Abstract: An arm structure includes: a pair of arms; a support post; a support member; a cam provided in one of the pair of arms; a shaft member inserted through a lateral insertion hole of the support member; and a pair of ring-shaped members provided in end portions of the shaft member, wherein by turning the one of the arms around its axis thereby to make the cam revolve, a force works to make the shaft member move, and due to its reaction force the ring-shaped members pressure-contact the support member and a slit portion is narrowed. As a result, a longitudinal insertion hole is diameter-reduced and becomes in a state of pressure-contacting the support post, leading to restriction of rotation of the arm around the support post, and the cam pressure contacts the one of the arms, leading to restriction of sliding of the arm in a long side direction, and the ring-shaped members pressure-contact the support member, leading to restriction of rotation of the arm by the shaft member.

Abstract: Gastric emptying classification systems, displays, methods for classifying gastric emptying data, methods for treating patients, and methods for developing gastric emptying classification systems are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host.

Abstract: An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte.

Abstract: An ultrasound coupling device for transmitting ultrasound waves from an ultrasound transducer to a test specimen, especially to a human or animal body, the coupling device having (a) a gel pad (2) for transmitting the ultrasound waves, (b) a support (3) having i) a transducer side (T), ii) a body side (B), and iii) an aperture (11) through the transducer side and the body side of the support (3), (c) the support (3) being provided with an adhesive element (13) on the body side, and (d) the gel pad (2) being received within the aperture (11) such that the gel pad (2) is adapted to contact the human or animal body when the body side of the support contacts the human or animal body.

Abstract: The ultrasonic transmitter/receiver device comprises a transmission section which transmits ultrasonic waves generated by a piezoelectric element when a transmission signal is inputted, a reception section which is superposed directly or indirectly on the transmission section and outputs a reception signal generated by a piezoelectric element when ultrasonic waves are received, a pair of a transmission signal wire and a transmission grounding wire for supplying the transmission signal to the transmission section, and a pair of a reception signal wire and a reception grounding wire for taking the reception signal from the reception section. The transmission grounding wire and the reception grounding wire are used in common as a common grounding wire. The common grounding wire and the transmission signal wire, and further the common grounding wire and the reception signal wire are disposed on different side surfaces of the transmission section and the reception section superposed with each other.

Abstract: An ultrasound catheter is described herein for insertion into a cavity such as a blood vessel to facilitate imaging within a vasculature. The catheter comprises an elongate flexible shaft, a capacitive microfabricated ultrasonic transducer, and a sonic reflector. The elongate flexible shaft has a proximate end and a distal end. A capacitive microfabricated ultrasonic transducer (cMUT) is mounted to the shaft near the distal end. The reflector is positioned such that a reflective surface redirects ultrasonic waves to and from the transducer. In other embodiments, the catheter comprises a plurality of cMUT elements and operates without the use of reflectors. In further embodiments, integrated circuitry is incorporated into the design.

Abstract: A medical device for determining a respiratory effort having a pressure sensor to sense pressure signals, a housing having system components positioned therein, and a microprocessor positioned within the housing, wherein the microprocessor detects an inspiration and an expiration in response to the pressure signals, detects a breath in response to the detected inspiration and the detected expiration, and determines the respiratory effort in response to the detected breath.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved combination sensor tip that includes a pressure sensor and a second sensor other than a pressure sensor, both disposed at or in close proximity to the distal end of the combination sensor tip. The present invention also provides for an improved connector to couple a guide wire to a physiology monitor that reduces torsional resistance when maneuvering the guide wire.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is an in-vivo blood pressure sensor device including a strain transducer and flexible biocompatible material that carries the strain transducer. The flexible biocompatible material is configured to encircle the outside of a blood vessel when surgically installed. A preferred embodiment in-vivo blood pressure sensor device of the invention includes a strain transducer carried by a flexible biocompatible ring that is configured to be surgically installed to encircle a blood vessel. The device also includes passive circuitry encased in biocompatible material for sensing strain in the strain transducer and for providing data to an external reader. The passive circuitry is also configured to be surgically installed in a subject.

