Abstract: A medical records software apparatus and method is described that allows a clinician, e.g., nurse or doctor, to combine entry of new patient orders, prescriptions, flowsheet observations, etc. into the documentation process or workflow. A documentation user interface is provided that pulls patient data from a database into the display. The user can select on the user interface a category of a patient record, e.g., Significant Events or Orders, view or edit prior entries in the database in these categories, and add additional documentation for that category. The documentation is written or pushed to two areas of the database, one devoted to patient documentation and a second area corresponding to the selected category, e.g., Orders. The method and apparatus improves workflow efficiency and promotes a smooth transition from the thought process of the clinician to the ordering or prescription process, without the need for changing venues or screen displays.

Abstract: A medical records software apparatus and method is described that allows a clinician, e.g., nurse or doctor, to combine entry of new patient orders, prescriptions, flowsheet observations, etc. into the documentation process or workflow. A documentation user interface is provided that pulls patient data from a database into the display. The user can select on the user interface a category of a patient record, e.g., Significant Events or Orders, view or edit prior entries in the database in these categories, and add additional documentation for that category. The documentation is written or pushed to two areas of the database, one devoted to patient documentation and a second area corresponding to the selected category, e.g., Orders. The method and apparatus improves workflow efficiency and promotes a smooth transition from the thought process of the clinician to the ordering or prescription process, without the need for changing venues or screen displays.

Abstract: A medical records software apparatus and method is described that allows a clinician, e.g., nurse or doctor, to combine entry of new patient orders, prescriptions, flowsheet observations, etc. into the documentation process or workflow. A documentation user interface is provided that pulls patient data from a database into the display. The user can select on the user interface a category of a patient record, e.g., Significant Events or Orders, view or edit prior entries in the database in these categories, and add additional documentation for that category. The documentation is written or pushed to two areas of the database, one devoted to patient documentation and a second area corresponding to the selected category, e.g., Orders. The method and apparatus improves workflow efficiency and promotes a smooth transition from the thought process of the clinician to the ordering or prescription process, without the need for changing venues or screen displays.

Abstract: A medical records software apparatus and method is described that allows a clinician, e.g., nurse or doctor, to combine entry of new patient orders, prescriptions, flowsheet observations, etc. into the documentation process or workflow. A documentation user interface is provided that pulls patient data from a database into the display. The user can select on the user interface a category of a patient record, e.g., Significant Events or Orders, view or edit prior entries in the database in these categories, and add additional documentation for that category. The documentation is written or pushed to two areas of the database, one devoted to patient documentation and a second area corresponding to the selected category, e.g., Orders.

Abstract: A sheath for use in introducing a catheter or other medical instrument into a vessel in the body of a patient. The sheath includes an elongate sheath tube formed of a flexible material which has proximal and distal extremities and a passage extending therethrough A backflow adapter is secured to the proximal extremity of the elongate sheath tube. The backflow adapter has a central opening therein in registration with the passage in the sheath tube. A normally closed primary valve is disposed in the central opening of the backflow adapter and is movable le to an open position. A normally open secondary valve, movable to a closed position, may be configured in the backflow adapter proximal the sheath tube and distal the primary valve. The primary and secondary valves when open permit a catheter or other medical instrument to be inserted into the sheath.

Abstract: A large-diameter expandable sheath for use in introducing a catheter or other medical instrument into a vessel in the body of a patient. The expandable sheath comprises an elongate sheath tube formed of a flexible material which has proximal and distal extremities and a passage extending therethrough of a maximum predetermined diameter. The distal extremity of the elongate sheath tube is folded longitudinally to a smaller folded diameter. The sheath tube may be self-expanding or may be reinforced with a self-expanding wire or expandable stents. A backflow adapter is secured to the proximal extremity of the elongate sheath tube. The backflow adapter has a central opening therein in registration with the passage in the sheath tube. A normally closed primary valve is disposed in the central opening of the backflow adapter and is movable to an open position.

Abstract: A sheath assembly for use in introducing a catheter or other medical instrument into a vessel in the body of a patient. The sheath assembly includes an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member with a conically shaped cap at its distal end. A locking mechanism prevents advancement of the inner tubular member and associated cap in a distal direction of the vessel of the patient independent of the outer tubular member, but allows free movement of the inner tubular member in the proximal direction independent of the outer tubular member.

Abstract: A sample of a biological tissue and/or fluid, particularly plant sap, may be taken by placing biological tissue such as a leaf between a layer which is adsorbent for detectable biological material (for example nitrocellulose) and a substrate and applying pressure to urge the adsorbent layer and the substrate towards each other, thereby causing detectable biological material to be adsorbed on the adsorbent layer. The invention thus provides a convenient method of obtaining, securing and transporting small samples of plant sap or other fluid or tissue to the laboratory for such purposes as analysis for plant viruses and other organisms.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and sensors are described for detection of specific ligands in a fluid sample by measuring ligand-specific changes in the bulk electrical conductance (or resistance) of a fixed test volume, with antiligand or ligand localized in or near that volume.