Abstract: The present development relates to a modification of the Houdry process for the dehydrogenation of aliphatic hydrocarbons, whereby the dehydrogenation cycle is extended, or lengthened, and hydrogen gas is added into the reaction. The combination of the extended cycle with the hydrogen introduction results in a surprising stabilization of the production rate in the dehydrogenation process. The hydrogen gas may be introduced through a recycle step. The process of the present development is demonstrated for the dehydrogenation of propane to propylene.

Abstract: A method for reducing the toxicity of incineration ash containing dioxin-type compounds includes the step of contacting the contaminated incineration ash with an aqueous solution of an alkaline earth metal hydroxide. Detoxification occurs at relatively low temperatures (e.g. below 350 degrees Celsius) and can be performed in the presence of water that is often found in incineration ash storage piles. The solution and ash are kept in contact for a pre-determined detoxification period. Once detoxification has progressed to a desired endpoint, the solution is drained to a storage vessel where it can be re-used to treat additional incineration ash. In one implementation, the treatment is performed at a slightly elevated temperature (e.g. 100 degrees Celsius) to reduce the length of the detoxification period while maintaining the same level of detoxification.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for applying vacuum near to devices for delivering treatments to tissue adjacent a body cavity, effective to draw adjacent tissue near to such devices and to enhance treatment of the tissue. Body cavities include natural body cavities and cavities remaining after removal of tissue such as cancerous tissue. A device may include an inner balloon assembly with an inflation conduit. A sheath assembly having a fluid-permeable sheath wall may enclose the inner balloon assembly. Vacuum applied to the space between the sheath and the inner balloon is useful to draw tissue into contact with the device, improving treatment effectiveness. Methods for treating tissue with such devices and systems are also provided. Treatments may include providing radioactive material for radiation treatment, providing chemotherapeutic material for chemotherapy, providing thermal treatment, and combinations thereof. Systems may include devices of the invention and a vacuum source.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for loading therapeutic materials into brachytherapy needles. The apparatus comprises a loading tube with a lumen and two transverse slots, and radioactive seed and spacer cartridges slidably received within the transverse slots. The apparatus may be used in conjunction with a standard brachytherapy plunger and needle coupled to, respectively, the proximal and distal ends of the loading tube. The plunger dislodges seeds and spacers from the cartridge chambers to load the needle with a predetermined packing arrangement.

Abstract: A radioactive seed which discloses the orientation and the location of the seed when the seed is exposed to X-ray photography is provided. The seed contains multiple X-ray detectable markers which will disclose the orientation and the location of the seed when the seed is exposed to X-ray photography. The seed can also have a single marker which wraps around the external surface of the seed or wraps around a carrier body within the seed. The single marker will also disclose the orientation as well as the location of the seed.

Abstract: A Ventricular Assist Device for human use is placed into the aorta or pulmonary artery to pump blood in series with the human heart rather than in parallel with the heart. The device may be used as a left ventricular assist device with a pump positioned in the aorta. The device also may be used as a right ventricular assist device with a pump positioned in the pulmonary artery or as a Bi-ventricular assist device with one pump positioned in the aorta and with another pump situated in the pulmonary artery.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for accessing an anatomical space of the body and particularly for penetrating the epicardium to access pericardial space and the epicardial surface of the heart in a minimally invasive manner employing suction are disclosed. The distal end of a tubular access sleeve having a sleeve wall surrounding a sleeve access lumen and extending between a sleeve proximal end and a sleeve distal end having a plurality of suction ports arrayed around the sleeve access lumen distal end opening is applied against an outer tissue layer. Suction is applied through the plurality of suction ports to a plurality of portions of the outer tissue layer. A perforation instrument is introduced through the sleeve access lumen to perforate the outer tissue layer to form an access perforation into the anatomic space while the applied suction stabilizes the outer tissue layer, whereby further treatment drugs and devices can be introduced into the anatomic space.

Abstract: There is provided an in-vivo device, for example an imaging device, configured with operation blocking capability to prevent the reuse of such device or to prevent a reactivation of such device after such device has completed a medical examination.

Abstract: The invention relates to a retractor (10) with a carrier ring (20) and L-shaped valves (30), which can be attached with an arm (32) which runs parallel to the carrier ring plane to the carrier ring (20), whereby its free end points outward, and whose other arm (34) is oriented perpendicularly with a respect to the carrier ring plane and presents, in cross section, a convex curvature toward the external margin of the carrier ring (20), where the arm of (32) [sic; arm (32)] of the valves (30), which is attached to the carrier ring (20), is guided in radically oriented guides (22) on the carrier ring (20).

