Patents Assigned to Sandhill Scientific, Inc.
-
Publication number: 20170143248Abstract: A method of detecting and measuring the condition of intraluminal esophageal mucosa. An esophagus is intubated with a catheter including an inflatable and deflatable balloon and one or more impedance sensing electrodes on an exterior surface of the catheter. The balloon is inflated to press the impedance sensing electrode(s) into a mucosa of the interior esophageal wall. An electric current is directed through the mucosa via the impedance sensing electrode(s) while the impedance sensing electrode(s) is/are pressed by the balloon against the mucosa and measure impedance of the mucosa.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2017Publication date: May 25, 2017Applicants: Sandhill Scientific, Inc., Vanderbilt UniversityInventors: Jerry E. Mabary, Michael F. Vaezi, Thomas D. Stuebe
-
Patent number: 8635053Abstract: A system and method for automatically analyzing impedance and pH data from an esophageal probe includes a data collection system that collects and stores the output from the sensors for a certain period of time to locate reflux episodes in the waveforms. The data analysis system uses wavelet analysis to assist in locating bolus entry and exit points in the waveforms and to smooth waveforms for additional analysis. It also distinguishes between candidate acid reflux episodes and candidate non-acid reflux episodes for determining actual acid reflux episodes and non-acid reflux episodes, and it distinguishes between, and provides different signal processing for, signals from patients that have healthy esophageal tissue and those that have diseased esophageal tissue.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2010Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Sandhill Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Thomas D. Stuebe, Venkatachalam Chandrasekar, Awad Al-Zaben
-
Publication number: 20120016256Abstract: A mucosal impedance measuring system that is capable of direct and accurate impedance measurements of esophageal mucosa includes example multi-channel intraluminal impedance catheters with inflatable and deflatable components for positioning the impedance sensor electrodes in direct contact with the esophageal mucosa on the inside surface of the esophagus. Impedance measurements from multiple locations in the esophagus are processed for indications of mucosal damage that are indicative of damage due to gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD), non-erosive reflux disease (NERD), and Barrett's esophagus.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2011Publication date: January 19, 2012Applicants: VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY, SANDHILL SCIENTIFIC, INC.Inventors: Jerry E. Mabary, Michael F. Vaezi, Thomas D. Stuebe
-
Patent number: 8079965Abstract: A system for displaying an esophageal operation includes a display device, an interface capable of receiving esophageal impedance and pressure measurements, and a processing system in communication with the display device, the interface, and an esophageal operation model. The processing system is configured to receive a plurality of impedance values from a first plurality of spaced-apart esophageal locations, receive a plurality of pressure values from a second plurality of spaced-apart esophageal locations, process the plurality of impedance values and the plurality of pressure values with the esophageal operation model, display the plurality of impedance values on the display device as a bolus transit, and display the plurality of pressure values on the display device as operational esophagus movement.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2009Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Sandhill Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Thomas D. Stuebe, Timothy Paul Stewart, Lisa Roos Stewart
-
Publication number: 20110112429Abstract: A system and method for automatically analyzing impedance and pH data from an esophageal probe includes a data collection system that collects and stores the output from the sensors for a certain period of time to locate reflux episodes in the waveforms. The data analysis system uses wavelet analysis to assist in locating bolus entry and exit points in the waveforms and to smooth waveforms for additional analysis. It also distinguishes between candidate acid reflux episodes and candidate non-acid reflux episodes for determining actual acid reflux episodes and non-acid reflux episodes, and it distinguishes between, and provides different signal processing for, signals from patients that have healthy esophageal tissue and those that have diseased esophageal tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2010Publication date: May 12, 2011Applicant: Sandhill Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Thomas D. Stuebe, Venkatachalam Chandrasekar, Awad Al-Zaben
-
