Abstract: Described herein are a method and apparatus for determining viscoelastic parameters of a tissue. A vibration signal is applied to the tissue and displacements at a plurality of locations within the tissue are measured at a plurality of times. The viscoelastic parameters of the tissue, including elasticity and viscosity, can then be determined by fitting a finite element model of the tissue to the vibration signal and the measured displacements and by solving for the viscoelastic parameters of the model. A value for density of each element of the model is selected and the absolute values for the viscoelastic parameters of each of the elements in the model is determined. Alternatively, the difference in relaxation-times between two locations within the tissue can be determined from the difference in phases of the strains at the two locations.

Abstract: A volumetric method for 2-D flow imaging is provided in medical diagnostic ultrasound. Flow data for a volume is acquired. For more rapid acquisition, broad beam transmission and reception along many scan lines distributed in the volume is used. The volumetric flow data is filtered, such as by calculating statistical information, to generate a planar/2-D flow image. The statistical information from the three-dimensional flow data is used to determine the display values for the flow imaging.

Abstract: When a transfer signal according to ultrasonic echoes is wirelessly transmitted from an ultrasonic probe to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body, the main body and the probe are reliably connected without false recognition. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body, and the ultrasonic probe includes a probe ID transport unit having a transport distance shorter than that of a first wireless communication unit for transporting a probe ID for identification of itself in contact or noncontact to an outside, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body includes a probe ID acquiring unit for acquiring the probe ID transported from the probe ID transport unit, and a second wireless communication unit receives the transfer signal from the ultrasonic probe having the probe ID acquired by the probe ID acquiring unit.

Abstract: The invention refers to a monitoring device for monitoring and analyzing physiological signals. The monitoring device comprises a transthoracic impedance measurement unit and an evaluation unit connected to the transthoracic impedance measurement unit. The transthoracic impedance measurement unit is adapted to conduct a transthoracic impedance measurement and to generate a transthoracic impedance signal representing a measured transthoracic impedance at consecutive points in time. The evaluation unit being configured to process the transthoracic impedance signal received from the transthoracic impedance measurement unit and to thus generate a respiration signal and to generate therefrom an evaluation signal reflecting at least a diurnal pattern of the respiration rate.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and a method for testing exhaled breath condensate for at least one biometric marker, including a substrate for collecting exhaled breath condensate, the substrate capable of being brought to a temperature below a dew point of vapor in exhaled breath, a collector for retaining the substrate and for receiving a biometric marker reagent. The invention may further include receiving exhaled breath in a collector, the collector comprising a substrate, the substrate being at a temperature below a dew point of vapor in exhaled breath, collecting the exhaled breath condensate on the substrate, and bringing a biometric marker reagent in contact with the substrate.

Abstract: A system and method for use in detecting an endotracheal tube location within a body electronically detects indigenous breath sounds emanating from a region of the body and processes the detected indigenous breath sounds to generate a parameter representative of an acoustic characteristic of the body associated with the endotracheal tube location within the body. The system and method generates an output indicative of the endotracheal tube location within the body based on the parameter representative of the acoustic characteristic of the body.

Abstract: A multimedia user interface for an automated diagnostic hearing test allows a patient to interact with the automated hearing test in order to conduct various hearing related tests. The patient is given instructions and guidance for every test, and can call the operator at any time for help. Warning messages and progress indicators are provided to help the patient gauge his progress. This allows the patient to test his own hearing with minimal or no assistance from an audiologist or other hearing health professional. The user interface also allows the operator to configure and customize the automated hearing test as needed. The results of the hearing related tests are summarized in a single report that is concise, convenient, and thorough. The report may include interpretive comments that point out possible inconsistencies, asymmetries, or areas of concern in the test results and, where appropriate, also recommend certain types of medical treatment.

Abstract: Biopsy devices, as well as related methods and systems, are disclosed.

