Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus by which highly quantitative IMT (intima media thickness) measurement with little variations depending on examiners can be performed. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes: an ultrasonic probe for transmitting ultrasonic waves to an object to be inspected and receiving ultrasonic echoes generated by reflection of the ultrasonic waves in the object to output reception signals; a signal processing unit for performing at least envelope detection processing on the reception signals outputted from the ultrasonic probe to generate envelope data; a boundary detecting unit for detecting two boundaries representing intima media of a blood vessel based on difference or differential of values of the envelope data and amounts of change in the values of the envelope data; and an IMT calculating unit for calculating an IMT of the blood vessel based on the two boundaries detected by the boundary detecting unit.

Abstract: A needle biopsy guide system is disclosed for attachment to an endoluminal ultrasound probe or like sonographic instrument. The device includes a biopsy-guide attachment that allows for trocar catheter placement for abscess drainage or like procedures, using the transvaginal or transrectal route under sonographic control. The device has a base portion, which is attachable to an ultrasound probe. A removable retainer is provided that slides into the base unit to hold a biopsy needle in place. A physician may locate the target area in the body with the ultrasound probe, insert the biopsy needle into the target area, and then remove the insert (retainer) from the base unit and ultrasound probe, and leave the biopsy needle in place in the body.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing power consumption in implantable medical devices (IMDs) in which an IMD implantable in an artery monitors blood pressure. A master device monitors a physiological signal, such as respiratory cycle, and instructs the IMD to take blood pressure measurements over a sampling interval, the duration of which is determined by the master device based on the monitored physiological signal. The master device may determine an end-expiration point of the respiratory cycle and send synchronization information to the IMD to further shorten the sampling interval by coinciding the sampling interval with the end expiration point of the respiratory cycle. The IMD may further conserve power by including processing abilities to collect and/or transmit only a subset of data representing the blood pressure signal, for example, systolic, diastolic, and/or mean blood pressure signal values. The blood pressure readings, once taken, may be transferred to the master device.

Abstract: A device measures pressures in animals and humans and includes a pressure transmission catheter (PTC) filled with a pressure transmitting medium and implantable in an area in having a physiological pressure. A transducer communicates with the pressure transmitting medium to provide a pressure signal representing variations in the physiologic pressure on electrical wires. A connecting catheter carries the electrical wires to signal processing and telemetry circuitry, which transmits a telemetry signal representing the pressure signal to a receiver external to the animal or human. A housing holds the signal processing and telemetry circuitry, but the transducer is remote from the housing. The device is particularly useful in measuring venous pressure, pulmonary pressure, bladder pressure, or intracranial pressure without significant head pressure artifact and with a sufficient dynamic response. One embodiment of the PTC includes a multi-durometer stem.

Abstract: A monitor device and associated methodology are disclosed which provide a self contained, relatively small and continuously wearable package for the monitoring of heart related parameters, including ECG. The detection of heart related parameters is predicated on the location of inequipotential signals located within regions of the human body conventionally defined as equivalent for the purpose of detection of heart related electrical activity, such as on single limbs. Amplification, filtering and processing methods and apparatus are described in conjunction with analytical tools for beat detection and display.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for the formation of an arteriovenous fistula in the limb of the patient. Embodiments include an apparatus for the creation, modification and maintenance of a fistula, including the modification of an existing dialysis fistula; and a method of supplying oxygenated blood to the venous circulation of a patient. A kit of anastomotic implants is described which supports a broad base of patient anatomies and fistula locations. The devices, systems and methods can be used to treat patients with one or more numerous ailments including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, hypotension, respiratory failure, pulmonary arterial hypertension, lung fibrosis and adult respiratory distress syndrome.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring a user's heart rate and other physiological parameters derived from two electrodes at least one of which is in contact with the user's head. The second electrode is in contact with the user's skin. A heart rate detection circuit is coupled to the electrodes to detect the user's heart rate as electrical potential difference between the first and second electrodes. The electrodes may be integral with user apparel such as hats, headbands, helmets, eyewear, etc. The electrodes may be integral with headphone speakers in contact with the user's ears. The heart rate detection circuit may be integral with or coupled to an audio source device such as an MP3 player or a portable communication device. The detected heart rate may be presented to the user as audio signals or as visually displayed information. A third electrode may be added to improve the quality of the sensed signals.

