45th week of 2008 patent applcation highlights part 42 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20080275329 | Diffusion weighted preparatory sequence for magnetic resonance imaging pulse sequence - A preparatory pulse sequence is applied prior to an imaging pulse sequence during a diffusion-weighted MRI scan. The preparatory pulse sequence diffusion weights the longitudinal magnetization using a gradient waveform that is first moment nulled to reduce image artifacts caused by patient motion. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275330 | Mri Guided Ultrasound Therapy Apparatus - This invention provides a MRI guided ultrasound therapy apparatus. It comprises a static field magnet adapted to apply a static magnetic field in an magnetic resonance volume at a predetermined disposition; at least one ultrasound energy applicator adapted to apply energy within an energy application zone at a predetermined disposition; and The mechanical positioning means for moving said ultrasound energy applicator to position the applicator so that the energy application zone intersects said magnetic resonance volume within said region of the subject. In that apparatus, the static field magnet is open at both ends or open at side. The sided open is upward or downward and the mechanical positioning means of this ultrasound energy applicator is close to and is located outside of this sided open. This invention reduces the space limitation for the mechanical positioning means of the ultrasound transducer. Meanwhile, the non-magnetic requirement on the mechanical positioning means become less greatly and particularly the problem of interference from magnetic field produced by working current of the transducer power cord to MRI system can be solved. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275331 | DETECTING TEMPERATURE AND PROTEIN DENATURATION DURING THERMAL THERAPY - In one aspect, in general, a method is provided for detecting temperature and protein denaturation of a tissue during thermal therapy. The method includes generating a plurality of MR pulse sequences that include a first group of pulse sequences and a second group of pulse sequences, and receiving a plurality of response signals that include a first and second group of response signals in response to the first and second groups of pulse sequences, respectively. A first information associated with a degree of protein denaturation of the tissue is determined based on the first and second groups of response signals. A second information associated with a temperature of the tissue is determined based on at least some of the plurality of response signals. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275332 | Head Coil and Neurovascular Array for Parallel Imaging Capable Magnetic Resonance Systems - A head coil for use with a parallel-imaging compatible MR system is disclosed, as is a method of making, and a neurovascular array (NVA) equipped with, same. The head coil includes conductive rings and rods configured to produce a plurality of electrically-adjacent primary resonant substructures about a birdcage-like structure, with each such primary resonant substructure including two rods neighboring each other and the short segment of each of the first and second rings interconnecting them. The primary resonant substructures are isolated from each other via a preamplifier decoupling scheme and an offset tuning scheme thereby enabling each primary resonant substructure (i) to receive an MR signal from tissue within its field of view and (ii) to be operatively couplable to one processing channel of the MR system for conveyance of the MR signal received thereby (iii) while being simultaneously decoupled from the other primary resonant substructures. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275333 | LOCAL MRI BREAST COIL AND METHOD OF USE - A local breast coil is designed to be tightly coupled to the natural shape of the pendant breast to provide high SNR for diagnostic MR imaging applications, while still providing access for interventional procedures through openings in the coil. In accordance with one configuration, the coil has a symmetrical design, such that the coil can be rotated about the breast to position an opening in the coil proximate to a desired portion of the breast without incurring registration or other alignment or artifact errors due to inhomogeneous B1 excitation. Furthermore, the coil is designed to facilitate medial and lateral imaging of the breast. The coil is combined with a patient support system that facilitates rotation of the coil and interchangeability of the coil to match the configuration of the coil to the position of the breast being imaged. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275334 | System and method for determining the position of an instrument - The invention relates to a system and a method for a system featuring an electromagnetic position detection system and an instrument of which the position is able to be determined in at least one electromagnetic field created with the electromagnetic position detection system, with a device distorting the electromagnetic field being located at least partly in the electromagnetic field or a device distorting the electromagnetic field being able to be brought at least partly into the electromagnetic field, and with the position of the instrument being determined taking into account the position of the device or of a part of the device in the electromagnet field and the distortion of the electromagnetic field associated with it. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275335 | Methods and apparatus for virtual coronary mapping - A virtual map of vessels of interest in medical procedures, such as coronary angioplasty is created so that doses of contrasting agent given to a patient may be reduced. A position of a coronary guidewire is determined and locations of vessel boundaries are found. When the contrast agent has dissipated, virtual maps of the vessels are created as new images. The locations of the determined vessel boundaries are imported to a mapping system and an image obtained without using a contrast agent is modified based on the imported locations of vessel boundaries. This creates a virtual map of the vessels. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275336 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO GENERATE AN ILLUSTRATION OF A CARDIAC REGION OF INTEREST - A system and method to generate an illustration of a cardiac region of interest of an imaged subject is provided. The method includes generating a three-dimensional model from a series of acquired images of the cardiac region of interest; measuring a series of values of at least one functional parameter of the cardiac region of interest; generating a map of a spatial relation of the plurality of values of the functional parameter in spatial relation to the three-dimensional model of the cardiac region of interest; generating a three-dimensional model of a vessel structure leading to the cardiac region of interest; generating an output image that includes combining the three-dimensional model of the cardiac region of interest, the map of the series of values of the functional parameter, and the three-dimensional model of the vessel structure in spatial relation to one another relative to a common coordinate system. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275337 | BREATHING DETECTION APPARATUS AND METHOD - A device is disclosed for remote monitoring of breathing movements of a patient, comprising a sender transmitting a microwave signal toward the patient, a receiver arranged to receive a signal reflected by the patient, and a processor. The processor mixes the received signal with the transmitted signal and with a signal in quadrature with the transmitted signal to determine a breathing frequency of the patient. In some embodiments, two signals at different frequencies are emitted toward the patient and processed in order to compensate for breathing patterns that are not uniquely resolvable at a single frequency. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275338 | Nonlinear Ultrasonic Diagnostic Imaging Using Intermodulation Product Signals - An ultrasonic imaging system transmits waveforms containing first and second major frequency components which are intermodulated by passage through a nonlinear medium or interaction with a contrast agent microbubble to produce a difference frequency component. In an illustrated embodiment the transmit waveforms are square waves exhibiting only odd harmonic components. The first and third harmonic components are intermodulated by nonlinear effects to produce a difference frequency signal at the second harmonic frequency. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275339 | DETERMINATION OF SOUND PROPAGATION SPEED IN NAVIGATED SURGERIES - The patent discloses a method and device for measuring the speed of sound of ultrasound waves used in a sonographic examination of a patient's body structure. Marker devices are attached to an ultrasound probe and to an ultrasound reflecting body structure such that the distance traveled by the ultrasound waves can be determined by a navigation system. Using this distance and the transit time of the ultrasound waves, the measured speed can be calculated. The calculated speed of sound may then be used to accurately scale the ultrasound images. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275340 | ULTRASONIC TISSUE DISPLACEMENT/STRAIN IMAGING OF BRAIN FUNCTION - Tissue Pulsatility Imaging (TPI) is an ultrasonic technique developed to measure tissue displacement or strain in the brain due to blood flow over the cardiac and respiratory cycles. Such measurements can be used to facilitate the mapping of brain function as well as to monitor cerebral vasoreactivity. Significantly, because tissue scatters ultrasound to a greater extend than does blood, using ultrasound to measure tissue displacement or strain in the brain is easier to implement than using ultrasound to measure blood flow in the brain. Significantly, transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD) has been used to measure blood flow in the brain to map brain function and monitor cerebral vasoreactivity; however, TCD can only acquire data through the three acoustic windows in the skull, limiting the usefulness of TCD. TPI is not so limited. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275341 | Device for X-Ray Brachytherapy, and Method for Positioning a Probe Introduced Into a Body for X-Ray Brachytherapy - In a system and method for x-ray brachytherapy, a probe is introduced into the body of a subject, the probe carrying an x-ray source that radiates x-rays into an exposure area outside of the probe within the body of the subject. A number of markers are located in or on the probe, that are detectable in an image generated by an imaging device. The markers are located in or on the probe in a known spatial relation to the exposure area, so that the position of the exposure area can be determined by identifying the markers in the displayed image. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275342 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ULTRASOUND TREATMENT WITH A MULTI-DIRECTIONAL TRANSDUCER - A method and system for ultrasound treatment utilizing a multi-directional transducer to facilitate treatment, such as therapy and/or imaging or other tissue parameter monitoring, in two or more directions. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a multi-directional transducer comprises at least two transduction elements configured to provide for ultrasound energy, such as radiation, acoustical energy, heat energy, imaging, positional information and/or tissue parameter monitoring signals in two or more directions. The transduction elements can comprise various materials for providing ultrasound energy or radiation, such as piezoelectric materials, with and without matching layers. In addition, the transduction elements can be configured for substantially uniform, focused and/or defocused radiation patterns, as well as for single, multiple-element and/or multiple-element array configurations. In addition, an exemplary multi-directional transducer can comprise multiple elements, either side by side, stacked or in an array. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275343 | Percussion assisted angiogenesis - The present invention relates to a new non-invasive method for inducing angiogenesis and more particularly coronary angiogenesis wherein an operator applies localized percussion upon the upper torso proximate an ischemic myocardial region, whereby the percussive forces penetrate to cause sheer stresses to the endothelium of the coronaries which lie thereupon, and thereby cause new coronary growth by virtue of endogenous liberation of beneficial angiogenic mediators. A pair of vibratory contacts are advantageously applied to rib-spaces to either side of the sternum (or alternatively to the upper back), where-after percussion is applied at the resonance frequency of the heart/epimyocardium at a displacement amplitude of 0.1 mm-15 mm (preferably greater than 1 mm), such as to maximize an internal oscillatory effect. The system is also adaptable for cerebral and peripheral vasculature applications. Ultrasonic imaging may optionally be utilized to direct percussive therapy. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275344 | Method and Apparatus for Categorizing Breast Density and Assessing Cancer Risk Utilizing Acoustic Parameters - A method for categorizing whole-breast density is disclosed. The method includes the steps of exposing breast tissue to an acoustic signal; measuring a distribution of an acoustic parameter by analyzing the acoustic signal; and obtaining a measure of whole-breast density from said measuring step. An apparatus is also disclosed. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275345 | Ultrasonic Diagnostic Contrast Imaging at Moderate Mi Levels - A method and device for imaging contrast agents which oscillate nonlinearly in a nondestructive mode at an MI in excess of 0.1 is described. Three transmit pulses are transmitted in each beam direction which are differently modulated. In an illustrated embodiment the transmit pulses are symmetrically differently phase modulated at 0°, 120° and 240°. The echoes received in response to each transmit pulse are stored and combined by a pulse inversion processor. Pulse inversion processing results in separation of the third harmonic to the relative exclusion of the first and second harmonic signal components. Third harmonic images of the contrast image are formed which exhibit a relatively low tissue background. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275346 | ULTRASOUND THERAPY APPARATUS - An ultrasound therapy apparatus includes a signal generating device for generating an oscillatory wave signal, and configured to switch automatically frequency of the oscillatory wave signal between at least first and second preset frequency values. An amplitude adjusting unit is connected electrically to the signal generating device for receiving the oscillatory wave signal therefrom, and is operable so as to adjust amplitude of the oscillatory wave signal for outputting a driving signal. A probe device is connected electrically to the amplitude adjusting unit, and is driven by the driving signal from the amplitude adjusting unit so as to output ultrasound energy that is adapted to be applied to a human body. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275347 | Stimulation Arrangement For Measurement Of Physiological Signal Reactivity - The invention relates to a method and apparatus for assessing the reactivity observable in a certain physiological signal, especially the EEG signal, of a subject. In order to obtain a compact measurement arrangement that enables reliable assessment of changes in the reactivity of the subject even during a long time period, a conventional monitoring device is provided with a stimulation module configured to supply stimuli to the subject through a measurement probe that the device uses to receive physiological signal data from the subject. The measurement probe may comprise, for example, an arm cuff through which the device monitors the blood pressure of the subject. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275348 | Monitor device and use thereof - In an apparatus and method for obtaining an indication of energy expenditure by a mammal during exercise, one or more movement transducers ( | 2008-11-06 |
20080275349 | MONITORING, PREDICTING AND TREATING CLINICAL EPISODES - Apparatus ( | 2008-11-06 |
