Abstract: A system and method of monitoring the fluid status of a patient. The system may include a patient monitor that receives blood pressure data. A first fluid model receives the blood pressure data, and a personalized fluid model is derived from the application of the blood pressure data to the first fluid model. An estimation of the patient's fluid status may be derived from the personalized fluid model. The method may include the steps of measuring a first blood pressure value, creating a personalized fluid model, measuring a second blood pressure value, applying the second blood pressure value to the personalized fluid model; and deriving an estimation of the fluid status of the patient.

Abstract: A sphygmomanometer includes a cuff block having a cuff for restricting flow of blood and a base block, to which the cuff block is pivotably connected, having an elbow support for supporting an elbow of a user who inserts his/her arm into the cuff block. The sphygmomanometer further includes a compensating unit to compensate a change of distance from one end of the cuff block to the elbow support, which is caused by a pivotal movement of the cuff block with respect to the base block.

Abstract: The present invention involves method and apparatus for analyzing measured signals that are modeled as containing primary and secondary portions. Coefficients relate the two signals according to a model defined in accordance with the present invention. In one embodiment, the present invention involves utilizing a transformation which evaluates a plurality of possible signal coefficients in order to find appropriate coefficients. Alternatively, the present invention involves using statistical functions or Fourier transform and windowing techniques to determine the coefficients relating to two measured signals. Use of this invention is described in particular detail with respect to blood oximetry measurements.

Abstract: A method of identifying the fossa ovalis in a patient by positioning one or more electrodes against the tissue of the interatrial septum of the patient and acquiring unipolar and/or bipolar electrograms of the tissue of the interatrial septum while moving the electrodes to a plurality of positions against the tissue of the interatrial septum. The fossa ovalis is identified on the basis of unipolar voltage reduction, signal fractionation, broadened signal, reduced signal slew rate, reduced local myocardial impedance, increased phase angle and/or increased pacing threshold. An apparatus for identifying the fossa ovalis is also provided.

Abstract: An airway device is provided that may track the flow of respiratory gases through the device with sensing elements at a plurality of locations along the gas flow path of the device. Such a device may be useful for assessing a variety of clinical states, for adjusting patient ventilator settings, or for determining whether or not an airway device has been properly inserted into a patient airway.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a system and a method for the automatic detection of the expiratory flow limitation of a subject. In an embodiment thereof the system for the automatic detection of expiratory flow limitation of a subject comprises determining the respiratory impedance of the subject comprising an imaginary component and, eventually, of a real part or, at least, by applying a forcing signal with one or more spectral components to the airway opening of a subject combined with measuring time courses of pressure and flow at the airway opening; determining at least one index linked to respiratory impedance or pressure and flow time courses; indicating the positioning of at least one index in relation to a preset threshold value.

Abstract: An implantable urodynamic system includes an implantable first device deployable in a patient's bladder, an implantable second device deployable in a patient's vaginal canal, and a data acquisition and analysis module or processing unit external to the body of the patient. The first device includes a magnet and an inductive coil, and the second device includes a magnet, an inductive coil and a battery. When deployed in the patient's body, attraction between the magnets maintains the two devices in close proximity to one another to effect an inductive coupling between the coils so that the first device may be powered by the battery of the second device. The urodynamic system is intended to facilitate measurement, collection, and wireless transmission of real-time, or near real-time, data (bladder pressure, abdominal pressure, and temperature) from an ambulatory patient.

Abstract: A biopsy system for retrieving biopsy tissue samples from different regions of the body is disclosed. The biopsy system includes a single use loading unit having a trocar assembly and a knife assembly. A trocar driver is operably connected to the trocar assembly and is actuable to move a trocar between retracted and advanced positions. The trocar driver is disengaged from the trocar assembly prior to firing the trocar into a target tissue mass to reduce drag on the trocar during firing. A knife driver is operably connected to the knife assembly such that when actuated, a knife is both rotatably and axially advanced about the trocar.

Abstract: A system for preparing a cytological suspension based on a fixing solution. The system containing a cytological sample-taking brush and a flask having an opening for receiving the cytological sample-taking brush that is detachably fastened to a handle, and includes a brush-receiving filter basket that is at least partially immersed in a suspension.

Abstract: A medical device, such as a medical guidewire, having a portion including an inner zone of material and an outer peripheral zone of material surrounding the inner zone of material. The inner zone of material has a first coefficient of thermal expansion and the outer peripheral zone of material has a second coefficient of thermal expansion less than the first coefficient of thermal expansion, wherein at an operating temperature the outer peripheral zone of material opposes expansion of the inner zone of material such that the outer peripheral zone of material exerts a compressive stress on the inner zone of material.