Abstract: A process for determining the respiration rate of a patient by means of vessel plethysmography. Provisions are made according to the present invention for determining the electric impedance between at least two electrodes by means of a control and analysis unit connected to the body via a plurality of electrodes, for which the control and analysis unit is set up to send an alternating voltage through the body and to determine an indicator of the impedance between at least two electrodes, and to automatically record and evaluate the determined value for the indicator of the impedance as a function of the time in order to determine the respiration rate therefrom.

Abstract: A breath alcohol-measuring device is provided, which includes a mouthpiece which can be inserted or attached, with a blow-in opening and with a blow-out opening and with a hole for breathing gas sampling in the breath alcohol-measuring device. The breath alcohol-measuring device (2) is equipped with a radiation source (3) and with a light guide (4) receiving the radiation of the radiation source (3). The light guide (4) is arranged extending from the housing of the breath alcohol-measuring device (2) up to the blow-out opening of the mouthpiece (1) such that the light guide (4) acts as an illuminating means for the mouthpiece (1).

Abstract: Subdermal needle electrode assemblies that include needle electrodes and connectors for releasably coupling electrical leads to the needle electrodes. The needle electrodes and connectors can be single-use, disposable items and the electrical leads can be reusable. The connectors and needle electrodes can be configured so that the connectors can be clipped or snapped onto the electrical leads electrodes or plugged into or onto the electrical leads. In use the needle electrodes can be inserted through the skin of a patient before the electrical leads are connected to the needle electrodes and used to monitor neurological events, including sensory impulses.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of applying a first electromagnetic signal, e.g. an optical signal, to a tissue portion is described. The apparatus is also capable of applying a second electromagnetic signal from a different portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, e.g. a microwave signal, to the tissue portion. Signals returned from the tissue portion and related to the first electromagnetic signal are analysed to give a first evaluation of the physical and biophysical characteristics of the tissue portion. Signals returned from the tissue portion and related to the second electromagnetic signal are also analysed, and a final evaluation of the physical and biophysical characteristics of the tissue portion is produced, informed by the first evaluation and the analysed second signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for characterizing electrical activity of a patient for making a pregnancy-related diagnosis. The system includes a wearable device for measuring an electrical impedance of a cervical tissue of the patient based on a signal applied to the cervical surface by the device. The system also includes a transmitter coupled to the wearable device for transmitting the measured electrical impedance of the cervical tissue to an analysis system for making a pregnancy-related diagnosis based on the impedance data.

Abstract: A system for the extraction, collection, processing and transplantation of cell subsets, including adult stem cells and platelets, in particular for tissue repair in regenerative medicine, comprises a set of disposable fluid-transport elements that are pre-connected or that include aseptic connectors for making interconnections between them in an aseptic manner or are adapted to be aseptically connected. The set usually includes three kits of disposable sterile elements, a collection kit, a processing kit, and a transplantation kit packaged in a blister pack on a support such as a tray, having one compartment for receiving each inter-connectable kit of the set. The set includes an extracting device, for example including a needle for bone puncture or vein puncture, for extracting bone marrow or other sources of cell subsets from a patient.

Abstract: An intermediate member is disposed between a first member made of a first metal material and a second member made of a second metal material having a different composition from that of the first metal material. The intermediate member is welded to the first member and the second member to connect the first member and the second member to each other. The intermediate member contains at least one metal component, wherein the metal component is Pd, Pt, Rb, Ir or Ta.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed that provide treatment for neurological strokes and other conditions related to obstructed, hemorrhagic or compromised vascular circulation.