Abstract: An automated patient care system and method for diagnosing and monitoring respiratory insufficiency is presented. A plurality of monitoring sets are stored into a database. Each monitoring set includes recorded measures, which each relate to patient information and contain medical device measures recorded on a substantially continuous basis or derived measures calculable therefrom. The monitoring sets are retrieved from the database. A set of indicator thresholds are defined. Each indicator threshold corresponds to a quantifiable physiological measure of a pathophysiology indicative of respiratory insufficiency. A respiratory insufficiency finding is diagnosed. A change in patient status is determined by comparing at least one recorded measure to at least one other recorded measure with both recorded measures relating to the same type of patient information. Each patient status change is compared to the indicator threshold corresponding to the same type of patient information as the recorded measures.

Abstract: A system and method for evaluating a patient status from sampled physiometry for use in respiratory insufficiency management and heart failure assessment is presented. Physiological measures are stored and include direct measures regularly recorded on a substantially continuous basis by a medical device for a patient or measures derived from the direct measures. The physiological measures are sampled, which each relate to a same type of physiometry, and those of the physiological measures, which each relate to a different type of physiometry. A status is determined through analysis of those sampled physiological measures assembled from a plurality of recordation points. The sampled physiological measures are evaluated. Any trends are identified and include one of a status quo and a change, which might affect cardiac performance or respiratory performance.

Abstract: A method and system for assessing the health status of a patient, such as the asthma status of a patient, provides an asthma status score and a confidence rating indicative of the score's reliability using continuous real-time data. In some embodiments, the assessment comprises a multidimensional analysis in which asthma status scores and respective confidence ratings are generated for multiple individual asthma health dimensions as well as a summary asthma health dimension indicative of overall asthma health. In some embodiments, the individual dimensions include an environmental trigger dimension based on sensor-based environmental data, a physiological burden dimension based on sensor-based physiological data, a medication adherence dimension based on patient diary data and a perceived symptom dimension based on patient diary data.

Abstract: A portable computing device or microprocessor/storage system including temperature sensors used to collect temperature readings of a breast tissue of a subject. The device would collect data from the sensors at regular time intervals over a period of time. All of the generated temperature data is stored in the portable computing or storage device. The sensors are placed on the greatest areas of interest on the breast, based on where most cancers develop, by using a sensor placeholder. The sensor placeholder would be lobate shaped, with the sensor placeholder aligning with the glandular regions of the breast where cancers are most likely to develop. The temperature data is then analyzed by one or more classifier systems and classified as either suspect or non-suspect tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for screening infants at high risk for central auditory processing deficits and then remediating less efficient processing behaviorally using an adaptive training algorithm that gradually increases sensitivity to rapidly occurring stimuli streams.

Abstract: A needle set for a biopsy device is disclosed. The needle set includes an outer member, a cylinder lumen within said outer member, an inner member having a cannula and an inner lumen. The inner member is slidably disposed within the cylinder lumen. The biopsy device also includes a cylinder seal member that is disposed within the cylinder lumen and a cannula seal member attached to the outer surface of the cannula. The cylinder seal member and the cannula seal member define a vacuum chamber therebetween.

Abstract: A device for biopsy of body tissue. The device is driven by liquid CO2, and is provided with a control system to control various components to effectuate rotating core biopsies.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the parenteral procurement of bodily-fluid samples. The present invention is also directed to systems and methods for parenterally procuring bodily-fluid samples with reduced contamination from dermally-residing microbes. In some embodiments, a bodily-fluid withdrawing system is used to withdraw bodily fluid from a patient for incubation in culture media in one or more sample vessels. Prior to withdrawing bodily fluid into the one or more sample vessels for incubation, an initial volume of withdrawn bodily fluid is placed in one or more pre-sample reservoirs and is not used for the incubation in culture media.

