Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for placing and advancing a diagnostic or therapeutic instrument in a hollow body organ of a tortuous or unsupported anatomy, comprising a handle, an overtube, a distal region having an atraumatic tip. The overtube may be removable from the handle, and have a longitudinal axis disposed at an angle relative to the handle. The overtube may be selectively stiffened to reduce distension of the organ caused by advancement of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument. The distal region permits passive steering of the overtube caused by deflection of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument while the atraumatic tip prevents the wall of the organ from becoming caught or pinched during manipulation of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument.

Abstract: A system for monitoring body functions from patients at remote locations that includes an event monitor attached to the patient including sensors attached to relevant parts of the patient for monitoring body functions. The system also includes a central monitoring station including a server having a memory attached thereto; and, a communication link between the event monitor and the central monitoring station. The method of this invention includes the steps of sensing the monitored body function by means of sensors attached to the patient. If any irregularities are detected, data indicative of the monitored body function is recorded and is automatically transmitted to the central monitoring station. The patient is located by means of GPS data; and a physician and the nearest hospital are notified. An attending physician may log onto the central monitoring station and observe real-time data received from the patient.

Abstract: A hand-held ultrasound system includes integrated electronics within an ergonomic housing. The electronics includes control circuitry, beamforming and circuitry transducer drive circuitry. The electronics communicate with a host computer using an industry standard high speed serial bus. The ultrasonic imaging system is operable on a standard, commercially available, user computing device without specific hardware modifications, and is adapted to interface with an external application without modification to the ultrasonic imaging system to allow a user to gather ultrasonic data on a standard user computing device such as a PC, and employ the data so gathered via an independent external application without requiring a custom system, expensive hardware modifications, or system rebuilds.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe for detecting ultrasonic waves in a two-dimensional manner without necessity of electric-wiring works to a large number of very fine elements and without increasing of crosstalk and electric impedance. The ultrasonic probe is equipped with an ultrasonic transmitting function and can be provided in low cost. The ultrasonic probe includes an ultrasonic detecting element having a reception plane capable of receiving ultrasonic waves, for modulating light on the basis of ultrasonic waves applied to respective positions of the reception plane, and at least one ultrasonic transmitting element for transmitting ultrasonic waves.

Abstract: In an ultrasonic diagnosing apparatus, a total amount of ultrasonic waves which irradiate an object to be inspected for a constant time period can be decreased, while image qualities of ultrasonic images are not deteriorated. The ultrasonic diagnosing apparatus includes an ultrasonic transmitting/receiving unit for transmitting ultrasonic waves in accordance with an applied voltage and receiving ultrasonic echoes reflected from an object to be inspected; an input unit for inputting information related to an irradiation amount of ultrasonic waves; and an irradiation amount control unit for adjusting a frame rate on the basis of the irradiation amount information input via the input unit so as to control an irradiation amount of ultrasonic waves which irradiate the object.

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 sparse array that uses a small fraction of a fully populated array but yields a radiation pattern that is suitable for high quality medical imaging. The sparse array consists of two or more separate zones for transmitting and receiving as opposed to the overlapping arrays of the prior art. More specifically, a preferred embodiment sets forth an inner array of transmit elements with a narrow effective aperture and a separate non-overlapping outer array of receive elements with a wide effective aperture. The combination of asymmetric apertures is particularly useful for parallel processing applications. This abstract is provided as a tool for those searching for patents, and not as a limitation on the scope of the claims.

Abstract: A method and system for extracting cardiac parameters from a plethysmographic signal is described wherein the plethysmographic signal is passed through a first filter to remove non-cardiac components of the signal. A second filter averages a plurality of cardiac cycles and cardiac parameters are extracted from the averaged cardiac signal.

