Abstract: The present invention provides a combination of a splint and a pillow for use in treating and immobilizing a patient. The combination includes a first portion encased in an airtight container and a second portion also encased in an airtight container. The first portion and the second portion are interconnected by an air flow valve having a air flow regulator for controlling airflow between the portions. The first portion may include bean-bag or similar splint and the second portion includes a foam component. The two portions share the same air such that when the first portion is inflated, the second portion is deflated. Wherein, upon opening of the airflow regulator, the air pressure passes between the first portion, deflating the first portion, into the second portion, thus inflating the second portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a combination of a splint and a pillow for use in treating and immobilizing a patient. The combination includes a first portion encased in an airtight container and a second portion also encased in an airtight container. The first portion and the second portion are interconnected by an air flow valve having a air flow regulator for controlling airflow between the portions. The first portion may include bean-bag or similar splint and the second portion includes a foam component. The two portions share the same air such that when the first portion is inflated, the second portion is deflated. Wherein, upon opening of the airflow regulator, the air pressure passes between the first portion, deflating the first portion, into the second portion, thus inflating the second portion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards instruments and methods for discharging an anesthetic drug on a continuous basis for use as a nerve block. In accordance with the present invention, a catheter assembly is provided that comprises an electrically conductive wire, a protective sheath and an inflatable balloon. The inflatable balloon is at the distal end of the catheter capable of being inflated and deflated. A balloon channel terminates within the inflatable balloon at the distal end of the catheter and extends proximally along the length of the catheter to the proximal end of the catheter. The balloon channel has a balloon channel opening at a distal end of the balloon channel within the inflatable balloon, capable of releasing an injected substance into the inflatable balloon. The balloon channel further has a balloon channel injection opening at a proximal end of the balloon channel, capable of receiving an injected substance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a combination of a splint and a pillow for use in treating and immobilizing a patient. The combination includes a first portion encased in an airtight container and a second portion also encased in an airtight container. The first portion and the second portion are interconnected by an air flow valve having a air flow regulator for controlling airflow between the portions. The first portion may include bean-bag or similar splint and the second portion includes a foam component. The two portions share the same air such that when the first portion is inflated, the second portion is deflated. Wherein, upon opening of the airflow regulator, the air pressure passes between the first portion, deflating the first portion, into the second portion, thus inflating the second portion.

Abstract: Systems and techniques are provided in which the orientation of an ultrasonic image display is configured to match the ultrasound probe orientation for ease of interpretation. The position and the orientation of an ultrasound probe are tracked using a tracking device having one or more position and orientation sensors. The orientation of a displayed ultrasound image is automatically adjusted to reflect the position and orientation of the ultrasound probe relative to the body structure being imaged. In some embodiments, a background image (with possible landmarks) is provided based on the location and orientation of the tracked ultrasound probe.

Abstract: A needle and catheter system, including components, is provided such that the position of an epidural needle may be identified after insertion into the body of a patient by electrically stimulating and thus locating a specific nerve.When a specific nerve is located, the catheter is inserted through the needle to a point slightly beyond the distal tip of the needle. The catheter tip may then be manipulated and the optimum position for the catheter tip determined by applying an electrical voltage through the helical wire to the proximal tip of the helical wire, this electrical stimulation being utilized in locating the specific location of the catheter tip within the nerve. Once optimum placement is achieved, the catheter is utilized for continuous administration of anaesthetic. A catheter adapter is utilized to allow easy access to the catheter and introduction of fluid into the nerve of the patient through the catheter tip.

Abstract: A needle and catheter system, including components, is provided such that the position of an epidural needle may be identified after insertion into the body of a patient by electrically stimulating and thus locating a specific nerve. When a specific nerve is located, the catheter is inserted through the needle to a point slightly beyond the distal tip of the needle. The catheter tip may then be manipulated and the optimum position for the catheter tip determined by applying an electrical voltage through the helical wire to the proximal tip of the helical wire, this electrical stimulation being utilized in locating the specific location of the catheter tip within the nerve. Once optimum placement is achieved, the catheter is utilized for continuous administration of anaesthetic. A catheter adapter is utilized to allow easy access to the catheter and introduction of fluid into the nerve of the patient through the catheter tip.

Abstract: A needle and catheter system, including components, is provided such that the position of an epidural needle may be identified after insertion into the body of a patient by electrically stimulating and thus locating a specific nerve. When a specific nerve is located, the catheter is inserted through the needle to a point slightly beyond the distal tip of the needle. The catheter tip may then be manipulated and the optimum position for the catheter tip determined by applying an electrical voltage through the helical wire to the proximal tip of the helical wire, this electrical stimulation being utilized in locating the specific location of the catheter tip within the nerve. Once optimum placement is achieved, the catheter is utilized for continuous administration of anaesthetic. A catheter adapter is utilized to allow easy access to the catheter and introduction of fluid into the nerve of the patient through the catheter tip.