Abstract: A steering column for a motor vehicle may include a casing unit in which a steering spindle is mounted so as to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis extending in a length direction. The casing unit may have at least two casings that are adjustably guided relative to one another through a range of adjustment travel in the length direction. Part of the adjustment travel may correspond to a transitional portion, and part of the adjustment travel may correspond to a functional portion. The casings may be guided with a greater play in the transitional portion than in the functional portion. One casing may have a guide track and another casing may have a guide element that engages in the guide track and is guided in the length direction and has a guide play in the guide track that is greater in the transitional portion than in the functional portion.

Abstract: A steering column for a motor vehicle may include a casing unit in which a steering spindle is mounted so as to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis extending in a length direction. The casing unit may have at least two casings that are adjustably guided relative to one another through a range of adjustment travel in the length direction. Part of the adjustment travel may correspond to a transitional portion, and part of the adjustment travel may correspond to a functional portion. The casings may be guided with a greater play in the transitional portion than in the functional portion. One casing may have a guide track and another casing may have a guide element that engages in the guide track and is guided in the length direction and has a guide play in the guide track that is greater in the transitional portion than in the functional portion.

Abstract: A system comprising a multi-sensor catheter for monitoring a cardiac hemodynamic condition, e.g. heart failure. The multi-sensor catheter comprises multi-lumen catheter tubing, first and second optical pressure sensors, and respective optical fibers and connectors. For right heart and pulmonary artery catheterization, a flow-directed multi-sensor catheter comprises a guidewire lumen, inflatable balloon tip, and sensor locations are configured for placement of a sensor in each of the right atrium and pulmonary artery, for measurement of central venous pressure in the right atrium and a pulmonary artery pressure. An optical fiber for oximetry may be included. The outside diameter is small enough for insertion through a vein of the arm. For monitoring of a cardiac shunt, sensors are configured for measuring pressures upstream and downstream of the cardiac shunt, e.g. in left and right atria, or left atrium and coronary sinus.

Abstract: Dual sensor system for continuous blood pressure monitoring during transcatheter heart valve therapies (TVT), such as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) or transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR), comprises a controller, a support guidewire for TVT containing a first Fabry-Pérot (FP) optical pressure sensor near its distal end, and a pigtail catheter for delivery of contrast medium containing a second FP optical pressure sensor near its distal end. For example, for TAVR, the support guidewire is positioned to place the first optical pressure sensor within the left ventricle (LV) for monitoring LV pressure, the pigtail catheter is positioned in the aorta to place the second optical pressure sensor in the ascending aorta for direct measurement of pressure in the aorta, downstream of the aortic valve, enabling continuous monitoring of blood pressure at both sensor locations during TAVR. The controller may be configured to interface with standard patient monitoring systems.

Abstract: A system comprising a multi-sensor catheter for monitoring of a cardiac hemodynamic condition, e.g. heart failure, is disclosed. The multi-sensor catheter comprises multi-lumen catheter tubing comprising first and second optical pressure sensors, and their respective optical fibers and connectors. For right heart and pulmonary artery catheterization, a flow-directed multi-sensor catheter comprises a guidewire lumen, an inflatable balloon tip, and sensor locations are configured for placement of a sensor in each of the right atrium and pulmonary artery, for measurement of central venous pressure in the right atrium and a pulmonary artery pressure. An optical fiber for oximetry may be included. The outside diameter is small enough for insertion through a vein of the arm. For monitoring of a left atrial shunt, sensors of a multi-sensor catheter are configured for measuring pressures upstream and downstream of the shunt, e.g. in the left and right atria, or left atrium and coronary sinus.

Abstract: A system and apparatus comprising a multi-sensor catheter for right heart and pulmonary artery catheterization is disclosed. The multi-sensor catheter comprises multi-lumen catheter tubing into which at least three optical pressure sensors, and their respective optical fibers, are inserted. The three optical pressure sensors are arranged within a distal end portion of the catheter, spaced apart lengthwise within the distal end portion for measuring pressure concurrently at each sensor location. The sensor locations are configured for placement of at least one sensor in each of the right atrium, the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery, for concurrent measurement of pressure at each sensor location. The sensor arrangement may further comprise an optical thermo-dilution sensor, and another lumen is provided for fluid injection for thermo-dilution measurements. The catheter may comprise an inflatable balloon tip and a guidewire lumen, and preferably has an outside diameter of 6 French or less.

Abstract: A computer device for communicating an emergency notification receives an alarm notification from a detection device. The alarm notification corresponding to an alarm condition sensed by the detection device within a space. The computer device detects an alarm condition location of the alarm condition based on a detection device location of the detection device. The computer device determines an exit location of an exit to avoid the alarm condition that triggered the alarm notification. The computer device determines an egress path within the space to avoid the alarm condition based on the exit location and the alarm condition location. The computer device transmits a plurality of commands to a plurality of notification devices within the space to trigger output of an egress notification in a coordinated pattern to identify the egress path. The plurality of commands trigger audible outputs by the plurality of notification devices.

