Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable thermal body pads comprising one or more thermal packs having a unified structure of at least one continuous layer of a semirigid material which softens when heated and a plurality of individual heat cells, spaced apart and fixed within or to the unified structure of the thermal pack. The disposable thermal body pads are intended to be attached to a user's clothing on one side and to be held directly against the user's skin on the other side. More particularly, the present invention relates to disposable thermal body pads having good conformity to user's body which provides consistent, convenient and comfortable heat application. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to such disposable thermal body pads intended for relieving menstrual pain.

Abstract: A method for determining blood pressure of an artery includes the steps of applying a pressure to the artery, sensing pressure data produced by the artery and deriving parameters for the sensed pressure data. The parameters are utilized for generating a first blood pressure value estimate using a first function of the parameters based upon a first range of pressure values and by generating at least one second blood pressure estimate using at least one second parameter function based upon a second blood pressure estimate using at least one second parameter function based upon a second pressure range different from the first pressure range. A blood pressure value is determined based upon the first blood pressure estimate and said at least one second blood pressure estimate.

Abstract: The integrated peripheral vascular diagnostic system electronically links a pulse volume recorder PVR, an ocular pneumoplethysmograph OPG, a photoplethysmograph PPG, an audio-frequency analyzer AA unit which characterizes blood flow with a sensitive microphone, and a doppler ultrasound unit. This diagnostic equipment generates data signals. These data signals are converted into digital data signals and are stored in a database. The diagnostic system includes a computer with a processor, a memory, a keypad input device, a display monitor, a printer and an interface for connecting these electronic components together along with an interface for the PVR, OPG, PPG, AA and doppler ultrasound. The diagnostic system further includes a report generator which generates, displays and prints a plurality of vascular diagnostic reports from the digital instrument data signals and the keypad entry data.

Abstract: A warming catheter for use during cryosurgical ablation of the prostate having a warming section with diffuser ports promoting even warming of the prostatic urethra; the warming catheter is also provided with a short monorail lumen, monorail tip lumen, or a full length monorail lumen.

Abstract: A method and system for the delivery of radiofrequency energy to the tissue, particularly, the prostate, to alleviate the symptoms of BPH is disclosed. The system incorporates a bipolar or multipolar electrode array to create an electric field where the heat created is confined solely to a specific volume of the prostate gland and therefore the heated tissue is defined only by the electrode geometry. The bipolar electrode array provides a variety of three dimensional, symmetric heating patterns within the prostatic tissue depending on the relative electrode lengths and angular separation. The system provides precision tissue temperature and impedance measurements thereby enabling the surgeon to accurately predict heating pattern performance and tissue response to RF heating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the sampling of blood or other body fluids which includes means for the direct measurement of the analyte of interest within the fluid. Also disclosed is a `closed-loop` device and method wherein the analyte is measured and the required amount of drug is determined and injected, without removal of the device from the patient's body.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating perfusion adjacent a skin surface includes a housing having first and second interior regions. The housing is configured to engage the skin surface. The apparatus also includes a plunger located in the first region of the housing for applying pressure to a first zone of the skin surface, a vacuum connection coupled to the second region of the housing to permit suction to be applied to the second region of the housing and to a second zone of the skin surface, a first temperature sensor for generating an output signal related to the temperature of the first zone of the skin surface, a second temperature sensor for generating an output signal related to the temperature of the second zone of the skin surface, and a processor circuit coupled to the first and second temperature sensors for determining a differential temperature between the first and second zones of the skin surface to provide an indication of perfusion adjacent the skin surface.

Abstract: A weight-bearing apparatus such as a cushion, prosthetic device or bed mattress includes a support surface having a shaped or sculpted portion that conforms to the shape of a body portion being supported. The shaped portion fits to the body portion, thereby to position the body portion so as to situate one or more weight-bearing parts of the body portion over specific zones of the support surface that are cooled below normal body temperature. The reduced temperature applied to the zones of the support surface removes heat from the weight-bearing areas, thereby reducing, the risk of injury to tissue in those areas.

Abstract: A liquid coolant supply system for supplying a liquid coolant to a thermal therapy catheter includes a sensor control unit, a liquid coolant containment unit and mounts. The sensor control unit includes a pump, a cooling device, a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor. The liquid coolant containment unit includes a sealed reservoir, a coolant-sensor interface module and a pump interface fluidly coupled to the thermal therapy catheter. The coolant-sensor interface module includes a body defining a fluid chamber, a temperature interface supported adjacent the fluid chamber within the body, and a pressure interface supported adjacent the fluid chamber within the body. The mounts removably support the sealed reservoir, pump interface, temperature interface and pressure interface of the containment unit adjacent the cooling device, the pump, the temperature sensor and the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A system and method for treating a prostate of a patient is disclosed. The system includes a rectal probe for insertion into a rectum of the patient. A fluid supply system connected to the rectal probe supplies fluid to the rectal probe. A microwave radiation system, which is positioned anterior to the rectum of the patient, heats tumorous tissue of the prostate. The combination of the microwave radiation system and the fluid supplied to the rectal probe creates an asymmetrical heating pattern about a urethra of the patient and protects tissue adjacent to the rectal probe from thermal damage during radiation of the tumorous tissue.