Abstract: The invention is methods and devices which a surgeon may use to stabilize the beating heart during a surgical procedure on the heart. Pursuant to the invention, a stabilizing device is introduced through an opening in the chest and brought into contact with the beating heart. By contacting the heart with the device and by exerting a stabilizing force on the device, the motion of the heart caused by the contraction of the heart muscles is effectively eliminated such that the heart is stabilized and the site of the surgery moves only minimally if at all. Typically, in separate steps, the surgeon contacts the heart with the stabilizing means, assesses the degree of movement of the anastomosis site, and exerts a force on the stabilizing means such that the contraction of the beating heart causes only minimal excess motion at the surgery site.

Abstract: This invention teaches further method improvements to forewarn of critical events via phase-space dissimilarity analysis of data from biomedical equipment, mechanical devices, and other physical processes. One improvement involves conversion of time-serial data into equiprobable symbols. A second improvement is a method to maximize the channel-consistent total-true rate of forewarning from a plurality of data channels over multiple data sets from the same patient or process. This total-true rate requires resolution of the forewarning indications into true positives, true negatives, false positives and false negatives. A third improvement is the use of various objective functions, as derived from the phase-space dissimilarity measures, to give the best forewarning indication. A fourth improvement uses various search strategies over the phase-space analysis parameters to maximize said objective functions. A fifth improvement shows the usefulness of the method for various biomedical and machine applications.

Abstract: A computer system for the closed-loop support of patient self-testing includes data repository, healthcare provider interface, training interface, supplier, patient interface and analysis modules. The data repository module is configured to store patient enrollment and patient self-test information. The healthcare provider interface module is configured to receive patient enrollment and modified patient prescription information furnished by a healthcare provider and to transfer these to the data repository module. The healthcare provider interface module is also configured to communicate patient self-test result information to a healthcare provider. The training module is configured to receive patient diagnostic monitoring device training information and to transfer that information to the data repository module.

Abstract: The method for diagnosing lactose intolerance in patients by the oral administration of defined amounts of lactose, followed by assaying metabolites of lactose, is performed in a way where the lactose administered contains 99% 13C-labeled lactose, preferably from 5 to 30 mg, and after the administration of the lactose, the, content of 13C-labeled lactose is determined in a serum sample taken at a defined time after the administration. A diagnostic kit for performing the method consists of a capsule with from 5 to 30 mg of 99% 13C-labeled lactose, a patient instruction manual, a blood sampling device, sample containers for collecting the blood sample, and optionally a spatula and sample container for a stool specimen.

Abstract: The present invention features a computerized meridian linking diagnostic and treatment system that offers a new paradigm for practitioners in the EAV, GSR, EDS, and Meridian Stress Assessment fields. During the entire procedure, the present invention system outputs two permanent filters (frequencies) that link all of the body's meridians and stabilizes the data access points used for testing and carrying out the many functions of the present invention. The result is an interconnected meridian network linking the internal body systems to the data access points utilized by the system. The process begins by taking energetic readings at data access points. The computer stores the points that are the most stable. After the stable points are obtained, customized filters (frequencies) relating to specific issues or maladies (such as chemical toxins, allergies, digestion, etc.) are output or broadcast.

Abstract: A health monitoring system which tracks the state of health of a patient and compiles a chronological health history of the patient uses a multiparametric monitor which periodically and automatically measures and records a plurality of physiological data from sensors in contact with the patient's body. The data collected is periodically uploaded to a database in which it is stored along with similar health histories for other patients. The monitor is preferably self-contained in a chest strap which is located on the patient's torso, and makes use of a controller which controls sampling of the desired data and storage of the data to a local memory device pending uploading to the database. The data includes voice sound data indicative of voice sounds made by the subject over a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: An integrated function appliance to assist the process of child birth by providing convenient timing of labor contractions, to calculate contraction event parameters, to compare contraction parameter values to pre-defined values and alert the user to the probable immediacy of birth based upon the comparison, to provide pain management assistance with a visual focus object which may be synchronized to contraction events, to provide pain management assistance with an ergonomically fashioned handle suitable for vigorous labor pain response squeezing. The invention may use a single variable capacitance actuated control input means. The invention is ergonomically designed to be is non-intrusive in the stressful context of the labor process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of determining the analyte concentration of a test sample is described. A temperature gradient is introduced into the test sample and infrared radiation detectors measure radiation at selected analyte absorbance peak and reference wavelengths. The modulation of the temperature gradient is controlled by a surface temperature modulation. A transfer function is determined that relates the surface temperature modulation to the modulation of the measured infrared radiation. Reference and analytical signals are detected. In the presence of the selected analyte, phase and magnitude differences in the transfer function are detected. These phase and magnitude differences, having a relationship to analyte concentration, are measured, correlated and processed to determine analyte concentration in the sample.

