizure prediction systems and methods include measuring impedance and a potential within a brain of a patient to determine whether the brain is in a state indicative of a possibility of seizure. In some embodiments, at least one of the measured impedance or the measured potential may be used as a primary indication of the brain state indicative of a possibility of seizure. In one embodiment, if one of the measured impedance or the measured potential indicates a seizure, the other measurement (impedance or potential) may be used to validate whether the brain is in the state indicative of the possibility of seizure. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269631 | Seizure prediction - Seizure prediction systems and methods include measuring impedance within a brain of a patient to determine whether the brain is in a state indicative of a possibility of an onset of a seizure. In some embodiments, the measured impedance is compared to a predetermined threshold in order to determine whether the brain is in a state indicative of a possibility of a seizure. In other embodiments, a trend of the impedance measurements is correlated to a template. In other embodiments, a frequency component of a waveform of the impedance measurement amplitudes over time is correlated to frequency components of a template waveform. Upon detecting a state in which a seizure is likely to occur, a seizure indicator may be generated, which, in some embodiments, may be used to activate therapy delivery to the patient or, in other embodiments, activate an alarm. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269632 | Systems and Methods for Analyzing and Assessing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - Embodiments of the invention can provide systems and methods for analyzing and assessing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by integrating the use of electroencephalography (EEG), and ADHD diagnostic and assessment tools, such as an ADHD rating scale. Embodiments of the invention can provide some or all of the following improvements over conventional systems and methods, including: (1) Increased sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy; (2) Improved detection of ADHD; and (3) Distinguishing subjects with ADHD from subjects with a different disorder but having ADHD-like symptoms, such as attention and behavior symptoms similar to ADHD. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269633 | Sonification of Level of Consciousness of a Patient - The level of consciousness of a patient (i.e. the hypnotic state and/or the level of anaesthesia) is represented aurally. A measure of the patient's level of consciousness, such as the BIS index value, is obtained, and an audio signal is synthesized from that measure, and then output through a speaker. Both the volume and pitch of the audio signal may vary according to the BIS value being represented, so that a clinician can obtain an indication of the level of consciousness of the patient simply by listening to the sonification of the BIS value. The audio signal may comprise first and second audio components, with the first component representing the previous measure and the second component representing the current measure. The amplitude or pitch of the audio signal may be modulated to represent analgesia or paralysis of the patient. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269634 | Deformity correction using neural integrity monitoring - A method is provided for detecting neural interference between a bone anchor and a neural element during or subsequent to the application of force on the bone anchor to adjust the orientation of one or more vertebral bodies relative to the spinal column. The method includes engaging at least one bone anchor to the vertebral body and applying force to the bone anchor to adjust the positioning or orientation of the vertebral body. A nerve monitoring system provides an electrical signal and is operable to detect a neural element and its proximity to the bone anchor as a function of a characteristic of the electrical signal. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269635 | Minimally Invasive Allergy Testing System - An allergy testing system includes encapsulated allergens, a microneedle array, and an activation system coupled to the microneedle array and the encapsulated allergens such that the encapsulated allergens are moved into contact with a subject as the microneedle array is moved from a resting position to a penetrating position. A method for determining a degree of reaction to one or more allergens by a patient in a minimally invasive manner is also disclosed. Penetration of one or more microneedles into a skin of the patient is caused. Each of the penetrations into the skin is exposed with an allergen from each of the one or more microneedles. One or more images are captured of each of the penetrations into the skin. Each of the captured images are analyzed to assess the degree of reaction to the specific allergen. Allergic reactivity data is output for at least one of the allergens. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269636 | System for and Method of Conveniently and Automatically Testing the Hearing of a Person - System and method for conducting a hearing test that is accessible to a mass market of individuals with potential hearing loss. The hearing test is stored on a centrally located computer ( | 2008-10-30 |