Abstract: The present invention provides a puncturing system for withdrawing body fluid. The puncturing system comprises a disposable puncturing unit, which includes a needle element for piercing into skin and a puncturing depth reference element with a skin contact area. The system includes a puncturing instrument which has a puncturing drive, wherein the puncturing drive is coupled by a coupling mechanism to the puncturing unit for driving the needle element to a puncturing depth, the puncturing depth being determined by the distance in the piercing direction between the skin contact area and the position of the tip of the needle at a reversal point of the puncturing movement. The puncturing depth reference element is connected to the needle element such that the puncturing depth reference element moves with the needle element during at least part of the puncturing movement.

Abstract: A portable measuring system which analyzes a liquid sample for at least one analyte. The portable measuring system has a substantially moisture-proof housing with an internal atmosphere. The housing prevents moisture from the air and water vapor from penetrating into the housing. The portable measuring system also has at least one test element support inserted into the internal atmosphere of the housing. The test element support is equipped with a retaining structure and a test element that is supported by the retaining structure. The test element support is designed such that, after insertion into the internal atmosphere, the test element is exposed to the internal atmosphere. A release mechanism is also provided which can convey at least one test element into an application position within the internal atmosphere of the housing. In this application position, the liquid sample can be applied to the test element.

Abstract: A sampling device for sampling body fluid includes a lancet for making an incision, a capillary tube for drawing-up body fluid from the incision, and a test strip affixed to an upper end of the capillary tube for receiving the fluid. An absorbent pad can be disposed between the test strip and capillary tube for spreading-out the fluid being transferred to the test strip. An on-site analyzer such as an optical analyzer and/or an electrochemical analyzer can be mounted in the device for analyzing the fluid. Alternatively, a test strip can be slid through a slot formed in the bottom end of the device so that by passing the device against the skin after an incision has been formed, the test strip will directly contact body fluid emanating from the incision.

Abstract: A device for loading a guide wire into the open end of a tubular instrument, such as a catheter. The device can be a block of material having a groove in its surface. The ends of the guide wire and the tubular instrument are placed into the groove and moved toward each other. When the ends meet, the groove guides the guide wire into the open end of the tubular instrument. The groove, or at least a portion of the groove, can have a cross-sectional contour that closely matches the outside radius of the tubular instrument. The groove can have a substantially vertical wall and a substantially non-vertical wall. A variety of attachment mechanisms may be provided for attaching the device to a towel draping a patient.

Abstract: An elongate medical device including an inner elongate member, a reinforcing member, and an outer tubular member is described. The reinforcing member may be a helically wound continuous wire including a first portion having a first cross-sectional profile, a second portion having a second cross-sectional profile, and a transition region located between the first portion and the second portion. The first cross-sectional profile may be different from the second cross-sectional profile. In some embodiments, the first cross-sectional profile may be circular or non-circular and the second cross-sectional profile may be circular or non-circular.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for the determination of urethral blockage. The system comprises a transducer arrangement for locating in the vicinity of the patient's urine flow, and a control unit in communication with the transducer arrangement. The transducer arrangement has at least one acoustic transducer capable of at least receiving acoustic waves, generated by the patient's urine flow, and producing an output signal indicative thereof. The control unit receives and processes the output signal and determines a change in the output signal indicative of the urethral blockage.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for performing electrosurgery. The disclosed method includes providing a wireless, bite-activated switch configured for use within a surgeon's mouth. The disclosed switch includes an activator, a transponder, and an antenna. The switch communicates with an electrosurgical energy source, such as without limitation, an electrosurgical RF or microwave generator, to convey the state of the switch and activate the generator. The disclosed method provides providing the wireless switch with a unique identifier and associating the generator with the unique switch to ensure only the intended switch can control the electrosurgical generator.

Abstract: A method for registering an asymmetrical femur implant having a shaft and a collar includes ascertaining a position of a shaft axis associated with the shaft and ascertaining a position of a collar axis associated with the collar. A device for registering an asymmetrical femur implant connected to at least one reference marker is provided. The device includes a detection device for detecting a spatial position of the at least one reference marker and a database in which a geometry of the asymmetrical femur implant is stored. A processor ascertains the spatial position of the asymmetrical femur implant.