Abstract: A computer device for communicating an emergency notification receives an alarm notification from a detection device. The alarm notification corresponding to an alarm condition sensed by the detection device within a space. The computer device detects an alarm condition location of the alarm condition based on a detection device location of the detection device. The computer device determines an exit location of an exit to avoid the alarm condition that triggered the alarm notification. The computer device determines an egress path within the space to avoid the alarm condition based on the exit location and the alarm condition location. The computer device transmits a plurality of commands to a plurality of notification devices within the space to trigger output of an egress notification in a coordinated pattern to identify the egress path. The plurality of commands trigger audible outputs by the plurality of notification devices.

Abstract: A method is provided for designing and fabricating a removable partial denture (RPD) framework including clasp retainers configured for removable engagement with abutment teeth of a patient. The method includes obtaining an initial digital model of the RPD framework based on patient image data. For each clasp retainer, a set of relevant geometric parameters is identified, each relevant geometric parameter being provided with a nominal value, and a target value of dislodging force is provided. The method further includes performing a force analysis on the initial digital model to determine corrected values for the relevant geometric parameters of each clasp retainer such that when the corrected values are assigned to the relevant geometric parameters, the dislodging force matches its target value. The method also includes obtaining a corrected digital model based on the corrected values, and fabricating the RPD framework based on the corrected digital model.

Abstract: Dual sensor system for continuous blood pressure monitoring during transcatheter heart valve therapies (TVT), such as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) or transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR), comprises a controller, a support guidewire for TVT containing a first Fabry-Pérot (FP) optical pressure sensor near its distal end, and a pigtail catheter for delivery of contrast medium containing a second FP optical pressure sensor near its distal end. For example, for TAVR, the support guidewire is positioned to place the first optical pressure sensor within the left ventricle (LV) for monitoring LV pressure, the pigtail catheter is positioned in the aorta to place the second optical pressure sensor in the ascending aorta for direct measurement of pressure in the aorta, downstream of the aortic valve, enabling continuous monitoring of blood pressure at both sensor locations during TAVR. The controller may be configured to interface with standard patient monitoring systems.

Abstract: A system and apparatus comprising a multisensor guidewire for use in interventional cardiology, e.g., Transcatheter Valve Therapies (TVT), comprises a plurality of optical sensors for direct measurement of cardiovascular parameters, e.g. transvalvular blood pressure gradients. The guidewire has flexibility and stiffness characteristics for use as a support guidewire for TVT, e.g. for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI), comprises multiple optical pressure sensors and respective optical fibers, and a pre-formed three-dimensional flexible tip, e.g. in the form of a helix. The three-dimensional pre-formed tip is configured to assist with anchoring the guidewire within one of the ventricles and atria of the heart, or within the pulmonary artery or aorta, during interventional cardiology procedures.

Abstract: A system (1) and apparatus comprising a multisensor guidewire (100/200/300) for use in interventional cardiology, e.g., Transcatheter Valve Therapies (TVT), comprises a plurality of optical sensors (10/20) for direct measurement of cardiovascular parameters, e.g. transvalvular blood pressure gradients and flow. A conventional outer coil wire (35) contains a shaped core wire (31) having a cross-section defining a channel surface (132), e.g. grooves (32), extending along its length, to position optical fibers (11) and optical sensors (10/20) in a channel (33). Advantageously, the core wire has a diameter that provides sufficient stiffness to the guidewire for use as a support guidewire for TVT, e.g. Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI), while accommodating multiple sensors and fibers within a guidewire of outside diameter ?0.89 mm. An optical connector (112) couples the guidewire to a control system (150).

Abstract: A system and apparatus comprising a multi-sensor catheter for right heart and pulmonary artery catheterization is disclosed. The multi-sensor catheter comprises multi-lumen catheter tubing into which at least three optical pressure sensors, and their respective optical fibers, are inserted. The three optical pressure sensors are arranged within a distal end portion of the catheter, spaced apart lengthwise within the distal end portion for measuring pressure concurrently at each sensor location. The sensor locations are configured for placement of at least one sensor in each of the right atrium, the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery, for concurrent measurement of pressure at each sensor location. The sensor arrangement may further comprise an optical thermo-dilution sensor, and another lumen is provided for fluid injection for thermo-dilution measurements. The catheter may comprise an inflatable balloon tip and a guidewire lumen, and preferably has an outside diameter of 6 French or less.

Abstract: A system comprising a multi-sensor catheter for monitoring of a cardiac hemodynamic condition, e.g. heart failure, is disclosed. The multi-sensor catheter comprises multi-lumen catheter tubing comprising first and second optical pressure sensors, and their respective optical fibers and connectors. For right heart and pulmonary artery catheterization, a flow-directed multi-sensor catheter comprises a guidewire lumen, an inflatable balloon tip, and sensor locations are configured for placement of a sensor in each of the right atrium and pulmonary artery, for measurement of central venous pressure in the right atrium and a pulmonary artery pressure. An optical fiber for oximetry may be included. The outside diameter is small enough for insertion through a vein of the arm. For monitoring of a left atrial shunt, sensors of a multi-sensor catheter are configured for measuring pressures upstream and downstream of the shunt, e.g. in the left and right atria, or left atrium and coronary sinus.

Abstract: A system and apparatus comprising a multi-sensor catheter for right heart and pulmonary artery catheterization is disclosed. The multi-sensor catheter comprises multi-lumen catheter tubing into which at least three optical pressure sensors, and their respective optical fibers, are inserted. The three optical pressure sensors are arranged within a distal end portion of the catheter, spaced apart lengthwise within the distal end portion for measuring pressure concurrently at each sensor location. The sensor locations are configured for placement of at least one sensor in each of the right atrium, the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery, for concurrent measurement of pressure at each sensor location. The sensor arrangement may further comprise an optical thermo-dilution sensor, and another lumen is provided for fluid injection for thermo-dilution measurements. The catheter may comprise an inflatable balloon tip and a guidewire lumen, and preferably has an outside diameter of 6 French or less.

Abstract: A method is provided for designing and fabricating a removable partial denture (RPD) framework including clasp retainers configured for removable engagement with abutment teeth of a patient. The method includes obtaining an initial digital model of the RPD framework based on patient image data. For each clasp retainer, a set of relevant geometric parameters is identified, each relevant geometric parameter being provided with a nominal value, and a target value of dislodging force is provided. The method further includes performing a force analysis on the initial digital model to determine corrected values for the relevant geometric parameters of each clasp retainer such that when the corrected values are assigned to the relevant geometric parameters, the dislodging force matches its target value. The method also includes obtaining a corrected digital model based on the corrected values, and fabricating the RPD framework based on the corrected digital model.

Abstract: A system and apparatus comprising a multi-sensor catheter for right heart and pulmonary artery catheterization is disclosed. The multi-sensor catheter comprises multi-lumen catheter tubing into which at least three optical pressure sensors, and their respective optical fibers, are inserted. The three optical pressure sensors are arranged within a distal end portion of the catheter, spaced apart lengthwise within the distal end portion for measuring pressure concurrently at each sensor location. The sensor locations are configured for placement of at least one sensor in each of the right atrium, the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery, for concurrent measurement of pressure at each sensor location. The sensor arrangement may further comprise an optical thermo-dilution sensor, and another lumen is provided for fluid injection for thermo-dilution measurements. The catheter may comprise an inflatable balloon tip and a guidewire lumen, and preferably has an outside diameter of 6 French or less.

Abstract: A system (1) and apparatus comprising a multisensor guidewire (100/200/300) for use in interventional cardiology, e.g., Transcatheter Valve Therapies (TVT), comprises a plurality of optical sensors (10/20) for direct measurement of cardiovascular parameters, e.g. transvalvular blood pressure gradients and flow. A conventional outer coil wire (35) contains a shaped core wire (31) having a cross-section defining a channel surface (132), e.g. grooves (32), extending along its length, to position optical fibers (11) and optical sensors (10/20) in a channel (33). Advantageously, the core wire has a diameter that provides sufficient stiffness to the guidewire for use as a support guidewire for TVT, e.g. Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI), while accommodating multiple sensors and fibers within a guidewire of outside diameter ?0.89 mm. An optical connector (112) couples the guidewire to a control system (150).

Abstract: A system and apparatus comprising a multi-sensor catheter for right heart and pulmonary artery catheterization is disclosed. The multi-sensor catheter comprises multi-lumen catheter tubing into which at least three optical pressure sensors, and their respective optical fibers, are inserted. The three optical pressure sensors are arranged within a distal end portion of the catheter, spaced apart lengthwise within the distal end portion for measuring pressure concurrently at each sensor location. The sensor locations are configured for placement of at least one sensor in each of the right atrium, the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery, for concurrent measurement of pressure at each sensor location. The sensor arrangement may further comprise an optical thermo-dilution sensor, and another lumen is provided for fluid injection for thermo-dilution measurements. The catheter may comprise an inflatable balloon tip and a guidewire lumen, and preferably has an outside diameter of 6 French or less.

Abstract: An apparatus, control system and methods are disclosed for directly measuring a blood pressure gradient, i.e. by real-time pressure measurements, with particular application for in situ measurement of transvalvular blood pressure gradients for the aortic valve and other heart valves, using minimally-invasive techniques. The apparatus takes the form of a multi-sensor assembly, enclosed within a micro-catheter or a steerable guidewire, and comprises a plurality of optical pressure sensors arranged along a length of the distal end portion, for measuring pressure simultaneously at each sensor location. For example, four MOMS optical pressure sensors, and optionally, a temperature and/or flow sensor, are incorporated into a distal end portion having a diameter of 0.89 mm or less, and preferably 0.46 mm or less. Beneficially, all sensors are optically coupled, via respective optical fibers, to an optical coupler at the proximal end of the multi-sensor apparatus, without requiring electrical connections.