Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for monitoring cardiac output using bioelectrical impedance techniques in which first and second electrodes are placed in the trachea and/or bronchus in the vicinity of the ascending aorta, while an excitation current is injected into the thorax via first and second current electrodes, so that bioelectrical impedance measurements based on the voltage drop sensed by the first and second electrodes reflect voltage changes induced primarily by blood flow dynamics, rather than respiratory or non-cardiac related physiological effects. Additional sense electrodes may be provided, either internally, or externally, for which bioelectrical impedance values may be obtained. Methods are provided for computing cardiac output from bioelectrical impedance values. Apparatus and methods are also provided so that the measured cardiac output may be used to control administration of intravenous fluids to an organism or to optimize a heart rate controlled by a pacemaker.

Abstract: A method for measuring perception of an observer comprises a) selecting a first, second, and third stimulus and presenting the stimuli to the observer; b) determining observer-defined fourth stimulus such that the observer perceives the fourth stimulus to be related to the third stimulus in the same way as the observer perceives the second stimulus to be related to the first stimulus; c) selecting a new first, second, and third stimulus, at least one of the new stimuli corresponding to a stimulus point that is different from the stimulus points corresponding to the previously selected stimulus; d) determining a new observer-defined fourth stimulus such that the observer perceives the new fourth stimulus to be related to the new third stimulus in the same way as the observer perceives the new second stimulus to be related to the new first stimulus; and e) performing steps (c) through (d) until a predetermined number of sets of four stimuli are determined.

Abstract: A system for diagnosing medical conditions, such as low back pain (LBP), is provided, whereby a neural network is trained by presentation of large amounts of clinical data and diagnostic outcomes. Following training, the system is able to produce the diagnosis from the clinical data. While the present invention may be useful in diagnosing LBP in one embodiment, other applications of the present invention, both in the medical field and in other fields, are also envisioned. This intelligent diagnostic system is less expensive and more accurate than conventional diagnostic methods, and has the unique capability to improve its accuracy over time as more data is analyzed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing an angioplasty of a patient's carotid artery includes a placement of a first elongated positioning catheter having a lumen and proximal and distal end portions within a patient's body so that the distal end portion of the positioning catheter occupies a position within the patient's aorta next to the patient's selected carotid artery. The distal end portion of the positioning catheter is curved with a radius of curvature of about 2 cm, for example, and provides a soft distal tip. Using fluoroscopy, a user can manipulate, rotate, and position the positioning catheter until the distal tip enters the carotid artery. A guide wire is then advanced through the lumen of the positioning catheter until the free end portion of the wire reaches the distal tip of the positioning catheter and enters the selected carotid artery. A second catheter is advanced over the positioning catheter, the second catheter being a guiding catheter having a distal end portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for imparting a rocking motion to the legs and torso of a user includes a base, a leg rest removably mounted on the base to support the legs of the user, and a drive system positioned within the base for driving an upper portion of the base to impart a rocking motion to the user.

Abstract: An instrument and method for the biopsy of cervical tissue samples uses a needle-stylet having a sharp tip and a tissue sample cradle. A sheath surrounds the stylet and is advanced to sever tissue. A barrier disk on the sheath limits its penetration into the tissue.

Abstract: A blood viscosity measuring system and method that monitors the rising head of a column of fluid representing a living being's blood in-vivo to determine the blood viscosity over a range of shears. The system includes a capillary tube, at least a portion of which is located within the vascular system of the being, and a riser tube, having a liquid therein coupled to the capillary tube. A sensor and associated microprocessor are provided to determine the change in the height of the liquid in the riser tube at plural points along the length of the tube from which the viscosity is calculated. The system can be utilized to determine the deformability of the red blood cells of a living being's blood and/or the thixotropic properties of a living being's blood. Use of the system enables one to screen a material, e.g., a pharmaceutical, on a test subject, such as a living human being or laboratory animal, to determine the likely effect of the material in altering a parameter of the blood, e.g.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for obtaining a sample of blood from a patient for subsequent diagnostic tests, e.g., glucose monitoring. In one aspect of the invention, the method comprises the steps of:(a) forming an unobstructed opening in the area of the skin from which the sample of blood is to be extracted; and(b) extracting the sample of blood from the unobstructed opening in the skin, with the aid of a vacuum and a stretching of the skin.In another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for carrying out the method described previously is provided. The apparatus comprises:(a) a device for forming an unobstructed opening in an area of skin from which said sample is to be extracted, preferably a lancing assembly; and(b) a vacuum pump.Preferably, the apparatus also includes a housing.It has also been discovered that an improved design and construction of the nosepiece can provide enhanced collection of blood from the unobstructed opening in the skin.