Abstract: A device, system and method for in-vivo sampling. An in-vivo device and method for use thereof may include a sampling chamber and a gating mechanism. The sampling chamber may store a sample of a body lumen substance, and the gate may close and open an opening of the sampling chamber.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for collecting body fluids which has at least one lancet comprising a lancet body with at least two tips of different lengths. The device is characterized in that it has a selection means with the aid of which only one tip is selected before the lancing. This selection means can have different functions and shapes. The selection means is used to select a tip from a plurality of lancet tips which have different lengths and make only this tip available for use in the lancing process. Since the various tips are attached to a lancet body, it is, for example, possible to use a bending element which bends one of the various tips out of the plane of the lancet body in order to provide only one lancet tip for use. This is especially preferable for lancet tips that are arranged linearly relative to one another.

Abstract: In a method for determining the angle of anteversion and/or the angle of inclination of an acetabulum in a pelvic bone, in order to achieve a simplification, a method is proposed, wherein prominent points on the pelvic bone are non-invasively determined, these prominent points are joined by an individual plane, and this individual plane is respectively rotated through predetermined, specific angular magnitudes for the angle of inclination and the angle of anteversion, respectively, and the angle between the rotated individual plane and a main plane of the pelvic bone is determined in order to determine the angle of inclination and the angle of anteversion.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for evaluating the integrity of a uterine cavity. A method comprises introducing transcervically a probe into a patient's uterine cavity, providing a flow of a fluid (e.g., CO2) through the probe into the uterine cavity and monitoring the rate of the flow to characterize the uterine cavity as perforated or non-perforated based on a change in the flow rate. If the flow rate drops to zero or close to zero, this indicates that the uterine cavity is intact and not perforated. If the flow rate does not drop to zero or close to zero, this indicates that a fluid flow is leaking through a perforation in the uterine cavity into the uterine cavity or escaping around an occlusion balloon that occludes the cervical canal.

Abstract: A walking assistance device having an ankle joint limited in a swingable range in a rolling direction, enabling a user to open his/her legs apart more easily. The walking assistance device includes a seating member 1, a pair of leg links 2 and 2 which support the seating member 1 from below, and a ground contact member 8 connected to each leg link 2 through an ankle joint 7. The ankle joint 7 has a coupling mechanism 100 which includes a joint shaft member 106 and a retaining portion which swingably retains the joint shaft member 106 in the rolling direction in a predetermined range ?. The joint shaft member 106 is inclined to an abduction side in the rolling direction from the middle position of the predetermined range ? in which the joint shaft member is swingable in the rolling direction when the walking assistance device is in an upright state.

Abstract: A system for processing chest compression signals is disclosed including a processing unit, a depth signal device, and a threshold device comprising upper and lower thresholds. The system may also include a force signal device. The processing unit is adapted to output a signal depending on values of depth and force signals with respect to the thresholds.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a body massager with a backrest, a lower torso massager, and an upper torso massager. The upper torso massager extends from the backrest for imparting a massage effect to the upper torso of the user. A biasing member is connected to the backrest and the upper torso massager for urging the upper torso massager into contact with the user. Another embodiment provides a body massager with a housing having a first guide oriented generally in a longitudinal direction of the housing. A carriage cooperates with the guide for limited longitudinal translation. A motor translates the carriage along the guide. A second guide is canted relative to a longitudinal direction of the housing. A massage member is supported on the carriage and cooperates with the second guide such that as the carriage is translated along the guide, the massage member is translated transversely relative to the carriage.

Abstract: A portable sequential compression device mountable to an appendage designed to facilitate blood circulation through the appendage veins of users that remain sedentary whether bed ridden or sitting for extended periods of time whereby the normal blood flow induced by expansion and contraction of the muscles doesn't occur, which can lead to thrombi and edema within the appendage. The device comprises a portable pump and a series of bladders transversely encircling the target appendage whether arm or leg that through. the intermittent compression aids blood flow across the capillaries.

Abstract: A compression garment assembly comprises a compression garment adapted for placement on a body part in a self-retaining configuration and for removal from the body part. The compression garment has at least one inflatable bladder for applying compression to the body part. A portable controller unit is adapted for fluid connection to the inflatable bladder and is configured for cyclically inflating the bladder. The compression garment and portable controller unit are configured so that the portable controller unit must be disconnected from the compression garment before the compression garment can be removed from the body part. Loss of the portable controller unit by, for example, accidental disposal with the compression garment is thus prevented.

