Abstract: Harmonic motion is produced in a subject using vibro-acoustography. An ultrasonic imaging system repetitively interrogates the subject and the Doppler shift in the reflected echo signals is analyzed to measure the phase and amplitude of harmonic motion produced in the subject at different prescribed frequencies. Shear wave propagation through the subject is determined from this information and mechanical properties related to “stiffness” of the subject are determined. A Kalman filter is employed in the phase and amplitude measurement to extract the harmonic motion information from background noise.

Abstract: An ultrasonograph capable of generating a transmission beam comprising a main beam having a uniform width over a wide range in an ultrasonic wave propagation direction by one-time transmission of an ultrasonic pulse. A weighted mean value of a plurality of transmission delay time values corresponding to focal lengths of transmission pulse waves having a plurality of focal points which are set in the ultrasonic wave propagation direction is calculated for each of elements constituting a transmission aperture and used as the delay time. The curvature of a transmitted wave front is close to a short focal length in the center portion of the transmit aperture and is close to a long focal length in the peripheral portion. Thus, a transmission beam including a relatively narrow main beam with a uniform width over a wide range in the ultrasonic wave propagation direction can be generated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catheter device, with a position sensor system, for treatment of a partial or complete vessel blockage under image monitoring, with the catheter device featuring a treatment catheter of a vessel blockage, especially by removal or destruction of plaque and/or expansion of the vessel, which is embodied as an integrated unit, especially as a combination catheter, with an OCT catheter and an IVUS catheter for image monitoring and with the position sensor system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatuses and methods to monitor respiration and abnormal respiration events utilizing plethysmography. The apparatuses and methods provide an alternative to conventional respiration monitoring methods while enabling accurate yet minimally interruptive and invasive monitoring of respiration. The methods and apparatuses may be employed in the context of sleep studies to determine respiratory related sleep disorders.

Abstract: Cardiac stroke volume (SV) of a subject is estimated as a function of a value derived from a measured arterial pressure waveform. The value may be the standard deviation, or a function of the difference between maximum and minimum pressure values, or a function of either the maximum value of the first time derivative or the absolute value of the minimum of the first time derivative of the pressure waveform, or both, or a function of the magnitude of one or more spectral components of the pressure waveform at a frequency corresponding to the heart rate. Cardiac output is then estimated as the product of the subject's heart rate and SV, scaled by a calibration constant. Arterial pressure may be measured invasively or non-invasively.

Abstract: A pressure sensor is deployed in the right atrium and is in contact with the tissue of the fossa ovalis. The fossa ovalis acts as a membrane and the pressure sensor determines the relative and/or absolute pressure within the left atrium while remaining within the right atrium. A variety of embodiment are provided to deploy and anchor the sensor into the proper position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for providing information relating to disturbances and/or disease pattern based on a patient's breathing parameters. Preferably, the apparatus has multiple functionalities and provides information relating to different disturbances and/or disease patterns. In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus for identifying different indications of a patient, the apparatus comprising a sensor, for sensing signals indicative of a patient's breathing, a processing unit, for processing and/or analyzing the signals, and display means for displaying the outcome of the processing and/or analysis. The corresponding method for identifying different indications of a patient comprises the steps of sensing signals indicative of a patient's breathing, processing and/or analyzing the signals, and displaying the outcome of the processing and/or analysis.

Abstract: A temperature sensing device including at least a first contact type temperature sensing element determines body core temperature of a warm blooded animal or human based on an estimated skin temperature of the patient which is computed based on temperature measurements obtained by the first sensing element.

Abstract: Method and device for the management of lactating animals wherein the reproduction stage of an animal is correlated with the lactation stage of the animal. A state of the animal is determined by means of automatically obtained sensor data. The state of the animal is graphically illustrated.

Abstract: To assure, in the case of an implantable device for determining intracranial pressures, the biocompatibility of the implant in the long term, wherein a pressure measuring device is used, which is operatively connected to a sensor for a telemetric measured value transfer, it is proposed that the pressure measuring device is a microchip, that the microchip is located in a rigid housing, and that the pressure transfer from the outside inwards occurs through a very thin biocompatible membrane, the pressure-dependent movement of which acts on the pressure measuring device via a transfer medium.

Abstract: A first medical instrument includes a flexible catheter and a medical guidewire extendable beyond a distal end of the catheter. The catheter is adapted to slidably receive a rail-coupling portion of an adjunct medical device. The medical guidewire has first and second segments, wherein the bending moment of inertia of the first segment is less than the bending moment of inertia of the second segment. A second medical instrument includes a flexible catheter, a mechanized guidewire assembly, and a medical guidewire extendable beyond a distal end of the catheter. The catheter is adapted to slidably receive a rail-coupling portion of an adjunct medical device. The medical guidewire has an exterior surface including a repetitive series of spaced-apart surface elevation features. One example of surface elevation features is external threads. The spaced-apart surface elevation features are adapted for operable engagement with the mechanized guidewire drive assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to devices and systems for detecting infection within catheters. In particular, the present invention provides catheter testing systems configured to sterilely collect a biological sample from the interior of a catheter for purposes of testing the biological sample (e.g., for the presence of fibrin, sepsis, etc.).

Abstract: A sensor for blood component analysis, which allows even a trace amount of blood to be led to an analysis portion reliably. The sensor for blood component analysis includes a substrate, a spacer, and a cover. The cover is disposed on the substrate with the spacer intervening between the cover and the substrate, whereby a space that serves as an analysis portion and a channel for leading blood to the analysis portion is formed inside the sensor. Through holes are formed in the substrate and the spacer, respectively, so that a common through hole through which a needle of a lancet can pass is formed when the spacer is disposed on the substrate. The through hole of the spacer communicates with the channel and a top of the through hole of the spacer is covered with the cover, whereby a lancing portion is formed by the common through hole and a portion of the cover covering the top of the through hole of the spacer.

Abstract: A bodily fluid sampling device includes a piercing device and a sensor enclosed in a housing. A cassette, which contains test media, is positioned proximal to the sensor so that the sensor is able to analyze a bodily fluid sample collected on the test media. The cassette includes a supply portion from which unused test media is supplied and a storage portion in which contaminated test media is stored after exposure to the bodily fluid. The cassette is adapted to collect a series of bodily fluid samples without requiring disposal of the test media.

Abstract: Some disclosed embodiments pertain to a guidewire having a stainless steel elongated core member. A nickel-titanium reinforcing member may be located about a distal region of the core member having a reduced diameter, wherein a portion of the distal region of the core member extends beyond the reinforcing member. The nickel-titanium member may have added physical characteristics providing superior flexibility. An outer member may be placed about the distal portion of the core wire and extend over the reinforcing member.

Abstract: A guide wire includes a wire body having a first wire disposed at a distal end thereof and a second wire joined to a proximal end of the first wire. The first wire and the second wire are preferably joined to each other by welding, providing a layer joint therebetween. The joint is of a curved shape, particularly a convex curved shape that is convex toward the proximal end of the wire body. In the joint, at least one component (e.g., Ti) of the material of the first wire decreases toward the proximal end and at least one component (e.g., Fe) of the material of the second wire decreases toward the distal end.

Abstract: A coupling wire guide is structured to be slidably coupled to a previously introduced wire guide, and is also well suited for stand-alone use. The coupling wire guide generally includes a main body having a distal end and a coupling tip connection to the distal end. The coupling tip includes a coupling portion and a tip portion. The coupling portion defines a coupling passageway having a proximal port and distal port for receiving a previously introduced wire guide. The tip portion includes a distal end surface having an atraumatic shape.

Abstract: A system and method for a lithotripter is provided. The system can include a shockwave generator and an ultrasonic transmitting/receiving unit, which are in communication with an evaluating unit. The transmitting/receiving unit can include an ultrasonic transducer that emits ultrasonic pulses and receives ultrasonic waves reflected from a target area of the shockwave generator. The evaluating unit can determine a correlation coefficient of the time correlation between the ultrasonic waves and the ultrasonic pulses and provide a signal related to the coefficient. The method can include emitting ultrasonic pulses from the transducer into a body, receiving the ultrasonic waves reflected from a target object in the body, evaluating the received ultrasonic waves with the evaluating unit to determine the correlation coefficient, and providing a signal related to the correlation coefficient.

Abstract: A removable applicator nozzle for use in treating a wound is provided. The removable applicator nozzle includes a nozzle, a valve and a cup. The nozzle includes a proximal portion, a distal opening and a valve interface. The proximal portion of the nozzle is engagable with a portion of a transducer of an ultrasound wound therapy device. The distal opening of the nozzle allows at least a portion of a tip of the transducer to pass therethrough. The valve is engagable with the valve interface of the nozzle and the valve selectively allows fluid to flow therethrough. The cup includes an aperture and a puncturing device. The aperture is engagable with the valve and the puncturing device is able to puncture a bottle that is inserted on the cup. Fluid flows from the bottle, through the aperture and the valve and onto a tip of the transducer. The fluid is then moved to the distal opening of the nozzle by a vacuum effect.

Abstract: An ultrasound surgical apparatus and associated methods of use enabling relatively pain-free wound debridement is provided. The apparatus is constructed from a tip mechanically coupled to a shaft. The shaft is mechanical coupled to an ultrasound transducer driven by a generator. The ultrasound tip possesses at least one radial surface, a cavity, or some other form of a hollowed out area, within at least one of the radial surfaces, and a cutting member at the opening of the cavity. A method of debriding a wound and/or tissue with the apparatus can be practiced by delivering ultrasonic energy released from the various surfaces of the vibrating tip to the wound and/or tissue prior to and/or while portions of the tip are scrapped across the wound and/or tissue.

Abstract: A wearable action-assist device which assists or executes an action of a wearer by substituting for the wearer is provided with an action-assist tool 2 having an actuator 201 which gives power to the wearer 1, a biosignal sensor 221 which detects a wearer's biosignal, a biosignal processing unit 3 which acquires from a biosignal “a” detected by the biosignal sensor a nerve transfer signal “b” for operating a wearer's muscular line skeletal system, and a myoelectricity signal “c” accompanied with a wearer's muscular line activity, an optional control unit 4 which generates a command signal “d” for causing the actuator 201 to generate power according to the wearer's intention using the nerve transfer signal “b” and the myoelectricity signal “c” acquired by the biosignal processing unit 3, and a driving current generating unit 5 which generates a current according to the nerve transfer signal b and a current according to the myoelectricity signal “c”, respectively, based on the command signal “d” generated by th

Abstract: An apparatus for high frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) comprises a patient interface which includes an expandable air chamber and an air pulse generator in fluid communication with the patient interface. The air pulse generator includes a variable displacement air chamber and programmable controller which controls the air pulse generator to vary the frequency and volume of air pulses delivered to the patient interface such that HFCWO therapy may be programmed for a particular patient.

Abstract: An orthopedic stabilization device for use on a shoulder of a wearer for shoulder stabilization includes a torso portion having a closed end side and an open end side, the torso portion adapted to be secured around an upper torso of the wearer, a sleeve disposed on the torso closed end side, the sleeve adapted to be secured around a shoulder and an upper arm of the wearer, and a first plurality of straps, connected at their proximal end to the sleeve, the first plurality of straps having a first plurality of fasteners disposed at their distal end. The orthopedic stabilization device further includes a second plurality of straps having a second plurality of fasteners disposed at each end, whereby customizable restriction of shoulder movement may be attained by securing the first and second plurality of straps to the torso portion at various positions.

Abstract: A spinal orthosis comprising a torso unit, a base member secured to the torso unit, a spring biased hinge connected at a first end to the base member and connected at a second end to a sternal support, and one or more sternal pads (or plates) connected to the sternal support. The sternal pads (or plates) may be adapted to provide a posteriorly directed force based on a bias of the spring biased hinge. The spring biased hinge may include a receiving portion that can have an adjustment mechanism at a first end and a spring to provide bias for the spring biased hinge, wherein the adjustment mechanism can be moveable through the receiving portion so as to adjust the bias of the spring biased hinge.

Abstract: A functional ankle brace is custom tailored to optimize the magnitude and direction of the stiffness and fit of the ankle brace, so as to slow down the inverting motion of the ankle joint enough to allow the muscles enough time to act on their own.

Abstract: The joint (36) comprises a tubular body (37) having two connecting zones (38, 39) each connected by an end to a tubular element (40) of a fluid transport line, giving continuity to passage of fluid. The tubular body is made of a mixture of an electrically-conductive material such as PVC, with carbon black to give it electrical conductivity. The joint has an internal surface (41) which is destined to come into contact with the transported fluid, and an external surface which is destined to have a grounded galvanic contact. The joint is inserted in the discharge fluid drainage line of a dialyzer filter, in an apparatus for intensive treatment of acute renal insufficiency, for eliminating ECG artefacts due to functioning of peristaltic pumps in the apparatus.

Abstract: A punctal plug inserted into the punctum-canaliculus, includes a shaft, a tip portion attached to one end of said shaft and a brim attached to the other end of said shaft, and a thin member penetrated into either one or all 3 out of said tip portion, shaft and brim, or said tip portion and shaft, or said shaft and brim. The thin member is thread 0.05 mm or less in diameter. The brim is disk shaped and the diameter of the brim is far smaller than the diameter of the tip. A protuberance is attached to the tip portion.

Abstract: A method and system for imaging, diagnosing, and/or treating an area of interest in a patient's body is provided. More particularly, a manually steered “rapid exchange” type catheter for a system for imaging, diagnosing, and/or treating an area of interest in a patient's body is provided. The catheter comprises a catheter body configured to be introduced to an area of interest in a patient's body, a device for imaging, diagnosing, and/or treating the area of interest contained within the catheter body, and a manual steering device attached to the imaging, diagnosing, and/or treating device to allow an operator to manually steer the imaging, diagnosing, and/or treating device, wherein the catheter is configured to be mounted on a commercially available guidewire.

Abstract: The fluid control device is attached to tubes carrying irrigation solution to form the system. The control device splits the flow through a fiber optic scope and a fluid control unit. The fluid control unit controls rate of flow and direction. The flow of fluid into the joint, out of the joint, or no flow is easily controlled by the operator. The device also allows more than one inflow, useful when using suction or suction shaving devices. The increased flow prevents collapse of a joint space and maintains clear visualization. The fluid flow relies on gravity by having a fluid reservoir positioned at a high point in the system.

Abstract: A disposable, wearable, self-contained insulin dispensing device includes a housing and an insulin source in the housing that is connected to a catheter for injecting insulin into a user. The catheter projects generally perpendicularly to a generally planar surface of the housing configured for abutting a skin surface of the user; which planar surface includes an adhesive layer for adhering the housing surface to the skin surface. A removable release sheet covers the adhesive layer for protecting the adhesive layer prior to use of the device. The release sheet is provided with a catheter protection element to enclose and protect an end portion of the catheter, such that removal of the release sheet for exposing the adhesive layer also exposes the end portion. A pump in the housing includes an actuator employing a shape memory alloy wire.

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: The present invention provides a balloon which achieves diameters greater than 6 mm for securement to a catheter. The balloon includes an elastomeric generally hollow pressure expandable body which exhibits essentially radial symmetry and constant length when expanded under an internally applied minimum working pressure from an uninflated state.

Abstract: Described herein are bioerodible, biodegradable, or digestible self-deploying intragastric implants that may be swallowed. Once swallowed, the implants undergo self-expansion in the stomach and apply a suitable pressure against the stomach wall to provide a feeling of satiety to the individual. The implants then dissolve or are disassembled perhaps using gastric liquids and pass out of the stomach. Methods of using the devices, perhaps for an individual participating in a dietary control regimen, are described.

Abstract: The invention concerns an injection device with a housing adapted to receive a syringe having a discharge nozzle and a plunger. There is a trigger and a drive arranged to act upon the plunger on actuation of the trigger to advance the syringe from a retracted position to an extended position through an opening in the housing. A locking mechanism is arranged in and moveable relative to the housing. The locking mechanism is engaged with the plunger when the syringe is not in its extended position and disengaged from the plunger when the syringe is in its extended position. This means that movement of the plunger relative to the syringe is prevented when, in use, the syringe is advanced from a retracted position to an extended position. Hence the contents of the syringe are not expelled from the syringe during advancement from the retracted position to the extended position. The contents are only expelled when the syringe reaches the extended position.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for delivery of infusion medium has a coil and an armature moveable toward a forward position, in response to the electromagnetic field produced by activation of the coil. A piston is moveable axially within a piston channel to a forward position, in response to movement of the armature to its forward position. The armature and piston are moved toward a retracted position, when the coil is not energized. In the retracted position of the piston, a piston chamber is formed between the piston and a valve member and is filled with infusion medium. As the piston is moved to its forward position, the piston chamber volume is reduced and pressure within the piston chamber increases to a point where the pressure moves the valve member into an open position through an outlet.

Abstract: A seal assembly for use in conjunction with a trocar assembly includes a seal body adapted for sealing about an instrument inserted through the trocar assembly. The seal assembly also includes a protector adjacent the seal body for protecting the seal body from instruments passing through the seal body. The protector comprises a plurality of protector segments woven together in a non-planar arrangement.

Abstract: A medical line securement device holds a medical article such as a connector fitting for a catheter or a catheter adaptor in position upon the body of a patient and inhibits axial motion of the medical article. The securement device includes a retainer with a base and a cover. The cover is hinged to the base such that it may be moved between an open and closed position. The base and cover each have a groove which cooperate when the cover is in the closed position to form a channel through the retainer. The medical article includes an elongated body which is received within the groove of the retainer, the elongated body lying between at least a pair of regions of larger radius of the medical article. By receiving the portion of the elongated body of the medical article between the regions of larger radius, axial motion of the medical article through the groove is inhibited. The retainer may also include one or more slots to receive any radial projections of the medical article within the retainer.

Abstract: A needle tip spring protector for a needle having a proximal end, a distal end, and a shaft extending therebetween. The needle tip spring protector includes a spring that circumferentially surrounds a portion of the needle shaft and is restrained in a state wherein its inner diameter is large enough to allow the shaft to move freely within the spring. When the needle is moved to a position in which its distal end is at least partly within the spring, at least one of the ends of the spring releases from restraint such that the spring automatically returns to a state in which its inner diameter is sized so as to grippingly engage the shaft of the needle. Thus, after activation, the spring securely surrounds the distal end of the needle to protect healthcare workers and others from accidental contact with the needle's distal end. When used in conjunction with a catheter assembly, the needle tip spring protector may passively release from the catheter hub after the spring is automatically activated.

Abstract: An injection device comprising a housing and a dose setting mechanism including a dose setting element. Contrary to prior art injection devices, the dose setting element can only be set at a few different dose settings. This is established by forming the dose setting element as a rotatable dish concealed within the housing and having a number of projections projecting outside the boundaries of the housing through a slot in the housing. A dose is set by activating a projection which in addition provides the user with a tactile guidance. Usually one projection is provided for one dose setting limiting the number of doses to be set to the number of projections.

Abstract: Systems and methods of co-injecting a solid object and an amount of fluid into a patient's tissue includes separably coupled syringe and needle portions. The syringe portion includes a barrel, a plunger, and a pushrod for disposing the solid object that is capable of independent movement with respect to the plunger. The needle portion includes a hollow needle configured to allow both the object and the fluid to pass out of the needle and into the patient's tissue. The needle portion may include a housing located behind the needle that is configured to hold the solid object. Once the needle portion and the syringe portion are coupled together, the device is operated in accordance with methods of the present invention to effectively co-inject the patient with the object and the amount of fluid.

Abstract: A vascular access device for communicating with the vascular system of a patient may include a status indicator. The status indicator may detect and signal that a period of time has elapsed in relation to the use of the vascular access device.

Abstract: A medical connector contains a plurality of arms having respective entrance ports. The medical connector also contains a cover preferably having first and second caps coupled together by a first tether, and a fastener coupled to at least one of the first and second caps by a second tether. The fastener is secured to a portion of the medical connector. The first and second caps are adapted to cover at least a portion of the entrance ports of respective first and second arms of the plurality of arms. The medical connector preferably has a sleeve that is detachably coupled to a first arm of the plurality of arms. The first cap preferably comprises a first portion with a first inner diameter adapted to encircle an end of the first arm and a second portion with a second inner diameter adapted to encircle a distal end of the sleeve.

Abstract: Microneedle arrays are provided for use on a contoured or flexible tissue surface. In one embodiment, the microneedle array includes a plurality of microneedles, each having a base portion, a tip end portion distal to the base portion, and body portion therebetween; and a flexible substrate which comprises a plurality of apertures, each of which are defined by (i) a plurality of substrate elements which are integral with the base portions of the microneedles, and (ii) at least one spring element connecting at least two of the substrate elements. The spring element may include a curved element, such as a C-shaped, U-shaped, or S-shaped element. Apertures may be defined, for example, by two substrate elements, which connected to three or four spring elements. A skin patch is provided for therapeutic or diagnostic applications, which includes the microneedle array and an adhesive material.

Abstract: An access port for subcutaneous implantation is disclosed. Such an access port may comprise a body for capturing a septum for repeatedly inserting a needle therethrough into a cavity defined within the body. Further, the access port may include at least one feature structured and configured for identification of the access port subsequent to subcutaneous implantation. Methods of identifying a subcutaneously implanted access port are also disclosed. For example, a subcutaneously implanted access port may be provided and at least one feature of the subcutaneously implanted access port may be perceived. Further, the subcutaneously implanted access port may be identified in response to perceiving the at least one feature.

Abstract: A wound irrigation kit includes a basin for collecting irrigation fluid that is configured to closely fit the specific body part that is to be irrigated. The kit optionally includes a grommet that can be readily incorporated into the basin to allow for active draining of the basin during the irrigation procedure. The kit also optionally includes a flexible irrigation shield that can be attached to an existing irrigation device and that can be readily modified to vary its length.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for use in the sterile sampling of liquid from a container, the apparatus having a normally vertical tubular sight chamber coupled by its lower end to a sample port assembly. The upper end of the chamber is fitted with an inlet tube through which sample liquid can be received and a filtered vent to allow air to flow to and from the sight chamber while preventing the ingress of bacteria in to the chamber. The sample port assembly has a tubular body encasing a sheathed needle assembly so that evacuated phials can be inserted into the body and pressed onto the needle assembly to withdraw samples of liquid collected in the sight chamber, the sight chamber preferably having transparent walls that are marked with graduations so that each phial can be withdrawn from the needle assembly after the desired amount of liquid has been collected.

Abstract: A portable, hands-free and user friendly breast pump for facilitating breast-feeding, incorporates a dome-shaped housing having a servomotor mechanism; a hat-shaped flange having a chamber portion, a brim portion and an outlet, the chamber portion being formed so as to be placed over a nipple on a breast so as to define a chamber between the flange and the breast, and the brim portion being formed to surround the nipple and thereby form a suction seal therebetween; and a one-way venting element formed to operatively communicate with the chamber so as to vent pumped milk from the chamber via the outlet. The housing, the flange and the venting element are connected into an integral device held against the breast and underneath clothing so as to keep the integral device hidden. Breast milk is collected via a plastic collection bag that connects directly with the pump underneath clothing such that the milk is isolated from any contaminants in the air and may be easily stored immediately after being collected.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a cover layer, a barrier layer and an absorbent system arranged between the cover layer and the barrier layer, the absorbent article being drapeable and possessing the absorbency attributes required of a sanitary napkin.

Abstract: A pant-type absorbent article having an absorbent assembly having an absorbent core and a chassis, wherein the front and back portions are joined to each other along two opposite longitudinal side edges to define a waist-opening and a pair of leg-openings, at least one of the front and back portions has an elastic web material, a crotch portion located between the front portion and the back portion in the longitudinal direction of the article, the front portion having a length in the longitudinal direction, the back portion having a length in the longitudinal direction, and the crotch portion having a length in the longitudinal direction, the absorbent assembly overlapping a distance with both the front and back portions, the article having a longitudinal and a transverse direction, wherein the absorbent assembly overlaps no more than 20% of the surface area of each of the front and back portions.

Abstract: An array of disposable absorbent articles. The array has a first absorbent article and a second absorbent article. The first absorbent article is enclosed in a first package having i.) an outer surface wherein the outer surface has an outer surface area and ii.) a first identifier having a first surface area. The first identifier is disposed on the first absorbent article and corresponds to a first absorbency. The first identifier is disposed on the first package. A second absorbent article is enclosed in a second package having i.) an outer surface wherein the outer surface has an outer surface area and ii.) a second identifier having a second surface area. The second identifier is disposed on the second absorbent article and corresponds to a second absorbency. The first surface area of the first absorbent article is different than the second surface area of the second absorbent article.