Abstract: The present invention provides a chip for sample assay and a sample assay method using same, the chip being capable of assaying a target analyte included in a sample, even with a trace amount of the sample, due to improved efficiency in capture of the target analyte included in the sample.

Abstract: A method for assessing functionality of a valve in a heart includes providing a position sensor that is a wireless transponder for transmitting or receiving an ultrasound wave for determination of position coordinates of the position sensor at the point; implanting the wireless transponder at a point on the valve; and using a position determining system for determining whether the valve is functioning properly based on position coordinates of the wireless transponder.

Abstract: Assessment apparatus is provided, including a set of one or more radiators, which is adapted to generate an energy field at at least one fundamental frequency. A receiving sensor is adapted to generate a first signal responsive to the energy field when an interfering article is at a first location relative to the receiving sensor, and is adapted to generate a second signal responsive to the energy field when the interfering article is at a second location relative to the receiving sensor. A control unit is adapted to (a) receive and analyze the first and second signals, in order to compute a fingerprint signal characteristic of the interfering article, and (b) store, in a database, data indicative of the fingerprint signal, in association with an identity of the interfering article.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns position-sensing apparatus, having radiators which generate electromagnetic energy fields and a position sensor which generates sensor signals responsive to the energy fields. Reference elements are placed at respective positions near the sensor to generate reference signals responsive to the energy fields. And, a control unit is used to calculate a position of the sensor based on sensor signals and reference element errors in order to account for the effects of interfering metal objects.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a medical system capable of generating a magnetic field for tracking a position of a medical device has various steps such as defining a mapping volume within the generated magnetic field and placing a metallic object within the mapping volume. A sensor is aligned at a first point within the mapping volume and the magnetic field at the first point is measured with the sensor to establish a first coordinate position (Xi, Yi, Zi). An interpolation technique in one embodiment and an extrapolation technique in another embodiment are used in the calibration method.

Abstract: A method for delivering a cell to a heart of a patient comprises the steps of providing an apparatus for intracardiac drug administration comprising a catheter wherein the catheter has at least one position sensor which generates signals responsive to the position of a catheter and a drug delivery device for delivering the cell. The catheter is inserted into a chamber of the heart at a site and the cell is delivered to the site with the drug delivery device in response to the signals from the position sensor. Typical cells useful for delivery are either myoblasts or myocytes. These cells may be utilized as either an expression vector for promoting angiogenesis or for cell transplantation and fusion through myogenesis.

Abstract: Apparatus for tracking an object includes a plurality of field generators, which generate electromagnetic fields at different, respective frequencies in a vicinity of the object, and a radio frequency (RF) driver, which radiates a RF driving field toward the object. A wireless transponder is fixed to the object. The transponder includes at least one sensor coil, in which a signal current flows responsive to the electromagnetic fields, and a power coil, which receives the RF driving field and conveys electrical energy from the driving field to power the transponder. The power coil also transmits an output signal responsive to the signal current to a signal receiver, which processes the signal to determine coordinates of the object.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing a medical procedure on a tissue within a body of a subject includes a wireless tag configured to be fixed to the tissue and adapted to emit radiation, thereby causing first signals to be generated indicative of a location of the tag in the body. An invasive medical tool includes a probe, which is adapted to penetrate into the body so as to reach the tissue. A handle is fixed proximally to the probe, for manipulation by an operator of the tool. A display, mounted on the handle, presents a visual indication to the operator of an orientation of the probe relative to the tag. A processing unit processes the first signals so as to determine coordinates of the tag relative to the probe, and drives the display responsive to the coordinates.

Abstract: An Apparatus for determining the disposition of an object relative to a reference frame includes at least one field generator, which generates an electromagnetic field in a vicinity of the object and at least one transducer, which is fixed to the object. The at least one transducer vibrates at a predetermined vibrational frequency and emits energy, responsive to an interaction of the electromagnetic field therewith. One or more detectors in a vicinity of the object are also utilized to detect the energy emitted by the transducer and generate signals in response thereto. A signal processor is also included for receiving and processing the detector signals to determine coordinates of the object.

Abstract: Apparatus for locating a tissue within a body of a subject includes an acoustic tag configured to be fixed to the tissue and adapted, responsive to acoustic waves incident thereon, to return acoustic echoes. Acoustic transducers are placed at respective positions so as to direct the acoustic waves into the body toward the tissue and to receive the acoustic echoes returned from the tag responsive to the acoustic waves, generating first signals responsive to the received echoes. Transducer position sensors are coupled respectively to the acoustic transducers so as to generate second signals indicative of the respective positions of the acoustic transducers in an external frame of reference. A processing unit processes the first signals and the second signals so as to determine coordinates of the acoustic tag in the external frame of reference.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining the position of an object within a body of a subject includes at least one acoustic wave generator, adapted to direct a first acoustic wave toward the body at a first frequency. An acoustic tag is adapted to be fixed to the object, the tag including a shell defining a cavity therein and a medium contained within the shell, such that responsive to incidence thereon of the first acoustic wave, the tag emits a second acoustic wave at a second frequency, different from the first frequency. One or more detectors are adapted to detect the second acoustic wave and to generate signals responsive thereto. A signal processor is coupled to process the signals so as to determine coordinates of the object in the body.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for tracking an object in a body of a patient in the presence of an interfering article. A set of one or more radiators are adapted to generate an energy field at a fundamental frequency in a vicinity of the object. A position sensor, fixed to the object, is adapted to generate a signal responsive to the energy field. A control unit has access to a database of one or more harmonic frequency patterns associated with one or more respective specific types of interfering articles.

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 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 implanting a medical device between tissue comprises the steps of providing a catheter having a body and a distal end thereof wherein the catheter includes an implantable device comprising a housing having a proximal end and a distal end and a longitudinal axis. The implantable device further includes a first set of anchoring members operatively connected to the proximal end of the housing and a second set of anchoring members operatively connected to the distal end of the housing. Both sets of anchoring members are movable between a collapsed position and a deployed position. Each set of anchoring members includes ring members connected to a housing of the device. Further steps of the method include inserting the distal end of the catheter into tissue and disposing the medical device at least partially from the distal end of the catheter.

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 catheter introduction apparatus provides an ultrasound assembly for emission of ultrasound energy. In one application the catheter and the ultrasound assembly are introduced percutaneously, and transseptally advanced to the ostium of a pulmonary vein. An anchoring balloon is expanded to center an acoustic lens in the lumen of the pulmonary vein, such that energy is converged circumferentially onto the wall of the pulmonary vein when a transducer is energized. A circumferential ablation lesion is produced in the myocardial sleeve of the pulmonary vein, which effectively blocks electrical propagation between the pulmonary vein and the left atrium.

Abstract: To detect the presence of a match of a target DNA base sequence with a probe DNA base sequence, a single strand of the probe DNA base sequence is prepared. One end of the single strand probe DNA base sequence is linked to an electrode and the other end to a nano entity capable of exchanging charge with the DNA base sequence. The single strand of the target DNA base sequence is brought into contact with the single strand of the probe DNA base sequence, and the change in the physical properties of the probe DNA base sequence upon hybridization detected.

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.