Abstract: The spectroscopic and photophysical properties of fluorescent probes comprising donor-acceptor derivatives comprising the boric acid group or a derivative of boric acid, B(OH)3 (or borate ion, BO(OH)2−1), arsenious acid, H3 AsO3 (or arsenite ion, H2AsO3−1), telluric acid, H6TeO6 (or tellurate ion, H5 TeO6−1) or germanic acid, Ge(OH)6 (or germanate ion, GeO(OH)3−1) are described. Method of using said probes are also provided.

Abstract: Blood glucose concentrations are measured by non-invasive methods and apparatus using visual pigment bleaching in conjunction with psychophysical methodologies. Bleaching light of selected wavelengths is projected through the pupil of the eye of an observer onto the fundus to bleach visual pigments in the eye. The observer's psychophysical response to a visual stimulus is then measured to obtain information regarding the rate of regeneration of the visual pigments. From the rate of pigment regeneration, blood glucose concentrations are measured accurately. The psychophysical methodologies that may be used with the invention include visual acuity tests and color-matching tests.

Abstract: The present invention uses a high signal to noise ratio method and apparatus to analyze a characteristic of a biological object, such as blood glucose level. The method and apparatus can also have surgical applications, such as coagulation or ablation of a pattern on a biological object.

Abstract: A finger oximeter has fitted thereto a RF transmitter circuit so that the measured SpO2, and other physical parameters from a patient, may be transmitted telecommunicatively to a monitor device remotely located from the finger oximeter. The RF transmitter circuit is mounted on a PC board that is provided in the housing of the finger oximeter, and works in cooperation with the oximetry circuit that is also mounted on a PC board in the housing of the finger oximeter. The two PC boards may be combined as one. To receive the RF signal, a RF receiver is provided to the remote monitor device, which also includes a processing circuit for processing the incoming RF signal, and a converter circuit for converting the processed digital signal into an analog signal for display at the remote monitor device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus extract a signal component of a measured signal using one of two methods. If the signal component in the measured signal is a periodic signal with a certain well-defined peak-to-peak intensity value, upper and lower envelopes of the measured signal are determined and analyzed to extract said signal component of the measured signal. This signal component can further be used to calculate a desired parameter of the sample. The DC component of the signal is determined as the median value of the upper envelope, and the AC component is determined as the median value of the difference between the upper and lower envelopes. If the signal component of the measured signal is a periodic signal characterized by a specific asymmetric shape, a specific adaptive filtering is applied to the measured signal, resulting in the enhancement of the signal component relative to a noise component.

Abstract: The invention is directed to lead configurations for sensors that allow for less invasive sensor replacement procedures. In one configuration, a sensor lead assembly includes an outer lead body and an inner lead including a sensor such as an electrochemical glucose sensor. The inner lead can be positioned in an inner conduit of the outer lead body. The outer lead body may be substantially permanently implanted in the patient, and the inner lead can be implanted through the inner conduit of the outer lead body. Once the sensor of the inner lead has worn out or otherwise exhausted its useful life, the inner lead can be removed, and a new inner lead can be implanted in place of the old inner lead.

Abstract: An improved catheter is provided that is particularly useful for simultaneously mapping electrical activity at multiple locations within the heart. The catheter comprises an elongated catheter body having proximal and distal ends and at least one lumen extending longitudinally therethrough. A control handle is attached to the proximal end of the catheter body. A mapping assembly is mounted to the distal end of the catheter body. The mapping assembly comprises at least two elongated flexible spines, each spine having a proximal end attached to the distal end of the catheter body and a free distal end. Each spine carries at least one electrode along its length. The catheter further comprises at least two spine puller wires, each spine puller wire corresponding to one of the at least two spines.

Abstract: A non-contact tonometer changes a reference signal used for determining reliability of a signal indicating deformation of a cornea based on the reflectance of the cornea of an eye to be examined. Thus, the non-contact tonometer can perform stable measurement irrespective of the reflectance of the cornea of the eye to be examined.