Abstract: The present invention provides a walking assist device including a seat member (1) where a user (P) sits astride; and a support member (2L, 2R) which is provided at a bottom side of the seat member (1); wherein the walking assist device includes a connection portion (106) which connects the seat member (1) to the support member (2L, 2R) in such a way that the seat member (1) is able to swing laterally around a spindle (106a) located at a middle portion of the anteroposterior width of the seat member (1) which the user (P) contacts. Therefore, the resistance force from the seat portion that the user (P) is subject to when the user (P) swings the hip to walk is reduced, thereby improving the usability of the walking assist device.

Abstract: A hand orthosis supporting a patient's thumb and fingers spaced apart and separated from contact with the palm of the hand, including an elongated body having a palm surface, a thumb portion, and a finger support portion. The elongated body includes a plurality of unequal cross-sectional areas spaced along the axial length between a distal end and a base end. A plurality of finger concavities are angled in helical orientation along the orthosis, including spaced apart concavities for each finger and the patient's thumb. Each finger and thumb concavity is angled non-perpendicular relative to the orthosis axial length to retain the fingers and thumb spaced apart, curved in a relaxed orientation, and apart from the palm of the hand during extended periods of time without impeding hand or wrist motion. A method of extended use for the hand orthosis is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method provides for checking the correct coupling of an adding device to a therapeutic appliance that includes an extracorporeal circuit with which the adding device is connected such that a drug can be introduced into the extracorporeal circuit by the adding device during operation of the therapeutic appliance. The adding device is coupled to the extracorporeal circuit on the suction side of a pump disposed in the extracorporeal circuit, with a portion in the region of negative pressure of the extracorporeal circuit being in connection with a portion of the adding device that is closed with respect to the other parts of the extracorporeal circuit, and with the pressure in the closed portion being varied and measured.

Abstract: In a single needle extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus, an ultrafiltration pump (10) performs a pure ultrafiltration of ultrafiltrate from an hemofilter (4). The blood may be continuously circulated through the hemofilter using a first pump (5), which alternates an higher flow rate during the arterial phase and a lower flow rate during the venous phase, and a second pump (6) which is maintained at a flow rate intermediate between said higher and lower flow rate. The apparatus may be used for treatment of Congestive Heart Failure.

Abstract: A transvesicular drainage device configured to drain excess fluid from a variety of locations in the human body into the bladder. The device may be used to treat ascites or any fluid collection within the body of a human or of a non-human mammal.

Abstract: A blood processing apparatus includes a heat exchanger and a gas exchanger. At least one of the heat exchanger and the gas exchanger is configured to impart a radial component to blow flow through the heat exchanger and/or gas exchanger. In some instances, a heat exchanger is configured to cause blood flow to follow a spiral flow path.

Abstract: A straight cutting tip for a straight bore subcutaneous implantation instrument is provided. An incising shaft body defines an axial bore extending continuously throughout the incising shaft body's length. The axial bore is open on both distal and proximal ends of the incising shaft body and has a non-circular cross section of at least five millimeters. A beveled surface is transversely formed beginning on a top surface and ending on a bottom surface of the distal end of the incising shaft body. A straight and sharpened cutting edge with rounded ends on each side curves inwardly towards the proximal end of the incising shaft body. The cutting edge is defined only along a bottom distal edge of the beveled surface. An attachment point is formed on the proximal end of the incising shaft body.

Abstract: A device for detecting pressure and/or temperature changes in a fluid-channel and method thereof are disclosed. The device includes a main duct with an inlet and an outlet, a branch ductwork with a first branch end branching off the main duct downwards the inlet and with a second branch end discharging into the main duct upwards the outlet, and at least one dead-end channel with a first end that branches off the branch ductwork and a second closed end. The dead-end channel is adapted to trap a gas bubble within the dead-end channel when the device is primed or filled with a liquid fluid, wherein the gas bubble changes its size or position if a change in pressure or temperature occurs in the device.

