Abstract: A system for externally locating the depth and orientation of a catheter in tissue with an external probe which generates a virtual rotating magnetic field. The catheter includes an inductive coil for developing an induced signal in response to the virtual rotating magnetic field. An indicating device such as a light bar display or digital readout indicates the strength of the induced signal for locating, independently of the relative angular orientation of the probe and the catheter, the depth in the tissue of the catheter.

Abstract: A dialytic probe is provided with an insertion needle sharpened at one end, which is surrounded by a flexible plastic cannula, and may be removed after introduction of the probe. The plastic cannula is covered at least partly by a tubular dialyzing membrane which is bonded to the plastic cannula at the distal end and to a handle at the other end, thus forming a fluid-tight seal. The space between the plastic cannula and dialyzing membrane is divided along the length of the probe, such that two passages or lumens of essentially crescent-shaped cross-section are formed, with a flow-connection at the distal end of the plastic cannula, and with a connection to one of separate ingoing and outgoing lines each. The lumen of the plastic cannula may be connected to a drug feeder line. The handle holds the ingoing and outgoing lines and a potential drug feeder line of the probe.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin, having flaps and a recessed area wherein the flaps may be tucked.

Abstract: A method for compensating the determination of cardiac output for a baseline blood temperature drift, or other long-term noise. The method is applicable to the continuous monitoring of cardiac output, which is carried out by modifying the temperature of blood within a heart (12) using a periodically varying electrical current that is applied to a heater (22) disposed on the outer surface of a catheter (14) inserted within the heart. A temperature sensor (24) disposed near a distal end (18) of the catheter monitors the temperature of blood leaving the heart, producing a blood temperature signal that periodically varies in a manner corresponding to the input signal. Alternatively, the temperature of blood within the heart can be modified by heat exchange with a fluid circulated within a heat exchanger (16) on the catheter, so that heat is transferred between the fluid and blood.

Abstract: A dressing device and method are described, for use with a needle that is injected into the skin. The dressing device comprises a cover sheet and a gel medium attached to the cover sheet, the gel medium being transparent and effective to reseal after being punctured by the needle. Most importantly, the gel medium includes a sterilizing agent.Injection of the needle into the skin occurs only after the needle penetrates the gel medium, so that the needle is disinfected or sterilized.