Abstract: An imaging system for use in medical intervention procedure planning includes a medical scanner system for generating a volume of cardiac image data, a data acquisition system for acquiring the volume of cardiac image data, an image generation system for generating a viewable image from the volume of cardiac image data, a database for storing information from the data acquisition and image generation systems, an operator interface system for managing the medical scanner system, the data acquisition system, the image generation system, and the database, and a post-processing system for analyzing the volume of cardiac image data, displaying the viewable image and being responsive to the operator interface system. The operator interface system includes instructions for using the volume of cardiac image data and the viewable image for bi-ventricular pacing planning, atrial fibrillation procedure planning, or atrial flutter procedure planning.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the orientation of soft tissue such as breast tissue for enhanced accuracy of imaging and/or procedures such as a biopsy or excision are disclosed. The system for orientating and maintaining the orientation of soft tissue generally includes a frame defining an opening, the frame being configured to orient and immobilize an area of soft tissue positioned on one side of the opening, an attachment mechanism to secure the frame to an attachment region defined by the area of soft tissue or by a skin surface overlying the area of soft tissue, to facilitate orienting and immobilizing the area of soft tissue, and an imaging device to image the area of soft tissue. The opening may allow a probe of the imaging device or imaging energy transmitted by the imaging device to be movable therein for image scanning of the soft tissue. The probe, e.g., an ultrasound transducer can be rotated within the frame such that the probe scans at least either of two perpendicular directions within the frame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for defining a three-dimensional coordinate system in relation to an anatomical structure (64) for use with computer-assisted surgical systems. At least three landmarks (66, 68, 70) associated with the anatomical structure (64) are identified. Landmarks are identified using a digitization device (96) and their location refined using at least one single calibrated X-ray image. Using the landmarks (66, 68, 70), first and second planes are defined, the second plane being orthogonal to the first plane. These planes define a coordinate system, which can be used to ascertain the position trajectory of any object (80) with respect to the anatomical structure. Exposure to imaging radiation and additional surgical procedure is minimized.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an index computing unit that computes motion functional indices of a particular organ from volume data of a subject including the particular organ, a polar map generating unit that generates a polar map by developing the indices on a polar coordinate system, an image generating unit that generates, from the volume data, an image related to a structure of one of the particular organ and a peripheral organ developed on the polar coordinate system, a fusing unit that fuses the image into the polar map, and a display unit that displays a polar map fused with the image.

Abstract: An ultrasonic observation system of the invention includes a long ultrasonic probe having an ultrasonic sending and receiving portion, which can send and receive ultrasonic, and a holding portion, as a rotation operating portion, which can rotate the ultrasonic probe around an axis, which represents an arbitrary direction of oscillation directions of ultrasonic oscillated from the ultrasonic sending and receiving portion. A grasping portion is integrated with the holding portion. A contact portion is provided at the distal end of the grasping portion 613 and has an ultrasonic vibrator inside. A fixing frame is mounted to a distal end 622 of a holding unit 621 through a bearing 625 freely rotatably around a center axis Si of the ultrasonic probe.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a puncture difficulty evaluating device which can readily evaluate the difficulty of puncture in a measuring point. To this end, a puncture difficulty device receives the ultrasound backscattered at the measurement point, determines an integral of the power of the ultrasound over a predetermined angle range, and generates a parameter indicating the difficulty of puncture in the measurement point based on the determined integral.

Abstract: Certain embodiments include a system and method for banding suppression in a B-mode ultrasound image. Banding occurs in a diagnostic image when two or more focal regions having different waveforms and/or frequencies, for example, are combined. The resulting difference in intensity between the focal regions produces banding in the final image. For purposes of illustration only, the method below will be described with two focal zones. Certain embodiments of the present invention reduce banding in a diagnostic image including a plurality of focal zones by processing the first focal zone, determining intensity around the border or “stitch line” between the two focal regions, and adjusting the second focal region based on the difference in intensity. Preferably, processing is done in real time as image frames are updated.

Abstract: A medical diagnostic ultrasonic imaging system acquires receive beams from spatially distinct transmit beams. The receive beams alternate in type between at least first and second types across the region being imaged. The first and second types of receive beams differ in at least one scan parameter other than transmit and receive line geometry, and can for example differ in transmit phase, transmit or receive aperture, system frequency, transmit focus, complex phase angle, transmit code or transmit gain. Receive beams associated with spatially distinct ones of the transmit beams (including at least one beam of the first type and at least one beam of the second type) are then combined. In this way, many two-pulse techniques, including, for example, phase inversion techniques, synthetic aperture techniques, synthetic frequency techniques, and synthetic focus techniques, can be used while substantially reducing the frame rate penalty normally associated with such techniques.

