Abstract: Method and apparatus are described for a system that employs a change management algorithm to drive transfusion “appropriateness” by factoring evidenced-based knowledge and input from practitioners, where said algorithm may also ensure that a blood or blood product transfusion is provided to the right patient, that the blood/blood product is transfused at the right time, and that the procedure is completed for the right reason.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are described for a system that employs a change management algorithm to drive transfusion “appropriateness” by factoring evidenced-based knowledge and input from practitioners, where said algorithm may also ensure that a blood or blood product transfusion is provided to the right patient, that the blood/blood product is transfused at the right time, and that the procedure is completed for the right reason.

Abstract: As one example, an apparatus includes a dielectric microsensor having a microfluidic chamber that includes a capacitive sensing structure. The microfluidic chamber is adapted to receive a volume of a blood sample, and a bioactive agent is adapted to interact with the blood sample, as a sample under test (SUT), within the microfluidic chamber. A transmitter can provide an input radio frequency (RF) signal to the dielectric microsensor, and a receiver can receive an output RF signal from the dielectric microsensor. A computing device is configured to compute dielectric permittivity values for the SUT based on the output RF signal over a time interval in which the dielectric permittivity values are representative of the bioactive agent interacting with the blood sample over the time interval. The computing device is further configured to provide a readout representative of hemostatic dysfunction for the blood sample based on the dielectric permittivity values.

Abstract: Methods and systems generate synthetic late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) magnetic resonance images using a magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) acquisition. From a single acquisition, MRF image data is obtained, including co-registered T1 and T2 tissue property maps. Different tissue regions of interest are identified, such as viable myocardium, scar, and blood and T1 and T2 values for each are determined. Based on these, different sets of pulse sequence parameters are determined, e.g., using different synthetic image contrast models receiving the MRF image data. Synthetic LGE images at different contrasts are generated as a result, including a synthetic bright-blood LGE image, a synthetic dark-blood/gray-blood LGE image, and a synthetic optimized imaged.

Abstract: A method of lowering cholesterol and/or PCSK9 levels in a subject in need thereof includes administering to the subject an ADH inhibitor, AKR inhibitor, and/or SNO-CoAR inhibitor at an amount(s) effective to reduce serum cholesterol and/or PCSK9 levels.

Abstract: A method of treating coronavirus infection, post-acute sequelae of coronavirus infection, and viral mediated respiratory distress in a subject in need thereof includes administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of agent that promotes, increases, and/or induces hemoglobin nitrosylation within red blood cells (RBCs) and GSNO levels in the lung or airways of the subject.

Abstract: Techniques are provided that involve employing artificial intelligence (AI) to facilitate reducing adverse outcomes associated with healthcare delivery. In one embodiment, a computer implemented method comprises monitoring live feedback received over a course of care of a patient, wherein the live feedback comprises physiological information regarding a physiological state of the patient. The method further comprises employing AI to identify, based on the live feedback information, an event or condition associated with the course of care of the patient that warrants clinical attention or a clinical response. The method further comprises generating a response, based on the identification of the event or condition, that facilitates reducing an adverse outcome of the course of care, wherein the response varies based on a type of the event or condition, and providing the response to a device associated with an entity involved with treating the patient in association with the course of care.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a simple, fast, and low cost method for 3D microvascular imaging, termed “scatter labeled imaging of microvasculature in excised tissue” (SLIME). The method can include perfusing a contrast agent through vasculature of a tissue sample with a contrast perfusing unit (22). The contrast agent can include colloids and a dispersant. After the contrast agent is perfused through the vasculature, the vasculature of the tissue sample can be treated with a cross-linking agent delivery unit (24) providing a molecule that cross links with at least a portion of the dispersant to form a sticky, non-Newtonian polymer that prevents leakage of the contrast agent out of the vasculature of the tissue sample. The tissue sample can then be immersed in a solution comprising a clearing agent with an optical clearing unit (26) and subsequently imaged.

Abstract: Surgical closure devices, surgical systems, and methods of endoscopically closing tissue tears are disclosed. The surgical closure device includes a housing and a grasping member. The grasping member is configured for movement relative to the housing. The surgical systems include such a surgical closure device and an endoscope including an insertion tube and a cable. The methods of endoscopically closing a tear in a tissue include passing such a surgical closure device through an endoscope to the tear, engaging a portion of tissue on one side of the tear using the grasping member, positioning the receiving section of the housing on another side of the tear, and moving the grasping member toward the receiving section of the housing and position the grasping member and the receiving portion of the housing in a relatively closed relationship, thereby closing the tear in the tissue.

Abstract: Techniques are described optimizing operations of an integrated healthcare system in real-time using a machine learning framework. In one embodiment, a method comprises monitoring, by a system operatively coupled to a processor, activity of healthcare workers of a healthcare system over a defined timeframe in association with operation of the healthcare system, including monitoring performance of healthcare tasks scheduled for performance over the defined timeframe. The method further comprises determining, by the system based on the monitoring, a timeslot within the defined timeframe in which a healthcare worker of the healthcare workers is not performing, anticipated to perform, or scheduled to perform a healthcare task of the healthcare tasks, and determining, by the system, a supplemental healthcare task for performance by the healthcare worker during the timeslot.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer readable media are provided that facilitate managing and optimizing the experience of patients and visitors in association with visiting a medical facility. In an embodiment, as system can include a receiving component that receives arrival data regarding an entity arriving at a healthcare facility. The system can further include a discovery component that determines intent information regarding intent of the entity at the healthcare facility, and analyzes the intent information to determine a destination location for the entity within the healthcare facility, and a wayfinding component that facilitates navigating the entity to the destination location by providing the entity, via a mobile device associated with the entity, with real-time navigation information to the destination location.

