Abstract: Microdialysis systems and methods that enable self-diagnostic functions for microdialysis, including continuous monitoring of diffusion, convection, and osmosis, as well as providing intelligent flow rate control, to mitigate variability in analyte recovery. The microdialysis system measures real-time tracer concentration levels in the dialysate and/or real time flow rates of the dialysate. A control circuit may compute the real-time tracer concentration levels in the dialysate and/or real-time flow rates of the dialysate based on real time tracer concentration data from an in-line tracer concentration meter and real-time flow rate data from an in-line flow rate meter. Analyte concentration data for the dialysate may also be measured using an analyte concentration meter. The control circuit may compute a corrected analyte concentration for the dialysate based on the analyte concentration data, the tracer concentration data, and the flow rate data in various embodiments.

Abstract: According to the invention, the patient (4) is placed upon a patient support (3) between an X-ray source (1) and a support for the target plate (2) sensitive to the X-rays. The patient support (3) is connected to a device for detecting the horizontal position of the global axis of gravity (5) of the patient when the X-ray source (1) is in operation. The patient (4) can, for example, remain standing. The inventive device can superimpose an image (Hg) of the global axis of gravity (5) on the digital radiographic image of the patient (4).

Abstract: An electro-slip clutch may include a friction stack for receiving input rotation from an input shaft and a surrounding hub and for attaching to an output member. A bearing surface may be provided adjacent the friction stack and a solenoid may further be provided. The solenoid may include a plunger in a first position pressing against the bearing surface with a first degree of force and in a second position different than the first position relative to the bearing surface. Thus, torque transmitted through the friction stack is adjustable by the solenoid. A method of operating a clutch mechanism may include providing a solenoid adjacent a friction stack and providing a first current level to the solenoid, the first current level energizing a coil of the solenoid and pushing a plunger within the solenoid towards the friction stack with a first degree of force.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for calculating postural deviation values indicative of a skeletal condition risk in a patient including the steps of obtaining position data identifying a position in space of body landmarks of an upper body of a patient while standing relaxed and in normal posture; obtaining weight data of the patient; calculating vertical and horizontal plumb line using the position data; and calculating angle deviation values of body parts of the patient being indicative of a skeletal condition risk with respect to the plumb line position value using the position data.

Abstract: A device for sampling body fluid includes a housing having a sleeve at a forward end thereof which is displaceable in response to being pressed against a user's skin to trigger the firing of a lancet. After the lancet is removed from the incision, the sleeve is repeatedly pressed against the skin to depress a ring of body tissue in surrounding relationship to the incision to express body fluid outwardly through the incision. A pusher member is then actuated to push a capillary tube through a front end of the housing for drawing-in body fluid. The lancet is a disposable lancet which includes a body supporting a skin-lancing member and the capillary tube. The disposable lancet passes through an upper end of a lancet carrier when being installed or removed. The device cannot be armed until the disposable lancet is installed in the housing, because the capillary tube functions to push a safety device to a non-safety position.

Abstract: A method for measuring and determining urea level in human blood by reverse iontophoresis comprising the following steps of: placing an anode electrode on skin, placing a container comprising a solution including urease and a cathode electrode on skin, applying electric current to the anode electrode and the cathode electrode so that an electrical circuit is established there between, whereby urea molecules migrate from blood into the container, determining the urea level in the blood by the changes in the pH of the urease solution.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for qualitative assessment of pelvic floor muscular strength includes inserting a spherical intracavitary device into vagina or anus above the level of the levator plate and measuring a force necessary to remove the inserted device from the vagina or anus. A diagnostic set for qualitative assessment of pelvic floor muscular strength, includes at least one spherical intracavitary device and a force gauge. The device and force gauge can be attached together after insertion of the device into the vagina or anus.

Abstract: A new noninvasive approach for intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement allowing continuous monitoring over prolonged periods, regardless of patient's position and activities. The key element of this measurement method is a soft contact lens (1) including at least one strain gage (2) longitudinally arranged around the center of the contact lens and capable of measuring precisely spherical deformations of the eyeball induced by the changes in IOP. This information is transmitted with wires or (preferably) wirelessly in real time to an external recording system (14). The system is placed in the same way as a normal corrective contact lens, no anesthesia is required and patient vision remains almost completely unimpaired.

