Abstract: A method for investigating neurological function, especially parameters in neurological function that are associated with disease. The method uses electroencephalographic (EEG) potentials generated by the workings of the brain combined with cognitive activation procedures or tasks to allow the investigation of neurological functions of the brain. The collection of brain electrical signals in conjunction with the subjects carrying out one or several cognitive tasks allows the responses to be compared either to the results of other subjects or to results obtained from the same subjects under different conditions.

Abstract: This bone marrow extraction tool comprises an outer cannula having an interiorly tapered marrow-receiving distal end, and an inner cannula slideably disposed in the outer cannula and having a distal end formed with longitudinal slots to define resilient sectors. The mouth of the inner cannula adapted when forcibly engaging the interior taper of the outer cannula to diminish in diameter as the sectors flex inward and thereby compress marrow disposed in the mouth and squeeze it off from the marrow mass outside the outer cannula.

Abstract: An instrument for collecting body tissue includes a tubular cutting member having an exterior surface, a proximal end, and a distal end capable of penetrating body tissue; and a flexible cutting extension coaxially and slidably disposed around the exterior surface of the cutting member, the flexible cutting extensions having a proximal end and distal end capable of cutting tissue located at the distal end of the cutting member and covering the distal end of the cutting member so that tissue that has entered the cutting member is retained in the cutting member. A first tubular member may be connected to the cutting member, and a second tubular member mayb connected to the cutting extension, the second tubular member being coaxially disposed on the first tubular member.

Abstract: Assemblies are provided for collecting a sample from a mouth using an integrated sample collection tip. A sample collection assembly includes a sample collection body configured for being placed within the mouth, wherein the sample collection body includes a bore and one or more pores. The sample collection assembly further includes a conduit that disposed within the bore of the sample collection body and that is in fluid communication with the one or more pores. The conduit is bonded within the bore. The sample collection assembly can further include a hand piece that has a tip on which the sample collection body is mounted, and through which the conduit can extend. For example, the rear surface of the sample collection body can be bonded to the front surface of the sample collection tip. The pores can include a plurality of micropores. The sample collection body can be hydrophobic, and a hydrophilic surfactant can be disposed on the outer surface of the sample collection body.

Abstract: An apparatus for radially centering a treatment region of a brachytherapy catheter in a lumen of a body vessel. The centering apparatus includes a monofilament wire-form that is pre-shaped to have an expanded configuration having multiple lobes arranged in a radially symmetrical staggered sequence along the treatment region of the catheter. The centering apparatus also has a collapsed configuration that is formable about the catheter by drawing apart the ends of the wire-form. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for assessing a persons ability to perform tasks requiring hand and eye co-ordination. A gaze tracker 6 images a person's eye in order to determine their direction of look. In the context of a vehicle system, a steering wheel direction sensor 12 is provided to determine the direction of the steering wheel. Data from the steering wheel sensor and the gaze tracker is compared by a data processor 14 which looks for correlations between the data sets and uses this correlation to determine whether the person 2 is fit to drive or not.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for characterizing gastrointestinal sounds includes a microphone array to be positioned on a body for producing gastrointestinal sound signals. The signals are digitized and their spectra and duration is determined by a processor. A characterization as to the state of the gastrointestinal tract is made on the basis of the spectra and duration of the sound or event.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus and method for ultrasonically stimulating cartilage growth. The apparatus includes at least one ergonomically constructed ultrasonic transducer configured to cooperate with a placement module or strip for placement in proximity to an area where cartilage growth is desired. The apparatus also utilizes a portable, ergonomically constructed main operating unit constructed to fit within a pouch worn by the patient. In operation, at least one ultrasonic transducer positioned in proximity to an osteochondral site is excited for a predetermined period of time. To ensure that at least one ultrasonic transducer is properly positioned, and to insure compliance with a treatment protocol, a safety interlock is provided to prevent inadvertent excitation of the at least one ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for therapeutically treating connective tissue or increasing vascularization in tissue using ultrasound. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus which use ultrasound to stimulate growth or healing, or to treating pathologies, of connective tissue, or to increase vascularization in ischaemic or grafted tissue using ultrasound.

