Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices can detect a dangerous or adverse condition or anticipated condition that indicates an undesirable amount of electric current in a patient-connected tube providing fluid to a patient. The fluid flow to the patient is stopped responsive to the detection. Stoppage of fluid flow to the patient can reduce or prevent electric current in the fluid from reaching a patient, flowing through the patient to ground, and/or continuing to flow through the patient.

Abstract: An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) configured to transmit a tissue conduction communication (TCC) signal includes a TCC transmitter module configured to generate the TCC signal and transmit the TCC signal via a plurality of electrodes. The TCC signal comprises a biphasic signal having an amplitude and a frequency, wherein at least one of the amplitude and the frequency are configured to avoid stimulation of tissue of the patient. The TCC transmitter module comprises protection circuitry coupled between a current source and the plurality of electrodes, wherein the protection circuitry is configured to protect the signal generator from an external anti-tachyarrhythmia shock delivered to the patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular arrangement with at least one base module that has a connection module on two different sides in each case and with at least one functional module with at least one connection module. The connection modules of the base module are designed to be rotationally invariant with regard to their mechanical and electrical connections, so a choice of the first or second connection module of the base module can be brought into contact with the connection module of the functional module by rotating the base module.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus is provided with: a power generating section supplying power to a target circuit of an endoscope; a scope information acquiring section acquiring scope information about the endoscope from the endoscope; a protection circuit provided in association with the power generating section, the protection circuit being capable of operating in a plurality of protection modes; and an operation controlling section controlling the power generating section, and selecting and setting one protection mode from among the plurality of protection modes for the protection circuit, based on the scope information.

Abstract: Provided is a lens apparatus which is communicable with a drive unit including: a movable optical member; and a first communication unit which is communicable with the drive unit, wherein the first communication unit receives an electric power supply different from an electric power supply which supplies an electric power to the drive unit, and wherein the first communication unit is configured to send/receive signals to/from the drive unit in an electrically noncontact manner.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes a low-power circuit, a high-power circuit, and a multi-cell power source. The implantable medical device delivers stimulation therapy to cardiac tissue. The cardioversion energy is delivered across through electrodes that are coupled to terminals of the high-power circuit. A protection circuit for protecting the low-voltage circuit components from high voltage pulses includes a first segment coupled to a first of the electrodes and a second segment coupled to a second of the electrodes, the components of the low-voltage circuit being coupled to the transthoracic protection circuit portion, and a reference potential corresponding to a ground potential, wherein the first and second segments of the transthoracic protection circuit portion are coupled to the reference potential in a parallel configuration.

Abstract: The present invention describes means to intentionally transmit power wirelessly from a portable communication device like a mobile phone, smart-phone, tablet or telephone watch using radio frequency, ultrasound, microwave or laser technologies to power up or charge devices external to the portable communication device. In particular the wireless power transmitter is physically placed inside the portable communication device or coupled to it, in order to have a means to transfer power without wires or cables to other devices. The present invention may be utilized in applications like sensors, implanted devices for medical use, speakers, mouse, keyboard, electrical glasses for 3D viewing, small displays, gadgets in the car, electronic toys and so on.

Abstract: A system of limited-use, battery-operated orthopedic power tools, having data collection modules for recording performance characteristics and data analysis modules with algorithms for performing analysis of performance characteristics and providing recommendations for preventative maintenance and repairs.

Abstract: Provided is a display device having a viewing angle changing function, which is capable of preventing leakage of information displayed on a display screen even when there is a fault generated in changing the viewing angle. The image display device including a viewing angle changing element capable of changing a wide vision display and a narrow vision display and including a display element is provided with a detection element which detects a fault generated in the viewing angle changing element and a module for changing to a narrow vision display when there is a fault based on a detection value of the detection element. For example, when there is a fault, a transparent heater is operated to heat a liquid crystal layer to set a transparent-scattering changing element to a transparent state and forcibly set the display device to a narrow vision display.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a housing having a treatment portion attached thereto. The treatment portion is adapted to connect to an electrosurgical generator that supplies energy to the electrosurgical instrument. An activation element is included and is disposed in electrical communication with the electrosurgical generator and the treatment portion. The activation element is selectively actuatable to supply energy from the electrosurgical generator to the treatment portion. A time-out device is coupled to the housing and is configured to prevent re-use of the electrosurgical instrument after a pre-determined time limit.