Abstract: A guide wire includes a wire body having an elongate reshapeable section at its distal part. The guide wire may include a surface of the reshapeable section being provided with a plurality of grooves extending in a direction different from the longitudinal direction of the reshapeable section.

Abstract: A device and method for the treatment of mouth sores or ulcers, such as canker sores. The device includes a vacuum bulb connected to a treatment tip via a fluid-tight conduit. The device allows for a vacuum to be applied to the area of a canker sore by positioning of the tip and actuation of the vacuum bulb. Through gentle application of a vacuum to the area afflicted with a canker sore, the sensitivity of the afflicted area is diminished and the healing process is significantly improved. The device preferably includes disposable applicator tips.

Abstract: A back massaging device includes two eccentric rotation members each having an eccentric hole and a resting face, and two swing arms each provided with a mounting hole which has a sliding face. Thus, when each of the swing arms is pressed by the user's body, the sliding face of each of the swing arms is slidable on the resting face of the respective eccentric rotation member to freely adjust the angle of each of the swing arms, so that the first massaging member and the second massaging member of each of the swing arms touch the user's body evenly and exactly, and the pressing force applied by the first massaging member and the second massaging member are distributed evenly and smoothly on the user's body.

Abstract: A stimulator pad includes a layer of support material and at least one stimulator node secured to and supported by the support layer, the stimulator node comprising a housing having one end region secured relative to the support layer and the other end defining an aperture which in use confronts a body surface and in which at least one pressure member includes a plurality of pressure member components is resiliently located, resilient biasing device provided within the housing to act between the support layer or a base portion of the housing and at least some of the pressure member components to urge the at least some of the pressure member components to protrude through the housing aperture, and a layer of flexible cover material which extends over at least one of the pressure members.

Abstract: A device for applying compression treatment to a part of a wearer's body includes an S-shaped bladder with at least first and second spaced apart sections in fluid communication. At least one opening is formed between the first and second sections. The at least one opening may a single opening extending along a majority of a length of the first and second sections. The at least one opening may be a plural of openings. At least one opening may be formed between the second section and a third section of the bladder.

Abstract: A vibration dampening device includes a strap or band wrapped around a human body part. The strap includes one or more wing sections, either integrally formed or engaged thereto, that extend beyond the nominal width of the strap and have freedom of movement with respect to the strap. The distal ends of step members engaged to the strap may form wing sections. Wing section movement counteracts longitudinal vibrations traveling through soft tissue and musculature to dampen such vibrations. Optionally, a tension limiter may be provided to help maintain wrapping tension at or below a desired level, such as 3 pounds-force or below, which applied at a strap area of 0.093 square inches is about 32 psi.

Abstract: Finger splints for use in connection with distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint fractures are disclosed. The splints include a ring element for positioning around a finger at a location proximal to the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint and include an extension member that extends over the DIP joint and attaches to the fingernail.

Abstract: An orthopedic bracing system for providing support to a joint of an individual is provided. The bracing system includes a frame configured to conform to the individual's body and configured to contact the individual such that it can provide support to the joint. The frame has at least two portions configured to connect at least a first part of the individual's body to a second part of the individual's body. The bracing system further includes a cable interconnected to the frame, and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the tightness level of the cable.

Abstract: This invention comprises a flexible ocular device for implantation into the eye formed of a biocompatible elastomeric material, foldable to a diameter of 1.5 mm or less, comprising a fluid drainage tube having at one end a foldable plate adapted to locate the device on the inner surface of the sclera in a suprachoroidal space formed by cyclodialysis, said drainage tube opening onto the disc at one end and opening to the anterior chamber when implanted into the eye at its other end, so as to provide aqueous pressure regulation. Also provided are methods for the treatment of glaucoma utilizing the flexible ocular device, and an ocular pressure spike shunt.

Abstract: An apparatus for debridement of devitalized tissue in skin lesions, that includes a plurality of height- and angle-adjustable inlet tubes and at least one outlet tube and a member that forms an occlusive seal around a skin lesion. The plurality of inlet tubes is adapted for directing a continuous stream of enzymatic solution to the surface and into the entire volume of the wound bed of the lesion and the at least one outlet is adapted for removing the enzymatic solution, fluids draining from the lesion and tissue debris from the occluded skin lesion.

