Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating hiccups is disclosed. In the method, a physiological cold block is applied to the neck of a hiccuping individual at the level of the Adam's apple lateral to the sternocleidomastoid muscles near the superficially coursing phrenic nerve and/or medial to the sternocleidomastoid muscles near the superficially coursing vagus nerve. The apparatus provides a means for applying such a physiological cold block.

Abstract: The calibrated method for characterizing blood flow in a limb of a patient during reactive hyperemia utilizes a blood pressure cuff. The method establishes a predetermined, near diastolic, pressure in said blood pressure cuff during the reactive hyperemic episode, continually senses the pressure in the cuff and periodically changes the internal volume of said blood pressure cuff by a predetermined volumetric amount to calibrate the system. The resultant change in the pressure is a calibration pressure pulse and is used to calculates pulsatile blood volume through the blood vessel. A calibrated method for determining the condition of blood vessels and endothelium includes determining, for each calibration cycle, a respective peak value for the blood volume and comparing the peak blood volume values with peak blood volume values for healthy blood vessels and endothelium. The comparison preferably utilizes a waveform.

Abstract: A barometric pressure sensor for deriving reference pressure data for use in combination with absolute pressure data derived by an implantable medical device (IMD) is disclosed. The barometric pressure sensor is located in a sensing module adapted to be located with the patient's body having a module housing enclosing an air chamber which encloses the barometric pressure sensor. An air vent extends through the module housing for venting the air chamber to atmospheric pressure outside the module housing. A protective vent cover extends across the air vent formed of a material capable of air passage and capable of inhibiting passage of moisture, liquids, and particulate contaminants through the air vent and into the air chamber. In one embodiment, the sensing module is adapted to be worn or carried by the patient and includes operating circuitry and a power supply for powering the barometric pressure sensor and periodically storing sensed atmospheric pressure values as reference pressure data.

Abstract: A compression algorithm for the compression of ECG recordings uses the Karhunen-Loeve Transform (KLT) to transform a set of N sampled ECG beats from a matrix of N.times.M samples into a new form, from which a selected subset can be retained for storage, transmission, or analysis. In order to reduce computation time and storage space, a multirate downsampling operation may be applied, which retains the appropriate spectral information in each block. The downsampled beats are then padded to make them of uniform size, and a Karhunen-Loeve Transform is applied to the sample set. Coefficients from the Karhunen-Loeve Transform of the sample set are retained for reconstruction according to one of two criteria. The average variance of the reconstructed sample set may be controlled, or different numbers of coefficients may be retained for each beat. The KLT compressed data may be reconstituted by reverse KLT transforming the data.

Abstract: A non-invasive, non-instrumented method and test kit for oral sampling and subsequent rapid or point-of-care sample analysis and diagnosis, including pH determination for detecting the presence and extent of gastroesophageal (acid) reflux. The test for acid reflux includes sampling of the pharynx by gargling with specified liquid (10) and then retrieving the resulting fluid and measuring its pH. The invention may be used both for rapid self-testing in the home as well as for point-of-care diagnosis by health professionals.

Abstract: An ambulatory recorder having real time non-real time processors is described. The real time processor handles sampling functions while the non real time processor handles other functions, such as high processing operations associated with multitasking, graphical user interface, floating point calculation, Infra Red communication and long term memory storage. The second processor is primarily provided to operate a Windows CE operating system as well as one or more embedded applications. Through this design, electrical power provided by a battery is only consumed by those components essential to device operation at any particular time.