Patent number: 7818155Abstract: A system and method for automatically analyzing impedance and pH data from an esophageal probe includes a data collection system that collects and stores the output from the sensors for a certain period of time to locate reflux episodes in the waveforms. The data analysis system uses wavelet analysis to assist in locating bolus entry and exit points in the waveforms and to smooth waveforms for additional analysis. It also distinguishes between candidate acid reflux episodes and candidate non-acid reflux episodes for determining actual acid reflux episodes and non-acid reflux episodes, and it distinguishes between, and provides different signal processing for, signals from patients that have healthy esophageal tissue and those that have diseased esophageal tissue.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2008Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: Sandhill Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Thomas D. Stuebe, Venkatachalam Chandrasekar, Awad Al-Zaben
-
Patent number: 7764992Abstract: A swallow challenge medium is thixotropic for easy swallowing and to provide enough viscosity for effective challenge to peristalsis and has high ionic density for effective impedance measurements by contact with electrodes positioned in a person's esophagus or oropharynx during swallow testing. The medium also has a high surface tension so as not to adhere to or coat the electrodes or probe surfaces. These physical characteristics are stabilized and consistent enough to provide standard for esophageal and/or oropharyngeal function testing and diagnostics.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2007Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Sandhill Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Jerry E. Mabary, Ian N. Askill
-
Publication number: 20100049080Abstract: A swallow challenge medium is thixotropic for easy swallowing and to provide enough viscosity for effective challenge to peristalsis and has high ionic density for effective impedance measurements by contact with electrodes positioned in a person's esophagus or oropharynx during swallow testing. The medium also has a high surface tension so as not to adhere to or coat the electrodes or probe surfaces. These physical characteristics are stabilized and consistent enough to provide standard for esophageal and/or oropharyngeal function testing and diagnostics.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2009Publication date: February 25, 2010Applicant: SANDHILL SCIENTIFIC, INC.Inventors: Jerry E. Mabary, Ian N. Askill
-
Publication number: 20090240162Abstract: A system for displaying an esophageal operation includes a display device, an interface capable of receiving esophageal impedance and pressure measurements, and a processing system in communication with the display device, the interface, and an esophageal operation model. The processing system is configured to receive a plurality of impedance values from a first plurality of spaced-apart esophageal locations, receive a plurality of pressure values from a second plurality of spaced-apart esophageal locations, process the plurality of impedance values and the plurality of pressure values with the esophageal operation model, display the plurality of impedance values on the display device as a bolus transit, and display the plurality of pressure values on the display device as operational esophagus movement.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2009Publication date: September 24, 2009Applicant: Sandhill Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Thomas D. Stuebe, Timothy Paul Stewart, Lisa Roos Stewart
-
Patent number: 7493158Abstract: A system and method for displaying an esophageal operation includes a display device, an interface capable of receiving esophageal impedance and pressure measurements, and a processing system in communication with the display device, the interface, and an esophageal operation model. The processing system is configured to receive a plurality of impedance values from a first plurality of spaced-apart esophageal locations, receive a plurality of pressure values from a second plurality of spaced-apart esophageal locations, process the plurality of impedance values and the plurality of pressure values with the esophageal operation model, display the plurality of impedance values on the display device as a bolus transit, and display the plurality of pressure values on the display device as operational esophagus movement.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2004Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Sandhill Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Thomas D. Stuebe, Timothy Paul Stewart, Lisa Roos Stewart
-
Publication number: 20080306411Abstract: A system and method for automatically analyzing impedance and pH data from an esophageal probe includes a data collection system that collects and stores the output from the sensors for a certain period of time to locate reflux episodes in the waveforms. The data analysis system uses wavelet analysis to assist in locating bolus entry and exit points in the waveforms and to smooth waveforms for additional analysis. It also distinguishes between candidate acid reflux episodes and candidate non-acid reflux episodes for determining actual acid reflux episodes and non-acid reflux episodes, and it distinguishes between, and provides different signal processing for, signals from patients that have healthy esophageal tissue and those that have diseased esophageal tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2008Publication date: December 11, 2008Applicant: Sandhill Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Thomas D. Stuebe, Venkatachalam Chandrasekar, Awad Al-Zaben