Abstract: An implantable medical device comprises a housing having a proximal end and a distal end and a longitudinal axis. A first set of anchoring members are operatively connected to the proximal end of the housing. A second set of anchoring members are operatively connected to the distal end of the housing. The first set of anchoring members and the second set of anchoring members are movable between a collapsed position and a deployed position. The collapsed position is defined as a position whereby the first set of anchoring members and the second set of anchoring members are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing. The deployed position is defined as a position whereby the first set of anchoring members and the second set of anchoring members are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

Abstract: A blood pressure measuring apparatus includes an inflatable cuff which can be wrapped about the limb of a patient. The sleeve includes a sealed interior capable of inflation, and an integrated inflation/measuring device. The integrated device is an elastomeric enclosure which retains a gage and a pneumatic bulb therein and hosing for fluidly interconnecting the pneumatic bulb, the inflatable cuff, and the gage.

Abstract: Accurate occurrences of pulsation per unit time, that is, a heart rate is measured with a burden on a subject person being reduced to be very small and without being susceptible to body vibrations accompanying exercise.

Abstract: This invention provides for an integrated device having a lance and analytic device in a single disposable unit where the lance releases fluid from skin and the analytic device collects and analyzes the fluid without the user removing an instrument housing which holds the disposable unit. In addition to the device, this invention provides for methods of using and manufacturing the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the contact-free determination of the mechanical rigidity of hard, as well as soft biological materials (e.g. articular cartilage) in body cavities (e.g. arthroscopically), using a defined jet of liquid. The distance between the measurement device and the measurement surface (e.g. articulation surface) is continuously measured in a predetermined measurement zone by means of an optical method. The inventive solution is suited for measuring the mechanical rigidity of native cartilage, articular cartilage substitute, cartilage deficiency fillings or of other biological materials, and therefore for the user-independent and fast analysis of the quality of regenerated materials as compared to the native starting material.

Abstract: A method for effective weight loss without negative or harmful side effects as well as for the treatment of ailments in human patients. Treatment is achieved using a combination of acupuncture and magnets. The method includes the steps of placing several acupuncture needles into specified locations on the human body, removing the acupuncture needles, and placing several magnets onto the same locations that the needles previously occupied. Another important object of the present invention is to provide and effective method of coping with and managing diabetes.

Abstract: A high-pressure water-spray device is used to clean the teeth and is formed of a faucet connector, and a rotary member rotatably fastened to the faucet connector and provided with a receiving slot for receiving rotatably a flow control valve, and a locating slot for rotatably positioning a spherical water-spray member. The locating slot is in communication with the receiving slot which is in turn in communication with the faucet connector via a water channel of the rotary member. The flow control valve is rotatably disposed in the receiving slot in conjunction with a confinement ring. The water-spray member is rotatably disposed in the locating slot in conjunction with a stop ring.

Abstract: A trochanter belt with an elastic front portion 10 comprised of a soft inner surface which conforms to the body of the wearer. Right and left elastic side portions 12 connect to the right and left sides of the inelastic front portion 10. The right and left elastic portions 12 also connect to the right and left side of the inelastic back portion 14 to create a continuous band of support which does not require disassembly to remove. Right and left adjustable straps 16 are attached to the continuous belt on the right and left sides, respectively.

Abstract: A thumb splint comprises a thumb receiving section for receiving a thumb of a user, an index finger receiving section for receiving an index finger of a user, a non-extendable, flexible connector extending between and secured to the thumb receiving section and the index finger receiving section for limiting abduction of the thumb to a predetermined value while permitting the thumb and index finger to move in a pinching action; and an elongated strap secured to the index finger receiving section for keeping the thumb and index finger receiving sections operatively positioned on the index finger and thumb, respectively.

Abstract: A device which can hold a position over a particular point, preferrably an acupuncture point, on a living body, has particularizeable plugs for performing different treatments to those points. Fixation to the body surface is preferred for treatment using the device is preferred. In most forms, the device will have a channel for accomodating and holding the therapy delivery devices. Moxa or other medicaments can be delivered using the inventive structures, as can pressure, or other force, and the devices can be used to provide heat, magnetism, or other forms of energy amenable to use in the inventive device, and which may be of interest in the oriental medicine and new age therapies of non-standard western medical practices.

