Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for generating an ultrasound echo signal with reduced linear components. In one embodiment, the system comprises an excitation signal source configured to generate a first excitation signal and a second excitation signal, and a transducer coupled to the excitation signal source, the transducer being configured to emit a first asymmetric ultrasonic pulse in response to the first excitation signal and a second asymmetric ultrasonic pulse in response to the second excitation signal, the first and second asymmetric ultrasonic pulses being emitted into a medium.

Abstract: A direct contact scanner uses a fiber acoustic waveguide to convey ultrasound from an ultrasound transducer to a direct contact area. The waveguide extends from a main body of the scanner into an oblong nose, and terminates in a deflector. To minimize thickness of the nose, the waveguide and deflector are rotated about an ultrasound transmission axis of the waveguide, enabling the scanner to be used in a variety of situations where quarters are cramped. A coupling fluid conveys ultrasound between the deflector and a radome, which directly contacts the object to be scanned. Using the waveguide, an ultrasound transducer and supporting electronics may be distanced from the direct contact area and separated from the fluid, thereby insulating the fluid from possible electronic leakage currents and heat.

Abstract: An implantable medical device determines activity levels and Heart Rate and from a combination of these produces a value for a heart rate activity coefficient (HRAC). This value has significant diagnostic and patient tracking value. Methods and apparatus for determining this HRAC value are described. This enables physician review of patient cardiac status. Additional physiologic data can be recorded along with the HRAC data if desired, and this too, as well as the HRAC data alone, may be reported out from the implanted device to a medical communications system for alarm purposes, titrating drugs/therapies or other monitoring tasks. Further, substitutes for heart rate measurements and activity measurements are described which can be used to augment or substitute for heart rate measurements and activity measurements.

Abstract: A blood-pressure monitoring apparatus including a measuring device which includes an inflatable cuff adapted to apply a pressing pressure to a body portion of a living subject and which measures at least one blood-pressure value of the living subject by changing the pressing pressure of the inflatable cuff, a blood-pressure-relating-value calculating device for iteratively calculating a blood-pressure-relating value relating to the blood pressure of the living subject, a starting device for starting, when a value based on the calculated blood-pressure-relating value satisfies a predetermined first condition, a blood-pressure measurement of the measuring device, a circulatory-system-relating information obtaining device which obtains a circulatory-system-relating information relating to a circulatory system of the living subject, and a condition changing device for changing, when the obtained circulatory-system-relating information satisfies a predetermined second condition, the predetermined first condition t

Abstract: A system for collecting patient respiratory information includes a base unit and a removable mouthpiece unit. The mouthpiece unit includes sensors that sense parameters of a patient's breath when the patient blows into the mouthpiece unit. The base unit receives and processes the information from the mouthpiece unit and stores it in chronological fashion for later analysis by a physician. The mouthpiece unit includes a memory for storing identification information for a patient who has been assigned the mouthpiece unit. When the mouthpiece unit is inserted into the base unit, the base unit reads the identification information from the mouthpiece unit and stores all measurement information in association therewith. In this manner, a single base unit can be used to collect information for a plurality of different patients without creating confusion as to which measurement results correspond to which patients.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a disposable airway adapter which includes two optical windows and a reflector, positioned such that radiation transmitted through the first optical window into the airway passage will be reflected by the reflector and be transmitted through the second optical window and out of the airway passage. the disposable airway adapter is for use in connection with a carbon dioxide detector for determining the concentration of carbon dioxide present in the mixture of gases present in the airway passage.

Abstract: A device (1) for determining respiratory phases of the sleep of a user (3), comprising means (5) for measuring at least two physical variables of which at least a first physical variable is representative of the nasal flow of the user (3) and of which at least a second physical variable is representative of the user's buccal flow. The device furthermore comprises a unit (21) for processing and converting each physical variable with a view to establishing its degree of membership in at least one state of a fuzzy variable, and a unit (23) for applying pre-established rules between at least one state of a first fuzzy variable and a state of a second fuzzy variable so as to evaluate the degree of membership in a respiratory phase state of the sleep of the user (3) according to fuzzy logic.

