Abstract: A device for establishing a fluid communication pathway to a target point in a patient includes a bi-plane ultrasound probe. A transverse plane of the probe identifies a target point in the patient, and a longitudinal plane of the probe is used to monitor 2D ultrasound signals in a segment of an artery extending downstream from the target point. By moving the longitudinal plane to optimize the received 2D ultrasound signals, a pathway to the target point is thus determined for the medical use of arteriotomy needles and/or catheters.

Abstract: An electronic device that monitors blood pressure in vasculature of an individual is described. This electronic device may perform the operations of: monitoring blood flow of the individual (e.g., using a pulse oximeter); calibrating the blood flow based at least in part on a predefined or predetermined comparison of the blood flow and blood pressure, e.g., in the individual's vasculature; and providing the calibrated blood flow of the individual as a function of time, where the calibrated blood flow indicates at least the blood pressure or a blood-pressure reading for the individual.

Abstract: An electronic device that evaluates a cardiac pumping function is described. This electronic device may perform the operations of: monitoring an instance of a pulse oximeter waveform of an individual; computing metric information associated with the instance of the pulse oximeter waveform; and calculating a rate of rise or fall of the instance of the pulse oximeter waveform as a function of time. In some embodiments, the electronic device may provide a recommended remedial action based at least in part on the calculated rate or rise of fall in the instance of the pulse oximeter waveform.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a patient's blood flow waveform require a pulse oximeter to non-invasively measure changes in parametric and blood flow measurements of the waveform. These parametric measurements, namely changes in diastolic pressure, ±?pd, changes in systolic pressure, ±?ps, and changes in pulse time rate, ±?tr, collectively affect the patient's blood flow volume. Thus, they can also be used, collectively, to assess the patient's heart muscle function as an indicator of his/her health condition.

Abstract: A system and methodology are provided for using a pulse oximeter to monitor a patient's blood flow trends over extended periods of time. For this purpose, changes in oxygen saturation levels which result in infrared color wavelength changes are detected by a pulse oximeter and then compared directly to a base infrared wavelength which was previously correlated with a systolic pressure taken by a sphygmomanometer. Thus, infrared color changes in the patient's blood pressure pulse are used to monitor trends in the patient's blood flow. A correlation factor is established which correlates a predetermined difference between wavelength colors detected by the pulse oximeter with blood pressure measurements taken by a sphygmomanometer. Variations of this correlation factor can then be subsequently monitored independently by the pulse oximeter and compared relative to previously established parameters for blood flow.

Abstract: A system and methodology are provided for using a pulse oximeter to continuously measure a patient's blood flow over extended periods of time. For this purpose, a correlation factor is established which correlates a predetermined difference between wavelength colors detected by the pulse oximeter with blood pressure measurements taken by a sphygmomanometer. Variations of this correlation factor can then be subsequently monitored independently by the pulse oximeter and compared relative to previously established parameters for blood flow. Clinical personnel are thereby alerted when attention to the patient's health condition is required.

Abstract: A system for evaluating a cardiac pumping function includes an oximeter which is attached to a patient for the purpose of recording a pulse oximeter waveform. A computer is connected to the oximeter to receive metric information from the waveform. With this information, the computer determines the value and location of a second derivative acceleration, d2A/dt2 in the waveform, which indicates the rate of rise/fall of the waveform. A comparator in the computer then compares this with the value and location of maximum second derivative acceleration, d2A/dt2, in earlier waveforms. With this comparison, the computer identifies a trend which can be clinically used to evaluate the efficacy of a cardiac pumping function.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a system and method for evaluating the blood volume-flow waveform of a patient for the purpose of determining ventricular contractibility. Input data for this evaluation includes measurements of oxygen saturation levels (SpO2) in the waveform and a time duration for a respective cardiac cycle. Specifically, the oxygen saturation level SpO2 in a waveform is indicative of an arterial blood-flow volume “V”. The data processor of a computer is then used for calculating a maximum rate of change in the arterial blood-flow volume “V” per time dV/dt. In accordance with the present invention, the maximum dV/dt for a succession of cardiac cycles are then compared for a clinical evaluation of trends in a patient's ventricular contractibility.

Abstract: A system and method for using an oximeter that monitors a patient's blood pressure over an extended time duration requires creating a line graph. In detail, the line graph is created to provide a steady state correlation between blood flow measurements taken by the oximeter and blood pressure measurements taken by a sphygmomanometer. To create this graph, blood pressure measurements (sphygmomanometer) and blood flow measurements (oximeter) are recorded together and collated during a heart muscle cycle of the patient. Specifically, these measurements are considered together during the same heart muscle cycle while the patient is either standing, sitting, or reclining. This establishes three respective data sets which are then used as reference points to create the line-graph. Thereafter, blood flow measurements with the oximeter can be referenced to the line-graph for direct indications of blood pressure.

Abstract: A system for evaluating a cardiac pumping function includes an oximeter which is attached to a patient for the purpose of recording a pulse oximeter waveform. A computer is connected to the oximeter to receive metric information from the waveform. With this information, the computer determines the value and location of a second derivative acceleration, d2A/dt2 in the waveform, which indicates the rate of rise/fall of the waveform. A comparator in the computer then compares this with the value and location of maximum second derivative acceleration, d2A/dt2, in earlier waveforms. With this comparison, the computer identifies a trend which can be clinically used to evaluate the efficacy of a cardiac pumping function.

