Abstract: Apparatus for use in photodynamic therapy (PDT) is provided having a substantially cylindrical support to which is attached a removable, multi-sided head. Each side of the head has an array of light-emitting diodes that provide monochromatic light to activate a photosensitive dye. The apparatus may be used in invasive surgery to treat brain tumors and the like. The apparatus may be used for topical treatments by providing a removable reflector over the light-emitting head. The temperature of the head is controlled, and the head is cooled by circulating cooling fluid through the head. The use of the cooling fluid allows the LEDs to be driven beyond their rated capacity. The catheter may also include an expandable light diffuser that is affixed over the light-emitting head and that is filled with a diffuser fluid such as a lipid solution. The apparatus may also be used to provide radiant energy to plants or to patients in non-PDT applications.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a metered amount of aerosolized medication and/or for measuring breathing function includes a casing that defines a cavity, a first or discharge opening from which a subject inhales from the cavity or exhales into the cavity, a second or air opening through which air enters the cavity, and a third opening in fluid communication with the cavity between the first and second openings. The casing also defines an open pocket for receiving a pressurized canister and a fourth or medication opening through which the contents of the canister discharge into the cavity of the casing. A pressure transducer in fluid communication with the third opening senses the pressure of breath moving through the cavity. Alternatively, a fan and photocell assembly may replace the pressure transducer and sense the flow of gas through the cavity.

Abstract: Methods and systems for endoscopic suturing of biological tissue are disclosed. Endoscopic instruments are described which serve to position a suture material at an anastomotic site and deliver laser radiation to the suture material to effect fusion. The suture material includes a structure adapted for positioning at an anastomotic site and has at least a portion of the structure formed by a photoreactive crosslinking agent, such that upon irradiation of the structure the crosslinking agent adheres to the biological material. In one embodiment, the suture material can also include a high tensile strength element which is coated with a laser activatable crosslinking agent or glue. Upon activation, the suture material creates a desired closure or joinder of the biological material and is left in place while the endoscope is advanced to another target site or removed.

Abstract: A method for mediating social and behavioral influence processes through an interactive telecommunications guidance system for use in medicine and business (10) that utilizes an expert (200) such as a physician, counselor, manager, supervisor, trainer, or peer in association with a computer (16) that produces and sends a series of motivational messages and/or questions to a client, patient or employee (50) for changing or reinforcing a specific behavioral problem and goal management. The system (10) consists of a client database (12) and a client program (14) that includes for each client unique motivational messages and/or questions based on a model such as the transtheoretical model of change comprising the six stages of behavioral change (100) and the 14 processes of change (114), as interwining, interacting variables in the modification of health, mental health, and work site behaviors of the client or employee (50).

Abstract: An ice pack having a bag, securement devices, and a clip. The bag has two multi-layer walls which are bonded to form a containment section, a neck, a mouth, and a clip mounting tab. The layers of the bag walls perform various functions for the ice pack. The securement devices have hook strips mounted to the bag and pile straps attached to the bag. The pile straps wrap around the object to which the ice pack is to be applied, and engage the hook strips. The clip includes two plates connected together by a hinge. The elongated hooks are positioned such that the two elongated hooks engage when the plates are rotated about the hinge, and secure the neck of the bag between the two elongated hooks. The inner surfaces of the clip are attached to the clip mounting tab located near the neck of the bag, thereby facilitating the sealing of the bag by the clip.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the airways resistance of a person by short-time occlusion of inhalation, includes a face mask having an inlet channel and an outlet channel, the latter provided with an outlet valve, and a narrow passage close to a plenum in front of the face. A pneumotachograph is mounted in the narrow passage and is connected to indicating and recording instrumentation. An elastic balloon filled with a liquid is positioned in the inlet channel and is configured to be fully inflated until total occlosure of the inlet channel and to be completely deflated to allow free air passage therethrough. Inflation and deflation of the balloon is manually performed by means of a syringe which is connected to the balloon by flexible tubing, with both syringe and tubing filled with liquid.

