Abstract: A testing device for locating parathyroid glands comprises a module for receiving an aspirated sample of fluid and tissue taken from a suspected parathyroid gland. The module contains a first membrane containing an anti-parathyroid antibody conjugated to nanoparticles for receiving the aspirated sample, resulting in the formation of a sample/conjugate mixture. That mixture flows across adjacent membranes to a test location containing anti-parathyroid and an indicator for parathormone. Presence of a sufficient quantity of parathormone in the conjugate of aspirated sample reaching the test line is evidenced by a readable change in the test line appearance.

Abstract: A system for monitoring relative nerve health and the presence of neuropraxia is described. The system utilizes the integration of a waveform function of an elicited or monitored nerve response to provide an indication of the strength of a detected signal from a nerve and thus the relative health and integrity of the nerve. In some embodiments motor nerve stimulation innervates muscle and an EMG waveform is obtained in response thereto. The integration under the waveform is expressed and an indexed value indicating a percentage of a certain threshold value. Methods set forth provide a more reliable status of a nerve in real-time and allow action to be taken to reduce neuropraxia or prevent permanent nerve damage.

Abstract: A system for monitoring relative nerve health and the presence of neuropraxia is described. The system utilizes the integration of a waveform function of an elicited or monitored nerve response to provide an indication of the strength of a detected signal from a nerve and thus the relative health and integrity of the nerve. In some embodiments motor nerve stimulation innervates muscle and an EMG waveform is obtained in response thereto. The integration under the waveform is expressed and an indexed value indicating a percentage of a certain threshold value. Methods set forth provide a more reliable status of a nerve in real-time and allow action to be taken to reduce neuropraxia or prevent permanent nerve damage.

Abstract: A method of monitoring relative nerve health and the presence of neuropraxia is described. The methods utilize the integration of a waveform function of an elicited or monitored nerve response to provide an indication of the strength of a detected signal from a nerve and thus the relative health and integrity of the nerve. In some embodiments motor nerve stimulation innervates muscle and an EMG waveform is obtained in response thereto. The integration under the waveform is expressed and an indexed value indicating a percentage of a certain threshold value. Methods set forth provide a more reliable status of a nerve in real-time and allow action to be taken to reduce neuropraxia or prevent permanent nerve damage.

Abstract: A method of monitoring relative nerve health and the presence of neuropraxia is described. The methods utilize the integration of a waveform function of an elicited or monitored nerve response to provide an indication of the strength of a detected signal from a nerve and thus the relative health and integrity of the nerve. In some embodiments motor nerve stimulation innervates muscle and an EMG waveform is obtained in response thereto. The integration under the waveform is expressed and an indexed value indicating a percentage of a certain threshold value. Methods set forth provide a more reliable status of a nerve in real-time and allow action to be taken to reduce neuropraxia or prevent permanent nerve damage.

Abstract: Laryngeal surface electrodes are devices designed to hold a conductive surface against the vocal cords in order to pick up small electrical signals from the muscle known as electromyographic signals. Several embodiments of a laryngeal electromyography tube include a conductive electrode surface that is painted, screen printed or otherwise applied directly onto the body of an endotracheal tube, such that the final device has no raised surfaces which can injure the vocal cords. These endotracheal tube with integral laryngeal surface electrodes can be safely used placed for prolonged, continuous monitoring during surgery, after surgery and during intensive care treatment intubation without a need to remove and replace the tube at these various stages of treatment. In one embodiment, one electrode contacts the vocal cords and a second electrode contacts the tongue.

Abstract: Laryngeal surface electrodes are devices designed to hold a conductive surface against the vocal cords in order to pick up small electrical signals from the muscle known as electromyographic signals. Several embodiments of a laryngeal electromyography tube include a conductive electrode surface that is painted, screen printed or otherwise applied directly onto the body of an endotracheal tube, such that the final device has no raised surfaces which can injure the vocal cords. These endotracheal tube with integral laryngeal surface electrodes can be safely used placed for prolonged, continuous monitoring during surgery, after surgery and during intensive care treatment intubation without a need to remove and replace the tube at these various stages of treatment. In one embodiment, one electrode contacts the vocal cords and a second electrode contacts the tongue.

Abstract: Laryngeal surface electrodes are devices designed to hold a conductive surface against the vocal cords in order to pick up small electrical signals from the muscle known as electromyographic signals. Several embodiments of a laryngeal electromyography tube include a conductive electrode surface that is painted, screen printed or otherwise applied directly onto the body of an endotracheal tube, such that the final device has no raised surfaces which can injure the vocal cords. These endotracheal tube with integral laryngeal surface electrodes can be safely used placed for prolonged, continuous monitoring during surgery, after surgery and during intensive care treatment intubation without a need to remove and replace the tube at these various stages of treatment. In one embodiment, one electrode contacts the vocal cords and a second electrode contacts the tongue.

