Abstract: A method for transmitting control instructions to a sensor in a position tracking system includes generating a drive signal for driving a field generator. A control signal including the control instructions is superimposed on the drive signal. The field generator is driven with the drive signal, so as to generate a field to be sensed by the sensor. The field is detected at the sensor in order to determine position coordinates of the sensor and to demodulate the control signal so as to extract the control instructions. A functionality of the sensor is controlled based on the extracted control instructions.

Abstract: A method for tracking an object includes producing energy fields at a plurality of different frequencies in a vicinity of the object, and receiving signals that are generated at a location of the object at the different frequencies in response to the energy fields. Multiple computations are made of spatial coordinates of the object based on the signals received at the different frequencies. Convergence of the computations is tested in order to ascertain whether the energy fields have been perturbed by an article in the vicinity of the object.

Abstract: A method for ablating tissue in an organ inside a body of a subject includes bringing a probe inside the body into a position in contact with the tissue to be ablated, and measuring one or more local parameters at the position using the probe prior to ablating the tissue. A map of the organ is displayed, showing, based on the one or more local parameters, a predicted extent of ablation of the tissue to be achieved for a given dosage of energy applied at the position using the probe. The given dosage of energy is applied to ablate the tissue using the probe, and an actual extent of the ablation at the position is measured using the probe subsequent to ablating the tissue. The measured actual extent of the ablation is displayed on the map for comparison with the predicted extent.

Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a first magneto-resistive field sensor in a first surface-mountable package, which measures first and second components of a magnetic field projected onto respective different first and second axes with respect to a spatial orientation of the sensor and to produce first position signals indicative of the measured first and second components. A second magneto-resistive field sensor in a second surface-mountable package measures at least a third component of the magnetic field projected onto at least a third axis with respect to the spatial orientation of the sensor, and to produce second position signals indicative of the measured third component. A substrate assembly orients the first field sensor in a first spatial orientation and to orient the second field sensor in a second spatial orientation so that the third axis is oriented out of a plane containing the first and second axes.

Abstract: A medical device, for use inside a body of a mammalian subject, includes a casing adapted for insertion into the body of the mammalian subject, the casing having an outer surface and including an insulating material and an electrically-conductive material, which are arranged so that an area of the outer surface of the casing is electrically conductive. A transmitter is adapted to generate an electrical signal and is encapsulated in the casing and coupled to the conductive material so that the electrically-conductive area of the outer surface serves as an antenna for transmitting the signal to a receiver outside the body.

Abstract: A medical device and position sensor combination for use in medical applications comprises a position sensor having a core made of a high permeable material The core material is made of a Wiegand effect material comprising a mixture of cobalt, vanadium, and iron. The position sensor has an outer diameter of approximately 0.4 mm and is used in a medical device having an outer diameter of approximately 0.67 mm.

Abstract: A method for controlling inventory of a time sensitive medical product includes providing packaging for the medical product, setting an expiration date for the medical product; and displaying the expiration date with the medical product in a visible manner on or within the packaging or on or within the medical product. A warning period is set for warning of an upcoming expiration for the medical product in advance of the expiration date and elapsed time is monitored with the packaging or with the medical product after setting the expiration date for the medical product. A warning indicator is displayed on or within the packaging or on or within the medical product of the upcoming expiration for the medical product upon commencement of the warning period.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a time sensitive medical product includes a medical product; a packaging containing the medical product; and at least one label associated with the packaging or the medical product. The at least one label includes at least one permanent region having permanent indicia; at least one transformable region having time sensitive indicia wherein the time sensitive indicia is non-detectable in a first state and detectable in a second state; a micro-controller operatively connected to at least one of the at least one permanent region and the at least one transformable region, wherein the micro-controller monitors elapsed time and causes the at least one transformable region to change from the first state to the second state thereby revealing the time sensitive indicia in the second state; and a power source operatively connected to the micro-controller.

