Abstract: Pressure sensing guidewires and methods for making and using pressure sensing guidewires are disclosed. An example pressure sensing guidewire may include a tubular member having a proximal region and a housing region. An optical pressure sensor may be disposed within the housing region. The optical pressure sensor may include a sensor body and a deflectable membrane coupled to the sensor body. The deflectable membrane may include a polymer. An optical fiber may be coupled to the sensor body and may extend proximally therefrom. A pressure equalization channel is formed in the optical fiber, the sensor body, or both.

Abstract: Pressure sensing guidewires and methods for making and using pressure sensing guidewires are disclosed. An example pressure sensing guidewire may include a tubular member having a proximal region and a housing region. An optical pressure sensor may be disposed within the housing region. The optical pressure sensor may include a sensor body and a deflectable membrane coupled to the sensor body. The deflectable membrane may include a polymer. An optical fiber may be coupled to the sensor body and may extend proximally therefrom. A pressure equalization channel is formed in the optical fiber, the sensor body, or both.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge for processing a biological fluid sample, the cartridge comprising: a sample holder configured to hold a collection tube containing the sample; an extractor configured to engage with the collection tube to transfer the sample from the collection tube to the cartridge; and a sample processor for processing the sample.

Abstract: A cartridge can comprise a first elastomeric membrane and a second elastomeric membrane, and portions of the elastomeric membranes which are sealed to each other can circumscribe unsealed portions of the membranes. In a resting state, the unsealed portion of the first elastomeric membrane abuts or is proximate to the unsealed portion of the second elastomeric membrane. One or more reagents can be injected between the unsealed portions of the first and second elastomeric membranes to push the unsealed portions apart from each other in this region of the membranes. The unsealed portions can be sequentially pushed apart in downstream regions to form a channel between the elastomeric membranes. Positively displaced fluid pushes the unsealed membrane portions apart to a volume that conforms to the volume of the fluid to minimize or prevent dead volume in the channel and thus minimize or prevent air bubbles in the fluid.

Abstract: Pressure sensing guidewires and methods for making and using pressure sensing guidewires are disclosed. An example pressure sensing guidewire may include a tubular member having a proximal region and a housing region. An optical fiber may be disposed within the tubular member and extend to the housing region. The optical fiber may have a distal end region with a cavity formed therein. A polymeric member disposed within the cavity. A reflective surface disposed along the polymeric member.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes endoscope assemblies or catheter assemblies including two or more exits ports and navigation systems associated therewith.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a sleeve having a helical design on at least a distal end portion thereof. The sleeve configured to be used with an endoscope and/or catheter.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes endoluminal shafts including a tubular body, a finger extending therefrom and an ultrasound transducer, and navigation systems associated therewith.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an analytical device and reaction chamber therefor. Specifically it relates to a device comprising a chamber with lobes configured such that altering the lobe configuration aids in the analytical interrogation of a portion of the fluid within the chamber.

Abstract: A unit dose container for holding a single dose of a given liquid, the container comprising: a chamber (8) in which, in use, the given liquid is stored, the chamber having a wall through which, in use, the liquid is to be supplied; a release mechanism (7), at least part of which is internal to, or forms part of the wall of the chamber, the release mechanism being movable relative to the chamber between first and second positions; and means for allowing the release mechanism (7) to move from the first to the second positions, thereby opening a passage through the wall so that the liquid can exit the chamber (8), the means including at least one flexible wall portion.

Abstract: Prepackaged reagent reservoirs with associated nozzles allow for accurate, repeatable distribution of reagents in various types of reactions, reducing the risk of human error. Series of reservoirs may be arrayed on a sheet or plane for automated manipulation providing a simply format for organizing, storing, transporting, and distributing reagents needed in complex reactions such as those in the molecular biology field.

Abstract: Pressure sensing guidewires and methods for making and using pressure sensing guidewires are disclosed. An example pressure sensing guidewire may include a tubular member having a proximal region and a housing region. An optical fiber may be disposed within the tubular member and extend to the housing region. The optical fiber may have a distal end region with a cavity formed therein. A polymeric member disposed within the cavity. A reflective surface disposed along the polymeric member.