Abstract: A device for transmitting vibrations to a person has a supporting element for receiving a human body and at least one vibration generator situated on the back side of the supporting element, which generates vibrations using an electromagnet. A shield made of a material that shields magnetic fields is situated between the supporting element and the electromagnet, and at least one electrical conductor is situated between the shield and the supporting element or on the supporting element for generating a magnetic field.

Abstract: A corset (100) is described comprising a first portion (5) and a second portion (5?) with substantially the same shape as the first portion (5). Each portion (5, 5?) comprises a solid band (50) and a plurality of laces (52) which protrude from one end of the solid band (50). The two portions (5, 5?) are constrained to each other by crossing the laces (52) with each other and by closing the ends of groups of laces by means of closure means (56). The closure means (56) of the laces are connected to tightening means (6) which can be operated manually by the user to tighten the laces (52).

Abstract: Embodiments are provided to reduce a foot drop condition. In an embodiment, an adjustable apparatus includes a lower leg member that can be secured to a lower leg portion of a user. The lower leg member can be adjustably and releasably coupled to a user's footwear to assist in orienting the user's foot at a desired orientation. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a molded brace member that can be secured to a user's lower leg below the calf. The molded brace member can be sized and dimensioned to correspond to the associated measurements of the lower leg of a user afflicted with a foot drop condition. A lacing member can be coupled to the user's footwear and coupled to the molded brace member to orient the user's foot at a desired orientation.

Abstract: A wound dressing (10) including a plurality of discrete, spaced apart pairs of electrodes (18a, 18b) for allowing an electrical property or characteristic of the dressing (10) to be measured. By measuring an electrical characteristic of the dressing, such as the impedance, the hydration thereof can be determined and monitored.

Abstract: A wound dressing comprising a backing layer and a skin facing layer and an absorbent pad, wherein the absorbent pad is sandwiched between the backing layer and the skin facing layer, and the two layers constitutes an envelope, the absorbent pad has an expansion of surface area, when fully expanded, of at least 10%, and wherein the surface area of said envelope is at least 10% larger than the surface area of the non-expanded absorbent pad. The envelope provides room for expansion of the absorbent pad without buckling or folding of the absorbent pad.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compression article, particularly a compression stocking or compression tights, made of an elastic knitted fabric (1) with a base knitted fabric (2), which is made from a knitting thread (S) and inside of which compression-imparting compression threads (K) are deposited. In order to obtain a surface pattern, the manner in which the compression threads (K) are deposited alternates area by area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an appartus for making extracorporeal blood circulation available, in a particular a heart-lung machine, comprising machine, comprising a venous connection and an arterial connection, between which a blood reservoir, a blood pump and a bubble detector for the detection of air bubbles are provided, with, downstream of the bubble detector, an arterial line leading to the arterial connection via an arterial clamp and a bypass leading via a bypass clamp back into the blood reservoir which is connected to a pump extracting air from the blood reservoir. In addition, the present invention relates to a method of operating such an apparatus.

Abstract: A cannulation system (10) for perfusing a patient's circulatory system, includes an inflow cannula (14) having a first end adapted to be connected to said circulatory system and a second end adapted to be connected to a blood pump (19), an outflow cannula (23) having a first end adapted to be connected to the blood pump (19) and a second end adapted to be connected to said circulatory system at a location downstream of the first end of the inflow cannula. The flow of blood from the pump (19) is in series with the normal blood flow of the circulatory system of the patient and creates a localised region of hypertension.

Abstract: In a venous bubble trap (1), having a housing (2) to which fluid, in particular blood, can be delivered essentially tangentially via a fluid inlet (8) and from which fluid can be carried away via a fluid outlet (10), and having a filter device (3) located in the interior of the housing (2), the filter device (3) divides the housing interior into a prefilter region (5) and a postfilter region (6), and the postfilter region (6) surrounds the prefilter region (5) in at least some portions. As a result, air is reliably removed from the fluid.