Abstract: The contrast-to-tissue ratio is improved while imaging contrast infused tissue. A subject is infused with contrast medium having microbubbles at a fundamental frequency. First and second transmit pulses are transmitted into the subject. The first and second transmit pulses each comprise first, or basic, and second, or seed, signals. The basic signal has a frequency based on the fundamental frequency and the seed signal has a subharmonic frequency based on the frequency of the basic signal. The first and second transmit pulses are phase inverted with respect to each other. Received echoes from first and second transmit pulses are filtered at a subharmonic or ultraharmonic frequency to remove tissue response and pass microbubble response.

Abstract: A catheter is provided for insertion in the he blood vessel of a patient for ultrasonically imaging the vessel wall. The catheter includes a tubular element and an internally housed drive cable for effective circumferential scan about the catheter of an ultrasonic generating means. Both the tubular element and the drive cable are of a size and flexibility sufficient to permit their introduction into the vessel and subsequent advancement through the vessel to the location of the vessel wall where imaging is desired.

Abstract: A density/solute monitor having at least one ultrasound probe, a signal processing unit, and a computing mechanism, and process for using the same, to measure phase shift between emitting and receiving ultrasound, sound velocity, compressibility, density, and solute concentration of fluid flowing through a fluid processing system. The ultrasound probe emits and receives ultrasound waves through the fluid and the signal-processing unit and computing mechanism process the ultrasound waves to determine phase and time shift. The computing mechanism converts phase shift to density, compressibility, and solute concentration measurements of the fluid. Calibrating fluids calibrate the detected phase shift in terms of sound velocity in the factory. Measurements provide information about passage of solutes and flow to achieve better solute collection efficiency, solution purity, and control of fluid processing systems.

Abstract: The invention provides a means to produce reconstructed refractive index spatial maps that reveal and allow visual separation of normal soft tissue and certain types of tumors. Detector fiber optic bundles positioned on the surface of a soft tissue organ receive and transmit scattered light data, from light in the near-infrared portion of the spectrum delivered to the surface of the organ by separate fiber optic bundles to a computer. Based on an established grid and certain assumed values, the data are analyzed by means of a complex algorithm to produce calculated refractive index values. Through iteration, the values are recalculated to minimize the difference between the observed scattering and calculated values to yield a stable map indicating spatial variation in refractive index and such variation in the form of displayed images indicates the presence of tumors in normal soft tissue.

Abstract: An improved diffuse optical tomography system for in vivo non-contact imaging includes an illumination source for illuminating a specimen, a spectrum source for projecting a spectrum onto the specimen, at least one sensor configured to capture the response of the specimen to the illumination and to the projection of said spectrum.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for analysing pressure-signals derivable from pressure measurements on or in a body of a human being or animal, comprising the steps of identifying during given time sequences in a series of time sequences the single pressure waves, including related parameters [pressure amplitude &Dgr;P latency (&Dgr;T), rise time coefficient (&Dgr;P/&Dgr;T)], determining numbers of single pressure waves with pre-selected combinations of two or more of said single pressure wave parameters during said time sequence. For the time sequences is further determined the balanced positions of single wave parameters. Two-dimensional values of balanced position may be presented as a one dimensional value after weighting of the matrix cells. The signal processing method may be used for more optimal detection of single pressure waves by means of non-invasive sensor devices.

Abstract: A method for risk evaluation, determining treatment options, and the assessment of tested treatment options is implemented by the use of specialized computing device. Reducing likelihood that the inventive method will not be implemented on account of the difficulty of introducing a computer into a typical physician-patient clinical setting is mediated by implementation on a handheld device which can unobtrusively be used by the physician in the presence of the patient and with ease, and without being so obvious to disturb the patient into believing that judgments are being made by a computer. Treatment options are provided in suggestion form in order to avoid automatic implementation of suggestions without the necessary input of physician judgment. The above advantages are achieved without the inherent unreliability of personal computing systems by use of a dedicated computing device. Costs are controlled by a minimally sized display and input keypad.

Abstract: The time between heartbeats is measured over a series of such heartbeats. The time interval between two successive events is calculated and stored as a first array. The time difference between adjacent heartbeat intervals is also calculated from the first array and recorded as a differential array. The differential array is subjected to frequency analysis. First the differential array data is linearly interpolated to increase the number of data samples. The interpolated data is then subjected to a fast fourier transform (FFT) yielding a power spectrum. Characteristic frequency ranges are then integrated and the resulting frequency domain spectrum(s) are analyzed for dominant frequency characteristics.

