Abstract: The present invention is a simple-to-use access device with a safety feature. A catheter advancer (30) is slidably and rotatably integrated with a base (10) to guide advancement of a catheter (50) linearly along the insertion path of a needle (60) and catheter (50). The catheter advancer (30) engages the base (10), catheter (50) and needle (60) and both sequences and delimits relative movement between the base (10), catheter advancer (30), catheter assembly (50) and needle (60). The access device stabilizes and guides the critical needle insertion and catheter advancement steps of a complication-prone and very common procedure.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include systems and methods to provide customized product information for display. In one embodiment, the system includes a sensor positioned proximate a production line, where the production line is operable to transport an optical product and a product label along the production line, and where the sensor is operable to obtain identification information of the optical product from the product label. The system also includes a storage medium containing product information of the optical product and business rules for providing the product information of the optical product for display. The system further includes a processor operable to determine the identification of the optical product, obtain business rules based on the identification of the optical product, dynamically customize the product information of the optical product based on the business rules, and provide the customized product information for display on an electronic display positioned along the production line.

Abstract: A low-cost and simple-to-use system and method to facilitate a prophylactic pleural lavage protocol at the time of thoracostomy tube placement for traumatic hemothorax in order to reduce the need for secondary intervention for the management of retained hemothorax. The invention may be used in conjunction with existing chest tubes and be administered at the time of initial chest tube placement, and continued at the bedside (by a bedside nurse) over the duration of chest drainage, as necessary. The system includes an operator device that semi-automatically administers a pleural lavage protocol consisting of saline instillation, and suction to slow the clotting process, prevent “gelling” of blood, and maintain drainability.

Abstract: A device (100) for medical procedure localization that provides a template that indexes the site of interest along a first axis or plane that is defined by anatomical landmarks of a patient. An embodiment is disclosed in which a first axis is an axillary line from the patient's axilla (armpit) toward the iliac crest (pelvis) and the site of interest is a distance away from the axilla along said first axis. The site of interest is the 3rd, 4th or 5th intercostal space, into which a needle/catheter and/or chest tube may be placed for decompression.

Abstract: A device to assist performing medical procedures that references anatomical landmarks through adjustable components to identify and stabilize a procedure site and provide guidance in performing the procedure. In one embodiment, an airway creation assist device (ACAD) can be dimensionally adjusted for different patient sizes and properly aligned using anatomical landmarks. The ACAD provides an adjustable template that enables accurate identification of the airway creation site, including but not limited to the cricothyroid membrane. The ACAD uses an insertion guide to guide the obturator and airway tube safely and consistently into the trachea, with a mechanical stop to prevent damaging the posterior trachea wall. The ACAD improves efficacy of the procedure, and makes perforating an incorrect airway creation procedure difficult. In another embodiment, a chest decompression assist device (DAD) Is disclosed for decompression treatment of air and/or fluid in the chest.

Abstract: A device (100) for medical procedure localization that provides a template that indexes the site of interest along a first axis or plane that is defined by anatomical landmarks of a patient. An embodiment is disclosed in which a first axis is an axillary line from the patient's axilla (armpit) toward the iliac crest (pelvis) and the site of interest is a distance away from the axilla along said first axis. The site of interest is the 3rd, 4th or 5th intercostal space, into which a needle/catheter and/or chest tube may be placed for decompression.

Abstract: A device (100) for medical procedure localization and/or insertion that can be dimensionally adjusted for different patient sizes and properly aligned and stabilized using anatomical landmarks. The device (100) for medical procedure localization and/or insertion provides an adjustable template that indexes the site of interest at the intersection of a first axis or plane and a second axis or plane. An embodiment is disclosed in which a first axis is the axillary line through the patient's axilla (armpit) and iliac crest (pelvis), and a second axis is the patient's ideal horizontal nipple line. The intersection of the first and second axes is the 4th or 5th intercostal space, into which a needle and/or chest tube may be placed for decompression.

Abstract: A low-cost and simple-to-use system and method to facilitate a prophylactic pleural lavage protocol at the time of thoracostomy tube placement for traumatic hemothorax in order to reduce the need for secondary intervention for the management of retained hemothorax. The invention may be used in conjunction with existing chest tubes and be administered at the time of initial chest tube placement, and continued at the bedside (by a bedside nurse) over the duration of chest drainage, as necessary. The system includes an operator device that semi-automatically administers a pleural lavage protocol consisting of saline instillation, and suction to slow the clotting process, prevent “gelling” of blood, and maintain drainability.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include systems and methods to provide customized product information for display. In one embodiment, the system includes a sensor positioned proximate a production line, where the production line is operable to transport an optical product and a product label along the production line, and where the sensor is operable to obtain identification information of the optical product from the product label. The system also includes a storage medium containing product information of the optical product and business rules for providing the product information of the optical product for display. The system further includes a processor operable to determine the identification of the optical product, obtain business rules based on the identification of the optical product, dynamically customize the product information of the optical product based on the business rules, and provide the customized product information for display on an electronic display positioned along the production line.

