Abstract: A resistance exercise device including a length of resilient tubing having first and second free ends. Strap handles are connected to the free ends of the tubing. The resilient tubing is threaded through at least one oversized tubular section, constructed of rubberized foam, which section provides padding at pressure points when the resilient tubing is positioned across or around a user while exercising. A support strap is connected to the first tubular section. In a second embodiment, an exercise belt can be used with the present invention. The belt includes a buckle for buckling the free ends of the belt together and a “D”-ring mounted to one side of the belt. A karabiner is used to connect a strap handle to a “D”-ring.

Abstract: An abdominal exercise device comprising a frame, a seat support fixed to said frame, a back support pivotally connected to the frame near the seat support and being disposed at a negative incline during a portion of its use, and one or more handlebars pivotally mounted to the frame and in operational contact with the rear surface of the back support for causing the back support to pivot away from the negative incline if desired by a user during the exercise. The machine may also comprise lever members fixed to the angular orientation of the handlebars and in contact with the rear surface of the back support for lifting said back support during a portion of the exercise if desired. In a preferred embodiment, the handlebars are pivotally mounted to the frame at location separate and distinct from the where the back support is connected to the frame so that the user can use the handlebars, if desired, to create a mechanical advantage in moving the back support during a portion of the exercise.

Abstract: An inflatable exercise ball having a bore extending therethrough and a resistance apparatus disposed within the lumen.

Abstract: A balancing device has a base and an inflatable flexible portion wherein the center of the inflatable portion is higher than the edges. The device is used by placing the base on the floor and standing and moving on the bladder.

Abstract: Process for the treatment of a sludge containing heavy metals and organic matter according to which foaming of the sludge is brought about and it is dried.

Abstract: The invention provides a system which comprises a medical device that delivers a combination of therapies. These therapies include the administration of radiation, biologically active materials, cryotherapy, and thermotherapy. The present invention is also directed to a method of treating body lumen surfaces using the system of the invention. A system is provided for delivering a biologically active material to a surface of a body lumen being exposed to a radioactive source. In one aspect, the system comprises an implantable medical device which has two opposing ends, each having a surface, and a middle portion. The two opposing ends comprise a biologically active material and the middle portion of the medical device is substantially free of any biologically active material. In another aspect, the system delivers a genetic material to a surface of a body lumen which is exposed to a radioactive source.

Abstract: A system and method for affecting the function of a mammalian ear. The system and method uses an oscillating magnetic field to move nanospheres comprised of single-domain nanoparticles. In a preferred embodiment a receiving assembly detects sound waves and transmits the sound waves to a processor. The processor drives an electromagnetic coil in response to the detected sound waves. The electromagnetic coil transmits a signal that causes vibration of the nanoparticles and the tissues within which the nanoparticles are implanted.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and apparatus for producing and using an improved artificial insemination device that prevents contaminants from entering the opening at the end of an insemination sheath during insertion through the reproductive tract. A thin protective cover or membrane is provided at the tip of the sheath to seal it, the membrane being designed to rupture under the pressure from the seminal fluid being applied by the plunger used to eject the semen from the insemination gun. The protective cover can be an integrated portion of the sheath itself, or a material applied to the tip of the sheath. The protective cover is minimal in size as to not increase the diameter of the artificial insemination device so that there is no loss in tactile sensitivity to the breeder who must maneuver the invention through the reproductive tract.

Abstract: An endoscopic device includes ultrasonic emitters, receivers, and reflectors for the precise alignment of parts of an endoscope relative to each other. The methods for determining the relative position of two parts of the endoscope are based on measuring the distance between them based on the use of one or more transducers or arrays of transducers functioning as transmitters of ultrasonic signals and one or more transducers or arrays of transducers functioning as receivers of the ultrasonic signals. In preferred embodiments of the invention, at least one of the receivers is replaced by a reflector and at least one of the transmitters also functions as a receiver.

Abstract: A flexible variable direction of view endoscope with a pivotable view vector and a rotatable distal section.