Abstract: A robot-guided system to assist orthopaedic surgeons in performing orthopaedic surgical procedures on pre-positioned inserts, including for the fixation of bone fractures, and especially for use in long bone distal intramedullary locking procedures. The system provides a mechanical guide for drilling the holes for distal screws in intramedullary nailing surgery. The drill guide is automatically positioned by the robot relative to the distal locking nail holes, using data derived from only a small number of X-ray fluoroscopic images. The system allows the performance of the locking procedure without trial and error, thus enabling the procedure to be successfully performed by less experienced surgeons, reduces exposure of patient and operating room personnel to radiation, shortens the intra-operative time, and thus reduces post-operative complications.

Abstract: In a hemodiafiltration apparatus, a membrane device (2) comprises a blood chamber (3) and a fluid chamber (4) separated by a semipermeable membrane (5). A grounding device (17) is connected to the discharge line by means of a tubular connector (16) made of an electrically-conductive plastic material. The grounding device can disconnect the grounding connection if the leakage current measured on a patient (1) connected to the apparatus exceeds a predetermined value. The apparatus can be classified as Cardiac Floating and, at the same time, causes no disturbances to an electrocardiograph connected to the patient.

Abstract: A microcurrent stimulation device with a power supply, two or more electrodes electronically coupled to the power supply, a microcontroller configured to generate an electromagnetic waveform, an impedance measurement module configured to measure electrical impedance of one or more biological tissues between the two or more electrodes. A first safety circuit monitors electric current flow through one or more components of the microcurrent stimulation device and interrupts electric current flow if the electric current flow through the one or more components is above a predetermined level. A second safety circuit interrupts electric current flow through the one or more components if a firmware failure occurs.

Abstract: Techniques are described for controlling effects caused when an implantable medical device (IMD) is subject to a disruptive energy field. The IMD may include an implantable lead that includes one or more electrodes. The IMD may further include a first component having a parasitic inductance. The IMD may further include a second component having a reactance. In some examples, the reactance of the second component may be selected based on the parasitic inductance of the first component such that an amount of energy reflected along the lead in response to energy produced by an electromagnetic energy source is below a selected threshold. In additional examples, the parasitic inductance of the first component and the reactance of the second component are configured such that an amount of energy reflected along the lead in response to a frequency of electromagnetic energy is below a selected threshold.

Abstract: A pacemaker comprises an implantable pacemaker housing and a pacemaker electrode provided to transmit stimulation impulses, and a detector for a current which can be induced by an external magnetic field and flowing through the pacemaker electrode. A circuit element is provided to interrupt this inducible current.

Abstract: A device to visually indicate the presence of electric fields in electrosurgical apparatus, without the necessity of wiring or an electrical connection to the apparatus, to visually annunciate when an electrosurgical instrument is active is disclosed. This is to alert the operating surgeon, and observing personnel, that the device is operational to mitigate the possibility of anyone inadvertently being injured. The device is comprised of an electrically insulated enclosure filled with a gas in close proximity to a surgical handpiece connected to a radio frequency current generator.

