Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods and devices for improved drainage systems and tubing. In one embodiment, a context-sensitive flow interrupter is provided that inhibits or facilitates flow of fluid when engaged with a mating holder. In another embodiment, outflow is optimized through control of the pressure in gas pockets in a tube, drainage tube or assembly. In one such embodiment, gas pockets are vented to inhibit excessive back-pressure or suction on an organ, vessel or cavity being drained. In another such embodiment, loops in the tubes are avoided by using a mechanical template in the form of a groove or peg assembly to thread the slack in the drainage tube to generate a monotonic gradient. In another embodiment, such as for active drainage systems, a bypass channel is provided that allows an applied vacuum to go around an obstruction created by the collection of fluid in an undrained dependent loop.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods and devices for improved drainage systems and tubing. In one embodiment, a context-sensitive flow interrupter is provided that inhibits or facilitates flow of fluid when engaged with a mating holder. In another embodiment, outflow is optimized through control of the pressure in gas pockets in a tube, drainage tube or assembly. In one such embodiment, gas pockets are vented to inhibit excessive back-pressure or suction on an organ, vessel or cavity being drained. In another such embodiment, loops in the tubes are avoided by using a mechanical template in the form of a groove or peg assembly to thread the slack in the drainage tube to generate a monotonic gradient. In another embodiment, such as for active drainage systems, a bypass channel is provided that allows an applied vacuum to go around an obstruction created by the collection of fluid in an undrained dependent loop.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods and devices for improved drainage systems and tubing. In one embodiment, a context-sensitive flow interrupter is provided that inhibits or facilitates flow of fluid when engaged with a mating holder. In another embodiment, outflow is optimized through control of the pressure in gas pockets in a tube, drainage tube or assembly. In one such embodiment, gas pockets are vented to inhibit excessive back-pressure or suction on an organ, vessel or cavity being drained. In another such embodiment, loops in the tubes are avoided by using a mechanical template in the form of a groove or peg assembly to thread the slack in the drainage tube to generate a monotonic gradient. In another embodiment, such as for active drainage systems, a bypass channel is provided that allows an applied vacuum to go around an obstruction created by the collection of fluid in an undrained dependent loop.

Abstract: Methods and systems for patient participatory care and monitoring are provided for applications including respiratory care, ECG monitoring, capnography, infusion pump alarm prevention/management, pressure sore prevention, incentive spirometry, consciousness monitoring during sedation, pain management and other care and monitoring modalities. A patient in-the-loop system includes an input interface for receiving data acquired from a monitoring, controlling or sensing device, a storage device for storing the data at a first location, and a processor for analyzing artifacts in the data and determining whether the patient provided a deliberate action with respect to the device as a response to a prompt or query. The processor can further initiate a variety of prompts and/or output queries stored in the storage device at a second location to the patient.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods and devices for improved drainage systems and tubing. In one embodiment, a context-sensitive flow interrupter is provided that inhibits or facilitates flow of fluid when engaged with a mating holder. In another embodiment, outflow is optimized through control of the pressure in gas pockets in a tube, drainage tube or assembly. In one such embodiment, gas pockets are vented to inhibit excessive back-pressure or suction on an organ, vessel or cavity being drained. In another such embodiment, loops in the tubes are avoided by using a mechanical template in the form of a groove or peg assembly to thread the slack in the drainage tube to generate a monotonic gradient. In another embodiment, such as for active drainage systems, a bypass channel is provided that allows an applied vacuum to go around an obstruction created by the collection of fluid in an undrained dependent loop.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are related to apparatus and methods for acoustically monitoring the performance of a medical device disposed within the body of a patient. According to one embodiment of an apparatus, the apparatus includes at least one acoustic sensor and a computer system that is connected to receive information from the acoustic sensor, wherein the acoustic sensor is adapted to receive a set of acoustic information that corresponds to acoustic activity within the body of said patient. The computer system is adapted for: (A) receiving the set of acoustic information, and (B) using the set of acoustic information to calculate location information relating to a location of a source of the acoustic activity.

Abstract: Methods and systems for patient participatory care and monitoring are provided for applications including respiratory care, ECG monitoring, capnography, infusion pump alarm prevention/management, pressure sore prevention, incentive spirometry, consciousness monitoring during sedation, pain management and other care and monitoring modalities. A patient in-the-loop system includes an input interface for receiving data acquired from a monitoring, controlling or sensing device, a storage device for storing the data at a first location, and a processor for analyzing artifacts in the data and determining whether the patient provided a deliberate action with respect to the device as a response to a prompt or query. The processor can further initiate a variety of prompts and/or output queries stored in the storage device at a second location to the patient.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods and devices for improved drainage systems and tubing. In one embodiment, a context-sensitive flow interrupter is provided that inhibits or facilitates flow of fluid when engaged with a mating holder. In another embodiment, outflow is optimized through control of the pressure in gas pockets in a tube, drainage tube or assembly. In one such embodiment, gas pockets are vented to inhibit excessive back-pressure or suction on an organ, vessel or cavity being drained. In another such embodiment, loops in the tubes are avoided by using a mechanical template in the form of a groove or peg assembly to thread the slack in the drainage tube to generate a monotonic gradient. In another embodiment, such as for active drainage systems, a bypass channel is provided that allows an applied vacuum to go around an obstruction created by the collection of fluid in an undrained dependent loop.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are related to apparatus and methods for acoustically monitoring the performance of a medical device disposed within the body of a patient. According to one embodiment of an apparatus, the apparatus includes at least one acoustic sensor and a computer system that is connected to receive information from the acoustic sensor, wherein the acoustic sensor is adapted to receive a set of acoustic information that corresponds to acoustic activity within the body of said patient. The computer system is adapted for: (A) receiving the set of acoustic information, and (B) using the set of acoustic information to calculate location information relating to a location of a source of the acoustic activity.