Abstract: A method of providing information indicative of network coverage by one or more wireless service providers in a geographic area may include obtaining, at an information provider, performance indicators for a plurality of accesses to the information provider by a plurality of wireless devices. The performance indicators may be correlated with one or more network service areas. Related performance indicators may be aggregated to produce one or more aggregated performance indicators. A human-discernible representation of network performance for one or more network service areas may be produced.

Abstract: A suturing instrument includes a suturing head that is coupled to the shaft of an elongate body member of the instrument by a connector member which may be biased in either a linear orientation along the longitudinal axis of the shaft or any one of a variety of non-linear orientations with respect to the shaft's longitudinal axis. The connector member can comprise a resilient material such that an external force may be applied to the suturing head and move the suturing head from a biased orientation (e.g., linear) to an unbiased orientation (e.g., non-linear). Once the external force is removed, the resiliency of the connector member allows the suturing head to return from the unbiased orientation to the biased orientation. Therefore, a user may adjust the shape of the instrument by applying or removing an external force on the suturing head.

Abstract: Called telephone number(s) from a client device are stored. The called number(s) is used to lookup information related to the called number(s) (e.g., a name and address). Additional information might be obtained about the called party including the type of business, classifications of the products of the business, etc. This information may then used to select and/or store advertisements to serve to the client device (or to the user of the device, if known, when that user is on another device such as a Web device). Advertisements can be scored according to how well they match the information derived from the called telephone number(s).

Abstract: A method includes identifying an area of interest within a gastrointestinal lumen based on a virtual imaging modality. Energy is applied using an external energy source directed at the area of interest sufficient to disrupt at least a portion of an undesired tissue. In another embodiment, the method includes introducing a contrasting agent into a gastrointestinal lumen. The gastrointestinal lumen is imaged with an imaging device. An area of interest within the gastrointestinal lumen is identified, where the area of interest is indicated by the contrasting agent. Energy is applied using an external energy source directed at the area of interest to disrupt at least a portion of a tissue located at the area of interest. The disrupted tissue is removed from the gastrointestinal lumen.

Abstract: A needle guiding apparatus includes a base, a guide assembly, and an imaging sight. The base defines an opening that extends through the base. The guide assembly includes at least one passage, and the guide assembly is disposed within the opening of the base. The guide assembly also is rotatable about at least one axis. The imaging sight is disposed adjacent the passage. An entry needle can be inserted through the needle guiding apparatus and into a body. Devices and methods according to the present invention allow a medical professional to accurately and rapidly place a probe, such as a needle, in a patient.

Abstract: A computer-implemented mapping method is disclosed and includes displaying a first map view of a geographic area on a display of a computing device, receiving a voice or key-press zoom command and generating a first zoom box of a predetermined size on the display relative to the first map view in response to the zoom command, and displaying a second map view of a zoomed geographic area corresponding to the zoom box.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes inserting into a gastrointestinal lumen, a catheter having a first balloon and a second balloon spaced from the first balloon. The first balloon and the second balloon are inflated to sealingly engage the lumen. A liquid is introduced into a volume bounded by the first balloon, the second balloon and the lumen so that the liquid contacts at least a portion of the lumen.

Abstract: A fixation device can be delivered to the body of a patient by coupling the fixation device to a delivery instrument at a head of the fixation device. Engaging the fixation device to the delivery instrument at the fixation device's head allows the fixation device to be secured to a tissue and/or ligament of the patient. The fixation device can be a sling for placement around the bladder neck of a female patient.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a medical device, such as an endoscopic device, configured to be loaded into a channel of an endoscope prior to insertion of the endoscope into a body, and a method of performing an operative procedure with an endoscopic device. The endoscopic device comprises an elongate member for insertion into the channel of the endoscope, wherein a length of the elongate member is greater than a length of the channel of the endoscope. The endoscopic device also comprises a distal assembly connected to a distal portion of the elongate member and operable to perform an endoscopic operation, wherein the distal assembly has an open configuration and a closed configuration with a profile larger than a diameter of the channel of the endoscope, wherein the distal assembly is adapted to be exterior to the channel when the endoscope is inserted into the body.

Abstract: A needle is guided to a target along a pre-determined needle insertion trajectory. A method that utilizes a fluoroscope can be used to locate the target. The target can be an internal structure within the human body. A device can be used with the fluoroscope to aim and insert a needle or sharp probe along the pre-determined trajectory to the target. By using the device with the fluoroscope, a user can receive real time visual confirmation of contact between the needle and the target.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is disclosed that includes receiving on a mobile device a search query associated with a geographic location, providing one or more search results in response to the search query, the search results each being associated with a geographic location, and presenting on a graphical display of the computing device icons corresponding to each search result and also corresponding to a key on the computing device.

Abstract: A medical catheter assembly and method of using the same. In one embodiment, the assembly comprises a gastrostomy feeding tube having a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal bore, the distal end being shaped to include an internal bolster, the internal bolster having an anchoring state and a non-anchoring state. A suture extends from the internal bolster through the longitudinal bore to exit the tube at its proximal end, proximal displacement of the suture maintaining the internal bolster in its anchoring state. A protective sleeve made of a rigid material is removably insertable into the tube through its proximal end, the suture being inserted through the protective sleeve. The protective sleeve, when inserted into the tube, serves to protect the suture from being cut when the tube is cut to a desired length after having been implanted in a patient.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an elongate body including a proximal end portion and a distal end portion and configured to be at least partially inserted into a body cavity. The elongate body defines a first passageway and a second passageway. The first passageway is configured to communicate fluid from the distal end portion in a first direction, and the second passageway is configured to communicate material from outside of the elongate body into the distal end portion in a second direction opposite the first direction and includes at least one port. An actuator is coupled to the elongate body and is configured to guide the distal end of the elongate body to an area of interest identifiable by a virtual colonoscopy.

Abstract: Systems, method, and devices related to surgically implantable supportive slings are presented herein. More specifically, in various embodiments, the systems, devices and methods relate to a surgically implantable supportive sling adapted to anchor in patient tissue.

Abstract: Devices and methods for delivering of a sling assembly and removal of the sleeve at least partially enclosing the sling through a single orifice of incision are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to surgically implantable supportive slings. More specifically, in various embodiments, the invention is directed to systems, devices and methods relating to a surgically implantable supportive sling having an adjustable shape.

Abstract: The invention provides, in various embodiments, systems, devices and methods relating to adjustable length implantable sling assemblies for providing support to anatomical locations. In certain embodiments, the sling includes at least one elastic member to aid in the placement and tensioning of the sling.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and devices for modulating the size of an implantable sling.

Abstract: A method of providing information indicative of network coverage by one or more wireless service providers in a geographic area may include obtaining, at an information provider, performance indicators for a plurality of accesses to the information provider by a plurality of wireless devices. The performance indicators may be correlated with one or more network service areas. Related performance indicators may be aggregated to produce one or more aggregated performance indicators. A human-discernible representation of network performance for one or more network service areas may be produced.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body configured to be at least partially inserted into a rectum of a patient. The body defines a first passageway and a second passageway between a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The first passageway is configured to receive a medical tool and the second passageway is configured to communicate an insufflation medium. An insufflation port is coupled to the second passageway and is configured to communicate the insufflation medium to the second passageway. A retention portion is coupled to the body and is configured to have a dimension transverse to an axis defined by the body sufficient to retain at least a portion of the body in the rectum. The retention portion is configured to be located beyond an anus of the patient.