Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide robotic systems, apparatuses, and methods. One such robotic system comprises a robotic surgical tool; and a steering system configured to steer the robotic surgical tool based on motion angle commands along X and Y axes as the robotic surgical tool moves in an Z axis direction within a tubular passageway. The system further comprises a computing device that executes an artificial intelligence program configured to control the steering system by computing the motion angle commands based on a current position of the robotic surgical tool along planar axes of the tubular passageway and center positions of the passageway along the planar axes. Other systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for detection of ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) in a patient, the apparatus comprising: an endotracheal tube; at least two non-selective electrode contacts located in proximity to each other within the endotracheal tube, the contacts lacking any structural feature or component that particularly recognizes a chemical or biological species; an electrical subsystem that is capable of generating, receiving and processing electrical signals; wiring for connecting each of the electrode contacts with the electrical subsystem; and tubing for insulating the wiring from any sputum material that is introduced into the endotracheal tube by the patient.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a microrobotic device. The microrobotic device being coupled to a steering system configured to steer the microrobotic device along X, Y, and Z axes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mucoadhesive patch for attachment to a mucosal surface in a patient, the patch comprising a fibrous polymeric mat substrate and a plurality of polymeric flock particles that are attached to the substrate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide robotic systems, apparatuses, and methods. One such robotic system comprises a robotic surgical tool; and a steering system configured to steer the robotic surgical tool based on motion angle commands along X and Y axes as the robotic surgical tool moves in an Z axis direction within a tubular passageway. The system further comprises a computing device that executes an artificial intelligence program configured to control the steering system by computing the motion angle commands based on a current position of the robotic surgical tool along planar axes of the tubular passageway and center positions of the passageway along the planar axes. Other systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an electroactive material includes a piezoelectric polymer substrate and a conducting polymer coating provided on the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mucoadhesive patch for attachment to a mucosal surface in a patient, the patch comprising a fibrous polymeric mat substrate and a plurality of polymeric flock particles that are attached to the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for detection of ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) in a patient, the apparatus comprising: an endotracheal tube; at least two non-selective electrode contacts located in proximity to each other within the endotracheal tube, the contacts lacking any structural feature or component that particularly recognizes a chemical or biological species; an electrical subsystem that is capable of generating, receiving and processing electrical signals; wiring for connecting each of the electrode contacts with the electrical subsystem; and tubing for insulating the wiring from any sputum material that is introduced into the endotracheal tube by the patient.

Abstract: The invention provides a nanoindentation pen in the form of a device for measurement of mechanical properties of a tissue in a subject, the device comprising a dumbbell comprising an elongated shaft, the shaft being affixed at a first end to a pen tip for contacting the tissue, the shaft being affixed at a second opposite end to a terminal member, a linear actuator, and one or more pressure sensors that are in physical communication with the terminal member, the pressure sensor(s) generating a signal that indicates a force exerted on the terminal member by the pen tip via the shaft. In some embodiments, the inventive device uses statics and mechanics to calculate the stiffness of a human vocal fold based on a known displacement and a measured force. The pen tip is able to reach most sides of the vocal fold, making it ideal for all types of examination purposes.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for the mechanical detection of a specific underlying tissue in a subject, comprising a container, wherein the container comprises a probe, spring, sensor, and signal indicator, wherein when a mechanical force is applied to the probe, it is transmitted to the sensor, whereby the sensor provides the signal indicator with a signal and the signal indicator indicates to the user an indication of detection of the specific underlying tissue in the subject. The sensor of the invention can be an electrical sensor such as a piezoelectric force transducer or a balloon. The invention also provides a method of performing a cricothyrotomy using the device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an electroactive material includes a piezoelectric polymer substrate and a conducting polymer coating provided on the substrate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the devices described herein are directed to a vein imaging system which adds user protection, variable positioning, and portability to an established imaging modality, near infrared (NIR) videography and videogrammetry.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for the mechanical detection of a specific underlying tissue in a subject, comprising a container, wherein the container comprises a probe, spring, sensor, and signal indicator, wherein when a mechanical force is applied to the probe, it is transmitted to the sensor, whereby the sensor provides the signal indicator with a signal and the signal indicator indicates to the user an indication of detection of the specific underlying tissue in the subject. The sensor of the invention can be an electrical sensor such as a piezoelectric force transducer or a balloon. The invention also provides a method of performing a cricothyrotomy using the device.