Abstract: A wound protector retractor comprises an inner O-ring for insertion through a wound opening and a connecting sleeve extending between the O-ring and outer mounting means. The outer means are provided by rings between which the sleeve is led. The rings are rotated relative to each other and the inner ring to form a centralised lumen of reduced cross section and to shorten the axial extent of the sleeve. A wound is both retracted and protected.

Abstract: A retractor (101) for retracting the margins of a wound opening (103) comprises an inner anchoring O-ring (105) attached to a cylindrical sleeve (106) at a distal end and a reinforcing O-ring (109) attached to a proximal end of the sleeve (106). The sleeve (106) is led between an inner ring part (110) and a corresponding recess (116) in an outer ring part (111). The outer ring part (111) has anchor formations (120) over which the proximal end of the sleeve (106) is attached to anchor the sleeve (106). To retract the wound opening (103) the sleeve (106) is pulled while the guide rings (110, 111) are moved against the tissue surrounding the wound opening (103). This pulls the inner O-ring (105) against the inside of the tissue adjacent the wound opening (103), and retracts the wound opening (103). The sleeve (106) is manipulated locally for maximum retraction efficiency.

Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue retraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site.

Abstract: A method and corresponding system for calculating an optimum surgical trajectory or path for displacing a surgical instrument through the interior of the body of a patient. Upon obtaining a volumetric scan of a patient, such as a CT scan, the surgeon can identify and assign weight values indicating a preference on whether an anatomical area be utilized in plotting an optimum instrument trajectory. Upon providing a starting and destination point for a surgical instrument, an optimum surgical trajectory can be determined in essentially real time and graphically presented to the surgeon by superimposing the proposed trajectory upon the patient's volumetric scan. Furthermore, the system and method is interactive, allowing the surgeon to deviate from the proposed optimum path if desired and choose another path. In response, the system will determine and present, in essentially real time, a new optimum trajectory based on the current location of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: The system and method includes a treatment device such as an anesthetic machine or IV, a monitor and a display configured to display real-time PK/PD data associated with an anesthetic agent administered to the patient. The system and method further includes a safety control means configured to control the display such that one of a basic display state, an interactive effects display state, and a display inhibited state is selected and displayed according to the anesthetic agents and levels of the same being administered to the patient.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying a pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics drug model for a patient is provided. A monitor is arranged to detect a quantity of anesthetic agent provided to a patient by an anesthesia machine. A display is provided for displaying real-time pharmacokinetics data associated with the quantity of anesthetic agent provided to the patient. Safety control means are provided to initiate the display of real-time pharmacokinetics data for the anesthetic agent only when a predetermined threshold value for the anesthetic agent is detected by the monitor. Alternately, control means are adapted to terminate display of real-time pharmacokinetics data for the anesthetic agent when a predetermined threshold value for the anesthetic agent is detected by the monitor.

Abstract: A medical workstation has a control and display unit (1) connected to a patient monitor module (2) via a communications line (5). The medical workstation has an interface accessible to the user for connecting a therapy module (3). The control and display unit (1) has a microprocessor and the therapy module (3) has at least one microprocessor and a nonvolatile memory. The control and display unit (1) has an area (6) that is visible to the user and can be operated by the user with graphic elements for the display and modification of therapy settings. The control and display unit (1) has an operating program, which is designed such that the area (6) on the control and display unit (1) can be operated by the user only in case a compatible therapy module (3) is connected.

Abstract: Presented is a method for quantifying breastfeeding between a mother and a baby, the method including measuring a physiological volume indicative of stomach fullness volume for the baby; setting a signal threshold value of the physiological volume to correspond to a stomach level that is less than or equal to the stomach fullness volume; obtaining an objective measurement of the physiological volume indicative of a level of fullness of the baby's stomach; and providing an indication to the mother when the objective measurement equals or exceeds the'signal threshold value.