Abstract: A thermoscan having a main body provided with a single-chip central processing unit to which a temperature sensing circuit, a heartbeat sensing circuit, a bulb driving circuit, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a memory for storing programs, and a communication interface including a voice chip and infrared transmission means are electrically connected. The heartbeat sensing circuit detects a patient's heartbeats from capillary pulse at the patient's finger, the bulb driving circuit actuates an illuminant in the main body of the thermoscan to illuminate and therefore facilitate inspection of the patient's acoustic meatus. The liquid crystal display and the voice chip together enable visual and voice indications of a canned temperature at the same time. And, the infrared transmission means enables data communication between the thermoscan and an externally connected personal computer or microcomputer.

Abstract: An endoscopic assembly usable with an external first location indicator to assist an operator in positioning a distal end of the assembly at a desired location within a patient and creating a partial vacuum at or collecting a sample from the desired location during an endoscopic procedure, and a method for creating a partial vacuum at or collecting a sample from the desired location within the patient, are shown and described. In one embodiment, the endoscopic assembly has an elongated member and a second position indicator component. The elongated member has a distal end configured to be inserted into the patient and a proximal end portion. A bore extends from the proximal end portion of the elongated member to its distal end. The second position indicator component is sized to slidably engage the bore of the elongated member. The operator can manipulate the second position indicator component to move the position indicator component between first and second positions.

Abstract: In the method of determining need for human estrogen replacement therapy or estrogen or estradiol dose change, the steps include determining local acidity proximate a moist wall surface of the vagina, as differing from desired threshold level (pH 4.5), and administering sufficient estrogen or estradiol to result in change in acidity toward such level.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved core wire for use in a medical catheter. In one aspect, the invention provides a core wire with a shapeable tip and method of manufacturing the same. A core wire previously made superelastic is subject to additional processing to remove its superelasticity thereby allowing the material to be shapeable to aid in advancing the core wire through a blood vessel or other body cavities. In another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for securing the core wire to the distal end of an elongated catheter tubular body. The tubular body is mechanically crimped onto the core wire to secure the core wire in place. This crimping method has been found to increase the strength of the bond between the core wire and the catheter tube so that greater pull force is required to break the core wire off from the catheter.

Abstract: A threader device includes two substantially symmetrical elongate body members each having an inner face provided with a channel, an aligning guide, a first end, a second end, a hinge portion, and a locking portion. The two body members are pivotally coupled together at the hinge portions. When the two body members are in a closed position, the channels of the two body members together define a longitudinal passage having a stepped cylindrical cavity and a funnel at each of the first and second ends. The cavity is adapted to receive the distal end of a balloon catheter. Additionally, the cavity may receive and securely hold a non-balloon type catheter. One funnel is adapted to direct a guidewire into the cavity. The locking portions are adapted to create a snap closure for the threader device.

Abstract: A tissue examination apparatus particularly useful for automated breast palpation is provided. The apparatus includes an actuator having an extendable probe for contacting the tissue and an electronic control module that controls extension and retraction of the probe. The electronic control module determines displacement distances of the probe and forces exerted on the probe at each displacement distance when the probe is extended so as to contact the tissue. The apparatus also has a drive assembly secured to a frame. The drive assembly includes a movable carriage and a corresponding drive motor. The actuator is mounted on the movable carriage. The drive motor receives motion control signals from the electronic control module and thereby moves the actuator over a patient's body. At different locations, the probe is extended into the patient's tissue and force and displacement readings are obtained and sent to the electronic control module.

Abstract: An orofacial measurement probe for measuring muscle forces within the oral cavity. The probe includes a bite member sized for insertion into the oral cavity and a pressure-sensitive transducer disposed in transducer housing. The bite member is formed with a rigid upper portion, a rigid lower portion and an elastomeric member holding the upper and power portions in spaced-apart relationship to one another. The upper and lower portions are formed and arranged so that together with the elastomeric member they define a hydraulic cavity, which carries a hydraulic fluid. At least one of the upper and lower portions is formed to provide a bite surface sized for engagement by one or more of the patient's teeth. The transducer housing is separate from the bite member and arranged to be external to the oral cavity when the bite member is inserted into the oral cavity.

