Abstract: A method of preplanning for guided medical procedures includes obtaining a first 3D diagnostic dataset for a region of interest of a subject. This first dataset can be a non-stereotactic dataset and provide sufficient contrast to identify target tissue in the region of interest. A treatment preplan is developed to treat the target tissue using the first dataset exclusive of stereotactic data. The treatment preplan includes placement locations for a plurality of initial radiation beams and their respective dose intensities. A second, stereotactic 3D dataset can be obtained for the region of interest. A registered dataset can then be created by registering the first dataset to the second dataset. The treatment preplan can be modified using data associated with the registering step to generate a stereotactic treatment plan including a plurality of radiation treatment beams with respective placement positions based on the registered dataset to treat the target tissue.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems for frameless guidance of image-based medical procedures such as stereotactic radiotherapy and surgery. Devices including custom fitting subject-specific articles include contoured surfaces that provide spatial reference to the location of target regions within the subject. The devices are attached exclusive of fasteners anchored to the tissue of the subject and reside on the front of a head of the subject when attached. The devices and articles can be fabricated using computer-directed fabrication technology.

Abstract: A Voice over IP network having multiple signaling message transfer nodes (e.g., call agents, signaling gateways), communicate with switched circuit network nodes using a single point code. A signaling gateway, upon receiving an SS7 signaling message specifying a destination point code corresponding to its provisioned point code and carrying a signaling application protocol message, selects a destination call agent based on the originating point code in the SS7 signaling message and independent of the destination point code. The signaling gateway selectively outputs to the selected destination call agent an IP-based message carrying the signaling application protocol message according to a prescribed IP-based signaling message transport protocol, based on a determined availability of the selected destination call agent. The signaling gateway uses the User Part Unavailable message to inform the originating PSTN switch that the selected destination call agent is unavailable.

Abstract: A watering device connectable through a threaded fitting to a source of water. The device includes an elongated conduit having a first portion with an aperture and a second portion with a second aperture. A flange connects to the first portion of the conduit and fits against a lip or ridge of a rotatable member which is passed over the conduit from the second portion to the first portion. The rotatable member includes a threaded surface, which engages the threaded fitting leading to the source of water.

Abstract: The add-on circuit arrangement permits selective muting of noise signals which are caused by electrosurgery and by a stimulus source during neurophysiological monitoring of a surgical patient. Switches (39, 7 and 24) are provided to select: electrosurgery noise muting; stimulus artifact muting; and to select fixed or variable recorder recovery time. An inductive pickup (12) is coupled to a conductor (11) which carries radiofrequency signals during active periods of electrosurgery. The pickup (12) and associated circuitry (14-17) generate output signals (ES detect signals) which correspond in time to the active periods of electrosurgery. An active output signal of the "1" output of the flip-flop (38) operates the disable switches 44 which are interposed between the monitoring electrodes (41) and the recorder (46). The flip-flop is set by the ES detect signal and reset by selected recovery time signals.