Abstract: Poly(3-cyclopropyl-3-hydroxypropionates) (I) which are useful for the preparation of vinylcyclopropane and cyclopropylacetylene are disclosed. Methods for the preparation of a variety of intermediates obtained from (I) such as 3-cyclopropyl-3-hydroxypropionic acid and esters and salts thereof, 3-cyclopropylacrylic acids and vinylcyclopropane also are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided herein are improved methods for producing methacrylic acid and methacrylate esters using combined or “integrated” processing steps including integrated hydrolysis, integrated cracking systems, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, other aspects of an methacrylic acid and methacrylate ester production trains are integrated. Also provided are methods to purify crude methacrylic acid streams to form glacial methacrylic acid that is at least 95% pure.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a catalyst which contain at least one zeolite with structure type NES, preferably NU-87,, comprising silicon and at least one element T selected from the group formed by aluminium, iron, gallium and boron. Preferably, element T has been extracted so that the overall Si/T atomic ratio is more than 20. This zeolite is at least partially in its acid form. The binder is preferably alumina. The catalyst also contains at least one metal selected from the group formed by group VIIB, group VIB and iridium, preferably rhenium. Finally, the catalyst optionally also contains at least one metal selected from the group formed by elements from groups III and IV of the periodic table, preferably indium or tin. The present invention also concerns the use of the catalyst in a process for transalkylating alkylaromatic hydrocarbons such as toluene and alkylaromatic compounds containing at least 9 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A catalyst useful for the production of olefins from alkanes via oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) is disclosed. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a catalyst for use in ODH processes includes a base metal, a promoter metal, and a support comprising a plurality of discrete structures. A base metal is herein defined as a non-Group VIII metal, with the exception of iron, cobalt and nickel. Suitable base metals include Group IB-VIIB metals, Group IIIA-VA metals, Lanthanide metals, iron, cobalt and nickel. Suitable promoter metals include Group VIII metals (i.e. platinum, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, osmium, and iridium). In some embodiments the support is fabricated from a refractory material. Suitable refractory support materials include alumina, stabilized aluminas, zirconia, stabilized zirconias (PSZ), titania, yttria, silica, niobia, and vanadia.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thin film radiation source, which may be used to deliver a radioactive dose to a site in a body lumen. The source comprises a thin flexible substrate, and a layer of radioisotope attached thereto. The source may further comprise additional layers such as one or more tie layers disposed between the substrate and the radioisotope layer and one or more outer coating layers. In one embodiment, the source is wrapped around an inflatable balloon. Inflation of the balloon at a treatment site positions the source directly adjacent to the vessel wall, and allows irradiation of the site following or simultaneously with a balloon angioplasty, stent implantation, or stent sizing procedure.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves a cannulation system (10) and related methods for augmenting the cardiac output of the heart during cardiac surgery.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cardiopulmonary bypass pump that can be used with medication to put the heart into asystole or near asystolic status. This gives the physician enough time to perform diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedures and also allows the diseased heart to recover from ischemic insults without additional hemodynamic stress, and also facilitates certain cardiac procedures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of devices and methods for improving testing of hearing devices, including soundbridges and direct drive middle ear implants. In particular, the present invention provides a microphone system utilizing reverse transfer function to assess the operability of implanted hearing improvement devices, including but not limited to soundbridges and direct drive middle ear implants.

Abstract: A finger-guided suture device is disclosed. The device includes a thimble-like element to surround a portion of a finger and an ejectable substantially semi-circular surgical needle for collecting retaining and guiding a surgical suture via a distal portion of the needle upon contact. Also included is a mechanism for ejecting the needle from, and withdrawing the needle into, the thimble-like element, so as to place a suture. Also disclosed are surgical methods employing the device.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for performing embryo implants in a female's uterus including an inner component having an echogenic soft distal tip for supporting the embryo to be implanted in the womb. A guide cannula receives the inner component which in combination with the rigid proximal portion facilitates insertion of the distal tip and embryo into the womb through the cervix. The guide cannula is a hollow tubular member attached to the hub, and a distal end which protects the embryo on the inner component during insertion. Markings indicate the position of the soft distal tip of the inner component with respect to the guide cannula as well as the overall length of the catheter assembly. During the implantation process, ultrasound imaging equipment is used to monitor the position of the echogenic distal tip.