Abstract: A portable therapeutic device and method of use generate longitudinally propagating ultrasound and shear waves generated by such longitudinally propagating ultrasound to provide effective healing of wounds. A transducer having an operative surface is disposed substantially adjacent to the wound to emit ultrasound to propagate in the direction of the wound to promote healing. Reflections of the ultrasound by bone tissue, by skin layers, or by internally disposed reflective media propagate toward the wound as longitudinal waves, with shear waves generated by the longitudinal waves for the healing of the wound. A focusing element is used for focusing the propagation of the ultrasound at a predetermined angle toward the wound. The operative surface of the transducer may be annularly shaped to encircle the wound to convey the ultrasound and/or reflected ultrasound thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus for dislodging or loosening mucus in a person's lungs, for example of a sufferer of cystic fibrosis, comprises a bath arranged to receive the person and filled with water such that the person's chest is immersed in the water. A vibrator vibrates the liquid so that the vibrations are transmitted to the person's lungs. In use the vibrations are preferably at the pulmonary resonant frequency or Helmholtz resonant frequency of the person's lungs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for providing therapeutic musculoskeletal massage to a patient. The apparatus comprises a table having a plurality of roller assemblies, each of which is mounted on a support rail that is attached to the table. The roller assemblies each have rollers and extension arms of differing sizes, lengths, and contours that are specifically designed and selected to provide optimal therapeutic effect to a specific portion of a patient's spine.

Abstract: A massage device has first and second massage members. The first massage member performs a circulating motion including (i) a massage zone where the member approaches the second massage member in a locus which swells in an outward direction as seen from a massage arm; and (ii) a release zone where the member separates from the second massage member in a locus which is shorter than the massage zone. The second massage member performs a reciprocal rocking motion in synchronization with the first massage member.

Abstract: A harness that fully supports the user's back, shoulders, and arms while working in a seated position. The harness provides support without restricting the user's freedom of movement. It is fully adjustable and conforms to a wide variety of user body types. Finally, it provides a safe, comfortable, and economic means of supporting the user's back, arms, and shoulders, allowing them to work more comfortably and possibly more efficiently.

Abstract: A protective knee brace for preventing hyperextension to a user's knee upon frontal impact thereto.

Abstract: A harness for the alleviation of back strain has members passing over the shoulders and around the thoraric region with attachments to a pivotable tension equalizing plate whereby the lumbar or lower back region is supported and a balance between the anterior and posterior muscle groups is attained.

Abstract: A cruciform anterior spinal hyperextension orthosis comprising a front portion having a rigid anterior cruciform brace assembly provided with movable upper and lower arms extending therefrom and arranged vertically, two laterally disposed movable arms extending therefrom horizontally, and body contact pads rotatably secured to the free ends of each of the upper and lower vertically disposed arms. A rear portion is provided adjustably secured to the front portion and having a paraspinal support formed in two juxtaposed segments, a pulley system comprising at least one pulley set having two pulley banks each having a plurality of pulleys, each bank disposed proximate to an adjacent edge of the juxtaposed segment, and a cable running through each pulley of each bank of pulleys in the set in alteration and in series and linking together each of the two juxtaposed segments.

Abstract: An orthopaedic support fastening system which incorporates a “one-size-fits-all” concept for support of various human limbs. The design itself comprises a substantially flat sheet of sheet material having extending straps and slot apertures. The slot apertures, used for receiving straps, provide increased stability and support once the limb is properly positioned. The preferred means of securing the straps to the support is by the use of hook and loop material although other means of attachment can be used such as snaps.

Abstract: A vertebral traction device for applying traction to the lower vertebral column. A method for applying traction to the lower vertebral column.

Abstract: A flexible strip having adhesive applied to only one side thereof is adhesively secured to the skin of a drooping eyelid with the upper edge of the strip located at a position a distance further from the ciliary margin of the eyelid than the distance of the normal supra tarsal fold from the ciliary margin. The outer side of the flexible strip is free of adhesive so that it will not restrict movement of eyelid skin engaging the outer side and so that makeup can be applied to the outer side.

