Abstract: This invention relates generally to emplacable devices for interventional therapeutic treatment or vascular surgery, and more particularly concerns a stranded micro-cable with enhanced radiopacity that can be used to fabricate a vascular device, a stent, a guidewire or the like. The micro-cable is made of strands of a material exhibiting super-elasticity or shape memory properties, such as nickel-titanium, and includes a strand of radiopaque material, such as platinum or gold, in order to provide a radiopaque marker during interventional therapeutic treatment or vascular surgery. The micro-cable can be used to form occluding coils which can be used in devices to restrict, reinforce, or to occlude areas of small diameter vasculature such as an aneurysm or malformation in an artery or vein in the brain.

Abstract: A measuring system is disclosed for the detection, the manipulation and the output of medical measured values which includes a computer, an input interface (2) for the connection of measuring probes (3, 4, 5), an output interface (6) for further manipulation of the measuring data detected by the measuring probes (3, 4, 5) as well as a signal output device (7), wherein the computer is connected to the input interface (2), the output interface (6) as well as to the signal output device (7). In addition, the computer includes a device for automatic recognition of a particular embodiment from a plurality of different predetermined embodiments of measuring probes (3, 4, 5) with the connection of a measuring probe (3, 4, 5) of a particular embodiment to the input interface (2) as well as a device connected therewith for reprogramming the computer as determined from the automatic recognition device.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlled regulation of respiration depending on heart rate, in which the inspiration phase has a duration corresponding to a first multiple of the heartbeat period and the expiration phase has a duration corresponding to a second multiple of the heartbeat period, comprises a unit for heartbeat detection (14), a calculation unit (12) for processing data relative to heartbeat depending on external parameters and producing output signals which are a function of said multiples and external parameters, and signalling means (15) adapted to constitute a guide for the inspiration and expiration phases, piloted by said output signals. The apparatus may further comprise a respiration detecting unit (19), connected to the calculation unit (12) for comparison between the real respiration and theoretical respiration calculated by the calculation unit (12).

Abstract: A tissue sampling device, comprising a stylet having a notch therein and a cannula at least partially surrounding the stylet. The notch has an exposed portion for receiving tissue to be sampled, and the cannula is adjustable relative to the stylet to vary the size of the exposed portion and therefore the amount of tissue to be sampled. The device also comprises a trigger mechanism operatively connected to at least one of the cannula and the stylet. Actuation of the trigger mechanism causes relative movement of the stylet with respect to the cannula for collection of a tissue sample.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for monitoring and maintaining an alert state of consciousness in a subject wearing the device An alert mental state is maintained through monitoring of brain wave patterns to detect if a transition from an alert to a non-alert mental state is about to occur, or has occurred. If so, a stimulus, e.g., an audible tone, is provided until such time as an alert mental state, as assessed by brain wave activity, is restored. Also disclosed are methods for maintaining an alert mental state, as well applications for such devices and methods.

Abstract: Fuzzy logic rules are applied to a method for indirectly measuring a physical signal to be monitored which would be difficult to directly measure. The measuring method comprises the steps of obtaining a derived physical signal from the physical signal to be monitored and measuring a value of the derived physical signal and its variations over time at suitably selected check points. A first set of fuzzy logic rules are applied to ascertain the presence or absence of an index signal adapted to mark at least first, second and third operational zones of the derived physical signal. Only the second operational zone is characterized by the presence of the index signal. First and second significant values of the physical signal to be monitored are measured as start and end values, respectively, of the second operational zone. An apparatus for indirectly measuring a physical signal is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for rehabilitating an ankle in which a mobile platform receives a patient's foot. The mobile platform can be moved in six degrees of freedom. The position and orientation of the mobile platform is measured in relation to the fixed platform in six degrees of freedom. The force exerted by the foot against the mobile platform is measured in six degrees of freedom. The measured position and measured force are forwarded to an electronic interface and fed to a programmable computer. The programmable computer determines desired force feedback to be applied by the controller interface to the mobile platform. The desired feedback signal moves the mobile platform to a desired position or applies a desired force or torque to the mobile platform. The rehabilitation system can include simulation of virtual objects which can be moved by the user to simulate an exercise. For example, the virtual reality simulation can include exercises for balance, flexibility and strength.

