Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for transoral lung access. In some examples, the system includes a bronchoscope, a concentric tube probe deployable from within the bronchoscope, and a steerable needle nested deployable from within the concentric tube probe. The system can include a control system for deploying the concentric tube probe from the bronchoscope into a lung to a location where a target is within a range of the steerable needle and for deploying the steerable needle from the location to the target.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for transoral lung access. In some examples, the system includes a bronchoscope, a concentric tube probe deployable from within the bronchoscope, and a steerable needle nested deployable from within the concentric tube probe. The system can include a control system for deploying the concentric tube probe from the bronchoscope into a lung to a location where a target is within a range of the steerable needle and for deploying the steerable needle from the location to the target.

Abstract: Radiation-free simulator systems and methods for simulating fluoroscopic procedures or other medical procedures are provided. Simulator systems, methods and computer readable media are provided, comprising a physical, anatomical model of an anatomy of interest, at least one or more video camera positioned proximate the anatomical model and configured to transmit a live video feed or image of the anatomical model, a computer configured for combining a recorded video feed or 2D rendering of a 3D dataset of an actual anatomical area of interest with the live video feed or image of the anatomical model to form a composite image or video, and a display configured to display the composite image or video. A simulated fluoroscopic procedure can be performed on the anatomical model without radiation, and the simulated fluoroscopic procedure is viewable on the display.

Abstract: The scientific characterization of cellular contractility and cell movement, such as muscle function in particular is, to a large extent, carried out on intact tissue preparations for example using whole intact muscles from animals. Typical indices of muscle function may include isometric force, contractility under external force (load) and spatio-temporal determination of internal calcium concentration under strictly controlled conditions of length and applied force. The major advance of the described apparatus is that the common characterization of cellular contractility can be performed on a single cell rather than an entire tissue or whole animal. As such the apparatus described improves on and eliminates known limitations of currently considered state-of-the-art approaches.

Abstract: The scientific characterization of cellular contractility and cell movement, such as muscle function in particular is, to a large extent, carried out on intact tissue preparations for example using whole intact muscles from animals. Typical indices of muscle function may include isometric force, contractility under external force (load) and spatio-temporal determination of internal calcium concentration under strictly controlled conditions of length and applied force. The major advance of the described apparatus is that the common characterization of cellular contractility can be performed on a single cell rather than an entire tissue or whole animal. As such the apparatus described improves on and eliminates known limitations of currently considered state-of-the-art approaches.

Abstract: A storage and delivery system for directly applying nitric oxide to a user includes a portable and disposable capsule and a source of nitric oxide gas disposed within the cavity. Gas flow control apparatus controls the flow of nitric oxide gas from the cavity. Gas flow initiation apparatus allows the user to initiate the flow of nitric oxide gas. The encapsulated nitric oxide gas is applied by positioning the capsule proximate to the objective site of the user and initiating flow of the nitric oxide gas.

Abstract: A storage and delivery system for directly applying nitric oxide to a user includes a portable and disposable capsule and a source of nitric oxide gas disposed within the cavity. Gas flow control apparatus controls the flow of nitric oxide gas from the cavity. Gas flow initiation apparatus allows the user to initiate the flow of nitric oxide gas. The encapsulated nitric oxide gas is applied by positioning the capsule proximate to the objective site of the user and initiating flow of the nitric oxide gas.

Abstract: A storage and delivery system for directly applying nitric oxide to a user includes a portable and disposable capsule and a source of nitric oxide gas disposed within the cavity. Gas flow control apparatus controls the flow of nitric oxide gas from the cavity. Gas flow initiation apparatus allows the user to initiate the flow of nitric oxide gas. The encapsulated nitric oxide gas is applied by positioning the capsule proximate to the objective site of the user and initiating flow of the nitric oxide gas.

Abstract: Fluid samples of very small but precisely equal volume are repetitively collected and subsequently analyzed by being illuminated with measurement light. The collection cells fill spontaneously and the analysis is performed with the sample in the cell.

Abstract: A gas or vapor permeable optical fiber waveguide with a liquid core is employed as a probe for the detection or measurement of a chemical specie of interest by filling the waveguide core region with a reagent liquid which undergoes a change in an optical characteristic thereof when exposed to the chemical specie and then inserting the filled waveguide into an environment in which the chemical specie may be present. The chemical specie, if present, will permeate through the waveguide wall and react with or be absorbed in the core liquid. Sensitivity is enhanced by controlling the pressure differential across the waveguide wall and/or by shaping the waveguide to enlarge the surface area. When the reaction generates light, the devices which detect that light will be shaped and disposed to maximize the collection thereof.

Abstract: A chromatically variable light source includes a plurality of light emitting diodes which generate substantially monochromatic light at different wavelengths. The light source includes circuitry for selectively energizing one or more of the light emitting diodes and for controlling the intensity of the generated light. The light generated by the light emitting diodes is combined in a single light pipe and delivered to an output port for use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrical testing of membrane tissue employs a pair of rack sections which have cavities for receiving opposing end portions of the culture cup. The culture cup and rack sections are clamped together to form test chambers at opposing sides of the cup substrate on which the experimental tissue is grown. Electrode cartridges are inserted into axial bores of the receiving cavities to provide a test current through the membrane tissue. Integral connectors connect with conduits for passing irrigation streams through the test chambers.