Abstract: An electromagnetic interference immune defibrillator lead has a first electromagnetic insulating layer. A first layer is formed on the first electromagnetic insulating layer, the first layer having a plurality of first conductive rings composed of first conductive material, each first conductive ring being separated by first insulating material. A second electromagnetic insulating layer is formed on the first layer. A second layer is, formed on the second electromagnetic insulating layer, the second layer having a plurality of second conductive rings composed of second conductive material, each second conductive ring being separated by second insulating material. A third electromagnetic insulating layer is formed on the second layer. The second conductive rings of second conductive material are positioned such that a second conductive ring overlaps a portion of a first conductive ring and overlaps a portion of a second conductive ring, the second conductive ring being adjacent to the first conductive ring.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides a medical method for treating a person and comprises repeatedly compressing the person's chest. While repeatedly compressing the person's chest, the method further includes repeatedly delivering a positive pressure breath to the person and extracting respiratory gases from the person's airway using a vacuum following the positive pressure breath to create an intrathoracic vacuum to lower pressures in the thorax and to enhance blood flow back to the heart.

Abstract: A return pad cable connector, in accordance with the present disclosure, for use with a disposable return pad, includes a cord having a conductive wire disposed therethrough which conductive wire interconnects the return pad cable connector to an electrosurgical energy source. The return pad further includes a connector operatively coupled to the cord, the connector having a conductive surface which is selectively engageable with a corresponding conductive surface disposed on the return pad, the conductive surface of the connector including a conductive adhesive disposed thereon and a non-conductive adhesive disposed above the periphery of the conductive surface of the connector for engagement with a corresponding non-conductive adhesive disposed above the periphery of the conductive surface of the return pad. The connector can include a magnet for magnetically coupling the connector to the conductive surface disposed on the return pad.

Abstract: An electroimpedance tomograph including a plurality of electrodes placed on a body, measuring circuits processing voltage signals recorded by the electrodes, and a control unit supplying two electrodes each with an alternating current. The control unit has a preset feed frequency. The control unit processes the processed voltage signals of all other electrodes to reconstruct the impedance distribution of the body in the electrode plane. The control unit provides for an automatic setting of the current feed frequency/frequencies to record a background frequency spectrum by detecting the electrode voltage signals over a preset period of time and record them as a voltage time series and transform them into a frequency spectrum. The control unit searches in the background frequency spectrum for a frequency (different states) or frequencies (different frequencies) that leads to a useful signal to background ratio above a preset threshold value when used as a feed frequency.

Abstract: An electromagnetic interference immune defibrillator lead has a first electromagnetic insulating layer. A first layer is formed on the first electromagnetic insulating layer, the first layer having a plurality of first conductive rings composed of first conductive material, each first conductive ring being separated by first insulating material. A second electromagnetic insulating layer is formed on the first layer. A second layer is, formed on the second electromagnetic insulating layer, the second layer having a plurality of second conductive rings composed of second conductive material, each second conductive ring being separated by second insulating material. A third electromagnetic insulating layer is formed on the second layer. The second conductive rings of second conductive material are positioned such that a second conductive ring overlaps a portion of a first conductive ring and overlaps a portion of a second conductive ring, the second conductive ring being adjacent to the first conductive ring.

Abstract: An electromagnetic interference immune defibrillator lead has a first electromagnetic insulating layer. A first layer is formed on the first electromagnetic insulating layer, the first layer having a plurality of first conductive rings composed of first conductive material, each first conductive ring being separated by first insulating material. A second electromagnetic insulating layer is formed on the first layer. A second layer is, formed on the second electromagnetic insulating layer, the second layer having a plurality of second conductive rings composed of second conductive material, each second conductive ring being separated by second insulating material. A third electromagnetic insulating layer is formed on the second layer. The second conductive rings of second conductive material are positioned such that a second conductive ring overlaps a portion of a first conductive ring and overlaps a portion of a second conductive ring, the second conductive ring being adjacent to the first conductive ring.

Abstract: An electromagnetic interference immune defibrillator lead has a first electromagnetic insulating layer. A first layer is formed on the first electromagnetic insulating layer, the first layer having a plurality of first conductive rings composed of first conductive material, each first conductive ring being separated by first insulating material. A second electromagnetic insulating layer is formed on the first layer. A second layer is, formed on the second electromagnetic insulating layer, the second layer having a plurality of second conductive rings composed of second conductive material, each second conductive ring being separated by second insulating material. A third electromagnetic insulating layer is formed on the second layer. The second conductive rings of second conductive material are positioned such that a second conductive ring overlaps a portion of a first conductive ring and overlaps a portion of a second conductive ring, the second conductive ring being adjacent to the first conductive ring.