Abstract: A multiple-electrode catheter assembly includes a hollow catheter having an internal elongated channel and a flexible distal portion. A number of electrodes are spaced along the flexible distal portion. An inner element, slidingly engaged within the elongated channel, has a steering mechanism configured for selectively deflecting a steerable distal portion of the inner element. According to additional, or alternative, features, the inner element includes sliding contacts for forming electrical connections with the electrodes, and displaceable locating elements for determining the position of an electrode during operation. Also provided is a method for operating such a catheter.

Abstract: The invention is a device used to determine the depth of insertion and/or the angle of rotation of an elongated body passing through it. The device of the invention comprises at least one sensing element suitable to gauge the movement of the elongated body. In different embodiments of the invention the sensing element is selected from an optical sensor, a Hall effect sensor, or is a sensing element activated by mechanical friction. The device of the invention is especially suited use with endoscopic devices. In the case where the elongated body is a gastroscope, the device of the invention can be a modified bite block.

Abstract: An endoscope seal that effectively inhibits the egress of fluids from the working channel of an endoscope when an elongate device having a non-circular shaft is disposed therein. The endoscope seal includes a body portion having a proximal end adapted for insertion of an elongate device such as a rapid exchange biliary catheter, a distal end adapted for connection to the proximal end of an endoscope, a lumen extending therethrough which is adapted to receive the elongate device and to provide access to the working channel of the endoscope, and a means for conforming to the non-circular shaft of the elongate device to inhibit the flow of fluid from the working channel of the endoscope. The conforming means may, for example, comprise one or more protrusions extending radially inward in the lumen of the body portion, a sealing material such as a surgical foam that is disposed in the lumen of the body portion, or a sealing mandrel.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus for conditioning organic fluid for subsequent use in a medical procedure. The apparatus includes a cabinet having a secure environment and a door providing the only access to the environment. An input system is provided for transporting a organic fluid charge from a source to the cabinet and a container is removably contained in the secure environment and coupled to the charge input system to receive the charge. Stressors are coupled to the cabinet and positioned for operation to create a conditioned charge in the container An output system is coupled to the container and includes a receiver for the conditioned charge. The apparatus also includes a needle hub wherein a first end of the needle may be inserted intramuscularly while a second end of the needle projects beyond the patient's tissue and the second end being shielded.

Abstract: A method of data management for assessing a patient's autonomic balance, risk of death, and the patient's response to therapy in terms of these assessments is described. This method describes a process by which a set of “raw variables” (RV) are translated into one or more of a new variable, defined as an Autonomic Balance Index (ABI), that quantifies the patient's cardiovascular reflex control. The translated variables are representative of both central and peripheral chemo receptivity, baroreflexes, and peripheral ergo receptors, which, in turn, provide the measurement of sympathovagal, or autonomic, balance. The process of selection and measurement of the ABI, and thus the sympathetic and parasympathetic components of autonomic balance at rest and during dynamic, isotonic exercise and recovery is described. The invention will further define risk of death using a Kaplan-Meier Plot for certain translated variables.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an encapsulated medical imaging device (1) and method for imaging the gastroin-testinal tract in patients using optical scanning technologies.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cardiovascular healthcare management system which as an infomediary site with databases having information relating to cardiovascular disease risk factors such as age, blood pressure, LDL, HDL and subfractions thereof and cardiovascular disease management such as diet, exercise, drugs and cardiovascular educational materials. The physician can communicate electronically with the infomediary site to obtain patient test results and formulate a patient treatment plan from the diet, exercise and drug data. The physician can electronically communicate treatment plans to the patient through a record in the infomediary site. The patient can electronically communicate compliance information to the physician through the patient record. The infomediary site may also provide a case manager to provide initial draft treatment plans to the physician, gather patient history data and/or patient treatment plan compliance data.