Abstract: A method and system for imaging and treating an internal organ of a patient is disclosed. In an illustrative method embodying the invention, a method of imaging and treating prostate cancer includes first stabilizing the prostate using a tube, with imbedded fiducial markers, inserted into the rectum of the patient and attached to an external perineal template and support. Ultrasound images of the prostate and surroundings are then taken with an ultrasound imaging probe inserted into the tube. The radioisotope seeds are implanted with the guidance of the ultrasound images. Afterwards, CT and/or fluoroscopic images are taken to examine the adequacy of the implantation. Image fusion of ultrasound and CT and/or fluoroscopic images is then achieved. If necessary, further or corrective implantation procedures can be carried out under ultrasound guidance, with follow-up CT and or fluoroscopic imaging. The process can be repeated until the implantation is deemed satisfactory.

Abstract: A water driven vibrating massager mounted in an opening in the wall of a spa. The massager is supported in a massager mounting frame secured in the opening in the wall of the spa. The mounting frame has a frame elastic member support portion extending inwardly from the frame. An elastic member is held by the elastic member support portion, which in turn holds a massager body. The massager body extends interiorly to a support area on the mounting frame and an inner elastic member is held between the support area on the mounting frame and a support portion on the massager body. The massager body fits within a mounting frame for a water jet and the process of the present invention includes the unscrewing of a locking ring and the removal of a water jet followed by the insertion of the massager body and the replacement of the locking ring. In this way, the massager body can be placed at any position where a spa jet is held.

Abstract: The present invention is directed, to an improved orthosis and posterior plantar flexion stop for the orthosis, as well as to methods of making and using the orthosis and posterior stop, plus components used to make the orthosis and stop. The ankle-foot orthosis and plantar flexion stop of the present invention improve on the function and performance of the orthosis, while also making the orthosis attractive and easier to use than prior devices.

Abstract: Bicentric hinges for use in braces and methods for operating knee braces and other types of braces are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a hinge includes a plate and first and second members rotatably coupled to the plate. The first member is rotatable about a first axis of rotation between a first position and a second position. The second member is rotatable about a second axis of rotation between a third position and a fourth position independent of the rotation of the first member about the first axis of rotation. The second axis of rotation is spaced apart from the first axis of rotation. The first and second members are configured to be attachable to a frame.

Abstract: A hinge provided with a first part and a second part, which parts are able to turn relative to one another from a first position of the hinge into a second position of the hinge, the hinge being provided with a locking element for locking the hinge in the first position thereof, which locking element can move between a first position for releasing the hinge and a second position for locking the hinge. A locking element is fitted in a movable manner for moving under the influence of gravity, between the first position and the second position when the hinge sways.

Abstract: A posture system is made from a single strap and having opposing ends. At the opposing ends are fastening elements. In use, the user places the strap about the back of the user's neck “N” and, thereafter, crosses the strap 100 at a point on the user's back. During tension, the user fastens the strap in order to secure the strap to the user. The loops across the front of the shoulders pull the shoulders back or remind a user to pull the shoulders back for better posture and health.

Abstract: A brace hinge is provided having an adjustable pressure-applying assembly mounted to an inside of the hinge. A brace including the hinge can apply pressure to a joint in a medial or lateral direction. The hinge includes anterior and posterior apertures containing anterior and posterior adjustment members that control a position and orientation of the pressure-applying assembly relative to the hinge. Through selective adjustment of the adjustment members, the hinge can apply greater pressure to an anterior portion of the joint than to a posterior portion of the joint, and vice versa. A method of treating a joint using a brace including such a hinge is also provided.

