Abstract: A system and method for an improved biological interface system that processes multicellular signals of a patient and controls one or more devices is disclosed. The system includes a sensor that detects the multicellular signals and a processing unit for producing the control signal based on the multicellular signals. The system may include improved communication, self-diagnostics, and surgical insertion tools.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to a neuralphysiological data acquisition system configured to wirelessly transmit neural data from a patient to a receive subsystem. In an embodiment, a neuralphysiological data acquisition system includes a plurality of electrodes, a headstage, and a wireless module. The electrodes are configured to be implanted subcutaneously within neural tissue of a patient and to collect analog neural data from the patient. The headstage is coupled to the electrodes, and configured to receive and convert the analog neural signals to digital output. The wireless module is coupled to the headstage and configured to wireless transmit a signal representing the digital output to a receive subsystem including a wireless receiver.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an implantable neural signal acquisition apparatus includes a plurality of electrodes, an implantable electronics package, and a wire bundle. The electrodes are configured to be subcutaneously implanted within neural tissue of a test subject and to collect analog neural signals from the test subject. The implantable electronics package is configured to be subcutaneously implanted within the test subject and to convert the analog neural signals to digital output. The wire bundle is coupled between the electrode array and the implantable electronics package and is configured to convey the analog neural signals from the electrodes to the implantable electronics package.

Abstract: A system and method for an improved biological interface system that processes multicellular signals of a patient and controls one or more devices is disclosed. The system includes a sensor that detects the multicellular signals and a processing unit for producing the control signal based on the multicellular signals. The system may include improved communication, self-diagnostics, and surgical insertion tools.

Abstract: A connector is provided which includes a body with a conduit therethrough and a connecting mechanism for releasably securing a tube the first end of the connector. The body has a first end, a second end, an inner surface and an outer surface. The connecting mechanism desirably includes a compression fitting. The present invention is also provides a method of using a universal connector adapted for use with a medical device.

Abstract: A connector is provided which includes a body with a conduit therethrough and a protrusion extending from the body. The body has a first end, a second end, an inner surface and an outer surface. The protrusion desirably extends from the outer surface of the body and is desirably configured to be received in a second member so as to allow the connector and the second member to be releasably interconnected. Although a connector in accordance with the present invention may be used with feeding sets, enteral feeding tubes and the like, it is use is not limited thereto, nor is its use limited to use in the medical arts.

Abstract: A ferrule is provided which comprises an inner wall defining a conduit extending between an inlet opening and an outlet opening; a first surface is defined by a first region of the inner wall; and a second surface is defined by a second region of the inner wall.

Abstract: The flexible endoscopic probe of the present invention includes mechanically engaged components within the tip of the probe. That is, the probe includes a viewing system including a coherent optical fiber having a lens that is mechanically engaged to the tip thereof. Additionally, a metal sleeve may be utilized at the tip of the probe to mechanically bind all of the components within the probe at its tip. Potting materials or adhesives may also be utilized to seal the components within the probe tip. Owing to the usage of mechanical binding methods, the probe is more durable and may be heat sterilized in an autoclave, or the like, in order to permit repeated usage of the probe.

Abstract: A system and method for inserting a gastrostomy catheter through a passageway formed through the abdominal and stomach walls of a patient. The gastrostomy catheter is mounted onto a dilatation catheter with a dilatation member such as an inelastic balloon on the distal extremity thereof. An introducer needle is first advanced through the walls of the patient's abdomen and stomach into the interior of the stomach and then a guidewire is advanced through the inner lumen of the needle into the stomach interior. The gastrostomy catheter-dilatation catheter assembly is advanced over the guidewire until the balloon on the dilatation catheter is in proper position crossing both the abdominal and gastric walls. Upon inflation of the balloon on the dilatation catheter, the passageway is expanded enough so that the gastrostomy catheter can be advanced therethrough to dispose the distal end of the gastrostomy catheter within the interior of the stomach.

Abstract: A ferrule is provided which comprises an inner wall defining a conduit extending between an inlet opening and an outlet opening; a first taper lock surface is defined by a first region of the inner wall for forming a taper lock with a first connector portion having first dimensions; and a second taper lock surface is defined by a second region of the inner wall for forming a taper lock with a second connector portion having second dimensions.

Abstract: A transpyloric jejunostomy cannulating apparatus includes an abdominal wall trocar having an elongated shaft and a sharpened tapered end for passage through a patient's abdominal wall. A tubular sheath is telescopically slidable onto the trocar for passage through the abdominal wall with it. An elongated generally tubular gastrostomy introducer has one end adapted for connection to a suction source and a free end portion tapering toward a free end of reduced width for insertion through the gastric wall into the lumen of a stomach. The introducer has an inlet opening adjacent the free end for aspirating the stomach. An elongated slotted cannulator, generally c-shaped in cross section, has an external width for passage through the sheath and an internal width to accommodate passage of the introducer therethrough.

Abstract: A ferrule for use as a medical device which maker mechanical connection with external connector tubes provided; the ferrule comprises an inner wall defining a conduit extending between an inlet opening and an outlet opening; a first taper lock surface is defined by a first region of the inner wall for forming a taper lock with a first connector portion having first dimensions; and a second taper lock surface is defined by a second region of the inner wall for forming a taper lock with a second connector portion having second dimensions.

Abstract: A ferrule for use as a medical device which makes mechanical connection with external connector tubes is provided; the ferrule comprises an inner wall defining a conduit extending between an inlet opening and an outlet opening; a first taper lock surface is defined by a first region of the inner wall for forming a taper lock with a first connector portion having first dimensions; and a second taper lock surface is defined by a second region of the inner wall for forming a taper lock with a second connector portion having second dimensions.