Abstract: A return pad cable connector, in accordance with the present disclosure, for use with a disposable return pad, includes a cord having a conductive wire disposed therethrough which conductive wire interconnects the return pad cable connector to an electrosurgical energy source. The return pad further includes a connector operatively coupled to the cord, the connector having a conductive surface which is selectively engageable with a corresponding conductive surface disposed on the return pad, the conductive surface of the connector including a conductive adhesive disposed thereon and a non-conductive adhesive disposed above the periphery of the conductive surface of the connector for engagement with a corresponding non-conductive adhesive disposed above the periphery of the conductive surface of the return pad. The connector can include a magnet for magnetically coupling the connector to the conductive surface disposed on the return pad.

Abstract: An external interface device provides telemetry between an implantable apparatus and a remote device. The interface device includes a battery powered circuit and a wireless transceiver. A power supply of the remote device is isolated from the implantable apparatus by a wireless communication link.

Abstract: A removable semi-insulating sheet for use in self-limiting electrosurgical return semi-insulating sheet for use with electrosurgery. Through the selection of impedance characteristics for the electrode materials of the principal body of the semi-insulating sheet, and through tailoring of semi-insulating sheet geometries, the return electrode of the present invention is self-regulating and self-limiting as to current density and temperature rise so as to prevent patient trauma. The semi-insulating sheet has an effective bulk impedance equal to or greater than about 4,000 ?·cm. The effective bulk impedance of the sheet may arise from resistive components, capacitive components, inductive components, or combinations thereof. The configuration of the presently described return electrode allows the electrode to self-limit the electrode's current densities, thereby preventing burning of a patient during surgery.

Abstract: A medical device is configured to attenuate emission of electromagnetic radiation and comprises a housing, a circuit assembly mounted in the housing, and a panel coupled to the housing and to the circuit assembly. The panel comprises a first conductive region on an interior surface of the panel that is configured to be capacitively coupled to the ground, an opening substantially adjacent to the first conductive region, a second conductive region on the interior surface that is configured to be coupled to ground, and a non-conductive region on the interior surface between the first conductive region and the second conductive region.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a device which amplifies a user's ground or resonance to the Schumann Resonance, thereby removing a source of distortion and chaos from the user's nervous system caused by AC electrical systems. This increased resonance dissipates stress, makes the user more open to various forms of energy healing. The device relies upon groups of seven or fourteen circuits which amplify the grounding effect, thereby allowing a user of the invention to detoxify himself or herself naturally. Scalar enhancement is also possible when two or more devices, which can be worn as a pendant or plugged into an AC outlet, are used simultaneously.

Abstract: A return pad cable connector, in accordance with the present disclosure, for use with a disposable return pad, includes a cord having a conductive wire disposed therethrough which conductive wire interconnects the return pad cable connector to an electrosurgical energy source. The return pad further includes a connector operatively coupled to the cord, the connector having a conductive surface which is selectively engageable with a corresponding conductive surface disposed on the return pad, the conductive surface of the connector including a conductive adhesive disposed thereon and a non-conductive adhesive disposed above the periphery of the conductive surface of the connector for engagement with a corresponding non-conductive adhesive disposed above the periphery of the conductive surface of the return pad. The connector can include a magnet for magnetically coupling the connector to the conductive surface disposed on the return pad.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for minimizing the inherent time delays within external defibrillators and allowing operators to administer CPR therapy as close in time as possible to the delivery of a defibrillation shock to a patient. The methods and apparatuses utilize timing schemes for initiation and completion of charging or maintaining the charge of an energy storage device of an external defibrillator for at least a portion of a predetermined CPR therapy delivery time.