Abstract: The pneumatic Achilles sleeve assembly comprises a sleeve and at least one strap for fastening the sleeve around the ankle. The sleeve assembly positions an arch cell which contains a dynamic volume of air within the sleeve under a human foot. The arch cell is fabricated from a flexible material and is in communication with a conduit member. Upon application of external pressure to the arch cell, air is expelled from said air cell through said conduit member. The sleeve assembly also positions a tendon cell which contains a dynamic volume of air within the sleeve against the Achilles tendon. The tendon cell is in communication with the arch cell via the conduit member. The tendon cell is also fabricated from a flexible material. Upon the expelling of air from said arch cell, the air enters through the conduit member into the tendon cell which exerts a greater pressure against the Achilles tendon.

Abstract: The present invention is directed, to an improved orthosis and posterior plantar flexion stop for the orthosis, as well as to methods of making and using the orthosis and posterior stop, plus components used to make the orthosis and stop. The ankle-foot orthosis and plantar flexion stop of the present invention improve on the function and performance of the orthosis, while also making the orthosis attractive and easier to use than prior devices.

Abstract: The present invention is directed, to an improved orthosis and posterior plantar flexion stop for the orthosis, as well as to methods of making and using the orthosis and posterior stop, plus components used to make the orthosis and stop. The ankle-foot orthosis and plantar flexion stop of the present invention improve on the function and performance of the orthosis, while also making the orthosis attractive and easier to use than prior devices.

Abstract: A wound dressing comprising a backing layer, a skin facing layer and an absorbent layer between the backing layer and the skin facing layer, characterised in that at least a part of the absorbent layer is adjacent to the backing layer, the backing layer and the absorbent layer are mutually displaceable, and that the skin facing layer is located at the skin facing surface of the backing layer.

Abstract: The subject invention is an improved band aid (bandage covering) for use in treatment of wounds where medication is to be administered to a surface wound, infection, or other problem on the skin of an individual, such band aid comprising, in general, a bandage member or similar member adapted to cover the skin area where the wound is located, such bandage member having a portion thereof with an opening on the upper bandage surface that extends to the lower surface of the bandage and which opening has a removable cover over the upper part thereof with the opening being used to insert medication to reach a specific wound area under the bandage and which opening is then recovered after the medication is so placed.

Abstract: One embodiment provides an ankle-foot orthosis (32) for resisting plantarflexion of a patient's foot, the orthosis (32) comprising: a resiliently flexible sock-like structure (34) enveloping, in use, at least a portion of a patient's lower leg in the vicinity of the ankle and at least a portion of the plantar (46) and dorsal (48) aspects of the patient's foot. Another embodiment provides an ankle-foot orthosis (1) for resisting plantarflexion of a patient's foot, the orthosis (1) comprising: a resilient rib (3) locatable, in use, along and in abutment with at least a portion of the dorsal aspect of the patient's foot and at least a portion of the patient's lower leg, the orthosis (1) comprising means (7) for securing the rib (3) to the patient's foot and lower leg.

Abstract: An implant system which facilitates and improves the non-penetrating deep sclerectomy/canalostomy surgery by assured maintenance of the scleral aqueous filled space by a basic permanent chamber which can be easily connected into the opening of the Schlemm's canal by adjustable connecting tubes. This implant system also provides surgical options for penetrating through Descemet's membrane as well as for outflow into the subconjunctival space though the superficial scleral layer.

Abstract: A disposable device for transferring and/or circulating an active liquid into and/or inside an intracorporeal cavity is elongate along a reference axis, has an intrinsic axial consistency which is sufficient to allow the device to be introduced into the cavity by being pushed in axially. The device includes an expandable tampon made of at least one absorbent material, having a proximal portion and a distal portion, designed to collect and absorb said active liquid dispensed in the intracorporeal cavity and to expand and bear in a leak tight manner against mucous membrane of the intracorporeal cavity, and a source of liquid phase including a capsule, at least the proximal part of which is at least partially surrounded by the expandable tampon.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for providing sterile connection during, for example, dialysis therapy. The present invention provides a connector and a cap therefore that easily and readily attaches to a dialysate container and a catheter inserted into a patient's peritoneal cavity. The connector and the cap enable the dialysate to readily transport between the container and the peritoneal cavity while minimizing the potential of contamination therein due to, for example, handling during use. The connector includes a shell that encloses a cap. The cap houses a slit septum and also includes a sealed disinfectant within an interior receptacle. When the catheter or catheter set attaches to the cap, the seal breaks and the disinfectant spreads over the threads between the catheter set and the cap.

