Abstract: An ablation catheter system configured with a compact force sensor at a distal end for detection of contact forces exerted on an end effector. The force sensor includes fiber optics operatively coupled with reflecting members on a structural member. In one embodiment, the optical fibers and reflecting members cooperate with the deformable structure to provide a variable gap interferometer for sensing deformation of the structural member due to contact force. In another embodiment, a change in the intensity of the reflected light is detected to measure the deformation. The measured deformations are then used to compute a contact force vector. In some embodiments, the force sensor is configured to passively compensate for temperature changes that otherwise lead to erroneous force indications. In other embodiments, the system actively compensates for errant force indications caused by temperature changes by measuring certain local temperatures of the structural member.

Abstract: An ablation catheter system configured with a compact force sensor at a distal end for detection of contact forces exerted on an end effector. The force sensor includes fiber optics operatively coupled with reflecting members on a structural member. In one embodiment, the optical fibers and reflecting members cooperate with the deformable structure to provide a variable gap interferometer for sensing deformation of the structural member due to contact force. In another embodiment, a change in the intensity of the reflected light is detected to measure the deformation. The measured deformations are then used to compute a contact force vector. In some embodiments, the force sensor is configured to passively compensate for temperature changes that otherwise lead to erroneous force indications. In other embodiments, the system actively compensates for errant force indications caused by temperature changes by measuring certain local temperatures of the structural member.

Abstract: An endplate plunger for implanting a growth-promoting tether between opposed adjacent vertebrae. The endplate plunger includes resilient arm assemblies that store potential energy when the endplate plunger is in a retracted configuration. In transitioning from the retracted configuration to a deployed configuration, the potential energy is released in a burst of kinetic energy, causing tip portions at the distal ends of the resilient arm assemblies to be thrust into the adjacent vertebrae. In some embodiments, each tip portion forms a cleft in the respective vertebral endplate and deposits the tether therein. The tether is thereby anchored directly in the clefts, without need for separately formed anchors. In some embodiments, devices and methods are disclosed to route the tether through an implanted spinal implant.

Abstract: A cannulated plunger assembly for setting a tether with anchors on both ends to extend between adjacent vertebrae. The cannulated form enables minimally invasive access to an evacuated space between the vertebral endplates. Each of the anchors are coupled to a respective one of a pair of plunger arms, the plunger arms being configured to deploy the anchors beyond an outer radius of a tubular housing. In some embodiments, in a retracted configuration, the pair of plunger arms are surrounded by the housing, and in a deployed configuration, the pair of plunger arms extend through an open distal end of and beyond an outer radius of the housing to drive the anchors into the vertebral end plates.

Abstract: Systems for performing a minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion. The system may be in the form of a disposable kit, with the components streamlined so that the procedure can be performed in a few minutes. The screw components are self-drilling and self-tapping. The system may deploy blades through the walls of the primary screw which cut away material as the primary screw is set, for denuding the sacroiliac joint. The primary screws are designed to bore through and internalize bone tissue in an autografting process. The implant system may include components for packing bone grafting material into the screw to supplement autograft bone tissue internalized in the primary screw during placement. At least one side screw is passed through a head of the primary screw to anchor the head and inhibit rotation (backing out) after implantation. The primary screw may include features that facilitate rotational alignment.

Abstract: An ablation catheter system configured with a compact force sensor at a distal end for detection of contact forces exerted on an end effector. The force sensor includes fiber optics operatively coupled with reflecting members on a structural member. In one embodiment, the optical fibers and reflecting members cooperate with the deformable structure to provide a variable gap interferometer for sensing deformation of the structural member due to contact force. In another embodiment, a change in the intensity of the reflected light is detected to measure the deformation. The measured deformations are then used to compute a contact force vector. In some embodiments, the force sensor is configured to passively compensate for temperature changes that otherwise lead to erroneous force indications. In other embodiments, the system actively compensates for errant force indications caused by temperature changes by measuring certain local temperatures of the structural member.

