Abstract: Chest compressions are measured and prompted to facilitate the effective administration of CPR. A displacement detector determines a displacement indicative signal indicative of the displacement of the CPR recipient's chest toward the recipient's spine. A signaling mechanism provides chest compression indication signals directing a chest compression force being applied to the chest and a frequency of such compressions. An automated controller and an automated constricting device may be provided for applying CPR to the recipient in an automated fashion. The automated controller receives the chest compression indication signals from the signaling mechanism, and, in accordance with the chest compression indication signals, controls the force and frequency of constrictions.

Abstract: Chest compressions are measured and prompted to facilitate the effective administration of CPR. A displacement detector produces a displacement indicative signal indicative of the displacement of the CPR recipient's chest toward the recipient's spine. A signaling mechanism provides chest compression indication signals directing a chest compression force being applied to the chest and a frequency of such compressions. An automated controller and an automated constricting device may be provided for applying CPR to the recipient in an automated fashion. The automated controller receives the chest compression indication signals from the signaling mechanism, and, in accordance with the chest compression indication signals, controls the force and frequency of constrictions.

Abstract: Chest compressions are measured and prompted to facilitate the effective administration of CPR. A displacement detector produces a displacement indicative signal indicative of the displacement of the CPR recipient's chest toward the recipient's spine. A signaling mechanism provides chest compression indication signals directing a chest compression force being applied to the chest and a frequency of such compressions. An automated controller and an automated constricting device may be provided for applying CPR to the recipient in an automated fashion. The automated controller receives the chest compression indication signals from the signaling mechanism, and, in accordance with the chest compression indication signals, controls the force and frequency of constrictions.

Abstract: A balloon catheter device that provides radial delivery of visible or near-infrared radiation. The radial delivery of visible or near-infrared radiation to the pulmonary vein is particularly effective in creating transmural, continuous, and circumferential lesions in the pulmonary vein. Creation of these lesions electrically isolates the pulmonary veins from the left atrium of the heart and, thus is a particularly suitable method for the treatment of atrial fibrillation.

Abstract: A system applies cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to a recipient. An automated controller is provided together with a compression device which periodically applies a force to a recipient's thorax under control of the automated controller. A band is adapted to be placed around a portion of the torso of the recipient corresponding to the recipient's thorax. A driver mechanism shortens and lengthens the circumference of the band. By shortening the circumference of the band, radial forces are created acting on at least lateral and anterior portions of the thorax. A translating mechanism may be. provided for translating the radial forces to increase the concentration of anterior radial forces acting on the anterior portion of the thorax. The driver mechanism may comprise a tension device for applying a circumference tensile force to the band. The driver mechanism may comprise an electric motor, a pneumatic linear actuator, or a contracting mechanism defining certain portions of the circumference of the band.

Abstract: The invention describes a system, method, and means for an MRI transseptal needle that can be visible on an MRI, can act as an antenna and receive MRI signals from surrounding subject matter to generate high-resolution images and can enable real-time active needle tracking during MRI guided transseptal puncture procedures.

Abstract: The dynamic indentation system cyclically indents a test material for the purpose of determining mechanical properties that cannot be measured directly, such as in-plane wall stress in intact hearts. A probe or an end surface thereof cyclically indents the test material while the indentation stress acting on the face of the probe and the position of the probe are measured. The indentations can be servo-controlled for added stability.The transverse stiffness of the material is calculated as the slope of the relation between the indentation stress and indentation strain during each indentation cycle. The transverse stiffness is then used as an estimate of wall stress, and the relation between the transverse stiffness and in-plane strain can be used as a direct estimate of material properties.The dynamic indentation system is suitable for estimating in-plane wall stress and material properties from different parts of a test material.