Abstract: Methods for clearing of fecal matter the wall of a colon or other body lumen for diagnostic inspection, the methods being adapted to clearing of fecal matter comprised of particles of various sizes and compositions. Methods are further adapted for application in patients who have undergone a restricted scope of preparation to reduce and/or remediate the particle structure of colon contents, or no preparation at all, before diagnostic inspection.

Abstract: Sensing devices and methods of implanting sensing devices within an anatomical vessel network of a patient are provided. In one method, a fixation element (e.g., a stent or coil) of the sensing device is expanded into firm contact with a wall of a main anatomical vessel (e.g., a right pulmonary artery), and a stabilization element of the sensing device is placed into contact with a wall of an anatomical vessel branch of the main anatomical vessel. In another method, a first fixation element of the sensing device is expanded into firm contact with the wall of the main anatomical vessel (e.g., a right pulmonary artery) at a longitudinal location proximal to the anatomical vessel branch, and a second fixation element of the sensing device is expanded into firm contact with the wall of the main anatomical vessel at a longitudinal location distal to the anatomical vessel branch.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a PTA (percutaneous transluminal angioplasty) balloon catheter, preferably high pressure type, optionally introducible as an over the wire catheter. The catheter possess the attribute of injecting fluid to the treated site through a dedicated opening proximal to the balloon member, for introduction of fluids such as contrast enhancing material and/or medication. In some embodiments, a single lumen is used, at least in part, both for fluids transfer and dispersion (“infusion”) as well as for guide wire passage. In some such embodiments, a valve mechanism is used to sustain selective operability of the lumen so that fluids will disperse mostly or solely through the proximal dispersion opening rather than the guide wire distal exit opening.

Abstract: A neuromuscular stimulator device is described having a plastic casing housing control electronics which are maintained in contact with a power source by a metal retaining clip. The casing includes an integral cover which may be opened by breaking lines of weakness formed in the cover. The cover and clip are of such relative sizes and shapes so that once the cover is open, the clip may only be removed from the casing by deforming the clip. This deformation will ensure that the clip and other components cannot be replaced back in the casing, such that the device cannot easily be reused. In addition, the cover is not replaceable, due to the broken portions of the casing.

Abstract: A method and device for increasing microcirculation in the lower limb are described. The device includes a means for immobilizing the limb, for example a plaster cast, and an electrical stimulation device, which applies electrical stimulation to opposed leg muscles such that antagonistic and agonistic muscle groups contract near simultaneously, resulting in near isometric contraction. The combination of this contraction and the leg restraint have been found to markedly increase blood circulation and in particular microcirculation in the limb.

Abstract: A wound dressing, including: a first outer layer, a second outer layer, and a middle layer disposed between the first outer layer and the second outer layer. The volume density of the first outer layer and a volume density of the second outer layer are greater than that of the middle layer; the first outer layer, the second outer layer, and the middle layer are bonded together.

Abstract: A cartridge configured for use in a blood analyzer is provided. The cartridge may include a substantially rigid frame, a flow path within the rigid frame, at least one opening in the substantially rigid frame configured to align and stabilize a capillary tube, and a seal within the flow path. The seal may be configured to temporarily obstruct flow through at least a portion of the flow path. The seal may also be configured to open in response to a force exerted via a capillary tube inserted into the at least one opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of regions of interest in medical images. More particularly, the present invention relates to the identification of regions of interest in medical images based on encoding and/or classification methods trained on multiple types of medical imaging data. Aspects and/or embodiments seek to provide a method for training an encoder and/or classifier based on multimodal data inputs in order to classify regions of interest in medical images based on a single modality of data input source.