Abstract: A medical device is provided for use in the lumen of a patient, such as in the Gastro-Intestinal Tract (GI Tract). The medical device can include a through channel for permitting passage of solid material, such as fecal material in the GI tract. In one embodiment, the device includes a self propelled capsule with a through channel, and a balloon disposed inside of the channel of the capsule. When inflated, the balloon provides occlusion of the channel.

Abstract: A device and a method for controlling flow, for medicinal products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medicament injection apparatus. It is desirable following injection of a medicament to wait a short time before withdrawing the needle unit from the patient to allow injected medicament to disperse within the patient to reduce the risk of some of the injected medicament escaping through the needle wound and so not being dispersed into the patient as desired. This problem is particularly acute where a patient uses the apparatus to self-administer a dose since, where this waiting period is indicated to a user, the waiting period is a set time independent of whether the size of the dose to be injected. The user often feels that for a small dose it is not as important to leave the needle unit within the body for the full waiting period and so does not allow the waiting period properly to elapse.

Abstract: Breast cup for placing on a woman's breast, which breast cup includes an outer part (1) and an inner part (2), which inner part (2) includes an approximately cylindrical portion (11) with one or more areas provided with flexible membranes (13), as well as an approximately conical portion (12) with one or more areas provided with flexible membranes (14), which outer portion (1) includes a generally conical portion (5) shaped to be complementary to the conical portion (12) of the inner part (2), a generally cylindrical portion (4) shaped to be complementary to the cylindrical portion (11) of the inner part (2).

Abstract: A balloon catheter for performing an angioplasty procedure on a lesion in a vessel comprising a flexible elongate catheter shaft having proximal and distal extremities. A balloon is secured to the distal extremity of the catheter shaft and has an outer surface extending between proximal and distal extremities of the balloon. A flexible elongate element is provided which extends over the outer surface of the balloon. The flexible elongate element has proximal and distal extremities which are secured about the catheter shaft in positions spaced longitudinally away from the outer surface of the balloon to permit expansion of the balloon and to cause movement of the flexible elongate element into engagement with the lesion to form a longitudinal channel in the lesion.

Abstract: An intra pelvic cancer therapeutic agent perfusion apparatus and method for administering a cancer therapeutic agent to and recovering same from a cancer tissue site within the pelvis. The tip of a first sheath is percutaneously inserted into the femoral artery and the tip of a second sheath is inserted into the femoral vein. A first balloon catheter is inserted into the aorta through the femoral artery and a second balloon catheter is inserted into the vena cava through the femoral vein. The first balloon catheter is used to block the blood flow and the second balloon is inflated to form an intravenous closed region between the site of insertion in the vena cava and a lower limb side venous site. A body fluid containing a cancer therapeutic agent is administered to the intra arterial closed region through the first sheath and is removed therefrom through the second sheath.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for volumetric micro-liter infusion of therapeutic liquids. This portable pump system remains unobtrusive and less restrictive of patient ambulation and orientation. The present invention includes expendables, the disposability of which facilitates safe reuse of more expensive portions and is sufficiently simple for use in a home care environment. It may be designed to incorporate real-time, interactive or remote monitoring and regulation and visual or audible indication of system pressures, chemical balances and other important variables.

Abstract: A soft over-the-needle (OTN) catheter that has been treated at a distal end to provide a higher durometer (i.e., harder) surface to facilitate insertion of the catheter into a patient is provided. The catheter preferably comprises a soft flexible tube made of polyurethane and having a hardness in the range of 50A to 90A where the treated distal end has a hardness of above 90A. The OTN catheter may also include an annular abutment shoulder formed at a distance from the distal end of the catheter. An insertion needle also comprises an abutment means, preferably a collar positioned on the exterior of the insertion needle, to abut the abutment shoulder of the catheter. Where the catheter is to be fed significantly into the vascular system, an optional metal ring may be secured within the catheter, adjacent the internal shoulder. When the needle is removed, the metal ring remains in place, permitting electromagnetic tracking of the catheter as it is fed through the vascular system.