Abstract: A needleless injector system including: a first injector assembly; a gas capsule disposed within the first injector assembly and containing pressurized gas, with a pierceable surface at the forward end thereof to provide an injection source; a gas capsule piercing member disposed within the first injector assembly, where the piercing member and the gas capsule are movable relative to each other; a second injector assembly containing a medical treatment fluid and having a forward facing injection orifice for injecting the medical treatment fluid into a patient; and a resilient seal mounted between the gas capsule and the first injector assembly to contain all pressurized gas within a forward end of the first injector assembly after pressurized gas is released from the gas capsule following piercing of the gas capsule, in order to cause an immediate increase in pressure in the medical treatment fluid contained within the second injector assembly.

Abstract: A catheter includes a pull wire which extends through two different lumen and attaches to the distal end of the catheter at an off-axis location. By tensioning the pull wire, the catheter can assume various complex curves, depending on the respective lumen through which the pull wire passes.

Abstract: A device for delivering oxygenated blood and occluding the ascending aorta is provided. The device has a blood flow lumen with a movable portion. The movable portion is movable from a position contained within a body of the device to a position which extends outwardly from the device. The movable portion is made of a tube of flexible material and everts when moving to the extended position.

Abstract: A power injector 10 that includes a solenoid 23 that moves a piston to cause a liquid to be injected via the needle 13. A shroud 27 engages a switch 28 to cause electric energy to be delivered to the solenoid 24 to cause actuation thereof.

Abstract: A body cavity access assembly includes a conduit having an exterior surface, a dispensing mechanism, and a reservoir for receiving a biologically active compound. The exterior surface of the conduit has first exit port and a second exit port defined therein which are in fluid communication with the reservoir. The first exit port and the second exit port are selectively positionable between an open mode of operation and a closed mode of operation with the dispensing mechanism. An associated medical procedure for dispensing a biologically active compound is also disclosed.

Abstract: An applicator is provided for dispensing a first and a second component of a biological adhesive. The applicator includes a housing having a housing head for enclosing therein a first reservoir containing the first component, and a second reservoir containing the second component. The housing further includes an elongated body portion defining a longitudinal axis for enclosing therein a conduit assembly having a first and a second conduit in communication with the first and second reservoir, respectively. An activator assembly is provided which includes an activator and a rachet mechanism for compressing the reservoirs within the housing for dispensing the biological components into the conduits. An applicator tip having two separate channels in communication with the conduits may be provided on a distal end of the elongated body portion for dispensing the components on the application site. The first and second components are preferably fibrinogen and thrombin which intermix to form a fibrin sealant.

Abstract: This relates to an improved delivery system for accurately loading and controlling the delivery of flowable material to a patient. Particularly, the system may be used in the injection of hard tissue implant materials such as PMMA under pressures up to about 4000 psi. The system includes an applicator with a first column having an implant material introduction section adapted to provide for effective loading of the implant material and a second column housing a piston. The introduction section has a larger size than that of a vessel section or bore in which the requisite pressure seal between the piston and bore wall is formed. The first column may include an introduction section flared open to an included larger funnel-like opening or a separate funnel may be used that interfaces with the introduction section to facilitate the introduction of implant material.

Abstract: A trocar is disclosed which comprises a housing assembly having an upper end and a lower end and a cannula assembly attached to the lower end of the housing assembly to define an axial bore therethrough. The disclosed trocar also includes an obturator for sliding engagement in the bore. The housing assembly includes an access port formed on the upper end which is axially aligned with the bore of the trocar. Communication via the access port of the housing is regulated by a flapper valve having a closed position and a range of open positions. The flapper valve comprises a metal flapper door having a male/female configuration formed around the protrusion. In the closed position, the protrusion of the flapper door engages the male/female configuration of both door and port mesh resulting in a metal-to-metal seal across the access port. The metal-to-metal seal provides enhanced resistance to mechanical, heat, and chemical wear encountered during surgical and sterilization operations.