Abstract: Posture-responsive therapy is delivered by the medical system based on posture state input from only one of multiple posture sensors at any given time. An example implantable medical system includes a first posture sensor and a second sensor. A processor controls therapy delivery to the patient based on at least one of a patient posture state or a patient activity level determined based on input from only one of the first or second posture sensors. In some examples, one of multiple posture sensors of an implantable posture-responsive medical system is used to automatically reorient another posture sensor (of the system), which has become disoriented. The disoriented posture sensor may be automatically reoriented for one or more posture states at a time.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and system for obtaining baseline patient information. In some examples, a method may include acquiring first patient data, wherein the first patient data comprises at least one of first posture state data indicative of a plurality of posture states of a patient during a first time period or first therapy adjustment data indicative of a plurality of patient therapy adjustments made during the first time period; generating baseline patient information based at least in part on the first patient data; and comparing the baseline patient information to patient information generated based on second patient data. Therapy is not delivered to the patient according to a detected posture state of the patient during the first time period, and therapy is delivered to the patient according to the detected posture state of the patient during the second time period.

Abstract: An assembly for heat treating an area of biological tissue, including an energy generating device for supplying energy to a focal point in said area, a device for measuring the spatial temperature distribution in said area, and a control unit for controlling the movement of the focal point along a predetermined path to give a spatial temperature distribution consistent with a pre-sent distribution, characterized in that, as the focal point moves along the path, the control unit controls the distribution of the energy provided by the generating device depending on the measured temperature distribution and the pre-set distribution, in accordance with a control law including a proportional-integral-derivative term.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for applying focused pressure to a target vessel to dilate the target vessel for hemodialysis.

Abstract: A light-weight pneumatic massage apparatus with low operation noise is provided. This apparatus includes a pneumatic massage device and a pump separated from the massage device. The apparatus further includes electromagnetic valves for controlling supply and discharge of pressurized air to and from air chambers of the pneumatic massage device, respectively. Each of the electromagnetic valves includes a displaceable valve member having an armature, and a solenoid for attracting the armature to move the displaceable valve member when a voltage is applied to the solenoid. The apparatus further includes an electromagnetic valve control unit which controls a voltage supplied to the solenoid to open the electromagnetic valves such that the voltage increases from gradually with the passage of time. The armature is attracted onto the end surface of the solenoid within the time period. Then, in a state in which the voltage is reduced to, the armature is maintained attracted onto the solenoid to keep the open state.

Abstract: An orthotic device includes a frame having a first shell defining front and rear surfaces, and extending longitudinally into the anterior and posterior sides of the brace. The first shell defining an opening located on the posterior side of the brace. A tightening mechanism is mounted onto the first shell, and has a ratchet strap located along the rear surface of the first shell and a ratchet device mounted on the front surface of the first shell so as to extend partially into the opening and engage the ratchet strap. An elongate tensioning device having a first end portion is connected to the ratchet strap, and the first end portion of the tensioning device extends along the rear surface of the first shell. The tensioning device has a second end portion anchored to a portion of the frame. A channel is mounted to the rear surface of the first shell and entirely encloses at least a portion of the ratchet strap. The tensioning device is a textile-based and substantially inelastic strap.

Abstract: An air sleeve for stimulating blood flow and providing aeration around, under and within a cast includes a base film with an array of nodal air cells, at least some of which are perforated on a skin side of the base film. A spacer fabric layer, which is at least partially air permeable, is disposed on the skin side of the base film, and a valve is extendable through the cast and is in fluid communication with the air cells.

Abstract: An insulin pump configuration programming approach is disclosed that permits setting parameters of pump configuration files to invalid values. An operator may continue with the programming workflow after setting the invalid value. The configuration file including the invalid value may be saved to a memory location of a computing device, but cannot be saved to the pump. Invalid item icons are presented when a parameter is set to an invalid value, and instructions for correcting the invalidity condition are provided when an invalid item icon is hovered over using a pointing device.