Abstract: Methods for clearing of fecal matter the wall of a colon or other body lumen for diagnostic inspection, the methods being adapted to clearing of fecal matter comprised of particles of various sizes and compositions. Methods are further adapted for application in patients who have undergone a restricted scope of preparation to reduce and/or remediate the particle structure of colon contents, or no preparation at all, before diagnostic inspection.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention relates to a method of configuring blood vessels at an anastomosis, the method comprising: ensheathing a segment of a transected first blood vessel in a lumen of a sleeve so that an open end of the segment protrudes from a sleeve end; suturing edges of an incision made in a second blood vessel to the open end of the first blood vessel to create an anastomosis; and sliding the sleeve along the first blood vessel to position the sleeve at the anastomosis.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention relates to an apparatus for supporting first and second blood vessels connected by an anastomosis at a fistula, the apparatus comprising: a coupler that seats on and couples to the first blood vessel; and a sleeve connected to the coupler that ensheathes a portion of the second blood vessel in the vicinity of the fistula.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a reversibly removable self-adjusting, perforating and/or guiding port configured to automatically retract a perforating blade or guiding rod upon entering a body cavity, while providing a substantially hermetic seal across the body cavity's wall.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cleaning a colon or other portion of an intestine include optional use of sensors to detect conditions of blockage of flow of materials within an evacuation channel used to remove fecal material from the body; and devices and methods for purging such blockages from the evacuation channel.

Abstract: This invention relates to an implantable device for a physiologic sensor, comprising an implantable expandable anchor, a bridge on which the sensor is secured, as well as an optional adapting ring. The invention also relates to a method of monitoring bodily functions using the anchor and sensor. The anchor is compressed and the bridge assumes an elongated shape during delivery to a target lumen. Upon deployment at the target site, the anchor expands and the bridge bows into the interior lumen of the expanded anchor, distancing the sensor from the vessel wall. This invention also relates to a method of manufacturing said device and a method of implanting a sensor.

Abstract: Method for sealing a stent graft in an endovascular aneurysm repair. Includes following steps/procedures. Positioning the stent graft to extend across an aneurysm in aneurysmatic host vessel. Introducing and placing a balloon catheter in the host vessel at a location distal to the graft distal end. Inflating balloon to pressure configured for unconstrained balloon expansion with maximal balloon diameter equal to or greater than smallest inner diameter of host vessel, thereby occluding normal blood flowing thereacross. Infusing contrast enhancing material through balloon catheter for allowing radiographic visualization of endoleakage between stent graft and a host vessel wall. Deflating and repositioning balloon to another location within stent graft. Pressurizing balloon to another pressure configured for plastically expanding selected section of stent graft from a smaller diameter to a fixed enlarged diameter.

Abstract: A three-layered wound dressing, including: a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The first layer includes a blend of first hydrophilic fibers and first hydrophobic fibers, the second layer includes a blend of second hydrophilic fibers and second hydrophobic fibers, and the third layer includes hydrophobic fibers. The second layer is disposed between the first layer and the third layer. In use, the first layer contacts a wound.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a front-end circuit and a digital processing circuit. The front-end circuit includes an antenna and a modulation switch. The digital processing circuit is configured to transmit data to a remote unit using inductive coupling of an Alternating Current (AC) magnetic field generated by the remote unit, by modulating a load impedance of the antenna using the modulation switch. The front-end circuit is configured to supply to the digital processing circuit a voltage signal, which has a frequency of the AC magnetic field and which has a non-zero envelope both during intervals in which the modulation switch is closed and during intervals in which the modulation switch is open, and wherein the digital processing circuit is configured to derive a clock signal from the voltage signal.

Abstract: A method comprising: receiving a radiograph of at least a portion of a patient's body, wherein the radiograph is a digital grayscale image, and wherein each pixel of the grayscale image corresponds to a localized exposure index (EI) value; generating an HSL (Hue-Saturation-Lightness) image from the radiograph, wherein: a hue channel and a saturation channel of the HSL image are generated based on the localized EI values, a luminance channel of the HSL image is generated based on the intensity values of the pixels; and transforming the HSL image to an RGB image which conveys both the portion of the radiograph and the localized EI values.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cleaning body cavities are presented. Described embodiments include systems for cleaning feces from the lower GI tract. Also provided are systems for steering such a cleaning system, also useful for steering an endoscope or other tool inserted into a body.