Abstract: A blood glucose monitoring system, comprising (i) a blood glucose monitor for monitoring a blood glucose level and for producing digitally encoded blood glucose level signals representative of the blood glucose level, (ii) a programmable microprocessor-based portable unit, (iii) digital data storage media tangibly embodying therein processor-executable program instructions to signal process in response to signals based upon the digitally encoded blood glucose level signals and further to signal process insulin dosage data, and calibration information, (iv) a signal interface connected in signal communication with the programmable microprocessor-based portable unit and the blood glucose monitor for directly coupling the digitally encoded blood glucose level signals supplied by the blood glucose monitor to the programmable microprocessor-based portable unit, and (v) a signal processor for performing signal processing functions in accordance with the program instructions.

Abstract: Microprobe device 10 provides an analyte signal from biosensor 12 to an external analyte meter indicating analyte presence in an analyte-containing bodily fluid of a subject (not shown).

Abstract: A highly miniaturized biosensor and a sensor unit, which can meet a demand for further miniaturization. With this invention, miniaturization is possible, and the number of production steps including those for assembling individual parts can be reduced. Accordingly, mass production will be possible, and cost reduction and high reliability will be achieved. A light emitting unit (21) and a light receiving unit (22) are disposed in a same recess (24) formed on a surface of a semiconductor substrate (23), and a light shielding cover substrate (27) having a first light guide section (25) and a second light guide section (26) is disposed on an upper side of the semiconductor substrate (23).

Abstract: Methods and systems for calculating tissue oxygenation, e.g., oxygen saturation, in a target tissue are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods include: (a) directing incident radiation to a target tissue and determining reflectance spectra of the target tissue by measuring intensities of reflected radiation from the target tissue at a plurality of radiation wavelengths; (b) correcting the measured intensities of the reflectance spectra to reduce contributions thereto from skin and fat layers through which the incident radiation propagates; (c) determining oxygen saturation in the target tissue based on the corrected reflectance spectra; and (d) outputting the determined value of oxygen saturation.

Abstract: A method of determining a measure of a tissue state (e.g., glycation end-product or disease state) in an individual. A portion of the tissue of the individual is illuminated with excitation light, then light emitted by the tissue due to fluorescence of a chemical with the tissue responsive to the excitation light is detected. The detected light can be combined with a model relating fluorescence with a measure of tissue state to determine a tissue state. The invention can comprise measuring the fluorescence lifetime in either time-domain or frequency domain modes. The invention can also comprise a variety of models relating fluorescence to a measure of tissue state, including a variety of methods for generating such models. For example, multivariate models can be developed that relate lifetime trends of one or more constituents to increasing propensity to diabetes and pre-diabetes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to monitoring systems. One embodiment includes a monitoring system comprising a monitor configured to receive input relating to patient physiological parameters and to store historical data related to the parameters. Further, the system comprises a screen configured to display the historical data corresponding to the patient physiological parameters, and a display control feature configured to automatically find and display an event in the historical data on the screen when the display control feature is activated.

Abstract: There are provided systems and methods for user interface and identification in a medical device. More specifically, in one embodiment, there is provided medical system comprising a main unit configured to perform a medical function, the main unit comprising a wireless receiver, wherein the main unit is configured to execute commands received by the wireless receiver, and a personal digital assistant (“PDA”) configured to transmit a command to the main unit.

Abstract: There are provided systems and methods for user interface and identification in a medical device. More specifically, in one embodiment, there is provided a pulse oximeter comprising a main unit configured to perform a medical function, and a display coupled to the main unit, the display configured to detect external contact by a stylus with a screen of the display, determine a location on the screen of the contact, wherein the location of the contact corresponds to a command for the medical device, and transmit the command corresponding to the location to the main unit.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a patient's vital signs that features a vital-sign monitor including sensors for measuring from the patient at least one of the following vital-sign data: O2 saturation, blood pressure, electro-cardiogram, respirator rate, and blood glucose level. The system also includes a global positioning system that determines location-based data. A wireless transmitter, in electrical contact with the vital-sign monitor and global positioning system, receives the vital-sign and location-based data and wirelessly transmits these data through a conventional wireless network. A gateway software piece receives and processes the data from the wireless network and stores these data in a computer memory associated with a database software piece. The system also includes an Internet-based user interface that displays the vital sign data for both individual patients and care-providers.