Abstract: An improved surgical retraction apparatus (and corresponding method of operation) includes a plurality of rigid retraction members disposed about a central axis that move radially with respect to the central axis between a closed state and an open state. In the closed state, the retraction members form a central opening that is adapted to closely fit around the tubular section of a surgical port device. In the illustrative embodiment, a planetary gear train, cable assemblies, lever arms or two annular slotted plates used to control radial movement of the retraction members with respect to the central axis.

Abstract: A system and method for providing computerized, knowledge-based medical diagnostic advice. The medical advice is provided to the general public over a network, such as a telephone network with the use of a telephone or the Internet with the use of an Internet access device. Alternatively, the medical advice can be provided to a patient in a stand-alone mode by use of a computer. The invention utilizes a list-based processing method of generating and executing diagnostic scripts. For the purpose of diagnosing a health problem of a patient, medical knowledge is organized into a list of the diseases to be considered. Each disease on the disease list includes a list of symptoms that is checked in a patient. Each symptom on the symptom list is then further described as a response to a list of one or more questions asked of the patient about the symptom. This triply-nested list structure is converted by suitable data structure transformations into a script that is stored.

Abstract: The invention involves a device and method for ascertaining the functioning of the respiratory system and, in particular, determining the cardiac output of a patient. The device comprises an apparatus containing sensors for measuring the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations as well as the volume of air inhaled and exhaled by a patient. The patient is provided a mouthpiece for breathing into and out of the device, which subsequently measures oxygen partial pressures of the inhaled and exhaled air. In addition, the patient's arterial oxygen saturation is continuously measured through pulse oximetry and the pH and hemoglobin concentration is determined from a venous blood sample. From this data, the cardiac output of the patient may be calculated.

Abstract: A contact-less, optical method of measuring strain on a skin surface of a human test subject during shaving. Digital cameras record the deflection of a pattern applied to the skin as a series of digital images. Comparison of the deflected skin position under applied forces compared to an undeflected reference condition permits calculation of the strain in the skin. Strains in the skin are averaged over several positions of the razor blade unit during a stroke. Objective comparisons can be made between razors based on the strain data.

Abstract: Microneedle devices are provided for controlled sampling of biological fluids in a minimally-invasive, painless, and convenient manner. The microneedle devices permit in vivo sensing or withdrawal of biological fluids from the body, particularly from or through the skin or other tissue barriers, with minimal or no damage, pain, or irritation to the tissue. The microneedle device includes one or more microneedles, preferably in a three-dimensional array, a substrate to which the microneedles are connected, and at least one collection chamber and/or sensor in communication with the microneedles. Preferred embodiments further include a means for inducing biological fluid to be drawn through the microneedles and into the collection chamber for analysis. In a preferred embodiment, this induction is accomplished by use of a pressure gradient, which can be created for example by selectively increasing the interior volume of the collection chamber, which includes an elastic or movable portion engaged to a rigid base.

Abstract: A system is provided for sensing blood glucose data of a patient. The system includes a sensor, user interface, and an optional auxiliary device. If the connection between the sensor and user interface is by a wire, the sensor remains powered when the wire is disconnected. The communication between the sensor and the user interface may be wireless. The auxiliary device can be a patient monitor or other display or signal device, which displays information about the blood glucose data collected by the sensor. The sensor is connected to sensor electronics, which include a sensor power supply, a voltage regulator, and optionally a memory and processor.

Abstract: Multiple layer elements for a transducer array are provided. Each element comprises two or more layers of transducer material. Various of the elements include one or more of: (1) multiple-layer, multiple-dimensional arrays where the layers are polymericly bonded together and electrically connected through asperity contact, (2) multiple layer array of elements where air or gas separates at least two elements, (3) an even number of layers where each layer is electrically connected through asperity contact, (4) multiple-layers where each layer comprises transducer material and electrodes in a substantially same configuration, and (5) electrically isolating electrodes on layers by kerfing or cutting after bonding the layers together.