Abstract: A grounding arrangement in a system using the same connector for 5- and 12-lead connection in ECG-measurement. If 5-lead configuration is used, the connector elements of the 12-lead connection are used for grounding of lead wire shields through a current limiting circuit exhibiting non-linear voltage-current characteristics.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system is provided which includes an electrosurgical energy source; a return pad including a conductive surface; and a return pad cable connector selectively connectable to the electrosurgical generator. The return pad cable connector includes a cord having a conductive wire disposed therethrough, the conductive wire have a first end which connects to the electrosurgical energy source; and a connector operatively coupled to the cord. The connector includes a conductive surface which is selectively engageable with a corresponding conductive surface disposed on the return pad and is in electrical contact with a second end of the conductive wire, the conductive surface of the connector including a conductive adhesive disposed thereon; and a non-conductive adhesive disposed about the periphery of the conductive surface of the connector for engagement with a corresponding non-conductive adhesive disposed about the periphery of the conductive surface of the return pad.

Abstract: A return pad cable connector, in accordance with the present disclosure, for use with a disposable return pad, includes a cord having a conductive wire disposed therethrough which conductive wire interconnects the return pad cable connector to an electrosurgical energy source. The return pad further includes a connector operatively coupled to the cord, the connector having a conductive surface which is selectively engageable with a corresponding conductive surface disposed on the return pad, the conductive surface of the connector including a conductive adhesive disposed thereon and a non-conductive adhesive disposed above the periphery of the conductive surface of the connector for engagement with a corresponding non-conductive adhesive disposed above the periphery of the conductive surface of the return pad. The connector can include a magnet for magnetically coupling the connector to the conductive surface disposed on the return pad.

Abstract: A removable semi-insulating sheet for use in self-limiting electrosurgical return semi-insulating sheet for use with electrosurgery. Through the selection of impedance characteristics for the electrode materials of the principal body of the semi-insulating sheet, and through tailoring of semi-insulating sheet geometries, the return electrode of the present invention is self-regulating and self-limiting as to current density and temperature rise so as to prevent patient trauma. The semi-insulating sheet has an effective bulk impedance equal to or greater than about 4,000 ?·cm. The effective bulk impedance of the sheet may arise from resistive components, capacitive components, inductive components, or combinations thereof. The configuration of the presently described return electrode allows the electrode to self-limit the electrode's current densities, thereby preventing burning of a patient during surgery.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system is provided which includes an electrosurgical energy source; a return pad including a conductive surface; and a return pad cable connector selectively connectable to the electrosurgical generator. The return pad cable connector includes a cord having a conductive wire disposed therethrough, the conductive wire have a first end which connects to the electrosurgical energy source; and a connector operatively coupled to the cord. The connector includes a conductive surface which is selectively engageable with a corresponding conductive surface disposed on the return pad and is in electrical contact with a second end of the conductive wire, the conductive surface of the connector including a conductive adhesive disposed thereon; and a non-conductive adhesive disposed about the periphery of the conductive surface of the connector for engagement with a corresponding non-conductive adhesive disposed about the periphery of the conductive surface of the return pad.

Abstract: A return pad cable connector, in accordance with the present disclosure, for use with a disposable return pad, includes a cord having a conductive wire disposed therethrough which conductive wire interconnects the return pad cable connector to an electrosurgical energy source. The return pad clamp further includes a connector operatively coupled to the cord, the connector having a conductive surface which is selectively engageable with a corresponding conductive surface disposed on the return pad, the conductive surface of the connector including a conductive adhesive disposed thereon and a non-conductive adhesive disposed above the periphery of the conductive surface of the connector for engagement with a corresponding non-conductive adhesive disposed above the periphery of the conductive surface of the return pad. The connector can include a magnet for magnetically coupling the connector to the conductive surface disposed on the return pad.