Abstract: A low-cost and simple-to-use system and method to facilitate a prophylactic pleural lavage protocol at the time of thoracostomy tube placement for traumatic hemothorax in order to reduce the need for secondary intervention for the management of retained hemothorax. The invention may be used in conjunction with existing chest tubes and be administered at the time of initial chest tube placement, and continued at the bedside (by a bedside nurse) over the duration of chest drainage, as necessary. The system includes an operator device that semi-automatically administers a pleural lavage protocol consisting of saline instillation, and suction to slow the clotting process, prevent “gelling” of blood, and maintain drainability.

Abstract: Systems and methods that enable an end user to create and define an application user interface of an optical lab management system. For example, an optical lab management system includes memory configured to store computer executable instructions and data; a network interface configured to enable the optical lab management system to communicate data with at least one networked device; and a processor for executing the computer executable instructions. The computer executable instructions can include instructions for providing at least one database editor configured to enable an end user to design an application user interface of the optical lab management system. The at least one database editor includes at least one configuration field for defining a layout of the application user interface and for defining specific data fields to be displayed on the application user interface.

Abstract: A device (100) for medical procedure localization and/or insertion that can be dimensionally adjusted for different patient sizes and properly aligned and stabilized using anatomical landmarks. The device (100) for medical procedure localization and/or insertion provides an adjustable template that indexes the site of interest at the intersection of a first axis or plane and a second axis or plane. An embodiment is disclosed in which a first axis is the axillary line through the patient's axilla (armpit) and iliac crest (pelvis), and a second axis is the patient's ideal horizontal nipple line. The intersection of the first and second axes is the 4th or 5th intercostal space, into which a needle and/or chest tube may be placed for decompression.

Abstract: A low-cost and simple-to-use system and method to facilitate a prophylactic pleural lavage protocol at the time of thoracostomy tube placement for traumatic hemothorax in order to reduce the need for secondary intervention for the management of retained hemothorax. The invention may be used in conjunction with existing chest tubes and be administered at the time of initial chest tube placement, and continued at the bedside (by a bedside nurse) over the duration of chest drainage, as necessary. The system includes an operator device that semi-automatically administers a pleural lavage protocol consisting of saline instillation, and suction to slow the clotting process, prevent “gelling” of blood, and maintain drainability.

Abstract: A device that assists surgical procedures by maintaining a specific percutaneous access location and orientation of needles, wires, trocars, dilators, catheters, etc., and which secures the tip of said access device(s) relative to said location and orientation during a percutaneous procedure. There are three main parts: (1) a base that conforms to the skin of the patient at various locations; (2) an adjustment mechanism mounted in ball-and-socket fashion inside the base and moving about at least one, and preferably multiple, axes of rotation relative to the base; and (3) a securement mechanism capable of being affixed to the adjustment mechanism for securely holding an access device at an angle to allow it to pass through the adjustment mechanism and enter the patient's skin at the desired angle and location. The device can be removed following the procedure without affecting the inserted access device(s).

Abstract: A device to assist performing medical procedures that references anatomical landmarks through adjustable components to identify and stabilize a procedure site and provide guidance in performing the procedure. In one embodiment, an airway creation assist device (ACAD) can be dimensionally adjusted for different patient sizes and properly aligned using anatomical landmarks. The ACAD provides an adjustable template that enables accurate identification of the airway creation site, including but not limited to the cricothyroid membrane. The ACAD uses an insertion guide to guide the obturator and airway tube safely and consistently into the trachea, with a mechanical stop to prevent damaging the posterior trachea wall. The ACAD improves efficacy of the procedure, and makes perforating an incorrect airway creation procedure difficult. In another embodiment, a chest decompression assist device (DAD) Is disclosed for decompression treatment of air and/or fluid in the chest.

Abstract: An adaptive energy absorption system for a vehicle seat is disclosed, utilizing an adaptive energy absorber or variable profile energy absorber (VPEA) for mitigating occupant injury due to extreme vehicle movement (e.g., during a vehicle shock event), and/or for mitigating vibration experienced by an occupant of the vehicle seat during normal vehicle operating conditions. The adaptive energy absorption system achieves the aforementioned objectives for a wide range of occupant weights and load levels. Various configurations of dual-goal energy absorption apparatuses that enable both shock mitigation and vibration isolation are disclosed.

Abstract: An adaptive energy absorption system for a vehicle seat is disclosed, utilizing an adaptive energy absorber or variable profile energy absorber (VPEA) for mitigating occupant injury due to extreme vehicle movement (e.g., during a vehicle shock event), and/or for mitigating vibration experienced by an occupant of the vehicle seat during normal vehicle operating conditions. The adaptive energy absorption system achieves the aforementioned objectives for a wide range of occupant weights and load levels. Various configurations of dual-goal energy absorption apparatuses that enable both shock mitigation and vibration isolation are disclosed.