Abstract: A medical examination chair includes a group of sensors including electrodes in finger-tip sensors, various other types of sensors incorporated in straps for the patient in the chair and load cells supporting the chair, all of which provide data which is partially processed in the electronics mounted in the chair and then transmitted to central station for patient diagnosis.

Abstract: A wrist-mounted device for assisting a person to maintain a calorie balance goal comprises a processor; a display; a product identifier input mechanism; an activity level input receiving an activity level signal correlated with the physical activity level of the person; a resting metabolic rate input mechanism; a database correlating product identifiers with nutritional data; and a calorie management algorithm, adapted to calculate a calorie balance from the calorie values of foods consumed, the resting metabolic rate, and the activity level signal, and to present the calorie balance to the person on the display. Embodiments of the wirst-mounted device are also useful in blood glucose control.

Abstract: A method for classifying live subjects according to optical thickness of the skin is based on noninvasive, near-infrared reflectance measurements on skin tissue. An indicator of skin optical thickness is derived through analysis of the water, fat, and protein marker bands in the near infrared spectrum. The skin thickness indicator may then be used to evaluate the suitability of the subject for calibration on a standardized set of optical probes. The optical probes in the standardized set are designed to cover a range of penetration depths by varying the distance distribution between illuminator and detector fibers on each probe tip.

Abstract: The present invention is a hygiene article comprising a liquid handling member with a membrane assembly having a porous membrane, which separates a first zone which comprises a liquid receiving region from a second one, which is connected to a suction device source, whereby the membrane assembly is capable of maintaining a pressure differential between the second zone and the first zone without permitting air to penetrate from the first zone to the second zone, wherein this article further comprises a fixation means of the body adhesive type to hold the liquid receiving region in registry with liquid releasing body openings of the wearer during its intended use.

Abstract: A system for assisting a person to maintain a blood glucose level between predetermined limits comprises: an electronic device, comprising a display, a clock, a memory, and a processor; and a software program executable by the processor of the electronic device, adapted to receive nutritional data of food consumed by the person, adapted to calculate the blood glucose level for the person using the nutritional data and a glycemic response model for the person, and further adapted to present the blood glucose level to the person on the display of the electronic device.

Abstract: Methods of frequently monitoring glucose amounts and/or concentrations in a subject who is at risk for hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, and/or glucose level fluctuations that put the subject at risk are provided. Also provided are methods of monitoring the effects of one or more pharmaceutical compositions on the levels of glucose in a subject.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted for use with a trans-esophageal probe. The apparatus comprises a disinfecting unit and a storage unit, each of which includes a tubular housing having an interior, upper and lower ends, and an opening at the upper end for access to the interior. The disinfecting unit includes a support above the upper end of its housing for supporting a handle of a probe whose probe end is within the interior of the housing. The interior of the disinfecting unit is adapted to contain a fluid, and is equipped with a fluid level indicator and a drain for draining the fluid from the housing. The storage unit includes an enclosure removably mounted to the upper end of its housing for enclosing the handle end of a probe whose probe end is within the interior of the housing. Both units further include a support for a connector of a probe placed in the unit.

Abstract: A computer based system and method of visualizing a region using multiple image data sets is provided. The method includes acquiring first volumetric image data of a region and acquiring at least second volumetric image data of the region. The first image data is generally selected such that the structural features of the region are readily visualized. At least one control point is determined in the region using an identifiable structural characteristic discernable in the first volumetric image data. The at least one control point is also located in the at least second image data of the region such that the first image data and the at least second image data can be registered to one another using the at least one control point. Once the image data sets are registered, the registered first image data and at least second image data can be fused into a common display data set.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of obtaining and reconstructing an image of a portion of a body, administered by a radiopharmaceutical substance, by using Single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) for determination of functional information thereon.

