Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a deck, a plurality of side rails, a control panel, and a plurality of subsystems, such as a bed exit system that detects when a patient may exit from the support apparatus, or a lifting mechanism to raise and lower the deck. A controller is in communication with the control panel and is adapted to monitor conditions regarding the side rails and/or the other subsystems. At least one lamp is also provided on the patient support apparatus that is adapted to be illuminated in a first manner when a plurality of monitored conditions remain in a desired state, and in a second manner when at least one of the plurality of monitored conditions changes to an undesired state.

Abstract: A patient support, such as a mattress, includes a plurality of inflatable bladders. Depth sensors are included in the support that measure the degree of penetration of a patient into the mattress. An air pressure sensor is also included that measures the pressure inside at least one bladder. A suitable inflation level of the mattress is determined by monitoring the rate of change of the depth with respect to air pressure as the bladder is either inflated or deflated. By detecting an inflection point in the graphical relationship of the depth and pressure outputs, a suitable inflation point for the bladders is determined that reduced interface pressures experienced by the patient, yet does not overly sink the patient into the mattress to a degree or discomfort. Analyzing the outputs of the depth and pressure sensors can also be used to detect a patient's heart rate and respiration rate.

Abstract: An ambulance cot and cot loading and unloading system for an emergency vehicle comprises a cot having a head end, a base for mounting to a deck of an emergency vehicle, a track mounted for linear movement along said base, and an arm mounted for linear movement along said track from a retracted position to an extended position. The arm is and configured to engage the cot, and wherein when the track is extended along the base and the arm is extended along the track the arm is extended from the base in an extended position and is configured for lifting the cot and providing cantilevered support to the cot while in the extended position.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus, such as a stretcher, cot, bed, or the like, includes a patient support surface and a cartridge support surface positioned therebelow. The cartridge support surface supports a diagnostic imaging cartridge, such as an X-ray cartridge. The cartridge support surface includes a generally flat and smooth interior region surrounded by a peripheral region that is beveled to facilitate insertion of a cartridge between the patient and cartridge support surfaces. Handles for controlling the pivoting a portion of the patient support surface are positioned in a corner of the patient support surface where they, and their connected structures, are out of the way of the X-ray path. A joint between sections of the patient support surface is constructed to include, when the sections are flat, overlapping regions that reduce, if not eliminate, visual artifacts caused by differing amounts of X-ray absorption of the patient support apparatus.

Abstract: Devices for occluding an aneurysm are provided. In particular, the device include an upper member that sits against the dome of the aneurysm, a lower member that sits in the neck of the aneurysm, and a means of adjusting the overall dimensions of the device. Also provided are methods of making and using these devices.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for systemic delivery of minimally-soluble bioactive agents such as, but not limited to, proteins of the TGF-? superfamily. According to the invention, an exemplary bioactive agent is BMP-7 The invention further provides for minimally-invasive systemic treatment of skeletal disorders such as osteoporosis as well as minimally-invasive systemic treatment of injured or diseased non-mineralized tissues and organs such kidneys. Practice of the invention eliminates adverse side effects at the site of intravascular delivery of the bioactive agent.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus is provided. The patient support apparatus includes a plurality of therapeutic devices including a rotation device and a percussion-vibration device for carrying out rotation, percussion, and vibration therapy for a patient. The patient support apparatus includes a control system for controlling operation of the plurality of therapeutic devices. The control system comprises a touch-screen display segmented into a main menu portion and a data window portion. The therapeutic functions are represented by touch selectable buttons on the main menu portion. When any of these buttons are selected, a plurality of adjustable operating parameters appears in the data window portion. At the same time, the buttons corresponding to the therapeutic functions in the main menu portion remain visible such that an operator can easily select another therapeutic function. A method of tracking the therapeutic functions performed is provided.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus system includes sensors adapted to sense a gesture of a person, or forces exerted by the person on the patient support apparatus, and to control the movement of a component of the patient support apparatus based on the gesture or forces. The movement of the patient support apparatus matches the direction of the person's gesture or applied forces. The speed of the gesture and magnitude of the applied force also influence the movement of the patient support apparatus component. The controlled movement may be the upward and downward motion of a patient support deck on the patient support apparatus, or it may be the pivoting of a section of the patient support deck, or it may be other movement. Control of the patient support apparatus is carried out based on the intent of the user, as evidenced by the user's gesture or applied forces.

Abstract: A manifold assembly (12) for a medical waste collection device (10) includes a manifold housing (14), a manifold cap (16), and a connection (18). The housing (14) includes a bottom (20) having a wall (24) extending upwardly about an axis (26) and defines open periphery (28) having a shoulder (32). A support structure defines a filter support surface (30). An outlet port (34) is disposed on the bottom (20). The surface (30) includes an inner ring (38), an outer ring (40), outer spokes (44) and inner spokes (52). The cap (16) includes an intake port (58) and is disposed on the housing (14) to define a chamber (56). Filters (60, 62) are supported on the surface (30). The cap (16) includes a top (64). The connection (18) includes a lip (76).

Abstract: The invention is directed to bone morphogenetic proteins that have reduced immunogenicity. In particular, the invention is directed to human BMP-7 that has been modified to reduce immunogenicity through alteration of the amino acid sequence of wild-type BMP-7.

