44th week of 2011 patent applcation highlights part 49 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20110270043 | AIR MOVEMENT ENERGY HARVESTING WITH WIRELESS SENSORS - A system and method for generating power when one or more motion sensitive structures are moved via airflow. The system may include one or more sensing components which, acting alone or in combination, are capable of generating data related to one or more physiological parameters. The system may also include wireless communication circuitry capable of wirelessly transmitting the data related to the one or more physiological parameters. Furthermore, at least one of the one or more sensing components or the wireless communication circuitry may be at least partially powered, directly or indirectly, by the one or more motion sensitive structures when acted upon by airflow. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270044 | SURGERY PLANNING BASED ON PREDICTED RESULTS - A method for planning a current medical procedure to be performed on a body part of a current patient includes obtaining a current first representation of a surface of the body part of the current patient, and either obtaining a representation of a desired result surface for the current medical procedure or selecting parameters for the current medical procedure. The method further includes retrieving at least one best matching record from a database of records of previously performed medical procedures of previous patients, based on a similarity criterion. Each record includes: parameters of a previously performed procedure of the previously performed medical procedures, a first representation of the body part of the previous patient prior to performance of the previously performed procedure, and a second representation of a body part of the previous patient after the performance of the previously performed procedure. The method further includes determining parameters of the current medical procedure based on the parameters of the retrieved record, or generating a representation of a predicted result for the current medical procedure on the body part of the current patient based on the retrieved record. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270045 | MICROPROCESSOR CONTROLLED AMBULATORY MEDICAL APPARATUS WITH HAND HELD COMMUNICATION DEVICE - An implantable infusion pump possesses operational functionality that is, at least in part, controlled by software operating in two processor ICs which are configured to perform some different and some duplicate functions. The pump exchanges messages with an external device via telemetry. Each processor controls a different part of the drug infusion mechanism such that both processors must agree on the appropriateness of drug delivery for infusion to occur. Delivery accumulators are incremented and decremented with delivery requests and with deliveries made. When accumulated amounts reach or exceed, quantized deliverable amounts, infusion is made to occur. The accumulators are capable of being incremented by two or more independent types of delivery requests. Operational modes of the infusion device are changed automatically in view of various system errors that are trapped, various system alarm conditions that are detected, and when excess periods of time lapse between pump and external device interactions. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270046 | Optic-based contact sensing assembly and system - A contact sensing assembly including a catheter and an electrode including a tip portion and a base portion, and a generally central axis, with the electrode being connected to a distal end of the catheter. Optical sensor(s) may be provided for emitting and/or receiving an optical signal, with a part of the optical signal being transverse to the central axis. Optical interference member(s) may be provided for interfering with the optical signal. A method for sensing contact force exerted by an electrode on a tissue includes directing an optical signal along a portion of a catheter, emitting and/or receiving an optical signal, with a part of the optical signal being at a predetermined angle relative to the central axis, and sensing changes in intensity of the optical signal based on displacement associated with the electrode tip portion based on the contact force exerted by the electrode on the tissue. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270047 | Monitoring Device and Method - A monitoring device arranged to display a level of consciousness and hemodynamic parameters of a patient for simultaneous viewing. A dependence of changes in the hemodynamic parameters of the patient on the level of consciousness of the patient may be more easily observed using the monitoring device. Correlations between the patient's level of consciousness and the patient's hemodynamic parameters may further be determined and displayed to aid clinicians in estimating any improvement in hemodynamic parameters that may be achieved through manipulation of the patient's level of consciousness, fluid status and drugs. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270048 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PPG SENSORS INCORPORATING EKG SENSORS - Techniques and structures are disclosed for using photoplethysmograph (PPG) and electrocardiographic (EKG)-based readings of a subject to determine one or more physiological characteristics of the subject. In an arrangement, a combined PPG-EKG sensor unit may be used to detect both PPG and EKG signals of the subject. The sensor unit may include a PPG sensor, an EKG sensor, and a support structure for connecting or fastening the sensor unit to the subject. The detected readings may be provided to an electronic monitor. In an arrangement, a PPG-EKG monitoring system, including the electronic monitor, may be used to determine the physiological parameters of the subject. The monitoring system may first determine an auxiliary parameter based at least in part on the EKG signal, and then compute the one or more physiological characteristics of the subject based at least in part on both the PPG signal and the auxiliary parameter. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270049 | Method and Apparatus for Remote Detection and Monitoring of Functional Chronotropic Incompetence - Methods and apparatus to determine the presence of and track functional chronotropic incompetence (hereinafter “CI”) in an in-home setting under conditions of daily living. The functional CI of the patient may be determined with one or more of a profile of measured patient heart rates, a measured maximum patient heart rate, or a peak of the heart rate profile, such as the peak of a heart rate distribution profile. The functional CI of the patient may be determined with the measured heart rate profile, in which the measured heart rate profile may correspond to heart rates substantially less than the maximum heart rate of the patient, such that the heart rate can be safely measured when the patient is remote from a health care provider. The functional CI of the patient may be determined based a peak of the remotely measured heart rate profile, for example a peak corresponding to the mode of the heart rate distribution profile. For example, the relative amounts of the profile of heart rates above the peak and heart rates below the peak can be compared to determine the CI. The peak of the heart rate profile of the remote heart rate data may be used to determine the heart rate reserve and functional CI of the patient. The changes in HR can be measured and correlated to one or more sensor parameters such as activity to determine CI of the patient. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270050 | Self Administered Health Assessment Method and Apparatus - The disclosure pertains to automated and subject operated medical diagnostic equipment that may be remotely monitored by trained medical personnel. The diagnostic equipment may be installed in publicly accessible locations such as airports or hotels. The diagnostic equipment may be located in a subject's home. The diagnostic equipment may be utilized by a subject as prompted by the diagnostic equipment. The prompts may be communicated audibly or by text. The text may be communicated using display screens. The display screens may be touch screens allowing the subject to answer audible or text questions. The diagnostic equipment may include a key pad either as a separate component or as part of a display screen. The subject may also respond verbally. The diagnostic equipment will be in communication with a computer processor containing software allowing the equipment to respond to subject verbal input including questions. This computer capability may be incorporated into the diagnostic equipment or remotely located accessed by means such as telemetry or the Internet. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270051 | Cardiovascular Disease Screening Method and Apparatus - The disclosure teaches non-invasive, inexpensive and reproducible tests that provide improved measurement of risk assessment by measurement of the following parameters of a subject. The disclosure includes intima-media thickness, augmentation index, arterial wall elasticity, central arterial pressure, electrocardiogram impedance, cardiograph blood pressure measurement, ankle-brachial index, 3D (three dimensional) plaque volume, vessel wall volume, and diameter waveform pattern characterization. Further, the disclosure teaches that satisfactory measurement of risk assessment may be achieved by conducting any four of the aforementioned tests. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270052 | Ingestion-Related Biofeedback and Personalized Medical Therapy Method and System - Methods, devices and systems for acquiring information useful to support a patient in implementing and adhering to a medically prescribed therapy plan are provided. The therapy may incorporate biofeedback methods and/or personalized therapy aspects. A method includes steps of receiving, by a receiving device, biometric information associated with an ingestible event marker; analyzing, by a computing device having a microprocessor configured to perform a biometric information analysis, the biometric information; and determining a therapeutic recommendation at least partly on the basis of the analysis and/or integrating biofeedback techniques into patient therapy or activity. A system includes a biometric information module to receive biometric information associated with an ingestible event marker; an analysis module to analyze the biometric information; and a determination module to optionally determine and communicate a therapeutic recommendation at least partly on the basis of the analysis. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270053 | Intra-Oral Detector and System for Modification of Undesired Behaviors and Methods Thereof - Methods, devices and systems are disclosed for use in detecting a number of substances that may be present, whether constantly or intermittently, in the oral cavity and indicative of specific undesirable and/or unhealthy behaviors. Disclosed devices including detectors that indicate the presence of targeted substances qualitatively or quantitatively, may be secured temporarily, semi-permanently or permanently in the oral cavity employing known dental materials and techniques. The disclosed methods and devices enable constant passive monitoring and therefore may aid in the cessation via a number of positive and negative feedback mechanisms, as well as providing additional diagnostic information to healthcare providers. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270054 | ASSAY FOR POSITIONING A FEEDING TUBE AND METHOD THEREOF - The present invention discloses a bedside or point of care assay for properly positioning a feeding tube in the stomach of a patient based on detecting the presence of a hydrolytic enzyme found in the stomach by an ester substrate which can be impregnated on a pH strip. The application of this test reduces the risk of tube misplacement and the resulting harm to the patient that occurs in the event of tube misplacement. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270055 | MEASUREMENT SYSTEM FOR AN ANALYTE DETERMINATION AND A METHOD - A measurement system and method for operating a measurement system is disclosed for an analyte determination. The system includes an analysis unit, which is configured to determine a measured analyte value for a body fluid specimen that is applied, a fingerprint sensor, which is configured to detect fingerprint sensor signals for one or various users, and a control unit, which is connected to the analysis unit and the fingerprint sensor unit for data transmission. The control unit is configured to perform a user identification using the detected fingerprint sensor signals and after successful user identification to enable a determination of a measured analyte value with the analysis unit for an identified user. The control unit is additionally configured to analyze the detected fingerprint sensor signals and optionally additional detected fingerprint sensor signals in addition to the user identification in order to provide control signals for performing additional measurement system functions. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270056 | DETERMINATION OF PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY (PDT) TREATMENT PARAMETERS - A photodynamic therapy system and methods determine the amount (concentration) of a photosensitizer agent present in the target tissue. The system may also determine the tissue oxygenation. The system may also determine light dosimetry parameters based on the amount of photosensitizer in the tissue and/or the tissue oxygenation. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270057 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DETECTION OF AN IN-VIVO PATHOLOGY - An in-vivo sensing device for detecting in-vivo pathology may include an illumination source for illuminating light onto a tissue external to the device and an optical system for collecting fluorescent light emitted from the tissue onto a light sensor also provided within the device. A method of detecting in-vivo pathology by collecting fluorescent light emitted from a tissue is provided. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270058 | Method For Respiration Rate And Blood Pressure Alarm Management - Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to display features that facilitate observation of monitored physiological data. According to certain embodiments, a monitoring system may include a monitor capable of receiving data related to the physiological parameters and storing data related to the parameters. The monitor may include a microprocessor capable of determining a respiration rate baseline from the data and establishing an alarm sensitivity for respiration rate based on the respiration rate baseline. The alarm sensitivity may comprise a first tier, a second tier, and a third tier. Each tier may correspond to a specific respiratory rate range and the alarm sensitivity may be selected based on which specific respiratory rate range encompasses the respiration rate baseline. Further, in certain embodiments a blood pressure baseline may be determined and an alarm sensitivity established based on the blood pressure baseline. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270059 | SIGNAL PROCESSING FOR PULSE OXIMETRY - A signal processing technique for estimating the frequency of a pulsatile signal (including but not limited to pulse oximetry signals) is disclosed. Each of the functions contained within a pre-selected set of functions is compared to the input signal at many different time-shifts, and the function/time-shift combination that best matches the input signal is selected. The frequency of the best-matching function is then used as the best estimate of the frequency of the input signal. Optionally, once a function has been selected, the rising portion of the selected function can be correlated in time to the rising portion of the input signal. Improved results can then be obtained by basing the oxygen saturation level calculations on samples taken from the rising portion of the input signal. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270060 | DEVICE AND METHODS FOR MONITORING THE ADMINISTRATION OF A STEM CELL TRANSPLANT - A device and methods for the real-time monitoring of stem cells in a stem cell transplant. The device comprises a linear member and particle detection device configured to occupy the lumen of a catheter while the catheter is in place to administer a stem cell transplant to a delivery site in the body of a patient. Monitoring of the stein cells permits the device to provide signals to a computer processor for the determination of one or more characteristics of stein cells in the stein cell transplant. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270061 | ELECTROCHEMICAL SENSOR MODULE - Certain embodiments of a sensor cartridge element include a sensor module, an electrode arrangement installed on the sensor module, and a delivery arrangement securely coupled to the sensor module. The sensor module includes an analysis cell and a skin piercing member. The electrode arrangement generates an electrical signal when exposed to a fluid sample collected in the analysis cell. The delivery arrangement includes a drug reservoir, a piston chamber, and a valve arrangement providing selective fluid communication between the drug reservoir and the piston chamber. Metering electronics and an actuator can manage collection of fluid samples and/or dispensing of drug doses. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270062 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REPLACING SIGNAL ARTIFACTS IN A GLUCOSE SENSOR DATA STREAM - Systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating transient non-glucose related signal noise due to non-glucose rate limiting phenomenon such as ischemia, pH changes, temperatures changes, and the like. The system monitors a data stream from a glucose sensor and detects signal artifacts that have higher amplitude than electronic or diffusion-related system noise. The system replaces some or the entire data stream continually or intermittently including signal estimation methods that particularly address transient signal artifacts. The system is also capable of detecting the severity of the signal artifacts and selectively applying one or more signal estimation algorithm factors responsive to the severity of the signal artifacts, which includes selectively applying distinct sets of parameters to a signal estimation algorithm or selectively applying distinct signal estimation algorithms. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270063 | METHOD OF INPUTTING DATA INTO AN ANALYTE TESTING DEVICE - A meter is provided that includes an improved user interface that enables the user to take a specific action, leading them directly to data input options. Such a user interface could be used to input first selected information, such as whether a test was premeal or postmeal, immediately after receiving a result. Optionally, the user interface may include the ability to add an additional comment after inputting the first selected information. Provision of such a user interface would facilitate simpler capture of the first selected information each time the user performs a test, leading to an enhanced understanding of a patient's level of glycemic control. Designing a user interface to enable first selected information to be entered by a user directly after receiving a result is more likely to engage a patient by making it easy and simple to enter important information. This may enable capture of the information thought to be most pertinent e.g. premeal and postmeal information, enhancing the understanding by patients and their carers of the patient's control. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270064 | Method and Apparatus for Acquiring Physiological Data - A method and apparatus for the collection of physiological data from a patient is disclosed herein. An electrode assembly comprises an external label identifying an anatomical location and an electrode identifying circuitry that produces a signal indicative of the anatomical location to which the electrode assembly is to be attached. The electrode assembly transmits both the collected physiological signal and the identification signal to a data monitor for collection and processing physiological data. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270065 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE CONFIGURATION BASED ON PORT USAGE - In an example, configuring an implantable medical device by determining port usage can include, receiving a port data object, determining a lead configuration, configuring access to a programmable parameter, and displaying a visual indication of the lead configuration. The port data object can be received from the implantable medical device and can include data associated with a port of the implantable medical device capable of connecting to a lead. The determining a lead configuration can be based on the port data object. The configuring access to a programmable parameter can be based on the lead configuration of the implantable medical device. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270066 | Novel Method and Apparatus for Eliminating Loading and Electrode Polarization Effects in Impedance Measurements for Tissues and Electrolytes - A device and method for accurately characterizing tissue impedance employs multiple electrodes at a plurality of separation distances to cancel the effects of front end loading leakage currents and electrode polarization to improve the accuracy of sensitive impedance measurements used to identify cancerous tissues. These measurements may be automated over a range of frequencies. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270067 | Biocompatible Bonding Method - The invention is a device and method for connecting a hermetic package to a flexible circuit such as for an electrode array in an implantable device. Attaching metal pads on a flexible circuit to metal pads on a hermetic device by conductive adhesive is known. A smooth metal, such as platinum, does not bond well to conductive epoxy. The invention provides a roughened surface, such as etching or applying high surface area platinum gray, to improve adhesion to platinum or other metal pads. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270068 | NEUROLOGICAL SCREENING CONNECTOR - A medical lead screening connector includes a housing, a plurality of lead receptor channels disposed within the housing, a cover hingedly attached to the housing, and a base element rotationally attached to the housing. Each lead receptor channel includes at least two lead receptor contacts. A conductor cable is attached to and extends away from the housing. The base element is configured to reel in the conductor cable upon rotation of the base element. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270069 | WIRELESS ELECTRODE ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR PATIENT MONITORING VIA ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY - A wireless electrocardiogram (ECG) system is disclosed. The wireless ECG provides for recording potentials on the surface of a body. The wireless ECG includes a plurality of electrodes suitable for attachment to the surface of the body, a voltage measuring circuit for detecting a voltage between a reference voltage level and electrodes, an error detecting circuit, and a transmitting circuit for transmitting the detected voltage signal to a receiver. The disclosed system is robust in that it provides the capability of continuous monitoring of a subject while correcting for defects in an electrode, contact, presence of excessive noise or other developments in addition to providing the customary alarms in the event of disruptions. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270070 | LIVING BODY OBSERVATION APPARATUS - A living body observation apparatus irradiates a predetermined region inside a living body with ultrasound, irradiates the predetermined region, which is irradiated with the ultrasound, with a light of a predetermined frequency, and detects a scattered light with a frequency shifted by ultrasound vibration in a living body constituent substance included in the predetermined region. The living body observation apparatus calculates velocity information of the living body constituent substance from a frequency shift amount in a detection signal of the scattered light, calculates a density of the living body constituent substance from the velocity information, and performs discrimination of a state of the living body constituent substance by using a value of the calculated density. The living body observation apparatus further stores velocity information measured in advance in an organ or the like composing a living body and corresponding density information by linking the velocity information and the density information with each other. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270071 | MEASURING APPARATUS - In photoacoustic imaging, in cases where an emitted light amount and a beam pattern of a laser vary according to variation with time and external factors, and cases where the wavelength and the repetition rate of the laser vary, there is a danger that a light fluence of light applied to tissue become too strong. A unit is provided for measuring a distribution of light fluence of light applied to the tissue. A measuring apparatus is provided that controls output of a laser source such that the measured light fluence should not exceed the maximum permissible exposure to the tissue. Accordingly, highly safe photoacoustic imaging to the tissue can be realized. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270072 | REGISTERING MR PATIENT DATA ON THE BASIS OF GENERIC MODELS - A method for registering a non-patient-characteristic three-dimensional magnetic resonance data set (MR data set) to patient-characteristic data includes: producing or providing a non-patient-characteristic three-dimensional generic model of a body or body part containing body structure data; ascertaining or providing two-dimensional patient-characteristic detection data of a patient; using a transformation protocol for data-linking the body structure data of the three-dimensional generic model to the two-dimensional patient-characteristic detection data to change or adapt the generic model of the body or body part based on the ascertained two-dimensional patient-characteristic detection data, wherein the three-dimensional generic model is at least correlated with a three-dimensional MR reference data set; and changing or deforming at least a part of the three-dimensional MR reference data set by using the transformation protocol to generate a patient-characteristic three-dimensional MR data set that is registered to the fluoroscopic images. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270073 | ELECTRON SPIN RESONANCE IMAGING SCANNER - An electron paramagnetic resonance imaging (EPRI) system includes a resistive magnet driven by a power supply such as a power supply module to generate radio frequency signals in a substantially coherent polyphase perfect sequence scheme. The EPRI system further includes image acquisition and processing electronics configured to generate, acquire, quantify and map pO2 information associated with a free radical agent in vivo and having a resonance line width that is sensitive to oxygen and in response to the radio frequency signals without imparting harmful heating effects to a corresponding human or animal body. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270074 | Methods for physiological monitoring, training, exercise and regulation - A computer assisted method comprising: measuring activity of one or more internal voxels of a brain; employing computer executable logic that takes the measured brain activity and determines one or more members of the group consisting of: a) what next stimulus to communicate to the subject, b) what next behavior to instruct the subject to perform, c) when a subject is to be exposed to a next stimulus, d) when the subject is to perform a next behavior, e) one or more activity metrics computed from the measured activity, f) a spatial pattern computed from the measured activity, g) a location of a region of interest computed from the measured activity, h) performance targets that a subject is to achieve computed from the measured activity, i) a performance measure of a subject's success computed from the measured activity, j) a subject's position relative to an activity measurement instrument; and communicating information based on the determinations to the subject in substantially real time relative to when the activity is measured. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270075 | MULTI-SEGMENT ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCERS - Disclosed are systems and methods for focusing ultrasound transducers that include multiple separate, independently movable transducer segments. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270076 | METHOD FOR REMOVING NOISE OF PET SIGNAL USING FILTERING IN PET-MRI FUSION DEVICE AND PET SYSTEM IN PET-MRI FUSION DEVICE USING THE SAME - Provided is a method for removing noise of a positron emission tomography (PET) signal in a PET-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) fusion device without using an MRI radio frequency (RF) shield that degrades image quality. The method includes: receiving a PET output signal from a PET-MRI fusion device and performing analog filtering by removing noise components due to an RF pulse frequency based on the relationship between the frequency of the PET output signal and a magnetic resonance (MR) RF frequency (Larmor frequency); and converting the filtered signal into a digital signal through sampling. The method allows acquisition of molecular-level images without declined performance of a PET detector in MRI environment. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270077 | METHOD FOR REMOVING NOISE OF PET SIGNAL USING MODELING IN PET-MRI FUSION DEVICE AND PET SYSTEM IN PET-MRI FUSION DEVICE USING THE SAME - Provided is a method for removing noise of a positron emission tomography (PET) signal in a PET-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) fusion device without using an MRI radio frequency (RF) shield that degrades image quality. The method includes: (a | 2011-11-03 |