Abstract: An ablation catheter system configured with a compact force sensor at a distal end for detection of contact forces exerted on an end effector. The force sensor includes fiber optics operatively coupled with reflecting members on a structural member. In one embodiment, the optical fibers and reflecting members cooperate with the deformable structure to provide a variable gap interferometer for sensing deformation of the structural member due to contact force. In another embodiment, a change in the intensity of the reflected light is detected to measure the deformation. The measured deformations are then used to compute a contact force vector. In some embodiments, the force sensor is configured to passively compensate for temperature changes that otherwise lead to erroneous force indications. In other embodiments, the system actively compensates for errant force indications caused by temperature changes by measuring certain local temperatures of the structural member.

Abstract: A method and device for determining the transmurality and/or continuity of an isolation line formed by a plurality of point contact ablations. In one embodiment, a method for determining the size of a lesion (width, depth and/or volume) is disclosed, based on contact force of the ablation head with the target tissue, and an energization parameter that quantifies the energy delivered to the target tissue during the duration time of the lesion formation. In another embodiment, the sequential nature (sequence in time and space) of the ablation line formation is tracked and quantified in a quantity herein referred to as the “jump index,” and used in conjunction with the lesion size information to determine the probability of a gap later forming in the isolation line.

Abstract: A method and device for determining the transmurality and/or continuity of an isolation line formed by a plurality of point contact ablations. In one embodiment, a method for determining the size of a lesion (width, depth and/or volume) is disclosed, based on contact force of the ablation head with the target tissue, and an energization parameter that quantifies the energy delivered to the target tissue during the duration time of the lesion formation. In another embodiment, the sequential nature (sequence in time and space) of the ablation line formation is tracked and quantified in a quantity herein referred to as the “jump index,” and used in conjunction with the lesion size information to determine the probability of a gap later forming in the isolation line.

Abstract: A method and device for determining the transmurality and/or continuity of an isolation line formed by a plurality of point contact ablations. In one embodiment, a method for determining the size of a lesion (width, depth and/or volume) is disclosed, based on contact force of the ablation head with the target tissue, and an energization parameter that quantifies the energy delivered to the target tissue during the duration time of the lesion formation. In another embodiment, the sequential nature (sequence in time and space) of the ablation line formation is tracked and quantified in a quantity herein referred to as the “jump index,” and used in conjunction with the lesion size information to determine the probability of a gap later forming in the isolation line.

Abstract: A method and device for determining the transmuriality and/or continuity of an isolation line formed by a plurality of point contact ablations. In one embodiment, a method for determining the size of a lesion (width, depth and/or volume) is disclosed, based on contact force of the ablation head with the target tissue, and an energization parameter that quantifies the energy delivered to the target tissue during the duration time of the lesion formation. In another embodiment, the sequential nature (sequence in time and space) of the ablation line formation is tracked and quantified in a quantity herein referred to as the “jump index,” and used in conjunction with the lesion size information to determine the probability of a gap later forming in the isolation line.

Abstract: A head form for testing a variety of respirators. The head form can prevent false leak failures by having a mask registration member upon which the mask under test is mounted, the mask registration member being self lubricating. In one embodiment, the registration member is an inflatable bladder. The bladder can be configured to limit lift away of the inflatable bladder from the recess, thereby mitigating leaks in the head form assembly. The bladder may be configured to limit roll away of portions of the bladder that register against the head form, thereby reducing or eliminating leaks between the inflatable bladder and the mask under test.

Abstract: An ablation catheter system configured with a compact force sensor at a distal end for detection of contact forces exerted on an end effector. The force sensor includes fiber optics operatively coupled with reflecting members on a structural member. In one embodiment, the optical fibers and reflecting members cooperate with the deformable structure to provide a variable gap interferometer for sensing deformation of the structural member due to contact force. In another embodiment, a change in the intensity of the reflected light is detected to measure the deformation. The measured deformations are then used to compute a contact force vector. In some embodiments, the force sensor is configured to passively compensate for temperature changes that otherwise lead to erroneous force indications. In other embodiments, the system actively compensates for errant force indications caused by temperature changes by measuring certain local temperatures of the structural member.