Abstract: A vascular access system comprises a needle having a distal tip and a proximal fitting section and a dilator having a solid distal section connected to a solid proximal section and an annular recess therebetween, the dilator having a passageway so that the dilator is coaxially positioned around the needle. The needle has at least one opening positioned proximal to its distal tip so that, when the distal end of the needle enters a blood vessel, blood enters the annular recess to show the operator that access has been achieved. Optionally, a sheath having a distal tip, a proximal fitting section, and a lumen sufficient to coaxially fit over the dilator.

Abstract: A medical device for insertion into a body having a surface covered by a detachable cover. The cover may be detached from the surface and removed from the body while the device is inserted in the body. The device maybe, for example, a catheter, cannula, drain, stent, pacemaker, or electrode.

Abstract: A piston stopper for a medicine injector, wherein the stopper has a stopper body with a mesh section and at least one sealing element positioned at least partly around the circumference of the stopper body, wherein at least one of the sealing element and mesh section is connected to the stopper body in a material bond. A method for manufacturing such a piston stopper is encompassed.

Abstract: A safety syringe comprises a barrel having a projection in a rear end thereof, a needle holder for mount of a needle, the needle holder having a dragged portion, a stopper movable in the barrel, the stopper having a drag portion adapted for engaging into the dragged portion of the needle holder and a plunger connector, a plunger for moving the stopper in the barrel having a stopper connector engaged with the plunger connector of the stopper. When pulled backwards to the end after injection, the plunger connector of the stopper is forced onto the projection of the barrel and disengaged from the plunger, enabling the plunger to be removed from said barrel.

Abstract: A safety syringe comprises a barrel, which has a body forming a receiving hole, a stop portion in the receiving hole. A needle holder has a hole therein, an elastic lock piece formed a claw at distal end, and a dragged portion. The needle holder is received in the receiving hole of the barrel for the claw can lock with the stop portion of the barrel. A supporter, which is slidable received in the hole of the needle holder for supporting the elastic lock pieces to make the needle holder fixed secured in the barrel. And a plunger set has a bumper to move away said supporter and withdraw said needle holder.

Abstract: Disclosed is a catheter having a flexible tube and a sharpened needle secured to the catheter at its distal end. The catheter does not require a separate sharpened instrument to enable insertion into an anatomical passageway. The sharpened needle of the catheter remains disposed within an anatomical passageway during treatment. Also disclosed is a catheter assembly comprising the catheter and a safety inserter. The safety inserter has a blunt end and facilitates the insertion of the catheter by providing a mechanism to urge the sharpened needle of the catheter into an anatomical passageway. Also disclosed is an improved needle tip which minimizes trauma to an anatomical passageway. Also disclosed are methods of using and forming the catheter, catheter assembly and needle tip.

Abstract: A device and method for treating an illness or infection in the repiratory tract of a body is provided. The device administers an antimicrobial mist directly to the tissues to be treated, which coats the tissues in the respiratory tract where the infection is colonizing. The administration of the mist is reapplied in order to maintain a predetermined antimicrobial tissue density concentration of a uncompounded silver colloid suspended antimicrobial substance for a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A medical instrument (1) comprises a tampon-like section (2) for introduction into a body cavity. The section (2) has an inner part (3), a first cuff (4) surrounding the inner part (3) and a second cuff (5) surrounding at least parts of the first cuff (4) which is permeable for application medium. A medical instrument was produced to stop body fluids from discharge, to stop bleeding and administer application media.

