Abstract: An otoscope apparatus having an objective lens configured to focus light from an object, a field lens positioned parallel to the objective lens along an optical axis, a first aperture and a second aperture positioned, respectively, at a distal end and a proximal end of the objective lens, and a third aperture positioned at a distal end of the field lens. The otoscope apparatus is adapted to be releasably attached to a camera of a smart device. The otoscope apparatus may capture a picture or video of the outer ear, the middle ear, and/or the ear canal of a patient utilizing the camera of the smart device. Such a picture or video of the outer ear, the middle ear, and/or the ear canal may be sent to a remote healthcare professional for diagnosis of an ear infection.

Abstract: A smart device may assist a user in aligning an otoscope of an otoscope clip device with a camera of the smart device. A model identification may be determined. The model identification may indicate a model associated with the smart device. An alignment image may be determined using the model identification. The alignment image may be displayed on the display of the smart device.

Abstract: A needleless connector caps is provided with one or more vents allowing air to pass around the cap, for example in a case where a cap may be accidentally lodged in a position completely concentric with a patient's throat. Configuration of structural elements making up a cap exterior can provide one or more openings or channels in the cap that remain unblocked and extend from the base to the top side of the cap forming one or more vents allowing air to pass through the cap.

Abstract: A device for attaching an optical element, such as an otoscope, to a smart phone for diagnosing and/or identifying problems of an outer ear, a middle ear, and/or an ear canal of a patient. The device may comprise a main body. The main body may comprise an aperture and a first engagement member configured to engage with a second engagement structure that belongs to the optical element. A first surface may be connected to the main body and configured may be to contact a first smart phone surface. A piston may be provided that may comprises a second surface that may be parallel to the first surface and may be configured to contact a second smart phone surface. A threaded knob may be provided and may be connected to the piston through the aperture.

Abstract: A method of classifying a swallow of a subject includes obtaining vibration data that is based on and indicative of a number of vibrations resulting from the swallow, and using a computer implemented deep learning classifier to classify the swallow based on the vibration data. Also, a system for classifying a swallow of a subject includes a computing device implementing a deep learning classifier. The computing device includes a processor apparatus structured and configured to receive vibration data that is based on and indicative of a number of vibrations resulting from the swallow, and use the deep learning classifier to classify the swallow based on the vibration data. The deep learning classifier may comprise a single layer or a multi-layer Deep Belief network.

Abstract: Systems and methods of delivering and deploying a stent into a curvilinear cavity within a vertebral body or other bony or body structure. In some instances, the system can include an elongate shaft for delivering a self-expanding, cement-directing stent and devices that may be used to perform the steps to deliver and deploy the stent.

Abstract: Provided are various embodiments of improvements made to methods, systems and assemblies of implant delivery systems and the associated implants. In one embodiment, provided is an implant delivery system comprising an implant, a first sheath and a second sheath each extending from a proximal end of said implant delivery system, the first sheath is translatable relative to said second sheath wherein said implant is connected to an exterior surface of said first sheath, and wherein said first sheath and said second sheath are movable with respect to one another to deploy said implant to a target site in an anatomy. Said delivery system may be configured to be partially inserted into a blood vessel of a human body such that said proximal end remains external to said body and said distal end is internal to said body.

Abstract: An expandable introducer sheath for use in interventional procedures. The expandable introducer sheath can be inserted into a treatment vessel in a first unexpanded configuration. The expandable introducer sheath can expand in diameter during insertion of a device through its main lumen and can then re-collapse down to its unexpanded diameter. The device comprises an inner heat-set folded layer and an outer elastomeric layer. The outer elastomeric layer provides a barrier between the inner folded layer and a vessel wall during unfolding of the inner folded layer to minimize the risk of vessel trauma.

Abstract: A method of classifying a swallow of a subject includes obtaining vibration data that is based on and indicative of a number of vibrations resulting from the swallow, and using a computer implemented deep learning classifier to classify the swallow based on the vibration data. Also, a system for classifying a swallow of a subject includes a computing device implementing a deep learning classifier. The computing device includes a processor apparatus structured and configured to receive vibration data that is based on and indicative of a number of vibrations resulting from the swallow, and use the deep learning classifier to classify the swallow based on the vibration data. The deep learning classifier may comprise a single layer or a multi-layer Deep Belief network.