Abstract: The integrated peripheral vascular diagnostic system electronically links a pulse volume recorder PVR, an ocular pneumoplethysmograph OPG, a photoplethysmograph PPG, an audio-frequency analyzer AA unit which characterizes blood flow with a sensitive microphone, and a doppler ultrasound unit. This diagnostic equipment generates data signals. These data signals are converted into digital data signals and are stored in a database. The diagnostic system includes a computer with a processor, a memory, a keypad input device, a display monitor, a printer and an interface for connecting these electronic components together along with an interface for the PVR, OPG, PPG, AA and doppler ultrasound. The diagnostic system further includes a report generator which generates, displays and prints a plurality of vascular diagnostic reports from the digital instrument data signals and the keypad entry data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for relieving pain associated with degenerative diseases and disorders in biological subjects such as mammals. The method employs the use of an apparatus which is capable of producing a magnetic field of a particular nature which has been proven in human tests to dramatically reduce pain. An embodiment of the apparatus includes a frame, a plurality of magnets capable of producing a magnetic field wherein each of the plurality of magnets has a north pole and a south pole and a longitudinal axis passing therethrough and are partially held in place by the frame. Another embodiment incorporates a coil of electrically conducting material is wrapped about a frame, and/or the plurality of magnets in an orthogonal relationship to the longitudinal axis of each of the plurality of magnets. A source of electrical energy supplies an electrical current to the coil enabling a magnetic field to be produced therefrom.

Abstract: An article for the identification of the premature rupture of a membrane during pregnancy is disclosed. In its preferred embodiment, the article comprises a pad having an upper outer layer, a lower outer layer, and an intermediate pH-responsive component. A double-sided adhesive strip is attached to the lower outer layer. The upper outer layer is composed of a liquid permeable material. Intermediate of the upper out layer and the inner outer layer is a pH-sensitive component. This intermediate layer is a pH-sensitive material and may be one of a variety of such materials, although a preferred material is nitrazine paper. In the presence of an alkaline fluid, such as amniotic fluid, the pH-sensitive material responds by turning to a purple-blue color. The change in color acts as a visual indicator to the wearer of the possible presence of amniotic fluid outside of the amniotic sac.

Abstract: A biopsy device for acquiring more than one tissue sample comprises an elongated, flexible actuator shaft which is slidable within an outer sleeve. A jaw portion is coupled to the actuator shaft and the outer sleeve in such a manner as to open when the shaft is moved in a first direction relative to the sleeve and close when the shaft is moved in a second direction relative to the sleeve.

Abstract: A radiation delivery catheter with inflatable chambers which provide a layer of radiation of minimum effective dose possible to be delivered as close as possible to the origin of disease within a blood vessel. The device can be centered within the true lumen of a vessel to provide even dispersion of the radiation agent to the outer wall of the vessel. The catheter comprises two central self centering balloons, one thin radiation agent inflatable chamber, and one radiation spread cloaking inflatable chamber with high strength properties resistant to rupture.

Abstract: The present invention includes using computer simulation and virtual reality (VR) tests for determining categories of neuropsychological dysfunctions, including executive dysfunctions. A test subject interacts with a computer generated simulated environment according to a predetermined test script. The test script presents a simulated environment of sight and sound which can closely mirror a real activity, such as daily routines performed by everyone; or an environment such as a game played by the subject. The test script is designed to present situations where subjects with executive dysfunctions will interact and make decisions which indicate the dysfunctions. During the testing, other physiological measurements may be measured and recorded, including subject respiration, heart rate, blood pressure, skin changes etc. The results of the testing are interpreted by scoring the subject's reactions, and provide an indication of the subject's dysfunctioning.

Abstract: After removal of a protective cap, the forward end of a barrel (1) of a skin pricker is placed against the skin and the user presses the projecting end of a trigger (6) forwards. As the trigger pivots about a fulcrum (9) of the barrel (1), a thin bridge onto a lancet (2) shears. The lancet is released, and shoots forward as a spring (3) extends, thus projecting a needle tip (4) to prick the skin. This projection is only momentary and the lancet (2), which is captive to the spring (3), is pulled back as the spring (3) reverts to a recovery position where the needle tip is safe inside the barrel. The trigger (6), although broken away from the lancet, remains captive to the barrel by the enlargement (11). The lancet cannot again be operated to eject the needle and the pricker is then intended to be discarded.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for providing a readily insertable guide wire that is also accurately steerable. One embodiment of the present invention comprises one or more thin diameter, liquid filled, polymer balloons enclosed by the guide wire coils and connected through a hypotube lumen to a pressure transducer. The pressure transducer exerts pressure via a fluid medium to the balloon(s), which then expand and exert pressure onto the inner surface of the coils, thereby stiffening the distal section of the guide wire. In operation, the guide wire will typically be inserted with the balloons deflated, hence the distal tip is very flexible. Once the distal tip reaches its destination, the balloons are inflated and expanded to stiffen and/or reorient the distal tip to allow it to perform as required, typically by aiding in the positioning of a catheter or stent in the desired location.