Abstract: Embodiments of a feeding tube system of the present invention provide a feeding tube that provides for monitoring whether it has detected reflux fluid which could potentially lead to serious medical conditions, such as, in the case of a nasogastric tube used for enteral feeding, aspiration of tube feeding into the patient's lungs. The reflux event is made apparent to medical staff and automated systems provide to take action, such as, in the case of enteral feeding, to shut off the delivery of enteral feeding to the patient. This allows remedial measures to be taken so that the associated morbidity and mortality can be prevented. The methods and apparatus are readily acceptable and easy to use by the medical staff, safe for the patient, and inexpensive to manufacture.

Abstract: A medical device for diabetes management, comprising (a) a memory comprising one or more optimal blood glucose values, one or more insulin dose values of a patient, one or more measured blood glucose values, and one or more scaling factors for weighting the impact on a future blood glucose value and that are customizable to an individual patient to predict the effect on the blood glucose of insulin dose actions performed by the individual patient, (b) a microprocessor, in communication with the memory, programmed to calculate a further value, the further value being based on the insulin dose values, the optimal blood glucose values, and the scaling factors, and (c) a display configured to display information according to the further value.

Abstract: A method of diabetes management, comprising (a) providing a remote communications unit in communication with a portable microprocessor-based unit; (b) transmitting blood glucose level data into the portable microprocessor-based unit or the remote unit, or both; (c) running a program of instructions on the portable microprocessor-based unit or on the remote unit, or both, using data corresponding to the blood glucose level data; and (d) providing a signal including instructions to inject insulin when the blood glucose level data indicates.

Abstract: A device for hemorrhage detection comprising a detecting means for detecting the presence of blood, said detecting means being connected to a fixing means. The fixing means is fixed to the inner wall of a hollow organ. The device further has a transmitting unit by which the data transmitted by the detecting means are adapted to be transmitted to a receiving unit disposed outside the body.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods, apparatuses, systems and/or devices for passive in vivo substance spectroscopy are disclosed.

Abstract: A phantom according to the invention features a radiotransmissive vessel and a removable closure member, which together define a sealed chamber. A non-magnetic support member extends through a wall of the chamber—preferably through the closure member—and supports a hollow container within the sealed chamber. The support member is pivotally supported through the wall of the chamber by means of a non-leak pivot joint. The support member supports a magnetically drivable element—either a magnet or a ferromagnetic mass—on the opposite end that is not disposed within the chamber. By moving a co-acting magnetically driving element, movement of the support member, and hence the container within the chamber, can be controlled.

Abstract: A novel contrast mechanism for diagnosing diseased tissue using Ultrasound, Doppler Ultrasonography, Optical Coherence Tomography, or optical Doppler tomography coupled with an externally applied temporally oscillating high-strength magnetic field.

Abstract: System for determining diagnostic indications which system comprises: at least an apparatus for acquiring diagnostic images; and image processing means for recognizing and measuring qualitative, quantitative, morphologic and/or dynamic characteristics of one or more objects reproduced in acquired images by pixels, or voxels or image data thereof characterized in that processing means and the apparatus for acquiring diagnostic images being integrated within the same device and the processing of the image or images being carried out directly at the end of the acquisition of the image or images as the final and/or intermediate step of the diagnostic imaging session or process.

Abstract: An apparatus can be used to navigate a planned procedure. The plan for the procedure can be based on various elements, such as anatomical landmarks that can be used to determine anatomical targets of a patient.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for quantifying the amount or rate of magnetically susceptible fluid within a gastric lumen are described. In one aspect, a magnetic sensor located external to the patient is configured to detect a quantity of fluid disposed within the gastric lumen. The quantity of fluid may include fluid that is contained upstream with respect to a restriction formed in the gastric lumen (e.g., by a gastric restriction device). The quantity of fluid disposed within the gastric lumen is determined by the magnetic sensor. This quantity may be evaluated over time to then calculate a real time flow rate which can then be displayed to the physician. The methods and devices allow a physician or other trained person to dynamically view real time development of fluid flow within a restricted gastric lumen and may be used in conjunction with adjustments to the gastric restriction device to achieve target or desired flow rates.