Abstract: A patient angle sensor is employed in conjunction with gastric feeding devices to shut off or to reverse the flow of fluid in the tube when the angle of a bed ridden patient becomes sufficient to allow gastric juices to percolate up through the esophagus and into the patient's lungs. In this way incidents of aspirational pneumonia in hospitalized patients is significantly reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: A microwave ablation water jet scalpel, used for minimally invasive ablation of human tumor, in the present invention combines a microwave scalpel with a liquid-ejection system in which the liquid-ejecting rate is controllable. The improved microwave scalpel allows normal saline to be ejected into the tissue where the scalpel is working. As a result, this relieves many problems associated with high heat generated during the operation of a microwave.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of applying ultrasonic energy to a treatment site within a patient's vasculature comprises positioning an ultrasound radiating member at a treatment site within a patient's vasculature. The method further comprises activating the ultrasound radiating member to produce pulses of ultrasonic energy at a cycle period T?1 second. The acoustic parameters such as peak power, pulse width, pulse repetition frequency and frequency or any combination of them can be varied non-linearly.

Abstract: A hydration management system includes a console for mounting on an IV pole. A urine collection bag and a hydration fluid bag hang from the console. Urine in the urine collection bag is weighed. An infusion pump is configured to pump hydration fluid from the infusion bag. A controller is responsive to the weight of the urine collection bag and controls the infusion pump to hydrate the patient based on the patient's urine output. An infusion set includes an infusion bag connector, an IV needle connector, and tubing, placed in the infusion pump, extending between the infusion bag connector and the IV needle connector. A urine collection set typically includes the urine collection bag, a catheter connector, and tubing extending between the urine collection bag connector and the catheter connector.

Abstract: A method for calculating a meal bolus in an insulin pump and an insulin pump are disclosed. The insulin pump includes a pump mechanism and a memory configured to store a plurality of food entries in a food database. The insulin pump also includes a programmable circuit arranged to control the pump mechanism and operatively connected to the memory. The programmable circuit is programmed to accept entry of one or more food entries into the food database. The programmable circuit is also programmed to associate each of the one or more food entries with a carbohydrate value. The programmable circuit is programmed to prompt selection of one or more food entries. The programmable circuit is further programmed to calculate a meal bolus based on the one or more food entries.

Abstract: A method of delivering an injectable to a joint region with a needle-free injection system having a chamber with a first end and a second end, an orifice of a pre-selected size in the first end, and a plunger mechanism for ejecting fluids from within the chamber, through the orifice, and onto a target site. When the chamber is filled with an injectable, the plunger mechanism is configured to eject a selected amount of the injectable onto the target site at a pre-determined rate. A skin site adjacent a joint is selected. The orifice is placed in an injection position relative to the skin site, whereby the skin site is the target site. The injectable is ejected onto the skin site with the plunger mechanism, whereby at least a portion of the injectable is delivered through the skin site to intradermal, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and/or intra-articular regions of the joint.

Abstract: A disposable syringe (2) is disclosed. Withdrawal of a plunger handle (18) in the direction of arrow B to fill the syringe causes a moveable safety bobbin (20) to lock, and shaft (16) slides in the direction of arrow B relative to safety bobbin (20) and washer (22). Subsequent depression of plunger handle (18) in the direction of arrow A causes safety bobbin (20) to move along barrel (4), from which position it can not be withdrawn. This therefore prevents subsequent withdrawal of piston (14) and therefore prevents re-use of the syringe.

Abstract: A barrier of a vacuum pump prevents contamination from entering a vacuum pump air line. The barrier separates parts of the pump and is moveable between an initial state and a distended state. The barrier is assembled within the pump with a pre-load. When the vacuum source is applied to the barrier, the barrier achieves a distended state and when the vacuum source is released, the barrier incrementally self returns to an initial state. The geometry and material construction of the barrier, along with the pre-load, assists in returning the barrier on its own to the initial state from the distended state.

