Abstract: A device for locating a port, facing the exterior of a patient, on a medical implant has at least one magnet and a detector arranged to sense magnetic fields. The magnet is associated with the implanted port and the detector is arranged to sense the magnetic field from the outside of the patient's body and, on the basis thereof, determine the location of the port. Alternatively, the detector is associated with the (implanted) port and the magnet is intended to be moved across the area above the detector on the exterior of the patient's body to then determine the location of the port from the magnetic field detected. The device can alternatively use a coil which is associated with the (implanted) port and a ferromagnetic element is moved on the exterior of the patient's body over the area above the coil. Changes in the inductance of the coil when the ferromagnetic means is moved are monitored and, therefrom, the position of the port is identified.

Abstract: An improved system is disclosed for monitoring a patient's blood chemistry, wherein the system intermittently draws blood samples from the patient into a special sensor assembly having a plurality of analytical sensors, each sensitive to a particular parameter of the blood. After signals produced by these various sensors have been read, the system reinfuses the blood samples back into the patient. Withdrawal of the successive samples to a desired, optimal position within the sensor assembly is achieved by monitoring signals produced by one or more of the analytical sensors, themselves. This allows a catheter that connects the sensor assembly to the patient to have a variable length and internal volume and obviates the need for a separate, dedicated sensor for detecting the arrival of the blood sample at the desired position.

Abstract: The method and apparatus of the present invention provides a system wherein light-emitting diodes (LEDs) can be tuned within a given range by selecting their operating drive current in order to obtain a precise wavelength. The present invention further provides a manner in which to calibrate and utilize an LED probe, such that the shift in wavelength for a known change in drive current is a known quantity. In general, the principle of wavelength shift for current drive changes for LEDs is utilized in order to allow better calibration and added flexibility in the use of LED sensors, particularly in applications when the precise wavelength is needed in order to obtain accurate measurements. The present invention also provides a system in which it is not necessary to know precise wavelengths of LEDs where precise wavelengths were needed in the past. Finally, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for determining the operating wavelength of a light emitting element such as a light emitting diode.

Abstract: Making a measurement device that measures the water content and oil content of the skin into a portable size such that a female beautician can put it in a bag and easily carry it.

Abstract: A method and apparatus applies radiant energy through the skin to underlying collagen tissue without substantially modifying melanocytes and other epithelial cells in the epidermis. A porous membrane is adapted to receive an electrolytic solution and become inflated to substantially conform a contacting exterior surface of the membrane to a skin layer. The membrane includes a cooling lumen for receiving cooling fluid. One or more thermal electrodes is positioned in the membrane and transfers thermal energy to the electrolytic solution. The electrolytic solution and cooling fluid creates a reverse thermal gradient from the skin surface to the underlying collagen tissue. A thermal power source is coupled to the thermal electrodes, and a source of electrolytic solution is coupled to the membrane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the direct noninvasive prediction of hematocrit in mammalian blood using photoplethysmography techniques and data processing. The method and apparatus also include optional prediction of other analytes of interest: percent oxygen saturation of mammalian blood and methemoglobin of stored blood. The method and apparatus can be used for the immediate, periodic, or continuous noninvasive diagnosis or monitoring of hematocrit levels in mammalian patients without pain to the patient or exposure of the health care practitioner to the blood of the patient.

Abstract: A continuous sheath of open-celled porous plastic, preferably ePTFE, is used on the outside of an implantable lead, extending along the lead body and the electrodes, in such a way that the lead is isodiametric along its length, and is very strong in tension as is required for lead removal. Because the plastic is open-celled, when the pores are filled with saline, the lead can deliver defibrillation energy through the pores in the plastic. Pore size is chosen to discourage tissue ingrowth while allowing for defibrillation energy delivery through it.

Abstract: A procedure for treating glaucoma is based on forming an appropriate incision to expose the choroid and relieve the intraocular pressure, followed by electrosurgical coagulation using a novel electrode to accomplish direct cyclocoagulation. To this end, the electrode of the invention comprises a flat, thin, slightly-flexible electrically-conductive member coated with an electrically-insulating coating over all but a small exposed area at one surface of the electrode tip. With this novel shape, it becomes possible to effect coagulation where desired in a relatively simple manner.

Abstract: A therapeutic treatment method includes the steps of providing a pulsed incoherent light output for treatment, directing the pulsed light output to a treatment area, transmitting the pulsed light output through the epidermis at the treatment area, heating the epidermis to a temperature below the temperature at which the epidermis is damaged, and coagulating blood in blood vessels disposed below the epidermis.

