Abstract: The invention discloses a microsecond tandem-pulse electrohydraulic shock wave generator for the comminution of concretions in vivo by controlled, concentrated cavitation energy. This apparatus generates a primary and a secondary shock wave pulse with a specified time delay in microseconds and pressure relationships, with the primary shock wave pulse being used to induce a transient cavitation bubble cluster near the target concretion, and the secondary shock wave pulse consisting of a sequence of reflected pulses producing a pulse that is substantially compressive to control and force the collapse of the cavitation bubble cluster towards the target concretion. This microsecond tandem-pulse is produced by the use of a plurality of ellipsoidal reflecting surfaces of the same focal length, but different major and minor axes.

Abstract: A method for the direct reconstruction of an object from measurements of the transmitted intensity of the scattered radiation effected by irradiating the object. The transmitted intensity is related to the image by an integral operator. The image is directly reconstructed by executing a prescribed mathematical algorithm, as determined with reference to the integral operator, on the transmitted intensity.

Abstract: Systems and methods form curvilinear lesions in tissue within the body. The systems and methods expose tissue to electrode arrays with intersecting energy emitting elements. The systems and methods apply ablating energy for emission by the elements to create intersecting curvilinear lesion patterns in the tissue.

Abstract: A marker for magnetic resonance imaging which has two sheets of flexible plastic, a lipid sealed between the sheets of plastic, and a layer of adhesive material affixed to one of the sheets of plastic on the opposite side from the lipid.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed for using quasielastic light scattering to determine the degree of cataractogenesis of a lens in vivo. By collecting and analyzing light scattered from the lens, it is possible, using the temporal autocorrelation function, to produce a signature of cataractogenesis, accounting for scattering due to substantially immobile scatterers. The component of the temporal autocorrelation function representing the effect of the substantially immobile scatterers is expressed as a function of the measurement delay time. The components of the cataractogenesis can also be detected by comparing the values of the components of the signature of cataractogenesis to frequency distribution of the components taken from populations or by detecting changes in the values of the components of the signature of cataractogenesis as a function of time.

Abstract: A stretchable harness-like apparatus enables physiological parameters of a patient to be measured while he or she is ambulatory or stationary. The invention has a chest band, an optional shoulder band(s), and an optional abdominal band that can house respiration, pulse and ECG sensors. The shoulder band(s) are attached to the chest band and all of the bands are worn on the body under a low tension. The apparatus is typically used in conjunction with on-body monitoring electronics and radio-linked to remote alerting modules or it can be hard-wired to on-body or remote monitoring and alerting equipment. The compliant nature of the device allows for accurate monitoring without sacrificing patient mobility or comfort.