Abstract: Method and systems for separating a first material, e.g., cholesterol or fat, from lymphatic fluid flowing through a duct within the body of a living being, so that the material is removed from the being's body or recirculated. The system includes a filter for separating that material, and an elongated conduit implanted within the vascular system and having a distal end in fluid communication with the duct and a proximal end in fluid communication with the filter. An implantable pump may be provided to enhance the operation of the system.

Abstract: A disposable applicator for implanting medicaments of various kinds into the human body without exposure of either the user or the recipient to pathogens of the other, and without exposure of either to latex rubber proteins. Differing variants may be sized variously for infants, children and adults, with various stop means for preventing insertion beyond a desired distance. In addition, other variants are particularly suited for use by untrained personnel or by persons with physical conditions which restrict their range of motion. A particularly preferred variant is sufficiently flexible so as to conform to body contours, thereby neither destroying nor irritating possibly sensitive skin tissue.

Abstract: A multiple lumen catheter assembly and methods for inserting the same are provided. The assembly includes a splittable membrane joining a first catheter and a second catheter for allowing the catheters to be at least partially longitudinally split from each other. Each catheter has at least one lumen extending longitudinally through the catheter. One method for inserting the assembly includes making an incision near the area to be catheterized, at least partially splitting the distal end regions of the catheters from each other by splitting apart the splittable membrane, and inserting the distal end regions of the catheters in a juxtaposed relation through the incision and into the area to be catheterized. In another method, the catheters are first tunnelled subcutaneously by pulling the distal end regions of the catheters in the assembly through a tunnel and outwardly from the tunnel near the area to be catheterized, leaving proximal end regions at least partially within the tunnel.

Abstract: An implanter for inserting subcutaneous implants includes a handle for grasping the implanter during implantation, a hollow cannula receiving the implant, and a rod for releasing the implant from the cannula. The rod is longitudinally fixed within the handle while the cannula slides over the rod to release the implant. The cannula is moved over the rod by a sliding actuator mounted in a track of the handle. The actuator is locked in an extended position to prevent unintended release of the implant. Preferably, the implanter is a single-use device having a actuator locking feature preventing reuse.

Abstract: A nutritional system is disclosed, for delivering a colorant dye to a nutritional fluid that flows through the nutritional system.

Abstract: An access port assembly having an attachable catheter allows for inserting a guidewire into the catheter to aid in the placement of the integral catheter while still attached to the access port assembly. A method is described for placing an access port fixedly attached to a catheter into a patient using a guidewire inserted into the catheter.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for a) revascularization and/or b) performing other medical procedures at vascular or non-vascular intracorporeal locations within a mammalian body. The methods generally comprise the formation of at least one extravascular passageway from a blood vessel to a vascular or non-vascular target location. In the revascularization methods the extravascular passageway is utilized for blood flow. In the medical procedure methods the extravascular passageway is utilized as a conduit for accessing or performing procedures at the vascular or non-vascular target location. Also disclosed are catheter devices and systems which are useable to form the extravascular passageways of the invention, as well as apparatus for modifying, maintaining and/or closing such extravascular passageways.

Abstract: A balloon catheter which has an elongate shaft with an inflatable balloon connected to its distal end and a manifold connected to its proximal end. The manifold may be fixedly or removably attached to the shaft and includes a barrel with a plunger movably disposed inside it. The barrel has an internal volume of less than 5 cc and an internal diameter of less than 0.25 inches. A pressure transducer may be mounted to the manifold to permit measurement via a sensor tube. A pressure source for a balloon catheter including a barrel with a plunger inside it. The barrel is in fluid communication with the inflation lumen of the catheter and has an internal volume less than 5 cc and an internal diameter of less than 0.25 inches. A pressure sensor may be connected to the barrel with a sensor tube defining a fluid path from the interior of the barrel to the pressure sensor. A lock mechanism may be connected to the barrel to control longitudinal movement of the plunger.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the restenosis of blood vessel walls after angioplasty, including the application of low grade heat to the vessel walls. A heat applying perfusion catheter is advanced to a recently dilated vessel region. Heat is applied to the region walls to inhibit restenosis. A preferred temperature range is from 42 to 45 degrees C. A preferred time period for treatment is from 3 to 6 minutes. A perfusion catheter allows longer heat treatment times. Electrical resistance heat, radio frequency current passage through inflation fluid, and microwave radiation are all heat sources within the scope of the invention.

