Abstract: Embodiments include systems and or methods directed to ultrasound calibration, real-time C-mode approaches, calibration using a plate target, a ball-and-socket scan mechanism, a spherical spiral path scan mechanism, and a wireless disposable laryngoscope.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods to quantify the volume of urine in a human bladder with a limited number of acoustic beams is disclosed. In a first version a plurality of narrow ultrasound beams is transmitted in different directions towards the bladder. Returning echoes are converted to digital form and stored in memory. A volume display on the apparatus allows to define the optimal apposition of the transducer assembly. Signal processing software automatically determines the bladder Depth D and Height H and computes the volume of urine. In a second version, a single wide angle ultrasound beam transducer transmits ultrasounds signals at a fundamental frequency to quantify the urine volume. Return signals originating from a depth beyond the usual position of the posterior wall depth of a filled bladder are analyzed for presence of higher harmonic signals, which in turn are related to the presence or absence of urine.

Abstract: A system including catheter endoscope for deployment in the bladder of a patient to provide a visual display of the bladder's mucosal surface is disclosed. The catheter endoscope is an elongated member having an image acquisition component and an expandable positioning component. The catheter is deployed such that the expandable positioning component is in the bladder adjacent the bladder's neck with the image acquisition component held away from any portion of the mucosal surface. The image acquisition component is arranged to acquire a panoramic image of a sector of the mucosal surface of the bladder from the neck of the bladder to the mucosal surface of the bladder opposite the neck of the bladder and to be rotated about the axis along which the catheter is inserted to acquire an image of the entire mucosal surface of the bladder which is displayed on a monitor forming a portion of the system.

Abstract: A retractor includes a handle portion, a blade portion coupled to the handle portion. The blade portion is configured for insertion into an internal region of a patient. The blade portion includes a first portion configured to manipulate tissue of the patient. In an embodiment, a locator element is configured to highlight an external region of the patient to indicate to a user the location of the first portion in the internal region. In an embodiment, a signal-transmission medium is coupled to the blade portion and has a port. An overmolded camera unit has a lens and is configured to couple with the port. When the camera unit is coupled with the port, the lens is oriented to capture images of the internal region.

Abstract: A sensor device for monitoring bioelectric data from a human body includes a flexible dielectric substrate, a plurality of sensors (electrodes) distributed on the substrate for sensing the bioelectric data, and an electrically conductive network distributed on the substrate connecting the sensors to a terminal portion of the substrate. Integrated flexible joints permit a certain amount of elasticity in and allow relative movement between at least two of the sensors when the sensor device is placed onto the human body.

Abstract: The invention provides improved methods for modifying collagenous tissues, particularly for treating urinary incontinence in a noninvasive manner. The methods typically include inserting a probe into a patient's urethra, transmitting electromagnetic energy from the probe to a collagneous target tissue, and cooling the tissue in the vicinity of the probe. The probe may include an expandable element at or near the distal end that is configured to expand within the patient's bladder. The expandable element may anchor the probe before or during treatment.

Abstract: A system for connecting remote equipment to a sensor device having a connector coupled to at least two terminals located on different portions of the sensor device. The portions of the sensor device may be an anterior portion and a posterior portion with each having at least one terminal. In turn, the terminals are nested on top of one another and at least one terminal is electrically accessible through a window region of the other portion. Further, the terminals are alignable with each other and with a connector by alignment indicators, which may provide a visual alignment indication for the terminals as well as a mechanical alignment of the connector with the sensor device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for treating female urinary incontinence by applying a form of energy to tissue in the vicinity of the urethra and/or bladder outlet to change tissue compliance without substantially narrowing the urethral and/or bladder outlet lumen. The apparatus comprises an elongated shaft having a means for treating urethral tissue and an expandable member deployable distal of the means for treating. The expandable member is configured to be anchored against the bladder outlet to dispose the means for treating at a desired treatment site in the urethra using only tactile feedback. The means for treating may include a needleless RF electrode, an ultrasound transducer, or a cryogenic probe configured to be advanced through a hollow needle, each of which are designed to reduce or eliminate symptoms associated with urinary incontinence.