Abstract: A device for use in a removing fluids and debris from a surgical wound and for location of nerves adjacent to the surgical wound comprises a hollow electrically conductive tube which has a lumen extending from the distal end thereof to the proximal end thereof. Openings are located at the distal end of the tube for suction removal of the fluid and debris. A handle located at the proximal end of the tube is provided for attachment of a second tube which is connected to a vacuum source. Also extending from or located within the handle is attachment means for connecting the conductive tube to an electrical nerve stimulation module. An electrically conductive ball is attached at the distal end of the conductive tube and distal to the openings in the tube. The openings are sized so that at least one dimension thereof is less then the diameter of the lumen to prevent the lumen from becoming clogged with debris having a size greater then the diameter of the lumen which is removed from the surgical wound.

Abstract: Laryngeal surface electrodes are devices designed to hold a conductive surface against the vocal cords in order to pick up small electrical signals from the muscle known as electromyographic signals. Several embodiments of a laryngeal electromyography tube include a conductive electrode surface that is painted, screen printed or otherwise applied directly onto the body of an endotracheal tube, such that the final device has no raised surfaces which can injure the vocal cords. These endotracheal tube with integral laryngeal surface electrodes can be safely used placed for prolonged, continuous monitoring during surgery, after surgery and during intensive care treatment intubation without a need to remove and replace the tube at these various stages of treatment. In one embodiment, one electrode contacts the vocal cords and a second electrode contacts the tongue.

Abstract: A device for use in a removing fluids and debris from a surgical wound and for location of nerves adjacent to the surgical wound comprises a hollow electrically conductive tube which has a lumen extending from the distal end thereof to the proximal end thereof. Openings are located at the distal end of the tube for suction removal of the fluid and debris. A handle located at the proximal end of the tube is provided for attachment of a second tube which is connected to a vacuum source. Also extending from or located within the handle is attachment means for connecting the conductive tube to an electrical nerve stimulation module. An electrically conductive ball is attached at the distal end of the conductive tube and distal to the openings in the tube. The openings are sized so that at least one dimension thereof is less then the diameter of the lumen to prevent the lumen from becoming clogged with debris having a size greater then the diameter of the lumen which is removed from the surgical wound.

Abstract: An electrode for laryngeal electromyography that is adhesively secured to an insert device, endotracheal tube or other similar device. The attachable surface electrode of this invention consists of a flexible substrate having an anterior and a posterior surface specifically for insertion along the human laryngopharynx and adjacent to the cricothyroideus muscles (the vocal cords). One or more electrically conductive structures are mounted on or formed on the anterior surface of the substrate to provide an electric contact with the cricothyroideus muscles. Insulated wires extend from the electrical conductive structures for transmitting electrical pulses to the cricothyroideus muscles. There is an adhesive material on the posterior surface of the flexible substrate for attachment to an endotracheal tube, insert device, postcricoid paddle or other such device of the attachable substrate so that the electrically conductive structures thereon are properly positioned for laryngeal electromyography.

Abstract: An electrode for laryngeal electromyography that is adhesively secured to an insert device, endotracheal tube or other similar device. The attachable surface electrode of this invention consists of a flexible substrate having an anterior and a posterior surface specifically for insertion along the human laryngopharynx and adjacent to the cricothyroideus muscles (the vocal cords). One or more electrically conductive structures are mounted on or formed on the anterior surface of the substrate to provide an electric contact with the cricothyroideus muscles. Insulated wires extend from the electrical conductive structures for transmitting electrical pulses to the cricothyroideus muscles. There is an adhesive material on the posterior surface of the flexible substrate for attachment to an endotracheal tube, insert device, postcricoid paddle or other such device of the attachable substrate so that the electrically conductive structures thereon are properly positioned for laryngeal electromyography.

Abstract: An electrode for laryngeal electromyography that is attachable to an insert device, endotracheal tune or other similar device that is also size adjustable by cutting to size. The attachable and size adjustable surface electrode of this invention consists of a flexible plate having an anterior and a posterior surface specifically for inserting in the human laryngopharynx adjacent to the cricothyroideus muscles (the vocal cords). An electrical conductive plate is mounted on the anterior surface to provide an electric contact with the cricothyroideus muscles. An insulated wire extends from the electrical conductive plate for monitoring or delivering electrical pulses to the cricothyroideus muscles. There are marked graduations parallel to a center line on the electrical conductive plate for cutting and sizing the flexible plate and electrical conductive plate to the size of the patient's laryngopharynx.

Abstract: A tire low pressure audio warning device for monitoring a tire for low air pressure and sounding an alarm when a low tire pressure condition exists. The tire low pressure audio warning device has a body that attaches to a valve stem of an inner tube or tubeless tire, or to an opening through a rim of the tire. Contained within the body is at least a low air pressure switch, a battery and an audio alarm. The low pressure switch is in air communications with the pressurized air within the tire or the inner tube. The audio alarm is electrically connected to and activated by the low air pressure switch when a low tire pressure exits. A centrifugal switch is provided within the body to prevent the audio alarm from sounding during tire rotation. The centrifugal switch opens when the tire is rotating, and closes when tire rotation is stopped. The battery within the body provides electrical power for the alarm.