Abstract: A micro perfusion device including a casing, a perfusate supply, an inner cannula forming an inner lumen between a front cannula opening which is distal when the device is subcutaneously positioned and a rear cannula opening, the inner lumen being connected or connectable to the perfusate supply via the rear cannula opening, a perfusion cannula projecting from a lower side of the casing and surrounding the inner cannula, an outer lumen between the inner cannula and the perfusion cannula, a collecting container for the perfusate, and a perfusate outlet connecting the outer lumen to the collecting container, wherein the collecting container has a variable volume and a partial vacuum with respect to a pressure prevailing in the perfusate supply may be generated in the collecting container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for monitoring body movement, in particular but not exclusively for evaluating the falling risk and/or for monitoring sitting, standing, lying, walking and running periods. The system is characterized by the fact that it comprises means for determining the time of postural transition.

Abstract: A bi-directional steerable guidewire having a deflectable distal tip which comprises a longitudinal hypotube and a spring coil attached to the distal end of the hypotube and also includes a longitudinally movable deflection member which is attached to the distal end of the spring coil and a tip retaining member which extends from the distal end of the hypotube to the distal end of the spring coil for providing very precise deflection of the distal tip.

Abstract: A tissue biopsy and processing device for capturing and processing a tissue sample is provided. In general, the device includes a biopsy member adapted to remove a tissue sample from a patient's body, and a processing apparatus adapted to receive the tissue sample from the biopsy device, and to dissociate and mince the tissue sample in preparation for further use. The processing apparatus can include a tissue reducing chamber in communication with and adapted to receive the tissue sample from the biopsy member, and a tissue processing element associated with the tissue reducing chamber that is effective to dissociate the tissue sample retained within the tissue reducing chamber.

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: A biopsy device having an insert and related method are disclosed. The insert permits a user to obtain a tissue sample surrounding a center core(s) of removed tissue. The additional tissue provides an effective evaluation of whether all the desired tissue has been excised and a determination of whether an acceptable margin of healthy tissue has been removed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of use thereof for identifying and monitoring women at risk of developing OSE-derived carcinomas is provided. The apparatus includes an introducer needle configured to be capable of insertion into a female such that a terminal end of the needle is positioned adjacent an ovary of the female, a microendoscope having an optic fiber which is operably insertable into the needle in a manner to enable an image of the ovary to be obtained therethrough, and a tissue removing member operably co-insertable into the needle with the optic fiber therein to enable removal of ovarian tissue cells with minimal deleterious effect to the ovary.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for detecting electrical potentials on a patient. The device comprises an electrode device that is applied in the area of the forehead, this electrode device being located on a forehead support element (6) which is connected to a breathing mask (1). The electrode device preferably comprises at least two electrode elements (9, 10, 11). According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, these electrode elements are connected to a signal processing device which is located in the direct proximity of the electrode elements. The output of said signal processing device is preferably potential-free and communicates directly with a data transmission device, so that the processed signals can be transmitted to a data processing device in a cordless manner, especially by radio transmission. The invention can be used in a patient monitoring system of a sleep laboratory or in a CPAP device.

Abstract: A method for estimating the shape of an auditory filter by finding a coefficient p of a roex (p, r) filter which is used as a model for the shape of the auditory filter is provided, which comprises the steps of: generating a tone S?; generating a masker of a notch width g and level Nx? including in a notch the frequency f in which frequency characteristics of the external and middle ears of the subject are considered; transmitting to the subject a sound which superposes the masker on the tone S?; measuring the minimum notch width gx?a of the subject while varying the notch width g; calculating the coefficient p from an upper limit value gmax of the notch width g suitable for the subject and estimating the shape of the auditory filter from the coefficient p calculated above and the value x corresponding to the coefficient r.

Abstract: A guidewire with a sensor which can detect NO and/or superoxide levels is disclosed. This invention can be useful for in vivo analysis of vascular health.

Abstract: A urine collection assembly for males for allowing a male passenger in a vehicle to relieve oneself discreetly and sanitarily without having to stop the vehicle. The urine collection assembly for males includes a container assembly including a container having top and bottom walls and also having a drainage opening being disposed through the bottom wall, and also including a cap being removably disposed over the drainage opening; and also includes a fastening assembly for fastening the container to a user's body; and further includes a conduit assembly including a first hose being connected to the container; and also includes a male organ attachment assembly including a flexible sleeve being removably disposed about a male urinary organ, and also including a funnel being connected to the flexible sleeve and to the hose.