Abstract: By using the input unit, a condition previously regarded necessary, for example, some parameter values of a plurality of frequencies are registered as a group. The registered parameter values are stored in a memory within the apparatus setting condition controlling unit. An operator selects a desired group at a diagnosis time, and selects a parameter value to be used for diagnosis, from a plurality of parameter values forming the group. The apparatus operates based on the operational condition defined by the parameter value, to make a diagnosis.

Abstract: A medical device for creating images of tissue within a body includes a disposable liquid-confining sheath supporting an elongate flexible drive shaft which carries an imaging device such as a ultrasound transducer. The device may include a trocar adapted to receive the sheath, the trocar permitting the device to be inserted into the body where no natural passageway exists, the trocar having a side-facing region adapted to maintain registry with the imaging device while the imaging device rotates. In another embodiment, the drive shaft includes an outer coil that is configured such that when the drive shaft is driven in the direction tending to decrease the diameter of the outer coil, the outer surface of the outer coil pressurizes liquid distally of the outer surface. The device optionally includes an inflatable balloon.

Abstract: A two-dimensional (2D) chemical shift correlated MR spectroscopic (COSY) sequence integrated into a new volume localization technique (90°-180°-90°) for whole body MR Spectroscopy. Using the product operator formalism, a theoretical calculation of the volume localization as well as the coherence transfer efficiencies in 2D MRS is presented. A combination of different MRI transmit/receive rf coils is used. The cross peak intensities excited by the proposed 2D sequence are asymmetric with respect to the diagonal peaks. Localized COSY spectra of cerebral frontal and occipital gray/white matter regions in fifteen healthy controls are presented.

Abstract: In a manipulator for use in a closed magnetic resonance tomograph with an MRT channel extending therethrough for receiving a patient's rest supporting a female patient laying on her stomach during mammography, a support arm having a front end with a receiving housing for accommodating various instruments for the treatment of the patient is provided, which support arm is movable into the channel together with the patients rest and which is positionable relative to the patients mamma steplessly in every direction and operable in a position adjacent to the mamma for any desired treatment of the mamma.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for use within an image-guided surgical navigation system for facilitating the combined positioning and orientation of multiple surgical implements. A tool guide having multiple cannulas is tracked by a surgical navigation system in real time. Position data of the tool guide is registered and combined with pre-acquired images by the navigation computer. Concurrent graphical representations of the plurality of cannulas are superimposed over the images and displayed. The display allows the surgeon to place the tool guide into the patient's body and position and orient the plurality of cannulas which are then used to place each of the implements.

Abstract: Systems and methods for visualizing ablation lesions are provided. A contrast agent is injected into an artery that feeds blood to tissue surrounding an ablation lesion. During or after contrast agent injection, the ablation lesion and surrounding tissue is imaged using an imager that is responsive to the injected contrast agent. In one non-limiting embodiment, the contrast agent comprises echogenic particles, e.g., echogenic microbubbles, and the imager is an ultrasound imager.

Abstract: A two-dimensional array transducer probe is used to image regions of the body that are acoustically obstructed from conventional view by objects such as the lungs or ribs. The probe is located against the body at an acoustic window which provides acceptable ultrasonic transmissivity between the transducer array and the body. While maintaining the probe at its acoustic window, an image plane location is manipulated by adjusting the beam steering directions. The image plane can be tilted in the elevation direction, moved laterally, and/or rotated about a center axis to position the image plane so that the obstructed anatomy is effectively imaged for diagnosis.

Abstract: An eye fundus camera (1) having an imaging axis (68) between an objective lens assembly (25) and a sensor arrangement (66), an illumination injection arrangement (80) between the objective lens assembly and the sensor arrangement and an illumination apparatus (62) to provide illumination to the illumination injection arrangement. The illumination apparatus includes a single light source (80) adapted to provide both infra-red and visible light and a selector (82) to select either the infra-red or visible light as well as a xenon flash lamp (85). Viewing can be by eyepiece (27) or screen or by photography. The camera can be mounted onto an ophthalmic slit lamp (2) assembly.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for enhancing the differential diagnosis of attention deficit disorder (ADHD) versus anxiety disorder in a human patient undergoing testing for ADHD.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for calculating blood pressure of an artery having a pulse. The method includes applying a varying pressure to the artery. Pressure waveforms are sensed to produce pressure waveform data. Waveform parameters are derived from the sensed pressure waveform data. Blood pressure is then determined using the derived parameters.

