Abstract: A distributed patient monitoring system comprises at least one standalone portable ultrasound imaging unit configured to be fixed to a stable position against the skin on a patient's body and capable of prolonged ultrasound data acquisition, including an ultrasound imaging array, transmit-receive circuitry, a beamformer, backend signal and image processing subsystem, power and communication subsystems, and a monitoring workstation connected to each standalone portable ultrasound imaging unit configured to request and receive ultrasound imaging information from each standalone portable ultrasound imaging unit, and configured to analyze and display acquired ultrasound information.

Abstract: A patient securing overlay is provided that includes a sheet of fabric for supporting a patient's torso on a surgical table. The sheet of fabric has an upper surface configured to face the patient and a lower surface configured to face a surgical table mattress or underbody support. The sheet of fabric includes friction enhancing elements applied to at least a portion of the upper surface thereof. The sheet of fabric can include an extension at a foot end of the sheet of fabric that provides material to be tucked under a foot end of the surgical table mattress or underbody support for securing the foot end of the sheet of fabric to the surgical table mattress or underbody support. The extension can include one or more friction enhancing elements.

Abstract: A distributed patient monitoring system comprises at least one standalone portable ultrasound imaging unit configured to be fixed to a stable position against the skin on a patient's body and capable of prolonged ultrasound data acquisition, including an ultrasound imaging array, transmit-receive circuitry, a beamformer, backend signal and image processing subsystem, power and communication subsystems, and a monitoring workstation connected to each standalone portable ultrasound imaging unit configured to request and receive ultrasound imaging information from each standalone portable ultrasound imaging unit, and configured to analyze and display acquired ultrasound information.

Abstract: A wireless-connectivity system includes a sensor dongle configured to be electrically connected to a sensor device, a monitor dongle configured to be electrically connected to a medical monitor system, and a dongle-connectivity management hub configured to cause a wireless coupling to be established between the sensor dongle and the monitor dongle. The sensor dongle is configured to receive sensor data from the sensor and wirelessly transmit data to the monitor dongle via the wireless coupling, the data being based at least in part on the sensor data.

Abstract: The various embodiments disclosed herein are devices that deliver electrical stimulation and/or vibration stimulation to the surface of skin in proximity to insulin injections and/or glucose testing in order to decrease or eliminate the pain of these procedures.

Abstract: A receiver for securing at least one tube in a patient includes a shell operable in a first position for receiving the tube and a second position for securing the tube, and a compressible member supported by the shell for contacting the tube in the second position. A bridle looped around the patient's septum may also be secured in the second position. A system for securing the tube includes a receiver and an applier. The applier supports the receiver in the first position and transitions the receiver from the first position to the second position after the tube is positioned within the receiver. A method of securing a tube includes positioning the tube in a patient, placing a flexible member around the patient's nasal septum, receiving the tube and flexible member in a shell supported by an applier, and operating the applier to move the shell to a closed position.

Abstract: A male insert for draining fluid from a patient is provided. The male insert includes a housing, a valve stem supported by the housing for pivotal movement about an axis from an extended position allowing insertion into the patient to a retracted position preventing re-insertion into the patient, a tube connected to the valve stem and supported by the housing for rotational movement about the axis, the tube and the valve stem forming a contiguous channel through which the fluid drains, a stop preventing rotational movement of the tube in a first position and allowing rotational movement of the tube in a second position, and a locking tab engaging one of the valve stem and the tube when the valve stem is in the retracted position.

Abstract: An arm support for transferring and supporting a force corresponding to at least a portion of the weight of a supported arm. The arm support including a force distribution portion and a support portion. The force distribution portion adapted to conform to the shoulder of the unsupported arm and to distribute the force to the shoulder girdle, while the support portion supports the affected arm. The force distribution portion extends from a first end portion to a second end portion. The support portion extends from a first end portion to a second end portion. The support portion first end portion is located adjacent the force distribution portion second end portion and the support portion second end portion is configured to be adjustably couplable to the force distribution portion first end portion.

Abstract: A catheter insertion device which employs back-and-forth longitudinal axial movement to advance the catheter by the cooperative interface of an incline ramp and a decline ramp with a split gripping mechanism is described.

Abstract: A catheter insertion device which employs back-and-forth longitudinal axial movement to advance the catheter by the cooperative interface of an incline ramp and a decline ramp with a split gripping mechanism is described.

