Abstract: A diagnostic device is configured to capture diagnostic information about a subject (e.g., the subject's ears). The diagnostic device may include a diagnostic extension housing diagnostic elements (e.g., imaging chip, light sources, or lenses) and an ear canal engagement section coupled to the diagnostic extension. The ear canal engagement section may be shaped to position the diagnostic extension superiorly within the ear canal. For example, one side of the ear canal engagement section may be longer than another, which may enable the ear canal engagement section to contact the inferior wall of the ear canal for a longer distance than it contacts the superior wall. This configuration may allow more movement of the diagnostic extension when the device is inserted into the ear, which further improves the alignment of diagnostic elements with a desired area of the ear for diagnoses (e.g., the eardrum).

Abstract: The invention relates generally to various systems, tools and methods for acquiring diagnostic information, including medical information, for a user, transmitting the information to a remote location, assessing the information, and transmitting resulting diagnosis and treatment information to the user and/or a third party for subsequent action. The present invention provides consumer and user-friendly telemedicine systems and procedures which enable health services and/or diagnosis to be provided at a distance remotely.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to various systems, tools and methods for acquiring diagnostic information, including medical information, for a user, transmitting the information to a remote location, assessing the information, and transmitting resulting diagnosis and treatment information to the user and/or a third party for subsequent action. The present invention provides consumer and user-friendly telemedicine systems and procedures which enable health services and/or diagnosis to be provided at a distance remotely.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to various systems, tools and methods for acquiring diagnostic information, including medical information, for a user, transmitting the information to a remote location, assessing the information, and transmitting resulting diagnosis and treatment information to the user and/or a third party for subsequent action. The present invention provides consumer and user-friendly telemedicine systems and procedures which enable health services and/or diagnosis to be provided at a distance remotely.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for obtaining diagnostic data from a subject's ear. The device has an inserted position, a rotated position, a central body, an extension, and a receptor. The extension is connected to the central body and is adapted for insertion into the ear canal. In some implementations, the device comprises a first flexible arm and a second flexible arm extending from the central body. At least one of the flexible arms bends to confirm o the concha of the ear when the device is in the rotated position. The first and second flexible arms are configured to encourage a placement of the device such that the receptor is able to obtain the diagnostic data from the ear drum when the device is in the rotated position.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to various systems, tools and methods for acquiring diagnostic information, including medical information, for a user, transmitting the information to a remote location, assessing the information, and transmitting resulting diagnosis and treatment information to the user and/or a third party for subsequent action. The present invention provides consumer and user-friendly telemedicine systems and procedures which enable health services and/or diagnosis to be provided at a distance remotely.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to various systems, tools and methods for acquiring diagnostic information, including medical information, for a user, transmitting the information to a remote location, assessing the information, and transmitting resulting diagnosis and treatment information to the user and/or a third party for subsequent action. The present invention provides consumer and user-friendly telemedicine systems and procedures which enable health services and/or diagnosis to be provided at a distance remotely.

Abstract: A method of authenticating an accountholder for relaxing payment transaction authorization rules is provided. The method is implemented using an authentication computing device in communication with a memory device.

Abstract: A surgical retractor includes a retractor blade and a gripping element releasably coupled to the retractor blade. The gripping element has a textured surface for engaging and gripping tissue. The gripping element may be released from the retractor blade intraoperatively. The surgical retractor may also have an optical illumination element such as an optical waveguide that is magnetically and releasably coupled to the retractor.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods constrain and/or support tissue structures along an airway.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to various systems, tools and methods for acquiring diagnostic information, including medical information, for a user, transmitting the information to a remote location, assessing the information, and transmitting resulting diagnosis and treatment information to the user and/or a third party for subsequent action. The present invention provides consumer and user-friendly telemedicine systems and procedures which enable health services and/or diagnosis to be provided at a distance remotely.

Abstract: A method for delivering material into bone deploys a cannula through soft tissue to establish a subcutaneous path into bone. The method deploys a cavity forming instrument through the cannula to form a cavity in cancellous bone. The method introduces a material into the cavity through the cannula, which includes the advancement of a tamping instrument through the cannula to urge material into the cavity.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods constrain and/or support tissue structures along an airway.

Abstract: A method for delivering material into bone deploys a cannula through soft tissue to establish a subcutaneous path into bone. The method deploys a cavity forming instrument through the cannula to form a cavity in cancellous bone. The method introduces a material into the cavity through the cannula, which includes the advancement of a tamping instrument through the cannula to urge material into the cavity.

Abstract: Cancellous bone is accessed through a subcutaneous access path in soft tissue. A cavity is formed in cancellous bone by a cavity forming tool that is advanced through the subcutaneous access path into cancellous bone and manipulated to form the cavity. A measured volume of bone filling material is delivered into the cavity through the subcutaneous access path by a nozzle having an interior bore defining an interior volume sized for containing bone filling material, which is advanced through the subcutaneous access path. A nested instrument is formed while clearing residual bone filling material from the interior bore by an auxiliary tool that can be manipulated independently of the nozzle, which is advanced through the interior bore of the nozzle.

Abstract: Cancellous bone is accessed through a subcutaneous access path in soft tissue. A cavity is formed in cancellous bone by a cavity forming tool that is advanced through the subcutaneous access path into cancellous bone and manipulated to form the cavity. A measured volume of bone filling material is delivered into the cavity through the subcutaneous access path by a nozzle having an interior bore defining an interior volume sized for containing bone filling material, which is advanced through the subcutaneous access path. A nested instrument is formed while clearing residual bone filling material from the interior bore by an auxiliary tool that can be manipulated independently of the nozzle, which is advanced through the interior bore of the nozzle.

Abstract: Devices and methods treat bone after high velocity and/or trauma fracture, using various devices, including cavity-forming devices.

Abstract: A percutaneous access path into a vertebral body is established. The vertebral body has an interior volume occupied, at least in part, by a cancellous bone. At least portion of the cancellous bone is compacted or otherwise conditioned, resulting in a cavity in the vertebral body. A bone filler material is conveyed into the cavity at a pressure less than approximately 400 pounds per square inch. The bone filler material can have a viscosity that resists extravazation in cancellous bone.

Abstract: Introduction of a bone filler material into at least a portion of the cancellous bone volume pressurizes the bone filler material and compresses the cancellous bone volume within the bone structure.

Abstract: An expandable structure carried at the end of a catheter tube assembly can be contracted and/or wrapped to present a reduced profile during deployment and/or removal from a targeted tissue site.