Abstract: Pressure sensing guidewires and methods for making and using pressure sensing guidewires are disclosed. An example pressure sensing guidewire may include a tubular member having a proximal region and a housing region. An optical pressure sensor may be disposed within the housing region. The optical pressure sensor may include a sensor body and a deflectable membrane coupled to the sensor body. The deflectable membrane may include a polymer. An optical fiber may be coupled to the sensor body and may extend proximally therefrom. A pressure equalization channel is formed in the optical fiber, the sensor body, or both.

Abstract: Prepackaged reagent reservoirs with associated nozzles allow for accurate, repeatable distribution of reagents in various types of reactions, reducing the risk of human error. Series of reservoirs may be arrayed on a sheet or plane for automated manipulation providing a simply format for organizing, storing, transporting, and distributing reagents needed in complex reactions such as those in the molecular biology field.

Abstract: A cartridge can comprise a first elastomeric membrane and a second elastomeric membrane, and portions of the elastomeric membranes which are sealed to each other can circumscribe unsealed portions of the membranes. In a resting state, the unsealed portion of the first elastomeric membrane abuts or is proximate to the unsealed portion of the second elastomeric membrane. One or more reagents can be injected between the unsealed portions of the first and second elastomeric membranes to push the unsealed portions apart from each other in this region of the membranes. The unsealed portions can be sequentially pushed apart in downstream regions to form a channel between the elastomeric membranes. Positively displaced fluid pushes the unsealed membrane portions apart to a volume that conforms to the volume of the fluid to minimize or prevent dead volume in the channel and thus minimize or prevent air bubbles in the fluid.

Abstract: An aseptic sampling system comprises sampler and interface assemblies. Each assembly comprises a housing defining separate sterile enclosures. An air lock provides aseptic joining of the enclosures within the sampler and interface assemblies, and a re-sealable liquid connection mechanism operates within the lock. The sampler and interface assemblies, when connected, form an outer protective surface comprising the housings of the sampler and interface assemblies, the protective surface providing a sterile internal enclosure and air lock and an air-tight barrier between outer non-sterile, and inner sterile, atmospheres.

Abstract: This invention relates to structures for mounting LEDs, the structures being suitable for use in the manufacture of light guide devices. This invention also relates to light guide devices comprising the structures and methods of manufacture of the aforementioned. The light guide devices are suitable for use in a range of applications, particularly in connection with the backlighting of displays, for example, liquid crystal displays.

Abstract: A dual-frequency ultrasound transducer, comprising a piezo-electric element bonded to a substrate, has two resonant vibration modes: a low frequency mechanical bending resonance mode and a relatively high frequency thickness resonance mode. The low frequency bending resonance mode occurs when the piezo-electric element is excited, in use, by a voltage which includes a low frequency oscillating component. The high frequency thickness resonance mode occurs when the piezo-electric element is excited, in use, by a voltage which includes a relatively high frequency oscillating component. The transducer may include a mounting arrangement, such as a support ring securing the periphery of the substrate to an underlying base layer that enhances the depth of penetration and focus of the ultrasound.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer patch (100) comprises an array of ultrasound transducers (20) mounted to a flexi-PCB (10) containing multiple tracks (12). Each transducer (20), or a sub-group of the transducers is electrically connected to first and second of the multiple tracks. The flexi-PCB (10) is configured, such as by virtue of cut-out portions (114, 414) or by inherent elasticity, to be bendable a out non-parallel axes. The enables the patch (100) to readily conform to a complex 3D surface such as a portion of a patient's face to ensure efficient transmission of ultrasound energy to a desired area of treatment.

Abstract: An aseptic sampling system comprises sampler and interface assemblies. Each assembly comprises a housing defining separate sterile enclosures. An air lock provides aseptic joining of the enclosures within the sampler and interface assemblies, and a re-sealable liquid connection mechanism operates within the lock. The sampler and interface assemblies, when connected, form an outer protective surface comprising the housings of the sampler and interface assemblies, the protective surface providing a sterile internal enclosure and air lock and an air-tight barrier between outer non-sterile, and inner sterile, atmospheres.