Abstract: A method for creating a three-dimensional image of an object from a two-dimensional ultrasound video is provided. The method includes acquiring a plurality of two-dimensional ultrasound images of the object and recording a plurality of videos based on the acquired two-dimensional ultrasound images. Each of the videos includes a plurality of frames. The method further includes separating each of the plurality of frames, cropping each of the plurality of frames to isolate structures intended to be reconstructed, selecting a frame near a center of the object and rotating the image to create a main horizontal landmark, and aligning each frame to the main horizontal landmark. The method also includes removing inter-frame jitter by aligning each of the plurality of frames relative to a previous frame of the plurality of frames, reducing the noise of each of the frames, and stacking each of the frames into a three-dimensional volume.

Abstract: Any of a number of implantable or partially implantable approximators, including, but not limited to, manual and ratchet approximators using a tensioning component that can be at least partially provided within a wound for closing the fascia of a wound (such as around the approximatoor) using continuously tensioned sutures. Also provided are approximators with automatic tensioning features, including electrically driven devices.

Abstract: Provided is a ureteral stent (=50) including a bladder portion (=52) positioned in a bladder of a patient, a kidney portion (=54) positioned in a kidney and ureteral passageway of the patient, and one or more tethers (=56) coupling the bladder portion to the kidney portion. The ureteral stent allows urine to pass around a blockage, and allows a ureter orifice connecting the ureteral passageway to the bladder to move between a compressed state and an uncompressed state to prevent or minimize urinary reflux, flank pain, blood in the urine, etc., while allowing the bladder portion to move freely in the bladder to prevent the bladder portion from irritating the trigone muscle.

Abstract: A medical suction & irrigation system used for removing bodily fluid and debris from a surgical site and particularly a hand-held medical device that utilizes suction tips and suction/irrigation tips during medical procedures. The system features use of a fully disposable suction and irrigation devices. This system comprises a series of devices which includes a universal handle member, interchangeable tip members, a storage member, and a receptacle member. This system will improve the workflow of users at all skill levels while integrating seamlessly into existing common practice. It is a fully integrated and optimized system which recognizes and utilizes the interaction between two distinct user groups with the overall benefit of reducing procedural times and increasing patient safety.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical cocktail and methods of cancer treatment. In particular, one such cocktail comprises a combination of effective amounts of a lactate transporter inhibitor, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, a sodium potassium chloride cofactor (NKCC) transporter inhibitor, a member of the hydroxycinnamate class of drugs or a derivative thereof, and/or an angiogenesis inhibitor, including a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor such as bevacizumab in combination with blood vessel occlusion. As most cancers in an untreated state uses both aerobic and anaerobic/glycolytic pathways treatments contemplated herein can affect both metabolic pathways.

Abstract: A spinal retractor system is provided to protect important structures of a patient while the surgeon performs surgery on spinal elements of the patient. The system includes a retractor blade including a retractor tab, a side body, and an upper platform having a tool connector tab for mating with a matching blade holder tool for securely holding the retractor blade. The retractor blade also has a screw holder attached to the side body of the retractor blade for receiving a bone screw provided in a channel of the screw holder A screwdriver is used to drive the bone screw into a vertebra of a patient, such as during an anterior spinal surgical procedure.

Abstract: Provided is a stent pusher assembly for positioning a ureteral stent, the stent pusher assembly having an inner and outer stent pusher. The stent pusher assembly positions the ureteral stent in a patient's kidney and bladder without a bladder fixing portion of the stent entering a ureteral passage-way, thereby minimizing irritation to the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical cocktail and methods of treatment involving said cocktail, in particular, a combination of effective amounts of a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, in combination with effective amounts of an angiogenesis inhibitor, including a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor such as bevacizumab for the treatment of cancer. In other embodiments, it relates to compositions and methods of treating cancer involving effective amounts of a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating cancer (eliminating the tumor, shrinking the tumor, prolonging the life of the patient, increasing quality of life by decreasing the grade of adverse events seen with other cancer treatments, and/or preventing/reducing the likelihood of the tumor's metastases) are additional aspects of the present invention.

Abstract: Provided is a ureteral stent (=50) including a bladder portion (=52) positioned in a bladder of a patient, a kidney portion (=54) positioned in a kidney and ureteral passageway of the patient, and one or more tethers (=56) coupling the bladder portion to the kidney portion. The ureteral stent allows urine to pass around a blockage, and allows a ureter orifice connecting the ureteral passageway to the bladder to move between a compressed state and an uncompressed state to prevent or minimize urinary reflux, flank pain, blood in the urine, etc., while allowing the bladder portion to move freely in the bladder to prevent the bladder portion from irritating the trigone muscle.