Abstract: An ultrasound densitometer for measuring the physical properties and integrity of a member in vivo includes a transmit transducer from which acoustic signals are transmitted, and a receive transducer which receives the acoustic signals after they have been transmitted through the member and/or a material with known acoustic properties. The densitometer allows the physical properties of a member to be measured without having to determine the distance between the transducers. The densitometer is able to measure the physical properties and integrity of the member from the transit time of acoustic signals through the member and/or by determining the absolute attenuation of at least one specific frequency component of acoustic signals transmitted through the member.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for generating successive video images of a moving bone of a subject. A fluoroscope generates a fluoroscopic image of the moving bone. A video camera detects the fluoroscopic image and converts the detected image into successive video images. A recorder records the successive video images. A monitor displays the recorded successive video images as the images are being generated. The monitor is located adjacent the fluoroscope for viewing by an operator thereby permitting the operator to observe and/or position the bone in response to images displayed on the monitor. A crisscrossed grid is located adjacent the image intensifier of the fluoroscope between the bone and the image intensifier. A CPU compares the successive video images to a reference representation corresponding to a desired or previous movement or pattern of movement of the bone with respect to a second, immobilized bone and any resulting flexure of a joint between the bone and the second, immobilized bone.

Abstract: Device for sterile and leakproof interconnection in a resilient seal (5) enclosed by a cutaneous passageway (1) implanted in the body, of an inner (3) and an outer (2) catheter for supply of a drug or the like from an external container, ampoule or the like to a predetermined locality in the body.

Abstract: An arterial distensibility can be measured by putting a cuff with a blood flow shutting bag on an upper arm. The arterial distensibility E can be measured by measuring a shut blood flow critical pressure Pc, a diastolic pressure Pf at the upper arm and a crest value h of a pulse wave transmitted to the upper arm by the expression E-h/(Pc-Pf). The cuff has a forward bag, a central bag and a rear bag. The forward bag functions as a blood flow shutting bag. A pressure change in the forward bag is detected by a forward sensor, and a pressure change in the rear bag is detected by a rear sensor. Based on these detected values, the shut blood flow critical pressure Pc, diastolic pressure Pf and the crest h are given.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for monitoring the movement and force production of the lumbar spine during flexion and extension in each of several sagittal-frontal planes of the body, as well as during movement into he transverse (twisting) plane. The apparatus includes a rotatable platform upon which the patient is adapted to stand, and the platform is pivotable about a vertical axis, so that the platform may be pivoted to a selected angle and locked in position. A pelvic stabilization belt is mounted to the platform, and an overhead frame member is provided for rotation about a horizontal axis which is adapted to pass through the lumbro-sacral junction of the patient. An upper body yoke is mounted to the overhead frame member for rotation about a generally vertical axis which is perpendicular to the horizontal axis.

Abstract: A catheter accommodating an electrical wire in the longitudinal direction thereof, wherein an enlargement is provided in at least part of its cavity, and an excess length of wire respect to the catheter in the unstretched state is accommodated slack in the enlargement.

Abstract: Remote controlled afterloader apparatus and method positions high activity radioactive sources through a catheter within a human body for treatment of cancerous tissue. The afterloader includes an operating console and a remotely located computer controlled wire driver. The wire driver includes active and dummy source wires and channels for the storage of such wires. Stepper motors precisely position the wires in response to computer control and data from wire position encoders. An emergency DC motor retraction system provides a high degree of safety against system malfunction. Timing arrangements are included for timing patient treatment duration and emergency wire retraction time. A turret is provided with safety locking and cross-checking systems to permit use of multiple catheters. Treatment profiles are conducted from the maximum treatment position whereby only tension or retraction forces are used to position the active wire.

Abstract: Liposomes suitable as ultrasound contrast agents which contain media of various types including gases, gaseous precursors activated by pH, temperature or pressure, as well as other solid or liquid contrast enhancing agents, are described. Methods of using the same as ultrasound contrast agents are also disclosed. The present invention also comprises novel methods for synthesizing liposomes having encapsulated therein gases.

Abstract: A method for treatment of diseases of the optic tract resides in a rotating magnetic field, which rotates at a variable angular velocity and its rotation is brought in synchronism with the blood flow pulsation in the internal carotid artery, is applied to the bridge of the nose, to the upper portion of the orbit of both eyes, to the temporal areas, to both of the auriculo-temporal regions, and to the region of a projection of the visual analyzers.A device for treatment of diseases of the optic tract, comprising a housing, accommodating a drive and a main permanent magnet whose axle is connected to the shaft of a drive through an elastic element. Besides, a magnetic brake is accommodated in the housing in the zone of action of the magnetic field.