Abstract: An electric heating pad is provided, the heating pad having a conductive sheet, the conductive sheet provided with an elongated opening and a perimeter. The conductive sheet is comprised of a flexible and pliable material so that the conductive sheet is capable of following and adhering to the contour of the surface of the human body when applied thereto. A first sheet material, having a seal area disposed on the first sheet material and a perimeter larger than the perimeter of the conductive sheet so as to extend over the conductive sheet to define a sealing edge is provided. A second sheet material, having a seal area disposed on the second sheet material and a perimeter larger than the perimeter of the conductive sheet so as to also extend over the conductive sheet to define a sealing edge is also provided.

Abstract: A bootie is provided including a sleeve having a tubular configuration and adapted to be slid onto a foot of a user. At least one pocket is mounted on the sleeve. At least one thermal pack is included to be removably situated within the pocket.

Abstract: Devices and methods for determining analyte levels are described. The devices and methods allow for the implantation of analyte-monitoring devices, such as glucose monitoring devices, that result in the delivery of a dependable flow of blood to deliver sample to the implanted device. The devices comprise a unique microarchitectural arrangement in the sensor region that allows accurate data to be obtained over long periods of time.

Abstract: A control system to establish consistency in carrying out an epilation procedure, in which a main microcomputer is associated with an RF amplifier chain for producing RF energy to be transmitted to a hair follicle of a patient by means of an epilator probe, and a slave microcomputer is associated with the main microcomputer and the RF amplifier chain to protect the patient from a misapplication of RF power, the slave microcomputer independently monitors pulse timing and cooperates with the main microcomputer to enable the RF amplifier chain.

Abstract: A physiological pressure transducer is disclosed which can be adapted for multiple uses and which employs a low cost semiconductor strain gauge sensor. The transducer is connected to a fluid-filled catheter/manometer system for measuring pressures inside a living body in areas of medical interest such as the heart, brain, uterus, or the vascular system. The catheter is coupled to the pressure transducer through a unique, disposable dome containing a compliant isolation media which is in intimate contact with the transducer diaphragm. The complete assembly is adapted for use with standard catheter flushing solutions and flush devices. An improved method of drawing blood samples by using the features of the assembly is also described.

Abstract: A method for determining blood pressure of an artery includes the steps of applying a pressure to the artery, sensing pressure data produced by the artery and deriving parameters for the sensed pressure data. The parameters are utilized for generating a first blood pressure value estimate using a first function of the parameters based upon a first range of pressure values and by generating at least one second blood pressure estimate using at least one second parameter function based upon a second blood pressure estimate using at least one second parameter function based upon a second pressure range different from the first pressure range. A blood pressure value is determined based upon the first blood pressure estimate and said at least one second blood pressure estimate.

Abstract: A microwavable heating pad that includes a pouch, accessing apparatus, a sealed bag, and discrete particles. The pouch contains a chamber and has a heat exchange layer contactable with a part of a body to which heat is to be applied. The accessing apparatus is associated with the pouch and is used to selectively access the chamber in the pouch. The sealed bag is replaceably contained in the chamber in the pouch and is accessible through the accessing apparatus and is in heat exchange communication with the heat exchange layer of the pouch.

Abstract: A sterile surgical-thermal drape (10) is provided. The sterile surgical-thermal drape (10) includes a sterile surgical drape (12) that maintains a sterile field and a thermal device (14) attached (16) to the sterile surgical drape (12) for regulating the body temperature of a patient (32).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for altering a function of neural tissue in a patient. An electromagnetic signal is applied to the neural tissue through an electrode. The electromagnetic signal has a frequency component above the physiological stimulation frequency range and an intensity sufficient to produce an alteration of the neural tissue, the alteration causing the patient to experience a reduction in pain, and a waveform that prevents lethal temperature elevation of the neural tissue during application of the electromagnetic signal to the neural tissue.

Abstract: A body heating device which utilizes heat from one's own breath to warm various designated body parts during a cold outdoor activity. The device comprises a central conduit having a mouth opening, said central conduit connected to a network of tubes, and an attachment means for attaching said tubes and conduit to a person's body. The body heating device preferably includes a distribution control assembly connected between said central conduit and said network of tubes, for allowing the person to select the amount of heated air to be delivered to different body parts. The body heating device is worn on the person's body, and each of the open ends of the tubes are placed near those areas of the body to which hot air is to be delivered. By blowing air into the mouth opening end of said central conduit, a pocket of hot air travels to the open ends of the tubes, thereby delivering hot air to the selected body parts.