Abstract: A guide wire with a distal portion having adjustable flexibility. The guide wire may include a distal polymeric member and a heat source. The heat source may be activated to cause the polymeric member to increase in temperature and increase in flexibility. The increase in flexibility of the distal portion of the guide wire enhances the ability of the guide wire to navigate tortuous vasculature to a target site. After the guide wire has been navigated to the target site, the heat source may be deactivated to cause the polymeric member to decrease in temperature and increase in stiffness. The increase in stiffness of the distal portion of the guide wire enhances support provided for devices (e.g., catheters) advanced thereon.

Abstract: A single measurement tool is configured to measure at least one characteristic of a tubular tissue structure during a surgical procedure. The measurement tool may include an indentation defined therein that is placed against a tubular structure such as the aorta to determine whether that tubular structure has a radius larger than or smaller than the radius of curvature of the indentation. The measurement tool may include a number of first recesses for measuring the diameter of a tubular structure. The measurement tool may include at least one second recess for measuring the wall thickness of a tubular structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for obtaining and measuring constituents in a sample of body fluid. The apparatus includes a member which is sized to penetrate into at least the dermal layer of skin to collect a sample of body fluid located within the dermal layer.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a brain wave response of a fetus in utero, comprises removably connecting an auditory transducer, including at least one biosensor electrode, producing pulsed auditory sounds to a mother's abdomen to detect brain wave activity in a fetus. The transducer is pulsed with one of rectangular waves and tone pips of a selected frequency to emit pulsed audible sounds at predetermined times. The at least one biosensor electrode, including connected amplifier, detects brain stem auditory responses (BAER) of the fetus. For each pulsed audible sound a series of voltage oscillations corresponding to BAER of the fetus are time-locked to the corresponding audible sound. BAER analog output is converted to BAER digital data. A computer-based QEEG (Quantitative EEG) system improves a signal to noise ratio of the BAER digital data using an adaptive optimum filtering algorithm and analyzes the BAER digital data relative to a reference database.

Abstract: The device (10) for manual control of a surgical guide (G) comprises a body (12) provided with a conduit (14) for passage of the surgical guide (G), and a member (16) for axially immobilizing the surgical guide relative to the body. The member (16) is displaceable between a position in which it immobilizes the surgical guide and a position in which it releases the surgical guide. Said immobilizing member (16) is made integral with the body (12).

Abstract: The system comprises one or more sensor devices, where each sensor device is capable of measuring a temperature at a known location of a body of a human or other animal. Each sensor transmits a temperature measurement value and sensor identification to a monitor device. The monitor device receives the temperature measurement value and sensor identification, and computes an adjusted temperature value based upon the position of the measuring sensor, body age, and time of day. The adjusted temperature value is tested for alarm conditions and displayed for use by a caretaker.

Abstract: An apparatus (176) for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) comprises an applanation tonometer (180) having a distal end that is movable toward the eye and a disposable module (188) positioned at the distal end. The module (188) includes a sensor carrier (192) and a sensor (10) connected to the sensor carrier. The sensor (10) comprises a contact surface (14) for making contact with a surface portion of the eye (36). The contact surface (14) includes an outer non-compliant region (16) and an inner compliant region (18) fabricated as an impedance element that varies in impedance as the inner compliant region changes shape. The sensor (10) further comprises a region of conductive material (38) electrically coupled to the impedance element of the compliant region (18) and responsive to an external signal for energizing the impedance element so that the IOP may be determined.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for noninvasive intraductal fluid aspiration. Intraductal fluid is noninvasively aspirated using compression, heating and suction cycles. The device is configured to provide a compression force, deliver heat, and apply a vacuum pressure to encourage the aspiration of patient fluid. The device includes an adjustable support and a movable wall for applying compression. Withdrawn fluid may be used either for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: A tissue sampling apparatus comprises a tubular body having a primary lumen for receiving a tissue sample. The tubular body includes a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The tissue sampling apparatus further comprises a cutting cylinder having a distal cutting edge, which is movable both distally and proximally relative to the tubular body. A band having an eyelet disposed therein extends across a distal end of the tissue sampling apparatus, wherein the eyelet is advantageously movable relative to the distal cutting edge in order to sever a distal end of the tissue sample.