Abstract: An apparatus and method to enable clinicians to verify needle or catheter location within an anatomic site by relying upon combined sensing of two signals, such as a pressure signal and a heart rate pulse signal, in which the detection of a correlation between both signals is identified to confirm location of the needle or catheter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to enable clinicians to verify needle or catheter location within an anatomic site by relying upon combined sensing of two signals, such as a pressure signal and a heart rate pulse signal, in which the detection of a correlation between both signals is identified to confirm location of the needle or catheter.

Abstract: A system for infusing medication into a mammalian subject is provided. The system includes an injection system for controlling a flow of fluid from a fluid reservoir to a needle. A sensor is provided that detects a characteristic indicative of the fluid pressure in the needle. The injection system controls the flow of fluid to the needle in response to the characteristic detected by the sensor and the sensor continuously detects the characteristic as the needle is inserted into the subject. The system further includes a conductive element for providing electric nerve stimulation, wherein the system provides electric nerve stimulation in response to the sensor detecting a pressure exceeding an upper limit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to enable clinicians to verify needle or catheter location within an anatomic site by relying upon combined sensing of two signals, such as a pressure signal and a heart rate pulse signal, in which the detection of a correlation between both signals is identified to confirm location of the needle or catheter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for use in locating a target region which is situated in the body of a subject, for example for the delivery of drugs. The system includes an assembly for controlling the flow of fluid from a fluid reservoir to a conduit, such as a needle. A sensor detects a characteristic indicative of the fluid pressure in the conduit. The system processes data from the sensor to detect the presence of a pulsatile waveform. A controller may control further operation of the system based on information regarding the presence of the pulsatile waveform and features of the waveform, such as amplitude.

Abstract: A system for infusing medication into a mammalian subject is provided. The system includes an injection system for controlling a flow of fluid from a fluid reservoir to a needle. A sensor is provided that detects a characteristic indicative of the fluid pressure in the needle. The injection system controls the flow of fluid to the needle in response to the characteristic detected by the sensor and the sensor continuously detects the characteristic as the needle is inserted into the subject. The system further includes a conductive element for providing electric nerve stimulation, wherein the system provides electric nerve stimulation in response to the sensor detecting a pressure exceeding an upper limit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for use in locating a target region which is situated in the body of a subject, for example for the delivery of drugs. The system includes an assembly for controlling the flow of fluid from a fluid reservoir to a conduit, such as a needle. A sensor detects a characteristic indicative of the fluid pressure in the conduit. The system processes data from the sensor to detect the presence of a pulsatile waveform. A controller may control further operation of the system based on information regarding the presence of the pulsatile waveform and features of the waveform, such as amplitude.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for use in locating a target region which is situated in the body of a subject, for example for the delivery of drugs. The system includes an assembly for controlling the flow of fluid from a fluid reservoir to a conduit, such as a needle. A sensor detects a characteristic indicative of the fluid pressure in the conduit. The system processes data from the sensor to detect the presence of a pulsatile waveform. A controller may control further operation of the system based on information regarding the presence of the pulsatile waveform and features of the waveform, such as amplitude.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for use in locating a target region which is situated in the body of a subject, for example for the delivery of drugs. The system includes an assembly for controlling the flow of fluid from a fluid reservoir to a conduit, such as a needle. A sensor detects a characteristic indicative of the fluid pressure in the conduit. The system processes data from the sensor to detect the presence of a pulsatile waveform. A controller may control further operation of the system based on information regarding the presence of the pulsatile waveform and features of the waveform, such as amplitude.

Abstract: A disposable fluid flow assembly for operation in connection with a fluid pump configured to provide a flow of fluid to the disposable fluid flow assembly is provided. The disposable fluid flow assembly includes an elongated flexible tube, a needle hub connected with the flexible tube, a pressure sensor for sensing fluid pressure, and an identification circuit embedded connected with the pressure sensor. The identification is configured to provide a plurality of signals to the central controller of the fluid pump when the disposable needle assembly is connected with the fluid pump. The plurality of signals may include various signals, such as a signal to identify physical characteristics of the assembly, a signal to ensure that the assembly is authentic, a signal to ensure that the disposable assembly is not re-used, and/or a signal to ensure that the pressure signal is connected and operating properly.

Abstract: A system (5, 405) for infusing medication into a subject is provided. The system (5, 405) includes an injection system (50, 450) for controlling fluid flow from a fluid reservoir to a needle. A sensor (20) detects a characteristic indicative of fluid pressure in the needle. The injection system (50, 450) controls the flow of fluid to the needle in response to the characteristic detected by the sensor (20), which continuously detects the characteristic as the needle is inserted into the subject. The system may include a light assembly (100) connected with the injection system. The light assembly (100) may provide a continuously variable signal indicative of the fluid pressure in the needle. The system (5, 405) may further provide a mechanism that provides cues to the operator to insert the needle at a particular rate. The system may further include a conductive element (334) for providing electric nerve stimulation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for use in locating a target region which is situated in the body of a subject, for example for the delivery of drugs. The system includes an assembly for controlling the flow of fluid from a fluid reservoir to a conduit, such as a needle. A sensor detects a characteristic indicative of the fluid pressure in the conduit. The system processes data from the sensor to detect the presence of a pulsatile waveform. A controller may control further operation of the system based on information regarding the presence of the pulsatile waveform and features of the waveform, such as amplitude.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for providing a plurality of injections from a fluid reservoir. The apparatus includes a fluid controller for controlling the flow of fluid from the fluid reservoir to a needle. An actuator selectively actuates the fluid controller to provide a dose of medicament from the fluid reservoir. The fluid controller also is configured to calculate the volume of fluid in the fluid reservoir required to provide a dose having a desired number of units of medicament for an injection. The apparatus may also include a detector configured to detect a characteristic indicative of the fluid pressure in the needle. The method includes selecting the number of units to be dispensed during an injection, automatically calculating the injection volume required to dispense the selected number of units based on the calculated unit volume and tracking the total number of units dispensed during a series of injections.

Abstract: A dental implant has a hollow shell with outer bio-compatible surface for engaging a soft tissue socket left in gingival tissue after a tooth has been extracted, to promote healing. The shell tapers outwardly from a first to a second perimeter, the second perimeter being asymmetrically scalloped with opposite distal and mesial peaks and opposite lingual and facial valleys between the peaks. A dental implant in the bone socket left after tooth extraction is rigidly connected to a temporary post, the temporary post extending in the shell. The shell engages against the soft tissue socket without gaps and without requiring alignment between the shell and implant axes.