Abstract: The present invention is directed to an echogenic member assembly for use with a catheter assembly. The echogenic member assembly includes at least one echogenic member having a cylindrical body extending between a first end and a second end. Thus, the body defines a longitudinal length between the first and second ends. Further, the cylindrical body has an exterior surface extending from the first end to the second end. The exterior surface includes a plurality of discontinuities arranged in a predetermined pattern so as to enhance ultrasonic imaging. In addition, the longitudinal length of the echogenic member is less than a total length of a catheter of the catheter assembly. As such, the echogenic member provides enhanced ultrasonic imaging to the catheter assembly without compromising the inherent flexibility of the catheter.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for signaling a condition of an infusion assembly. A system may comprise an elastomeric pump that includes a chamber for receipt of a volume of fluid, an outer layer configured to expand and contract as the chamber receives and dispenses fluid, and a passive indicator provided on the outer layer for signaling a change in the volume of fluid in the chamber. The system further may comprise an image capture device configured to capture an image of the pump, and a processing system configured to process the image to signal the condition of the infusion assembly to a user of the system. A method may comprise capturing an image of a pump; processing the image; and displaying information to a user of the pump to communicate the condition of the pump to the user. Elastomeric pumps for infusion assemblies also are provided.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for gastric pressure relief, flow regulation, location, gastric residual volume, a placement reminder, bidirectional fluid flow markings, reintroducing gastric material, collection reservoir raising, collection reservoir hanging, a drain port, setting tube length, and vent membranes. A gastric pressure relief system is used in connection with an enteral feeding system, which includes a feeding container, administration tubing and a delivery tube, where the gastric pressure relief system is interposed between the administration tubing and the delivery tube. The gastric pressure relief system includes a collection reservoir with a gas vent to ambient atmosphere, relief tubing secured to both the collection reservoir and a multi-way connector. The multi-way connector joins the administration tubing to the relief tubing and a delivery tube at a point below a patient's stomach, which is designated on a placement reminder apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an echogenic coil member for a catheter assembly and methods of manufacturing same. The catheter assembly includes a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end that defines a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. Thus, the echogenic coil member is configured within the lumen of the catheter. Further, the coil member includes a plurality of outwardly extending projections that contain a plurality of discontinuities. As such, the discontinuities are configured to enhance ultrasonic imaging of the catheter assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing navigational directions to a user to locate a target anatomical object during a medical procedure via a medical imaging system. The method includes selecting an anatomical region surrounding the object; generating a plurality of real-time two-dimensional images of scenes from the anatomical region and providing the plurality of images to a controller; developing and training a deep learning network to automatically detect and identify the scenes from the anatomical region; automatically mapping each of the plurality of images from the anatomical region based on a relative spatial location and a relative temporal location of each of the identified scenes in the anatomical region via the deep learning network; and providing directions to the user to locate the object during the medical procedure based on the relative spatial and temporal locations of each of the identified scenes.

Abstract: A device for treating spinal tissue of a patient's body may include an energy source and first and second probe assemblies. Each of the probe assemblies may have an electrically conductive energy delivery device electrically coupled to the energy source, and may also have an electrothermal device for cooling the probe assembly. The device is configured so that the energy source delivers energy to the spinal tissue through the energy delivery devices in a bipolar mode that concentrates delivered energy between the energy delivery devices to create a lesion within the spinal tissue while the electrothermal devices cool the probe assemblies. Related methods of use include cooling, at times via an electrothermal device.

Abstract: A wound dressing system that includes a conformal cover and an infusion pump is provided. The cover includes a fluid port and an oxygen catalyst. The infusion pump is configured to deliver a bioactive liquid to the cover via the fluid port. The liquid includes an oxygen precursor. Upon combination, the oxygen catalyst and precursor react to form oxygen. A method of applying a wound dressing system including a bioactive powder, a bioactive liquid, and a conformal cover to a wound site is also provided. The method includes applying the powder to the wound site; securing the cover around the wound site, where the cover includes an oxygen catalyst and a fluid port; and delivering the bioactive liquid to at least an inner layer of the cover via the fluid port, where the bioactive liquid includes an oxygen precursor.

Abstract: A tubing assembly having a signal generator placement control device for use in conjunction with electronic catheter guidance systems. The control device facilitates control of the position the guidance systems' signal generator relative to the end of the tubing assembly. The tubing assembly includes a tubular insulator coupled to one end of the control device, and the tubing assembly includes a tubular connector attached to the other end of control device. Also, the tubing assembly includes a catheter attached to the tubular connector and an end member attached to the catheter.

Abstract: A method for identifying and treating a neural pathway associated with chronic pain via nerve stimulation and brain wave monitoring of a mammalian brain includes positioning a probe to stimulate a target nerve, wherein the target nerve is suspected of being a source of chronic pain; delivering a first nerve stimulation from the probe to the target nerve, wherein the first nerve stimulation is sufficient to elicit a chronic pain response in the brain; and monitoring for evoked potential activity in the brain as a result of the first nerve stimulation. The method can also include delivering second and third nerve stimulations to confirm the correct identification of the neural pathway and to treat the chronic pain, respectively. A system and apparatus for performing a procedure to identify and treat a nerve that is the source of chronic pain are also described.

Abstract: Devices for inducing satiety in enterally fed patients are provided. In one aspect, an enteral feeding device is provided that includes a catheter tube and an expandable bladder secured to a distal end of the catheter tube. The expandable bladder is positionable within a body lumen of a patient for receiving and dispensing nutrients to the patient. In another aspect, a satiety-inducing device for continuously dispensing nutrients to a patient is provided that includes an enteral feeding tube and an expandable bladder secured to the feeding tube near a distal end of the feeding tube such that the expandable bladder is positionable within a body lumen of the patient. The expandable bladder expands upon receipt of nutrients to occupy a volume of the body lumen and contracts as nutrients are continuously dispensed to the patient.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for delivering energy to a body of a human or animal during a treatment procedure using an electrosurgical generator, a pre-set overall procedure time being defined for the treatment procedure, a ramp time being defined for a parameter to reach a pre-set threshold during the treatment procedure, the method comprising: measuring the parameter over time; and if the parameter has not substantially reached the pre-set threshold by the ramp time, setting a procedure extension time responsive to the time difference between the ramp time and the time at which the pre-set threshold was reached, and extending the overall procedure time by the procedure extension time.

Abstract: A system and method for the transcutaneous stimulation of various nerves such as the phrenic, hypoglossal, and vagal nerves is provided. The stimulation elicits a corresponding muscle response without reported pain.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for non-invasively monitoring and treating a medical condition of interest via transcutaneous stimulation of a target nerve are described. For instance, a subject can be monitored for improvement of a medical condition, where such improvement corresponds with a decrease in the threshold level at which a sensory or motor response is elicited in a subject upon stimulation as compared to a baseline level. Further, transcutaneous stimulation of the nerve can also treat the condition. Both monitoring and treatment can be carried out in a non-invasive manner substantially free of a painful response via electrical nerve stimulation of a target nerve, where the stimulation is delivered from an electrode placed on a non-glabrous skin surface. The electrode placement sufficiently immobilizes the target nerve such that the stimulation is effective and can be delivered in a controlled manner.