Abstract: An introducer assembly introduces an elongate member into a tubular structure and may be configured into ready, introduced, and detached modes. The introducer assembly has a guide tube, a slide collar, and proximal and distal connector assemblies. The guide tube has a proximal body, and a distal portion, the distal portion being rotatably connected to the proximal body. The slide collar has a grip, a slide post, and a centered capture structure. The proximal connector assembly is detachably nested within the centered capture structure. The distal connector assembly is detachably nested within the distal portion and is connectable to the tubular structure. The introducer assembly may be converted from the ready mode to the introduced mode to the detached mode by manual manipulation to introduce and secure the elongate member within the connected tubular structure, and then detach the guide tube leaving the elongate member within the connected tubular structure.

Abstract: An electromagnetic radiation (EMR) delivery system for delivering EMR at wavelengths, intensities, exposures, and durations to locations inside and/or outside a patient's body in, on, and surrounding a tubular structure such as a tube, catheter, and/or a catheter extension to prevent, reduce, and/or eliminate infectious agents in, on, or surrounding the tubular structure. A smart light engine box generates the therapeutic EMR, controls treatments, and monitors the health of the system. A fiber optic disposable, introduced and positioned by an introducer assembly, makes at-home use of the EMR delivery system possible. Specific embodiments of the EMR delivery system for use with peritoneal dialysis catheters, dialysis accesses, and hemodialysis accesses are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for generating three-dimensional tissue maps, and particularly fibrosis maps of cardiac tissue. An intravascular device includes an elongated member and a distal tip. An imaging assembly is integrated with the elongated member to enable imaging of the microstructure of tissue near the distal tip. One or more navigation electrodes are positioned at or near the distal tip. Electrical mapping and/or ablation assemblies may also be integrated with the device. Images may be characterized according to a level of fibrosis and, using the corresponding determined locations of the images, a three-dimensional map showing areas of differential fibrosis may be generated. Electrical mapping data may also be integrated with the fibrosis map to generate a composite fibrosis and voltage map.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, systems, and methods for characterizing tissue using light scattering spectroscopy. A tissue characterization probe includes an elongate member having a proximal end and a plurality of distal probe tips at a distal end. A plurality of illumination fibers extend through the elongate member to the distal probe tips such that each distal probe tip includes at least one illumination fiber. A plurality of detection fibers also extend through the elongate member such that each probe tip includes at least one detection fiber. The disclosed devices and systems beneficially enable characterization of tissues within depths greater than 100 gm. The disclosed devices and systems also enable effective characterization of anisotropic tissues, such as cardiac myocardium.

Abstract: A catheter for imaging and treating a selected tissue and method of use is provided. Imaging, and treatment assemblies may be co-located at a distal end of a single catheter. The imaging assembly may include at least a portion of a confocal microscope. The treatment assembly may include at least a portion of the imaging assembly. A method of treating a selected tissue is also provided. The method may be performed using a single catheter. The imaging and treatment steps of the method may be performed simultaneously.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for providing user feedback regarding compliance with a set of partial weight bearing (PWB) criteria are described. A computer system receives force data from a non-compressible force transmitter that is assigned to a user, and accesses the force data received from the non-compressible force transmitter to determine whether the user is within a predefined pressure compliance range. The pressure compliance range specifies a prescribed range of pressure that is to be applied during a PWB period. The computer system then receives a compliance data request from the user or the user's physician and communicates compliance data representing the user's compliance with the prescribed range of pressure during the PWB period to the user and/or the user's physician.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for generating three-dimensional tissue maps, and particularly fibrosis maps of cardiac tissue. An intravascular device includes an elongated member and a distal tip. An imaging assembly is integrated with the elongated member to enable imaging of the microstructure of tissue near the distal tip. One or more navigation electrodes are positioned at or near the distal tip. Electrical mapping and/or ablation assemblies may also be integrated with the device. Images may be characterized according to a level of fibrosis and, using the corresponding determined locations of the images, a three-dimensional map showing areas of differential fibrosis may be generated. Electrical mapping data may also be integrated with the fibrosis map to generate a composite fibrosis and voltage map.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a speculum device for measuring pelvic floor muscle (PFM) contractile forces. The speculum device includes a first bill and a second, opposing bill. Each bill has a proximal end attached to a handle. The handle includes a housing in which a sensor cassette may be selectively inserted. When inserted, the sensor cassette can measure contractile forces applied to the upper and lower bills and mechanically transferred to the sensor cassette. The sensor cassette does not come into contact with the patient while measurements are taken. Afterwards, the sensor cassette may be removed from the housing while the remainder of the device is sterilized.

Abstract: Sensing devices for measuring a force applied by a patient's body include a first surface and a second surface that form a chamber housing electrical components and an incompressible fluid. The second surface is convex away from the first surface, which is planar. The electrical components include a pressure sensor and a signal conditioner and the incompressible fluid fills the chamber and contacts the electrical components.

Abstract: Implementations of the present disclosure relate to apparatuses, systems, and methods for measuring net load on a lower extremity. In one embodiment a bootcast may include a body and a sole. The sole may be configured to receive at least a first force. The body may be configured to receive at least a second force. One or more first sensors may be located in or on the sole and may be configured to measure the first force. One or more second sensors may be located in or on the body and may be configured to measure the second force.