Abstract: A method and device for measuring nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity. In a first embodiment, two circular elastic sensors of differing viscoelasticities, placed around a penis, sense changes in penile circumference, which describes penile tumescence. A comparison of the instantaneous circumferences of the two sensors describes penile rigidity. Sensor circumference is measured by monitoring changes in electrical resistance across the sensor. In a second embodiment, a single circular elastic sensor senses changes in penile circumference (describing tumescence), while rigidity is described by changes in amplitude of a plethysmographic signal sensed by the single circular sensor. In a third embodiment, a photoplethysmographic sensor senses a penile plethysmographic signal. The signal mean intensity describes penile tumescence, and changes in amplitude of the plethysmographic signal describe changes in cardiac outlook.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating the membrane voltage of a cell that is independent of cell conductance. This estimated voltage is used to implement stable, complete (100%) series resistance compensation for a single electrode voltage clamp amplifier, enabling the recording of rapid ionic currents in single, excitable cells.

Abstract: The test subject attaches pulse wave detectors 1 to his fingertips, and presses down on pressure sensor 110. As a result, CPU 4 determines the DC component of the received light signal LS, and stores this in calibration table 50 in association with the pressure level. Subsequently, CPU 4 calculates threshold values, which can be used for grading the touch sensation, based on maximum value Pmax of the pressure level and calibration table 50, and stores this result in threshold table 51. When the subject grips an object with his fingers, the blood flow volume is detected by pulse wave detector 1 as received light signal LS. CPU 4 calculates the DC component of received light signal LS, compares this result to the threshold values stored in threshold value table 51, generates touch information SJ, and displays this on LCD 108. Accordingly, in this case, pulse diagnosis can be easily performed by expressing the degree of pressure in the pulse diagnosis as touch information SJ.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a patient's cardiac output in a non-invasive manner and transmitting cardiac output data to a remote host processor, a communications system, or a local output device is disclosed. A non-invasive cardiac monitoring approach utilizes an implantable medical device coupled to an oxygen sensor. The oxygen sensor provides venous oxygen saturation data to the implantable medical device. An oxygen consumption unit produces oxygen consumption data using air exhaled by a patient. A processing unit calculates a cardiac output result in real-time using the venous oxygen saturation data, the oxygen consumption data, and arterial oxygen saturation data assumed to be about 100% or acquired using a sensor external to the patient. The implantable medical device may transmit the venous oxygen saturation data to the processing unit using electromagnetic signals or acoustic signals.

Abstract: A catheter apparatus and radiation dosimetry unit indicator for delivery of a prescribed radiation dose to a patient. The catheter is filled with a radiation carrier material such as an inert radioactive gas for the treatment of, for example, restenosis after angioplasty, and malignancies. The inflated catheter includes a plurality of discrete chambers for transporting the radioactive carrier material, and a plurality of discrete chambers enabling substantial blood flow through the artery during treatment with the prescribed radiation. The inflated catheter can also comprise a one-unit balloon. A specific metal coating enhances the radiation dose delivered to the target. The wall of the inflation lumen attenuates transmission dose to the blood circulating through the hollow inner lumen of the catheter device. The system also creates increased by-product radiation, from the impact of beta particles and gamma protons traveling toward the lumen wall.

Abstract: A system to monitor respiration activity of a user and provide appropriate feedback to the user includes a respiration feedback monitor sized and configured to be worn by the user. In the depicted embodiment, respiration activity is measured with components including a retractable cord coupled to an optical distance measurement device. Feedback is typically provided using vibrations of certain duration and repetition. The system operates under various user selectable operational modes. Each operational mode is associated with particular respiration feedback criteria used to determine appropriate feedback for the user. The respiration feedback criteria is related to respiration rate levels and respiration depth associated with respiration activity level measured for the user. Distribution plots such as histograms associated with respiration measurement contribute to aspects of the feedback criteria and help establish other aspects of appropriate feedback.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser includes a hollow housing having an elongate chamber formed therein. A power supply is located within the chamber of the housing, the power supply being in electrical communication with a variable speed motor also located within the chamber of the housing. A switch, accessible from outside the housing, is in electrical communication with the power supply and motor for selectively operating the motor from a non-operable condition to an operable condition. A microprocessor controls the speed of the motor, enabling the fluid dispenser to deliver fluid at a wide range of speeds.