Abstract: A system and apparatus implementing a graphical user interface for displaying heart rate information is provided. The graphical user interface displays, in a first viewing window, a first tracing indicative of a heart rate signal. The graphical user interface displays a control allowing a user to select a portion of the first tracing. In a second viewing window displayed simultaneously with the first viewing window, the graphical user interface displays a second tracing which is a zoomed in view of the selected portion of the first tracing. In a specific implementation, the control includes a selection box having a transparent portion superposed upon the first viewing window. The portion of the first tracing viewable through the transparent portion corresponds to the second tracing. The control allows the user to displace and modify the size of the selection box to select a portion of the first tracing.

Abstract: A device for reducing noise in signals having successive substantially repetitive portions, comprising: an iterative averager operative to superimpose and average said substantially repetitive portions to produce a running average thereof, and an iteration ender comprising a noise analyzer for determining a noise level in said running average and ending operation of said iterative averager when said noise level reaches a predetermined level. Also, a method of obtaining an indication of ischemia in a patient using an ECG signal therefrom, the method comprising: extracting an ECG signal over a duration, extracting from said ECG signal a series of QRS complexes over said duration, extracting high frequency components of said QRS complexes, analyzing said high frequency components over said duration for at least one of a predetermined quality, and inferring from said predetermined quality an indication of ischemia.

Abstract: A stethoscope chest piece includes a housing having a rigid contact surface to be pressed against a patient's chest for picking-up sounds therefrom; a mass yieldingly mounted with respect to the housing and the contact surface; and an electrical transducer in the housing and cooperable with the mass and the contact surface to generate an electrical signal corresponding to the displacement of the contact surface relative to the mass. Also described are a stethoscope apparatus including processing circuitry for reducing noise, a loudspeaker for converting the output of the chest piece to sound, various features making the apparatus attractive to children, and a method of using the apparatus for monitoring a physiological condition of a patient.

Abstract: The invention provides an estimation of key flow-independent parameters characteristic of NO exchange in the lungs, namely: 1) the steady state alveolar concentration, Calv,ss; 2) the maximum flux of NO from the airways, JNO,max; and 3) the diffusing capacity of NO in the airways, DNO,air. The parameters were estimated from a single exhalation maneuver comprised of a pre-expiratory breathhold, followed by an exhalation in which the flow rate progressively decreased. The mean values for JNO,max, DNO,air, and Calv,ss do not depend on breathhold time for breathhold times greater than approximately 10 seconds. A priori estimates of the parameter confidence intervals demonstrates that a breathhold no longer than 20 seconds may be adequate, and that JNO,max be can estimated with the smallest uncertainty, and DNO,air the largest.

Abstract: A method and device for collecting, storing, shipping, preparing and analyzing condensate derived from the exhaled breath of a user. Using the mouthpiece (15) of the device (10), a human subject inhales drawing air through a check valve (30).

Abstract: A respiratory analyzer for a person comprises a flow path through which the person breathes; a metabolic rate meter, providing a metabolic rate for the person; a ketone sensor, providing a ketone signal related to the concentration of respiratory components correlated with a level of ketone bodies in exhalations of the person; a display; and an electronic circuit, receiving the ketone signal and the metabolic data, and providing a visual indication of the metabolic rate and the ketone signal to the person on the display. The respiratory analyzer can be used in an improved exercise management program for the person.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining esophageal cells for diagnostic purposes comprises inserting the distal end of a flexible support body in a patient's stomach via the esophagus and mouth so that the proximal support body end projects from the mouth. A balloon at the distal support body end is inflated and the support body is withdrawn until the inflated balloon engages the sphincter at the stomach entrance. A support body location is marked that is a predetermined distance from the patient's dental arch when the inflated balloon engages the sphincter at the stomach entrance. The balloon is deflated and the support body is withdrawn so that the marked locatin is adjacent the patient's dental arch. The support body is withdrawn a second predetermined distance and a second support body location, adjacent the patient's dental arch, is marked.