Abstract: A self-limiting electrosurgical return electrode for use with electrosurgery. Through selection of impedance characteristics for the materials of the principal body of the electrode, and through tailoring of electrode geometries, the electrode is self-regulating and self-limiting as to current density and temperature rise to prevent patient trauma. The return electrode includes a sheet of material having an effective bulk impedance equal to or greater than about 4,000&OHgr;.cm and one or more connectors for making electrical connection to the sheet. The effective bulk impedance of the sheet may arise from resistive components, capacitive components, inductive components, or combinations thereof. Configuration of the return electrode allows the electrode to self-limit the electrode's current densities, thereby preventing burning of a patient during surgery. Through employment of washable surface areas, the electrode is made readily cleanable, disinfectable, sterilizable, and reusable.

Abstract: A capacitive reusable electrosurgical return electrode pad for use with electrosurgery. Through selection of the electrode geometries and the impedance characteristics of the electrode, the electrode is self-regulating and self-limiting as to current density and temperature rise so as to prevent patient trauma. The electrosurgical return electrode can include a connector and a sheet of material having an effective bulk impedance equal to or greater than about 100,000 &OHgr;·cm. The electrode can have a working surface area from about 11 to about 1,500 square inches (or about 70 to about 10,000 square centimeters). The electrode can be disposed on the working surface of an operating table or dentist's chair immediately underlying a patient during electrosurgery. This very large working surface area eliminates the need for direct contact or contact through conducting gels and by employing washable surface areas, it is made readily cleanable and reusable.

Abstract: A self-limiting electrosurgical electrode for use with electrosurgery and various other surgical procedures. The electrode can include a pad and a conductive element that collectively has an effective bulk impedance equal to or greater than about 4,000 &OHgr;·cm. The effective bulk impedance of the electrode arises from resistive components, capacitive components, inductive components, or combinations thereof of both the pad and the conductive element. Through the selection of the impedance characteristics for the electrode materials, and through tailoring of electrode geometries, the electrode of the present invention is self-regulating and self-limiting as to current density and temperature rise so as to prevent patient trauma. Additionally, the selection of materials and electrode geometries can prevent the creation of pressure sore or decubitus ulcers on a patient resting upon the electrode.

Abstract: A removable semi-insulating sheet for use in self-limiting electrosurgical return semi-insulating sheet for use with electrosurgery. Through the selection of impedance characteristics for the electrode materials of the principal body of the semi-insulating sheet, and through tailoring of semi-insulating sheet geometries, the return electrode of the present invention is self-regulating and self-limiting as to current density and temperature rise so as to prevent patient trauma. The semi-insulating sheet has an effective bulk impedance equal to or greater than about 4,000 &OHgr;·cm. The effective bulk impedance of the sheet may arise from resistive components, capacitive components, inductive components, or combinations thereof. The configuration of the presently described return electrode allows the electrode to self-limit the electrode's current densities, thereby preventing burning of a patient during surgery.

Abstract: A medical electrode designed to prevent the passage of harmful electric current to a patient, thereby preventing tissue damage and electrocution. In the preferred embodiment, the inventive medical electrode is comprised of a proximal end, a distal end, a conductive lead connecting the proximal and distal ends, and a fuse located upon the medical electrode for preventing the passage of harmful electric current to a patient. For additional protection from induction current, the preferred location of the fuse is aft of the conductive lead element of the electrode. While a fuse is used in the preferred embodiment, the fuse could be replaced with a diode or a circuit breaker.

Abstract: With an electronic endoscope, a wide band video signal is output to connected instruments without giving electric shocks to a body even when the connected instruments are not insulated. The video signal V is converted to differential signals V1, V2 by a differential amp 31 and input to buffers 42, 43 via capacitors 32, 33. The clamp signal CP generated by the clamp signal output means 44 is input to the end terminals of the switches SW1, SW2 via the photocoupler 46. The differential signals V1, V2 undergo pulse clamping in the buffers 42, 43 and the DC components are restored. The video signal restoring portion 49 restores the video signal V on the basis of the differential signals V1, V2 having undergone DC restoration and outputs the video signals to the connected instruments.