Abstract: A novel method and system for employing device tracking with a magnetic resonance imaging system. In accordance with one aspect of the present technique, a method for tracking the location of a device and generating an image using magnetic resonance imaging includes applying a combined imaging and tracking pulse sequence, in the presence of a magnetic field gradient, wherein the combined imaging and tracking sequence comprising a radiofrequency excitation pulse. The method further includes collecting tracking data based on a magnetic resonance tracking signal resulting from the radiofrequency excitation pulse, wherein the magnetic resonance tracking signal is returned from a tracking coil mounted in the device. The method also includes collecting imaging data based on a magnetic resonance imaging signal resulting from the radiofrequency excitation pulse, wherein the magnetic resonance imaging signal is returned from an imaging coil.

Abstract: A surgical instrument, in particular a marking instrument for marking body tissue, in particular tumor tissue, comprising a hollow needle for insertion into body tissue which encloses a lumen which is radially delimited by an inside wall of the hollow needle and which has an open mouth at the distal needle end, and at least one longitudinally displaceable element guided in the lumen, with distal end portions which have a pre-bend such that the distal end portions are elastically prestressed in the straightened condition and curve in the relaxed condition, wherein the distal end portions of the longitudinally displaceable element are to be pushed starting from a position of being retracted into the lumen, in which the distal end portions are straightened, out of the open distal mouth of the lumen and in so doing curve, wherein the longitudinally displaceable element is formed by a wire having a longitudinal slit, wherein the longitudinal slit extends from a base point at its proximal slit end to an open distal

Abstract: The present technique provides a novel method and apparatus for magnetic resonance device tracking. In one aspect of the present technique, a plurality of magnetic resonance tracking signals are acquired in response to a corresponding plurality of pulse sequences, wherein the plurality of magnetic resonance tracking signals are acquired from a tracking coil mounted in a device. A location value is also determined for each pulse sequence to produce a plurality of location values. Further, a candidate location value of the plurality of location values for replacement, an off-resonance error value for the plurality of magnetic resonance tracking signals, and a replacement location value based on the off-resonance error value are determined. The location of the device is also determined based on the plurality of location values, wherein the candidate location value was replaced in the plurality of location values with the replacement location value.

Abstract: An MR head coil has a helmet-shaped coil housing and an arrangement of a number of first antenna elements mounted on the coil housing. The helmet-shaped coil housing is shaped such that it completely frees the field of view of a patient, and second antenna elements or antenna element parts that can be temporarily arranged in the field of view are provided.

Abstract: In vivio deep brain medical probe systems include: (a) an NMRI compatible cannula comprising a plurality of concentric axially extending tubes with a receiving bore; and (b) an elongate antenna member with a conductor and an insulating layer configured to slidably advance through cannula bore to define an MRI receive antenna.

Abstract: A novel contrast mechanism for imaging blood flow using magneto-motive optical Doppler tomography (MM-ODT), Optical Coherence Tomography, and Ultrasound. MM-ODT, OCT, and ultrasound combined with an externally applied temporally oscillating high-strength magnetic field detects erythrocytes moving according to the field gradient.

Abstract: A stereotactic navigation system for navigating an instrument to a target within a patient may include a stereotactic head frame, an imaging device, a tracking device, a controller and a display. The stereotactic head frame is coupled to the patient and is used to assist in guiding the instrument to the target. The imaging device captures image data of the patient and of the stereotactic head frame. The tracking device is used to track the position of the instrument relative to the stereotactic head frame. The controller receives the image data from the imaging device and identifies the stereotactic head frame in the image data and automatically registers the image data with navigable patient space upon identifying the stereotactic head frame, while the display displays the image data.

