Abstract: The system provides analogue electronic sensor means, novel mechanical harness mounting means having adjustment means and provided with remote attached monitor control means for sampling breast surface temperature and means for collecting, storing and displaying these data. The system allows breast temperatures to be measured, with great reliability, for periods of an hour or more at any desired rational sampling rate. Collected breast surface temperature data may then be downloaded into a computer for elaboration using proprietary software. Breast surface temperatures are measured at a specific point during the menstrual cycle, determined by progesterone levels in the urine. The data obtained with the instant invention under these conditions enables an investigator to determine, in women who have not reached the menopause, those who are at risk of developing breast cancer at some time in the future and those who are not at significant risk of developing the disease.

Abstract: The present invention is a collection container assembly comprising a container having a removable rounded bottom end and wherein the external dimensions of the container are substantially the same as a standard-sized blood collection tube but with a reduced internal volume.

Abstract: A method measures and analyzes a physical quantity of interest having first and second significant values dependent on a plurality of characteristic parameters. The method includes storing the characteristic parameters in a storage support external of the measuring device and ancillary thereto; automatically measuring the first and second significant values; and analyzing, on a data processor, the measured significant values to produce a classification thereof based on a knowledge of said characteristic parameters. A system measures and analyzes a physical quantity of interest by application of fuzzy rules. The system comprises an apparatus for measuring the physical quantity of interest having its output connected to a fuzzy processor. The system also comprises a storage support, ancillary to the measuring apparatus, which stores the characteristic parameters of a user being tested, which is connected to a smart card reader/writer in turn connected to the measuring system and the fuzzy processor.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus for the increased female clitoral stimulation. The apparatus comprises a foraminous, elongated, generally triangularly shaped pad having an anterior portion arranged to support and engage the ventral aspect of the clitoris and lie beneath the labia minora. The pad has an outer peripheral contour so as to seat within the female vestibule. The pad is comprised of a plurality of layers of flexible material. The pad has an uppermost layer of soft flexible material and an intermediate layer of generally semi-rigid material and a lower layer of an adhesive material.

Abstract: An ablation apparatus system for treating tissues or atherosclerosis on a patient having a stent or a metallic implant, wherein said stent or metallic implant comprises a coating layer including a carrier composed of a biocompatible material and having dispersed therein a radioactive substance, the ablation apparatus system comprising an electrical conducting wire that is coupled to an external radiofrequency generator for delivering the radiofrequency current to the stent or the metallic implant for the purposes of thermally enhanced irradiation capability for tissue therapeutic treatment.

Abstract: Tracking a motion of a body by obtaining two types of measurements associated with the motion of the body, one of the types including acoustic measurement. An estimate of either an orientation or a position of the body is updated based on one of the two types of measurement, for example based on inertial measurement. The estimate is then updated based on the other of the two types of measurements, for example based on acoustic ranging. The invention also features determining range measurement to selected reference devices that are fixed in the environment of the body.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a biological sample collection kit which can be utilized to collect samples of biological origin for use in any recovery and identification method. The biological sample collection kit comprises a sterile device for collecting a sample, a collection and dispersing device for depositing and holding the sample, a device for transferring the sample, and a container for storing the sample to be tested. There may also be a labeling system for identifying the sample and for diluting the sample. The biological sample collection kit preferably contains an outer bag which holds, in a sterile environment, all of the items used in the testing procedures. Additionally, a container of collection fluid is preferably included in the sample collection kit.

Abstract: A lower limb load monitor for providing feedback to a patient or user when a preselected force load is met or exceeded on a patient's or user's foot. The device includes one or more thin film force sensing elements positioned beneath the user's foot and connected with control means for providing a signal when a predetermined threshold force is met.

Abstract: A gas analysis apparatus, and a method for calibrating it and for compensating measurement errors, are disclosed. This method and apparatus are particularly suited for use during a cardiopulmonary exercise test by a test subject. The oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations of the subject's breath are measured, and errors are compensated based on the results of previous calibration. These compensated measurements, as well as other physiological data monitored during the cardiopulmonary exercise test and quantities calculated from these measurements, are presented as a series of graphs in a logical order to enhance their diagnostic and prognostic value. A facemask and headstraps are adapted for use with the gas analysis apparatus. The facemask possesses a plurality of pins fitting into corresponding holes in the headstraps, and the headstraps possess quick-release attachment means to provide for quickly securing the face mask to or removing it from a subject.

Abstract: An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte.

Abstract: An anatomical marker uses a permanent magnet to indicate a selected location within a patient. The magnet is enclosed within a non-degradable envelope and is coupled to a retention member that is preferably manufactured from a biodegradable material, such as a polyglucuronic acid based material. The retention member may include one or more barbs to retain the anatomical marker in the selected location. An insertion tool, usable with an endoscope, can insert the anatomical marker. A retention magnet is fixedly attached to the insertion tool and holds the anatomical marker in place due to the attractive magnetic forces between the retention magnet and the marker magnet in the non-biodegradable envelope.