Abstract: A pulse wave measuring apparatus includes a pressure sensor having a plurality of sensor elements wider in width than the small sensor element required in conventional tonometry. On the basis of differences ? and ? of an AI value based on a pulse wave signal from the sensor element right above an artery and AI values based on pulse wave signals from two sensor elements located at a predetermined distance from the sensor element right above the artery, ?2+?2 is obtained. An AI value correction is calculated using a regression formula with ?2+?2 as a correction parameter representing the distortion degree. Using this correction value, the AI based on a pulse wave signal from the sensor element located right above the artery is corrected.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and estimating the blood pressure of a pregnant patient that modifies the blood pressure estimating algorithm when the patient is pre-eclamptic. The level of carbon monoxide within a patient's bloodstream or exhaled breath can be analyzed to determine whether a pregnant patient is pre-eclamptic. After the patient has been diagnosed as pre-eclamptic, the NIBP monitoring system adjusts its algorithm for estimating the patient's blood pressure to compensate for the physical changes that occur in the patient during pre-eclampsia. The adjusted blood pressure estimates calculated by the NIBP monitoring system can be calculated using different adjustment techniques and methods and are displayed on the NIBP monitor.

Abstract: In an venous distensibility evaluation index measuring apparatus, a pressure adjusting section generates a pressure to supply it to a venous occluding section; in response thereto the venous occluding section starts to press a vein in the upper arm; upon this operation, an electrode section causes a current to flow, while detecting a voltage at that time; an impedance conversion section converts this detected voltage in combination with the supplied current into an impedance; an impedance transition gradient calculating unit determines a gradient of a rate of change in impedance to the elapsed time; a venous distensibility evaluation index determining unit determines a venous age corresponding to said gradient of the rate of change in impedance to the elapsed time as well as a venous sclerosis level corresponding to the venous age based on the relation data stored previously in a storage section; and finally a display section indicates the venous age and the venous sclerosis level.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of the present invention provide viscoelastic barrier materials for use as barriers in devices such as pressure measurement catheters. Improved barrier materials sometimes include at least one barrier material precursor combined with an amount of a softener. In other embodiments, two barrier material precursor components are combined without a softener to provide a fully cross-linked barrier material having certain softness characteristics. In various embodiments, a softener may be dimethyl silicone oil and may be combined with a barrier material precursor in an amount of between about 25% and about 45% by weight, relative to the final barrier material. Once a viscoelastic barrier material is prepared, it may be placed in a pressure transmission catheter or similar device, for example by injecting the gel into a lumen of the catheter via a syringe.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to medical devices, and more particularly, an apparatus and method for collecting cells or tissue samples from the cervix of a patient for medical testing.

Abstract: A lancet driver is provided wherein the driver exerts a driving force on a lancet during a lancing cycle and is used on a tissue site. The driver comprises of a drive force generator for advancing the lancet and a processor coupled to the drive force generator capable of changing the direction and magnitude of force exerted on the lancet during the lancing cycle. The driver further includes a human interface on the housing providing at least one output for communicating with the patient.

Abstract: A method is provided for correcting reference parameters based on weight variations of a subject. The parameters that can be corrected may be metabolic rate, metabolic equivalent (MET), dehydration rate, drug dosage, exercise intensity, calorie usage, work level, and oxygen consumption. A corrected parameter for a subject can be determined by the factor P r ? ( wt s ) x y to obtain a corrected parameter (Ps). In the factor, wts is the weight of the subject, x is preferably ?, Pr is the reference parameter to be corrected, and y is preferably (wtr)z, wherein wtr is the reference weight and z is preferably ?.

Abstract: A method of delivering ultrasound signals using shear waves includes applying a portion of at least a first ultrasound beam to a subject at at least a first incident angle relative to the surface of the subject to induce shear waves in the subject, energy in the shear waves forming a substantial part of energy of first ultrasound waves at a desired region in the subject at a therapeutic level.

Abstract: An oral hygiene device, which includes a hand-held cylindrical device having a controllable dial and water-emitting nipple created by water pressure is disclosed. The oral hygiene device includes a cylindrical body which is hand-held, a control dial, having a valve, mounted onto the body; a nipple mounted at its proximal end to the body, the nipple having a slit on its distal end and being interchangeable; a conduit mounted between the body and an open-shutoff valve; and an open-shutoff valve mounted between the conduit and a connector body mounted to a water source. The device cleanses and dislodges food particles from teeth and massages the gums.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention stretches the carpal ligament and the flexor retinaculum, as well as the superficial structures and muscles of the hand, in a safe manner under precise control of the patient or a healthcare professional. Various embodiments of the inventive apparatus commonly include a housing for receiving the hypothenar portion of the patient's hand with an open side portion adapted and configured to contact and retain the hypothenar region of the patient's hand, with an edge of the housing extending along a central longitudinal dorsal portion of the hand, while a flexible resilient strap is wrapped around the thenar portion of the hand (i.e. around the thumb area) in such a manner as to pull the thenar portion of the hand upward with the edge of the housing serving as a fulcrum around which the thenar and hypothenar portions of the hand are bent.