Abstract: A split-night sleep diagnostic system is provided for diagnosing and treating sleep apnea in a single night. The diagnostic system includes a blower, a respiratory interface and a conduit connected between the blower and the respiratory interface. Also included is a valve disposed along the conduit. The valve includes an aperture formed in the conduit between the blower and the respiratory interface, and a valve member movable between a first position partially occluding the conduit so that air flows through the aperture and a second position blocking the aperture so that continuous positive airway pressure is provided to a patient. Both diagnosis and titration can be performed using a single system at a single location over the course of a single night.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device to determine effective pulmonary blood flow (PBF) by means of partial CO2 rebreathing. The device is characterized in that it comprises an endotracheal tube whose conduit leading from the patient to the respirator is divided up into two lines between a controllabe three-way valve (4) and a Y-piece; one line forms a larger dead area (6) for CO2 rebreathing whereby, in order to measure CO2 elimination and end expiratory partial CO2 pressure, a CO2 sensor (3) and a respiration flow sensor (1) are provided on the endotracheal tube of the patient. The calculation of effective pulmonary blood flow is provided by a microprocessor/controller (7) which also controls the three-way valve (4) which provides the switching between both lines.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and associated methods for use in the assessment of visual field functions. In particular, perimetry testing and visual evoked potential (VEP) testing is performed by a visual display device adapted to display visual stimulus patterns and a means for generating visual stimulus patterns within a predetermined visual field and for controlling the display of said visual stimulus patterns by said visual display device, wherein the means for generating visual stimulus patterns is adapted to generate a test stimulus for display in a central region of the visual field and to generate an inducing stimulus for display in a peripheral region of the visual field, and to control the visual display device so as to selectively display the test stimulus alone and in combination with the inducing stimulus in accordance with a predetermined test protocol.

Abstract: The change in tissue impedance due to the change in the extracellular matrix that results from the degradation of cartilage is utilized to detect degradation of articular cartilage. A probe comprising electrodes is applies a current to the articular cartilage which results in a current distribution and electric field within the cartilage, along with an associated voltage drop across the electrodes. The amplitude of this voltage drop is then measured and divided by the current applied to determine the tissue impedance. By measuring the impedance of patient tissue and comparing the detected patient impedance to a normal value for the tissue from clinically normal tissue, a determination of whether the patient tissue is degraded and the extent of degradation is possible. Preferably, the impedance is measured using a probe with interdigitated electrodes. By changing which electrodes are utilized, the wavelength of the current distribution changes, allowing the probe to image depth dependent focal lesions.

Abstract: A monitor for early detection of an ischemic heart disease of a patient has an impedance measurement unit including an electrode arrangement for measuring an intracardiac impedance and generating a corresponding impedance signal, a notch detector connected to the impedance measurement unit for detecting the occurrence of a notch in the impedance signal coincident with the entry of blood into the ventricle, and a pattern recognition unit which compares the measured post-notch impedance curve with a stored predetermined reference impedance curve template to detect an ischemic heart disease from the result of the comparison.

Abstract: A device for obtaining an indication of the intracranial pressure of a living body includes a positional sensor which determines an initial position of an elastic biological object when the intracranial pressure within the living body is zero and which determines a subsequent position of the elastic biological object when the intracranial pressure within the living body is unknown but greater than zero. A pressure generator applies an external pressure to the elastic biological object, and a comparator compares the initial position with the subsequent position so as to identify the unknown intracranial pressure of the living body as that external pressure which causes the subsequent position to be equal to the initial position.

Abstract: Surgical devices include a selectively cutting and atraumatic distal tip that is configured to assume a first configuration in which cutting surface or surfaces thereof are effective to cut tissue and a second configuration in which the cutting surface or surfaces thereof are ineffective to cut tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for obtaining and measuring constituents in a sample of body fluid. The apparatus includes a member which is sized to penetrate into at least the dermal layer of skin to collect a sample of body fluid located within the dermal layer.

Abstract: A kit and method for collecting a saliva sample for subsequent biologic assay that avoids collection contact with the biohazardous saliva sample. The kit includes a container, a preservative solution that is retained in the container and a saliva collection device. A subsequent laboratory assay performed by conventional techniques specific to the biologic of interest provides results comparable to those obtained from blood or urine samples. The kit allows an employee to remain at his or her place of business and requires only a minor inconvenience during testing.