Abstract: A device for bridging a neck of an aneurysm, comprises a junction region, one or more radially extending array elements secured to the junction region, each array element having an unfolded shape and a delivery shape; and a cover attached to the junction region, and extending over the delivery shape of the array elements, wherein each array element is attached at one end to the junction region and the array elements are constructed and arranged to unfold the cover when assuming their unfolded shape, and wherein the device further comprises a tip, and each array element is attached at another end to the tip, the tip comprising an opening through which a vaso-occlusive device or occlusion fluid may be delivered.

Abstract: A balloon catheter includes an elongate support member defining first and second openings therein, open proximal and distal ends, and an axial lumen; and a balloon disposed on the elongate support member, the balloon defining a balloon interior through which the support member extends, where the balloon interior has a proximal end region, a middle region, and a distal end region, with the first opening located in the middle region, and the second opening located in the distal end region, such that the support member lumen is in communication with the balloon interior through each of the first and second openings, and such that a pressurized liquid introduced through the open proximal end of the support member will enter the balloon interior through the first opening, and subsequently exit the balloon interior through the second opening, back into the lumen, and out the open distal end of the support member.

Abstract: A delivery wire assembly for delivery of an occlusive device to a location in a patient's vasculature includes a delivery wire conduit having a proximal tubular portion coupled to a distal coil portion, the respective tubular and coil portions defining a conduit lumen. A core wire is disposed in the conduit lumen and having a distal end coupled to an occlusive device, wherein an elongate electrical contact body at least partially seated in the conduit lumen and coupled to a proximal end of the core wire, the electrical contact body and the proximal tubular portion forming a junction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a patient lift for transferring a person from a hospital bed to another patient support structure. The patient lift includes a mast, a boom, a stabilizer leg, and a coupler leg adapted to couple to the hospital bed. The boom is mounted to the top of the mast, and extends outwardly from a central vertical axis of said mast. In one aspect, the boom may rotate independently of the stabilizer leg about the central vertical axis while above the hospital bed and while within an angular distance of a side of the hospital bed. Once the boom moves past the angular distance, the boom and stabilizer leg may begin to rotate together about the central vertical axis. In another aspect, the boom is capable of being positioned in a stowed position above a footboard of the hospital bed.

Abstract: A surgical sagittal saw capable of actuating an assembly that includes a static bar and at least one drive rod and a blade head, both of which are pivotally mounted to the bar. The saw includes a receiving surface on which the blade assembly bar is seated. A clamp removably holds bar in a static position against the receiving surface. The saw includes at least one drive pin. When the bar is mounted to the plate, the drive pin engages the assembly drive rod. A motor is connected to the drive pin to oscillate the pin.

Abstract: An embolectomy cage having an elongate axis and a circumference comprises a plurality of paired, closely spaced, substantially parallel, elongate members collectively defining a plurality of open cells, wherein individual elongate members of the pairs are connected at nodes located between respective pairs of axially adjacent cells and circumferentially adjacent cells, and wherein at least one elongate member spans each node without forming a connection to another elongate member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to sustained release formulations of biologic agents which permit persistent bioavailability. Preferred biologic agents include bone morphogenetic proteins. Diseases susceptible to amelioration and/or treatment with the formulations of the present invention include skeletal tissue diseases such as, but not limited to, osteoarthritis and other osteochondral diseases. The sustained release formulations of the present invention are especially suitable for treatment of minimally-vascularized or non-vascularized tissue sites such as, but not limited to, intrajoint, interarticular, or intraminiscal sites.

Abstract: An elongate medical device includes an elongate core and a substantially flat sheet formed into a tubular body defining a longitudinal axis and disposed around at least a portion of the elongate core, where the flat sheet has a length, and where a cross-sectional thickness of the sheet varies along the length of the sheet. The tubular body has proximal and distal portions, and a cross-sectional thickness of the sheet forming the distal portion of the tubular body may be less than a cross-sectional thickness of the sheet forming the proximal portion of the tubular body. A cross-sectional thickness of the sheet forming the tubular body preferably tapers from the proximal portion to the distal portion.

Abstract: A wheeled medical device—such as a cot, stretcher, bed, wheeled chair, or other medical device—includes a pole on which is mounted a removable topper. The topper may include a plurality of IV hooks used to support an IV bag. The hooks may be defined in an endless ribbon that is circular, or that is another closed shape. No prongs, hooks, or other projections extend outwardly from the topper, thereby reducing the potential dangerousness of accidental impacts with the topper. Whether the topper includes hooks or not, it may also be used as an information communication medium, such as through the use of colors, shapes, or other structures that signify certain information. The information may identify characteristics of the patient associated with the medical device or characteristics of the medical device itself, or still other information.

Abstract: An oxygen, or other type of, bottle holder is attached to a medical device and includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion includes a cylindrical recess into which the bottom of the bottle is inserted. The upper portion includes a clamp that may include either a movable arm or movable fingers. The movable fingers pivot about a common pivot axis and are retractable into, and extendable out of, a housing. The movable arm includes different sections with different levels of curvature. A trigger may be included that automatically opens the clamp upon the insertion of the bottle therein, as well as automatic closing of the clamp thereafter, thereby relieving the user from having to manually manipulate the clamp for it to secure the upper end of the bottle. The device may be wheeled chair, cot, stretcher, bed, or other device that holds an oxygen bottle.