Abstract: A protector effectively suppresses infections. The protector protects a tube entry part, where a tube passes through the skin of a living body, from infections, and includes a sticking part that is stuck onto the skin of the living body in a periphery of the tube entry part, and a covering that covers the tube entry part, forms an internal space that surrounds the tube entry part, and has a passage through which the tube passes. The covering is provided with an opening that can be freely opened and closed with a cap or the like.

Abstract: A device for working human and/or animal tissue is provided. The device includes a drill head is connected with a flexible shaft which in turn is connected to a drill apparatus through a shank. The device also includes a washing unit through which drilled material in the area of the drill head is transported away. The washing unit is connected to a washing channel formed between the bore and the outer diameter of the flexible shaft. The drill head has slots communicating with an inner cavity of the drill head. The cavity communicates with an inner channel in the flexible shaft through which the washing medium is passed into a washing head. In the washing head, the washing medium flows through the slots in the flexible shaft into an annular groove. The annular groove is connected with a channel to which a suction device is connected via a hose.

Abstract: A delivery system and method are provided for accurately locating, orienting, and implanting expandable tissue supporting devices at a lumen junction or bifurcation in a body lumen. For example, the system may be used to deliver a tissue supporting device to a bifurcated artery such that, on expansion, the tissue supporting device provides side ports of a specific size and geometry to accommodate bifurcations in the artery. The delivery system is capable of accurately orienting these side ports both radially and longitudinally with respect to branch lumen openings of the artery. The delivery system achieves orientation by utilizing a guide member which is positioned to extend from the side port feature of the tissue supporting device. The guide member is tracked along a guidewire which extends into the branch lumen, ultimately orienting the side port of the tissue supporting device properly at the branch lumen opening.

Abstract: A guiding catheter includes an elongate shaft with a central lumen and a mechanically expandable sealing membrane mounted about the distal end of the shaft. An expansion wire is slidably disposed in a dedicated lumen within the catheter, the expansion wire having an expandable distal portion with a pre-formed expanded shape capable of expanding the sealing membrane into sealing engagement with the wall of an artery to provide occlusion of blood flowing through the artery. In one embodiment, a steering wire is slidably disposed in a dedicated lumen within the catheter and is fixed adjacent the shaft distal end. Pushing or pulling the steering wire deflects the distal end of the catheter. In another embodiment, the guiding catheter has a pre-formed curve adjacent the distal end of the shaft.

Abstract: A catheter-advancement actuated needle retraction system is disclosed herein. The invention includes a generally hollow barrel that houses a needle hub, which can include a flashback chamber. A needle is affixed to the distal end of the needle hub and is aligned to extend through an opening in the distal end of the barrel. The needle extends through a catheter hub and catheter affixed to the catheter hub. A spring is disposed in the barrel lumen to cooperate with the needle hub to urge the needle hub toward the proximal end of the barrel. A latch actuator is releasably engaged with the catheter hub.

Abstract: A medical device for delivering a medicament to a patient. The device includes a syringe barrel assembly having a syringe barrel with a plunger movably insertable therein to expel medicament in the barrel. A needle cannula is connected to a needle cannula hub which is slidably arranged in the barrel for moving between an initial position in which the forward tip is exposed and a retracted position in which the forward tip is contained within the barrel. A retainer engages an annular groove defined in an inner surface of the barrel and secures the needle cannula hub at the initial position proximate the front end of the barrel. An urging member is arranged between the front end of the barrel and the needle cannula hub for urging the needle cannula hub toward the retracted position. The retainer is released in response to the application of medicament delivery force when the stopper is in a fully inserted position.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for delivering fluid to treat a lesion comprising an elongated member having a distal tip and a plurality of slots formed in a sidewall proximal of the distal tip, a plurality of fluid delivery members positioned in the elongated member and having a lumen and at least one opening communicating with the lumen for delivering fluid to the lesion, and an actuator actuable to a first position to move the plurality of fluid delivery members from a retracted position within the elongated member to a first deployed position extending radially with respect to the elongated member and actuable to a second position to move the plurality of fluid delivery members from the first position to a second deployed position extending further radially from the elongated member.