Abstract: A device for measuring cervical dilation includes a glove having middle finger an index finger, a thumb, and a palm area. A tube is attached to the index finger and extends from near the tip of the index finger along the length of the index finger towards. A calibrated line has a first end attached near the tip of the index finger and extends through the tube. The calibrated line has a second end attached to the thumb, or hangs free with a tether handled. A latch adjacent the palm area prevents unintended movement of the calibrated line. In another embodiment, an indicator arm has a first end attached to the middle finger. A flexible gauge arm is attached to the index finger. A gauge attached to the gauge arm is positioned adjacent to the palm area, and has calibrated markings. The second end of the indicator arm overlays the gauge. In a third embodiment, a meter rod has a first end within a guide tube. A measuring line is attached to the meter rod and extends out of the first end of the guide tube.

Abstract: A fecal antigen specimen tube apparatus preferably consists of a 16.times.75 mm screw-top specimen tube and a special screw cap assembly. The screw cap has a hollow "straw" with a specimen collection brush on the end. The screw-cap assembly can be removed from the specimen tube so that the brush end may be dipped into a fecal sample and rotated to collect a specimen. The cap assembly with specimen is then screwed back into the specimen tube to seal the container. The straw preferably has a number of openings along its length, which permits fluid to move back and forth through the straw as the specimen tube is agitated. Filters with pore sizes of approximately 100 microns are disposed over the openings to prevent larger pieces of fecal matter from penetrating into the straw. The filter, however, will permit most parasites to pass into the straw. The top of the straw (and cap assembly) is preferably sealed with a heat-seal film. This film seals the specimen tube, preventing spillage and evaporation.

Abstract: A passive acoustic method of detecting the presence or absence of vesicoureteral reflux in a patient comprises the steps of amplifying sound from the abdomen of the patient from a time just prior to the onset of urination in the patient, and then detecting the presence or absence of an audio signal characteristic of vesicureteral reflux in the amplified sound, the presence of the signal indicating the presence of vesicoureteral reflux in the patient. Apparatus and computer program code products for carrying out the invention are also provided.

Abstract: A practical, low cost safety device for phlebotomy. Preparation for operation of the device involves elongating an otherwise shortened-for-transport apparatus to extend a medical assembly and needle from a housing for use in a medical procedure. The act of elongating energizes an energy storing component and cocks a releasable latch. The energy storing component is preferably a vacuum drawing plunger and tube combination. When the medical procedure is complete, distortion of a portion of the housing causes powered retraction of the needle. After retraction, the needle is fully contained, permitting the device to be laid aside without fear of an inadvertent needle stick. The housing comprises a proximal barrel and a distal needle containment section. The barrel comprises a sampling tube stopper piercing cannula.

Abstract: A guidewire includes a shaft portion and a tip portion with the tip portion having a plastic tubular coating thereover. The shaft portion of the guidewire has a given diameter and the tip portion has a diameter which decreases towards a distal end thereof. A tubular plastic coating is placed on at least the tip portion of the guidewire. The outer diameter of the coating on the tip portion exceeds the diameter of the shaft portion. The diameter of the plastic coating is reduced so as to be no greater than the diameter of the shaft portion. A hydrophilic coating may be applied over the shaft and the tip portion of the guidewire.

