Abstract: A clamping device configured to secure a strap to a rail of a support table or operating table is provided, which prevents the patient from slipping, provides optimal patient stability when the table is placed in angle positions, and eliminates patient re-positioning during surgical procedure. The clamping device includes a body portion having a plurality of rail arms that form a rail channel, the clamping device including a pivot jaw assembly with jaw rail flange portions coupled to sides of the body portion. The pivot jaw is hingedly operated between an open and closed position. The rail arms further include a strap channel configured to hold a strap disposed around the side rail, and to secure the strap to the rail using a clamp bar via force exerted on rail and jaw flange portions of the clamp assembly, to effectively clamp the strap to the table.

Abstract: The present invention consists of an implantable device with at least one package that houses electronics that receives input data or signals, and optionally, power, from an external system through at least one coil attached to the at least one package, processes the input data and delivers electrical pulses to neural tissue through at least one array of multiple electrodes that is/are attached to the at least one package. The invention, or components thereof, is/are intended to be installed in the head, or on or in the cranium, or on the dura, or on or in the brain.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system comprises a return electrode that includes a conductive element disposed between two pads. The conductive element comprises a flexible, conductive fabric material and an electrical bus bar disposed along an edge of the fabric. The return electrode, including the conductive element, is transparent to RF waves and other wavelengths used in medical imaging systems.

Abstract: The invention is a patient positioner assembly, system, article of manufacture, kit, and method of positioning a patient useful in surgical procedures to secure and hold a patient on a support table. The patient positioner comprises a sheet assembly, a pad assembly, a film for protecting a patient-facing surface of the pad assembly, and straps for a patient's limb(s) that operably connects to a support table pad having hook portions configured to operably connect to a loop base of the sheet assembly thereby operably connecting the support table pad to the sheet assembly. The sheet assembly can be configured as a cover, sheet and/or drape from suitable materials impermeable or that otherwise do not permit the passage of a fluid through its substance to the table pad and/or the split-pad assembly. The gel pad may have advantageous coefficient of static friction and/or adhesion properties that facilitate improved holding characteristics.

Abstract: The present disclosure may be embodied as a pillow speaker system. The pillow speaker system has a patient interface device (PID) having a processor and an audio output. A nurse call audio port is provided to communicate with a nurse call station. A detection circuit is provided to detect a nurse call signal and a provide nurse call indicator if a nurse call signal is present. The processor is programmed to receive the nurse call indicator from the detection circuit; provide a nurse call audio signal to the audio output if the nurse call indicator is received; and mute audio signals to the audio output except the nurse call audio signal.

Abstract: A method for providing a passivation layer or pH protective coating on a substrate surface by PECVD is provided, the method comprising generating a plasma from a gaseous reactant comprising polymerizing gases. The lubricity, passivation, pH protective, hydrophobicity, and/or barrier properties of the passivation layer or pH protective coating are set by setting the ratio of the O2 to the organosilicon precursor in the precursor feed, and/or by setting the electric power used for generating the plasma. In particular, a passivation layer or pH protective coating made by the method is provided. Pharmaceutical packages coated by the method and the use of such packages protecting composition contained in the vessel against mechanical and/or chemical effects of the surface of the package without a passivation layer or pH protective coating material are also provided.

Abstract: A three-position plunger is provided including a sleeve having an opening at a distal end, a pre-load cavity proximal to and in communication with the opening, a first cavity proximal to and in communication with the pre-load cavity, a second cavity proximal to and in communication with the pre-load cavity, and at least one rib. The rib(s) is generally aligned with the first cavity. The plunger further includes an insert configured to be displaced from the pre-load cavity to the first cavity and from the first cavity to the second cavity. The insert is configured to provide support for the compression of the rib(s) when the insert is positioned in the first cavity.

Abstract: This disclosure pertains to a separable base plate assembly configured to securely attached to a side rail of an operating room table and to hold, move, and maintain a body part in a specific position as needed in orthopedic surgery. The separable base plate assembly is further configured to decouple into separate parts to facilitate sterilization of said parts, after an orthopedic surgery is performed. The separable base plate assembly may comprise two or more base portions including track portions, a base plate connector, drop pins, and associated components adapted for securing the assembly, which in turn is configured to be assembled to a clamp that rigidly attaches the assembly to the operating room table side rail.

Abstract: A pad assembly, system and method of securing a patient onto an operating table when the patient is in the Trendelenburg position. The pad assembly and system is used to support and hold a patient on a medical procedure table during a medical procedure performed while the table, and thus the patient lying thereon, is in an inclined position, such as the Trendelenburg position. The pad assembly and system has characteristics which promote improved securing to eliminate shifting and/or sliding due to gravitational forces when the patient's body is in the Trendelenburg position, as well as promote a secure holding of the patient in a desired position on the table, in order to minimize injury to the patient. The pad assembly and system further has improved channels to allow for drainage of fluids that may otherwise be trapped between the patient's body and the OR Table during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a carriage assembly and, more particularly, to a carriage apparatus, system, and method for coupling to a base plate and slidably holding a patient positioner, such as a distractor, at one or more angles with respect to an operating table. The carriage assembly may comprise a base, a jaw, and a fastener, which, when tightened, urges the jaw and base to clamp the rail of a baseplate, the baseplate being coupled to a side rail clamp via pins. Tapered openings in the carriage base may hold the patient positioner either vertically or at an angle with respect to the vertical. A secondary carriage may hold a boot configured to hold a foot. The carriages may be linearly translated to position the knee at a precise angles and provide enhanced structural stability.