Abstract: An electrokinetic actuator for fluid flow titration including two chambers separated from one another by a porous dielectric disposed therebetween. A plurality of electrodes are disposed about a perimeter of the first and second chambers. Polar electrolyte disposed within the actuator is able to pass through the porous dielectric between the first and second chambers upon the application of an electric field or electric potential to the plural electrodes. A mechanical valve actuation mechanism connected to the second chamber allows for fine titration of fluid flow using electro-osmosis, including full-flow and/or complete cut-off. The polar electrolyte is isolated to prohibit intermixing with a fluid being titrated (such as cerebrospinal fluid).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering energy during a surgical procedure such as phacoemulsification is provided. The method and apparatus include applying energy during at least one pulsed energy on period, typically sufficient or intended to rapidly induce and beneficially employ transient cavitation. Applying energy during the pulsed energy on period comprises applying energy during a first high energy period, and applying energy during a second nonzero lower energy period.

Abstract: A device for delivering a medicated product into a bodily cavity includes a barrel member having a dispensing end, a proximal end, which is positioned opposite the dispensing end, and a bore, which extends through the barrel member. The bore is sized and shaped so as to receive a medicated product therein and includes an opening formed in the dispensing end of the barrel member. The opening is sized and shaped so as to permit a medicated product received in the bore to be dispensed therethrough. The applicator is also provided with a plunger member movably extending through the bore of the barrel member for dispending a medicated product from the bore through the opening. The barrel member includes at least one substantially flexible section located between the dispending end and the proximal end such that the barrel member is bendable about the flexible section.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system having a closed-loop control process for delivering a medical fluid to a patient. A fluid infusion system includes a pump for delivering a fluid to a patient via an administration tube. A flow sensor associated with the administration tube provides an indication of the actual flow rate of fluid in the administration tube. Such a flow sensor may comprise a positive displacement flow sensor constructed using micro-fabrication and/or micro-molding techniques. A reader reads the actual flow rate signal and provides an indication to a controller for controlling the pump. The flow rate information can also be used for providing status information, such as the existence of a blockage in the fluid delivery system.

Abstract: The invention includes a device having a chamber within a syringe. A fluid passageway extends through a syringe piston. A valve is associated with the passageway controlling fluid passage through the piston. The invention includes a piercing structure having a head segment and a body portion, with a channel through the body portion and through at least one surface of the head without passing through the tip. In another aspect the invention encompasses a method of preparing an agent for administration to an individual. A first component is provided within a syringe and a second component is provided within a vial. A closed valve is associated with a fluid passageway between the vial and the syringe barrel through a piston. Valve repositioning allows fluid passage and sliding of the piston joins the first and second components. Repeated sliding of the piston mixes the components to produce the medication agent.

Abstract: Syringes for holding fluids susceptible to void formation when the syringe and fluid are frozen and thawed before use. The interior surface of the syringe barrel is modified by exposure to a plasma such that the incidence of void formation in the fluid is prevented or, at the least, significantly reduced in comparison with conventional syringes.

Abstract: A catheter includes a handle that advantageously limits the amount of torque that can be imparted to the body of the catheter. This advantageously reduces the likelihood of catheter failure, damage to tissue, or damage to medical devices introduced into the vasculature via the catheter. The catheter handle includes a grip portion that the practitioner manipulates in order to impart a torque and a torque transmitting portion operably coupled thereto that transmits the torque to the catheter body. A torque limiting mechanism decouples the torque transmitting portion from the grip portion, the body, and/or any pull wires when the torque imparted to the grip portion exceeds a torque threshold, thereby preventing excessive torques from being transmitted to the catheter body and/or pull wires. A practitioner may be able to adjust the torque threshold and may be able to disable the torque limiting mechanism.