Abstract: A method includes predicting a contrast bolus arrival time, and performing at least one of the following: a) automatically switching from a monitor phase to a scan phase at the predicted arrival time; and b) prompting a user to began a scan at the predicted arrival time.

Abstract: A method of modeling propagation of a pharmaceutical fluid in a patient, includes: collecting data corresponding to a time response curve resulting from injection of the fluid; and determining at least one mathematical model describing the data. The mathematical model can, for example, be a model which is not determined by a continuous or a discrete-time Fourier transform of the data. A method of controlling injection of a pharmaceutical fluid into a patient using an injector in a medical procedure, includes: collecting data corresponding to a patient response curve resulting from injection of the fluid; determining at least one mathematical model describing the data; and controlling the injector during the medical procedure to control injection of the fluid into the patient to create patient response at least in part on the basis of the mathematical model.

Abstract: A sentinel lymph node detecting apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a light source unit 2, illuminating an excitation light 10 and an illumination light 11 onto a biological observation location 20 that includes a sentinel lymph node 21 near a tumor, into which a fluorescent dye that emits fluorescence is injected; an optical filter 3, transmitting a fluorescence image 11 and a normal image 13; an image pickup device 5, disposed integral to the light source unit 2 and picking up the fluorescence image 11 and the normal image 13 transmitted through the optical filter 3; and an image display device 7, displaying the observation images that have been picked up. The wavelength of the illumination light 11 is set to a value close to the wavelength of the fluorescence emitted from the fluorescent dye.

Abstract: A marker for marking a site within the body of a mammalian patient is positioned within the tissue of a patient. The marker may be placed in the first instance by a needle or the like or placed where a tissue sample has been removed. The marker has a plurality of loops each at various angles to the other such that when positioned within the patient, one of the loops is positioned orthogonal to a magnetic field of a metal detector. Various shapes of markers may be used, including electron orbital shapes, chains of loops or barbells. Barbs or other anchoring elements may be used to stabilize the marker's position. Normal delivery techniques as needles, catheters or cannulas may readily position the marker within the patent. By having the marker so designed and positioned, at least one of the closed loops is detectable by a metal detection beam of a metal detection device.

Abstract: A method of finding the location of an occluded portion of a blood vessel relative to a three-dimensional angiographic image of a subject's vasculature includes identifying the location of the occluded portion of the blood vessel on each of a series of displayed two dimensional images derived from the three dimensional image data in planes substantially transverse to direction of the occluded portion of the vessel. The identified locations in the occluded portion of the vessel can then be used to determine the path of the occluded portion of the vessel.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging system (100) having an ultrasonic probe (110) which improves poor harmonic performance of existing transmit circuits through the use of a linear high-voltage transmit amplifier (129) on each sub-channel to amplify low-voltage arbitrary shape transmit waveforms generated by the ultrasonic system (100) is presented. The linear high-voltage amplifier (129) of the ultrasonic probe (110) amplifies low-voltage arbitrary shape transmit waveforms beam-formed by a micro-beam-former (119) of the ultrasonic system (100).

Abstract: A method for performing elastography is provided, comprising the following steps. First, emitting a first coded signal towards tissue and recording an echoed signal in response. Next, applying a strain on the tissue, such as a compression or an expansion. Then, emitting a second coded signal towards the tissue under strain, said second signal being a compressed (or stretched) version of the first emitted signal in the time domain, and recording an echoed signal in response. Then processing the second echoed signal by stretching (or compressing) it in the time domain by a factor matched to the compression (or stretching) factor that was applied to the second emitted signal. Finally, cross-correlating the first echoed signal and the processed second echoed signal to provide an elastographic image of said tissue. The method of the invention uses different emitted signals before and during strain applied to the tissue. The image quality in elastography can therefore be considerably improved.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system is described which produces images in accordance with a display standard such as the DICOM standard. The DICOM standard images may be exported and reproduced on other display devices such as workstations and film or image printers. The standardized images produced by the system are transformed into unique driving levels which are characteristic of the system display device for viewing. The transform is user controllable for viewing standardized images under differing ambient light conditions.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of providing 3D data sets for stand-alone use includes providing a 3D viewing program on a computer readable media and providing at least one 3D data set on the same computer readable media, wherein responsive to a computer activation of the 3D viewing program, the 3D viewing program operates to provide a 3D rendering based upon the at least one 3D data set.