Abstract: A balloon catheter device designed to be especially well suited for use in providing medical treatment within a blood vessel, and a method for conducting such medical treatment are provided, wherein the balloon catheter has a central support tube or lumen, and has, near a distal end of the catheter, a plurality of inflatable balloon elements extending along the catheter in helical patterns, with the balloon elements spaced equidistantly around the central support tube. The catheter thus provides the ability to apply pressure, by way of the inflated balloon elements, to center the central support tube in the blood vessel, while at the same time preserving blood flow in the blood vessel past the catheter as well as in side branch blood vessels extending from the blood vessel under repair.

Abstract: A device for occlusion of a body passageway and subsequent perfusion of the body passageway with arterial return blood, cardioplegia and other fluid is disclosed. The device of the present invention is an expandable cannula comprising a flexible, expandable tubular elongate body having a first diameter and a second diameter, wherein the expandable cannula is inserted having a first diameter and then expanded to a second diameter to provide perfusion flow to the body passageway through at least one arterial return aperture provided on the distal end of the expandable tubular elongate body in fluid communication with a perfusion lumen provided within the cannula. The device may be further provided with one or more additional lumens for providing additional functions to the vessel lumen and may also include an expandable occluding member fixed at the distal end of the cannula for isolating the surgical area from the rest of the arterial system.

Abstract: The invention is a dilation catheter which comprises an elongated catheter shaft, a guide wire tube, and an angioplasty balloon. The distal end of the balloon is attached to the distal portion of the guide wire tube, and the proximal portion of the balloon is attached to the distal portion of the catheter shaft. A stiffening wire is attached to the inner wall of the catheter shaft at a plurality of points along its length. The distal extremity of the guide wire tube is decreased in size relative to the proximal portion of the guide wire tube. A fluid is contained within the guide wire lumen.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a system wherein a drug or other fluid to be delivered to a specific desired location within the body is stored in a reservoir that is directly displaced by a force to infuse the drug from the device into the patient. Several specific methods are used to displace the reservoir, including, generally, hydraulic displacement, mechanical screw-type displacement, and spring force displacement of the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: A handle device for a catheter-sheath assembly includes a handle member having proximal and distal ends, and a control member including a tubular portion coupled to a control portion, the control portion slidably coupled to the handle member. A cooperating rail and wheel are provided on the handle member and the control portion for directing the control portion axially with respect to the handle member upon rotation of the wheel. A tubular sheath extends distally from the tubular portion, and a catheter or bumper is secured to the handle member that extends through the tubular portion into the sheath. The control portion is directable between distal and proximal positions to direct the tubular portion proximally and consequently retract the sheath with respect to the catheter or bumper to deploy a stent or other element from within the sheath.

Abstract: A needle guard assembly for a syringe adapted to receive a hypodermic needle assembly. The guard assembly includes a needle guard that is slidably mounted on a needle-supporting hub. The needle guard may be moved from a latched position wherein the needle is fully protected by the guard to a position wherein the injection end of the needle is exposed. The assembly further includes a locking mechanism for permanently locking the needle guard in an extended position over the needle to prevent further use of the needle and to facilitate safe disposal of the assembly.

Abstract: Dimensionally stable plunger rod for use with a plunger in a cartridge or syringe barrel for manual or power-assisted withdrawal of fluid from a site or expelling fluid from the cartridge or syringe barrel having: a plunger rod body with a distal and a proximal end; an end disc at the distal end; a threaded member integral with the end disc designed to engage a plunger; a thumb rest at the proximal end; a central disc at the mid point between the end disc and the thumb rest to provide additional reinforcement to the plunger rod; four longitudinal radially extending rectangular vanes connected to the end disc at the distal end, to the central disc at the mid point, and to the thumb rest at the proximal end; two pairs of longitudinal radially extending reinforcing vanes forming two triangular configurations with one of the longitudinal radially extending rectangular vanes on one side of the plunger rod body; and two pairs of longitudinal radially extending reinforcing vanes forming two triangular config

Abstract: A self-aligning plunger rod and a non-elastomeric plastic plunger insert assembly for use with an elastomeric plunger in a cartridge or syringe barrel for manual or power-assisted withdrawing of fluid from a site or expelling fluid from the cartridge or syringe barrel.

Abstract: A tip cap is provided for positive sealing engagement with the tip of a syringe barrel. The tip cap includes an inner cap formed from an elastomeric material dimensioned for sealing engagement with the tip of the syringe barrel. The tip cap further includes an outer cap engaged with the inner cap to limit or prevent both axial movement and rotational movement therebetween. The outer cap includes an array of threads for threaded engagement with a luer collar. The luer collar may be a separate component mountable to a syringe barrel or an integral part of the syringe barrel.

Abstract: A vaginal douche applicator includes an applicator body for positioning in the vaginal canal and comprising an elongate body portion and a tip disposed at a distal end of the body portion. The body portion has an open proximal end for being coupled with a source of a douching fluid that includes water, and the tip defines a closed distal end for the applicator body. The applicator body has a fluid passage therein communicating with the open proximal end for receiving the douching fluid from the source. A plurality of discharge holes are formed in the applicator body in communication with the fluid passage by which the douching fluid is discharged from the fluid passage into the vaginal canal. The body portion has an external surface of stainless steel for contacting vaginal tissue whereby vaginal odors are neutralized due to contact of the tissue with the stainless steel in the presence of the water of the douching fluid supplied to the vaginal canal through the applicator.

Abstract: The portable, locally washing hygienic device has a water container of a flexible synthetic resin film member, a water supply tube mounted on the water container and acting as a water passage, a spray nozzle mounted on an upper portion of the water supply tube, and a valve assembly interposed between the spray nozzle and the water supply tube, in which a lower portion of the water supply tube located within the water container is joined together through a connecting member with an inner surface portion of the water container by thermally fusing or otherwise.

Abstract: The medical site prep device of this invention includes a main body portion, preferably in the shape of a hollow ring, a sponge-like material attached to the bottom of the main body portion, a plate disposed in the center of the main body portion and a piston disposed above the plate in the center of the main body portion. The medical site prep device of this invention can simultaneously dispense an anti-microbial agent and a topical anesthetic at the medical site on a patient.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting a large volume of blood from an umbilical cord in a sterile environment are shown and described. A housing having an inner region adapted to retain an umbilical cord in a desired location is provided, the housing having an opening through which the cord extends from the inner region of the housing to a region external to the housing. The cord is cut by a blade coupled to the housing, either by the motion of the blade from a first position to a second position, or by the movement of two portions of the housing from a first extended position to a second collapsed position. The newly cut end of the umbilical cord falls and hangs freely in the inner region of the housing, blood flowing from the placenta and umbilical cord via gravity into a blood collection region of the housing. The blood collection region may be flexible, and may be coupled to a conventional blood collection bag.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper, comprising a medium viscosity feces storage material having an improved ability to store in particular medium low viscosity feces.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining the proper placement of an epidural catheter prior to administration of anesthetic is described. In a preferred embodiment, an aqueous fluid is introduced into an epidural catheter that has been inserted into the spine of a subject. Motor reactions by the subject in response to electrical current applied through the aqueous solution is monitored. By monitoring the motor response with respect to electrical stimulation, the proper placement of an epidural catheter can be differentiated from the placement of the catheter in subarachnoid, subcutaneous or epidural intravascular placement. Additionally, in the preferred embodiment, a wire is disposed within the catheter tube to facilitate the passage of electric current. However, to avoid electrochemical reaction of the wire with the aqueous solution and/or the subject's dural tissue, the wire does not extend completely to the distal end of the catheter tube.

Abstract: A catheter system includes a multi-lumen working catheter having a first distal working orifice and a second distal working orifice. The catheter system further includes a guide catheter having a guide lumen and a distal guide orifice. Also, the catheter system includes a locking mechanism which locks the working catheter relative to the guide catheter in (i) an operative position, and (ii) a stowed position. When the working catheter is locked in the operative position, (i) the working catheter extends through the guide lumen of the guide catheter and out of the distal guide orifice of the guide catheter, and (ii) the first distal working orifice and the second distal working orifice are each positioned outside of the guide catheter.