Abstract: A plunger-barrel apparatus is adapted for use within a syringe-in-syringe mixing system for mixing a two-part composition (e.g., a dental composition). A hollow plunger-barrel body has a continuous cylindrical wall defining an internal chamber for containing a first component. The body includes a plunger receiving end and a dispensing end. An integral sealing plug and rupturable membrane is disposed at the dispensing end of the body and include a sealing plug portion and a rupturable membrane portion that are integrally formed together as a single piece (e.g., formed of a single piece of elastomeric material). An associated syringe-in-syringe mixing system includes a first plunger, the hollow plunger-barrel body as described above adapted to contain a first component, and a syringe barrel configured to contain a second component. When assembled, the first plunger is slidably disposed within the hollow plunger-barrel body, and the plunger-barrel body is slidably disposed within the syringe barrel.

Abstract: A medication injection site is provided that includes a medication port and an identification sensor. The medication injection site, when coupled to a medication container, can wirelessly transmit data characterizing the contents of the medication container to a remote data collection system. The housing of the medication injection site has a shape and size enabling it to be held by a first hand of a user while the user administers medication from the medication container via the medication port using his or her second hand. In some implementations, the medication injection site can be placed on an IV drip line. Related apparatus, systems, and kits are also disclosed.

Abstract: A robotic catheter system includes a controller with a master input device. An instrument driver is in communication with the controller and has a guide instrument interface including a plurality of guide instrument drive elements responsive to control signals generated, at least in part, by the master input device. An elongate guide instrument has a base, distal end, and a working lumen, wherein the guide instrument base is operatively coupled to the guide instrument interface. The guide instrument includes a plurality of guide instrument control elements operatively coupled to respective guide drive elements and secured to the distal end of the guide instrument. The guide instrument control elements are axially moveable relative to the guide instrument such that movement of the guide instrument distal end may be controlled by the master input device.

Abstract: A balloon catheter having a multi-layered balloon which has a first layer and at least a second layer, and which has noncompliant limited radial expansion beyond the nominal diameter of the balloon. By selecting the polymeric materials forming the balloon layers, and arranging and radially expanding the multiple layers of the balloon in accordance with the invention, a balloon is provided having an improved low compliance, preferably in combination with high flexibility and softness.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for medical treatment comprising bone, tissue or duct dilatation using inflatable dilatation elements together with apparatus and techniques for tensioning, stretching, folding, and/or wrapping the dilatation elements externally as well as in situ to facilitate insertion, positioning and withdrawal procedures.

Abstract: A safety syringe has a barrel, an inner needle hub, an outer needle hub, a plunger. The barrel has a distal end and a spout. The spout is formed axially on and protrudes the distal end. The plunger is mounted in the barrel and has a mounting protrusion being formed axially on the distal end of the plunger. The outer needle hub is mounted on the spout of the barrel and has a mounting chamber formed in the outer needle hub. The inner needle hub is mounted in the mounting chamber of the outer needle hub and has multiple resilient wing sections that are mounted in the mounting protrusion. Therefore, the inner needle hub may be withdrawn without touching the needle or outer needle hub and disposed of safely.

Abstract: An insertion device, generally used with an infusion set, including a needle being adapted for puncturing at one end and including at the opposite end a hub. The hub includes a handle part and a guard part that are capable of securing the needle through the use of locks. Locking structures are used to secure the insertion device in a position where the needle is covered in a locked position, avoiding unintended contact with the needle.

Abstract: Stabilizing an object in the body of a patient involves the injection of a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) material or other flowable material into the body of the patient so that the material contacts the object. The LCST material or other flowable material then forms a gel in the body such that the object is contained at least partially within the gel and thereby stabilized by the gel such that the object can then be easily fragmented within the body and/or retrieved from the body.

Abstract: A reservoir unit is provided comprising a housing in which a reservoir with a transparent portion is arranged, the housing comprising a window allowing a portion of the reservoir to be inspected. The reservoir unit is adapted to be moved from a first “cold” condition to a second “warm” condition with no visible water condensing on the interior surface of the window portion. Further, the vent is adapted to provide pressure equalization between the interior of the housing and the exterior. In this way it is possible to perform visual inspection of the reservoir at all times without being confused by dew or condensed water drops, e.g. when a prefilled reservoir unit containing a drug which requires storage at a given low temperature, as is the case for insulin-containing drugs, is taken out in ambient temperature.