Abstract: A hand-held, automated qualitative fit tester (QLFT) for establishing gas mask fit integrity. The automated QLFT may be configured to utilize a pressure source in combination with a cartridge and a nebulizer to generate aerosols having size distributions and concentrations that are substantially the same as OSHA-approved manual units. The QLFT may further include a cartridge that contains the aerosol solution used to test mask integrity. The cartridge may be configured to recapture solution that collects on the interior walls of the nebulizer. The automated QLFT may also be equipped with a microprocessor for executing sequences that are in substantive compliance with 29 CFR 1910.134 and for writing to a data storage device. The automated aspects of the invention can reduce or negate the need for operating personnel to repeatedly and manually actuate a squeeze ball and record results manually, as is required with present OSHA-approved hand-held aerosol generators.

Abstract: A method and device for determining the transmuriality and/or continuity of an isolation line formed by a plurality of point contact ablations. In one embodiment, a method for determining the size of a lesion (width, depth and/or volume) is disclosed, based on contact force of the ablation head with the target tissue, and an energization parameter that quantifies the energy delivered to the target tissue during the duration time of the lesion formation. In another embodiment, the sequential nature (sequence in time and space) of the ablation line formation is tracked and quantified in a quantity herein referred to as the “jump index,” and used in conjunction with the lesion size information to determine the probability of a gap later forming in the isolation line.

Abstract: A delivery system for delivery of powders to targeted areas. Various embodiments include a powder delivery train that mates with standard-sized powder containers. Another embodiment includes a bellows container that contains the powder and propels the powder through the powder delivery train. Another embodiment integrates the powder delivery train with the sifter cap and enables the powder delivery tube to be stowed within the powder container.

Abstract: A hand-held, automated qualitative fit tester (QLFT) for establishing gas mask fit integrity. The automated QLFT may be configured to utilize a pressure source in combination with a cartridge and a nebulizer to generate aerosols having size distributions and concentrations that are substantially the same as OSHA-approved manual units. The QLFT may further include a cartridge that contains the aerosol solution used to test mask integrity. The cartridge may be configured to recapture solution that collects on the interior walls of the nebulizer. The automated QLFT may also be equipped with a microprocessor for executing sequences that are in substantive compliance with 29 CFR 1910.134 and for writing to a data storage device. The automated aspects of the invention can reduce or negate the need for operating personnel to repeatedly and manually actuate a squeeze ball and record results manually, as is required with present OSHA-approved hand-held aerosol generators.

Abstract: An electrically-heated chemical process reactor having an inlet for receiving industrial gases, an internal channel for passing the flow of gases, and an outlet for expelling the gases. An array of current-carrying screen element packets are arranged along the channel for receiving a heating current, and the internal gas channel includes passages through the array for preheating the gas prior to entering the channel.

Abstract: An electrically-heated chemical process reactor having an inlet for receiving industrial gases, an internal channel for passing the flow of gases, and an outlet for expelling the gases. An array of current-carrying screen element packets are arranged along the channel for receiving a heating current, and the internal gas channel includes passages through the array for preheating the gas prior to entering the channel.

Abstract: An electrical foam heating element made by the process of forming a volume of reticulated silicon carbide foam material into a preferred shape, heating the material to a temperature of about 1000.degree. C. for a period of 24-30 hours, forming conductive edges over two respectively facing edge surfaces, applying an electrically-conductive felt material against the respective conductive faces, and clamping foam volume and foam between two electrically-conductive electrodes. In another embodiment, a region of nickel foam material is provided between the respective electrodes and the silicon carbide interior, and intermediate felt layers are provided between the nickel foam and the silicon carbide foam, and between the nickel foam and the electrodes. The layered felt material is of three-layer construction: inner and outer layers of electrically-conductive felt separated by an interior metal foil layer.