Abstract: A heart muscle irrigation device comprises a short rivet like member with one closed and one open end, and a barrel including a plurality of holes, slots, an area mesh, or a grid. The irrigation device is inserted into the heart muscle so as to provide a channel from, for example, the left ventricle, to provide an adequate oxygenated blood supply to a starved muscle. The irrigation device is inserted from either outside or inside the rib cage by an insertion device. The insertion device comprises a plunger and barrel assembly adapted to contain the irrigation device. The tip of the insertion device includes members adapted to penetrate the heart muscle. If the irrigation device is inserted through an insertion into the rib cage, an applicator comprising a tubular member with a planar tip including a soft elastomeric seal can be used whereby a portion of the heart muscle is held more or less rigidly for the short period during which the irrigation device is inserted.

Abstract: The object of this invention of a float for liquid waste disposal apparatus enables the content inside a container to be easily visually recognizable and allows a faster and steadier solidification of an absorbed liquid waste. The connection plates 5c connects the annular member 5a serving as the guide member to the outer peripheral portion of the cup portion 5b retaining the water-absorptive material 6 wherein the annular member 5a is restrained by the inner wall 26 of the lying member L for preventing the float 5 from revolving in the vertical direction. The liquid waste 21 absorbed from the upper portion and into the lying member L flows downward via the flow path structured with the interstitial portion 27 formed between the annular member 5a and the cup portion 5b and the interstitial portion 28 formed between the inner wall 26 of the lying member L and the annular member 5a.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin, a panty liner and an incontinence napkin for the absorption of urine or faeces and intended to be carried inside the crotch part of the wearer's underwear, wherein said article has two long sides (15, 16), a first short side (17), a second short side (18), a liquid-permeable casing sheet (3) intended to lie proximal to the wearer in use, a liquid-impermeable casing sheet (2) intended to lie distal from the wearer in use, an absorbent core (4) between said sheets (2, 3), said core comprising one or more layers of material, an adhesive fastener means (6) which functions to affix the article to the wearer's underwear and which is disposed on that side of the liquid-impermeable casing sheet (2) that lies distal from the wearer in use, and a removable protective layer (40) which covers the adhesive fastener means (6) and which has a first short side that faces towards the first short side of said article and a second short side which faces towards the secon

Abstract: This invention utilizes a connector holding device to prevent the accidental disconnection of the two halves of a connection device for a fluid connector system.

Abstract: A deflectable catheter comprises a catheter body, a tip section, and a control handle for affecting deflection of the tip section. The tip section comprises a flexible tubing having proximal and distal ends and at least two lumens extending therethrough. The proximal end of the tip section is fixedly attached to the distal end of the catheter body. The flexible tubing comprises a plastic core, a metal braid over the core, a plastic skin over the braid, and at least two pieces of plastic tubing in longitudinal arrangement extruded over the plastic skin, wherein the at least two pieces of plastic tubing have different stiffnesses and are arranged with the stiffer plastic being proximal the less stiff plastic. The tip section is made by extruding a plastic core over at least one mandrel and braiding a metal over the plastic core.

Abstract: Disclosed is a check valve for placement near the distal end of a catheter. A continuously smooth outer surface for the catheter with check valve system assures that there is no propensity for a blood clot to form in cracks on the system's outer surface. The check valve is a formed from a low durometer, highly elastic, elastomer cylindrical tube that is shrunk into a cylindrical groove that would typically be located near the catheter's distal end. When pressurized fluid is injected through the catheter, the cylinder that is placed over one or more holes in the cylindrical groove in the catheter is forced to expand radially outward which allows the fluid to be injected into the blood vessel. When the pressure is removed, the elastomer tube retracts to its normal position which position tightly covers the holes thereby preventing any blood from entering the catheter.