-
Publication number: 20070225617Abstract: A swallow challenge medium is thixotropic for easy swallowing and to provide enough viscosity for effective challenge to peristalsis and has high ionic density for effective impedance measurements by contact with electrodes positioned in a person's esophagus or oropharynx during swallow testing. The medium also has a high surface tension so as not to adhere to or coat the electrodes or probe surfaces. These physical characteristics are stabilized and consistent enough to provide standard for esophageal and/or oropharyngeal function testing and diagnostics.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2007Publication date: September 27, 2007Applicant: SANDHILL SCIENTIFIC, INC.Inventors: Jerry Mabary, Ian Askill
-
Publication number: 20070225613Abstract: A swallow challenge medium is thixotropic for easy swallowing and to provide enough viscosity for effective challenge to peristalsis and has high ionic density for effective impedance measurements by contact with electrodes positioned in a person's esophagus or oropharynx during swallow testing. The medium also has a high surface tension so as not to adhere to or coat the electrodes or probe surfaces. These physical characteristics are stabilized and consistent enough to provide standard for esophageal and/or oropharyngeal function testing and diagnostics.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2007Publication date: September 27, 2007Applicant: SANDHILL SCIENTIFIC, INC.Inventors: Jerry Mabary, Ian Askill
-
Patent number: 7236820Abstract: A swallow challenge medium (10) is thixotropic for easy swallowing and to provide enough viscosity for effective challenge to peristalsis (20) and has high ionic density for effective impedance measurements by contact with electrodes (41–48) positioned in a person's esophagus (E) or oropharynx during swallow testing. The medium (10) also has a high surface tension so as not to adhere to or coat the electrodes (41–48) or probe (12) surfaces. These physical characteristics are stabilized and consistent enough to provide standard for esophageal and/or oropharyngeal function testing and diagnostics.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2004Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: Sandhill Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Jerry E. Mabary, Ian N. Askill
-
Patent number: 7052474Abstract: Pharyngoesophageal monitoring systems are provided that monitor the environment of the pharynx and esophagus, and in some embodiments, detect and monitor refluxate, and may further record other physical episode data. The system may be provided, in some embodiments, as a bifurcated, adjustable, multiple internal reference probe, and methods thereof, to detect acid reflux and to monitor pH levels of acid reflux episodes simultaneously at multiple locations within the pharyngoesophageal passage. Some embodiments provide a recorder and one or a plurality of sensor arrangements, the recorder being responsive to the sensors and capable of correlation of signals generated by the sensor arrangements.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2001Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Sandhill Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Donald O. Castell, Jiri Kratochvil
-
Publication number: 20040254495Abstract: A swallow challenge medium (10) is thixotropic for easy swallowing and to provide enough viscosity for effective challenge to peristalsis (20) and has high ionic density for effective impedance measurements by contact with electrodes (41-48) positioned in a person's esophagus (E) or oropharynx during swallow testing. The medium (10) also has a high surface tension so as not to adhere to or coat the electrodes (41-48) or probe (12) surfaces. These physical characteristics are stabilized and consistent enough to provide standard for esophageal and/or oropharyngeal function testing and diagnostics.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2004Publication date: December 16, 2004Applicant: Sandhill Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Jerry E. Mabary, Ian N. Askill
-
Patent number: 5117827Abstract: A system and method for monitoring gastric acid reflux in a patient are described. A system constructed in accordance with the present invention comprises a combination probe including a flexible tube having a pH probe disposed distally and a pressure sensor disposed a known distance proximally, the pH probe for generating pH signals in response to a hydrogen ion concentration, and the pressure sensor for generating pressure signals in response to phasic pressure changes; a display for displaying the pressure signals to aid the positioning of the probe at the LES; and a memory for storing the pH signals. A method of the present invention comprises placing the combination pH/pressure probe in the patient's stomach then withdrawing the probe until the LES respiration phasic pressure is observed from the display. Next, the probe is withdraw a known distance. This positions the pH probe at a specified distance above the LES where reflux may be monitored.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1990Date of Patent: June 2, 1992Assignee: Sandhill Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Thomas D. Stuebe, Paul M. Helmstetter, Charles S. Clark