Abstract: A method of determining a physiological state of a ruminant animal monitors the core body temperature of the ruminant animal. A bolus including a temperature sensor and a transmitter is placed within a stomach of the ruminant animal. A plurality of temperatures are sensed within the stomach using the sensor, with each temperature representing a temperature at a respective discrete point in time over a time period. A plurality of air-borne signals are transmitted to a remote receiver using the transmitter, with each air-borne signal representing at least one of the sensed temperatures. The plurality of temperatures are mathematically analyzed at discrete points in time over the time period using the remote receiver. The physiological state of the ruminant animal is determined using the mathematically analyzed temperatures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for characterizing gastrointestinal sounds includes a microphone array to be positioned on a body for producing gastrointestinal sound signals. The signals are digitized and their spectra and duration is determined by a processor. A characterization as to the state of the gastrointestinal tract is made on the basis of the spectra and duration of the sound or event.

Abstract: A multiple-draw syringe for extraction of a fluid into at least one fluid container comprising a cylindrical body having a distal end and an open proximal end, a hollow needle extending from the distal end, a piston sealably engaging and slidable along an interior wall of the cylindrical body, a ball check valve, a plunger for moving the piston proximally or distally within the cylindrical body, and a conduit extending through the piston to an enclosed fluid collection receptacle. The distal end includes a first chamber provided with a fluid inlet at one end and a fluid outlet at an opposite end. The first chamber has a conical sidewall adjacent the fluid inlet and a plurality of radially spaced stems adjacent the fluid outlet. The distal end is open to the flow of a fluid into the cylindrical body through the first chamber when the syringe is in use.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of determining a breathing resistance index of a sleeping subject from a set of respiratory sounds. The method includes the steps of selecting a first set of respiratory events of the set of respiratory sounds and manually determining a classification content of the first set of respiratory events. The method further includes extrapolating the classification content of the first set of respiratory events to an at least second set of respiratory events and determining a breathing resistance index based upon the classification content of the at least second set of respiratory events.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for removing tissue, which includes a housing, an elongated body which extends from the housing and forms an opening at a distal end, the elongated body further forming a tissue receiving cavity in communication with the opening, a cutting member operatively associated with the housing and movable transverse to the elongated body in proximity to the opening, and a tissue retaining member positioned in proximity to the opening and the cutting member, the retaining member being selectively movable from a retracted position to a deployed position, wherein when positioned in the deployed position, the tissue retaining member obstructs at least a portion of the opening at the distal end of the elongated body.

Abstract: A disposable biopsy needle of simple construction is disclosed. The biopsy needle includes inner and outer tubes which are affixed, respectively, to a knob and handle assembly. A resiliently flexible lip is positioned within the handle to overlie and constrict the aperture through which the knob is received during assembly of the inner needle and the outer needle. During assembly, the lip deflects as the knob passes into the handle and then returns to an undeflected state once the knob is fully seated within the handle. The lip restrains axial movement of the knob and the inner tube in the fully assembled biopsy needle. The knob may be provided with a knurled surface which engages the free end of a resiliently flexible tab disposed within the handle when the knob is rotated. The interaction of ridges and valleys on the knurled surface with the free end of the flexible tab provides a positive tactile and audible indication of the relative rotation of the inner tube relative to the outer tube.

Abstract: A leveling device capable of adjusting the inclination of a member, such as a vertical support post of a laser beam guidance apparatus for use in performing biopsies, in orthogonal first and second planes. The device has a fixed base plate upon which an intermediate tilt plate is rotatably supported so as to allow rotation of the intermediate tilt plate in the first plane. An upper tilt plate is rotatably supported on the intermediate tilt plate so as to allow rotation of the upper tilt plate in the second plane. A first adjusting screw provides adjustment of the rotation of the intermediate tilt plate in the first plane by imparting a force that counterbalances a spring force that also acts on the intermediate tilt plate. A second adjusting screw provides adjustment of the rotation of the upper tilt plate in the second plane by imparting a force that counterbalances a spring force that also acts on the upper tilt plate.