Abstract: A wireless local area network (WLAN) system comprises multiple access points that are distributed throughout a medical facility to provide wireless access to a hardwired network. The access points implement multiple WLAN protocols, including a realtime protocol for realtime patient monitoring (telemetry) and a standard WLAN protocol (such as IEEE 802.11 within an ISM band) for providing general-purpose wireless access. Some or all of the access points preferably implement both WLAN protocols such that the different WLANs and wireless device types share network access resources. Some or all of the access points may also include RF location-tracking modules which may be used to track locations of patients, hospital personnel, capital equipment, and/or disposable medical supplies.

Abstract: A guide wire having an elongated core wire provided with a tabular distal end portion, and a coiled wire provided on an outer circumference of the core wire, wherein the distal end portion of the core wire is provided with a cutout section or a rased section so that a diametrical cross-sectional area of the distal end portion of the core wire gradually decreases toward a distal end thereof.

Abstract: In a method and system for monitoring the course of therapy administered to a patient, at least one information value that requires a therapeutic and/or diagnostic measure and that is a direct or indirect measure of the course of the therapy is registered continuously or in time intervals, and at least one comparison value, to be compared to the information value or to a calculated value determined based on the information value, is allocated to the information value. An alarm signal is emitted given an impermissible deviation of the information value or of the calculated value from the comparison value and is detected in the course of the comparison. The comparison value is varied dependent on the course of the therapy and is adapted to the course of the therapy, the adaptation of ensuing automatically or by means of an authorized person or entity.

Abstract: A patient's upper airway condition such as snoring and sleep apnea is treated by selecting a particulate material selected for limited migration within tissue and for encouraging a fibrotic response of tissue to the material. A bolus of the particulate material is injected into the tissue area to structurally stiffen the tissue.