20080275350 | SYSTEM FOR ANCHORING AN IMPLANTABLE SENSOR IN A VESSEL - A system and a method of disposing a second sensor module overlying a first sensor module system is described. A first assembly including an expandable anchor and a sensor module is at least partially overlapped by a second assembly including an expandable anchor and a sensor module. If necessary or desired, the functions of the second sensor module can replace the functions of the first sensor module. The sensor module may include a blood pressure sensor. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275351 | Model-based pulse wave velocity measurement method - A method for measuring pulse wave velocity through an artery. The method includes: obtaining an image of the artery; generating from the image a model of the artery; selecting two reference points along the artery, such two reference points being separated a predetermined distance, D; observing a change in the model at a first one of the two reference points and a corresponding change in the model at a second one of the two reference points along with a time difference T between the observed changes; and estimating the pulse wave velocity, PWV, in accordance with PWV=D/T. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275352 | Cerebral Perfusion Monitor - A method of estimating cerebral blood flow includes obtaining a measure of time-varying blood volume in the head, using an impedance plethysmography ( | 2008-11-06 |
20080275353 | COHERENT SIGNAL REJECTION IN ECG - A method for monitoring an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal of a subject, includes digitally sampling an average signal from at least a first ECG electrode, determining an average interference frequency, and digitally sampling and buffering a raw ECG signal from at least a second ECG electrode. The method further includes: filtering the raw ECG signal to generate a residual signal; calculating, based on the residual signal, a first amplitude and a first phase shift of a primary interference signal at the average interference frequency and a second amplitude and a second phase shift of one or more harmonic interference signals at respective multiples of the average interference frequency; and digitally subtracting the primary interference signal and the one or more harmonic interference signals from the raw ECG signal so as to generate and output a clean ECG signal. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275354 | System and method for diverting flow to facilitate measurement of system parameters - A method and various devices are disclosed that facilitates the measurement of hemodynamic parameters by injection of an indicator in an indicator dilution technique using an extracorporeal circuit connected to a patient. Specifically, the invention deals with problems caused by the spike in pressure in an extracorporeal line that result from the injection of a bolus. The method and various devices provide for diversion of blood during an indictor injection process and then return of the diverted blood back into the system after the injection is completed. The variations of the invention use diversion lines, accommodating cases and other devices that are designed to accumulate blood displaced during injection and then returning the blood to the extracorporeal circuit after injection. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275355 | Method For Diagnosing An Infectioin Condition - A method and an apparatus for determining an infection condition in an organism by measuring the level of nitrous oxide present in a gas sample taken from the organism. In one embodiment the nitrous oxide content of a gas sample is measured to diagnose systemic inflammatory response in a living organism. In an alternative embodiment, the nitrous oxide level of a gas sample taken from a living organism may be compared the with an expected nitrous oxide level for a healthy organism or with a prior measured nitrous oxide level of the living organism to diagnose the presence or absence of an infection in the living organism. A method and apparatus for determining response to a course of therapy is provided. The method and apparatus compares the nitrous oxide levels of a living organism before and after the administration of a therapy to the living organism to determine a response to the therapy. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275356 | RESPIRATORY SENSING BELT USING PIEZO FILM - A respiratory belt sensing device to aid in monitoring breathing patterns of a user, particularly in diagnosis and treatment of persons with breathing disorders. The device includes a PVDF film member having first and second metalized major surfaces and a perimeter containing a plurality of spaced apart alignment features. It also includes a first tabbed lead and a second tabbed lead respectively attached to the first and second major surfaces of the PVDF film member by an electrically conductive adhesive. The resulting assembly is affixed to the surface of a body encircling belt member. Signals are generated when the PVDF film on the belt member is stressed due to stretching as a user breathes in and out. The generated signals can thereafter be used in diagnosis and analysis. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275357 | Oral/nasal cannula - There is provided an oral nasal cannula for sampling breath of a subject comprising a main body portion, comprising a suction port which is adapted to be connected to a suction device for side sampling of exhaled breath of said subject, wherein said main body portion comprises a recess adapted to support a medical tube, wherein the tube adapted to be inserted through a first nostril of said subject and a nasal prong and adapted to collect nasally exhaled breath from a second nostril of said subject, and in fluid flow communication with a nasal breath collection bore. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275358 | TRAINING METHOD AND APPARATUS EMPLOYING BRAINWAVE MONITORING - Training methods and apparatus wherein a training environment is activated only when a trainee is in a focused attention state. A brainwave monitor is employed for determining level of attention. The training environment is activated when the level of attention of the trainee is at or above a predetermined attention threshold. Activation of the training environment provides feedback to the trainee that he or she is in a focused attention state, and at the same time provides the incentive to remain in the focused attention state. A focused attention state is important if not required for training/learning success. The method and apparatus may be employed for training individual trainees, as well as for training team member trainees. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275359 | Mobile in vivo brain scan and analysis system - Described is a mobile in vivo brain scan and analysis system. The system includes a data collection subsystem and a data analysis subsystem. The data collection subsystem is formed to collect brain data that is reflective of firing neurons in a mobile subject and transmit the brain data to the data analysis subsystem. The data analysis subsystem is configured to generate and display a three-dimensional image that depicts a location the firing neurons. The data analysis subsystem is also configured to compare the brain data against a library of brain data to detect an anomaly in the brain data, and notify a user of any detected anomaly in the brain data. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275360 | Arrangement and Method for Assessing the Motility of a Generally Tubular Anatomical Organ - The invention relates to an arrangement for assessing the motility of a generally tubular anatomical organ ( | 2008-11-06 |
20080275361 | Device for the Monitoring of Physiologic Variables Through Measurement of Body Electrical Impedance - A device for the measurement of body impedance includes a current injecting device for injecting a test current through a first set of electrodes to the body of a patient, and a voltage reading device for reading voltage variations between two electrodes belonging to a second set of electrodes using a coherent demodulator. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275362 | Method for Measuring Stable and Reproducible Electrode-Tissue Impedance - The present invention is a method for measuring stable and reproducible electrode-tissue impedance, comprising preconditioning an electrode-tissue interface. Further aspect of the invention is a stimulation system for a visual prosthesis generating a stimulation signal to precondition the electrode-tissue interface, comprising a computer; software, loaded in the computer, adapted to perform a stimulating method for a visual prosthesis having a plurality of electrodes; a video processing unit; and an implanted neuron-stimulator. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275363 | Device and Method for Examination of a Body Cavity - The invention relates to a device for carrying out an examination of a wall of a body cavity, in particular a uterus, which device comprises a catheter, supply means for supplying a sterile fluid to the body cavity via an outflow opening of the catheter, a sealing element for sealing the body cavity against leakage of the sterile fluid from the body cavity. The device furthermore comprises gripping means, operating means for operating the gripping means from a position outside the body cavity and transmission means for transmitting operating actions performed at the operating means to the gripping means, said transmission means extending through a further catheter via the sealing element, wherein said further catheter forms the catheter. The invention further relates to a method for examining a body cavity, using such a device. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275364 | FLASHBACK BLOOD COLLECTION NEEDLE - The invention is a self-venting blood collection needle assembly for the extraction of at least one fluid sample into an evacuated container for laboratory testing, this blood collection needle assembly providing a clear or translucent flashback chamber for blood to flow into, for visualization by the user to confirm successful vein entry. The self-venting mechanism permits escape of air during use, and which, typically, also prevents an outflow of fluid, such as blood. Thus, air under venous pressure will be allowed to escape from the blood collection needle assembly until blood reaches the venting mechanism. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275365 | Methods of Transferring Data to a Medical Test Device - Disclosed are various preferred embodiments for dynamic transfer of information from a test sensor to an analyte medical test device. Exemplary embodiments include various containers, systems and methods. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275367 | Systems and methods for mapping intra-body tissue compliance - Robotic instrument systems and methods for generating a geometric map of an area of body tissue which is correlated with a tissue characteristic such as tissue compliance or related property. The system comprises a robotically controlled catheter which is controlled by a robotic instrument driver. A force sensor system is provided generates force signals responsive to a force applied to the distal end of the catheter. A position determination system is also provided which generates position signals responsive to the location of the distal end of the catheter. A computer is configured to receive and process the force signals and position signals to generate a geometric map of an area of body tissue correlated to the tissue compliance of different regions of the body tissue or a tissue characteristic determinable from the tissue compliance. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275368 | Apparatus For Detecting Axial Force In The Digestive System - An apparatus and a method for measuring deformations and force applied to a probe are disclosed. The system may be a mechanical system a physical system or a biological system such as e.g. a bodily hollow system. The apparatus comprises an elongated elastic probe, a conducting medium attached to or contained by the probe, two or more electrodes being electrically connected by the conducting medium, the electrodes being attached to the probe, and the apparatus furthermore comprising means for measuring an electrical parameter, such as the potential difference between at least two of the number of electrodes, the measured electrical parameter being indicative of a deformation of the probe in at least the longitudinal direction of the elongated probe. The force applied to the probe may be determined from a pre-calibration of the electrical parameter-force relationship of the probe. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275369 | Arrangement and Method for Determining Muscular Contractions in an Anatomical Organ - The invention relates to an arrangement for determining the degree of muscular contraction of a generally tubular anatomical organ ( | 2008-11-06 |
20080275370 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TREATING VISUAL DISORDERS - In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end and an ultrasound transducer coupled to the distal end of the elongate body. A cooling member is coupled to the ultrasound transducer. The cooling member and/or the ultrasound transducer is configured to directly contact an outer surface of an eye such that ultrasound energy can be applied to a targeted portion of the eye. A method includes disposing a medical device such that a distal end of the medical device is in contact with an outer surface of an eye. The medical device includes an elongate body and an ultrasound transducer coupled to a distal end of the elongate body. Ultrasound energy is applied to a targeted portion of the eye while the medical device is disposed in contact with the outer surface of the eye to reshape the cornea of the eye. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275371 | Vibrator with a plurality of contact nodes for treatment of myocardial ischemia - A vibrator for use in enhancement of pre-hospital coronary thrombolysis comprising a vibration source operable to generate vibration at a frequency in the range of 1-1000 Hz with at least a pair of oscillatory contacts spaced to enable simultaneous seating to the anatomic left and right of the sternum (such as to match the geometry of the right and left coronary arteries) of a patient in need of coronary thrombolysis. The preferred vibrator is operable to emit vibration in the low frequency sonic range (at least 20 Hz) with an amplitude of about 1 mm-15 mm (and more preferably greater than 2 mm), such as to provide an effective transthoracic tool for acute coronary thrombolysis applications. In a variation, greater than a pair of contacts are utilized to provide oscillatory contact at differing intercostal space levels (in order to maximize vibratory penetration to the heart which is variably situated depending on the patient's anatomy). | 2008-11-06 |
20080275372 | NEUROLOGICAL DISEASE PREVENTION APPARATUS - By the combined use of ultrasonic vibration generated by a pair of ultrasonic vibrators that are alternately driven asynchronously with the heartbeat, and stereo music vibration waves generated by a pair of music vibrators, the brain is gently and effectively provided with massage without subjecting the head to excessive massage. Blood flow can be stimulated deep within the brain. As the rise and fall of the vibration energy generated by the ultrasonic vibrators are mitigated by the modulators, impact applied by the vibration to the head of the wearer is reduced. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275373 | Fitness Machine Having a Vibration Absorbing Support - The present invention relates to a fitness machine ( | 2008-11-06 |
20080275374 | Apparatus and method for applying an electrostatic field to a wound or scar to promote healing thereof - Apparatus in the form of a bandage for generating an electrostatic field which when placed in proximity to a wound or scar induces polarization therein to facilitate the healing process. Methods of treating wounds and scars particularly in humans utilizing the bandage is also disclosed. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275375 | ADHESIVE COMPOSITION FOR A HUMID MEDIUM, BASED ON BLOCK COPOLYMERS COMPRISING AT LEAST ONE HYDROPHILIC BLOCK - The invention relates to a block copolymer which is produced by a controlled radical polymerization, has an individual composition and structure and is used for adhesion in a humid medium The inventive copolymer comprises a continuous flexible and water repellent matrix (of elastomer nature) and a dispersed phase in the form of hydrophilic nanodomains. Said copolymer exhibits an excellent adhesion as a result of the structure thereof also in a very humid medium. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275376 | Method for enhancing immune responses in mammals - The present invention provides a method for enhancing an immune response in a mammal to facilitate the elimination of a chronic pathology. The method involves the removal of immune system inhibitors from the circulation of the mammal, thus, enabling a more vigorous immune response to the pathogenic agent. The removal of immune system inhibitors is accomplished by contacting biological fluids of a mammal with one or more binding partner(s) capable of binding to and, thus, depleting the targeted immune system inhibitor(s) from the biological fluids. Particularly useful in the invention is an absorbent matrix composed of an inert, biocompatible substrate joined covalently to a binding partner, such as an antibody, capable of specifically binding to the targeted immune system inhibitor. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275377 | Apparatus for Controlling Blood Flow in an Extracorporeal Circuit - The apparatus for blood flow control in an extracorporeal circuit comprises: a user interface for setting a desired blood flow value (q | 2008-11-06 |
