Abstract: Central Venous Pressure (CVP) is non-invasively determined with accuracy comparable to invasive measurement techniques. To do so, curves are plotted based on non-invasively determined patient information obtained by applying a controllable variable (pressure) to a vein of interest at a non-distal point and taking certain measurements (such as pressure and volume measurements) from the patient. An example of a controllable variable is voltage applied in incremental inflation/deflation of a vascular cuff (1). A curve is plotted based on datapoints (such as a volume increase curve or a volume decline curve). Pertinent, accurate CVP and/or blood volume information is obtained from the slope of the non-invasive-based curve. Accurate CVP information is provided without the risks and disadvantages of invasive measurements.

Abstract: In an emergency medicine patient, accurate measurement of change or lack thereof from non-shock, non-ischemic, non-inflammation, non-tissue injury, non-immune dysfunction conditions is important and is provided, as practical, real-time approaches for accurately characterizing a patient's condition, using Raman (3) and/or fluorescence (30) spectroscopy with a high degree of accuracy. Measurement times are on the order of seconds. High-accuracy measurement is achieved with Raman spectroscopy interrogation of tissue. Simultaneous interrogation by NADH fluorescence spectroscopy may he used. Measurements may be non-invasive to minimally invasive. Preclinical (ultra-early) states of shock can be detected (5), severity can be determined, effectiveness of various treatments can be determined.

Abstract: Central Venous Pressure (CVP) is non-invasively determined with accuracy comparable to invasive measurement techniques. To do so, curves are plotted based on non-invasively determined patient information obtained by applying a controllable variable (pressure) to a vein of interest at a non-distal point and taking certain measurements (such as pressure and volume measurements) from the patient. An example of a controllable variable is voltage applied in incremental inflation/deflation of a vascular cuff (1). A curve is plotted based on datapoints (such as a volume increase curve or a volume decline curve). Pertinent, accurate CVP and/or blood volume information is obtained from the slope of the non-invasive-based curve. Accurate CVP information is provided without the risks and disadvantages of invasive measurements.

Abstract: In an emergency medicine patient, accurate measurement of change or lack thereof from non-shock, non-ischemic, non-inflammation, non-tissue injury, non-immune dysfunction conditions is important and is provided, as practical, real-time approaches for accurately characterizing a patient's condition, using Raman (3) and/or fluorescence (30) spectroscopy with a high degree of accuracy. Measurement times are on the order of seconds. High-accuracy measurement is achieved with Raman spectroscopy interrogation of tissue. Simultaneous interrogation by NADH fluorescence spectroscopy may he used. Measurements may be non-invasive to minimally invasive. Preclinical (ultra-early) states of shock can be detected (5), severity can be determined, effectiveness of various treatments can be determined.

Abstract: High-pressure bleeding wounds (and other bleeding wounds) may be treated by applying direct pressure directly in the bleeding wound, such as by applying a back pressure in a confined space around and in the wound. Certain substances and articles may be inserted into the wound, and the wound may be enclosed with that substance or article (such as a hemostatic substance, which may be polymeric), by swelling on contact with molecules (such as water molecules in the blood) encountered in the wound, generates the desired pressure to stop or at least reduce the bleeding without the detrimental effects of a tourniquet Clot-inducing substances may be introduced into the wound contemporaneously with direct pressure application directly in the wound. Compressible and non-compressible wounds are treated. Treatment stops bleeding without producing pressure injury or ischemic damage. Medical devices using this technology are provided, including removable, biodegradable, medic-administrable devices.

Abstract: A method for subdiaphragm hemorrhage control in a patient or for non-invasively enhancing cerebral and myocardial perfusion in a patient includes positioning a moveable surface through the esophagus adjacent the patient's esophageal-gastric junction and displacing the moveable surface thereby applying a force posteriorly in the direction of the patient's descending aorta sufficient to partially or substantially completely occlude the descending aorta. The moveable surface may be positionable in a lower portion of the esophagus where the esophagus and the aorta pass through the diaphragm or may be positioned in a portion of the patient's stomach juxtaposed with the patient's descending aorta.

Abstract: A method for subdiaphragm hemorrhage control in a patient or for non-invasively enhancing cerebral and myocardial perfusion in a patient includes positioning a moveable surface through the esophagus adjacent the patient's esophageal-gastric junction and displacing the moveable surface thereby applying a force posteriorly in the direction of the patient's descending aorta sufficient to partially or substantially completely occlude the descending aorta. The moveable surface may be positionable in a lower portion of the esophagus where the esophagus and the aorta pass through the diaphragm or may be positioned in a portion of the patient's stomach juxtaposed with the patient's descending aorta.

Abstract: A non-invasive method and apparatus for at least partially occluding the descending aorta of a patient and for manipulating core and cerebral temperature includes positioning an elongated tubular member which may have a moveable surface through the esophagus and displacing the moveable surface thereby applying a force posteriorly in the direction of the patient's descending aorta sufficient to partially or substantially completely occlude the descending aorta. The tubular member may include a heat exchange surface and a heat transfer mechanism for transferring heat to the heat transfer surface or for transferring heat from the heat transfer surface in order to modify the temperature of a portion of the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for aiding in the treatment of cardiac arrest patients which includes a flexible tube having an elongated bladder attached between its opposite ends and a stomach bladder attached to its distal end. Each bladder has a conductive portion which serves as an electrode. Wires are embedded in the sidewall of the tube and connected to each electrode. Passageways formed in the sidewall of the tube and fluid-conveying tubes connected thereto form a fluid path through which a saline solution or a gas passes to fill the bladders. The tube is positioned so that the stomach bladder lies in the fundus of the stomach and the esophageal bladder lies in the posterior to the heart. The stomach bladder is filled and moderate countertraction is applied. Then the esophageal bladder is filled. The esophageal bladder serves as a platform by expanding and hardening the esophagus behind the heart. The heart is then compressed between the sternum and the hardened esophageal bladder, thus enhancing artificial circulation.

Abstract: A method of non-invasively occluding the descending thoracic aorta to a desired extent in order to enhance cerebral and myocardial perfusion or the like, and/or of manipulating core and cerebral temperature of a patient, wherein a device is extended into the patient's esophagus and manipulated to selectively displace a wall of the esophagus toward the descending thoracic aorta to thereby at least partially occlude the latter, and/or to exchange heat between a device positioned in the patient's esophagus and a proximately located thoracic vessel in order to increase or decrease the temperature of blood flowing in such vessel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating patients suffering from one or more of the conditions of cardiac arrest, shock, respiratory failure, hypothermia, hyperthermia and head injury. Chest tubes are inserted through respective holes in each hemithorax of the patient and attached to a gas source and an exhaust pump with connections and valves for alternately inflating and deflating a patient's thoracic cavity with a gas. A gas regulator, including heat exchanger, is interposed between the gas source and the tubes for warming or cooling the gas, and an electrode is mounted on the tubes and connected through a wire to electronic medical equipment. Collapsed seals are formed annularly around the chest tube and expanded after insertion to form a gas seal between the tube and the chest wall. The seal may be a bladder expanded by filling with a fluid or a wire mesh receptacle which is mechanically expanded and can also serve as the electrode.