Abstract: A trocar system includes a cannula having a cannula head and a cannula tube, and an obturator having a cap and either a rounded tip or a cutting blade. The head and cap form an ergonomically shaped bulbous handle. At least a portion of an outer surface of the cannula head may include a resilient non-slip material. The cannula head may also include a monolithic housing having a port with a Luer Lock fitting and an integrally formed passageway for receiving a stopcock valve.

Abstract: Since this syringe has projections provided on the rear surface of a flange of a syringe barrel, when it is inserted in an insertion groove of a cylinder holder, the tips of projections are compressed and the flange is fixed. Consequently, even when a solution having high viscosity is injected at higher pressure, breakage does not occur easily. Further, pressure-receiving area may also be increased by providing a guide defining mounting direction of a syringe, alternatively, a positioning mechanism may be provided so as to obtain mounting at a correct position, or the surface of a flange may be roughened.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance having a front wall and a rear wall of flexible material forming a bag, the rear wall having an inlet opening into the bag by which waste material can enter the bag, at least one of the walls having a vent through which gas may escape from the bag, a filter covering the vent and having an outlet opening, and a flap sealed at only one end thereof to the wall so as to be pivotally movable in the plane of the wall from a first position in which the flap is attached to the wall and covers the outlet opening, to a second position in which the flap is shifted to one side so as to be offset from the first position such that the filter outlet opening is at least partially open.

Abstract: An absorbent easily rendered three-dimensional in the central region by water absorption is composed of a sheet-like absorbent having regions where a highly absorptive component is present and regions where it is absent, these presence and absence regions parallelly extending lengthwise of a sheet-like base material and alternating with each other, the sheet-like base material being turned back along a bending line in the highly absorptive component absence regions of the sheet-like absorbent, there being at least one band-like portion of multilayer construction where the highly absorptive component presence regions are superposed in a plurality of layers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in structure of disposable garments. The disposable garments of the invention may include an outer layer and an elastic inner layer. The elastic inner layer has an elastic inner layer perimeter and defines an opening, which may be in the form of a slit or aperture, located in an internal position to the elastic inner layer perimeter. The elastic inner layer perimeter may be bonded to the outer layer. The elastic inner layer may include a front piece, a back piece and a crotch piece.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article is disclosed having a waist opening and a pair of leg openings. The absorbent article has first, second and third pairs of leg elastics secured between an outer cover and an inner liner. The first, second and third leg elastics are arranged around each of the pair of leg openings with each of the third pair of leg elastics being positioned intermediate one of each of the first and second pairs of leg elastics. Each of the third pair of leg elastics is also separated from one of the first pair of leg elastics by a first gap and from one of the second pair of leg elastics by a second gap.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a pair of front ear regions as part of a front waist region, a pair of back ear portions including a mechanical fastener as part of a back waist region, a crotch region connecting the front waist region and the back waist region, and a landing zone including a base material and a first discrete fastener element group embedded in the base material. The first discrete fastener element group includes at least one first discrete fastener element having a profile height. The base material has a profile height that is greater than the profile height of the first discrete fastener element. The landing zone may be associated with the outer cover in the front waist region between the front ear regions.

Abstract: An absorbent garment has an absorbent assembly disposed within a garment shell configured for encircling the wearer's waist. The garment shell comprises a front panel assembly having laterally opposite side margins, and a back panel assembly having laterally opposite side margins. The absorbent assembly is attached at a front waist region thereof to the garment shell generally at the side margins of the front panel assembly to together define front side margins of the absorbent garment. The absorbent assembly is further attached at a back waist region thereof to the garment shell generally at the side margins of the back panel assembly to together define back side margins of the absorbent garment. The front side margins and the back side margins of the absorbent garment are releasably attached to each other to removably secure the absorbent garment on the wearer's waist.