Abstract: An insufflating surgical instrument adapted for movement across an abdominal wall to insufflate an abdominal region of a patient is disclosed comprising a shaft having an insufflation channel adapted for connection to a source of fluid under pressure at the proximal end, a tip at the distal end of the shaft, and at least one vent hole formed at the tip or the shaft being in connection with the insufflation channel and being adapted to expel the fluid under pressure to insufflate the abdominal region. At least one of the tip and the shaft is translucent or transparent to facilitate visualization of the abdominal region. The shaft includes a lumen extending along the axis between the proximal end and the distal end to enable insertion of a laparoscope. The lumen and insufflation channel may be formed as separate channels or as one shared channel.

Abstract: A multiple component cartridge includes a barrel defining a chamber and a longitudinal axis. A first plunger is disposed within the chamber and in sealing engagement with the barrel. The first plunger includes at least one member and is movable relative to the barrel such that the at least one member is configured for movement relative to the first plunger to facilitate passage of at least a first component through the first plunger. A second plunger is disposed within the chamber and in sealing engagement with the barrel. The second plunger includes at least one member and is movable relative to the barrel such that the at least one member of the second plunger is configured for movement relative to the second plunger to facilitate passage of at least a second component through the second plunger.

Abstract: Instruments, systems and methods are provided for performing submucosal medical procedures in a desired area of the digestive tract using endoscopy. Instruments include a safe access needle injection instrument, a submucosal tunneling instrument, a submucosal dissection instrument, a mucosal resection device. Systems include a combination of one or more of such instruments with or without injectable agents. Embodiments of various methods for performing the procedures are also provided.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for removing fluid from a bodily tissue.

Abstract: A safety syringe includes a barrel, an inner tube movably mounted in the barrel, and an elastic member mounted on the barrel and connected with the inner tube to pull the inner tube outward relative to the barrel. Thus, the elastic member is made of plastic or rubber material to largely decrease the cost of fabrication of the safety syringe.

Abstract: A kit of parts comprises a system and instructions for use for controlling patient temperature which uses a central venous line catheter having a heat exchange element. The central venous line catheter is provided with one or more lumens for providing access to the central blood supply of the patient, and with additional lumens for communicating heat exchange fluid to the heat exchange element. Heat exchange fluid temperature is controlled through a feed back loop in which patient temperature is sensed and used to control a temperature control unit comprising a heating device and/or a cooling device in heat exchange relationship with the heat exchange fluid. A tubing set transports the heat exchange fluid between the central venous line and the temperature control unit, with a pump serving to circulate the fluid in a closed fluid circuit in the system.

Abstract: A disposable infusion device comprises a reservoir that holds a liquid medicament, a pump that displaces the liquid medicament from the reservoir to the patient, at least one valve that conducts the displaced medicament from the reservoir, and a fluid conduit that conducts the medicament from the reservoir, to the pump, and to the patient. The device includes a layered structure that defines the reservoir, pump, valve, and fluid conduit.

Abstract: A disposable wearable infusion device comprises a body arranged to be adhered to a patient's skin and to receive a cannula to extend from the infusion device to beneath the patient's skin, a reservoir for holding a liquid medicament to be infused into the patient, and a pump that displaces a volume of the liquid medicament from the reservoir to the cannula for delivery to the patient. The body has a port aligned with the cannula that permits the cannula to assume a deployed position to extend from the infusion device to beneath the patient's skin. The device further comprises a cover that blocks the port to preclude direct access to the cannula through the port after deployment.

Abstract: A pressure connection device for a guidewire unit that is operated with a pressure medium is provided. A return valve is mounted in the interior of a tube end section of a pressure medium tube of the guidewire unit, the return valve opening for introducing the pressure medium into the pressure medium tube and closing in order to prevent the pressure medium from escaping from the pressure medium tube, and/or a connecting body accommodates the tube end section of the pressure medium tube and has a pressure medium-controlled tube holding element which secures the tube end section to the connecting body in a fluid-tight manner when impinged upon with pressure and, in a pressure-relieved state, releases it so it can be detached from the connecting body.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides substrates having a lubricious coating thereon. The substrate may be flexible and include, in embodiments, a medical device. The lubricious coating, in embodiments, is applied in a pattern so that the coating avoids delamination and/or fracturing which might otherwise occur as the substrate flexes and/or stretches.