Abstract: A new and enhanced device and technique for mixing and dispensing a preserved agent is disclosed. The syringe-like device employs a novel piston fluid channel allowing for various chambers of the syringe to come into fluid communication when the piston is actuated. More especially, the person administering the preserved agent may visually confirm full resuspension and deliver an accurate dosage of the agent.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a medical device package including a container for receiving a medical device having an area configured for storing at least one agent and a port for permitting the passage of a contact material between the outside the container and the area configured for storing the agent.

Abstract: A connecting device for a catheter assembly is disclosed allowing a user to connect a catheter assembly to an adhesive pad which is then capable of anchoring the catheter assembly to a patient's leg. The connecting device may have an introducer body with an extension body and an attachment mechanism. The connecting device can be rotated along with or within a collar in a circular manner in order to facilitate the making of the connection with the adhesive pad. Additionally, the connecting device may contain an enlarged portion to enhance operability.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a catheter can include assembling an inner balloon within a separate outer balloon. The inner and outer balloons can each be open on opposing longitudinal ends and have a central radially expandable portion, and proximal and distal reduced diameter portions on opposite longitudinal end portions of the balloon. The method can further include bonding a portion of an inner surface of the outer balloon proximal reduced diameter portion to a portion of an outer surface of the inner balloon proximal reduced diameter portion and bonding a distal end portion of an elongate catheter shaft to a proximal portion of the bonded inner and outer balloons.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a main catheter branch and a side catheter branch. The main catheter branch includes first and second balloons. The side catheter branch is coupled to the second balloon. The side catheter branch can be coupled to the second balloon portion by passing through a pathway or receiver structure defined in the second balloon. The side catheter branch can also be coupled to the second balloon portion using a connector that connects the side catheter branch to a portion of the main catheter branch that carries the second balloon portion.

Abstract: A catheter may include an elongate member and a distal end therapy-providing portion attached at a distal portion of the elongate member. The elongate member may have an outer generally tubular structure having, firstly, an inner tube structure of rigid material having a circumferential cut through at least a portion of a longitudinal length of the inner tube structure to allow bending of the circumferentially-cut portion of the inner tube structure while maintaining a substantially uniform cross-sectional area and shape at a point of bending, and secondly, a separate outer tube that surrounds and is spaced apart from at least the circumferentially-cut portion of the inner tube structure. The circumferential cut may be a helical cut having a pitch that may vary over the portion of the longitudinal length. An inner diameter of the outer tube may be approximately 0.003? greater than an outer diameter of the inner tube.

Abstract: A catheter system comprises a catheter and a reinforced catheter balloon. The catheter balloon has at least one cone portion and a working portion. The catheter balloon has in cross section the at least one cone portion has a polygonal shape with sides and corners. The balloon is disposed about a longitudinal axis and has an inflated state and an uninflated state. In the uninflated state the working portion of the balloon forms wings which have tips that are circumferentially aligned with the corners of the cone portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for administering a drug to a tumor of a patient includes a first balloon made of a semi-permeable material in which the drug is disposed. The apparatus includes a second balloon disposed in the first balloon, which when expanded forces the drug out of the first balloon, the first and second balloons adapted to be positioned in the tumor for a predetermined post-operative period. A method for administering a drug to a tumor of the patient includes the steps of placing a first balloon having a second balloon disposed in the first balloon in the tumor in the patient. There is the step of filling the first balloon with the drug. There is the step of filling the second balloon with a fluid to expand the second balloon and cause the drug in the first balloon this to be driven out of the first balloon into the tumor.

Abstract: A rapid exchange balloon catheter has a short rapid exchange length for faster catheter exchanges the balloon catheter includes a balloon structure having a balloon leg connected to a catheter shaft. Marker bands may be provided in the balloon leg for facilitating measurement of a dimension of physiological features. A stiffening wire extending longitudinally at least partially into the balloon leg may be provided to supplement and control the flexibility characteristics of the balloon leg.