Abstract: A movement detector for sensing movement from an infant lying on a mattress whether the infant is awake or asleep. The movement detector is comprised of a piezoelectric transducer secured between a pair of plates with a collector one of the plates having a bore or cavity configured in an inner flat surface thereof at the center of the plate, and with the backing plate of the transducer being secured about the cavity. A spacer element between the center of the transducer and the bottom plate, concentrates the movement forces on to the transducer. Electronic control circuits are provided to monitor the signals generated by the transducer to detect predetermined conditions of the signals in response to movement of the infant placed on the mattress.

Abstract: A therapeutic magnetic and analgesic pad or bandage formed of opposed strips interconnected to define a space or pocket therebetween for receiving a plurality of permanent magnets for generating a magnetic field to effect healing and/or reducing pain of an injured body part. The strip of the bandage or pad adapted to be placed in contact with the injured body part is formed of a synthetic water insoluble resin material which is impregnated with an analgesic ingredient in a manner whereby the analgesic ingredient is gradually released in a dry volatile state and imparted to the injured body part to synergistically further minimize pain and enhance healing.

Abstract: There is provided a current detecting sensor including (a) an insulating substrate, (b) a first electrode formed on the insulating substrate, the first electrode comprising an electrically conductive electrode and a metal layer formed on the electrically conductive electrode, the metal layer having a smaller area than a area of the electrically conductive electrode, (c) a second electrode formed on the insulating substrate, (d) a third electrode formed on the insulating substrate, (e) an insulating protective film covering the insulating substrate therewith and further covering at least edges of the first, second and third electrodes therewith, the insulating protective film being formed with first, second and third openings at upper surfaces of the first, second and third electrodes, respectively, and (f) an organic film covering the first to third electrodes and the insulating protective film therewith.

Abstract: A sensor and guide wire assembly includes a core wire having a distal end, a proximal end, and a plurality of sections of different cross sections and thereby different flexibilities. At least one of the core wire sections has an enlarged portion with a sensor receptacle therein. The assembly also includes a tube that encloses the core wire over at least a fraction of its length such that the core wire extends out from a distal end of the tube. The tube is configured to enable the sensor and guide wire assembly to be inserted into an artery and to be passed to a measurement site inside a patient's body. The assembly further includes a sensor mounted in the sensor receptacle of the enlarged portion of the core wire. A first coil is arranged to enclose a first portion of the core wire extending out from the distal end of the tube, and the first coil is located nearer to the proximal end of the core wire than the sensor.

Abstract: A patch test plaster having at least one active substance receptacle arranged on a backing film, having a highly elastic backing film which is made of polymeric material, is impermeable to liquid water but permeable to water vapour, and is releasibly connected on the surface facing away from the skin to a supporting sheet and is provided on the surface facing the skin with an adhesive layer which is in turn covered by an at least two-part detachable protecting layer before application of the plaster, is characterized in that the protecting layer has a hinge-like connection on two opposite edges to the supporting sheet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for mechanically imaging the prostate with a prostate examination device. In the method, position data and pressure response data are acquired along predetermined trajectories overlaying the prostate by periodic pressing or sliding of a pressure sensor assembly attached to a probe against the prostate. In a preferred embodiment, the prostate examination device comprises a probe sized to fit within the rectum and having a head connected by a shaft to a handle. A support is connected to the probe for providing a point of rest for the shaft during the prostate examination. As the pressure sensor assembly is pressed against and moved over the prostate, it generates signals in response to forces imposed on the pressure sensor assembly. A positioning system is coupled to the support and probe for determining position data of the pressure sensor assembly during prostate examination.