Abstract: Unified systems and methods enable control of the use and operation of a family of different treatment devices, to treat dysfunction in different regions of the body.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for enhancing robotic surgery generally includes an elongate shaft with an ultrasound probe, an end effector at the distal end of the shaft, and a base at the proximal end of the shaft. The end effector includes an ultrasound probe tip and the surgical instrument is generally configured for convenient positioning of the probe tip within a surgical site by a robotic surgical system. Ultrasound energy delivered by the probe tip may be used to cut, cauterize, or achieve various other desired effects on tissue at a surgical site. In various embodiments, the end effector also includes a gripper, for gripping tissue in cooperation with the ultrasound probe tip. The base is generally configured to removably couple the surgical instrument to a robotic surgical system and to transmit forces from the surgical system to the end effector, through the elongate shaft.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for applying and utilizing a water-soluble polymer on a surface to provide desirable properties, attributes and/or characteristics to the surface. In a first embodiment, the water-soluble polymer at least partially fills one or more pores of a fluoropolymer or a porous metal. In a second implementation, the water-soluble polymer is mixed into a base material and the mixture is applied as a coating layer onto the surface. Where the surface is an electrosurgical electrode tip, the desirable properties, attributes and/or characteristics may include the ability to attract water that assists in cooling and/or lubricating the tip, to create a low shear, sacrificial layer that protects and enhances the tip, to supply a radical scavenger or inhibitor that reduces damage at the tip, and/or to deposit factors, such as healing factors, from the tip onto one or more contact surfaces of the patient's body.

Abstract: A transverse connector clip for connecting cylindrical rods to each other in a spinal fixation system, comprising a clip body having a two sides. The first side of the clip body has a longitudinal axis and a pair of mirror image hemi-cylindrical shells. These hemi-cylindrical shells have an inner diameter that is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of a cylindrical rod.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems for stabilizing at least a portion of the spinal column are provided. Devices include anchors and coupling members for engaging an elongate member. Systems include an elongate member sized to span a distance between at least two vertebral bodies and being at least partially formed of a flexible material. A number of anchors and coupling members are used to secure the elongate member to each of the vertebral bodies. The anchors can be compressed towards one another and the elongate member secured thereto and/or the elongate member can be tensioned to provide corrective forces to the spine.

Abstract: A position-adjustment system having particular applicability for surgical instrumentation. The system comprises a body connected to an elongate member in such an arrangement as to have interchangeable locked and unlocked states. In the unlocked state, the body is free to move along the elongate member, and in the locked state the body is prevented from moving along the elongate member.

Abstract: A bone support structure is formed with opposing dynamization windows, and spacers of a bioresorbable material are positioned within the dynamization windows. The dynamization windows are longer than they are wide. The spacers may be integrally formed as a single insert. The bone support assembly is used with a bone fastener such as a bone screw which is advanced transversely through both the insert and the bone. The bone fastener is smaller across than the dynamization windows, so each spacer spaces the bone fastener relative to its dynamization window. As the spacers resorb, stress (at least in one direction) is increasingly transmitted through the fracture site rather than through the bone support structure. The positioning of the bone fastener, the shape and size of the dynamization windows and spacers, and the material of the spacers all allow design control over the type and amount of dynamization seen at the fracture site.

Abstract: An intramedullary device used to stabilize a variety of fractured bones includes a plurality of resilient spine elements. A porous interconnection structure interconnects the spine elements, such as a mesh or a plurality of struts connected between the spine elements. The device expands at one or both ends, and optionally, the shaft of the device can also expand. The end of the device, in its expanded state, has a circumference greater than a circumference of the shaft. The spine elements and/or the interconnection structure are pre-shaped, e.g., composed of a resilient material and pre-shaped, such that the end of the device expands in the absence of an external restraining force. The spine elements and/or interconnection structure can be composed of a shape memory material, such that the expandable end of the device expands when heated to a temperature above a transitional temperature of the shape memory material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for interosseous bone fixation uses a compression staple, generally U-shaped, having a pair of legs with sharp front ends and proximal ends interconnect by a bridge portion that is resilient and bowed, the staple having an initial configuration and capable of a tensioned configuration by spreading apart the legs by a certain amount causing the curvature of the bowed bridge to lessen and the legs urged towards each other with certain compressive spring force. A staple applicator supports and guides the staple and positions the tensioned staple with its pointed ends forward, adjacent an ejection port at the front of the applicator. A powered strike member is mounted for longitudinal movement and has a front end that will strike the rear of the tensioned staple with percussive force and eject it in tensioned configuration from the applicator.