Abstract: A tubing connector (100) having a body (132) that has a first end (134) having a first opening (138) and a second end (136) having a second opening (140). A passageway (142) extends through the body between the first opening and the second opening. A side opening (144) includes a first side wall (146), an opposing second side wall (148) and a latch catch (150) disposed between the first and second side walls, and extends from the passageway (142) through the body (132) as a breach opening. The connector also has a clamping member (160), having a first clamping end (162) that is hingedly connected to the body (132) and a second clamping end (168) that is adapted to releasably engage the latch catch (150).

Abstract: An optic fiber probe system for treating thrombus of a patient comprising at least one optic fiber with at least one confined liquid-fillable void space and a light source for causing a laser-induced liquid/bubble jet that ejects from an opening of the confined void space to breakup the thrombus.

Abstract: A method of using a probe that emits energy to coagulate lesions is disclosed. The probe is constructed and arranged to emit light from its distal end, either at an angle to its longitudinal axis, or along its longitudinal axis. Optionally, an end reflector may be used to direct the energy in a beam to one side of the fiber end. A reinforcing sleeve for the fiber is mounted to a shielded, Piezo-electric motor constructed and arranged to move the fiber both longitudinally and rotationally within an optional elongate cannula. An MRI system is arranged to generate a series of output signals indicative of temperature in the targeted area. The application of energy is stopped when the temperature at the boundary of the lesion reaches the required hyperthermic temperature. Cooling of the tip portion of the probe is effected by expansion of a supplied cooling fluid through a restrictive orifice into an expansion zone at the probe end.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and systems useful to enhance a thermal surgical procedure are described. Compositions include at least one compound effective to induce an inflammatory response in biological material identified to undergo a thermal surgical procedure. Methods and systems include providing compositions of the invention to biological materials and treating biological materials with an inflammation inducing composition for a time, amount, and type effective to induce inflammation in at least a portion of the biological material.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and systems useful to enhance a thermal surgical procedure are described. Compositions include at least one compound effective to induce an inflammatory response in biological material identified to undergo a thermal surgical procedure. Methods and systems include providing compositions of the invention to biological materials and treating biological materials with an inflammation inducing composition for a time, amount, and type effective to induce inflammation in at least a portion of the biological material.

Abstract: In an electrosurgical generator for generating radio frequency power, the generator comprises a radio frequency output stage having three or more output connections, one or more sources of output power coupled to the output stage, and a controller operable to cause the generator to supply a first cutting RF waveform to the output connections or a second coagulating RF waveform to the output connections. In a combined mode, the controller causes the generator to deliver both first and second RF waveforms, the controller including means for feeding the waveforms to the output connections such that the first RF waveform is delivered between a first pair of the output connections, and the second RF waveform is delivered between a second pair of the output connections. The combined mode is adjustable between various settings, each setting having a different proportion of the first and second RF waveforms.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for carrying our thermal ablation of target tissue is disclosed. The apparatus includes an RF ablation device having a multi-electrode electrode assembly designed to be deployed in target tissue, defining a selected-volume tissue region to be ablated, and having infusion channels for infusing a liquid into the target tissue during the ablation process. A control unit in the apparatus is operably connected to an RF energy source, for controlling the RF power level supplied to the electrodes, and to an infusion device, for controlling the rate of infusion of a liquid through the device into the tissue. During both electrode deployment and tissue ablation, impedance and or temperature measurements made within the tissue are used to control the RF source and infusion device, for optimizing the time and extent of tissue ablation.

Abstract: A medical device for performing a therapeutic procedure on a patient. The medical device comprises a probe having an applicator end and at least two injection needles connected to the probe adjacent the applicator end of the probe. Each injection needle is communicative with a fluid source for delivering fluid to the respective needle and an energy source for delivering energy to the respective needle when performing the therapeutic procedure on the patient. The medical device also includes a spreader positioned adjacent the applicator end between the injection needles for spreading tissue of the patient during the therapeutic procedure.