Abstract: A computer-implementable method includes generating a first set of input signals representing an X-lead ECG apparatus, generating a second set of input signals based on the first set and representing a Y-lead ECG apparatus, and generating to a display device a set of ECG traces and/or a diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction based on the second set. X and Y are integer values and Y is greater than X.

Abstract: A releasable liner for a sensor device having adhesive and conductive gel portions includes a flexible sheet having a free end and a fixed end, and a portion of the flexible sheet that is releasably attached to the sensor device, wherein the flexible sheet is folded upon itself so that the fixed end is generally adjacent the free end. Exerting a pulling force on the free end releases the liner in a controlled manner to uncover the adhesive and conductive gel portions of the sensor device.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for treatment of a body part. More particularly, a method and apparatus for heat treatment of tissue using a catheter inserted into a body part is described along with means for positioning the catheter and means for positioning a set of electrodes relative to a tissue sample for treatment. Still more particularly, radio frequency energy at about 400 to 500 kilohertz is used to provide heat for the tissue treatment.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for treating female urinary incontinence by applying a form of energy to tissue in the vicinity of the urethra and/or bladder outlet to change tissue compliance without substantially narrowing the urethral and/or bladder outlet lumen. The apparatus comprises an elongated shaft having a means for treating urethral tissue and an expandable member deployable distal of the means for treating. The expandable member is configured to be anchored against the bladder outlet to dispose the means for treating at a desired treatment site in the urethra using only tactile feedback. The means for treating may include a needleless RF electrode, an ultrasound transducer, or a cryogenic probe configured to be advanced through a hollow needle, each of which are designed to reduce or eliminate symptoms associated with urinary incontinence.

Abstract: A device having a needle injector pivotally attached to an ultrasound transceiver is operated to place a sterilizable needle or needle/cannula unit within a blood vessel by a single user-device operator in which the blood vessel is made visible in a monitor image by ultrasound insonification. A guidance template is overlapped on at least one of a transverse, longitudinal, or three-dimensionally imaged blood vessel that illustrates a predicted path of the needle when it undergoes movement implemented by a controller. In alternate embodiments the needle injector, ultrasound transceiver, and needle or needle/cannula unit may be contained within a flexible sheath that is capable of being sterilized.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for acquiring, processing, and presenting boundaries of a cavity-tissue interface within a region-of-interest in an ultrasound image based upon the strength of signals of ultrasound echoes returning from structures within the region-of-interest. The segmentation of boundaries of cavity shapes occupying the region-of-interest utilizes cost function analysis of pixel sets occupying the cavity-tissue interface. The segmented shapes are further image processed to determine areas and volumes of the organ or structure containing the cavity within the region-of-interest.

Abstract: A sensor device for monitoring bioelectric data from a human body includes a flexible dielectric substrate, a plurality of sensors (electrodes) distributed on the substrate for sensing the bioelectric data, and an electrically conductive network distributed on the substrate connecting the sensors to a terminal portion of the substrate. Integrated flexible joints permit a certain amount of elasticity in and allow relative movement between at least two of the sensors when the sensor device is placed onto the human body.

Abstract: A system for connecting remote equipment to a sensor device having a connector coupled to at least two terminals located on different portions of the sensor device. The portions of the sensor device may be an anterior portion and a posterior portion with each having at least one terminal. In turn, the terminals are nested on top of one another and at least one terminal is electrically accessible through a window region of the other portion. Further, the terminals are alignable with each other and with a connector by alignment indicators, which may provide a visual alignment indication for the terminals as well as a mechanical alignment of the connector with the sensor device.

Abstract: A releasable liner for a sensor device having adhesive and conductive gel portions includes a flexible sheet having a free end and a fixed end, and a portion of the flexible sheet that is releasably attached to the sensor device, wherein the flexible sheet is folded upon itself so that the fixed end is generally adjacent the free end. Exerting a pulling force on the free end releases the liner in a controlled manner to uncover the adhesive and conductive gel portions of the sensor device.