Abstract: The present invention relates to novel tools and systems that provide a precision platform for professional health-related (PHR) communication where clinical relevance is standardized for the achievement of clinical precision. In particular, the present invention provides methods, tools, and systems using precision architecture control structure (PACS) comprising professional health-related (PHR) structured dialogs suitable for precise clinical diagnosis, in combination with encrypted transmission which is capable of HIPAA compliant communication of a healthcare information system with a credentialed user. The increased clinical precision of these tools, systems, and related methods affords greater efficiency in clinical treatment that is translated into increased safety in patient care, which extends far beyond simple communication of clinically relevant information.

Abstract: A wound management system (WMS) is provided that includes dressings, bandages, or implantable medical devices that are equipped with filters, environmental controls, and sensors that promote the formation of a natural biologic seal between the skin and the dressing to form a barrier to microbial invasion into the body that accelerates healing and mitigates wound or exit site infection. Percutaneous access devices (PAD) used with the WMS or other devices including peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheters, Steinman pin, Kirschner wires, and chronic indwelling venous access catheters that require skin penetration. The WMS minimizes risk of exit site infection by reducing the bioburden in the exit tunnel environment in the acute and subacute phases of the PD catheter post-implant. Visualization of the wound without taking off the dressing is provided via a window in the wound area or exit-site to visually monitor for signs of infection and the presence of exudate.

Abstract: A percutaneous access device (PAD) is provided with a reduced likelihood of dislodgment that requires a reduced implantation incision so as to increase the rate of healing and reducing related infection. The PAD has a transdermal anchor in the form of flanged wings that are deployed following the implantation of the device in a patient. A deployment tool is provided to insert the PAD into the subject, and to actuate the flanges. The deployment tool protects the surface of the PAD with an outer cylindrical wall during insertion. The deployment tool has a stabilizer handle that is keyed with a key for insertion into the body or channel of the PAD. The stabilizer key stabilizes the PAD and prevents the PAD from rotating when the outer cylinder is rotated to turn an intermediate disc ring to actuate the flanges outward.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel tools and systems that provide a precision platform for professional health-related (PHR) communication where clinical relevance is standardized for the achievement of clinical precision. In particular, the present invention provides methods, tools, and systems using precision architecture control structure (PACS) comprising professional health-related (PHR) structured dialogs suitable for precise clinical diagnosis, in combination with encrypted transmission which is capable of HIPAA compliant communication of a healthcare information system with a credentialed user. The increased clinical precision of these tools, systems, and related methods affords greater efficiency in clinical treatment that is translated into increased safety in patient care, which extends far beyond simple communication of clinically relevant information.

Abstract: A blood pump for placement in an incision in an aorta is provided that after placement contacts blood passing through the aorta. The pump inflates and deflates in order to provide left ventricular assistance. The pump has an elongated shell with a generally elliptical shape, an outer convex surface and an inner concave surface. A peripheral side edge located between the inner and outer surfaces terminates in a bead edge. A passage is provided through the shell to provide fluid communication between the outer surface and inner surface. A flexible airtight membrane has a membrane edge bonded to the outer shell surface adjacent to the bead edge to form an enclosed internal chamber in fluid communication with the passage. Preforming the membrane edge looped with a maximum linear span of curvature that is greater than a maximal transverse linear extent of the bead edge, membrane operational wear during inflation and deflation cycles is reduced in the region around the bead edge.

Abstract: A process for tracking an object within an inventory control space is provided. The space is illustratively a medical care delivery setting. An active radiofrequency (RFID) tag is encoded with a single-use code and associated with an inventory item. After a trigger event, the RFID tag transmits a modified broadcast. The single-use code that is a new number with at least one sparse digit or a new secondary number with a retained primary digit. An RFID tag configured to retain such a code scheme is provided. A hospital inventory item labeled with such an RFID tag is also provided.

Abstract: A digestive tract barrier is provided that includes a material defining dimensions of a tube, said tube sized to deploy within the digestive tract of a subject. The material or stitches that make up the barrier disintegrate in a controlled manner. The disintegration precludes the need for a surgical procedure to retrieve the barrier and allows for increased nutritional absorption after behavior modification has occurred. Through the inclusion of opening or fenestrations in the barrier, bile flow and nutrition absorption are facilitated. Disintegration is facilitated by formation of the barrier from biodegradable material, stitching non-degradable swatches with disintegrating stitching, or the use of a MEMS cutter. A digestive barrier coated on either the interior or exterior of the tube facilitates management of conditions such as obesity, colitis, and Crohn's disease.

Abstract: A system is provided for subject movement compensation during a medical procedure. The system uses passive radiofrequency identification tags associated with a subject, and at least one active RFID reader is positioned to interrogate the position of at least three such passive radiofrequency identification tags so as to triangulate the geometric position of a subject body tissue. The reader generates an output signal corresponding to a distance between said reader and a tag. A microprocessor calculates a displacement of a tag relative to the reader from said output signal to yield a value corresponding to subject movement. A medical device operates in synchronicity with the calculation corresponding to subject movement to compensate for subject movement during a treatment process in essentially real time. A process for subject movement compensation during a medical procedure is also provided.