Abstract: The present air tubes include a resistive element which is located in the hollow space of the tubular portion. This resistive element is adapted for providing a linear resistance-versus-pressure response is sized and adapted to cause a pressure difference or differential as air flows in the hollow space across this element. The resistive element includes a planar member having a first face and a second face, and a circular parameter connecting the first face to the second face. An aperture is formed in a center of the planar member for connecting the first face to the second face. A plurality of slots in the planar member extend radially from the aperture, thereby forming a plurality of hinged windows in the planar member. Each of the slots includes a central end and a distal end. The resistive element further includes a plurality of hinge slots. Each hinge slot is connected to a distal end of a slot, and extends generally perpendicularly to an axis of the slot.

Abstract: A system and method for providing computerized, knowledge-based medical diagnostic and treatment advice. The medical advice is provided to the general public over a telephone network. Two new authoring languages, interactive voice response and speech recognition are used to enable expert and general practitioner knowledge to be encoded for access by the public. "Meta" functions for time-density. analysis of a number of factors regarding the number of medical complaints per unit of time are an integral part of the system. A semantic discrepancy evaluator routine along with a mental status examination are used to detect the consciousness level of a user of the system. A re-enter feature monitors the user's changing condition over time. A symptom severity analysis helps to respond to the changing conditions. System sensitivity factors may be changed at a global level or other levels to adjust the system advice as necessary.

Abstract: A self-contained battery operated disposable blood pressure monitor having a semi-conductor transducer therein, the front side of which is intended to be fluid communication with an incompressible fluid in a intracorporeal catheter inserted in the heart of a patient for direct blood pressure monitoring. A calibration port vents the backside of the transducer to calibration and atmospheric pressures. The monitor contains circuitry electrically connected to the transducer which receives electrical signals output by the semi-conductor chip in response to the pressures exerted upon it through the pressure monitoring port. The circuity then electronically processes the signals so as to derive electronic data representing the mean arterial pressure pulse rate, and both systolic and diastolic blood pressures. The circuitry also analyzes the pressure wave forms of the pressure signals detected for poor signals so that it can present a visual diagnostic representative of the problematic pressure condition.

Abstract: An apparatus to directly take a sample of expired air from a subject which utilizes a stopper (3) with two distinct position. When the stopper (3) is in the upper position, it allows air blown in via the cannula (6) to scavenge the interior space of the tube (1) until the control (11,12, or 13) has indicated a sufficient volume. The cannula (6) is then pulled by the operator so that a blind stop (7) obturates the opening of an evacuation pipe (10) connected to the control. The stopper is then moved to a lower position to seal the sample of air in the tube (1).

Abstract: An implantable, passive bio-sensor (10) for monitoring internal physiological conditions of a patient is disclosed. The bio-sensor (10) includes at least one sensor or transducer (12) for monitoring a physiological condition of the patient and a passive transponder (14) that receives sensor signals from the sensor or sensors (12), digitizes the sensor signals, and transmits the digitized signals out of the patient's body when subjected to an externally generated interrogation signal. In one embodiment, the bio-sensor (100) is incorporated into the sidewall of a shunt (102) used for treating hydrocephalus for non-invasively monitoring the operation of the shunt (102).

Abstract: The invention concerns a portable medical diagnostic apparatus which includes three types of data-gathering instruments: (1) visual instruments (eg, otoscope, ophthalmoscope, rhino-laryngoscope, macro lens and fundus camera); (2) an audio instrument (eg, electronic stethoscope); and (3) data-gathering instruments (eg, pulse oximeter and ECG monitor). A video camera generates signals, based on images taken from the visual instruments. Other electronic circuitry generates signals based on output of the audio instrument and data-gathering instruments. The signals are transmitted to a remote site for analysis by medical personnel.