Abstract: A bone tissue removal and harvesting device is disclosed and includes a cutting tool with a cutting head, a longitudinal shaft attached to the cutting head and a drive element. A container is located on the end opposite the cutting head for collection of the removed bone. The shaft can be made flexible to permit torsion and/or bending around the longitudinal axis without damage to the bone. During the cutting operation, the bone tissue is simultaneously removed and suctioned through an opening of the cutting head and conveyed through an axial shaft bore for collection in the container. The container is detachably mounted to the drive element and connected to the shaft so as to avoid substantial pressure drops from the cutting head to the container.

Abstract: A device for expedited reaming of a medullary canal having a detachable reaming head is disclosed. The device includes a reamer head connected at the distal end of a rotatable drive shaft. The reamer head has a cutting head with a plurality of blades and flutes therebetween at a first end and a plurality of resilient arms at a second end. The device may also includes an aspiration tube which fits over the rotatable drive shaft and a reamer head retainer which rotatably engages the reamer head. In addition, the reamer head may be detached from the reamer device for future re-use by using a reamer head removing device.

Abstract: A bone wax applicator has a cylinder magazine for storing bone wax and a piston for movement within the cylinder in response to manual activation of a trigger connected to the piston. The wax is moved out of the cylinder magazine through a tube mounted to communicate with one end of the cylinder magazine. The tube has a free end extending from the cylinder magazine with an opening at the free end. A dissector tip is attached to the free end adjacent the opening. Wax exuded from the opening is available to be spread on bleeding bone surfaces using the dissector tip.

Abstract: A targeting apparatus for use in performing endofemoral osteotomy surgery has a support element provided with a drill guide. The apparatus has a connector for securing a support element to the proximal end of a prosthesis to be implanted. The apparatus includes a proximal location element which is shaped to extend around the great trochanter and muscle of the femur in which the implant is to be located. An adjustor is provided for adjusting the angular position of the drill guide in relation to the femur about a proximal-distal axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for maneuvering a catheter into the interior of a body, comprising a support stiletto (5) which may be inserted into the catheter tube (1) and which sustains the shape of said catheter tube (1) as it penetrates into the interior of the body, wherein a position-indicating magnetic tracking portion (7, 8, 9, 10) is arranged on said support stiletto (5) which may be detected by means of a magnetic tracking-based navigation portion (11, 12).

Abstract: A system suitable for collecting a body fluid, in particular blood from a body region of a person to be examined which comprises a lancing device which is suitable for holding a lancet, a lancet magazine for storing two or several lancets which has a transport device for the lancets and has an opening into which the lancing device can be inserted to remove a lancet from the lancet magazine, and two or several lancets, and which comprises a method for removing a lancet from a lancet magazine in which a lancet located in the lancet magazine is manually or automatically transported into a removal position in the interior of the lancet magazine, a lancing device is partially inserted into the opening provided in the lancet magazine in the process of which the lancing device automatically grips the lancet located in the removal position when it is partially inserted and the lancing device with the gripped lancet is removed from the lancet magazine.

Abstract: The present provides a removable vessel filter comprising a first and second filtering portion and a first and second anchoring portion, wherein a transverse dimension of the first filtering portion in an expanded configuration is less than a transverse dimension of the first anchoring portion in an expanded configuration, and a transverse dimension of the second filtering portion is less than a transverse dimension of the second anchoring portion. The first and second filtering portions are positioned closer to each other than the first and second anchoring portions, and the anchoring portions being formed on first and second opposite portions of the vessel filter. The vessel filter is removable from a vessel wall by engagement of either the first filtering portion or the second filtering portion.

Abstract: A phototriggerable composition and method for use in crosslinking protein such as collagen comprising application of a tethered diazopyruvate composition followed by irradiation, whereby the composition results in the sutureless wound closure of, for example, a tendon or cornea.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting or suppressing stenosis associated with an arteriovenous access. A dosage of photosensitive compound is introduced into the artery or vein. An anastomotic area of the artery or vein is then exposed to a source of light having a wavelength suitable for photoactivating the photosensitive compound for a period of time sufficient to provide a therapeutic effect. A method is also described for the delivery of drugs into the anastomotic site of an AV access to inhibit the formation of stenotic lesions at those sites.