Abstract: A drainable ostomy pouch having sidewalls of flexible sheet material defining a cavity therebetween and a downwardly-extending neck portion terminating in a discharge opening that is closed by folding the neck portion upwardly and opened by unfolding the neck portion downwardly. Each of the sidewalls of the neck portion is provided with a transversely-extending bias member that is formed of stiff but flexible, springlike plastic material. The bias members are normally flat so as to be in straight parallel closed condition but are openable under inwardly-directed finger pressure applied to their opposite ends to cause them to bow outwardly away from each other.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance comprising an adhesive barrier member (or base plate), said barrier member having a hole for receiving a stoma, ureter, or catheter and barrier wafer to be attached to the wearer's abdomen, back, or chest; an outer receiving member or bag releasably attached to the adhesive barrier member, said bag having a hole for receiving wastes exiting the stoma, ureter or catheter; and a disposable inner bag liner releasably attached to the adhesive barrier member wherein the disposable inner bag liner having a hole for receiving wastes exiting the stoma, ureter or catheter is attached releasably to the adhesive barrier member in a first coupling area by first coupling means and the outer receiving member is attached releasably to the adhesive barrier member by second coupling means, in which the first and second coupling areas are in the form of one or more coupling rings and the first and second coupling means are in the form of matching coupling rings and wherein the outer diameter of the first co

Abstract: A toilet training article in the form of a toilet training pad containing an effervescent agent is disclosed. The toilet training pad, which may be an insertable pad or integrated directly into an undergarment, contains an effervescent agent which releases gas upon being contacted by urine. The effervescent agent may be in the form of a compound containing a substantially inert gas, or may be a combination of compounds that, upon being contacted by urine, produce a gas.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article sustaining low vapour phase moisture in the space as enclosed between and the wearer in use, such as can be evaluate by measuring relative humidity on a laboratory mannequin, such can be achieved by combining high performance, low rewet absorbent cores with breathable backsheet materials.

Abstract: A hygienic product includes from top to bottom a layer of EVA web, a layer of high molecular absorbent consisting of natural fiber and cotton, a layer of backing plastic sheet, and a layer of adhesive in the form of one or more strips or spots. The EVA web consists of 40% EVA plastics, 10% LDPE, 2% stearic acid, 9% PE and wax, and 39% or more calcium carbonate and is produced with an L-type calender having an embossed roller. The backing plastic sheet consists of materials having the same types and percentages as those of the EVA web. The materials for the backing plastic sheet are mixed and vacuum dried to a controlled temperature between 135° C. and 220° C. and then rotatably extruded. Both the EVA web and the backing plastic sheet are fully burnable, making the hygienic product environmentally friendly.

Abstract: A water-absorbing resin which has a specific surface area, as measured by the BET multipoint adsorption method employing krypton as an adsorbate gas, of 0.05 m2/g or larger and a water retentivity, as measured with 0.9 wt. % physiological saline, of 5 to 30 g/g. It is suitable for absorbing viscous liquids containing a high-molecular compound.

Abstract: My invention is a three-layered pantiliner with separate, removable and disposable layers which can be removed as needed ensuring continued protection.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided that comprises a main body having a first main body waist portion, a second main body waist portion and a central main body portion disposed between the first and second main body waist portions. The main body has orthogonal longitudinal and lateral axes. The absorbent article further comprises a pair of elastic side panels each connecting the first main body waist portion to the second main body waist portion. The main body and the side panels collectively define a waist opening edge surrounding a waist opening and two leg opening edges, each leg opening edge surrounding a leg opening. Each elastic side panel is formed from a first side portion that extends laterally outward from the first main body waist portion and terminates in a first outer lateral side panel edge. The side panel is also formed from a second side portion that extends laterally outward from the second main body waist portion and terminates in a second outer lateral side panel edge.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin adapted to be worn in a thong undergarment. The sanitary napkin includes a central absorbent pad having a liquid pervious cover layer, a liquid impervious barrier layer and an absorbent core between the cover layer and barrier layer. The sanitary napkin has a first distal end region, an opposite second distal end region and a central region intermediate the first distal end region and the second distal end region and a flap extending laterally outward from each longitudinal side edge of the sanitary napkin in the central region. The absorbent core has a maximum width in the first distal end region that does not exceed 40 mm and a ratio of a length of the first distal end region to the maximum width of the absorbent core in the first distal end region is less than 2.