Abstract: A method for controlling the body weight of a patient employs a percutaneous intragastric balloon catheter (10). The method comprises the first steps of inserting a percutaneous intragastric balloon catheter (10) into the stomach of the patient through a gastrostomy tract. The intragastric balloon catheter (10), in turn, comprises elongated shaft means (11) having first (12) and second (13) ends, a first inflatable balloon (14) carried proximal to the first end; a second inflatable balloon (15) carried proximal to the first inflatable balloon, the second balloon having a lesser inflated volume than the first balloon; first and second inflation lumens (18, 20); first and second inflation ports (22, 23) communicating respectively with the first and second inflation lumens and the first and second balloons, which ports are carried by the second end (13); a drainage lumen (16) passing between said first and second ends.

Abstract: A flexible wrist splint for the treatment of cumulative trauma disorder. The splint (10) can be worn on either wrist and is usable in the working environment. The splint includes a flexible panel (11) adapted to encircle the wrist area of a person, first and second opposed pockets (12,13) carried on the outer side (21) of the panel, flexible and resilient stays are (14) carried within the first and second pockets, an opening is (26) provided between the first and second opposed pockets for the insertion of a thumb, and fastening straps (15) for securing the panel about the wrist.

Abstract: A portable circuit and method for performing a time study and analysis of bodily ionic characteristics as esophageal pH includes a transducer 11 for measuring pH and generating a proportional analog signal and an interface 12 for converting this signal into a representative digital signal including offset and gain controls 23,24 for permitting correction for transducer 11 calibration drift during the study period. A processor 14 receives and stores all digital signals for rapid transmission to a data analysis after the study period is ended. Esophageal pH values are measured and stored for a plurality of pre-study and post-study known conditions.

Abstract: A portable circuit and method for performing a time study and analysis of bodily ionic characteristics as esophageal pH includes a transducer 11 for measuring pH and generating a proportional analog signal and an interface 12 for converting this signal into a representative digital signal including offset and gain controls 23,24 for permitting correction for transducer 11 calibration drift during the study period. A processor 14 receives and stores all digital signals for rapid transmission to a data analysis after the study period is ended. Esophageal pH values are measured and stored for a plurality of pre-study and post-study known conditions.

Abstract: A circuit and method for radiotelemetry of an esophageal pH signal in an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal radiotelemetry system includes esophageal and reference pH electrodes (16 and 17) connected to a pH meter (15) for monitoring esophageal pH and generating a signal proportional thereto and a waveform converter circuit (12) for converting the same to a signal whose waveform is similar to an ECG waveform and one of whose parameters, such as frequency, is proportional to esophageal pH. A conventional ECG radiotelemetry system (13) includes an ECG signal transmitter (31) receiving and broadcasting the converted signal to a remote ECG signal receiver (32). A display (14) receives the demodulated converted waveform from ECG signal receiver (32) and displays indicia of esophageal pH.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for detecting the presence of an embolism, such as air, during extracorporeal circulation in tubing carrying blood or other fluid such as would be present in the use of an artificial kidney machine. Electrodes are placed near the tubing to monitor the impedance thereof as well as the impedance of the fluid passing therethrough. An oscillator is attached to the electrodes and puts out a signal, the frequency of which is proportional to the basic impedance of the tubing and fluid. When an air bubble or the like passes the electrodes, the impedance will change causing a change in the frequency of the signal of the oscillator. The difference between the normal frequency and the changed frequency is indicative of the size of the embolism.