Abstract: A wireless EEG system for effective auditory evoked response, comprising an electrode array which is adapted to be attached to a person and senses voltages produced by the brain electrical activity of the person; transmitter electrically connected to the electrode array such that the transmitter produces a radio frequency signal corresponding to the voltages sensed by the electrode array, encodes the radio frequency signal with error correcting encoding and transmits the radio frequency signal by radio frequency telemetry through a transmitting antenna; the transmitter utilizing carrier frequency shift keyed circuitry to modulate a phase locked loop synthesized carrier frequency and reference frequency shift keyed circuitry to modulate a reference frequency to allow for non-return to zero format of the radio frequency signal obviating the need for Manchester encoding; receiver that receives through a receiving antenna the radio frequency signal produced and transmitted by the transmitter and whereby the recei

Abstract: An apparatus of the present invention induces hypothermia in a patient and effects cardio-pulmonary resuscitation on the patient. The apparatus including a gurney for supporting and facilitating transport of the patient, the gurney having at least a portion thereof in fluid communication with a coolant source, and a body suit having a thoracic cuff and an abdominal cuff. The thoracic and abdominal cuffs are sequentially inflatable and deflatable for sequentially compressing and releasing the thoracic and abdominal region of the patient to induce inhalation and exhalation in the lungs and circulation of the blood supply in the patient. The apparatus further including a head cooling device which includes a helmet adapted to be mounted on the head of the patient and a mask in fluid communication with a cooled oxygen source for supplying cooled oxygen to the lungs of the patient.

Abstract: A catheter provided with a catheter tube that is inserted into a human body. A sensor detects pressure acting on a distal end of the catheter tube when inserted into the human body and outputs an output signal indicating fluctuations of the pressure. A CPU judges whether the waveform of the output signal contains a regular component and an irregular component and separates the output signal into a regular component and an irregular component based on the judgment. Based on the separated irregular component, a judgment is made as to whether an obstruction is present within an insertion path of the catheter.

Abstract: A smoker's accessory for filtering cigarette smoke includes an exhaust fan, a smoke filter cartridge having a cigarette tube with an open end through which the burning end of the cigarette is placed, a porous tubular filter element at an end of the cigarette tube, a fresh air inlet and a temperature sensor adjacent the cigarette tube. The temperature sensor activates a signal upon detection of a burning cigarette in the cigarette tube.

Abstract: A monitor system for acquiring medical data from a patient is distributed over at least two geographically separate patient monitoring areas and interconnected via a communication network. A portable monitor (102) coupled to a patient receives and processes patient data signals from a sensor coupled to the patient. At least two patient monitor docking stations (111) are provided, each one of which is selectively coupled to the portable monitor and connected for transmission of patient data received from the portable patient monitor to the communication network.

Abstract: An improved electromagnetic shield for a photodetector which uses a wire mesh screen laminated to an insulating layer. A portion of the wire mesh screen and laminated layer sandwich can then be cut out to provide an individual electromagnetic shield. The sandwich combination is flexible, and can be easily wrapped around the photodetector. Preferably, an adhesive is on one side of the insulating layer, to allow the wrapped combination to adhere to the photodetector.

Abstract: A laser levelling device for use in conjunction with apparatus for evaluation of compartment pressures of a patient, and a process. The evaluation includes at least one of diagnosis, monitoring and drainage, especially using intracranial, intravascular, intracardiac, intrapulmonary or intrafascial compartments of a patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to high-frequency generator for cutting tissue having adjustment devices, with which at least one of the momentary electric output values, such as e.g., current, voltage, power or electric arc can be set.The present invention is distinguished by, for improvement of the initial incision behavior, an electronic desired-value transmitter and a measurement device having an evaluation unit for direct and/or indirect determination of cutting being provided and said electronic desired-value transmitter providing upon commencement of an incision a particularly suited generator setting for the initial incision as long as said measurement device signals tissue-separating cutting of the probe and thereupon providing a lower desired value for the generator in such a manner that normal cutting corresponding to the desired surgical goal ensues.

Abstract: A urinary incontinence control device including a catheter with a laterally extending projection which can be elastically deformed by an actuator from a protruding position for retention to a non-protruding position for catheter insertion and removal. The actuator is slidably disposed in the catheter for retracting the projection. The catheter has a connector at a proximal end for locking the actuator in the catheter when the projection is retracted facilitating insertion and removal of the device in the urinary tract of a human female.

Abstract: An endoscopic multiple sample bioptome includes a hollow outer member and an axially displaceable inner member extending therethrough. The proximal ends of the outer and inner members are coupled to an actuator for axially displacing one relative to the other. The distal end of the outer member is coupled to one of a cylinder having a sharp distal edge and a jaw assembly, while the distal end of the inner member is coupled to the other. The jaw assembly includes a pair of opposed, preferably toothed jaw cups each of which is coupled by a resilient arm to a base member. The arms are bent to lie in planes which intersect the axis of the base member and to locate the jaws apart from each other. The base member is mounted inside the cylinder and axial movement of the jaw assembly and cylinder relative to each other draws the arms into the cylinder and brings the jaw cups together in a biting action.

Abstract: A bipolar coagulation forceps 1 with a connection 2 for high frequency energy and two forceps limbs 4 capable of being pressed together against a spring tension is so constructed that a rinsing tube can be provided in a simple manner and without impinging on the space between the forceps limbs 4. For this purpose, the forceps limbs 4 comprise grips 5 which can be pushed together against spring tension with working limbs 6 subsequently fastened on them, whereby then at least one of the working limbs 6 has a hollow cross section or is constructed as a tube and has a connection 7 for the rinsing fluid, so that guidance parts 11 can be arranged between the grips 5 for the reciprocal guidance of the working tips 3 of the forceps 1. The working limbs 6 are for this reason arranged on parallel narrow sides 8 of the grips 5, that is lateral to the grip areas, where the guiding parts 11 are accommodated.