Abstract: A disposable unit for a biopsy device includes a hollow needle configured to define a longitudinal path. A sample-receiving device having a cavity is configured to move in the hollow needle along the longitudinal path between an extended position and a retracted position. A transport device is configured to move the sample-receiving device in the hollow needle between the extended position and the retracted position. The transport device includes a bendable elongate element having a proximal portion and a distal end, the distal end being connected to the sample-receiving device. The bendable elongate element has a tooth surface that is engaged by a rotatable gear. A coiling device is configured to coil the proximal portion of the bendable elongate element as the sample-receiving device is moved linearly along the longitudinal path from the extended position to the retracted position by operation of the rotatable gear.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a system and method for measuring the structural characteristics of an object. The object is subjected to an energy application processes and provides an objective, quantitative measurement of structural characteristics of an object. The system may include a device, for example, a percussion instrument, capable of being reproducibly placed against the object undergoing such measurement for reproducible positioning. The structural characteristics as defined herein may include vibration damping capacities, acoustic damping capacities, structural integrity or structural stability.

Abstract: An acoustic monitoring system has an acoustic front-end, a first signal path from the acoustic front-end directly to an audio transducer and a second signal path from the acoustic front-end to an acoustic data processor via an analog-to-digital converter. The acoustic front-end receives an acoustic sensor signal responsive to body sounds in a person. The audio transducer provides continuous audio of the body sounds. The acoustic data processor provides audio of the body sounds upon user demand.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of assessing proprioceptive status by calculating a proprioceptive score Sp from absolute and variable errors between target angles and angles estimated and joint motion detection by the person tested, and/or between measured time of perceived movement of the joint of the tested person these proprioceptive scores of a person being associated with an assessment date and then stored with a date so as to serve as a reference when said person is monitored or when there is a comparison of said person with at least another person. The present invention also concerns an apparatus for the proprioceptive assessment of at least one joint, this apparatus having two movable parts (8, 9) with drive means (12, 15) particular for the pivoting of the movable parts (8, 9), means of determining the pivot angle for each of the first and second parts (8, 9) also being provided. Applications are in the field of proprioceptive assessment by movement of a limb of a person.

Abstract: Embodiments of devices and methods for evaluating tissue are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for measuring a characteristic of a tissue may include passing a current through the tissue, measuring a signal corresponding to the voltage resulting from passing the current through the tissue, analyzing current passed through the tissue and resulting voltage to determine the electrical characteristics of the tissue; and analyzing the electrical characteristics of the tissue to determine a status of the tissue. Disposable sensors are disclosed.

Abstract: A guidewire for use in ear, nose and throat procedures may include an elongate core wire having a proximal region and a distal region. The distal region of the core wire may include a flattened portion adapted to provide preferential flexure along at least one axis of the wire. The distal region of the core wire may include a tip portion distal of the flattened portion, where at least one cross-sectional dimension of the tip portion is greater than at least one cross-sectional dimension of the flattened portion. The guidewire may include an outer coil disposed around at least a portion of the elongate core wire. The guidewire may also include an atraumatic tip coupled to the core wire or the outer coil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a movement disorder monitor, and a method of measuring the severity of a subject's movement disorder. The present invention additionally relates to a drug delivery system for dosing a subject in response to the increased severity of a subject's symptoms. The present invention provides for a system and method, which can accurately quantify symptoms of movements disorders, accurately quantifies symptoms utilizing both kinetic information and electromyography (EMG) data, that can be worn continuously to provide continuous information to be analyzed as needed by the clinician, that can provide analysis in real-time, that allows for home monitoring of symptoms in subject's with these movement disorders to capture the complex fluctuation patterns of the disease over the course of days, weeks or months, that maximizes subject safety, and that provides remote access to the clinician or physician.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a server detects temperature increase in basal body temperature measured later relative to basal body temperature measured earlier between chronologically adjacent pieces of basal body temperature data, among basal body temperature data between a menstruation starting day and a next menstruation starting day; and estimates an ovulation day on the basis of the detected temperature increase.