Abstract: A system and method for improving heart contractions during a heart function cycle (heartbeat) of a patient requires detecting a local electrical event (depolarization) during the cycle. This local electrical event is then used to trigger a stimulation interval ?t at a time t0. Importantly, the stimulation interval ?t is set to end at a time t1 during the absolute refractory period of the heart function cycle. At the time t1, a stimulator is triggered to stimulate a local sympathetic nerve on the epicardial surface of the heart. With this stimulation the sympathetic nerve secretes norepinephrine to improve a subsequent contraction of the heart.

Abstract: A system for using an oximeter to provide blood pressure readings relies on a comparative interface between readings of a patient's blood flow waveform (oximeter) and blood pressure (sphygmomanometer) in his/her vasculature. For this purpose, a steady state condition is identified by calibrating a blood flow measurement A from the oximeter with a simultaneously obtained blood pressure measurement P from the sphygmomanometer. Further, using these simultaneous measurements, a blood pressure model is created that is based on the steady state. Thereafter, blood flow waveform readings from the oximeter are correlated with the steady state model to provide continuous blood pressure readings.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and evaluating the ventricular contractility of a heart muscle includes a device for electrically stimulating the heart muscle of a patient, and an extracorporeal blood pressure sensor. A record, responsive to stimulated ventricular contractions, is created by the pressure sensor. The response record is then evaluated to identify a pressure/time, rate-change in arterial pressure (dp/dt) that results within the time duration of a ventricular contraction in a cardiac cycle. In turn, dp/dt is evaluated as an indicator of ventricular contractility and the health of the patient's heart muscle.

Abstract: A protocol for the treatment of lumbosacral spine disease requires the combination of physical and pharmaceutical therapies. For the physical therapy aspect of the present invention, an inversion table is used to periodically impose traction forces of the spine of a patient. Preferably, this is done with the patient lying supine on the inversion table in a head down orientation, with the inversion table inclined at a predetermined angle in a range that includes 45°, for a predetermined time interval that includes 3 to 4 minutes. A pharmaceutical therapy is also clinically prescribed, in conjunction with the physical therapy aspect, that requires ingesting a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), a muscle relaxant, and an antiarrhythmic drug in accordance with a predetermined regimen.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and evaluating the ventricular contractility of a heart muscle includes a device for electrically stimulating the heart muscle of a patient, and an extracorporeal blood pressure sensor. A record, responsive to stimulated ventricular contractions, is created by the pressure sensor. The response record is then evaluated to identify a pressure/time, rate-change in arterial pressure (dp/dt) that results within the time duration of a ventricular contraction in a cardiac cycle. In turn, dp/dt is evaluated as an indicator of ventricular contractility and the health of the patient's heart muscle.

Abstract: A system and method for improving heart contractions during a heart function cycle (heartbeat) of a patient requires detecting a local electrical event (depolarization) during the cycle. This local electrical event is then used to trigger a stimulation interval ?t at a time t0. Importantly, the stimulation interval ?t is set to end at a time t1 during the absolute refractory period of the heart function cycle. At the time t1, a stimulator is triggered to stimulate a local sympathetic nerve on the epicardial surface of the heart. With this stimulation the sympathetic nerve secretes norepinephrine to improve a subsequent contraction of the heart.

Abstract: A system and method for improving heart contractions during a heart function cycle (heartbeat) of a patient requires detecting a local electrical event (depolarization) during the cycle. This local electrical event is then used to trigger a stimulation interval ?t at a time t0. Importantly, the stimulation interval ?t is set to end at a time t1 during the absolute refractory period of the heart function cycle. At the time t1, a stimulator is triggered to stimulate a local sympathetic nerve on the epicardial surface of the heart. With this stimulation the sympathetic nerve secretes norepinephrine to improve a subsequent contraction of the heart.

Abstract: A system is provided for testing the electrical integrity of an implanted pacemaker or defibrillator lead. The system includes a container holding an electrically conductive solution, such as a saline solution. A voltage source and two electrodes are provided to pass an electrical current through the solution. To use the system, the proximal end of the electrical lead is disconnected from the implanted electronic device, passed through the saline solution and then electrically connected to a device/monitor. During testing, the device/monitor sends a test pulse through the lead and monitors electrical activity in the lead. To test sequential locations along the length of the proximal segment, the segment is drawn through the saline solution and between the electrodes while test pulses are sent and monitored. The monitor detects abnormal electrical activity in the lead indicative of a break in lead insulation.

Abstract: A system and method for perfusing a liquid medicament into tissue of a patient requires a catheter having a distal barrier and a proximal barrier mounted on the catheter. A perfusion section is formed into the catheter between these barriers. By way of example of a typical operation, the catheter is advanced through the vasculature of a patient and into the coronary sinus. Advancement continues until the barriers of the catheter are positioned to straddle the ostium of the left atrial vein. As so positioned, a perfusion chamber is established in the coronary sinus between the barriers. Also, the perfusion chamber is positioned for fluid communication with the left atrial vein. Liquid medicament can then be transferred from a source into the perfusion chamber for perfusion of the medicament into tissue of the atrial vein.

Abstract: A system for improving heart muscle response during a pre-ejection phase in the heart muscle pumping cycle requires a catheter having a pressure transducer and a fluid device mounted at its distal end. Also included is a pump connected to the proximal end of the catheter in fluid communication with the fluid device. A computer will activate the pump in response to a predetermined signal from the pressure transducer to inject and maintain an increased fluid volume in the pumping chamber of the heart for a predetermined time interval ?t during the pre-ejection phase. This supplements the isometric pressure in the heart's pumping chamber in preparation for a subsequent ejection of blood from the pumping chamber.