Abstract: A needleless connector caps is provided with one or more vents allowing air to pass around the cap, for example in a case where a cap may be accidentally lodged in a position completely concentric with a patient's throat. Configuration of structural elements making up a cap exterior can provide one or more openings or channels in the cap that remain unblocked and extend from the base to the top side of the cap forming one or more vents allowing air to pass through the cap.

Abstract: Systems and methods of delivering and deploying a stent into a curvilinear cavity within a vertebral body or other bony or body structure. In some instances, the system can include an elongate shaft for delivering a self-expanding, cement-directing stent and devices that may be used to perform the steps to deliver and deploy the stent.

Abstract: Systems and methods of delivering and deploying a stent into a curvilinear cavity within a vertebral body or other bony or body structure. In some instances, the system can include an elongate shaft for delivering a self-expanding, cement-directing stent and devices that may be used to perform the steps to deliver and deploy the stent.

Abstract: An expandable introducer sheath for use in interventional procedures. The expandable introducer sheath can be inserted into a treatment vessel in a first unexpanded configuration. The expandable introducer sheath can expand in diameter during insertion of a device through its main lumen and can then re-collapse down to its unexpanded diameter. The device comprises an inner heat-set folded layer and an outer elastomeric layer. The outer elastomeric layer provides a barrier between the inner folded layer and a vessel wall during unfolding of the inner folded layer to minimize the risk of vessel trauma.

Abstract: Systems and methods of delivering and deploying a stent into a curvilinear cavity within a vertebral body or other bony or body structure. In some instances, the system can include an elongate shaft for delivering a self-expanding, cement-directing stent and devices that may be used to perform the steps to deliver and deploy the stent.

Abstract: The present invention generally is directed toward a spinal fixation system whereby a coupling element allows the physician to selectively lock or unlock either the connection between the coupling element and a fastener, such as to allow for repositioning of the coupling element, or the connection between the coupling element and an elongate rod. The locking or unlocking of these connections may be made independently and as desired by the physician.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed for displaying, on a confidence gauge comprising a set of lights, a confidence level of whether a blood vessel is an artery or a vein, wherein a number of illuminated lights of the set of lights indicates the confidence level.

Abstract: A apparatus and a method are disclosed for transmitting a signal directed to a blood vessel via a Doppler ultrasound waveform apparatus, receiving, by the Doppler ultrasound waveform apparatus, a reflected signal from the blood vessel; and determining, by a processing device, whether the blood vessel is an artery or a vein based on a blood flow velocity in the blood vessel.

Abstract: The present invention generally is directed toward a spinal fixation system whereby a coupling element allows the physician to selectively lock or unlock either the connection between the coupling element and a fastener, such as to allow for repositioning of the coupling element, or the connection between the coupling element and an elongate rod. The locking or unlocking of these connections may be made independently and as desired by the physician.

Abstract: A guide wire incorporating a handle that incorporates a handle at the proximal end of said guide wire, the handle incorporating a guide wire actuator slidably disposed upon an actuator rail, the guide wire actuator being affixed to the proximal end of the guide wire and a guard rail contained within the actuator rail that prevents buckling of the proximal end of the guide wire. The handle can be connected to a catheter device amalgamating the guide wire and the catheter, allowing the catheter and guide wire to be operated simultaneously while also enabling the guide wire to be advanced or torqued independently of the catheter device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a systems, devices and methods of delivering and deploying a stent into a curvilinear cavity within a vertebral body or other bony or body structure. In some instances, a system can include an elongate shaft for delivering a self-expanding, cement-directing stent. The elongate shaft can include at least one of an inner shaft, an outer shaft, a tubular sheath, a flexible guidewire, and an internal polymer extrusion. A rotational handle can be used to control movement of the elongate shaft. The rotational handle can incorporate one or more pins in slots associated with each of the components (e.g., inner shaft, outer shaft, and tubular sheath), such that upon rotation of the handle, the pins are forced to move in the direction of their respective slots.