Abstract: The invention is a patient positioner assembly, system, article of manufacture, kit, and method of a positioning a patient useful in surgical procedures to secure and hold a patient on a support table. The patient positioner comprises a sheet assembly, a pad assembly, a film for protecting a patient-facing surface of the pad assembly, and straps for a patient's limb(s) that operably connects to a support table pad having hook portions configured to operably connect to a loop base of the sheet assembly thereby operably connecting the support table pad to the sheet assembly. The sheet assembly can be configured as a cover, sheet and/or drape from suitable materials impermeable or that otherwise do not permit the passage of a fluid through its substance to the table pad and/or the split-pad assembly.

Abstract: A multi-directional, equalizer clamp device is disclosed, the clamp device being configured to attach and secure objects, such as posts, rails and the like, for a multiplicity of clamping applications that benefit from single-point clamping operation. The clamp device comprises upper and lower body portions which may be configured to clamp to a side rail of a support table, while further configured to receive objects and clamp them along a secondary clamping direction. The clamp device further comprises a control assembly, such as a knob, to facilitate and achieve simultaneous clamping along both primary and secondary clamping directions at a single point of control. A jogging clamp for clamping to variable sized objects in a primary direction comprises a plurality of spherical, indexing recesses disposed in the lower jaw and matching spherical washer disposed on the control assembly configured to allow large, indexed vertical variation in the clamping range.

Abstract: The present disclosure may be embodied as a nurse call system. The nurse call system may include a patient hub. The patient hub may include a nurse call interface circuit configured to be in electronic communication with a nurse call patient station. The patient hub may further include a hub controller in electronic communication with the nurse call interface circuit. The nurse call system may further include a patient interaction device (“PID”). The PID may include a hub interconnect configured to be in electronic communication with the hub controller. The PID may further include a wireless communication link for receiving a PID software update. The PID software update may be a PID firmware update. The PID software update may be a PID operating system update.

Abstract: A method and system are used to enhance a marker material to include a plurality of air bubbles. The method of manufacturing a marker includes enhancing a marker material to include a plurality of air bubbles using at least a first EFD and a second EFD. The method may include cycling repeatedly through a transfer process between a first container and a second container. A system for enhancing a marker material includes a transfer apparatus configured to receive a marker material and a selected amount of air. The system comprises a first EFD coupled to a first end of the transfer apparatus and a second EFD coupled to a second end of the transfer apparatus.

Abstract: A method for providing a passivation layer or pH protective coating on a substrate surface by PECVD is provided, the method comprising generating a plasma from a gaseous reactant comprising polymerizing gases. The lubricity, passivation, pH protective, hydrophobicity, and/or barrier properties of the passivation layer or pH protective coating are set by setting the ratio of the O2 to the organosilicon precursor in the precursor feed, and/or by setting the electric power used for generating the plasma. In particular, a passivation layer or pH protective coating made by the method is provided. Pharmaceutical packages coated by the method and the use of such packages protecting composition contained in the vessel against mechanical and/or chemical effects of the surface of the package without a passivation layer or pH protective coating material are also provided.

Abstract: A system for noise and vibration management of a smoke evacuation system includes a pump that compresses air and produces a pressure differential within an airflow path. The pump may be a sealed, positive displacement pump. The system includes vibration absorption mechanisms disposed between inner and outer housings, as well as on the outside surface of the outer housing. Methods of controlling and regulating a motor of the system to preserve the lifespan of the motor and maintain consistent airflow rates throughout the smoke evacuation system include varying a supply of electrical current to the motor so that it can operate at variable performance levels. Orifices are opened and closed in order to relieve resistance pressures within the airflow path due to clogging and blockages.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a body, a needle, a cutter, and a cutter drive mechanism. The needle extends distally from the body. The cutter is movable relative to the needle to sever a tissue sample. The cutter drive mechanism is driven by a rotary drive cable and is configured to both rotate and translate the cutter. The cutter drive mechanism is further configured to reverse the transition direction of the cutter wile the drive provided by the rotary drive cable is in a continuous rotary direction.

Abstract: A multi-directional, equalizer clamp device is disclosed that provides, via a single action, a way to lock multiple objects that may be disposed in different numerous directions. The clamp may also achieve clamping using numerous force factors, and may be configured to attach and secure objects, such as pins, to the side rail of a support and/or operating table via a single-point of operation. The clamp device comprises upper and lower body portions which are configured to clamp to a side rail along a primary clamping direction, and are further configured to receive objects and clamp them along a secondary clamping direction. The clamp device further comprises a control assembly, such as a knob, to facilitate and achieve simultaneous clamping along both primary and secondary clamping directions at a single point of control.