Abstract: A drug to be infused into a patient is contained in a syringe or vial having a displaceable plunger for ejecting the drug out through an injection port into an administration set. Motion of the plunger of the drug delivery syringe/vial is controlled by a driver syringe having a piston or plunger for ejecting either a compressible or an incompressible fluid through a flow resistance element. Motive power for the piston of the drive syringe is provided by a constant load spring. A suitable linkage is provided for coupling the piston of the drive syringe to the plunger of the drug delivery syringe. Several types of flow rate control elements for use with the driver syringe are disclosed.

Abstract: A floating gearbox includes an outer housing with first and second side walls opposite and spaced apart from each other and an inner gear assembly received within the outer housing. The inner gear assembly comprises an inner housing, a first gear member rotatably received within the inner housing, and a second gear member having an output shaft rotatably supported on the inner housing. A slider plate received within the outer housing has first and second pairs of axially aligned elongate openings, wherein the first and second pairs of elongate openings align with a first axis and a second axis, respectively. Pins on the first sidewall are received in the first pair of elongate openings to allow relative sliding movement between the outer housing and the slider plate along the first axis. The inner housing includes pins received in the second pair of elongate openings, allowing relative sliding movement between the inner housing and the slider plate along the second axis.

Abstract: A medical instrument comprises a guide tube (10) that can be inserted into a bodily passage of a patient. An elastically flexible cannula may be displaced within an inner axial guide channel of the guide tube (10), the distal tip (52) of the cannula being able to emerge from a lateral opening at the periphery of the guide tube (10) at an angle to the axis of the guide tube (10). The guide tube (10) at its proximal end is accommodated in a handle piece (22) so as to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the guide tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catheter introducer comprising: a tube-like introducer sheath; an introducer hub having a distal section and a proximal section, wherein the distal section is joined to the proximal end of the introducer sheath and the proximal section defines a chamber; a needle extending through the introducer hub and the introducer sheath and having opposite proximal and distal ends, the distal end forming a needle tip; a needle hub attached to the proximal end of the needle; a needle safety device slidably arranged on the needle, wherein the needle safety device is retained in the chamber of the introducer hub when the needle extends through the introducer hub and the introducer sheath, and removable from the introducer hub once the needle tip is received in the needle safety device upon withdrawal of the needle from the introducer sheath.

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: Some embodiments of a medical anchor device include an elongate body coupled with deployable subcutaneous anchors to secure a catheter instrument (or other medical instrument) in place relative to a skin penetration point. In some circumstances, the elongate body may be in the form of catheter hub body, and the subcutaneous anchors can be deployed from the hub body by adjustment of a movable actuator. A locking member can interact with the actuator so as to retain the actuator in the deployed orientation during the medical procedure.

Abstract: A securement device, system, and method for use with a medical article. The securement device, system, or method may include a body that has a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface has an adhesive compound thereon. A resilient retainer formed from a soft, tacky elastomeric gel or foam is supported by the bottom surface of the body. The resilient retainer receives and secures a medical device. The medical device is secured to the skin of a patient upon affixing the bottom surface to the patient via the adhesive compound.

Abstract: Syringe assemblies for use in flush applications are provided. Syringe assemblies according to one aspect of the present invention include a plunger rod and a syringe barrel that incorporate one or more pulsing elements on the plunger rod or barrel that are rotatable to create pulsatile movement or continuous and unimpeded movement a plunger rod within a syringe barrel. One or more embodiments pertain to syringe assemblies permit both pulsatile movement of the plunger rod within the barrel and continuous and unimpeded movement of the plunger rod in the distal direction along substantially the entire length of the syringe barrel upon application of force to the plunger rod in only the distal direction. Methods of flushing a catheter are also provided.

