Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring pulmonary edema or other thoracic fluid status in a subject use thoracic impedance histogram information. An internal or external processor circuit receives the thoracic impedance histogram information and uses it to compute and provide a lung fluid status indication. The thoracic impedance histogram information can include a count, mean or median of a histogram bin or subrange of bins within the histogram range.

Abstract: A bio-impedance measurement apparatus includes a flexible band member fastened around a body portion, two probe sets attached to the flexible band member, a measurement device, and a wireless device. One probe set includes a probe having a tip portion for piercing the skin of the body portion to be located adjacent to an acupuncture point. Another probe set, used as an electrical ground, includes a probe that contacts the reference skin. The measurement device is disposed on the flexible band member and electrically coupled to the two probe sets to provide an impulse current signal to the acupuncture point. The measurement device amplifies and measures the voltage response across the acupuncture points and the ground. The amplified signal is converted to a digital signal for Fourier transformation. The wireless device, coupled to the measurement device, transmits the acupuncture code and impedance information to a remote monitor station.

Abstract: A system is provided for withdrawing small amounts of body fluid from an animal or human. The system includes a holder and a disposable lancing unit attached to the holder. The lancing unit also includes an open capillary channel for transporting the body fluid and piercing the skin.

Abstract: The invention concerns a test system comprising a test device which has a lancing drive and an optical measuring device, and at least one test unit that is inserted into the test device as a disposable article, preferably in a magazine. According to the invention it is proposed that the measuring device can be directly coupled to a detection element of the test unit by means of an optics adapter on the device side, where a free end of the spring-loaded optics adapter lies against the detection element in a force-locking manner.

Abstract: A lancing device integrated with a sensing strip and method of making and using the same are provided. A lance and analyte sensing strip are combined in a single, preferably disposable, device. In a preferred embodiment, a slot is provided in a support member so the lance can be engaged by a lance driver and driven into the skin producing a bodily fluid sample from a wound. The sensing area of the sensing strip is adjacent to the wound location reducing dexterity requirements for patients.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for delivering and/or receiving a substance or substances such as blood from subjects. In one aspect, the present invention is directed to devices and methods for receiving or extracting blood from a subject, e.g., from the skin and/or from beneath the skin, using devices containing a substance transfer component (for example, one or more needles or microneedles) and a reduced pressure or vacuum chamber having an internal pressure less than atmospheric pressure prior to receiving blood. In some embodiments, the device may contain a “snap dome” or other deformable structure, which may be used, at least in part, to urge or move needles or other suitable substance transfer components into the skin of a subject. In some cases, for example, the device may contain a flexible concave member and a needle mechanically coupled to the flexible concave member.

Abstract: Sampler for self-sampling of samples from a body cavity, such as cervical samples. Optimum accessibility of the cervix is achieved through the sampler comprising a rigid plastic tube which is rounded at the front side. During its introduction, the sampler can accurately be moved to the cervix. The sampler is surrounded by the vagina and can prevent leakage of flushing liquid, and it is possible to use a relatively small quantity of flushing liquid while producing a sample with a high concentration of cervical cells. It is possible to reach the sampling location in a simple and more accurate way which does not damage tissue. As a result of the tube simultaneously being designed as a cylinder for a plunger, it is possible, to flush the desired location with a solution using a cylinder-plunger and, to take the sample by drawing the plunger back.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting intrathecal penetration are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment includes detecting a value corresponding to an impedance of an electrical circuit that in turn includes an electrical contact located within the patient, and patient tissue adjacent to the electrical contact. The method further includes comparing the detected value to a predetermined criterion, and, if the detected value meets the predetermined criterion, identifying penetration of the patient's dura based at least in part on the detected value.

Abstract: A micro spike having a three-dimensional structure made of single crystalline silicon and being capable of picking an enough amount of a tissue to examine the tissue while minimizing an examinee's pain with a minimal invasion when picking the tissue and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The micro spike comprising: a main body part; extension parts inserted into a tissue when picking the tissue sample and integratedly extended from upper and lower parts of one side of the main body part; and a protrusion part integratedly protruded from at least one of side surfaces of the extension parts and inserted into the tissue to pick the tissue sample together with the extension parts when picking the living tissue sample.

Abstract: A temperature sensing catheter with improved accuracy is provided. The catheter includes a catheter shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and a first pair of conductors extending through the catheter shaft. Each one of the first pair of conductors has a first end and a second end, and the first ends of the first pair of conductors are coupled to each other at the distal end of the catheter shaft to form a first thermocouple. A handle is coupled to the proximal end of the catheter shaft and receives the second ends of the first pair of conductors, and the handle includes a digitizing circuit coupled to the second ends of the first pair of conductors for digitizing a voltage signal of the first thermocouple.

Abstract: A needle assembly includes a transparent or translucent housing with a fluid inlet end, a fluid outlet end, a flashback chamber, and a venting mechanism therebetween. Substantially axially aligned inlet and outlet cannulas extend from the housing and communicate with the chamber. A sealable sleeve covers the external end of the outlet cannula. Relative volumes of the cannulas, the chamber, and the sleeve are selected to provide rapid reliable flashback indicative of venous entry with an internal vent positioned within the housing so as to divide the interior into first and second chambers, with the second chamber being adapted to maintain a negative pressure therein relative to the external environment so as to inhibit leakage of blood from the needle on withdrawal from the patient.

Abstract: A pedicle access system including a cannula, a stylet, and a removable T-handle. The pedicle access system may be used to percutaneously approach the pedicle, initiate pilot hole formation, and conduct a stimulation signal to the target site for the purposes of performing a pedicle integrity assessment during the pilot hole formation. To do this, the cannula and stylet are locked in combination and inserted through an operating corridor to the pedicle target site, using the T-handle to facilitate easy movement and positioning of the cannula/stylet combination. A stimulation signal may be applied during pilot hole formation to conduct the pedicle integrity assessment. In a significant aspect, the T-handle may be detached from the cannula/stylet combination to facilitate the use of various surgical tools as necessary.

Abstract: A body force measurement system for both assessment and therapeutic usage comprising a non-rigid tongue depressor with a force sensing element attached to it and a means of converting the force sensed into quantifiable data. The system provides convenient method for making body force measurements consistent with current clinical practice and without the need for a fixed registration point.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a medical surgical device and specifically a wire guide for percutaneous placement within a body cavity. In one embodiment, the wire guide includes an elongated core member having a proximal stop and a distal stop and a rib positioned between the proximal stop and the distal stop. A first coil is positioned over the elongated core member and extends between the proximal stop and the rib. A second coil is positioned over the elongated core member and extends between the rib and the distal stop.

Abstract: Catheter devices for diagnosing and treating discogenic pain are provided. The catheter devices comprise a tubular body configured for insertion into an intervertebral disc and a pressure measuring device disposed along the length of the tubular body, the pressure measuring device configured to measure the pressure within the intervertebral disc. The catheter devices are capable of measuring the pressure within an intervertebral disc of a subject while the subject is moving.

Abstract: An implanted device-implemented method of detecting and monitoring congestive heart failure in a patient includes performing ongoing measurements of changes in local impedance of a portion of the patient's body between at least two electrodes on the exterior of the implanted device, the changes representing ventilation of the patient, and including measuring the patient's respiratory rate and respiratory amplitude. A body-implantable device is adapted to detect and monitor congestive heart failure in a patient, and includes a circuit module coupled to plural surface electrodes of the device arranged and adapted, when the device is implanted, for contacting tissue in a portion of the patient's body generally occupied by the lungs, to monitor changes in local impedance of said body portion, and to detect the patient's EKG.

Abstract: The systems, methods and associated devices performing diagnostic hearing tests which use a computer network to allow interaction between a test administration site and one or a plurality of remote patient sites. The test can be administered by an audiologist or clinician at a site remote from the patient, in a manner, which can allow interaction between the user and the clinician during at least a portion of the administration of the test. The diagnostic hearing tests can be performed such that they meet standardized guidelines such as ANSI requirements or certification standards and can include distortion product emission level measurements or middle ear compliance measurements.

Abstract: Devices and methods for determining fallopian tube occlusion. The methods may include determining fallopian tube occlusions through a pressurization or volumetric determination.

Abstract: An apparatus for deploying a needle within a lumen is provided. The apparatus includes a housing having a threaded bushing radially disposed therein. The bushing rigidly couples with a nose cone having a guide tip disposed at an end opposite the bushing for penetrating an arterial wall of a lumen. During operation, a user incrementally advances the bushing within the housing, thereby incrementally advancing the guide tip into the lumen. The nose cone also includes a flex guide having a slot configuration which couples with the guide tip which deploys into the lumen along with the guide tip.

Abstract: The present invention provides for exemplary embodiments of a single-insertion, multiple sampling biopsy device. Exemplary embodiments of a single-insertion, multiple sampling device with integrated marker release.