Abstract: Embodiments for assessing flow at an anatomical region of interest are disclosed. One embodiment uses pulsed contrast media injections at a known frequency along with corresponding image data to derive a measurement of blood flow velocity at the region of interest. Another embodiment uses incremental changes in known contrast media injection flow rates to match the blood flow rate relative to one of these known contrast media injection flow rates based on the presence of a particular indicia in image data. For example, this indicia can be the flow of contrast media out from a coronary artery back into the aorta or the onset of a steady state pixel density. A further embodiment uses contrast media injections that are synchronized with the cardiac cycle. For example, contrast media injections can be synchronized with the diastolic and/or systolic phases and used to measure blood flow accordingly.

Abstract: Embodiments for assessing flow at an anatomical region of interest are disclosed. One embodiment uses pulsed contrast media injections at a known frequency along with corresponding image data to derive a measurement of blood flow velocity at the region of interest. Another embodiment uses incremental changes in known contrast media injection flow rates to match the blood flow rate relative to one of these known contrast media injection flow rates based on the presence of a particular indicia in image data. For example, this indicia can be the flow of contrast media out from a coronary artery back into the aorta or the onset of a steady state pixel density. A further embodiment uses contrast media injections that are synchronized with the cardiac cycle. For example, contrast media injections can be synchronized with the diastolic and/or systolic phases and used to measure blood flow accordingly.

Abstract: A dasher board assembly provides enhanced safety, such as for ice hockey rinks. The assembly is constructed so that on low height impacts a dampening material with at least one of a damping coefficient of about 1.7-3.2×104 N-s/m, a spring constant of about 1.5-3.0×106 N/m, and a loss coefficient greater than 0.15, absorbs the impact. On high height impacts both the dampening material and deflection of cantilevered generally vertical polygonal aluminum tubes absorb the impact. The assembly results in a Head Injury Criteria of less than 250 for all realistic scenarios, and a reduction of HIC values of at least 30% compared to an equivalent assembly with a rigid frame.

Abstract: One or more battery-operated fans are integrated into a hard hat and pull air through a filter to remove contaminants in the air. The filtered air passes through one or more channels in the hard hat and exits the hard hat through an air curtain exit located near the user's face. The exiting air leaves with sufficient velocity to form an air curtain. A user wearing goggles or other protective eyewear will have the filtered air current pass in front of the eyewear. Paint and other contaminant particles that are in the air will not be able to contact the outer surface of the eyewear, as the particles will not be able to pass through the curtain of filtered air.

Abstract: One or more battery-operated fans are integrated into a hard hat and pull air through a filter to remove contaminants in the air. The filtered air passes through one or more channels in the hard hat and exits the hard hat through an air curtain exit located near the user's face. The exiting air leaves with sufficient velocity to form an air curtain. A user wearing goggles or other protective eyewear will have the filtered air current pass in front of the eyewear. Paint and other contaminant particles that are in the air will not be able to contact the outer surface of the eyewear, as the particles will not be able to pass through the curtain of filtered air.

Abstract: One or more battery-operated fans are integrated into a hard hat and pull air through a filter to remove contaminants in the air. The filtered air passes through one or more channels in the hard hat and exits the hard hat through an air curtain exit located near the user's face. The exiting air leaves with sufficient velocity to form an air curtain. A user wearing goggles or other protective eyewear will have the filtered air current pass in front of the eyewear. Paint and other contaminant particles that are in the air will not be able to contact the outer surface of the eyewear, as the particles will not be able to pass through the curtain of filtered air.

Abstract: An actively tracked medical device comprising: a dilator having an inner tubular main body having a distal end and a proximal end, said tubular main body including at least first and second receiving channels positioned in a spaced apart relationship on an outer surface of said tubular main body; a region at the distal end of said tubular main body for supporting one or more tracking coils; an atrumatic tip portion operably coupled and positioned distal to said main body; a lumen extending through said tubular main body, said tip support and said atraumatic tip portion; and an outer polymer body having first and second ends, said outer polymer body operably covering said inner tubular main body and said tracking coils, said first end terminating adjacent a proximal end of said atraumatic tip portion and said second end terminating adjacent said hub.

Abstract: A method of using a MR compatible deflectable catheter is provided. The MR compatible deflectable catheter includes a steerable sheath having a tubular shaft. The tubular shaft receives first and second longitudinal movement wires at a distal end thereof. A control handle is coupled to a proximal end of the first and second longitudinal movement wires and causes longitudinal movement of the wires. Longitudinal movement of the wires causes the catheter to deflect approximately 180 degrees.

Abstract: One or more battery-operated fans are integrated into a hard hat and pull air through a filter to remove contaminants in the air. The filtered air passes through one or more channels in the hard hat and exits the hard hat through an air curtain exit located near the user's face. The exiting air leaves with sufficient velocity to form an air curtain. A user wearing goggles or other protective eyewear will have the filtered air current pass in front of the eyewear.

Abstract: An MR compatible deflectable catheter and method of using the same is provided. The MR compatible deflectable catheter includes a steerable sheath having a tubular shaft. The tubular shaft receives first and second longitudinal movement wires at a distal end thereof. A control handle is coupled to a proximal end of the first and second longitudinal movement wires and causes longitudinal movement of the wires.

Abstract: A method of using a MR compatible deflectable catheter is provided. The MR compatible deflectable catheter includes a steerable sheath having a tubular shaft. The tubular shaft receives first and second longitudinal movement wires at a distal end thereof. A control handle is coupled to a proximal end of the first and second longitudinal movement wires and causes longitudinal movement of the wires. Longitudinal movement of the wires causes the catheter to deflect approximately 180 degrees.

Abstract: An MR compatible deflectable catheter and method of using the same is provided. The MR compatible deflectable catheter includes a steerable sheath having a tubular shaft. The tubular shaft receives first and second longitudinal movement wires at a distal end thereof A control handle is coupled to a proximal end of the first and second longitudinal movement wires and causes longitudinal movement of the wires.

Abstract: A dasher board assembly provides enhanced safety, such as for ice hockey rinks. The assembly is constructed so that on low height impacts a dampening material with at least one of a damping coefficient of about 1.7-3.2×104 N-s/m, a spring constant of about 1.5-3.0×106 N/m, and a loss coefficient greater than 0.15, absorbs the impact. On high height impacts both the dampening material and deflection of cantilevered generally vertical polygonal aluminum tubes absorb the impact. The assembly results in a Head Injury Criteria of less than 250 for all realistic scenarios, and a reduction of HIC values of at least 30% compared to an equivalent assembly with a rigid frame.