Abstract: Computer controlled apparatus and method for enhancing myocardial revascularization using direct vessel implants includes a probe for insertion into a proposed graft site to determine the condition of the site using criteria such as oxygen levels, contractility and pressure/flow rate differentials in conjunction with the parameters of the selected vessel graft. Transmyocardial revascularization procedures are performed to increase flow rates when needed and to supplement graft treatment where desired. A coring device creates the opening for the graft and correlates the size of the opening with contractility conditions and vessel conditions. Reinforcement sleeves may be placed around grafts, particularly vein grafts, to avoid excess compression of the graft. Graft site preparation and TMR treatment enhance angiogenesis and collateralization of the implant, and angiogenic drugs may be used to increase such effects.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining pressure data using a body implantable pressure sensor includes a measurement capacitor which is responsive to pressure changes of a body fluid. Non-constant, multiple current source charging of the measurement capacitor provides for a significant increase in sensitivity to conditions of pressure of a body fluid. Pressure data is obtained by charging the measurement capacitor at a first charge rate during a first charge period of an integration cycle and, during a second charge period of the integration cycle, charging the measurement capacitor at a second charge rate. The first charge rate is preferably greater than the second charge rate. The duration of the first and second charge periods may be varied. A signal indicative of a pressure change of a body fluid imparted to the measurement capacitor is produced by the pressure sensor. The signal may be a signal indicative of a change in a time of integration.

Abstract: A non-invasive device for evaluating circulatory state parameters, and specifically, a pulsewave analysis device capable of evaluation by separating blood vessel compliance and blood vessel resistance into central and peripheral components of the arterial system is provided. Microcomputer 4 detects the waveform at a test subject's radius artery via pulsewave detector 1, and uptakes the stroke volume in the test subject which is measured by a stroke-volume measurer. Next, based on the measured stroke volume, microcomputer 4 adjusts the values of each element in a lumped five parameter model made up of an electrical circuit which models the arterial system from the center to the periphery of the body, so that the response waveform obtained when an electric signal corresponding to the pressure waveform at the proximal portion of the aorta in a test subject is provided to the electric circuit coincides with the waveform at the radius artery.

Abstract: A device and system for remotely interrogating a diagnostic implant device utilizes acoustic energy to power and/or interrogate the device. Acoustic energy is utilized to excite the device from outside the body of a patient. By analyzing the response of the device to such excitation, it is possible to ascertain the condition of the device. Additionally, acoustic energy may be used to provide operating power to the device.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a portable hand device with biosensor for the investigation of biological fluids such as whole blood, liquor, urine and serum. It is characterized by a securely fixed electrode, which is covered by a replaceable biomembrane, as reservoir bag containing system solution and a waste bag, a pump, a tube transport system, an operating lever with a valve function, three operating elements, a display, and a control unit signal capture and overall procedure.

Abstract: A urinary incontinence device includes an occluding member, such as a tampon or plug that is retained by magnetic forces acting between a support and magnetic inserts located adjacent the urethra. The insets may be implanted or injected and hold the occluding member in place.

Abstract: A blood pressure monitoring system for automatic unattended operation uses curve fitting techniques determined during an initial inflation period to determine cuff size. Based upon cuff size, the number of important pre-determined operating parameters are determined for use in controlling the remaining blood pressure reading operations. The automatic blood pressure monitor according to the present invention offers a simplified, cost effective construction utilizing a single pump, a single valve and a single valve orifice.

Abstract: Apparatus for relating pain and activity experienced by a patient comprises: pain transducing means for allowing a patient to select any one pain level from a predetermined number of pain levels and for producing a pain level signal indicative of the selected level; activity transducing means responsive to the pain level signal for measuring a level of a parameter of a physical activity of the patient near the time corresponding to the selection of the pain level and for producing an activity parameter level signal indicative of the measured level of the parameter; and relating means responsive to the pain level signal and the activity parameter level signal for characterizing the activity of the patient corresponding to the selected level of pain to be one activity level of a predetermined number of predefined activity levels and for producing a signal indicative of the characterized level of activity and the corresponding pain level.

Abstract: An elongate elastic metal alloy member for use in a medical device. The elongate member may be formed from a linear elastic metal alloy which may be twisted such that the torsional elasticity of the member is removed while the longitudinal flexibility of the member is maintained. The elongate member may further be placed under tension, fixed to prevent rotation, and heat treated such that the stress caused by tensioning and twisting the member is relieved without transforming the linear elastic metal alloy into a super-elastic metal alloy. The resulting elongate elastic metal alloy member may have increased straightness and may be easier to grind.