20110270078 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS OF COMBINING MAGNETIC RESONANCE AND NUCLEAR IMAGING - An multi-modality imaging system for imaging of an object under study that includes a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus and an MRI-compatible single-photon nuclear imaging apparatus imbedded within the RF coil of the MRI system such that sequential or simultaneous imaging can be done with the two modalities using the same support bed of the object under study during the imaging session. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270079 | COMPRESSION DEVICE FOR ENHANCING NORMAL/ABNORMAL TISSUE CONTRAST IN MRI INCLUDING DEVICES AND METHODS RELATED THERETO - Featured are devices for compression of target tissue while magnetic resonance imaging the target tissue and methods and systems related thereto. The method includes disposing target tissue between the fixed surface and the moveable member of a compression device and compressing the target tissue between the fixed surface and the moveable member. The method also includes acquiring one or more, more specifically a plurality, of sequences of image data of the compressed target tissue using an MRI imaging technique (MRI). In particular embodiments, the MRI technique is a SENC MRI technique, where tissue encoding is done prior to compressing the tissue and acquiring includes adding a gradient moment in the slice-selection direction to cause demodulation with a specific frequency. In further embodiments, the sequences of image data are acquired one of during successive periodic compressions of the tissue or successive periodic relaxation of the tissues. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270080 | DETERMINING INSERTED CATHETER END LOCATION AND ORIENTATION - Catheterization device and method of using are provided for uniquely illuminating the distal end of the device in order to visualize the end-point location and orientation and to track the movement of the catheterization device within passageways in the body. Use of the present invention by tracking in real time with an imaging device sensitive to visible to near infrared light. The invention allows the insertion and tracking of substantially any catheterization type device, for substantially any procedure requiring vascular access, such as in the placement of a PICC line, for heart catheterization or angioplasty, or for urinary track catheterization, or other bodily access procedure. The invention permits a technician to determine placement, orientation and movement of the device noninvasive equipment, without subjecting the patient to the hazards associated with ionizing radiation, radio frequency energy or significant thermal energy. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270081 | Navigated Malleable Surgical Instrument - A surgical instrument can include a body, a tracking device, and a handle. The body can include proximal and distal ends, and a flow passage extending therebetween. The body can be formed from a malleable material such that it can be bent between the proximal and distal ends from a first configuration to a second bent configuration and maintain the bent configuration. The tracking device can be positioned adjacent the distal end for tracking a distal tip of the instrument. The handle can be coupled to the proximal end of the body and can include an internal flow passage in fluid communication with the body flow passage. The tracking device can include a pair of lead wires wound around the body to the handle, where the wound wires can conform to the bent configuration of the body such that they do not strain or break during bending of the body. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270082 | MEDICAL DEVICE TRACKING SYSTEM WITH TAG AND METHOD - Embodiments of the invention include systems and methods for tracking a medical device. Systems configured for such tracking may include the capability to either or both detect tampering with the medical device and to effectively expose the medical device to sterilization substances while the medical device is captured by a mechanism including an identifying characteristic. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270083 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DYNAMIC METAL DISTORTION COMPENSATION FOR ELECTROMAGNETIC TRACKING SYSTEMS - A method and system for dynamic metal distortion compensation using an Electromagnetic Tracking System (EMTS) ( | 2011-11-03 |
20110270084 | SURGICAL NAVIGATION APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SAME - A surgical navigation apparatus and a method of operating the surgical navigation apparatus are disclosed. The surgical navigation apparatus includes: a first aligning unit configured to align a position of a patient with reference image data by using patient position data and the reference image data of the patient generated by image-taking before surgery; a second aligning unit configured to align the patient position data and comparative image data in real time, where the comparative image data is received from an image-taking unit; and an image processing unit configured to align the comparative image data and the reference image data in real time by using the patient position data. The surgical navigation apparatus can provide in real time images of the lesion taken during surgery, so that these images may be compared with those taken before surgery, to enable more accurate surgery and also provide greater convenience for the surgeon. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270085 | ULTRASONIC IN SITU RESPIRATORY MASK TESTING PROCESS AND MASK - A respiratory mask includes a mask body with a perimeter. The mask has a use position wherein the mask body covers at least the mouth and nose and the perimeter is in contact with the face surrounding at least the mouth and nose. At least one ultrasonic sensor is supported on the mask body in detecting proximity to the perimeter. The ultrasonic sensor is operable to detect ultrasound. The ultrasonic sensor allows leakage around the perimeter of the mask body to be detected. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270086 | ULTRASOUND IMAGING WITH RAY CASTING AND SOFTWARE-BASED IMAGE RECONSTRUCTION - Systems and methods are presented for increasing the frame rate of real-time 3D ultrasound imaging. In one embodiment, the frame rate for generating a pseudo-shaded 2D projection image may be increased by controlling the image reconstruction process. Rather than beamforming, scan converting, and interpolating a 3D voxelized data set of an entire scanned volume, only samples required for generating the 2D projection image may be reconstructed. The element data measured from each transducer array element may be combined to directly reconstruct those 3D image samples required by the volume rendering algorithm to generate the 2D projection image. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270087 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSIS - An apparatus for ultrasonic diagnosis including a probe configured to transmit ultrasonic waves and to receive reflected ultrasonic waves, an image generator configured to generate an ultrasonic image based on the reflected waves, an image synthesizing unit configured to generate a synthetic image in which a puncture guideline, which indicates a passing line of a puncture needle inserted from a puncture adapter attached to the probe, is superposed on the ultrasonic image, a display area adjusting unit configured to adjust a display area of the synthetic image based on the passing line of the puncture needle, and a display controller configured to display the synthetic image on a monitor based on the display area adjusted by the display area adjusting unit. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270088 | ULTRASONOGRAPHIC DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM AND ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE - An ultrasonic probe is constituted by ultrasonic transducer elements arranged in a direction. A beam forming unit forms acoustic field sensitivity modulated in a direction substantially orthogonal to scan lines in a subject by focusing an ultrasonic wave on a sequence of sampling points existing along the scan lines, and applying delay and apodization on a transmission/reception signal of each of the ultrasonic transducer elements. A detecting unit detects displacements at each sampling point in a direction tangential to the scan lines and in a direction tangential to curves substantially orthogonal to the scan lines by arithmetic between reception signals for the sampling point at different time points. Each curve of the curves substantially orthogonal to the scan lines is constituted by a sequence of points for which a total of times taken for ultrasonic pulses to reach from two points fixed to the ultrasonic probe is substantially the same. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270089 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING A PATIENT - A system for managing a patient is disclosed and can include a patient interface adapted to obtain ultrasound information about the patient, a provider interface adapted to facilitate communication between the system and a provider, and a controller in communication with the patient interface and the provider interface, the controller including a clinical management module adapted to receive the ultrasound information and to recommend a clinical management strategy based upon the ultrasound information. A method of presenting a clinical management strategy is also described including obtaining information regarding a condition of a patient, developing a determinant reflecting the condition, and presenting a user with a clinical management strategy on an output device. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270090 | NEEDLE HAVING ULTRASOUND OPAQUE ELEMENTS - Embodiments of the present invention are related to techniques for increasing the visibility of needles while using ultrasound or other imaging technologies. For example, one embodiment of the present invention is directed to a needle that includes a longitudinal needle-shaped base structure and at least one enclosure positioned circumferentially about the base structure. The needle also includes at least one core defined in the at least one enclosure, wherein the at least one core comprises a gas and/or fluid that is configured to limit propagation of ultrasonic energy therethrough. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270091 | Apparatus and Method for Use of RFID Catheter Intelligence - A method and system is provided for using backscattered data and known parameters to characterize vascular tissue. Specifically, methods and devices for identifying information about the imaging element used to gather the backscattered data are provided in order to permit an operation console having a plurality of Virtual Histology classification trees to select the appropriate VH classification tree for analyzing data gathered using that imaging element. In order to select the appropriate VH database for analyzing data from a specific imaging catheter, it is advantageous to know information regarding the function and performance of the catheter, such as the operating frequency of the catheter and whether it is a rotational or phased-array catheter. The present invention provides a device and method for storing this information on the imaging catheter and communicating the information to the operation console. In addition, information related to additional functions of the catheter may also be stored on the catheter and used to further optimize catheter performance and/or select the appropriate Virtual Histology classification tree for analyzing data from the catheter imaging element. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270092 | COMBINED APPARATUS FOR DETECTION OF MULTISPECTRAL OPTICAL IMAGE EMITTED FROM LIVING BODY AND FOR LIGHT THERAPY - The present invention provides a fluorescence detection and photodynamic therapy apparatus including: a combined light source unit | 2011-11-03 |
20110270093 | OPTICAL EXAMINATION DEVICE ADAPTED TO BE AT LEAST PARTIALLY INSERTED INTO A TURBID MEDIUM - An optical examination device ( | 2011-11-03 |
20110270094 | NONINVASIVE HYPOVOLEMIA MONITOR - A hypovolemia monitor comprises a plethysmograph input responsive to light intensity after absorption by fleshy tissue. A measurement of respiration-induced variation in the input is made. The measurement is normalized and converted into a hypovolemia parameter. An audible or visual indication of hypovolemia is provided, based upon the hypovolemia parameter. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270095 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETECTING EPILEPTIC EVENTS USING NNXX, OPTIONALLY WITH NONLINEAR ANALYSIS PARAMETERS - Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and apparatus for detecting an epilepsy event in a patient using a medical device. The medical device is capable of determining an occurring epilepsy event, for example a seizure or an increased risk of a seizure. The determination is performed by determining at least one NNXX value from the beat sequence of the patient's heart. The medical device may then take a responsive action, such as warning, logging the time of the seizure, computing and storing one or more seizure severity indices, and treating the epilepsy event. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270096 | ALGORITHM FOR DETECTING A SEIZURE FROM CARDIAC DATA - Methods, systems, and apparatus for detecting the seizure in a patient using a medical device. The determination is performed by collecting cardiac data; determining valid heart beats suitable for seizure detection from the cardiac data; calculating heart rate data of interest from the valid heart beats; and identifying a seizure event from the heart rate data. The medical device may then take a responsive action, such as warning, logging the time of the seizure, computing and storing one or more seizure severity indices, and/or treating the seizure. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270097 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ASSESSMENT OF FLUID RESPONSIVENESS - Disclosed embodiments include a method and related apparatus for determining a physiological parameter from the arterial blood pressure signal, the photoplethysmographic signal, the electrocardiogram, or any other a physiologic signal whose pulse amplitude variation is affected by respiration and it is indicative of fluid status in order to quantify the degree of amplitude modulation due to respiration (pulse variation) and help assess fluid responsiveness. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270098 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MEASURING BLOOD PRESSURE - The application relates to an apparatus and a method for estimating a central systolic blood pressure (cSBP) of a subject, in which a peripheral blood pressure waveform of the subject's pulse and at least two peripheral blood pressure measurements within the cardiac cycle of the subject are determined and the peripheral blood pressure waveform is manipulated with a transfer function to provide an estimate of the central blood pressure waveform of the subject's pulse. The at least two peripheral blood pressure measurements within the cardiac cycle of the subject and the peripheral blood pressure waveform of the subject's pulse are determined at substantially the same point on a peripheral artery of the subject. The estimate of the central blood pressure waveform of the subject's pulse provides an estimate of the central systolic blood pressure of the subject. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270099 | HERMETIC WAFER-TO-WAFER BONDING WITH ELECTRICAL INTERCONNECTION - An implantable medical device (IMD) is disclosed. The IMD includes a first substrate having a front side and a backside. A first via is formed in the front side, the via extending from a bottom point in the front side to a first height located at a surface of the front side. A first conductive pad is formed in the first via, the first conductive pad having an exposed top surface lower than first height. A second substrate is coupled to the first substrate, the second substrate having a second via formed in the front side, the via extending from a bottom point in the front side to a second height located at a surface of the front side. A second conductive pad is formed in the second via, the second conductive pad having an exposed top surface lower than second height. The coupled substrates are heated until a portion of one or both conductive pads reflow, dewet, agglomerate, and merge to form an interconnect, hermetic seal, or both depending on the requirements of the device. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270100 | ECG LEADS SYSTEM FOR NEWBORN ECG SCREENING - An apparatus including a chest strip comprising a plurality of precordial and limb leads for an electrocardiogram (ECG) and an ECG data recorder coupled to the chest strip, wherein the ECG data recorder configured to receive signals from the leads. An apparatus including a chest strip comprising a plurality of precordial leads positioned to correspond with desired lead placement for an electrocardiogram (ECG) and an ECG data recorder; a plurality of limb leads coupled to the chest strip, wherein the ECG data recorder is coupled to plurality of precordial leads and the plurality of limb leads and configured to receive electrocardiogram data generated by the plurality of precordial leads and the plurality of limb leads. A method including coupling a chest strip including precordial leads and a data recorder to a newborn, the data recorder configured to receive electrocardiogram data from the precordial leads; and transmitting electrocardiogram data from the data recorder. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270101 | IMPLANTABLE CARDIAC EVENT DETECTION DEVICE WITH AN ADAPTIVE SLEEP STATE - Disclosed is a system for the detection of cardiac events (a guardian system) that includes an implanted device called a cardiosaver, a physician's programmer and an external alarm system. The system is designed to provide early detection of cardiac events such as acute myocardial infarction or exercise induced myocardial ischemia caused by an increased heart rate or exertion. The system can also alert the patient with a less urgent alarm if a heart arrhythmia is detected. Using one or more detection algorithms, the cardiosaver can detect a change in the patient's electrogram that is indicative of a cardiac event within five minutes after it occurs and then automatically warn the patient that the event is occurring. To provide this warning, the guardian system includes an internal alarm sub-system (internal alarm means) within the cardiosaver and/or an external alarm system (external alarm means). If the guardian system is put into a pacemaker, the algorithm can utilize a different analysis of the electrogram depending on whether or not the pacemaker is actually pacing the heart. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270102 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING AND DISCRIMINATING TACHYCARDIA - A medical device and associated method for discriminating cardiac events includes sensing a cardiac signal spatially located across approximately a full duration of a predetermined sensing window. A match score is determined corresponding to the sensed cardiac signal. A beat feature of multiple beat features across less than the full duration of the sensing window is determined, the beat feature being selected from the multiple beat features in response to the match score. Cardiac event evidence is accumulated in response to the match score and the determined beat feature, and cardiac events are discriminated in response to the accumulated cardiac evidence. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270103 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING AND DISCRIMINATING TACHYCARDIA - A medical device and associated method for discriminating cardiac events includes determining whether a first match score is within a first match zone having a first correlation with a non-treatable cardiac event, a second match zone having a second correlation with the non-treatable cardiac event less than the first correlation with the non-treatable event, a third match zone having a first correlation with a treatable cardiac event, and a fourth match zone having a second correlation with the treatable cardiac event greater than the first correlation with the treatable cardiac event. A determination is made as to whether a second match score and a third match score are within the first match zone, the second match zone, the third match zone and the fourth match zone to generate a first adjusting factor, and cardiac event evidence is accumulated in response to the first adjusting factor for discriminating cardiac events. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270104 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING AND DISCRIMINATING TACHYCARDIA - A medical device and associated method for discriminating cardiac events includes determining whether a cardiac evidence counter is greater than a predetermined detection threshold, determining whether to advance from a current state to a next state in response to the evidence counter being greater than the predetermined detection threshold, determining whether advancing from a previous state to the current state occurred while in one of a low variability mode and a high variability mode during the previous state, and determining whether to advance from the current state to a previous state in response to determining whether advancing from a previous state to the current state occurred while operating in one of a low variability mode and a high variability mode during the previous state. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270105 | TIME DOMAIN MONITORING OF MYOCARDIAL ELECTRICAL STABILITY - Embodiments of the present invention relate to implantable systems, and methods for use therewith, for monitoring myocardial electrical stability. A patient's heart is paced for a period of time using a patterned pacing sequence that repeats every N beats, and an electrical signal is obtained that is representative of a plurality of consecutive beats of the patient's heart while it is being paced using the patterned pacing sequence that repeats every N beats. Myocardial electrical stability is then analyzed using time domain techniques that are tailored to the patterned pacing sequence used to pace the patient's heart. In other embodiments, the patient's heart need not be paced. This abstract is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270106 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING AND DISCRIMINATING TACHYCARDIA - A medical device and associated method for discriminating cardiac events sense cardiac signals that includes determining whether a first match score is within one of a first match zone corresponding to a first cardiac event, and a second match zone corresponding to the first cardiac event, and determining whether a second match score is within one of the first match zone, the second match zone, and a third match zone corresponding to a second cardiac event different from the first cardiac event. One of increasing and decreasing an event counter is performed in response to both the determination of whether the first match score is within one of the first match zone and the second match zone and the determination of whether the second match score is within one of the first match zone, the second match zone, and the third match zone. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270107 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING AND DISCRIMINATING TACHYCARDIA - A medical device and associated method for discriminating cardiac events includes determining whether a first match score is within a first match zone having a first correlation with a non-treatable cardiac event, a second match zone having a second correlation with the non-treatable cardiac event less than the first correlation, a third match zone having a first correlation with a treatable cardiac event, and a fourth match zone having a second correlation with the treatable cardiac event greater than the first correlation with the treatable cardiac event. In response to the first match score being within one of the first and second match zones, a determination is made whether consecutive match scores are within the first match zone and whether a break in the treatable cardiac event has occurred. Cardiac evidence is accumulated in response to determining whether a break has occurred and utilized to discriminate cardiac events. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270108 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING AND DISCRIMINATING TACHYCARDIA - A medical device and associated method for monitoring a patient's heart rhythm sense cardiac events and detect a sudden change in the heart rhythm in response to the sensed cardiac events. Detecting the sudden change includes determining a variability of intervals between the sensed cardiac events and switching between a low variability mode of operation and a high variability mode of operation in response to the variability of intervals. During the low variability mode, detecting the sudden change includes detecting an increase in the rate of cardiac events. During the high variability mode, detecting the sudden change includes detecting a sudden decrease in the variability of the cardiac event intervals. A concerning cardiac rhythm is detected in response to detecting the sudden change. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270109 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING AND DISCRIMINATING TACHYCARDIA - A medical device and associated method obtaining cardiac event intervals corresponding to a tachycardia interval. Evidence of a rhythm breaking point is obtained in response to sensing a cardiac event having a morphology corresponding to a supraventricular beat. A non-treatable rhythm is detected in response to the plurality of cardiac event intervals and the evidence of the rhythm breaking point. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270110 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING AND DISCRIMINATING TACHYCARDIA - A medical device and associated method for monitoring a patient's heart rhythm sensing a cardiac signal determine whether a cardiac signal is noise corrupted by obtaining cardiac signal pulses and generating a pulse amplitude threshold in response to the plurality of signal pulses. The number of signal sample points exceeding the pulse amplitude threshold in each of the of signal pulses is computed. The cardiac signal is determined to be noise corrupted or non-corrupted in response to the computed number of signal sample points. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270111 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ASSESSMENT OF FLUID RESPONSIVENESS - Disclosed embodiments include a method for assessing fluid responsiveness implemented in a medical apparatus, a medical system, or a digital computer with one or more processors comprising: (a) measuring an electrocardiogram signal, and (b) computing a dynamic index predictive of fluid responsiveness from said electrocardiogram by calculating the R-wave amplitude variability over one or more respiratory cycles. According to one particular embodiment, the ECG changes in R-wave amplitude are calculated from the DII lead to generate a dynamic index to guide fluid therapy. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270112 | Multi-Function Health Monitor - A multi-function health monitor is capable of performing a resting 12-lead ECG test, an ECG stress test, a 24-hour holter monitor evaluation and or a 30-day MCT monitoring. Using only 3 electrodes, the multifunction health monitor derives 6 channels (Limb leads & Augmented leads) of data with the noise cancellation (ground) effect of a virtual dynamic RL electrode. An electrode resistivity measurement system quantifies and may compensate for increasing resistance the electrodes and the patient that results from the length of time the electrodes are installed on a patient. The multi-function health monitor can provide data analysis through the gate array as the data is acquired. Data may also be stored for remote analysis as well as for transmission to remote stations upon occurrence of one or more threshold events. Parameters for threshold events may be adjusted remotely to obviate the need for a patient to travel for system adjustment. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270113 | MEASUREMENT DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ANALYZING A SAMPLE GAS BY INFRARED ABSORPTION SPECTROSCOPY - A measurement device and a method for analyzing a sample gas by infrared absorption spectroscopy are described. The measurement device comprises: a measurement chamber with the sample gas to be analyzed, a laser being arranged in relation to the measurement chamber such that light being emitted from the laser radiates through the measurement chamber, a detection device detecting the light being emitted from the laser and radiated through the measurement chamber, and an evaluation unit evaluating signals generated by the detection device regarding a light absorption occurred in the measurement chamber. Provision is made that the laser is a narrowband emitting laser, the line width of which is smaller or equal to the width of an infrared absorption line to be measured of the sample gas, the laser is designed and arranged such that the laser frequency is varied periodically within a defined spectral range, wherein the laser frequency and its variation are chosen such that at least one infrared absorption line to be measured of the sample gas lies in the defined spectral range, and the detection device is designed and arranged such that it detects the light being emitted from the laser and radiated through the measurement chamber in such a time-resolved manner that the light absorption can be determined frequency-resolved within the defined spectral range, wherein the detection device carries out a single absorption measurement within 10 | 2011-11-03 |