20080269637 | Microdissection Method and Microdissection System - In a microdissection method and a microdissection system, first and second objects are transported from a preparation to first and second collection devices, respectively, so that a position of the second collection device relative to the first collection device substantially corresponds to a position of the second object relative to the first object in the preparation. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269638 | Medical Instrument - Medical instruments and methods of using the instruments are described. In some embodiments, a medical instrument includes a housing, a stylet having a portion in the housing, a movable first member in the housing, the movable member being connected to the stylet, and a second member located in the housing to reduce movement of the first member. The second member is configured to change movement of the first member from a first direction to a second direction different than the first direction. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269639 | Device for obtaining bodily fluids for analysis - A lancing device for piercing skin to obtain a bodily fluid, such as blood, for testing has an electrically activated actuator, such as a shape memory alloy or electro-active polymer, that changes shape upon the application of electrical energy to advance and withdraw the lancing element. The lancing device operates when the actuator changes shape to advance a lancing element to pierce the skin when the actuator changes shape, delaying the lancing element tip near the advanced position to allow fluid to flow into the lancing tip, withdrawing the lancing element to remove the lancing element form the skin when the actuator again changes shape. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269640 | Appliance for Recording Diagnostic Values in the Body - In an appliance for recording diagnostic values in the body, with at least one sensor element that is assigned to a housing, the housing is intended to be able to be implanted with the at least one sensor element. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269641 | METHOD OF USING A GUIDEWIRE WITH STIFFENED DISTAL SECTION - A method of treating a vascular condition includes inserting at least one locally stiffened guidewire into a vessel, advancing a distal section of the guidewire to a position adjacent a treatment site and providing a stiffening portion of the distal section to a location adjacent the treatment site. The method further includes disposing a delivery catheter over the inserted guidewire, advancing a distal portion of the delivery catheter to the treatment site, the distal portion carrying at least one stent and deploying the stent at the treatment site. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269642 | ANGLE INDICATOR FOR CAPSULAR BAG SIZE MEASUREMENT - Implantation of an accommodating intraocular lens in an eye may require the accurate measurement of the size, circumference, or diameter of the capsular bag of the eye. After the natural crystalline lens has been surgically removed, a flexible ring may be temporarily or permanently inserted into the capsular bag for measuring the circumference of the capsular bag. The ring is generally compressible to fit through a surgical incision, then expands to fill the capsular bag along an equatorial region. The ring has a central component that changes shape as the ring is compressed. The shape change is generally correlated to the size of the capsular bag and may be measured visually or with a camera through the cornea, the measurement being generally independent of corneal magnification. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269643 | Methods and devices for ostium measurement - Devices and methods for accurately determining the size of an ostium of a patient and in particular sinus ostium. Methods for measuring a target ostium comprise inserting the distal end portion of an ostium measuring device into a patient, locating the target ostium with the measuring device, positioning the distal end portion of the measuring device appropriately adjacent to or into the target ostium and determining the diameter(s) of the target ostium by comparing the length, diameter and/or the circumference of the portion of the distal end portion of the measuring device adjacent to or within the target ostium. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269644 | Precision Athletic Aptitude and Performance Data Analysis System - Systems and methods provide collection and analysis of athletic and other human performance and related environmental data. The systems include performance and environmental measurement hardware and data collection and analysis software. Data can be collected in various ways including one of several standardized precision athletic tests. Certification of performance data is provided if environmental data and performance measurement hardware status satisfy preset limits. Performance data can be normalized based on non-standard environmental conditions. The systems and methods establish baseline indications of athletic ability, predict athletic potential for specific sports and team positions, compares individuals to others and to norms, tracks athletic progress, specifies tailored training programs for athletic improvement for specific sports and team positions, provides visual data and analysis, and aids training, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. | 2008-10-30 |
20080269645 | Devices that Monitor Penetration of an Instrument in an Anatomical Structure - A device to monitor penetration of an instrument in an anatomical structure including at least two electrodes, a source of current supplying the at least two electrodes, and means for measuring impedance between the electrodes, wherein the electrodes are located on the penetration instrument, wherein the first electrode has a contact surface coinciding with a distal surface of the penetration instrument and the second electrode has a contact surface coinciding with a lateral surface of the penetration instrument, and wherein the contact surfaces are dimensioned to have a coinciding and constant contact surface as a function of a degree of penetration of the penetration instrument in the anatomical structure. | 2008-10-30 |