Abstract: A biocompatible implantable portal is provided that has a wall defining a communicative passage through an interior bore. The exterior of the portal has a neck region adapted to promote autologous cell growth on the neck region. A series of channels are provided on the exterior neck region to facilitate autologous cell growth while disfavoring fluid pooling and bacterial growth. Typical channel widths are from 20 to 300 microns, with adjacent channels being separated by plateaus having a width of between 0 and 600 microns. Providing the portal exterior neck region with a texture varying on a nanometer length scale facilitates autologous cell growth. Applying a coating such as a tissue scaffolding matrix to the neck region prior to implantation also facilitates cell growth. A coupling or a manifold encompassing the neck region facilitates the draw of vacuum and/or mechanical protection for the growing cells.

Abstract: A system for verifying patient identity is detailed which allows hospital personnel to reduce error in patient care due to misidentification of a patient. Broadly, an inventive system for verifying patient identity includes a machine readable wireless identification tag containing identification information, the tag attached to an identification badge worn by a patient, a device having data input and output capacity, processing circuitry, memory circuitry and an executable program for analysis of data transmitted from the tag, and a machine wireless reader in data communication with the tag and the device. Also included is a signal display element for displaying a signal to a user, the signal display element disposed on the device or the reader. Further, an alert system is provided for alerting hospital personnel to presence of an object or person having a machine readable wireless tag not associated with a first patient in proximity to the first patient.

Abstract: Systems and methods for decreasing errors in patient care by ensuring correct correlation between a patient and items intended for use in care of the patient are provided. In particular, an inventive set of associated items is provided in which each of the items is labeled with related identification information contained in machine readable wireless tags attached to the items. In one configuration, an identification badge to be worn by a patient and a specimen container for holding a specimen obtained from the patient are provided, each labeled with a machine readable wireless tag. Also, a kit for use in patient care is provided which includes an associated set of items and may further include a syringe, a needle, gauze, a cleansing wipe, a bandage, a tourniquet, or a glove.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods are provided for monitoring compliance with an order for a patient specimen. Broadly, an inventive system incorporates a machine readable wireless identification and sensor technology to provide feedback to a caregiver regarding compliance with a specimen order. In particular, a system for monitoring compliance with an order for a specimen is provided which includes a specimen container having an attached machine readable wireless tag. The tag contains specimen container characteristic information. The tagged container aids in indicating to a user whether the correct specimen container type has been chosen. Further, a system is provided which includes a sensor useful in indicating whether a sufficient quantity of specimen has been obtained in order to perform the requested laboratory test as part of the patient's care.

Abstract: An inventory control process includes the association of an inventory item with a reusable container at an origination point. The container is inclusive of a passive or active identification tag. The container is transported within the range of a transponder able to share information with the identification tag. Upon reaching a destination point, the inventory item is unpacked from the container and the container recycled for association with a new inventory item. An inventory delivery device includes a reusable container labeled with an active identification tag. An inventory item is inserted within the container. A disposable tamper-evident seal retaining the inventory item with the container is provided. The device is particularly well suited for transportation for timely and high clinical value items within a medical care setting.

Abstract: A cardiac assist device synchronization system includes a cardiac assist device and an acoustic or accelerometer sensor that provides a signal input to the cardiac assist device indicative of aortic valve closure. The cardiac assist device is coupled to a mammalian aorta and includes an inflatable chamber and a fluid pump. A fluid conduit is in communication between the chamber and the pump to provide for selective inflation of the chamber. A pump controller triggers the pump in counter-pulsation to a mammalian heart upstream from the aorta. A process for synchronizing a cardiac assist device in counter-pulsation with a left ventricle includes locating an acoustic or accelerometer sensor within a thoracic cavity of a mammal having the assist device coupled to the aorta of the mammal.

Abstract: A transponder-equipped ID tag is provided, deriving its power from an incoming interrogating optical signal. The invention relates to a transponder-equipped ID tag that is able to extract power from the incident corresponding interrogation signal and temporarily store it in an internal energy storage device. Optionally, optical transmission is used as either a transmission mode only into the tag or a transmission mode only away from the tag. The inventive optical means of transmission may be combined with either RF transmission into the tag and/or RF transmission away from the tag.

Abstract: An investigation process includes dispersing particulate taggants at a transit point with recordation of the transit point location. A subject passing the transit point has adhered to them at least one taggant from the transit point. Collection of the at least one taggant from the area of investigation allows an investigator to assign the location of the dispersal step to a path taken by the subject between the transit point and the area of investigation.

Abstract: An elongated patient support table [22] with a horizontal patient support surface has a contoured radiolucent table extension assembly [26, 126] connected thereto in cantilever fashion for supporting the head and upper torso of a patient [27]. An outer end of the extension assembly [26, 126] has a reduced width compared to the support table [22] to enable extendable movement of the radiolucent extension assembly [26, 126] into a scanning zone defined by a central opening [112] of a diagnostic unit such as a CT scanner [20]. The table extension assembly [26, 126] supports the patient [27] via an inboard radiolucent horseshoe headrest [32, 132] and an outer tool support [54, 122] for holding an outer stabilization device [66, 166] such as a radiolucent skull clamp [74, 174].

Abstract: An elongated patient support table with a horizontal patient support surface is provided with a radiolucent table extension connected thereto in cantilever fashion for supporting the head and upper torso of a patient. The outer end of the extension has a reduced width compared to the support table to enable extendable movement of the radiolucent extension into a scanning zone of a diagnostic unit such as a CT scanner. The table extension has at its outer end a tool support for supporting and stabilizing medical instruments, and the table extension is tiltable above and below the horizontal. The combination of the support table with the radiolucent table extension supports the patient in a desired posture for an operative procedure both during the scanning and surgical procedures.