Abstract: An apnea/hypopnea detection system and method that monitors a patient's respiratory flow, determines (a) a long term RMS energy based on the flow, (b) a long term threshold determined based on the long term RMS energy, and (c) a short term RMS energy based on the flow. Determining whether the patient is experiencing an apnea/hypopnea is accomplished by comparing the short term RMS energy with the long term threshold. This A/H detection technique is useful in diagnosing a patient for a breathing disorder, such as OSA, and/or for controlling an auto-titration pressure support system.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a biopsy device and method for the collection of at least one tissue sample from a surgical patient. The device includes a frame and an elongated piercing element attached to the distal end of the frame. The piercing element has distal end, a proximal end and a lumen extending at least partially therethrough. The piercing element has a sharpened member at its distal end for piercing tissue, and a port proximal thereto which exposes the lumen. The device further includes an elongated cutter and tissue remover disposed coaxially and slidably within the lumen of the piercing element for harvesting a tissue mass disposed within the port of the piercing element and depositing the tissue mass proximal to the port for retrieval.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for noninvasively diagnosing limb compartment syndrome by measuring a quantitative modulus of hardness. In the preferred embodiment, a nonmovable pressure probe mounted in the center of a movable spring loaded platform is applied against a limb compartment. Force is gradually applied to the probe and the platform, compressing a limb compartment. Pressure on the probe is measured as the probe pushes into the limb. The spring loaded platform displaces, and the distance of the probe tip to the platform is measured. This distance is the depth of compression into the limb by the probe. The relationship of incremental pressures in the probe and the corresponding distance of the probe tip to the platform for each pressure is plotted. A linear regression analysis is preformed whose slope forms a quantitative modulus of hardness.

Abstract: A non-invasive quantitative somatosensory apparatus is provided for evaluating erectile dysfunctions and involves the applications to the glans penis of two different temperatures. If the patient is unable to differentiate the difference in temperature, a diagnosis of neurologic dysfunction can be made with greater than 90% reliability. The apparatus of this invention provides a relatively simple device to assess a patient's neurological response to therapies.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering subcutaneous cavity marking devices. More particularly, the delivery devices may be used with biopsy systems permitting efficient placement of a biopsy marker within a cavity. The device may include an intermediate member which assists in deployment of the marking device. The devices may also include a deployment lock to prevent premature deployment of a biopsy marker. The invention may further include the capability to match an orientation of a biopsy probe which has been rotated upon procurement of a biopsy sample.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for obtaining biopsy samples using an endoscope assembly are disclosed. In one embodiment, an assembly adapted for use with an endoscopic insertion tube includes a sheath having a body portion adapted to at least partially encapsulate a distal portion of the insertion tube, and a biopsy sampling device attached to the sheath and including a collection member proximate an end of the body portion. The biopsy sampling device may be attached to the body portion of the sheath, or alternately, may be attached to an enclosed distal end of the sheath. The assembly may also include a cover attached to the sheath and positionable proximate the biopsy sampling device. An actuation member may be attached to the cover and may extend along the sheath, allowing the operator to actuate the cover between a covered position and a collecting position.

Abstract: Alternative designs, materials and manufacturing methods for guidewires. Some embodiments pertain to a composite guidewire having proximal and distal section, and a connector adapted and configured for permanently joining the proximal section to the distal section. In some embodiments, at least one of the sections is made of a linear-elastic nickel-titanium alloy. Several alternative guidewire tip designs including coiled safety/shaping structures are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting perforations in a body cavity. In accordance with the method of the invention, a fluid (liquid or gas) is delivered into a body cavity to slightly pressurize the cavity. A pressure sensing system monitors the pressure within the cavity for a predetermined test period. If cavity pressure is not substantially sustained during the test period, the physician is alerted to further assess the cavity for perforations before initiating treatment within the cavity. In a preferred form of the system, a medical treatment system such as an RF ablation system is provided with perforation detection functionality. The system preferably includes a pre-test and post-test lockout system.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for facilitating access to the left atrium, and specifically the left atrial appendage. The apparatus may comprise a sheath with first and second curved sections that facilitate location of the fossa ovalis and left atrial appendage. The apparatus may further comprise tissue piercing and dilating structures. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus for detecting exposure to environmental tobacco smoke by analyzing a sample of breath using electronic sensor technology, including surface acoustic-wave gas sensor technology. The method determines the presence and concentration of substance(s) (or a class of substances) indicative of environmental smoke exposure. Diagnostic software is used to identify substances where a stored library of signatures is compared to the signature obtained from the system. Signal processing and neural networks are preferably utilized in the analysis.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for acquiring an electroencephalogram (EEG) are disclosed. A first set of electrodes is arranged to sense cortical signals generated primarily in a region of interest (ROI). A second set of electrodes are arranged to sense cortical signals generated inside and outside of the ROI. Individual signals sensed by each electrode of the first and second sets of electrodes are directed to a signal analyzer.

Abstract: A guiding aid for an instrument to be advanced within a vascular system, particularly the human vascular system, comprising a flexible shapeable shaft comprising a first bent section having a first curvature and at least one further bent section, wherein the bent sections of the shaft have the same sign of curvature and are located substantially within the same plane. Such a guiding aid may be pre-formed by the manufacturer such that the guiding aid may be introduced into vascular branchings both from large lumen and small lumen vessels by a physician manipulating the instrument from its proximal end.