Abstract: Provided is a medical diagnostic imaging system in which user information can be easily and efficiently moved (transferred) among a plurality of ultrasonic imaging diagnostic apparatuses. The medical diagnostic imaging system includes: a plurality of ultrasonic imaging diagnostic apparatuses each including a recording unit for recording user information registered by a user, the user information including work flow data for guiding at least an operation procedure of the ultrasonic imaging diagnostic apparatus, and execution means for executing this user information; and user information transfer means configured to be able to communicate with the ultrasonic imaging diagnostic apparatuses, for transferring the user information recorded on the recording means of a predetermined one of the ultrasonic imaging diagnostic apparatuses to the recording means of a different one of the ultrasonic imaging diagnostic apparatuses by way of a communication.

Abstract: Contrast agents may more effectively clear a clot if they are as close to the clot as possible. Radiation force may effectively push and/or pull the contrast agents next to the clot and away from the middle of any flow channels. By transmitting driving acoustic energy, the contrast agents may be positioned for treatment that is more effective by destruction.

Abstract: The therapeutic ultrasound waveform is used as a source of stress or ARFI pushing pulse. When the therapeutic ultrasound waveform ceases, diagnostic ultrasound is used to measure the strain, such as measuring tissue displacement. The displacement over time after release of the stress indicates tissue characteristics. The tissue characteristics may be monitored to determine when sufficient therapeutic results are obtained.

Abstract: An ultrasonic observing apparatus according to the present invention comprises a machine-side connector receptacle, an electronics-side connector receptacle, a mechanical echo signal detecting unit for detecting an echo signal obtained by receiving waves in a mechanical scanning ultrasonic probe connecting to the machine-side connector receptacle, an electronic echo signal detecting unit for detecting an echo signal obtained by receiving waves in an electronic scanning ultrasonic endoscope connecting to the electronics-side connector receptacle, and a signal processing unit for performing signal processing on the echo signal from the mechanical echo signal detecting unit and the echo signal from the electronic echo signal detecting unit.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus for providing on a display an ultrasound image including a target object and a pointer movable on the ultrasound image, comprises: an ultrasound image providing unit configured to provide an ultrasound image including a target object; a contour line extracting unit configured to extract a contour line of the target object in the ultrasound image; a coordinate recognizing unit configured to detect cross points while the pointer crosses the contour line and recognize the coordinates of the corner points; a user input unit configured to receive instructions from a user, said instructions including a selection instruction to select measure points among the cross points and a measure instruction to measure a size of the target object; a measuring unit configured to measure a size of the target object in response to the measure instruction based on coordinates of the measure points selected in response to the selection instruction; and an output unit configured to output the ultra

Abstract: A diagnostic imaging method and ultrasound system are described for detecting abnormalities of the left ventricle of the heart. A sequence of images including the mitral valve is acquired and processed to identify the location of the mitral valve in each of the images in the sequence. A graphic is displayed with the images depicting the location of the mitral valve in the current image and in each of the preceding images of the sequence. Preferably the mitral valve location is identified by automatic detection of the mitral valve plane in each of the images. A desirable graphic color-codes each of the successively different mitral valve locations in the graphic. The image and graphic can be viewed in real time to discern the effects of conduction delay and infarction of the left ventricle.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for non-invasive bone evaluation based on a broadband ultrasonic transducer emitting a train of ultrasonic wave packets of multiple carrier frequencies ranging from about 50 kHz to about 2 MHz. Receiving broadband ultrasonic transducer accepts broadband ultrasonic signal propagated through the bone. Computer processing means provide for data analysis and feature extraction allowing diagnostic evaluation of the bone, including comparing the features of the received signal to a database of known bone conditions.