Abstract: A therapeutic pad for heating or cooling has a liquid absorbent to prevent liquid leakage in the event the sealed envelope of the pad is ruptured. The method of forming the pad includes vacuuming the thermoplastic envelope prior to sealing. The pad can be used alone or with a comforter to provide warmth or to remove heat from the body of the user.

Abstract: A device is provided for identifying certain characteristics of an end piece or end effector of a surgical instrument. A preferred embodiment provides a surgical stapling instrument having an electrical circuit contained on the stapling cartridge which is capable of indicating cartridge type and/or status (i.e., with or without staples) when a voltage or current is applied to the circuit. Other identification means are provided including an optical identification means.

Abstract: A method of transdermal molecular delivery comprising molecules to be delivered mixed with particles, contacting a selected area of a skin surface with the particles and molecules, applying a pulsed electric field of sufficient amplitude and duration to induce dielectric breakdown of the stratum corneum, and applying a pressure to the molecules to force transport of the molecules through the pores in the stratum corneum into the underlying skin.

Abstract: A brain-wave analysis method for analyzing a brain wave by extracting a power spectrum of the brain wave from detected brain-wave biological signals, detecting the presence or absence of peaks formed in the frequency band of each brain-wave rhythm in the power spectrum, and analyzing the brain wave based on the presence or absence of the peak spectrum; and brain-wave analysis apparatus for realizing the aforementioned method comprising a brain-wave extracting device for extracting a power spectrum with respect to a brain wave from detected brain-wave biological signals, and a peak detecting device for detecting the presence or absence of spectrum peaks formed in each brain-wave rhythm frequency band in the brain-wave power spectrum extracted by the brain-wave extracting device.

Abstract: A method, a device and a sensor to sense the breathing of a man or an animal. A breathing sensor which, in an optical way, detects changes in deposited moisture on a sensor portion is placed in the breathing air flow, and changes of a transmitted or reflected optical signal dependent on deposited moisture is sensed as a measure of the breathing. A sensor according to the invention may consist of an optical fiber, one end surface of which constitutes a sensor surface and reflects a signal in the fiber to a varying degree dependent on mist deposited by the breathing air flow on the sensor surface. The sensor can be used in other environments as well, to detect a condensable vapor in a gas.

Abstract: A method of treatment of tissue with focussed ultrasound comprises placing adjacent the tissue to be treated a reflector of ultrasound or an ultrasound energy conversion device which converts received ultrasound energy to heat, stores the heat and then releases the heat over time into the tissue to be treated. An ultrasound transducer is then oriented with its focal point adjacent the reflector or ultrasound energy conversion device. The tissue is then irradiated with high intensity focussed ultrasound while the reflector or ultrasound energy conversion device is in place.

Abstract: A disposable thermal pad comprises a substantially planar laminate structure having a first side and a second side and a plurality of heat generating cells embedded between the first and the second sides. The plurality of heat generating cells each are spaced apart and fixedly attached to the laminate structure. The laminate structure has means for providing oxygen permeability to each of the plurality of heat generating cells. The means for providing oxygen permeability is located entirely on the first side of the laminate structure. The disposable thermal pad also comprises means for releasably attaching the thermal pad to an inside portion of a user's clothing. The means for releasably attaching is also located on the first side of the laminate structure so that the second side of the thermal pad may be placed directly against a user's body.

Abstract: A method of locating infarcted myocardial tissue in a beating heart includes the step of inserting an impedance measuring tip of a catheter into the chamber of the beating heart, particularly the left or right ventricle, and measuring the impedance of the endocardium at various locations within the chamber of the beating heart. The values measured are compared to impedance values with a predetermined range of values to identify an infarcted area of myocardium and distinguish such area from normal myocardium. The measurements are also compared to a range of values for an infarction border zone. In accordance with the invention, the infarction border zone may be located. The infarction border zone is a significant source of arrhythmia, and particularly of ventricular tachycardia.