20110270114 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CALIBRATING RESPIRATORY EFFORT FROM PHOTOPLETHYSMOGRAPH SIGNALS - Breathing effort of a patient, as determined (for example) from a photoplethysmograph (“PPG”) signal from the patient, can be calibrated in relation to air pressure in the patient's respiratory system. This calibration can be done by subjecting the patient to varying amounts of breathing resistance; and for each such amount, concurrently measuring (1) air pressure in the respiratory system (e.g., in the oral/nasal cavity) and (2) breathing effort (from the PPG signal). Use can be made of this calibration, e.g., during a sleep study of the patient. During such a study, breathing effort, again determined from the PPG signal and occurring, for example, during an apneic event of the patient, can be used to infer air pressure in the respiratory system by using the above calibration. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270115 | Respiration sensing system - A respiration sensing subsystem includes a band made of stretchable material and a pair of spaced conductors extending along the band in a flexible pattern. A moisture repellant compound is added to the stretchable material of the band between the pair of spaced conductors. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270116 | MINIMALLY INVASIVE DETERMINATION OF COLLATERAL VENTILATION IN LUNGS - Minimally invasive methods, systems and devices are provided for assessing collateral ventilation in the lungs. In particular, collateral ventilation of a target compartment within a lung of a patient is assessed by advancement of a catheter through the tracheobronchial tree to a feeding airway of the target compartment. The feeding airway is occluded by the catheter and the opening and closing of a one-way valve coupled with the catheter is observed. If the valve ceases opening and closing over time, this may indicate that significant collateral ventilation into the target compartment is absent. If the valve continues to open and close over time, significant collateral ventilation into the compartment may be present. Based on the collateral ventilation assessment, a treatment plan may be generated. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270117 | REMOTE CONTINUOUS SEIZURE MONITOR AND ALARM - An electroencephalogram (EEG) utilizing epileptiform activity detection, warning and recording system adapted for use by non-healthcare professionals or healthcare professionals. The system is simple enough for use by untrained personnel and will be self-contained, not requiring technical setup or point of use maintenance. The system includes a small number of passive or active scalp electrodes for capturing the electrical signals in the subject's brain allowing for detection of epileptiform activity. The system will recognize epileptiform activity and will either transmit signals upon detection of epileptiform activity to either a localized warning device or to a cellular or radio receiving device. The system will note epileptiform activity in a recording component and allow for review of the epileptiform data to allow non-clinical and clinical personnel to verify such activity. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270118 | MEASURING AND DISPLAYING THE PROPAGATION VELOCITY OF UTERINE ACTION POTENTIALS TO DETERMINE THE ONSET OF LABOR - A method and system to examine and measure the propagation velocity of electrical activity in pregnant patients, labor and non-labor patients at term and preterm, and non-pregnant patients, thereby providing valuable information regarding the state of a patient's uterus. The method can include obtaining uterine EMG signals from a series electrodes, processing the raw uterine EMG signal in a signal processing module and assessing the temporal interval between adjacent electrodes. The propagation velocity can then be estimated by averaging the time required for the uterine EMG signal to traverse a distance between adjacent electrodes. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270119 | Devices And Methods For Nerve Mapping - One embodiment includes a method for monitoring nerve tissue which includes inserting a dilator into muscle, the dilator including first and second electrodes at the distal tip. While the dilator is in muscle, a system may communicate (a) a first series of unequal current amplitude applications (e.g., a serious including 0.5, 7, 3, 5 mA applications) to the first electrode to produce at least a first evoked potential (e.g., a MAP or NAP), and (b) a second series of unequal current amplitude applications to the second electrode to produce at least a second evoked potential. The method further includes sensing the first and second evoked potentials and determining a relative location of a nerve based on the sensing of at least one of the first and second evoked potentials. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270120 | INTERFACE MODULE FOR USE WITH NERVE MONITORING AND ELECTROSURGERY - Concepts presented herein relate to an interface module that can be electrically coupled to an electrical stimulation generator, a radio frequency generator and an instrument. A selection module is coupled to the interface module and operates in a first mode to deliver electrical stimulation signals from the electrical stimulation generator to the instrument and in a second mode to deliver radio frequency signals from the radio frequency generator to the instrument. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270121 | System and Method for Determining Proximity Relative to a Nerve - A system for determining proximity of a surgical device relative to nerve structure includes at least one surgical device having a sensor assembly operably coupled to a processing unit and configured to transmit at least one electrical signal generated by the processing unit through nerve structure to elicit a measurable response there from. The processing unit is configured to calculate a signature property value of nerve structure based on the measurable response and to determine proximity of the nerve structure to the surgical device based on the measurable response. The processing unit is further configured to test the nerve function after completing the surgical procedure. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270122 | 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. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270123 | VISUALLY DIRECTED HUMAN-COMPUTER INTERACTION FOR MEDICAL APPLICATIONS - The present invention relates to a method and apparatus of utilizing an eye detection apparatus in a medical application, which includes calibrating the eye detection apparatus to a user; performing a predetermined set of visual and cognitive steps using the eye detection apparatus; determining a visual profile of a workflow of the user; creating a user-specific database to create an automated visual display protocol of the workflow; storing eye-tracking commands for individual user navigation and computer interactions; storing context-specific medical application eye-tracking commands, in a database; performing the medical application using the eye-tracking commands; and storing eye-tracking data and results of an analysis of data from performance of the medical application, in the database. The method includes performing an analysis of the database for determining best practice guidelines based on clinical outcome measures. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270124 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SIGNAL ENCODING EVOKED RESPONSES - A method and apparatus for utilizing the benefits of encoded signal transmission and reception to enhance the performance of medical testing devices ( | 2011-11-03 |
20110270125 | Stool collector - A stool collector adapted for being positioned in a use position in which it is secured to a standard water closet or toilet to collect a stool sample delivered by a user, said stool collector comprising a rear piece adapted for being secured between rear halves of a toilet bowl and a tip-up toilet seat, respectively, of said toilet. The stool collector further comprises a front piece adapted for being secured between front halves of said toilet bowl and said tip-up toilet seat, respectively, said front piece comprising two lateral wings enclosing a cut-out adapted to allow for urine from said user to pass through into said toilet bowl in said use position, and an intermediate piece connecting said front and rear pieces and in said use position forming a stool collecting area adapted to receive said stool sample, said front, rear and intermediate pieces being manufactured from a flexible, foldable, biodegradable and highly water soluble paper material, said stool collector thus being suitable for being flushed in a standard water closet. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270126 | Pressure/Vacuum Actuated Catheter Forceps - A method for extracting a tissue sample is provided, including the steps of inserting a catheter into a bodily cavity, the catheter having a sampling chamber, a movable cover, and an actuation mechanism for actuating the cover, positioning the sampling chamber next to tissue to be sampled, providing a fluid to the actuation mechanism to open the cover, supplying a vacuum to draw tissue sample into the sampling chamber and to close the cover, and withdrawing the catheter from the bodily cavity. Catheter forceps for obtaining a tissue sample are also provided, including a catheter, a sampling chamber positioned at a distal end of the catheter and having a movable cover, and an actuation mechanism for moving the movable cover to an opened position by providing a fluid to the actuation mechanism and to a closed position by providing a vacuum to the actuation mechanism. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270127 | Biological Fluid Receptacle - There is provided a biological fluid receptacle that includes an outer surface adapted to be affixed to a carrier and a receptacle cavity adapted to receive and retain biological fluids. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270128 | RETRACTABLE BLOOD-SAMPLING DEVICE - A retractable blood-sampling device comprises a housing ( | 2011-11-03 |