Abstract: A guidewire, methods of manufacture, and methods of use is described. The guidewire may include a core having one or more preformed ribs along a portion thereof. The ribs may form a portion of the outer surface of the guidewire or form a texture or shape of the outer surface of the guidewire. The ribs and outer texture of the guidewire can beneficially help the guidewire remain in a desired location in a body and help prevent or limit migration. Forming the ribs on the outer surface of the core may enable the guidewire to have greater rigidity and stiffness. The core may include a reduced diameter region distal of the ribs. The guidewire may include a cap over the reduced diameter region of the core.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure comprise improved systems and methods for monitoring physiological parameters such as intracranial pressure (“ICP”), intracranial temperature, and subject head position. For example, in some embodiments, an implantable apparatus for measuring ICP can be implanted into a subject skull. The apparatus can comprise an implant body having a hermetically sealed chamber housing a gas at a reference pressure, and a pressure conduction catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end is configured to extend into the brain through a burr hole in the skull and includes a plurality of ports. A barrier can cover the ports of the distal end of the pressure conduction catheter, wherein the barrier and pressure conduction catheter are filled with a number of gas molecules so that the barrier is not in tension in a predefined range of ICPs.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for assessing the function of parts of one or more sensory fields of a subject. Pupillary responses to at least two clustered ensembles of stimuli presented to predetermined portions of the sensory fields to be tested are measured. Each cluster comprises individual stimuli presented at locations across the sensory field, where the locations are defined on appropriate axes for the tested sensory fields. The method comprises: presenting statistically independent sequences of selected individual stimuli from the two or more clustered stimulus ensembles to a sensory field of a subject, thereby evoking pupillary responses in at least one pupil of the subject; detecting responses of the pupil or pupils evoked by the stimuli using at least one sensor; and processing the detected responses to relate the detected response to the sensory function of each component part of the sensory field.

Abstract: A biopsy needle comprises a first lumen open to a tissue penetrating distal tip of the needle for receiving a tissue sample therein and a second lumen in combination with a filter separating the first and second lumens from one another, the filter being configured to permit fluids to pass therethrough while preventing the sampled tissue from passing therethrough.

Abstract: Provided is a biofeedback apparatus using a magnetic stimulator. In the biofeedback apparatus, a tube filled with a non-conductive fluid is disposed between a magnetic stimulator and patient's pelvic floor muscles to measure a change in pressure according to muscle exercise of the pelvic floor muscles, biofeedback is available without insertion of a tool for measurement of a pressure or an EMG (electromyogram) into vagina, urethra, or the like. In the biofeedback apparatus, since driving of the magnetic stimulator and driving of a pressure transducer do not influence each other, a controller can continuously monitor a state of change in pressure of the pelvic floor muscles by using the pressure transducer and, at the same time, can adjust a strength of a magnetic field generated from the magnetic stimulator to an optimal strength according to the monitored state, so that it is possible to maximize the effect of treatment.

Abstract: A guide wire (1) for use with a catheter comprises a core wire (3) terminating in a distal portion (18) of flat ribbon-like construction having respective opposite major surfaces (29,30). A spring (24) is brazed to a distal end (27) of the distal portion (18) and to the core wire (3) at a tapering portion (14). A reinforcing member (38) extends axially along the distal portion (18) from a proximal end (26) of the distal portion (18) to a location (40) for reinforcing the distal portion (18) for in turn increasing its torsional rigidity in order to minimize axial twisting of the distal portion (18).

Abstract: The present invention extends to a closed IV line draw system which may be used with a PIVC or another vascular access device to collect blood samples. The closed IV line draw system consists of various integrated components that allow the system to remain closed during the blood collection process. In this way, the closed IV line draw system simplifies the blood collection process and reduces the risk of contamination to the PIVC or other vascular access device.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device for testing the strength of a human foot. The device includes a substantially planar member having a top surface and a bottom surface. The device also includes a foot-engaging member moveable along the top surface substantially planar member from a first position to a second position. In addition, the device includes a force sensor fixed with respect to the substantially planar member, where the force sensor resists movement between the first position and the second position. Further, the device includes a tension bearing element connecting the foot-engaging member to the force sensor.

Abstract: A method for monitoring workplace safety and evaluating risks during lifting activities is provided, the method comprising receiving signals from wearable first and second devices, identifying portions of the signals corresponding to lifting activities, excerpting the portions of the signals corresponding to lifting activities, and calculating risk metrics based on measurements extracted from the excerpted portions of the signals, the risk metric indicative of high risk lifting activities.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting seizures with motor manifestations including detecting EMG signals, isolating from the EMG signals spectral data for a plurality of frequency bands, and calculating a T-squared value there from. The T-squared values may be detected in real time, such as in a patient's home environment, and the T-squared data may be compared to a threshold T-squared value to determine whether an alarm is sent.

Abstract: A method for introducing an elongate medical instrument with a shaped portion into the body of a subject includes at least partially straightening the shaped portion from an exterior of the elongate medical instrument. A retention element may then be introduced into an interior of the shaped portion to maintain the shaped portion in an at least partially straightened configuration as the external force is removed from the shaped portion. With the retention element in place, the shaped portion may be introduced to a desired location within a hollow interior of an internal organ. The retention element may then be removed to enable the shaped portion to return to its desired shape. A straightening apparatus includes the retention element, as well as an external element that at least partially straightens the shaped portion of the elongate medical instrument from the outside. A system includes the elongate medical instrument and the straightening apparatus.

Abstract: A tissue collection needle with a hollow interior provides two opposing tips with beveled edges on facets that drive tissue toward the hollow interior where the tissue can be gathered and severed from surrounding tissue as the needle advances through a biological specimen. The points and bevels are advantageously formed from a minimal number of cuts amenable to rapid fabrication from readily available hollow needle stock.