Abstract: Catheter tubing suitable for medical uses is disclosed, comprising an interior tubular portion and a concentric outer shell, wherein said interior portion extends beyond said concentric outer shell on at least one end of the longitudinal axis, and wherein the hardness of the concentric outer shell exceeds the hardness of the interior tubular portion, the interior tubular portion further comprising at least two resins co-tapered with respect to each other, the hardness of the innermost of which exceeds the hardness of the outermost.

Abstract: An apparatus for physiotherapeutic treatment of cells and tissues in a living body by directly inducing the magnetic energy of a magnetic field into the body in order to cure or stimulate repair of the treated body part. The magnetic field is generated by an induction coil having a solenoid with a substantially linear core fixed therein. The coil has a length of at least twice the length of the core diameter. The apparatus further comprises an electric current generator for feeding the coil.

Abstract: A computer controlled message device which can massage the entire body or any selected portion thereof. The massage may be generated by a standardized program or by an individualized program created by the user. The movement of the applicator is controlled simultaneously and independently in all three axes, transversely across the boy (X axis), longitudinally along the length of the body (Y axis) and vertically on the contour of the body (Z axis). The device can also detect the perimeter of the body and prevent the massage applicator from moving beyond the outer perimeter of the body. Furthermore, a manual control system is incorporated which enables the user to override and change the parameters inserted by the program or to insert an individualized massage routine.

Abstract: A method for diagnosis and/or training of proprioceptor feedback capabilities of a muscle and joint system of a human patient using an exercise system having a patient attachment device and an arrangement for controlling parameters of an exercise movement in response to a control signal derived from one or more measured exercise parameters. A patient performance goal is defined as a real time function of preselected exercise parameters. A perturbation signal function is defined for the control signal; and the control signal is modified by the perturbation function value during a patient exercise motion. The defined performance goal is displayed during the patient exercise motion and the actual patient performance relative to the performance goal is also tracked and displayed. An error value is measured as the difference between actual patient performance and the patient performance goal.

Abstract: A biopsy needle guide for assembly with an ultrasound imaging transducer including a transducer nosepiece and a needle guide having at least one set of alignment means and a spring means for securing the needle guide to the transducer nosepiece while simultaneously stretching and holding a sterile cover over the face of the transducer.

Abstract: A stoma creator is provided comprising a flexible tube having a first opening, a tapered dilator portion, having a second opening, the diameter of the first opening being greater than the diameter of the second opening, and a connecting portion. The stoma creator has a tapered dilator having a side wall which gently tapers from approximately 5 French to 14 French.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for non-invasively measuring changes in intracranial pressure (ICP) in a patient's skull which allow trends in such pressure to diagnosed over time. A method performed, or an apparatus made in accordance with the instant invention comprises a generation of a predetermined vibration signal which is applied to a first location on a skull, detecting an output vibration from another location on the skull, storing data characteristic of the two signals, repeating the above-mentioned steps over time, and analyzing the data to diagnose changes in ICP over time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the spatial, ultrasonic location of concrements found in the body of a living being, which are to be located at the focus of an ultrasonic shock wave so as to be destroyed in a lithotritor. According to the invention, an ultrasonic camera, which works in the reflection mode, is provided for the ultrasonic location procedure focal region which is adjusted to an object plane, which contains the focus of the ultrasonic shock wave. In this way, information from sectional planes of the body can be made available to the user, making it easier to position the concrement securely in the focus of the ultrasonic shock wave.

Abstract: An improved ultrasonic transducer for a catheter tip has a thin strip of piezoelectric polymer film formed into a spiral ring and adhesively mounted on the support structure near the catheter tip. Electrical connection between the back face of the film and the support structure negative electrode is via capacitive coupling. Connection to the front face of the film is via a wire connected to the positive electrode of the catheter. A further embodiment suitable for a needle transducer is formed by coating the tip with a solution of PVDF co-polymer to form the actual transducer.

Abstract: A blood pressure cuff formed by a cylindrical envelope of flexible, non-resilient, air-impermeable material. The envelope is divided into two circumferentially spaced sections that are isolated from each other thereby forming two separate bladders each of which may be separately inflated. One bladder is inflated to snug the cuff around the arm of a patient while the other bladder is used to make a blood pressure measurement in a conventional manner.

Abstract: A sensor set (10) is disclosed for use with a monitor (14) to monitor the respriation of an individual (12). In one arrangement, the sensor set includes a pair of spaced-apart parallel nasal thermocouple junctions (24 and 26) and an oral thermocouple junction (28) aligned with one of the nasal thermocouple junctions. These junctions are supported by a support structure (18) and are coupled to the monitor by a lead set (20) and connector set (22). The sensor set is easily positioned on the individual's upper lip by looping the lead wires over the individual's ears and securing them underneath the individual's chin. The individual's respiration produces a temperature difference between the thermocouple junctions and a cold or reference junction (69), producing an output that is sensed by monitor 14 to indicate respiration. An alternative configuration employs thermistors as the sensor elements.