Abstract: A catheter for imaging and treating a selected tissue and method of use is provided. Imaging, and treatment assemblies may be co-located at a distal end of a single catheter. The imaging assembly may include at least a portion of a confocal microscope. The treatment assembly may include at least a portion of the imaging assembly. A method of treating a selected tissue is also provided. The method may be performed using a single catheter. The imaging and treatment steps of the method may be performed simultaneously.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for measuring an under foot load profile of a patient during a period of partial weight bearing are described. The system may include a walking boot cast. A housing, including an inner surface and an upper surface that cooperate to define an inner cavity, may be oriented with respect to a patient's leg. The upper surface may be slidably received within the inner cavity in a piston and cylinder configuration or may be otherwise configured. The system may include a pressure sensor configured to monitor the load profile of a patient during the desired period of partial weight bearing. The pressure sensor may be located below the upper surface. The system may include a noncompressible force transmitter positioned within the inner cavity and at least partially encapsulating an upper portion of the pressure sensor to transmit pressure within the housing to the pressure sensor.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for measuring an under foot load profile of a tibial fracture patient during a period of partial weight bearing are described. The system may include a walking boot cast. A housing, including an inner surface and an upper surface that cooperate to define an inner cavity, may be oriented with respect to a patient's tibia. The upper surface is slidably received within the inner cavity in a piston and cylinder configuration. The system may include a pressure sensor configured to monitor the load profile of a patient during the desired period of partial weight bearing. The pressure sensor may be located below the upper surface. The system may include a noncompressible force transmitter positioned within the inner cavity and at least partially encapsulating an upper portion of the pressure sensor to transmit pressure within the housing to the pressure sensor.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for providing user feedback regarding compliance with a set of partial weight bearing (PWB) criteria are described. A computer system receives force data from a non-compressible force transmitter that is assigned to a user, and accesses the force data received from the non-compressible force transmitter to determine whether the user is within a predefined pressure compliance range. The pressure compliance range specifies a prescribed range of pressure that is to be applied during a PWB period. The computer system then receives a compliance data request from the user or the user's physician and communicates compliance data representing the user's compliance with the prescribed range of pressure during the PWB period to the user and/or the user's physician.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for measuring an under foot load profile of a tibial fracture patient during a period of partial weight bearing are described. The system may include a walking boot cast. A housing, including an inner surface and an upper surface that cooperate to define an inner cavity, may be oriented with respect to a patient's tibia. The upper surface is slidably received within the inner cavity in a piston and cylinder configuration. The system may include a pressure sensor configured to monitor the load profile of a patient during the desired period of partial weight bearing. The pressure sensor may be located below the upper surface. The system may include a noncompressible force transmitter positioned within the inner cavity and at least partially encapsulating an upper portion of the pressure sensor to transmit pressure within the housing to the pressure sensor.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for measuring an under foot load profile of a patient during a period of partial weight bearing are described. The system may include a walking boot cast. A housing, including an inner surface and an upper surface that cooperate to define an inner cavity, may be oriented with respect to a patient's leg. The upper surface may be slidably received within the inner cavity in a piston and cylinder configuration or may be otherwise configured. The system may include a pressure sensor configured to monitor the load profile of a patient during the desired period of partial weight bearing. The pressure sensor may be located below the upper surface. The system may include a noncompressible force transmitter positioned within the inner cavity and at least partially encapsulating an upper portion of the pressure sensor to transmit pressure within the housing to the pressure sensor.

Abstract: An implantable biosensor assembly and system includes an enzymatic sensor probe from which subcutaneous and interstitial glucose levels may be inferred. The assembly may be associated by direct percutaneous connection with electronics, such as for signal amplification, sensor polarization, and data download, manipulation, display, and storage. The biosensor comprises a miniature probe characterized by lateral flexibility and tensile strength and has large electrode surface area for increased sensitivity. Irritation of tissues surrounding the probe is minimized due to ease of flexibility and small cross section of the sensor. Foreign body reaction is diminished due to a microscopically rough porous probe surface.

Abstract: An assembly including an introducer cannula and subcutaneous measurement device, and a method of its use. The device can form an aseptic seal to the introducer to resist passage of pathogens through the cannula. Insertion of the device into the introducer desirably causes a one-way coupling operable to force removal of the introducer and device as a single assembly. Installation of certain devices into certain introducers forms an electrical connection between an electrode carried by the introducer and system electronics. Desirably, the introducer provides a funnel-like structure operable to guide a device's probe tip into reception in the introducer's cannula.

Abstract: A load sensing structure for a weighing scale deck includes two or more low profile flexure members, each of which is shaped like the letter E with two outer legs secured to the deck and the inner leg to the platform. The latter has twice the bending strength and stiffness of the former. All legs have their ends connected cantilever fashion to either a common base or to one or the other of the deck and platform. Strain gases on one leg provide complementary inputs to a bridge circuit under weight loads but tend to cancel their effects on the bridge circuit under other load conditions.