20080275378 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE FORMATION OF MULTIPLE MICROCONDUITS - Disclosed is an apparatus that creates a number of microconduits, i.e., small holes in the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of human skin tissue, to provide a pathway therethrough, which can be used, for example, for transdermal drug delivery. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275379 | Ultrasonic tip for sinus membrane elevation - An ultrasonic tip ( | 2008-11-06 |
20080275380 | SONIC ENDOVENOUS CATHETER - A device and method to improve the ultrasound visibility of a catheter placed inside the body is described. The catheter is sonically vibrated by an external driver device that transmits the acoustic vibration down the catheter and inside the body. An ultrasound transducer is used to pick up the ultrasound vibrations directly or detects the sonic vibrations using a Doppler mode ultrasound machine. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275381 | Portable Instillation Apparatus and Method - The present invention relates to an improved apparatus and method for instilling fluid into a patient having an intestinal stoma thereby administering an antegrade colonic enema. The portable instillation apparatus comprising in combination: a fluid reservoir, a pump assembly, a control module, a fluid delivery line and an intestinal stoma catheter wherein the control module is operable to automatically stop fluid delivery to the intestinal stoma after a predetermined volume of fluid has been instilled at a predetermined flow rate and pressure range suitable for a particular patient. The portable instillation apparatus incorporates a unique gear pump manifold facilitating the portability, durability and reliability of the apparatus overcoming the disadvantages of traditional peristaltic pump mechanisms. The portable instillation apparatus is so engineered as to maximize the ease of transport and use of the device while also enabling a method for a patient to self-administer an antegrade colonic enema within a short time period and without intervention. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275382 | Device and Method for Loading a Patient Connector for Peritoneal Dialysis with a Closure Plug - The invention relates to a device for loading a patient connector for peritoneal dialysis with a closure plug. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275383 | Miniature cross stream thrombectomy catheter - A miniature cross stream thrombectomy catheter useful in small blood vessel thrombectomy procedures. An annulus near the distal end of the miniature cross stream thrombectomy catheter is formed between a hypo-tube and a proximally directed bore of a concentrically aligned flow director whereby jet orifices in the hypo-tube communicate with the annulus to direct jet flows of saline or other fluid around and about the annulus and to be directed proximally from the annulus to pass through one or more outflow orifices and thence to pass through one or more inflow orifices thereby creating an ablation flow therebetween which loosens and carries away thrombotic materials from the walls of a blood vessel. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275384 | CLOSED LOOP/SEMI-CLOSED LOOP THERAPY MODIFICATION SYSTEM - A closed loop/semi-closed loop infusion system provides therapy modification and safeguards against the over-delivery or under-delivery of insulin. A glucose sensor system is configured to obtain a measured blood glucose value. A controller is operationally connected with the glucose sensor system and configured to trigger an alarm based on a measured blood glucose value or amount of insulin delivered, selectively perform calibration of the glucose sensor system when the alarm is triggered, and adjust a therapy delivery parameter when the alarm is triggered, wherein the adjusted therapy delivery parameter is limited to be within a boundary. Thereafter, a delivery system delivers therapy at the adjusted therapy delivery parameter. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275385 | System for Collecting Breast Milk From a Human Breast - A portable, hands-free and user friendly breast pump for facilitating breast-feeding, incorporates a dome-shaped housing having a servomotor mechanism; a hat-shaped flange having a chamber portion, a brim portion and an outlet, the chamber portion being formed so as to be placed over a nipple on a breast so as to define a chamber between the flange and the breast, and the brim portion being formed to surround the nipple and thereby form a suction seal therebetween; and a one-way venting element formed to operatively communicate with the chamber so as to vent pumped milk from the chamber via the outlet. The housing, the flange and the venting element are connected into an integral device held against the breast and underneath clothing so as to keep the integral device hidden. Breast milk is collected via a plastic collection bag that connects directly with the pump underneath clothing such that the milk is isolated from any contaminants in the air and may be easily stored immediately after being collected. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275386 | HANDS-FREE BREAST PUMP WITH BALANCED RECIPROCATING DRIVE - A hands-free breast pump that includes a balanced push-pull reciprocating drive system that applies pumping force to a vacuum chamber formed by a breast interface cup during inward and outward pump strokes. The breast pump includes a breast cup that has a resilient bellows structure that partially collapses the volume of the vacuum chamber during the inward stroke and recovers the volume of the vacuum chamber during the outward stroke. The pump mechanism includes a cam drive system that translates rotary electric motor power into reciprocating linear action of an actuator arm that drives the bellows structure. The bellows structure acts like a spring that charges (resists the pump force) during the inward stroke and discharges (assists the pump force) during the outward stroke, and the shape of the cam track is designed to produce a desired operating profile for the pump. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275387 | HEMOSTATIC MEDICAL DEVICE - A hemostatic medical device comprising a tubular syringe body extending along an axis and having a front end and a rear end; a plunger axially slidable in the body; a stem projecting axially rearward out of the body from the plunger; a free piston slidable in the body forward of the plunger and subdividing the body forward of the plunger into a front compartment at the front body end and a rear compartment between the plunger and the piston; the syringe body being formed with a mechanism to allow the contents in the rear and front compartments to mix; sterile saline in the rear compartment; and a hemostatic substance in the front compartment. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275388 | Catheter Handle and a Catheter Assembly Including Such a Handle - A catheter handle | 2008-11-06 |
20080275389 | Catheter Handle and a Catheter Assembly Including Such a Handle - A catheter handle ( | 2008-11-06 |
20080275390 | Balloon Catheters - A method of using a balloon catheter, comprising the steps of providing a balloon catheter, the balloon catheter comprising a balloon and a plurality of fins, the plurality of fins engaged to the balloon; inserting the balloon catheter into the vasculature; advancing the balloon catheter through the vasculature to a desired location; inflating the balloon when the balloon catheter is at the desired location; deflating the balloon; and directing the blood flow along the balloon thereby aiding rewrap. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275391 | Loading dilator with transition baloon - A loading dilator for positioning a medical apparatus across a stoma formed in a body wall of a patient. The medical apparatus, such as a tracheotomy tube, is sized to fit over a portion of the loading dilator during positioning of the apparatus across the stoma. The loading dilator includes an elongated dilator body having a tapered distal end for facilitating entry into the stoma. The dilator body has an inflatable balloon disposed along an outer surface at the distal end. The balloon is inflatable to a configuration such that a generally smooth diametrical transition is formed between the elongated dilator body and a leading end of the medical apparatus when the medical apparatus is fit over the loading dilator. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275392 | SYRINGE SET - A syringe holder which is capable of holding a plurality of types of syringes used for expanding a balloon catheter so as to be capable of being detached and attached is proposed. Preferably, a clearance is provided between the syringe holder and the syringe, so that gas can come into sufficient contact therewith during sterilizing treatment. The syringe holder in this arrangement can be formed, for example, by forming a plurality of grooves which are similar to the shape of the syringe and slightly larger than the syringe on a sheet formed of resilient member. Preferably, the shape is devised to prevent dropping off of the syringe from the syringe holder. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275393 | Isolation thrombectomy catheter system - An isolation thrombectomy catheter system where thrombus, clotted material, or the like is isolated by distally and proximally placed inflated occlusive balloons sealing a portion of the vasculature for subsequent removal of thrombus by cross stream jets. An isolation catheter accommodates either a jet assembly for ablation of thrombus and for drug or medication delivery, or accommodates a drug delivery device for introduction of lysing fluids, drugs or medications to a thrombus site. Alternating of lysing fluid delivery and ablation can be incorporated for a combined thrombectomy effort. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275394 | Self-destroy safety syringe - A self destroy syringe includes a barrel, a plunger having a hooking ring provided at a top end thereof, and an inner needle seat retaining a needle in position. The inner needle seat is held at a top end of the barrel, wherein the plunger is slid towards the inner needle seat for injection. The inner needle seat has a hooking member provided at a bottom end of the inner needle seat and arranged in such a manner that after injection, the plunger is slidably pushed to engage the hooking member with the hooking ring, such that when the plunger is slidably pulled backward, the inner needle seat and the needle are retracted into the barrel. The structure of the syringe is simple, the requirement of the assembly process is low, and the product pass rate is high. It is suitable for mass product by assembly line. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275395 | MRI-Compatible Temperature-Sensing Catheter - A preferred embodiment includes an MRI compatible catheter that maintains a desired temperature during an MRI procedure. Specifically, the catheter includes a lumen containing sensor wire that is surrounded by an insulating material. This material limits the transfer of heat to the outside of the catheter as the sensor wire heats during an MRI procedure. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275396 | Cannula Inserting System - The present invention provides a highly automated puncture system for inserting a cannula or a needle into a blood vessel of a person or an animal. The puncture system has an acquisition module that allows for determining at least a location of a blood vessel underneath of the surface of a skin and is further enabled to determine an optimal puncture location that is well suitable for inserting a cannula into the blood vessel. Further, the puncture system has an actuator for moving and aligning the cannula to a determined position. The system is further adapted to autonomously insert the cannula into the blood vessel for multiple purposes, such as blood withdrawal, venous medication and infusions. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275397 | Low pierce force needle port - A low pierce force needle port including a compressible resilient seal puncturable by a needle and compressing apparatus composed of a sealing cap and a sealing gland for compressing the seal. Provision of the compressing apparatus enables the seal to be very thin and still effectively seal before, during, and after needle penetration. Annular beveled and rounded shouldered surfaces on the sealing cap and sealing gland, respectively, serve to guide needles entering and passing through the low pierce force needle port; and a handle, a wide planar area, or other feature of the sealing cap provides a degree of protection against inadvertent needle punctures of the practitioner. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275398 | FLUID VALVE SYSTEMS - An apparatus includes a first valve having an inlet capable of being in fluid communication with a first fluid source, an outlet capable of being in fluid communication with the inlet, and two unidirectional valves. The first valve is capable of being in a first mode in which the inlet is in fluid communication with the outlet through a first flow path, and a second mode in which the inlet is in fluid communication with the outlet through a second flow path isolated from the first flow path. The two unidirectional valves are along the second flow path. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275399 | Perfected 3 Way Stopcock - A 3-way stopcock which is intended for sanitary use comprising a body or nucleus ( | 2008-11-06 |
20080275400 | Manufacturing Microneedle Arrays - A method of making injection molded microstructured articles for drug delivery and tissue fluid sampling by injection molding the articles onto a carrier web to then convey the articles during the manufacturing process. The molded articles are attached to the web by closing the mold over a portion of the web prior to injection. This is particularly beneficial where the article has a highly sensitive surface, such as an array of delicate microneedles for drug delivery or fluid sampling. It also facilitates subsequent processing, which may include applying drug coatings and other processing. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275401 | Catheter anchor and system/method regarding same - An anchor for use in an anchor system and method for securing a catheter to tissue includes a flexible body portion that defines one or more openings through which a catheter is positioned when secured to the tissue. For example, the one or more openings may be a channel through the anchor having a diameter that is less than the outer diameter of the catheter. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275402 | FISTULA INSERT - The present invention concerns a fistula insert with a tubular body which has a distal and a proximal end and a central lumen, in particular to seal fistulas in connection with voice prostheses, speech valves, tracheal cannulas, stoma buttons and connectors. To produce such a device, which on insertion can be conformed individually to the size and shape of the stoma or fistula and produce a suitable seal, in accordance with the invention, the tubular body has an outer surface which can be conformed to the shape of a fistula to be sealed and an inner surface which is essentially stable in shape. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275403 | Dual syringe assembly - A dual syringe assembly that allows for two liquids to be sequentially injected through the same needle. By way of example, one syringe may contain a steroid and the other syringe may hold an anesthetic. The syringes are coupled to a needle by a connector. The needle can be inserted into a hand by medical personnel and manipulated until placed in contact with a tendon sheath. The steroid can be administered by depressing a plunger of the syringe that contains the steroid. The anesthetic can then be injected into the hand by depressing the plunger of the other syringe. The needle is then pulled out of the hand. The injection of the anesthetic flushes steroid from the needle and the Y-connector so that steroid is not ejected onto surrounding tissue when the needle is removed from the hand. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275404 | Double Chamber Ampoule - The invention relates to a receptacle comprised of an elastically flexible plastic material, comprising a dosing chamber ( | 2008-11-06 |