Abstract: A catheter for use in neurosurgery, and a method of positioning neurosurgical apparatus. The catheter has a fine tube arranged for insertion into the brain parenchyma of a patient with an external diameter of not more than 1.0 mm. The catheter and method may be used in stereotactically targeting treatment of abnormalities of brain function, and for the infusion of therapeutic agents directly into the brain parenchyma. This is advantageous when a therapeutic agent would have widespread unwanted effects which could be avoided by confining the delivery to the malfunctioning or damaged brain tissue.

Abstract: A portal device maintains an opening in the skin of a patient to allow for the passage of surgical device therethrough. Tabs disposed at one end of the portal device may be used to resist removal of the device, retract soft tissue from the operative site, and seal the opening to prevent the escape of gases or liquids.

Abstract: A winged catheter securing tape including a base having a non-adhesive upper surface and an adhesive lower surface, spaced areas of adhesive on said upper surface with a first non-adhesive area therebetween, and a second non-adhesive area on said lower surface in opposition to said first non-adhesive area.

Abstract: An injection device of the kind having a main housing (4) is disclosed and includes a drive mechanism (42) to expel selectively a dose of medicament from a medicament cartridge (40) through a needle unit (22) and an electronic control unit to control the drive mechanism (42). The injection device further comprises a prime button (26) which causes a prime signal to be sent to the electronic control unit, the electronic control unit actuating the drive mechanism (42) to expel a predetermined small dose of medicament on receipt of the prime signal. In this way removal of entrapped air from the medicament cartridge (40) is obtained.

Abstract: A device for dosing a substance, including at least one rotating element and at least one coding element associated with the rotating element, using which the rotational position of the rotating element can be identified, further including at least one reference element whereby a reference signal is generated at pre-set positions or changes in position, and a method for identifying the rotational position of a rotating element which serves to set a dose, wherein the rotational position of the rotating element is identified by a coding which is only read or evaluated when a reference signal is generated at pre-set rotational positions or positional transitions.

Abstract: A flow delivery system including a syringe that includes an outer plastic shell, a leur and a plunger; and a needle and/or a catheter that embodies a hub and a cannula which delivers a solution of a material. Various structures are included to provide locking engagements, torque sensitive connections, sufficient interfacing between components and visual conformation of connectors. The syringe assembly can also include an approach to a filter. Moreover, an approach to sterilization is provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of an ophthalmic apparatus are disclosed for administering fluids to the eye. In one disclosed embodiment, the ophthalmic apparatus includes an eye-positioning device for assisting a subject in positioning an eye in a desired position for administering the fluid and a fluid applicator for dispensing the fluid into the eye when the eye is in the desired position.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treatment of damaged tissue are disclosed, including treatment of wounds by employing non-electrically powered, reduced pressure therapy devices. Maintenance and control of the sub atmospheric pressure exerted may be provided by such devices while minimizing discomfort to the user. The devices may be configured to be worn inconspicuously underneath clothing.

Abstract: The automatic pubic area cleansing system includes a ventilated diaper and a removable insert pad. At least one sensor is disposed in the system. The sensors are connected to a control unit that activates a ventilating and evacuating system when moisture is detected in the diaper. A massage head is disposed in a rear portion of the pad and can provide stimulation to the coccyx area of the patient to prevent the formation of a decubitus ulcer in the region.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided that includes a top sheet and a back sheet joined to form side seam regions. An absorbent core is disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet; and laterally oriented elastics are disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet. The elastics include a first elastic region disposed adjacent to the front end and a second elastic region disposed adjacent the first elastic region. The second elastic region includes one or more elastic elements that extend between the side seam regions. The elastic elements have internal cuts adjacent the side seams in a configuration that relieves elastic tension adjacent the side seams regions.

Abstract: Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders, training pants and the like, having elastomeric ear panels and a fastening system that provides the user with different options as to how the absorbent article may be fitted to and removed from the wearer. The absorbent articles allow the wearer to choose between conventional and pull-on diaper configurations, or combinations thereof, and properly and comfortably fit a large range of wearer sizes. Further, the absorbent articles can be pulled on and/or off as a pant. This feature is provided by the ear panels which maintain sufficient tension to hold the diaper on the wearer throughout the period of use without harming the wearer's skin, while providing enough stretch to allow the diaper to be pulled up or down over the wearer's hips. The fastening system is refastenable for convenience yet strong enough to maintain the diaper in a fastened configuration without becoming detached if the diaper is pulled on or off the wearer.

