Abstract: An implantable drug delivery device and method that includes a sensor device for detecting deflection of a diaphragm at a first time from a first position within a diaphragm chamber of an accumulator of the implantable drug delivery device. A cycle count may be incremented in response to the diaphragm returning to the first position within the diaphragm chamber, each time during cyclical deflections within the diaphragm chamber. A flow rate of infusate may be determined based on a volume of the diaphragm chamber, the cycle count, and an elapsed time since the first time. Once the flow rate is determined, a processor may determine whether the flow rate of infusate is normal based on a comparison of the determined flow rate to at least one threshold flow rate.

Abstract: A device has various arrangements of source and detector sensors. In specific implementations, the device has at least four structures, one source and three detectors, two sources and two detectors, and other arrangement variations. In a specific implementation, between a source structure and a detector structure, there are not any other intervening sensor structures. The device may be part of a medical device that is used to monitor or measure oxygen saturation levels in a tissue.

Abstract: A probe for a medical device with source and detector sensors is used to monitor or measure, or both, oxygen saturation levels in a tissue. In various specific implementations, the probe has at least two sources and at least one detector, at least one source and at least two detectors, and at least two sources and at least four detectors. A source of the probe is connected to at least one radiation source, which is external to the probe. A detector of the probe is connected to a photodetector, which is external to the probe.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for assessing the viability of tissue such as flap tissue are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for assessing the viability of flap tissue includes obtaining an oxygen saturation level associated with a first location on the flap tissue, determining whether the oxygen saturation level is less than a first level, and identifying the first location as having a poor blood supply if the oxygen saturation level is less than the first level.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for monitoring oxygen saturation levels in tissue are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a sensor arrangement for use in an optical imaging system includes a first source structure, a second source structure, and a detector arrangement. The first source structure provides a first beam of light and the second source structure provides a second beam of light. The detector arrangement includes detector structures that have centerpoints, and receives the first and second beams of light after the first and second beams of light are reflected off of an external surface. The detector arrangement is arranged to define a first axis that passes through the centerpoint of each detector structure, and a distance from a centerpoint of the first source structure to the first axis is not equal to a distance from a centerpoint of the second source structure to the first axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for surgical aspiration and monitoring of the aspirated fluids includes a sealable aspiration bottle supported by an electronic weighing scale on a base stand. The bottle includes tubing connectors joined to a negative gauge pressure source and to an aspirating surgical instrument. A pair of electrodes extend into the bottle and are connected to an electronic circuit which measures the impedance of the fluid/tissue aspirate in the bottle. A microprocessor receives the impedance and net weight data of the aspirate, determines the relative amounts and net weights of fluid and tissue in the aspirate, and displays this information on a visual display.

Abstract: A bracelet adapted to secure an intravenous tube to the wrist of a medical patient is formed of a single elongated strip of flexible plastic material. One end of the strip tapers to a rounded point, with a plurality of ratchet teeth formed in the edges of the strip adjacent to the tapered portion. The opposite end is provided with an opening to receive the first end and to engage the ratchet teeth and form a loop of adjustable length, with a pair of lateral slots provided to retain the distal portion of the first end flush with the bracelet. The medial portion of the strip includes a plurality of pairs of longitudinally extending slots, each pair adapted to receive the intravenous tube therethrough, so that the tube may be secured by describing a retrocurved configuration through the bracelet slots.