Abstract: A device for delivering a drug includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end and an opening in the distal end thereof. An orifice mechanism at the distal end of the body communicates with the opening. The orifice mechanism includes an inner member having a proximal end and a distal end; a winding helically wound around the inner member; and wherein the winding and the inner member define a first channel for carrying a drug therethrough. An inlet is at the proximal end of the winding and an outlet is at the distal end of the inner member.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for performing ablation of cardiac tissue using ultrasound. The apparatus includes a beacon, adapted to be placed at a cardiac site in a body of a subject. The apparatus further includes a set of ultrasound transducers, each transducer adapted to detect a respective ultrasound signal coming from the beacon. Each transducer is adapted to output a time-reversed ultrasound signal, reversed in time with respect to a property of at least one of the beacon signals, and configured to ablate the cardiac tissue.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing a medical procedure on a tissue within a body of a subject includes a wireless tag which is fixed to the tissue and includes a first sensor coil. A second sensor coil is fixed to a medical device for use in performing the procedure. An integral processing and display unit includes a plurality of radiator coils, along with processing circuitry and a display. The radiator coils generate electromagnetic fields in a vicinity of the tissue, thereby causing currents to flow in the sensor coils. The processing circuitry processes the currents so as to determine coordinates of the tag relative to the medical device. The display is driven by the processing circuitry so as to present a visual indication to an operator of the medical device of an orientation of the device relative to the tag.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an orifice mechanism includes the steps of providing a mandrel having a length and helically wrapping a winding around at least a portion of the length of the mandrel. The mandrel and the winding define a first channel for carrying a drug therethrough. An inlet is at one end of the winding and an outlet is at the other end of the winding.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for calibrating a probe having a position sensor and an ultrasonic transducer. The apparatus includes a test fixture, which includes an ultrasonic target disposed therein at a known position. A computer is adapted to receive a position signal generated by the position sensor while the transducer is in alignment with the ultrasonic target, determine an orientation of the probe in a frame of reference of the test fixture, and determine calibration data for the probe responsive to the orientation of the probe.

Abstract: In a distal targeting system a hand-held location pad is integral with a guide section for a drill or similar surgical instrument, and has a plurality of magnetic field generators. A sensor, such as a wireless sensor, having a plurality of field transponders, is disposed in an orthopedic appliance, such as an intramedullary nail. The sensor is capable of detecting and discriminating the strength and direction of the different fields generated by the field generators. Control circuitry, preferably located in the location pad is responsive to a signal of the sensor, and determines the displacement and relative directions of an axis of the guide section, and a bore in the orthopedic appliance. A screen display and optional speaker in the location pad provide an operator-perceptible indication that enables the operator to adjust the position of the guide section so as to align its position and direction with the bore.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing electromagnetic biostimulation of tissue includes a source of electromagnetic radiation and relay optics operatively connected to the source of electromagnetic radiation for transmitting electromagnetic radiation for biostimulating tissue. An echo imaging device for producing an ultrasonic image of the tissue is also provided. And, control circuitry is used for controlling the electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A method is provided for ablating tissue in a heart of a subject during an ablation procedure. The method includes applying a local treatment to the heart at a plurality of sites designated for ablation. At each respective site, a parameter is sensed that is indicative of a level of ablation at the site. The method preferably includes displaying a map of the heart, and designating, on the map, during the ablation procedure, indications of the respective levels of ablation at the sites, responsive to the respective sensed parameters.

Abstract: A method for performing a procedure at the fossa ovalis in the septal wall of the heart includes the steps of providing a sheath having a body wherein the body has a lumen extending therethrough and an open end at the distal end of the body. The body also has at least one electrode and a position sensor at the distal end of the body. The position sensor generates signals indicative of the location of the distal end of the body. The sheath is navigated to the septal wall using the position sensor and the fossa ovalis in the septal wall is identified using the at least one electrode of the sheath.

Abstract: A wireless device includes an antenna assembly, including a core and one or more power coils, wound around the core on respective power coil axes, including at least a first power coil having a first power coil axis. One or more signal coils are wound around the core on respective signal coil axes, including at least a first signal coil wound so as to overlap the first power coil, the first signal coil having a first signal coil axis that is substantially parallel to the first power coil axis. Power circuitry is coupled to the power coils so as to receive therefrom first radio signals in a first frequency band, and to rectify the first radio signals so as to generate a direct current. Communication circuitry, powered by the direct current, is coupled to perform at least one of transmitting and receiving second radio signals in a second frequency band via the signal coils.

Abstract: A method of measuring the size of an area (22) within a body, including bringing at least one position sensor (28) to each of a plurality of points in the area, determining position coordinates of the plurality of points, using the sensor (28) and calculating distances between the plurality of points.

Abstract: A medical location system includes a medical device having a body and a position sensor at a portion of the body. The position sensor has a core made of a Wiegand effect material and a winding circumferentially positioned around the core. The position sensor provides signals that are used to determine temperature at the position sensor and location information of the portion of the body of the medical device. A signal processor is coupled to receive the signals from the position sensor and the signal processor determines the temperature at the position sensor and location information of the portion of the body of the medical device based on the signals received from the position sensor.