Abstract: A biopsy sampling system and method for aspirating bone marrow and bone cores from a patient with minimal or no perceived pain to the patient. The system includes a bone aspiration needle assembly having a handle and an electrically conductive needle shaft and an electrical nerve stimulator (ENS) which supplies a current of adjustable intensity to the needle shaft. Thus, when the aspirating needle is inserted into the bone marrow cavity of the patient, the stimulator is activated to anesthetize the nerves in the vicinity of the aspiration permitting the extraction to commence with little or no increased pain to the patient. A nonconducting insulating shaft is also disclosed to be placed on the needle shaft in order direct the ENS current to the area of the shaft that can most efficiently anesthetize the pain conducting nerves, i.e. to the tip of the needle shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for identifying and marking regions of tissue obstruction in the upper airway of a patient. The invention provides a greatly improved method for use during a sleep apnea study to particularize the location of a region of obstruction. The precise location of the obstruction may be marked for surgical removal or reduction. Broadly speaking, the apparatus includes a multiluminate catheter having an outer wall circumscribed by multiple discrete perforate regions. The proximal portion of each lumen opens into a selected perforate region and the distal portion is coupled with a pressure transducer. Each lumen is equipped with a syringe port for injecting a tissue marking dye into the obstructing tissue region. The catheter outer wall may include a radiopaque marker in order to facilitate location of the catheter within the airway of a patient.

Abstract: A non-radioactive metallic stent is coated with a biodegradable thin coating of less than about 100 microns in thickness selected to avoid provoking any foreign body reaction. The biodegradable material in the coating disintegrates over time in the presence of body fluid. The coating contains a radioactive source of, for example, a beta radiation emitter for irradiation of tissue when the stent is implanted in a blood vessel treated by angioplasty, to inhibit proliferation of smooth muscle cells in response to trauma to the wall of the blood vessel from the angioplasty, and thereby to prevent rapid tissue growth and consequent restenosis of the vessel. The stent coating incorporating the radioactive source constitutes a first layer adherent to and overlying the surface of the stent. The coating may further include a second layer atop the first layer, incorporating an anti-coagulant substance to inhibit thrombus formation on the stent.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods are used for controlled infusion of fluid into a body cavity. In particular, the improved system allows a user to accurately control pressure created in a body cavity over a broad range of fluid flow rates required in various medical procedures. In one embodiment, the system comprises a pump having a conduit which defines a fluid flow path from the pump. Typically, a surgical instrument such as a resectoscope is coupled to the conduit to direct the fluid into the body cavity. The system controls pressure in the body cavity by using a first sensor to measure pump output and a second sensor to measure body cavity pressure. Preferably, the second sensor measures the actual pressure in the body cavity to correct for any pressure losses that may occur during fluid delivery from the pump.

Abstract: A method and a pulse pressure sensor for sensing an arterial pulse pressure waveform. In one embodiment, the pulse pressure sensor includes a housing, a diaphragm, a piezoelectric device, and a self-contained amplifier. The skin-contact diaphragm is attached across a recess or opening in the housing. The piezoelectric device has a first portion mounted in a fixed relationship to the housing and a second portion displacementally coupled to the diaphragm. The solid-state amplifier has a signal input coupled to the piezoelectric device, wherein the piezoelectric device and amplifier together have a frequency response at least including a range from below approximately 0.1 hertz to above approximately 250 hertz. In one such embodiment, the housing and the skin-contact diaphragm of the sensor are stainless steel. In one such embodiment, the diaphragm has a skin-contact surface with a skin-contact dimension of between approximately 0.4 inch and 0.6 inch.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring a system or patient to provide information regarding the status of the system. The apparatus comprises a means of transforming measured values of more than one parameter of the system using a function dependent on at least baseline and critical values of the parameters. The apparatus further includes mapping means for mapping the function to a sequence of reference values and generating a deviation indicator for each parameter. The deviation indicators are analyzed by an analyzer to generate information concerning the status of the system or patient.