Abstract: Methods and systems for performing biopsies and diagnosing tumors and suspect masses within the body. A biopsy sample is frozen while still in the body of a patient, then removed from the patient, stored frozen, and subject to IHC, microarray or other analysis to determine the amount, type or presence of signaling substances within the tumor or suspect mass.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a flexible distal portion for obtaining a biopsy sample from a biopsy site. The device includes a coring cannula with a wall defined between a proximal end and a distal end and defining a lumen therebetween. The wall of the cannula defines a coring relief notch adjacent the distal end has a length along a longitudinal axis of the cannula longer than a diameter of the coring cannula. A wire is slidably disposable within the lumen of the coring cannula and has a proximal end and a distal end and defines a sampling cavity adjacent the distal end. A wire relief notch is positioned adjacent the sampling cavity. The wire relief notch has a length along a longitudinal axis of the wire longer than a width of the wire relief notch.

Abstract: The present invention is a deformable liquid handling member, having an inner region circumscribed and hermetically sealed by a wall region, which comprises a membrane assembly to separate a first zone outside of the member from a second zone within the inner region of the member. Thereby, the second zone is connected to a suction source capable of receiving liquid, and the first zone is positioned in liquid communication with a liquid releasing source during its intended use. The membrane assembly is capable of maintaining a pressure differential between the second zone and the first zone without permitting air to penetrate from said first zone to said second zone. Further, the inner region comprises an inner material, which has a volume expansion factor of more than 3, preferably 5, more preferably 10, and can have a creep recovery of more than 60%, preferably more than 90%.

Abstract: A micro-needle is provided which is particularly useful for the minimally invasive sampling of a biological fluid and/or the minimally invasive delivery of a drug or other formulation across the skin. The micro-needle has a structure having a base at a proximal end and a vertex at a distal end, and an open lumen extending there through and through which fluid may be transferred. The structure defines a structural axis that intersects the lumenal axis defined by the open lumen. The point of intersection between these axes is at a point below the vertex of the micro-needle to provide a sharp apex at the distal end of the micro-needle and defines the general configuration of the distal end of the micro-needle, which may be selected or customized depending on the intended use of the microneedle.

Abstract: A needle holder for use with a needle assembly for blood collection is provided, and in particular, for use with a needle assembly including an activation mechanism adapted for axial displacement between a first position and a second position with respect to the needle assembly through engagement with a blood collection tube. The needle holder includes an outer body having a first end adapted for attachment to such a needle assembly and a second end having an internal opening therein. The needle holder is adapted for accommodating a blood collection tube within the internal opening for engagement with the needle assembly.

Abstract: Devices and methods for analyte concentration determination are provided. The subject devices have a housing having an aperture, a lancing element having a lancet held therein disposed within the housing, means for activating the lancing element to displace the lancet to provide an incision in an area of skin to provide physiological sample, and means for determining whether a sufficient amount of the physiological sample is present at the surface of the skin. The subject methods include lancing an area of skin to provide physiological sample at the surface of the area of skin, illuminating the physiological sample present at the surface of skin, detecting light reflected from the physiological sample, and determining whether the physiological sample is present in an amount sufficient for analyte concentration determination based upon the detected light. The subject invention also includes kits for use in practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: The invention is defined as a precurved coronary sinus guiding introducer for use in a cardiomyopathic heart comprising a flexible elongated member with a proximal and distal end. The elongated member comprises a generally straight, proximal portion and a precurved distal portion. In one embodiment the proximal portion and distal portion are formed to lie is a common plane. In another embodiment the portions are angulated with respect to each other in different planes. The precurved distal portion comprises at least one curved subportion and at least one curved or straight subportion. The precurved distal subportion curves through a generally circular arc away and is defined by a chord of predetermined length. The precurved distal subportion has a predetermined height above the chord. The curved or straight subportion is the distal section of the precurved distal portion.