Abstract: A rapid exchange catheter is disclosed having a single lumen proximal shaft portion with a helical coil or helically cut hypotube component extending within a lumen thereof. The helical coil or helically cut hypotube component provides stiffness and pushability to the catheter. A proximal end of helical coil or helically cut hypotube component is attached within a luer fitting at a proximal end of the proximal shaft portion, such that the helical coil or helically cut hypotube component extends within the proximal shaft lumen in a somewhat cantilevered arrangement unsupported and unattached at any point along its length with the proximal shaft portion. As such, the helical coil or helically cut hypotube component moves independent of the proximal shaft portion to adjust to the twists and turns of the vasculature independent of the proximal shaft portion.

Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a tamper evident cap for placement on a syringe includes a first section for placement about a luer tip of the syringe and a second section for placement above the luer tip when the cap is placed on the syringe. The second section has a slot formed therein that is defined by a ceiling and an opposing floor. The cap also includes a slider received within the slot and being slideable in the slot from at least an open position where the luer tip is accessible through the second section for filling the syringe and a locked position where the luer tip is covered by the slider and access to the luer tip is prevented.

Abstract: Implantable tube, for heating by conduction a heat transfer fluid for injection into all or part of a human or animal tissue, is provided with a wall having distal, median and proximal parts and comprising connecting elements for direct or indirect connection of the distal part to a fluid reservoir, and two means for connection to the terminals of an electric power supply, for incoming and outgoing current in the wall. The tube has a resistance less than 0.01? in its median and proximal parts, and a resistance of between 0.2 and 2 ? in its distal part. The median and proximal parts are connected electrically in series to the distal part; the tube having no additional electrical resistance.

Abstract: A needle-hub assembly, the improvement comprising a small tissue deflector connected to the needle, wherein the deflector deflects tissues away from the hub to prevent needle penetration to the hub, but permits the needle to bend adjacent to the hub, thereby enhancing the retrievability of the needle from the tissues if the needle were to separate.

Abstract: A cannula and cannula driver system comprises a tubular cannula and a driver, the driver comprising an elongated obturator shaft and a handle. A noncircular recess is formed on one of the of the cannula and the obturator shaft which receives a correspondingly-shaped projection formed about the other of the cannula and obturator shaft, so that when the obturator shaft is inserted into the tubular cannula, the projection fits into the recess, whereby torque applied to the handle of the driver is transferred to the cannula.

Abstract: The present invention relates to resector balloons (1) employed in treating endoluminal-endobronchial tumoral lesions and endovascular occlusions encountered in blood vessels and in other hollow tube-like organs (7), such as trachea, windpipe, food pipe, urinary tract, bile ducts. Said resector balloon (1) is composed of a resection tip (2); a resection part (3) that is swollen or inflated in such tube-like organs (7) and is displaced or moved back and forth therein to provide tumor resection; a hardening surface (4) provided on the outer surface of said resection part (3) to shave and destroy such tumoral tissues; a catheter section (5) providing access to an endoluminal site; and an injection terminal (6) capable to inflate said resection part (3) by injecting air or fluid.

Abstract: A safety device for the needle of intravenous catheter apparatus comprising of a tip blocker which blocks the needle tip, a spring assembled in compressed state held by a disc inside the groove of the tip blocker which pushes the tip blocker downwards and a bush fitted in the needle passageway which does not allow the needle to come out of the safety device. The safety device is capable of locking inside it and covering the needle tip so that the needle of intravenous catheter apparatus can be disposed of safely.

Abstract: A trocar comprising an alignment channel and an instrument seal comprising a bending portion and a base portion. The bending and base portions of the instrument seal are spaced relative the alignment channel such that when a surgical instrument is retracted the bending portion inverts and the lip does not enter the alignment channel.

Abstract: A seal assembly includes a first seal, a second seal, and a positioning element. The first seal includes at least one longitudinal slot therein. The second seal includes at least one longitudinal slot therein and is positioned coaxially with the first seal. The positioning element is positioned coaxially with the first seal. The at least one longitudinal slot of the first seal is offset from the at least one longitudinal slot of the second seal in a radial direction from a longitudinal axis of the seal assembly. The seal assembly can be integrated with a closing valve. The seal assembly can also be integrated with a capsule.