Abstract: A self-limiting electrosurgical return electrode for use with electrosurgery. Through the selection of impedance characteristics for the electrode materials of the principal body of the electrode, and through tailoring of electrode geometries, the return electrode of the present invention is self-regulating and self-limiting as to current density and temperature rise so as to prevent patient trauma. The electrosurgical return electrode includes a sheet of material having an effective bulk impedance equal to or greater than about 4,000 &OHgr;·cm and one or more connectors for making electrical connection to the sheet. The effective bulk impedance of the sheet may arise from resistive components, capacitive components, inductive components, or combinations thereof. The configuration of the presently described return electrode allows the electrode to self-limit the electrode's current densities, thereby preventing burning of a patient during surgery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating the connection between the patient monitor and the patient. The apparatus is a compliance monitoring circuit that generates a constant current output to the isolation transformer of a patient monitoring device. Changes in the impedance of the patient connection cause changes in the output voltage of the constant current generator. This voltage can be measured and compared against a reference to generate a visible or audible compliance alarm.

Abstract: An economically manufactured, highly sensitive, noise and interference resistant, AC powered, two, four or eight channel intraoperative neuroelectrophysiological monitor includes a mainframe having a touch panel display and a low noise interface cable providing connection via a patient interface box for one or more stimulator probes and one or more EMG signal sensing electrodes.

Abstract: An epicardial pacer wires shield comprising a base element with a pair of spools mounted to the base element. Each of spool of the pair of spools has a slit in a top surface thereof for securing the epicardial pacer wires to the spool. A cover element is configured to be secured to the base element, and has an adhesive layer on a back surface. A tab is mounted on an edge of the cover element for removing the cover element from the base element when the cover element and base element are secured together.

Abstract: An intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring system includes an adaptive threshold detection circuit adapted for use in monitoring with a plurality of electrodes placed in muscles which are innervated by a selected nerve and muscles not innervated by the nerve. Nerve monitoring controller algorithms permit the rapid and reliable discrimination between non-repetitive electromyographic (EMG) events repetitive EMG events, thus allowing the surgeon to evaluate whether nerve fatigue is rendering the monitoring results less reliable and whether anesthesia is wearing off. The intraoperative monitoring system is designed as a “surgeon's monitor,” and does not require a neurophysiologist or technician to be in attendance during surgery. The advanced features of the intraoperative monitoring system will greatly assist neurophysiological research toward the general advancement of the field intraoperative EMG monitoring through post-surgical analysis.

Abstract: A self-limiting electrosurgical electrode for use with electrosurgery and various other surgical procedures. The electrode can include a pad and a conductive element that collectively has an effective bulk impedance equal to or greater than about 4,000 &OHgr;·cm. The effective bulk impedance of the electrode arises from resistive components, capacitive components, inductive components, or combinations thereof of both the pad and the conductive element. Through the selection of the impedance characteristics for the electrode materials, and through tailoring of electrode geometries, the electrode of the present invention is self-regulating and self-limiting as to current density and temperature rise so as to prevent patient trauma. Additionally, the selection of materials and electrode geometries can prevent the creation of pressure sore or decubitus ulcers on a patient resting upon the electrode.

Abstract: A video camera system is provided in which the camera head is powered at least in part by electrical energy converted from optical energy provided by a light source. In one implementation, communication between the camera head and control circuitry thereof occurs by means of a wireless communications interface.

Abstract: A reusable electrosurgical return electrode pad for use with electrosurgery. In one embodiment it includes a presentation or working surface area at lying in a range of from about 100 to about 20,000 square centimeters. In another the working surface is at least as large as that of a projection of about half of the profile of the trunk of a patient. In yet another, it includes a working surface area at least as large as that of a projection of the profile of both the trunk and legs of a patient. It is adapted for disposition on the working surface of an operating table or dentist's chair immediately underlying a patient during electrosurgery.