Abstract: The various embodiments disclosed herein are devices that deliver electrical stimulation and/or vibration stimulation to the surface of skin in proximity to insulin injections and/or glucose testing in order to decrease or eliminate the pain of these procedures.

Abstract: A device for effecting change in tissue at a treatment site includes a housing having an aperture for receiving a user's finger, a cold plate supported by said housing for cooling the tissue at the treatment site, and at least one thermoelectric cooling semiconductor thermally coupled to said cold plate and electrically coupled to a power source. In another embodiment, the cold plate may include a surface for contacting the treatment site, and at least a portion of said cold plate including said surface may extend from said housing.

Abstract: A catheter insertion device which employs back-and-forth longitudinal axial movement to advance the catheter by the cooperative interface of an incline ramp and a decline ramp with a split gripping mechanism is described.

Abstract: A device for securing an oral tube, such as an endotracheal tube, positioned in a patient's trachea includes a support surface, such as an open channel, for supporting the tube. First and second arms extend outwardly from the open channel. The first and second arms form an arch having first and second ends. Bite blocks are provided adjacent the first and second arch ends for contacting the patient's teeth or gums, and a receiver for securing the tube against the support surface is likewise provided. A flexible member having first and second ends for looping around the patient's nasal septum is likewise provided. At least one of the ends of the flexible member is received in a retainer and assists in securing the device in position.

Abstract: An orthopedic intramedullary fixation apparatus and system for use in hip and femur fracture surgery comprises an intramedullary nail, a dynamic lag screw structure comprising a longitudinal sheath and a lag screw, and securing means to fix the intramedullary nail relative to a femur. A dynamic channel created by the lag screw structure allows the lag screw to adjust dynamically, and thereby may permit further compression of the fractured bone to an optimal level as a patient begins to bear weight on it following surgery. Surgical fixation may be expedited, as a favorable point of access for a lag screw may be determined readily, particularly with obese patients in whom access to the trochanter may be problematic. Complications during surgery, such as accidental fracturing of the femoral neck and head and over-penetration of the lag screw may be avoided.

Abstract: A system may be fixed in place to stabilize a spinal fusion, or released for dynamic motion, thereby providing stability with flexibility in conjunction with artificial mechanical or plasma discs, or normal physiologic discs. In terms of apparatus, the invention involves pedicle fixation utilizing a superior facet complex (SFC) with soft tissue attachment points. The SFC receives one or more inferior facet gliding arms (IFGAs) and associated joints which permit flexion, extension, lateral bending and/or other movements.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to a device having a base and a stimulation module that can be attached to a patient's skin and actuated to mask the pain caused when sharp objects penetrate the skin. The stimulation module is designed to generate vibration energy, or alternatively, is designed to generate both vibration and electrical energy.

Abstract: A minimally invasive bone stabilization and locking system and method are applicable to joint fusion and fracture repair, including human facet joint stabilization. A bone-boring bit on an elongated shaft is used to drill a hole through the bone or joint such that the bit penetrates through the distal surface. An implant is provided having hollow body terminating in a spreadable distal end. The implant is placed over the elongated shaft and into the drilled hole such that the spreadable end protrudes through the distal surface. The elongated shaft is then pulled, such that the bit interacts with the distal end of the implant, thereby causing the spreadable end of the implant sleeve to spread so as to prevent backout of the implant body through the hole. A proximal cap may be tightened against the proximal surface, thereby fixing the bone or joint in compression.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to a device having a base and a stimulation module that can be attached to a patient's skin and actuated to mask the pain caused when sharp objects penetrate the skin. The stimulation module is designed to generate vibration energy, or alternatively, is designed to generate both vibration and electrical energy.

Abstract: A medical tube unclogging system includes a power supply, a reservoir of fluid, a tube for insertion into a lumen of a medical tube having a clog therein, a pump powered by the power supply and connected to the tube for generating a flow of fluid from the reservoir of fluid through the tube, a fitting through which the tube passes having a first opening coupled to the medical tube, a second opening for receiving the tube, and a third opening through which fluid pumped through the tube and into the medical tube, and fragments of the clog can be exhausted. The system may also include a sensor for monitoring a pressure of the fluid flowing through the tube and producing a signal indicative of the pressure, and a controller or processor for receiving the signal from the sensor and adjusting the pump.