Abstract: A unidirectional injector having at least one cylinder-piston unit, the piston thereof being displaceable between two stroke end positions relative to the cylinder, wherein the cylinder-piston unit comprises at least one sealing system sealing a compensating space from the surroundings. To this end the piston is provided at its front surface with an axial annular groove for accommodating a seal ring or a permanently elastic seal material, that the cylinder is provided with a first seal element and a second seal element which are spaced by at least a piston stroke, or that the piston is provided with the first seal element and the second seal element which are spaced by at least a piston stroke, or the cylinder carries the first seal element and the piston carries the second seal element which is displaced with respect to the first by the piston stroke.

Abstract: A device for administering a liquid preparation comprising a pharmaceutical agent, particularly a contrast agent, in the form of a bolus. The device comprises in particular a core cylinder and an external cylinder, the core cylinder comprising a conduit (107) and a cylindrical reservoir (108) cooperating with a respective plunger (109), wherein the plunger is modified in order to operatively engage with guiding means (300) provided on the external cylinder.

Abstract: In renal haemodialysis there is a condition whereby the patient can by at serious risk of harm if the venous line becomes disconnected or the venous needle becomes dislodged and the haemodialysis machine does not detect this condition. The invented device is designed to safeguard haemodialysis patients from serious losses of blood through venous line disconnection or venous needle dislodgement. The invented device is designed to clamp the venous line automatically before venous needle dislodgement or venous line disconnection becomes a serious problem and to make the haemodialysis machine stop drawing blood from the patient This will cause the haemodialysis machine to alarm in the normal way so as to alert the patient or healthcare worker to the problem. The invented device will have to be manually reset before therapy can continue.

Abstract: A method of treating a disc that is leaking nucleus pulposus through at least one defect in the annulus fibrosus. The method includes injecting a fibrin sealant into the disc to reduce at least a portion of the at least one defect, wherein the fibrin sealant injected into the disc comprises an anesthetic, fibrinogen and an activating compound, wherein at least a portion of the fibrin forms after injection, with the proviso that a corticosteroid is absent from the fibrin sealant injected into the disc.

Abstract: A male catheter and pump system includes an external catheter, a temporary collection reservoir, and a water pump. The invention may further include a user interface, a controller and a pump to drain excess urine for the temporary collection reservoir. An inlet spout located on the external catheter may be adapted to receive the waste fluid from a user such as a bedridden patient. A first tube is connected from the external catheter to the temporary collection reservoir and a second tube is further connected from the temporary collection reservoir to a dispensing reservoir for permanent disposal of the urine. A sensor and a one-way valve are located in the temporary collection reservoir where the controller automatically transmits signals to operate the water pump and open the one-way valve to dispose the urine into the dispensing reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an undergarment (1) comprising: a supporting part (2) which surrounds at least the hips and the top of each thigh; and a flexible collecting bag (10) positioned in the crotch.

Abstract: A method is provided for suppressing or preventing pain in a patient. One step of the method includes positioning first and second electrodes, without penetrating the cranium, on or proximate to at least one of the sphenopalatine ganglia, the sphenopalatine nerves, or the vidian nerves on both sides of the patient's face. At least one of a medication solution, an analgesic, or an electrical signal is then applied to at least one of the sphenopalatine ganglia, the sphenopalatine nerves, or the vidian nerves through the first and second electrodes. Pain signal generation in, or transmission through, the at least one of the sphenopalatine ganglia, sphenopalatine nerves, or vidian nerves is disrupted on both sides of the patient's face.

Abstract: The present invention involves selectively breaking down or altering a blocking tissue by irradiating the blocking tissue with a laser irradiation. Breaking down the blocking tissue allows the delivery of therapeutic agents through the blocking tissue to a target tissue. An area of the blocking tissue is selected for treatment. The selected area is irradiated with a laser to induce an alteration or breakdown of the blocking tissue. Areas not irradiated are not affected. Once the selected area of the blocking tissue is treated, a therapeutic agent can be delivered to the selected area and passed through the altered or broken down blocking tissue to the target tissue. The blocking tissue will then undergo a healing response after a period of time. The present invention may be used to treat the retina or subretinal space of a patient's eye through the blocking tissue of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE).