| 47th week of 2008 patent applcation highlights part 54 |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20080287737 | MEDICAL TREATMENT ENDOSCOPE - A medical treatment endoscope includes: a flexible sheath capable of a bending operation; a viewing unit for observing the vicinity of the tip relative to the sheath; an arm section protruding from the tip of the sheath and capable of bending operation; an operation section for operating the arm section; and at least a transmission member, connected to the arm section and the operation section, for transmitting the operation of the operation section to the arm section. The transmission member is detachably connected to the operation section. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287738 | MOTOR-DRIVEN BENDING ENDOSCOPE - A motor-driven bending endoscope includes a removal restriction mechanism which restricts removal of a trackball from a trackball mounting portion, and an operation section engaging portion which detachably engages an attachment/detachment portion with an operation section attachment portion at a time of coupling between the operation section attachment portion and the attachment/detachment portion when an operation section unit is attached to the operation section attachment portion. The operation section engaging portion and the removal restriction mechanism are interlockingly driven by an interlock drive mechanism. Thereby, there is provided a motor-driven bending endoscope which can reduce fatigue of the right hand at a time of performing a twisting operation of an insertion section, improve the recognizability of the up-and-down direction at a time of inserting the insertion section, and enhance the operational work efficiency. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287739 | Torque-Transmitting, Locking Instrument Holder and Method for Operating the Instrument Holder - A torque-transmitting, locking instrument holder, includes a hollow body having a proximal end for receiving an instrument, a distal end for protrusion of the instrument, and a handle to be gripped by an operator. A device is provided for locking the handle to and unlocking the handle from the instrument at least partly disposed within the hollow body. A method for operating the instrument holder includes providing a hollow body having a proximal end for receiving an instrument, a distal end for protrusion of the instrument, and a handle to be gripped by an operator. The instrument is placed at least partly within the hollow body and the handle is locked to and unlocked from the instrument. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287740 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR TRAVERSING AN ANATOMIC WALL - Disclosed herein are various systems and methods for traversing an anatomic wall. A system can include a port that mates with an anatomic wall and provides a lumen for the passage of a guide tube of a transluminal device. The port can inhibit the passage of biological materials through the anatomic wall. Further described herein are methods for implanting the port and/or for inserting the transluminal device into a body cavity. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287741 | ARTICULATING TORQUEABLE HOLLOW DEVICE - An articulating mechanism for use in a medical device, such as an endoscope or a catheter, includes a series of stacked links disposed adjacent to one another and movable with respect to each other. Each link includes a front face tapered to a pair of pivot points and a rear face defining a wedge shaped recess for receiving the pivot points of the adjacent link. Pull-wires provide tension and hold the staked links together while also allowing for controlled bending of the distal portion by movement of one or more of the pull-wires. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287742 | LIGHT SOURCE POWER BASED ON PREDETERMINED SENSED CONDITION - A medical instrument having a lighting system for illuminating a target area, the system comprising a light source and associated power controller, the system being configured to move from a first illumination mode to a second illumination mode based on a sensed or determined changed condition, such as predetermined temperature and/or change in a scene or brightness signal, or lack of change, from an image sensor that may be associated with the instrument. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287743 | Medical retractor and stabilizing assembly and related methods of use - Embodiments of the invention include endoscopic guide tubes having a retractor and a stabilizing assembly for use with the guide tube and related methods of use. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287744 | Universal vaginal speculum with permanent handle and disposable disconnectable blades that prevent contact of the distal part of the handle with vaginal cavity - A vaginal speculum having a handle portion and a set of blade pairs some of which can be removably attached to the distal end of the handle and others can be slidingly inserted through the proximal end of the handle. Both pairs of the blades have snapping engagement with one and the same locking mechanism of the handle. The handle may constitute a permanent part, and the blades may be disposable. The blades that are connectable to the distal end of the handle are provided with hoods that cover the surfaces on the front ends of the handle parts for protecting these with contact with the patient genitalia. This reduces the chance for transfer of infection from a patient to patient. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287745 | Alarm Device for Preventing Cot Death - The invention relates to a device comprising means for the remote transmission of an active control signal for triggering alarm means ( | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287746 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COMMUNICATING HEALTH CARE ALERTS VIA AN INTERACTIVE PERSONAL HEALTH RECORD - An automated system is described for presenting a patient with an interactive personal health record (PHR) capable of delivering individualized alerts based on comparison of evidence-based, best standards of care to information related to the patient's actual medical care. This will assure the patient that the PHR is providing him or her with optimal health care. A health care organization collects and processes a wide spectrum of medical care information, including clinical data relating to a patient and condition-specific medical reference data, in order to generate and deliver customized alerts, including Care Considerations and personalized wellness alerts, directly to the patient via an online interactive personal health record (PHR). In addition to aggregating patient-specific medical record and alert information, the PHR also solicits the patient's input for tracking of alert follow-up actions and allows the health care organization to track alert outcomes. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287747 | Flexible Electronic Device - According to the present invention there is provided a device that may be worn by a person, or fitted to an apparatus for monitoring, sensing or controlling one or more parameters such as, but by no means limited to, moisture, temperature, heart rate or respiration rate, or controlling various parameters of electronic functions. The device includes:
| 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287748 | System and method for physiological data readings, transmission and presentation - Systems, methods and computer program products for a non-invasive, automated method of receiving, collecting, storing and transmitting a person's physiological data and activity levels for the purposes of determining the well-being of a person are disclosed. Aspects of the present invention are also directed to making additional health status determinations based on the historical information and trends of the collected data. Such aspects of the present invention readily lend themselves to incremental component and functionality modifications, which would allow for any number of physiological data to be collected through the introduction of any number of non-invasive sensors. This results in higher accuracy, reliability, and utility of the collected information, further solidifying the uniqueness and desirability of the invention, for consumer and clinical Wireless Body Area Networks (WBAN) applications. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287749 | Method and Apparatus for Remote Patient Monitoring - A method and apparatus for patient monitoring are described. The method and apparatus include gathering data from a patient medical device ( | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287750 | Ergonomic probes - An ergonomic device for intraoperative tissue characterization is provided, having a gripping handle and a sensor head, arranged with an angle α between them, wherein in absolute value, α>10 degrees, and α may be adjusted in one, two, or three planes. The device may further comprise a light fixture, configured for lighting the tissue, as it is characterized, a marking module, configured for marking the tissue, as it is characterized, a vacuum system, for improved contact between a sensing surface and the tissue, and a transparent frame, which enables an operator to observe the tissue, as it is characterized. The device may be operative with at least one sensor, selected from the group consisting of an optical sensor, an X-ray sensor, an RF sensor, a MW sensor, an infrared thermography sensor, an ultrasound sensor, an MR sensor, an impedance sensor, a temperature sensor, a biosensor, a chemical sensor, a radioactive-emission sensor, a nonirradiative RF sensor, and a mechanical sensor. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287751 | APPARATUS FOR DETECTING HUMAN PHYSIOLOGICAL AND CONTEXTUAL INFORMATION - The invention comprises an apparatus for determining the contextual or physiological status of the individual wearing the apparatus. The apparatus is designed to be consumable or disposable. In most embodiments the invention comprises an adhesive housing. In some embodiments, two different sensors are secured to the housing. The apparatus is in electronic communication with a processing unit that can derive analytical status data by using the data received from the two sensors. In some embodiments, the processing unit is programmed to control other devices, or is programmed to trigger an event. In still other embodiments, the apparatus is in electronic communication with a separate computing device, which may contain the processing unit. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287752 | EAR CANAL PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETER MONITORING SYSTEM - Physiological parameters are monitored from within an ear canal. A sensor module, which is mountable within the ear canal, includes at least one sensor operable to sense the physiological parameters and to generate signals based on the sensed physiological parameters. A processor, which is in communication with the sensor module, processes the signals from the at least one sensor and generates data related to the physiological parameters. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287753 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREDICTION AND DETECTION OF CIRCULATORY SHOCK - Systems and methods for prediction and detection of circulatory shock using estimates or measurements of arterial blood pressure, heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac output, total peripheral resistance, cardiac ejection fraction, cardiac contractility and ventricular end-diastolic volume are provided. These estimates and measurements are used to determine a type of circulatory shock. In some embodiments, the type of circulatory shock is determined to be one of septic shock, hypovolemic shock, anaphylactic shock, hemorrhagic shock, and cardiogenic shock. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287754 | System for Processing Decaying Periodic Physiological Signals - A system for processing decaying periodic physiological signals comprises at least a sensor, a physiological signal-digitizing device, and a digital signal processing unit to establish a parameterized database according to P | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287755 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TREND ALERT CALCULATION AND DISPLAY - Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, apparatuses, and systems associated with detecting, monitoring, analyzing, and/or displaying analyte level trends in a body. In an embodiment, there is provided a method comprising obtaining a plurality of analyte measurements from a body using an analyte sensing device, and selecting two or more measurements of the plurality of measurements to calculate and display on a device associated with the analyte sensing device a rate of change of the analyte over a period of time spanning the two or more measurements. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287756 | Pulse oximetry relational alarm system for early recognition of instability and catastrophic occurrences - A relational pulse oximetry alarm system and method is presented for earlier identification of the occurrence of an adverse clinical event. The system includes a pulse oximeter based microprocessor alarm system which provides an alarm based on a relational conformation of a plurality of time series and further based on the recognition of specific dynamic patterns of interaction between a plurality of corresponding and related time series including the occurrence of pathophysiologic divergence of two or more time series outputs. The processor is programmed to compare a first time series to a second time series to produce a comparison result, to identify a relationship between the first time series and the second time series, to identify a relational threshold breach, and to output an alarm based on the relational threshold breach. The system can include an oximeter testing system for predicting the timeliness of the response of the alarm of a pulse oximeter to the occurrence of an adverse clinical event. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287757 | Sensor with signature of data relating to sensor - A sensor has codes useful for a monitor which can be authenticated as accurate. The sensor produces a signal corresponding to a measured physiological characteristic and provides codes which can be assured of being accurate and authentic when used by a monitor. A memory associated with the sensor stores both data relating to the sensor and a digital signature. The digital signature authenticates the quality of the code by ensuring it was generated by an entity having predetermined quality controls, and ensure the code is accurate. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287758 | Illuminator probe with memory device and method - An improved medical illuminator ( | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287759 | 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. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287760 | 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. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287761 | Method and apparatus for providing data processing and control in a medical communication system - Methods and apparatus for providing data processing and control for use in a medical communication system are provided. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287762 | Method and apparatus for providing data processing and control in a medical communication system - Methods and apparatus for providing data processing and control for use in a medical communication system are provided. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287763 | Method and apparatus for providing data processing and control in a medical communication system - Methods and apparatus for providing data processing and control for use in a medical communication system are provided. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287764 | INTEGRATED RECEIVER FOR CONTINUOUS ANALYTE SENSOR - A system is provided for monitoring glucose in a host, including a continuous glucose sensor that produces a data stream indicative of a host's glucose concentration and an integrated receiver that receives the data stream from the continuous glucose sensor and calibrates the data stream using a single point glucose monitor that is integral with the integrated receiver. The integrated receiver obtains a glucose value from the single point glucose monitor, calibrates the sensor data stream received from the continuous glucose sensor, and displays one or both of the single point glucose measurement values and the calibrated continuous glucose sensor values on the user interface. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287765 | INTEGRATED RECEIVER FOR CONTINUOUS ANALYTE SENSOR - A system is provided for monitoring glucose in a host, including a continuous glucose sensor that produces a data stream indicative of a host's glucose concentration and an integrated receiver that receives the data stream from the continuous glucose sensor and calibrates the data stream using a single point glucose monitor that is integral with the integrated receiver. The integrated receiver obtains a glucose value from the single point glucose monitor, calibrates the sensor data stream received from the continuous glucose sensor, and displays one or both of the single point glucose measurement values and the calibrated continuous glucose sensor values on the user interface. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287766 | INTEGRATED RECEIVER FOR CONTINUOUS ANALYTE SENSOR - A system is provided for monitoring glucose in a host, including a continuous glucose sensor that produces a data stream indicative of a host's glucose concentration and an integrated receiver that receives the data stream from the continuous glucose sensor and calibrates the data stream using a single point glucose monitor that is integral with the integrated receiver. The integrated receiver obtains a glucose value from the single point glucose monitor, calibrates the sensor data stream received from the continuous glucose sensor, and displays one or both of the single point glucose measurement values and the calibrated continuous glucose sensor values on the user interface. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287767 | Biometric Sensor - A bio metric sensor device ( | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287768 | NECKLACE TYPE OF DETECTOR FOR ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC AND TEMPERATURE INFORMATION - The present invention provides an non-adhering electrocardiographic and temperature signal detector comprising: (a) an electrocardiographic detecting working electrode, an electrocardiographic reference electrode and a temperature sensor connected together by a conduction chain; (b) a signal processing unit, for processing those signals obtained from said electrode or sensor, (c) a wireless transceiver for sending and receiving processed signal of electrocardiographic to the receiver at a far end unit or receiving data from the tar end unit; and (d) a power supply supplying power to the operation of the detector. The detector improves the uncomfortable of conventional adhering detector and increase the willing of a use due to the aesthetic, outlook of the detector and convenient to detect. Accordingly, the electrocardiographic and body temperature gas and opportunity to apply home care device. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287769 | GARMENT ACCESSORY WITH ELECTROCARDIOGRAM SENSORS - A garment accessory includes a member having first and second ends, with the length of the member between the first and second ends being less than the circumference of a subject that the member is configured for and a pair of fastener mechanisms disposed in proximity to the first and second ends of the member, the fastener mechanisms configured to attach the member to an article of clothing worn by a subject. The garment accessory also includes at least a pair of sensors supported by the member with the sensors being at least one of ECG sensors, motion sensors, body temperature sensors and impedance plethysmography sensors. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287770 | HARNESS WITH SENSORS - A garment for ambulatory, physiological monitoring of a patient includes a belt, having first and second end portion with closures at the end portions to wrap around a user's chest, a strap having a first end coupled to a portion of the belt with the strap having a second end, a pair of shoulder strap portions each shoulder strap portion having a first end coupled together at the second end of the strap and a second end, and a back portion that joins the second ends of the pair of shoulder strap portions, with at least one of the belt, strap portions and back portion having an accommodation for carrying a sensor. Other embodiments are described. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287771 | SURGICAL NAVIGATION SYSTEM WITH ELECTROSTATIC SHIELD - A surgical navigation system is disclosed herein. The surgical navigation system includes a tracking system, a field generator operatively connected to the tracking system, a field sensor operatively connected to the tracking system, and an electrostatic shield circumscribing the field sensor. The electrostatic shield is adapted minimize capacitive coupling between the field generator and the field sensor. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287772 | Motion Compensation in PET Reconstruction - Method and apparatus motion compensation in Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging. PET and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are performed simultaneously and the latter is used to determine motion of the subject during the acquisition process. The PET image data are then corrected according to the subject motion so determined. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287773 | Mri Thermometry Involving Phase Mapping and Reference Medium Used as Phase Reference - The apparatus | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287774 | Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy Means and Methods Thereof - The present invention discloses neurochemical agents and biochemical agents for human or mammalian neuro- and body-metabolic imaging, comprising chemicals involved in neuronal or glial function, neuromodulatory processes in the brain of said human or mammalian, vascular function, or organ specific metabolic processes; said neurochemical and biochemical agents are labeled with stable isotopes selected from a group including carbon-13, nitrogen-15, deuterium, fluorine-19 or a combination thereof in predetermined positions, so as to enhance the detectability of the agents and their metabolic successors. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287775 | ARRANGEMENT FOR AFFIXING A MAGNETIC RESONANCE RF COIL TO A PATIENT - In an arrangement to affix RF coils (in particular local coils) on a patient in examinations with a magnetic resonance apparatus, using a horizontal board to accommodate the patient for a magnetic resonance examination to be implemented; with the RF coil that has coil electronics; a fastening strap is fashioned to affix the coil on the patient and the fastening strap has an connection cable integrated therewith. The coil electronics are supplied with energy via the integrated connection cable. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287776 | GASTRIC BAND WITH POSITION SENSING - The problem of accessing an injection port transcutaneously is resolved using wireless position transducers in an inflation port assembly and in an injection syringe. The measurements provided by the transducers indicate to the practitioner the position and orientation of syringe relative to the injection port. A console provides a visual indication of the relative position and orientation so as to guide the practitioner to insert the syringe at the proper site and in the proper direction and to penetrate the port cleanly and correctly. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287777 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO REGISTER A TRACKING SYSTEM WITH AN INTRACARDIAC ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY (ICE) IMAGING SYSTEM - A system to navigate an object traveling in an imaged subject is provided. The system includes a four-dimensional (4D) imaging system to create a first three-dimensional model of the acquired imaged data correlated relative to a time reference and defined relative to a first image coordinate system. A second imaging system creates a second three-dimensional model of the imaged subject defined relative to a second image coordinate system. A tracking system tracks movement and orientation of the object relative to a tracking coordinate system. A controller includes program instructions in combination with the processor operable to register the first and second image coordinate systems and the tracking coordinate system relative to a world coordinate system, and to combine the three-dimensional model created by the 4D imaging system with the three-dimensional model created by the second imaging system with a tracked location of the object relative to the world coordinate system. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287778 | IMAGING AND NAVIGATION SYSTEM - An imaging and navigation system is disclosed herein. The imaging and navigation system includes a computer and an ultrasonic imaging device disposed at least partially within an ultrasound catheter. The ultrasonic imaging device is connected to the computer and is adapted to obtain a generally real time three-dimensional image. The imaging and navigation system also includes a tracking system connected to the computer. The tracking system is adapted to estimate a position of a medical instrument. The imaging and navigation system also includes a display connected to the computer. The display is adapted to depict the generally real time three-dimensional image from the ultrasonic imaging device and to graphically convey the estimated position of the medical instrument. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287779 | Packaged Systems for Implanting Markers in a Patient and Methods for Manufacturing and Using Such Systems - Packaged systems for implanting a marker in a patient and methods for manufacturing and using such systems. In one embodiment, a packaged system comprises an introducer having a cannula and a stylet configured to be received in the cannula, a marker in the cannula, and a package having a sterile compartment. The marker can have a casing configured to be implanted in a patient and a resonating circuit in the casing. The resonating circuit can comprise a coil configured to wirelessly transmit a target signal in response to a wirelessly transmitted excitation signal. The introducer is contained within the sterile compartment. In another embodiment, the marker is not loaded in the introducer within the compartment of the package. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287780 | INTEGRAL BASED PARAMETER IDENTIFICATION APPLIED TO THREE DIMENSIONAL TISSUE STIFFNESS RECONSTRUCTION IN A DIGITAL IMAGE-BASED ELASTO-TOMOGRAPHY SYSTEM - The invention includes a method and a system for obtaining accurate patient specific parameter identification at high resolution with a minimal amount of computation as applied to breast tissue stiffness reconstruction from a digital image-based elasto-tomography system. The method includes the steps of formulating the differential equation model describing tissue motion in terms of integrals of breast tissue displacement data that is measured using calibrated digital cameras; setting up a system of linear equations in the space varying tissue stiffness parameters; and solving by linear least squares to obtain the unique patient specific breast tissue stiffness distribution. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287781 | Registration Methods and Apparatus - A method, system and computer program for generating a registered image of a body part of a patient for use in an image guided surgical procedure is described. The method includes attaching a marker detectable by a tracking system to the body part before carrying out surgical steps. The tracking system has a reference frame and the position of the marker in the reference frame is detected. A first image of the body part is captured using an imaging system. An indication of the position of the first image relative to the reference frame of the tracking system is obtained. The first image is then mapped into registration with the position of the body part. The system includes an imaging system for capturing images of the body part. A tracking system detects a marker and determines the position of the marker in the reference frame of the tracking system. A marker is attachable to the body part and detectable by the tracking system. A computer control system is configured to obtain an indication of the position of the first image relative to the reference frame of the tracking system and to map the first image into registration with the position of the body part. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287782 | Radiation Therapy Marking Pen and Method - A marking device for use in radiation therapy includes a longitudinal axis and a plurality of individual marking members. Each of the plurality of marking members includes a marking tip and a supply of marking fluid, such as an ink. disposed in each marking member. Each of the plurality of marking members is removably positioned relative to the others in succession along the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the marking device includes a hollow elongated body having a first end and a second marking end defining an opening, and the plurality of individual marking members are arranged in succession along the hollow body. In other embodiments, each marking member includes a body defining a recess adapted to receive a marking tip of another marking member, and each body includes a connector adapted to releasably interconnect adjacent marking members. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287783 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF TRACKING DELIVERY OF AN IMAGING PROBE - A system and method to track delivery of a surgical instrument through an imaged subject is provided. The system comprises a controller and an imaging system including an imaging probe in communication with the controller. The imaging probe includes a transducer array operable to acquire image data through a range of motion about a longitudinal axis and in a direction of image acquisition with the imaging probe stationary. The system also includes a tracking system to track a position of the imaging probe relative to a second object tracked by the tracking system, and a display illustrative of a direction of image acquisition of the imaging probe relative to an illustration of a position of the second object. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287784 | IMAGE DETECTING SYSTEM, IMAGE DETECTING METHOD AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM - There is provided an image detecting system including an image detecting section that detects a moving image of an examination subject into which a radiopaque contrast medium flows through one of an artery and a portal vein, and a change image generating section that generates a change image representing a change in the moving image. Here, the change is caused by movement of the radiopaque contrast medium after a timing at which the radiopaque contrast medium that has flown into one of the artery and the portal vein flows into capillaries. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287785 | Chemical Liquid Injection System - A liquid injection system which can be checked that that a liquid syringe is appropriately mounted on a chemical liquid injector and the liquid syringe is filled with a liquid at a time. Pattern | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287786 | MULTIFILAR CABLE CATHETER - A balloon catheter device of the present invention includes an elongate catheter shaft comprising multifilar cable tubing having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion includes a coating that allows the shaft to provide a patent fluid passage, and a part of the distal portion inside a balloon may be uncoated or otherwise open to the balloon lumen, allowing for passage of fluid through the shaft into the balloon lumen. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287787 | Line-based calibration of ultrasound transducer integrated with a pose sensor - Apparatus for calibrating an ultrasound transducer providing B-scans for two-dimensional (2D) images, includes: an ultrasound probe for providing B-scans; a position sensing device, the position sensing device being attached to the ultrasound probe and operating as part of a position sensing system in cooperation with a fixed sensing control unit, for labeling the B-scans with their respective relative positions and orientations (pose); a phantom marker for being imaged by the ultrasound probe for providing measurements which together with known physical properties of the phantom marker are used to derive calibration information for relating measurement data from the position sensing device to the poses of the B-scans to construct a 3D image; and the phantom marker comprising an encoded line object with distinctive calibration characteristics indicative of position along the line object, wherein the line object is disposed in a generally circumferential manner about a common axis with the probe. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287788 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ORGAN MONITORING - A method for monitoring a patient's organ includes: inputting an electrical signal into the organ; receiving the electrical signal from the organ; and comparing the received electrical signal to a reference electrical signal to determine whether the patient's organ is functioning properly. The electrical signals may be representative of flow characteristics. In one aspect, a system for monitoring a patient's organ includes a sensor sock having a flexible body adapted to at least partially surround an organ, the sock carrying a plurality of spaced-apart electrodes. In another aspect, the system includes at least one flow transducer adapted to be attached to a blood vessel connected to the organ. A sensor unit is adapted to be implanted into the patient's body and to transmit and receive electrical signals from the electrodes or transducers. A computer may be programmed to compare the received electrical signal to the reference electrical signal. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287789 | Computed volume sonography - The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods which allow for ultrasound parameter estimation to occur at specific advantageous sets of points in a two- or three-dimensional field of view within re-configurable, massively parallel, programmable architectures that can accommodate the input/output streaming, data movement or storage, and computation requirements. In one embodiment, a power efficient system is used for processing the data thereby increasing the ability of the system to be used for hand carried or mobile ultrasound applications. One aspect of the concepts discussed herein is the architectural aspects which provide the ability to simultaneously accept a large number of channels of data characterized by a continuous, simultaneous flow at high sample rates. The input data is routed at high rates to a distributed and large number of processing elements, memory, and connections for simultaneous parameter estimation at multiple points in the field of view. The ability to route the same data to multiple places enables high frame rates and allows for the streaming of data through the architecture. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287790 | IMAGING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF DELIVERY OF AN INSTRUMENT TO AN IMAGED SUBJECT - An embodiment of an imaging system of an imaged subject is provided. The imaging system comprises a controller, and an imaging system and a display in communication with the controller. The imaging system can include an imaging probe having a marker representative of a unique identifier. The display can be illustrative of the imaged data acquired with the imaging probe in combination with a graphic representation of an imaging plane vector representative of a general direction of a field of view (FOV) of image acquisition of the imaging probe traveling through the imaged subject. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287791 | Switched Resonant Ultrasonic Power Amplifier System - A switched resonant power amplifier system for ultrasonic transducers is disclosed. The system includes an amplifier that receives and processes a driver output signal for generating a drive signal that is provided to an ultrasonic device for controlling output of the ultrasonic device. An output control circuit receives and processes a signal related to a feedback signal generated by the ultrasonic device and a divider reference signal, and generates a compensated clock signal that is adjusted for at least one of phase and frequency differences between the received feedback signal and the divider reference signal. A compensated drive circuit receives and processes the compensated clock signal for generating the divider reference signal, and for generating the driver output signal. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287792 | Ultrasonic Direct Strain Estimation Using Temporal and Spatial Correlation - Strain is directly estimated in ultrasound elasticity imaging without computing displacement or resorting to spectral analysis. Conventional ultrasound elasticity imaging relies on calculating displacement and strain is computed from a derivative of the displacement. However, for typical parameter values used in ultrasound elasticity imaging, the displacement can be as large as a hundred times or displacement differences. If a tiny error in the calculation of displacement occurs, this could drastically affect the calculation of strain. By directly estimating strain, image quality is enhanced and the reduction in computational effort facilitates commercialization to aid in diagnosing disease or cancerous conditions. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287793 | Low frequency vibration assisted blood perfusion emergency system - A non-invasive vibrator comprising a vibration source operable to generate vibration at a frequency in the range of 1-1000 Hz, and a phased array ultrasonic imaging transducer operatively connected to said vibration source, such as to enable targeting of vibration via an image generated on an ultrasonic display. The preferred vibrator is operable at a frequency greater than 20 Hz and an amplitude greater than 1 mm, such as to provide an effective, deeply penetrative transthoracic tool in remediation of blood flow disturbances within the thoracic cavity (such as acute myocardial infarction). In a variation, means for emitting a therapeutic low frequency ultrasonic waveform in concert with vibration in the range of 1-1000 Hz (wherein both waveforms are simultaneously directed by high frequency ultrasonic imaging) is also provided. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287794 | METHOD FOR IMPLEMENTING AN IMAGING ND NAVIGATION SYSTEM - A method for implementing an imaging and navigation system to perform a medical procedure such as cardiac ablation is disclosed herein. The a method includes implementing an ultrasonic imaging device to provide a generally real time three-dimensional patient image, identifying a target site on the generally real time three-dimensional patient image, directing a medical instrument to the target site using a tracking system, and performing a medical procedure at the target site. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287795 | System And Method For Identifying A Vascular Border - A system and method is provided for using a first vascular image, or more particularly a plurality of control points located thereon, to identify a border on a second vascular image. Embodiments of the present invention operate in accordance with an intra-vascular ultrasound (IVUS) device and a computing device electrically connected thereto. Specifically, in one embodiment of the present invention, an-IVUS console is electrically connected to a computing device and adapted to acquire IVUS data. The IVUS data (or multiple sets thereof) is then provided to (or acquired by) the computing device. In one embodiment of the present invention, the computing device includes a plurality of applications operating thereon—i.e., a border-detection application, an extrapolation application, and an active-contour application. These applications are used to (i) identify a border and control points on a first IVUS image (i.e., any IVUS image), (ii) extrapolate the control points to a second IVUS image (i.e., another IVUS image), (iii) identify a border on the second IVUS image, and (iv) adjust the border on the second IVUS image in accordance with at least one factor. In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one factor is selected from a group consisting of gradient factor, continuity factor, and curvature factor. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287796 | Method and system for spine visualization in 3D medical images - A method and system for visualizing the spine in 3D medical images is disclosed. A spinal cord centerline is automatically determined in a 3D medical image volume, such as a CT volume. A reformatted image volume is then generated based on the spinal cord centerline. The reformatted image volume can be a straightened spine volume or a Multi-planar Reconstruction (MPR) based volume that follows the natural curve of the spine. The reconstructed volume can be displayed as 2D slices or 3D volume renderings. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287797 | FLUID-FILLABLE ULTRASOUND IMAGING CATHETER TIPS - An imaging catheter tip is presented. The imaging catheter tip includes a housing. Further, the imaging catheter tip includes a transducer assembly located within the housing in a distal portion of the imaging catheter tip. The transducer assembly includes a transducer. In addition, the imaging catheter tip includes a motor located within the housing in a proximal portion of the imaging catheter tip. The motor is configured to facilitate oscillation of the transducer assembly about a longitudinal axis of the imaging catheter tip. The imaging catheter tip also includes a fill tube disposed between the motor and the housing. The fill tube is configured to deliver acoustic coupling fluid to the distal portion of the imaging catheter tip. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287798 | PACKAGING AND FLUID FILLING OF ULTRASOUND IMAGING CATHETERS - An imaging catheter assembly is presented. The imaging catheter assembly includes an imaging catheter which includes an imaging catheter tip. Further, the imaging catheter assembly includes a fluid reservoir connected to the imaging catheter and configured to deliver fluid through a proximal end of the imaging catheter tip. The imaging catheter assembly also includes a release mechanism configured to cause delivery of the fluid to the imaging catheter tip when activated. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287799 | Method and apparatus for measuring volumetric flow - An ultrasound system comprises an ultrasound probe, a user interface and a processor. The ultrasound probe comprises a transducer face emitting ultrasound beams into a patient. The probe acquires a volume of ultrasound data comprising a blood vessel. The user interface defines a surface on an image that is based on the volume. The surface bisects the blood vessel and further comprises a plurality of points where at least some of the points are located at unequal distances with respect to the transducer face. The processor is configured to steer a subset of the ultrasound beams to intersect the surface at a 90 degree angle and calculate volumetric flow information through the blood vessel based on the ultrasound data corresponding to the surface. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287800 | DOPPLER MOTION SENSOR APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USING SAME - An apparatus for, and method of, sensing characteristics of a vessel and a fluid conveyed therein. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287801 | IMAGING DEVICE, IMAGING SYSTEM, AND METHODS OF IMAGING - An imaging device, imaging system, and methods of imaging are provided. The imaging device may fit inside a diagnostic or therapeutic assembly, such as a biopsy, drainage, or other type therapy needle assembly. The imaging device may reside inside the diagnostic or therapy assembly as the combined device is advanced to a desired location. Two-dimensional or three-dimensional ultrasonic images may be produced that allow for the accurate placement of the diagnostic or therapy assembly. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287802 | Method for minimizing tracking system interference - A method for minimizing tracking system interference caused by a motor driven ultrasonic imaging device is disclosed herein. The method includes providing an ultrasonic imaging device adapted to obtain a generally real time three-dimensional image. The ultrasonic imaging device includes a motor configured to rotate a transducer array within a catheter housing. The method for minimizing tracking system interference also includes estimating a noise signal produced by the motor, selecting a tracking system signal strength and/or frequency adapted to minimize a tracking system interference, and implementing a field generator to produce a tracking system signal at the selected tracking system signal strength and/or frequency. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287803 | INTRACARDIAC ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IMAGE RECONSTRUCTION IN COMBINATION WITH POSITION TRACKING SYSTEM - A system and method to display a four-dimensional (4D) model of an imaged anatomy is provided. The system comprises a controller, and an imaging system including an imaging probe in communication with the controller. The imaging probe can acquire generally real-time, 3D image data relative to a direction of image acquisition along an imaging plane. The system also includes a tracking system in communication with the controller. The tracking system includes at least one tracking element integrated with the imaging probe. The system is operable to process the generally real-time, 3D image data acquired by the imaging probe relative to generally real-time tracking information acquired by the tracking system so as to display the 4D model of the imaged anatomy. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287804 | Ultrasound catheter having improved distal end - An ultrasound catheter has an elongate flexible catheter body having a lumen extending longitudinally therethrough, and an ultrasound transmission member extending longitudinally through the lumen of the catheter body. The ultrasound transmission member has a proximal end that is coupled to a separate ultrasound generating device, and a distal tip that is attached to the distal end of the ultrasound transmission member and which is located at the distal end of the catheter body. The distal tip has at least one dimensional step. The ultrasound transmission member is directly attached to the catheter body and/or to a guidewire tube, either directly or via an attachment device. The catheter has an additional radiopaque marker positioned on the distal end the catheter. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287805 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO GUIDE AN INSTRUMENT THROUGH AN IMAGED SUBJECT - A system and method to image an imaged subject is provided. The system comprises a controller, and an imaging system including an imaging probe in communication with the controller. The imaging probe acquires image data with movement through the imaged subject. The system also includes an ablation catheter including a marker having a unique identifier to be detected in the acquired image data, and a tracking system having one of a plurality of tracking elements located at the imaging probe and at least another tracking element located at the ablation catheter. A display illustrates the image data acquired with the imaging probe in combination with a graphic representation of an imaging plane vector representative of a general direction of a field of view (FOV) of image acquisition of the imaging probe in spatial relation to a graphic representation of the identifier and the location of the ablation catheter. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287806 | Scanned laser vein contrast enhancer - The present invention is a Miniature Vein Enhancer that includes a Miniature Projection Head. The Miniature Projection Head may be operated in one of three modes, AFM, DBM, and RTM. The Miniature Projection Head of the present invention projects an image of the veins of a patient, which aids the practitioner in pinpointing a vein for an intravenous drip, blood test, and the like. The Miniature projection head may have a cavity for a power source or it may have a power source located in a body portion of the Miniature Vein Enhancer. The Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to one of several improved needle protectors, or the Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to a body similar to a flashlight for hand held use. The Miniature Vein Enhancer of the present invention may also be attached to a magnifying glass, a flat panel display, and the like. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287807 | GLOBAL MOTION INVARIANT SIGNATURES FOR FAST AND ACCURATE MOTION TRACKING IN A DIGITAL IMAGE-BASED ELASTO-TOMOGRAPHY SYSTEM - A method for converting digital images of an actuated breast into an accurate description of breast surface motion from a digital image-based elasto-tomography system comprises the steps of artificially placing a high density of fiducial markers on the breast surface, whereby the fiducial markers have different qualities and are placed in different proportions according to their quality; utilizing motion invariant properties of the fiducial markers to form a global motion invariant signature; tracking the markers on the actuated breast surface from image to image in each digital camera using the global motion invariant signature; and using the cameras calibration to measure the breast surface motion. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287808 | APPARATUS, PROBE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING DEPTH ASSESSMENT IN AN ANATOMICAL STRUCTURE - Apparatus and method can be provided for obtaining information regarding at least one portion of an anatomical structure. For example, using at least one first arrangement, it is possible to forward at least one first electromagnetic radiation to the at least one portion. In addition, using at least one second arrangement, it is possible to detect at least one second electromagnetic radiation from the sample, the second electromagnetic radiation being related to the first electromagnetic radiation. The second arrangement can be used to obtain data associated with the second electromagnetic radiation at a plurality of integration times. Further, with at least one third arrangement, it is possible to determine at least one motion characteristic as a function of depth within the portion using the second electromagnetic radiation. The motion characteristic can be determined by obtaining data associated with the second electromagnetic radiation. The data can be speckle data detected by the second arrangement. In addition, using the third arrangement, it is possible to determine optical properties of the portion based on the data. Furthermore, with a fourth arrangement, it is possible to receive the first electromagnetic radiation and generate a plurality of third electromagnetic radiations to irradiate multiple points on the portion. The second arrangement can be used to detect the second electromagnetic radiation from the sample based on the third electromagnetic radiations, and the third arrangement can also be used to determine a plurality of motion characteristics as a function of depth for a plurality of location of the at least one portion as a function of the second electromagnetic radiation. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287809 | Biological information measuring apparatus and biological information measuring method - A biological information measuring apparatus measures information of a living body by irradiating the living body with light. The apparatus includes: a first light source irradiating the living body with light; a second light source irradiating the living body with light; and a light receiving section constituted by a plurality of light receiving elements that receives reflected light reflected by the living body or transmitting light transmitting through the living body, during light irradiation of the living body. In the biological information measuring apparatus, the first light source and the second light source are disposed so that a first distance between the light receiving section and the first light source is different from a second distance between the light receiving section and the second light source. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287810 | Miniature actuator mechanism for intravascular optical imaging - The present invention relates to a new intravascular imaging device based on a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuator mechanism embedded inside an elongate member such as a guide wire or catheter. The present invention utilizes a novel SMA mechanism to provide side-looking imaging by providing movement for an optical coherence tomography (OCT) element. This novel SMA actuator mechanism can be easily fabricated in micro-scale, providing an advantage over existing imaging devices by offering the ability to miniaturize the overall size of the device. Because the device does not require a rotating shaft or fiber optic along the length of the catheter, it also allows for a more flexible catheter or guide wire, and provides room for other interventional devices. The device simplifies the manufacture and operation of OCT by allowing a straight fiber optic directed by an independent, oscillating reflector or prism controlled by the actuator mechanism located only in the distal tip of the device. A variation uses the actuator mechanism to rotate only the distal end of the optical fiber, eliminating the need to spin the entire fiber via a remote mechanism. Also disclosed are methods of using the same. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287811 | Method for Assessing The Functional Condition Of Cardiovascular System - The invention relates to medicine, namely: to cardiology, and may be used for assessment of functional condition of the human cardiovascular system (CVS) and the character of its control by the autonomic nervous system and other regulatory systems of the homeostasis. A method of non-invasive examination of the human CVS was developed, the method enabling to continuously, during a necessary period of time and quite simply with the aid of a computer and a piezoceramic tranducer (FIG. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287812 | Systems and Methods for Model-Based Estimation of Cardiac Output and Total Peripheral Resistance - The methods and systems for estimating cardiac output and total peripheral resistance include observing arterial blood pressure waveforms to determine intra-beat and inter-beat variability in arterial blood pressure and estimating from the variability a time constant for a lumped parameter beat-to-beat averaged Windkessel model of the arterial tree. Uncalibrated cardiac output and uncalibrated total peripheral resistance may then be calculated from the time constant. Calibrated cardiac output and calibrated total peripheral resistance may be computed using calibration data, assuming an arterial compliance that is either constant or dependent on mean arterial blood pressure. The parameters of the arterial compliance may be estimated in a least-squares manner. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287813 | Blood Pressure Monitoring Device and Methods for Making and for Using Such a Device - Disclosed are a system and a method for noninvasively and continuously monitoring blood pressure. Also disclosed is a method for making such a device. The system includes a semiconductor chip comprising a transducer array of individual pressure or force sensors and associated circuitry providing control signals to and/or processing signals from these sensors, all of the above integrated in the chip. Also disclosed is a specific sensor structure provided on said chip. The invention further encompasses a system for measuring and/or tracking the blood pressure waveform and for combining the latter with related blood values like the heartbeat, derived from the above or other measuring devices. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287814 | System and Method for Determining the Blood Pressure of a Patient - In order to provide a technique for determining high-quality blood pressure values of a patient, especially in cases of unsupervised blood pressure measurements in a home environment, it is suggested to use a system ( | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287815 | Photoplethysmography apparatus and method employing high resolution estimation of time-frequency spectra - A photoplethysmography apparatus and method is provided for high resolution estimating of Time-Frequency Spectra (TFS) and associated amplitudes using Variable Frequency Complex Demodulation (VFCDM), in a two-step procedure using a Time-Varying Optimal Parameter Search (TVOPS) technique to obtain TFS, followed by VFCDM to obtain even greater TFS resolution and instantaneous amplitudes associated with only specific frequencies of interest, via the combined TVOPS and VFCDM. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287816 | ADJUSTABLE SENSORS FOR USE WITH EXERCISE APPARATUS - Adjustable sensors for use with exercise apparatus are described. An example apparatus includes a support frame to assist a user in an exercise and a sensor integral with the support frame. The sensor is to detect a physiological condition of the user through physical contact with the user, and a position of the sensor is adjustable by the user. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287817 | APPARATUS FOR DETECTING HUMAN PHYSIOLOGICAL AND CONTEXTUAL INFORMATION - The invention comprises an apparatus for determining the contextual or physiological status of the individual wearing the apparatus. The apparatus is designed to be consumable or disposable. In most embodiments the invention comprises an adhesive housing. In some embodiments, two different sensors are secured to the housing. The apparatus is in electronic communication with a processing unit that can derive analytical status data by using the data received from the two sensors. In some embodiments, the processing unit is programmed to control other devices, or is programmed to trigger an event. In still other embodiments, the apparatus is in electronic communication with a separate computing device, which may contain the processing unit. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287818 | PRESSURE MEASUREMENT-BASED ISCHEMIA DETECTION - In some aspects ischemia is indicated based on cardiac pressure measurements. For example, ischemia may be indicated based on an increase in an intraventricular electromechanical delay where mechanical contractions are detected by measuring pressure in a cardiac chamber. Ischemia detection also may involve obtaining timing information relating to a mechanical contraction of at least one ventricle to identify an intraventricular dyssynchrony. In this case, pressure measurements may be used to identify the timing of the mechanical contraction. Ischemia may be indicated based on a change in a time interval associated with a systolic interval of a ventricle. Ischemia also may be indicated based on an intracardiac electrogram-based indication of ischemia in conjunction with an increase in mean left atrial pressure and/or an increase in the size of a v-wave. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287819 | Method and System for High-Resolution Extraction of Quasi-Periodic Signals - A quasi-periodic signal with high signal-to-noise ratio containing signal features that exhibit poor temporal localization is processed to identify waveform temporal reference points that are used to provide the temporal reference points for extracting a representative waveform of a signal feature having high temporal localization in a second, related, quasi-periodic signal that has low signal-to-noise ratio. The resulting representative waveform exhibits much improved signal-to-noise ratio while preserving the temporal detail contained in the second, related, quasi-periodic signal. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287820 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR ASSESSING MOTOR POINT ELECTROMYOGRAM AS A BIOMARKER - Described herein are methods of detecting the presence or progression of neuromuscular disorders (including ALS) based at least in part on diaphragm EMG signals taken at different points in time from the same implanted electrode(s). Signals may be used to diagnose or to monitor progression of a disorder or to track a treatment. Thus, diaphragm EMG signal may be used as a marker (e.g., a “biomarker”) for the detection or progression of a neurological disorder such as ALS. The characteristics or parameters of diaphragm EMG signals may be used to create an activity index, which may be output or compared and further analyzed. These signals may also be analyzed to show a difference between the left and right sides of the diaphragm. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287821 | Computational user-health testing - Methods, apparatuses, computer program products, devices and systems are described that carry out accepting at least one user-health test function output at least partly based on an interaction between at least one user and at least one device-operable application; accepting brain activity measurement data proximate to the interaction; associating the at least one user-health test function output with the brain activity measurement data; and presenting the at least one user-health test function output and the brain activity measurement data at least partly based on the associating the at least one user-health test function output with the brain activity measurement data. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287822 | Method and system for representing brain activities - A system for representing brain activities in the form of visual patterns has been described. The system comprises a signal frequency modulator (frequenzer) and a resonating chamber. The signal frequenzer receives a signal corresponding to a brain activity and generates an audio signal corresponding to the received signal. The resonating chamber receives the audio signal and generates a visual pattern corresponding to the received audio signal. The visual pattern may be recorded by using a camera and displayed on a display device. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287823 | Index Determination - A method of determining an index indicative of the presence, absence or degree of left ventricular hypertrophy in a subject. The method includes using a processing system to determine a measured impedance value for at least one body segment. For each body segment the measured impedance values are used to determine at least one impedance parameter, which are then used to determine a fat-free mass for the subject. The fat free mass can then be used as the index. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287824 | Systems and Methods for Locating A Blood Vessel - Systems and methods for locating a blood vessel are described. One described method includes receiving a first temperature measure associated with a first point on a surface of a skin; receiving a second temperature measure associated with a second point on the surface of the skin, and determining a differential between the first temperature measure and the second temperature measure. The method further includes generating an output signal indicating the presence of a blood vessel if the differential exceeds a threshold. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287825 | Biopsy Device - Medical instruments and methods of using medical instruments are claimed. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287826 | Transport System for Biopsy Device - A biopsy device for harvesting tissue samples from a body of a living being, e.g. in percutaneous aspiration biopsy, includes an outer needle and a sample-receiving device for receiving a severed tissue sample, the sample-receiving device being movable in the hollow needle. The device includes a transport device for moving the sample-receiving device in the hollow needle, the transport device comprising a bendable elongate element, such as a steel wire, a toothed wire made from e.g. a plastics material or a Bowden cable capable of pushing and pulling the sample-receiving device in distal and proximal directions, respectively. A coiling device is provided for the bendable elongate element. The bendable elongate element and the coiling device may be included in a disposable unit, which is attachable to a hand-held unit including a motor for driving the transport device. Orientation means are provided for appropriately orienting the sample-receiving device with respect to the hollow needle. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287827 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND DEVICE FOR POSITIONING A TARGET LOCATED WITHIN SOFT TISSUE IN A PATH OF AN INSTRUMENT - A system, method and device for positioning a target located within soft tissue in a path of an instrument inserted into the soft tissue includes: a manipulation system including a plurality of force applicators positioned around the soft tissue containing the target; an image acquisition system including an imaging probe for obtaining data for generating an image of the soft tissue containing the target; a detection means for detecting deflection of the target using the data from the imaging probe; and a control means for actuating the plurality of force applicators to apply forces on the soft tissue in response to a detected deflection of the target to move the target back in line with the path of the instrument. In an exemplary embodiment, the soft tissue is a breast, the imaging probe is an ultrasound imaging probe, and the instrument is a biopsy needle. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287828 | Biopsy anchor device with cutter - A device for accessing and for isolating a desired site within a patient's body, and for obtaining a body of tissue from a patient at the site that includes an electrosurgical cutting electrode near the distal tip of a shaft, an anchoring mechanism and an electrosurgical side-cutting device. Methods are provided for accessing a target site within a patient's body, anchoring a body of tissue at the site, and isolating the body of tissue, at the site. The method may be performed for a surgical biopsy or lumpectomy at the target site within a patient's body. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287829 | COLLECTION MEANS AND A METHOD FOR COLLECTING CORD BLOOD - The invention provided herein comprises a kit, where the kit includes at least one collecting receptacle for collecting cord blood, and a pre-measured non-liquid anticoagulant which is optionally pre-loaded into the receptacle. The anticoagulant is preferably selected from the group consisting of heparin or heparin type additives, citrates, EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), and oxalates and any other anticoagulant that can be used to decrease the clotting ability of the blood. The invention provided herein also comprises a method for collecting cord blood, where the method comprises collecting a desired amount of cord blood from the umbilical cord using a collection receptacle of the invention, wherein the collection receptacle is pre-loaded with a pre-measured amount of non-liquid anticoagulant. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287830 | Apparatus and Method for Portable Blood Cell Counting - The invention relates to a novel self-contained apparatus and method for portable and rapid counting of blood cells in a sample drawn from a subject in need of determining his or her blood cell counts. The apparatus may be about the size of a credit card, and rapidly determines a subject's blood cell counts. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287831 | Methods and apparatus for lancet actuation - A lancet driver is provided wherein the driver exerts a driving force on a lancet during a lancing cycle and is used on a tissue site. The driver comprises of a drive force generator for advancing the lancet and a processor coupled to the drive force generator capable of changing the direction and magnitude of force exerted on the lancet during the lancing cycle. The driver further includes a human interface on the housing providing at least one output for communicating with the patient. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287832 | FOOT PRESSURE ALERT AND SENSING SYSTEM - This invention relates to a system that continuously monitors pressure and force on the foot, analyzes and visualizes the pressure and force exerted on said foot in real-time. The invention measures pressure and force applied to a plurality of sensors placed in various points of an orthotic, shoe, shoe lining, insert, sock or sock type device. If the sensors detect pressure or force, the sensors send a signal to a microcomputer processor located in the shoe that subsequently analyzes and sends the data wireless to either a handheld electronic device, a personal computer, an electronic data capture system or a software program. The handheld electronic device or the personal computer then displays the data to an operator of the device or computer instantaneously; while the data capture system or program forwards the information to a handheld device and/or personal computer. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287833 | Method of evaluating gastroparesis using an ingestible capsule - A method of evaluating gastroparesis comprising the steps of providing an ingestible capsule having a pH sensor and a pressure sensor, having a subject ingest the capsule, recording pH measurements from the pH sensor as a function of time as the capsule moves through at least a portion of the gastrointestinal tract of the subject, recording pressure measurements from the pressure sensor as a function of time as the capsule moves through at least a portion of the gastrointestinal tract of the subject, determining the capsule's location at a first position in the gastrointestinal tract, deriving a pressure pattern as a function of time and the pressure measurements, providing a reference pressure pattern, and analyzing the subject's pressure pattern relative to the reference pressure pattern to evaluate the subject with respect to gastroparesis. The location may be the junction between the stomach and the small bowel of the subject. The pressure pattern may be the number of contractions relative to a baseline over a given time interval or area under the curve of pressure measurements over a given time interval. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287834 | Method for Carrying Out a Functional Analysis of an Artificial Extremity - A method for carrying out a functional analysis on a person equipped with an artificial extremity having adjustable settings. The method includes the steps of providing a sensor assembly configured as a replacement for a part of the artificial extremity and installing the sensor assembly in place of the part. Forces, accelerations and/or torques are then measured with the sensor assembly during use of the artificial extremity by the person and the settings of the artificial extremity are optimized based on these measurements. The sensor assembly is removed and the replaced part is installed back into the artificial extremity, while retaining the optimized settings. In one embodiment, the artificial extremity is a leg prosthesis having an artificial knee joint with a rotational adaptor mounted above it. The sensor assembly then replaces the rotational adaptor. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287835 | Integrated Ultrasound Therapy Transducer Assembly - The present invention is to provide an integrated ultrasound therapy transducer. It includes a piezoelectric transducer to generate therapy ultrasound, a support to support the piezoelectric transducer, a power amplifying module to drive the piezoelectric transducer. Wherein both the power amplifying module and the piezoelectric transducer are installed within the enclosure of the therapy transducer. The advantages of the integrated ultrasound therapy transducer assembly of the present invention include minimizing ultrasound therapy equipment and to decrease its volume and weight; reducing the electromagnetic interference and radiation greatly; and realizing the consistent performances of the ultrasound therapy equipments in mass productions and making the ultrasound therapy equipments have interchangeability. | 2008-11-20 |
| 20080287836 | Non-invasive ultrasonic body contouring - A methodology and system for lysing adipose tissue including directing ultrasonic energy at a multiplicity of target volumes within the region, which target volumes contain adipose tissue, thereby to selectively lyse the adipose tissue in the target volumes and generally not lyse non-adipose tissue in the target volumes and computerized tracking of the multiplicity of target volumes notwithstanding movement of the body. | 2008-11-20 |