20110270129 | INSTRUMENT AND SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING A SAMPLE OF A BODY LIQUID AND FOR ANALYSIS THEREOF - Instrument for producing a sample of body liquid for analysis by piercing the skin with a lancing element having a skin piercing tip. The instrument has a housing and a lancing drive for driving a lancing element connected thereto in a puncturing movement. A pressure ring surrounds a skin contact opening and is adapted for pressing against the skin. The skin contact opening has an opening area corresponding to a circle with a diameter of at least 1.5 mm and at most 4 mm, and the instrument comprises a pressing force control device for controlling the pressing force between the pressure ring and the skin at the time of triggering the puncturing movement, to be at least 3 N. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270130 | LANCET PROTECTIVE CAP - A unique technique for maintaining the sterility and integrity of a lancet tip. One or more lancet tips are sandwiched between a first web and a second web of material to protect the sterility of the lancet tips. The first and second webs are heat fused together to form a structure that covers and encapsulates the lancet tips to protect the integrity of the lancet tips. The structure is cut to form individual protective caps to detachably cover each of the lancet tips. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270131 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING THE PRESSURE OF A FLUID IN A SYRINGE, AN ACCESS PORT, A CATHETER, AND A GASTRIC BAND - A method and system for determining pressure in a syringe, and more specifically to a syringe pressure accessory which can be connected to a syringe to determine pressure in a syringe and a gastric band. The syringe pressure accessory can detect a pressure of a syringe and/or a gastric band and digitally display the pressure. The syringe pressure accessory can include a durable unit and a disposable unit. The disposable unit can be disposed of after a single use, while the durable unit can be reused with multiple disposable units. The syringe pressure accessory can also include a syringe attachment unit and one or more display units for a caretaker or a patient. The display unit can be wirelessly connected to the syringe attachment unit to display a pressure chart or the results of various analysis of the pressure data. Markers can be added to the pressure chart. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270132 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR KNEE JOINT EVALUATION AND DIAGNOSTIC AID IN NORMAL AND PATHOLOGIC STATE - The present document describes an apparatus and method for identifying and characterizing a problem of a knee joint. In accordance with an embodiment, the method comprises receiving biomechanical data from sensors and generating a biomechanical profile based on the biomechanical data, the biomechanical data being representative of a movement of the knee joint. The method also involves, in a processing device, classifying the biomechanical profile of the knee joint in one of multiple classes of knee joint problems by applying a pattern recognition technique to a normative biomechanical profile associated to the one of the multiple classes, each one of the multiple classes corresponding to at least one knee joint problem; based on the classifying, identifying the problem as comprising the at least one knee joint problem of the one of the multiple classes; and archiving the problem identified in a storing device to make the problem accessible during consultation. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270133 | Steson's Algorithm - A method of electing a patient suffering from low back pain (LBP) for the treatment of a physiotherapist or to undergo an imaging process for further analysis of an underlying complication, said method comprises a predetermined sequence of physical examinations. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270134 | DETECTING POSTURE SENSOR SIGNAL SHIFT OR DRIFT IN MEDICAL DEVICES - In general, the disclosure relates to medical devices and systems for detecting the posture state of patient. For example, a medical system may detect a posture state of a patient and deliver therapy based at least in part on the detected patient posture state. In some examples, the system may comprise a posture sensor that generates posture sensor data when a patient is in a posture state, and a processor that receives the first posture sensor data, compares the first posture state data to reference posture sensor data, and detects the presence of at least one of sensor signal drift or sensor signal shift for the posture sensor based at least in part on the comparison. In some examples, the processor may be configured to determine one or more offset correction values to apply to posture sensor data generated by the posture sensor when the at least one of sensor signal drift or sensor signal shift is determined to be present. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270135 | Augmented reality for testing and training of human performance - A system for continuously monitoring a user's motion and for continuously providing realtime visual physical performance information to the user while the user is moving to enable the user to detect physical performance constructs that expose the user to increased risk of injury or that reduce the user's physical performance. The system includes multiple passive controllers | 2011-11-03 |
20110270136 | EFFICIENT ULTRASOUND FOCUSING - Ultrasound focusing may be improved by combining knowledge of the target tissue and/or focusing arrangement with focus measurements. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270137 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TREATING SKIN TISSUE - A device for treating a skin tissue is disclosed. The device comprises a device body having an anterior compartment and being formed with at least one suction port, and an ultrasound unit configured for generating an ultrasound wave into the anterior compartment. When an under pressure is formed in the suction port, the skin tissue is drawn by vacuum into the anterior compartment and irradiated by the ultrasound wave to form a focal spot optionally and preferably at a distance of from about 0.2 mm to about 4 mm below an external surface of the skin tissue. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270138 | ULTRASOUND MACRO-PULSE AND MICRO-PULSE SHAPES FOR NEUROMODULATION - Disclosed are methods and systems for non-invasive ultrasound stimulation of neural structures, whether the central nervous systems (such as the brain), nerve roots, or peripheral nerves using macro- and micro-pulse shaping. Which macro-pulse and micro-pulse shapes are most effect depends on the target. This can be assessed either by functional results (e.g., doing motor cortex stimulation and seeing which macro- and micro-pulse shape combination causes the greatest motor response) or by imaging (e.g., PET of fMRI) results. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270139 | SHOCK WAVE THERAPY APPARATUS FOR EXTRACORPORAL SHOCK-WAVE THERAPY - A shock wave therapy apparatus having a shock wave source and a control device for activating the shock wave source is provided for extracorporal shock wave therapy. The control device comprises a program module in which at least one predefined sequence of individual shock waves is stored or may be set. The shock wave source may be activated by the control device in a manner such that the shock wave source emits the predefined sequence of shock waves. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270140 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR LESSENING THE EFFECTS OF BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA - Disclosed is a method for lessening the effect of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia by inducing increased urine flow and bladder emptying by a device including a plurality of protrusions configured to produce at least one stimulating effect on a predefined area of a foot. | 2011-11-03 |
20110270142 | WHOLE BODY AND SPINE CHIROPRACTIC MASSAGER - The present invention relates to whole body and spine chiropractic massagers (including retractors), and more specifically, to a whole body and spine chiropractic massager which enables accurate treatment by automatically sensing a target treatment position even if an original treatment n position that was set during the spinal retraction phase has changed, the sensing operation being performed by a sensing part attached to a user's body, or by a sensor installed at a massager or indicator lamp disposed in the bed. In particular, a whole body and spine chiropractic massager | 2011-11-03 |
20110270143 | Stabilizing Belt - A stabilizing belt for use by a pair of riders riding a vehicle in tandem to provide a means for the back rider to stabilize himself or herself during the ride, the stabilizing belt comprising a pad, a belt to wrap around the pad and secure the pad to a wearer, and a pair of handles attached to the pad. The pad may be uniquely contoured to provide support and comfort for the wearer. A strap may be provided for added security and comfort. The belt may further comprise handle supports for reinforcement, a cover for durability, and a pocket for versatility. | 2011-11-03 |