Abstract: Access devices and related methods are disclosed that generally involve flexible or adjustable cannulas that have a substantially cylindrical insertion configuration and a substantially conical expanded configuration. Various methods and features are provided for transitioning the cannula from the insertion configuration to the expanded configuration while the access device is inserted through tissue to form a conical opening through the tissue. Examples include cables, biasing elements, retaining elements, bimodal rings, and coil springs. The devices and methods disclosed herein can allow for improved retention of the access device, improved angulation of instruments passed through the access device, and can increase the integrity of a seal formed between the access device and surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A safety support device for a syringe comprises a support sheath (16) for the body (10) of the syringe and an inner sheath (18) suitable for sliding relative to the support sheath between a waiting, retracted position and the extended position for protecting the needle (14) of the syringe. The device has means for holding the syringe body (10) relative to the support sheath (16) and retaining means (30, 32, 22) suitable for being activated to retain g the inner sheath in the waiting, retracted position inside the support sheath and for being deactivated by the piston (12) of the syringe to allow the inner sheath (18) to extend into its protective, extended position.

Abstract: A wearable infusion device comprises a reservoir that holds a liquid medicament, an outlet port that delivers the liquid medicament to a patient, a pump that displaces a volume of the liquid medicament to the outlet port when actuated, and a control that actuates the pump. A lock-out disables the device when a predefined amount of medicament has been delivered to the outlet.

Abstract: Medicament delivery devices are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a medical injector and an electronic circuit system. The medical injector includes a housing, a medicament container, and a medicament delivery member. The housing defines a first region and a second region. The first region includes the medicament container and is physically isolated from the second region. The electronic circuit system is configured to be disposed within the second region defined by the housing. The electronic circuit system is configured to output an electronic output associated with a use of the medical injector.

Abstract: A disposable manual irrigation pump system comprises a manual foot pump operatively coupled to a fluid reservoir and an associated intraprocedural device. The pump system is configured to provide a substantially continuous fluid supply at a desired flow rate from the fluid reservoir to the associated intraprocedural device along a first direction without backflow of fluid along a direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A compact fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing fluid medicaments, such as antibiotics, oncolytics, hormones, steroids, blood clotting agents, analgesics, and like medicinal agents from prefilled containers at a uniform rate. The dispenser uniquely includes a stored energy source that is provided in the form of a compressible-expandable elastomeric member of novel construction that provides the force necessary to continuously and uniformly expel fluid from the device reservoir. The device further includes a fluid flow control assembly that precisely controls the flow of the medicament solution to the patient.

Abstract: Various methods and devices for driving fluid from a syringe are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a syringe driver is provided having a frame that is adapted to seat a syringe, a driver that is slidably disposed within the frame and that is adapted to seat a plunger of a syringe, and a puller that is slidably disposed within the frame and that has a latch formed thereon for mating to an engagement element on the frame. The device can also include a force-delivery element, such as a constant force spring, that is coupled to and extends between the driver and the puller.

Abstract: An infusion system comprises a disposable wearable infusion device having a body arranged to be adhered to a patient's skin and a reservoir for holding a liquid medicament to be infused into the patient through a cannula extending from the device body to beneath the patient's skin. The system further includes a cannula driver arranged to be detachably joined with the infusion device and including the cannula. The cannula driver is arranged to drive the cannula into a deployed position extending from the device body to beneath the patient's skin. The cannula driver includes a release mechanism that separates the cannula driver from the infusion device after the cannula is in the deployed position.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program for controlling at least one infusion pump wherein the system comprises a first channel for delivering a first fluid, a second channel for delivering a second fluid, a first input for receiving channel sequence data wherein the channel sequence data identifies the sequence for delivering the first fluid from the first channel and the second fluid from the second channel, a second input for receiving first delivery data for the first channel and the second delivery data for the second channel, and a processor for controlling delivery of the first fluid from the first channel and the second fluid from the second channel according to the channel sequence data, the first delivery data, and the second delivery data.