Abstract: A pre-assembled medical fluid flow system and method of making same are disclosed. The system includes a first sterilized fluid flow system component, a second sterilized fluid flow system component and a flow path for providing fluid communication therebetween. The flow path includes an isolated portion. An openable closure isolates the isolated portion from the first sterilized fluid system component, and a microorganism filter is disposed between and isolates the isolated portion of the flow path and the second sterilized fluid flow system component. Therefore, fluid from the isolated portion of the flow path must flow through the microorganism filter to reach the second sterilized fluid flow system component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to unitary bottle for injection, more particularly, to a unitary medicine bottle having an integral structure where a medicine container is easily connected with a plastic container including a solution at a completely sterilized state so that powdered, freeze-dried or liquid medicine is mixed with the solution with one touch for a short time. The unitary medicine bottle for injection according to the present invention comprises: a plastic container equipped with a coupling member connected with a medicine container at one end and a releasing member for releasing a liquid medicine to be at the other end; a protection cap integrally formed with the coupling member to accept the medicine container; and a flue needle which moves forward in a direction of the medicine container and perforates a stopper of the medicine container and is inserted in the coupling member connecting the plastic container with the medicine container.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a needle guard device or system that can be used with drugs requiring reconstitution. The needle guard is preferably a passive needle guard that can be used during reconstitution without activating the safety mechanism. Following administration of the medication, the needle guard shields a user from inadvertent needle sticks by extending a protective shield over the needle.

Abstract: An apparatus for accessing a site within a body includes a cannula and an elongate member. The cannula has a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. The elongate member has a distal end configured for insertion into the lumen, wherein the distal end of the elongate member is attachable to and releasable from the distal end of the cannula. A method for accessing a site within a body includes inserting a distal end of an elongate member into a lumen of a cannula, detachably attaching the distal end of the elongate member to the cannula, and steering a distal end of the cannula to a desired site using the elongate member.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing and applying therapy or prophylaxis to wounds, in which irrigant fluid containing a physiologically active material from a reservoir connected to a conformable wound dressing and wound exudate from the dressing are recirculated by a device for moving fluid through a flow path which passes through the dressing and a means for fluid cleansing and back to the dressing. A biodegradable scaffold underlies the dressing on the wound bed to promote tissue growth. The cleansing means (which may be a single-phase, e.g. micro-filtration, system or a two-phase, e.g. dialytic system) removes materials deleterious to wound healing, and the cleansed fluid, still containing materials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing, is returned to the wound bed. The dressing, an assembly comprising the dressing and scaffold, and a method of treatment using the apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method for transitioning between therapeutic substances to be delivered at different flow rates to a patient. The first therapeutic substance is delivered to the patient at a known flow rate, a bridge duration equal to the known volume divided by the known flow rate is calculated; and the flow rate is controlled following introduction of a second therapeutic substance into the reservoir. If the second flow rate is lower than the first flow rate, delivery is begun of at least one of the first therapeutic substance and the second therapeutic substance at the second flow rate at least as soon as the bridge duration is over. Otherwise, delivery is begun of the at least one of the first therapeutic substance and the second therapeutic substance at the second flow rate at least as late as when the bridge duration is over.

Abstract: In some implementations, a method of ablating body tissue includes (a) locating an inflatable balloon portion of a cryotherapy balloon catheter at a treatment site internal to a patient's body, and inflating the inflatable balloon portion; (b) employing electrodes that are disposed on an expandable surface of the inflatable balloon portion to electrically characterize body tissue at the treatment site; (c) ablating the body tissue by supplying a cryotherapy agent to the inflatable balloon portion to cool the body tissue to a therapeutic temperature; (d) employing the electrodes to determine whether the ablating caused desired electrical changes in the body tissue; and (e) repeating (c) and (d) when it is determined that the ablating did not cause the desired electrical changes.

Abstract: A method and system for delivering energy to affect the signs of aging is described. Energy is delivered to a target volume of a muscle such that the energy creates a lesion in the target volume. A characteristic of the lesion is controlled to affect movement of the muscle.

Abstract: A method of treating an intervertebral disc includes inserting an introducer into an intervertebral disc, inserting a catheter through the introducer and into the intervertebral disc, advancing a distal region of the catheter through a nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc to an annular wall of an annulus fibrosus, delivering energy to material of the intervertebral disc using an electrode disposed at the distal region of the catheter, and removing the material with the delivered energy, wherein removing material with the delivered energy reduces pressure in the intervertebral disc.