20080275405 | Medical Valve with Expandable Member - A medical valve has a resilient member that is forcibly expanded to an expanded volume from a normal volume. Specifically, the valve operates in a closed mode that prevents fluid flow, and an open mode that permits fluid flow. To these ends, the valve has a housing having an inlet and an outlet, and the noted resilient member within the housing. The resilient member and housing form a fluid channel between the inlet and the outlet. The fluid channel at least in part extends through the resilient member. The fluid channel has a given portion formed by a variable volume portion of the resilient member. The variable volume portion has a normal volume when in the closed mode, and an expanded volume when the open mode. The expanded volume is greater than the normal volume. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275406 | FIXED TROCAR SEAL - A diameter reduction mechanism for a fixed seal trocar employing a movable reduction member pivotally connected with a housing. The housing is adapted to be mounted on a proximal end of a valve assembly of the trocar. The reduction member defines a hole aligned with a passageway defmed by the trocar. The hole defines an operable area less than an operable area defined by the passageway. The diameter reduction mechanism is configured for the ease of selectively employing the reduction member between a first position reducing the operable area of the passageway and a second position wherein the reduction member is clear of the passageway. The first position is configured to limit excessive off-axis and angular movements of small diameter surgical instruments and the second position is configured to accommodate an unrestricted use of large diameter surgical instruments in the passageway. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275407 | SYSTEM CONSISTING OF AN INSERTION HEAD AND AN INSERTER - A system for positioning and inserting insertion means into tissue includes an insertion head and an inserter. The insertion head includes a base with a lower side positionable on tissue; and an insertion means movably mounted by the base, which is movable from a protective position where a free end of the insertion means is short of the lower side, into an insertion position where the free end protrudes beyond the lower side of the base. The inserter includes an inserter casing having a lower side with an opening for the insertion head; a holding means, coupled to the inserter casing for holding the insertion head in an initial position; a drive configured to move the insertion head out of the initial position in an advancing direction; and an activating member movable relative to the holding means and operable such that the insertion means is moved into the insertion position. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275408 | LOCALIZED LIQUID THERAPY AND THERMOTHERAPY DEVICE - A device for directly applying thermotherapeutic liquid to an area upon the surface of an afflicted patient, and methods of use thereof, are described. In particular, a device for apply water-based liquid at a therapeutic temperature directly to an afflicted area in order to create a localized hyperthermia, is presented. The afflicted area may be either on the skin of the patient, or subcutaneous. The device is also effective for disinfection, irrigation, lavage, and the like, when employing a suitable solution. The liquid may also have a mild oxidizing effect, which, if greater upon afflicted than upon non-afflicted cells, would enhance the therapeutic effect in conjunction with the therapy herein described. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275409 | WOUND HEALING DEVICE - Methods and devices transmit micromechanical forces locally on the millimeter to micron scale for promoting wound healing. Micromechanical forces can selectively be applied directly to tissue, in some embodiments, by using microchambers fluidically connected to microchannels. Each chamber, or in some cases, group of chambers, may be associated with a valve to control vacuum pressure, positive pressure, liquid delivery, and/or liquid removal from each chamber or group of chambers. Application of embodiments of the invention may shorten wound-healing time, reduce costs of therapy, enable restoration of functional tissue, and reduce the need for more invasive therapies, including surgery. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275410 | COLOSTOMY BAG AND METHOD OF USE - A colostomy bag with a vent and a method for venting gas collected in the colostomy bag. A dual vent and cap assembly attached to a colostomy bag vents gas trapped in the bag either continuously or as periodically desired by a user. A method for venting gas collected in the colostomy bag provides that replacement and/or cleaning of the colostomy bag is reduced. Also, a method of using a disposable sleeve in combination with a clip may be used to hygienically clean the colostomy bag. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275411 | Tampon having a visual indicator - A tampon having one or more benefit indicators is provided. The tampon can include a tampon body having an insertion end, a withdrawal end, and an outer surface. The tampon can have one or more visually perceptible benefit indicators that are visible pre-use, wherein the one or more benefit indicators communicate one or more benefits of the tampon to a user. In addition, or alternatively, the tampon can include one or more visually perceptible benefit indicators that are at least partially visible post-use. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275412 | Articles Comprising Impregnated Thermoplastic Members And Method Of Manufacturing The Articles - An article, including disposable articles and durable articles, includes one or more shaped thermoplastic members, which can be at least partially impregnated into one or more fibrous substrates forming a composite material of the article having regions of breathability, elasticity, and/or stiffening to provide desired functions of the article. The shaped thermoplastic members have a profiled thickness and/or basis weight providing variation in material properties. A percent variation of the profiled thickness of the thermoplastic member can vary from about 5% to about 95%. A process for manufacturing the composite material of the present invention is also disclosed. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275413 | Hygienic Band Having Three-Dimensional Structure and Manufacturing Method Thereof - Disclosed herein are a hygienic band having a three-dimensional structure and a manufacturing method thereof. The hygienic band is inserted naturally along a corresponding curved surface of a user's body to be in close contact with the body, thus improving her dressing style without affecting her health, and preventing menstrual blood from leaking along the curved surface of the body. The hygienic band has a pad having an absorbent layer and a cover A rear folded part is provided at a central region on a rear portion of the pad, and has first and second folded surfaces, each having the shape of a triangle which is inclined such that a rear portion thereof is higher. When she wears the hygienic band, the rear folded part protrudes inwards in the shape of a triangular pyramid and is inserted to be in close contact with a curved surface of her body. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275414 | INDICIA OF REDUCED DIAPER VIEWABLE THROUGH ENCASEMENT - A packaged diaper includes a compressible absorbent diaper having a reduced configuration and an encasement in which the diaper is disposed in the reduced configuration. The diaper further includes indicia that is viewable when the diaper is in the reduced configuration. The encasement has at least a portion thereof that is substantially transparent for viewing of the diaper therein, and the diaper is arranged in the encasement such that the indicia of the diaper is viewable through the transparent portion of the encasement. In a first reduced configuration that is generally rectangular, the diaper includes a length between about 2 inches to about 4 inches, a width between about 1.0 inch to about 2.5 inches, and a thickness between about 0.5 inches to about 1.5 inches. In another configuration that is generally cylindrical, the diaper includes a diameter between about 0.5 inches to about 1.5 inches and a length between about 2 inches to about 4 inches. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275415 | Gender-specific, disposable, adult-incontinence articles - Disposable adult-incontinence product designs tailored to the differing anatomical features of a man's body and a woman's body are disclosed. The designs take into account differing ways in which men and women age and typically distribute weight. For example, a disposable, adult-incontinence article adapted to be worn by women may employ different leg-opening shapes, absorbent placement, ornamental features, and/or other characteristics compared to a corresponding article adapted to be worn by men. Also disclosed are ways of packaging and marketing said products to help create public awareness of the disclosed arrays of gender-specific, disposable, adult-incontinence articles, as well as individual, gender-specific, disposable, adult-incontinence articles. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275416 | Array of tampons having a visual indicator - An array of tampons having one or more benefit indicators. The array includes a first tampon having a first tampon body having an insertion end, a withdrawal end, and an outer surface. The first tampon further includes a first visually perceptible benefit indicator. The array also includes a second tampon having a second tampon body having an insertion end, a withdrawal end, and an outer surface. The second tampon also includes a second visually perceptible benefit indicator. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275417 | Tampon with patterned end and method and apparatus for making same - A tampon comprising a pledget of absorbent material has a patterned impression in at least one end comprising one or more design elements. A method for making a tampon comprises compressing at least one end of a compressed pledget to form a patterned impression in the at least one end comprising one or more design elements is also provided. An apparatus for making a tampon with patterned impression in at least one end of a tampon is also disclosed. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275418 | Tampon having a visual indicator and applicator for same - An applicator having a tampon disposed therein, the tampon including one or more benefit indicators. The applicator can include an insertion member, a grip portion, and a plunger. The tampon includes a tampon body having an insertion end, a withdrawal end, and an outer surface, and one or more visually perceptible benefit indicators. The one or more benefit indicators can be a first color and at least a portion of the applicator can be a second color. The first color and the second color can be coordinating and/or substantially matching. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275419 | Feminine hygiene product - One aspect of the invention relates to a sanitary napkin having a fluid permeable top sheet, a fluid impervious bottom sheet and an absorbent layer positioned between the top and bottom sheet that includes an elongated body with a uniform width, having a front section, a rear section, an absorbent hump and at least one absorbent tab. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275420 | Disposable diaper and process for making the same - A disposable diaper has a covering member adapted to cover a wearer's crotch and waist regions. The covering member includes an elastically stretchable first layer and an inelastically stretchable second layer formed with a plurality of continuous fibers. The continuous fibers are fixed to the first layer in at least two bonding zones. The covering member presents a particularly large value of L/D, a ratio of a length L of each continuous fiber and a distance D in straight line between each pair of the adjacent bonding zones. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275421 | Label, Medicine Bag and Storage Container with the Label - It is an object of the invention to provide a label which enables a user to recognize information necessary when using a medicine bag in a reliable fashion. A label includes a base part | 2008-11-06 |
20080275422 | Intravenous Fluid Container - An IV product comprises a flexible fluid bag and a container housing for supporting and protecting the fluid bag. The IV product may include an information element such as a bar code, RFID or the like which provides information. The IV product may also include a mechanism for expelling fluid from the fluid bag, such as an inflatable bellows. In one embodiment, the IV product may be mated to a docking station or receptacle. One or more elements may be provided for aligning and connecting the IV product to establish a fluid connection with the fluid bag. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275423 | METHOD OF MAKING AN ELECTROCHEMICAL SENSOR - A process for the manufacture of small sensors with reproducible surfaces, including electrochemical sensors. One process includes forming channels in the surface of a substrate and disposing a conductive material in the channels to form an electrode. The conductive material can also be formed on the substrate by other impact and non-impact methods. In a preferred embodiment, the method includes cutting the substrate to form a sensor having a connector portion and a transcutaneous portion, the two portions having edges that define one continuous straight line. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275424 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR TREATMENT OF OBESITY - The present invention provides methods and systems for treating obesity by creating an interruption of the vagal nerve, preferably in the region of the esophagus, by minimally or noninvasive means. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275425 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING A MEDICATION DELIVERY SYSTEM WITH A REMOVABLE LABEL CONTAINING INSTRUCTIONS FOR SETTING MEDICATION DELIVERY RATE OVERLYING A SECOND LABEL WITH PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS - A method of controlling a medication delivery system is used to deliver medication to a patient. The system includes an electronic controller, at least one control button, a patient label, and a removable overlay label disposed on top of the patient label for controlling an amount of the medication to be delivered to the patient. The method comprises the steps of selecting the amount of the medication in accordance with a first set of explanatory indicia on the removable overlay label; locking the system such that the selected amount of the medication to be delivered to the patient is unable to be modified; removing the removable overlay label to reveal the patient label; and operating the system in accordance with a second set of explanatory indicia on the patient label. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275426 | Flexible and Durable Tip - A method of making a flexible, durable catheter tip is achieved by providing a catheter tip, and in some embodiments, applying heat energy only to the distal portion of a catheter tip. In other embodiments, the method includes ablating a portion of the outer diameter of the proximal region material. In at least one embodiment, the method includes manufacturing a catheter tip with a layer of a harder material disposed about a first layer of a relatively softer material and then ablating at least a portion of the harder material. In some embodiments, the method includes dipping at least a portion of the distal region of the catheter tip into a chemical bath. In some embodiments, the method includes providing a catheter tip made of a tip material, adding a curable adhesive to at least a portion of the distal region, and then applying heat energy to cure the curable adhesive. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275427 | Threaded catheter connector, system, and method - Catheter connectors, connection systems, and methods in which a catheter is attached to a threaded connector that is inserted into the lumen of the catheter. The catheter may include an elastically compressible inner body that is surrounded by a reinforcing braid that is further surrounded by an optional outer jacket. When the connector is inserted into the lumen of the catheter, the elastically compressible inner body of the lumen may be compressed by and may conform to the shape of the threaded outer surface of the connector to form a fluid-tight seal between the lumen and the connector. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275428 | OPTIC-BASED CONTACT SENSING ASSEMBLY AND SYSTEM - The invention relates to an optic-based sensing assembly and a system incorporating the assembly and related use of the assembly. In particular, the invention relates to an optic-based catheter assembly and related system used to determine contact between a catheter and surrounding proximate environment, such as tissue. An embodiment of such a system may, for example, be used for visualization, mapping, ablation, or other methods of diagnosis and treatment of tissue and/or surrounding areas. | 2008-11-06 |
20080275429 | Offset catheter connector, system and method - Catheter connectors, connection systems, and methods of use in which a catheter is attached to an offset connector such that the catheter is retained on the connector by compression between a tube located within the catheter and a collar fitted over the portion of the catheter containing the tube. The catheters used with the offset catheter connection systems may include an elastically compressible inner body that is surrounded by a reinforcing braid. After the offset connector tube is inserted into the lumen of the catheter, a collar may be advanced over the exterior of the catheter and the offset connecter tube contained therein. | 2008-11-06 |