Abstract: The embodiments described include graft devices for reinforcing patient tissue structures and methods of making and using the graft devices. In certain embodiments the graft devices have a remodelable extracellular matrix material graft body defining a slot and having a portion receivable through the slot to form a closed loop. Such graft devices can be used in encircling reinforcement of patient tissue structures such as anal sphincters or anastomosed vessel segments.

Abstract: An erogenic stimulation device for men having a compact state for inconspicuous storage when not in use which expands to an approximate size and shape of a female pelvic region when filled with warm water, the cooperation of warm water with elastomeric interior and exterior elements provides a more natural sensation of warmth, pressure, and responsive motion for the user, the device including contours simulating the structural features of the pelvic region and buttocks and an anatomically correct depiction of female genitalia including vulva and vaginal opening.

Abstract: A clip or flexible handles extension facilitate simultaneous retention and operation of a bronchoscope and associated bronchoscopic tools held in one hand to allow operation by a single practitioner. Also provided is an adapter for the connection port of the working channel of a bronchoscope which performs both sealing and tool-locking functions. Also disclosed is a guide sheath arrangement with a reduced flexibility proximal portion to facilitate insertion of tools into the guide sheath.

Abstract: A treatment tool for an endoscope, including: an insertion tube extending toward one direction; a movable tip member which is provided on a tip of the insertion tube and which is used for a treatment of a living organ; a control member of which a tip is connected to the insertion tube and controls the movable tip member by advancing and retracting a control shaft member inserted in the insertion tube; and a covering tube which covers at least one part of a circumference of the insertion tube. At least one part of the insertion tube rotates freely about an axis of the insertion tube.

Abstract: An endoscope cleaning sheath includes a flexible tube body that is mounted to an insertion portion having a bending portion included in an endoscope, and that has a plurality of through-holes parallel to a longitudinal axis; and a cylindrical distal end nozzle that is provided at a distal end portion of the flexible tube body and that sprays at least one of a gas and a liquid at least at an observation window provided at a distal end portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope. The through-holes are a hole for an endoscope insertion portion through which the insertion portion of the endoscope is inserted, and at least a first fluid conduit that supplies gas and a second fluid conduit that supplies liquid. The first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit are provided at positions in a direction that is different from a bending direction of the bending portion of the insertion portion that is inserted and disposed in the hole for an endoscope insertion portion.

Abstract: A medical robotic system includes an entry guide with articulatable instruments extending out of its distal end, an entry guide manipulator providing controllable four degrees-of-freedom movement of the entry guide, and a controller configured to limit joint velocities in the entry guide manipulator so as to prevent movement of tips of the articulatable instruments from exceeding a maximum allowable linear velocity when the entry guide manipulator is being used to move the entry guide.

Abstract: A device, system and method for capturing in-vivo images allows for size or distance estimations for objects within the images. According to one embodiment of the present invention there may be provided, in an in-vivo device at least an imager, an illumination source to provide illumination for the imager, an energy source to emit for example a light beam or a laser beam in a body lumen and a processor to, based on the light beam or laser beam image, estimate, for example the size of objects in a body lumen.

Abstract: An in-vivo imaging device, typically an autonomous capsule, having a housing, the housing comprising a window; an illumination source located within the housing to illuminate a body lumen through the window; an imager to receive light reflected from the body lumen through the window; and a transmitter to transmit image data to a receiving system. The window is coated with liposomes containing a marker such that the imager may acquire images which include the marking.

Abstract: An in-vivo observation system provided with a capsule endoscope including an in-vivo observation section, a battery, a magnetic field detection section, a power supply switch that controls a power supply and a power supply control section that causes the power supply switch to operate according to an internal signal from the magnetic field detection section, and a magnetic field generating apparatus including a magnetic field generating section, an operation section that outputs an operation signal according to an operation by a user and a masking section that masks an operation signal inputted to the magnetic field generating section for a predetermined period.

Abstract: A marker to be attached to an endoscopic treatment tool for precisely directing a tip of the treatment tool to a target site with no additional physical burden to the patient is provided. A marker 1 used in an endoscopic treatment tool to be inserted in a guide sheath, the marker including: a body 2; and a tip section 4A for removably fixing the body 2 to a middle section of the endoscopic treatment tool, wherein the distance between the body 2 and a tip of the endoscopic treatment tool can be determined freely.

Abstract: A flexible steerable device comprising a plurality of interconnected segments configured to pivot relative to each other, each of the plurality of segments having a cavity disposed therein. The device also includes a flexible tube disposed within the cavities of the plurality of segments. The flexible tube includes at least one rigidizing chamber having fusible material disposed therein, wherein upon varying temperature of the fusible material, the fusible material shifts between a first state in which the flexible steerable device is flexible and a second state in which the flexible steerable device is rigidized.

Abstract: An insertion device includes: a linear member inserted into an insertion portion to be movable; a plurality of mobile bodies provided in a state of being strung together on an outer periphery of the linear member and being movable with respect to the linear member; a restricting member fixed with respect to the linear member, the restricting member restricting a movable range of each mobile body with respect to the linear member and preventing each of the mobile bodies from falling off; and a fixing pin being movable between a first position and a second position at which the fixing pin is fitted in between any adjacent two mobile bodies.

Abstract: A scanning endoscope apparatus includes: a light source; first and second polarization sections; third and fourth polarization sections; a first wavelength separation section; a second wavelength separation section; a first detection section; and a second detection section.

Abstract: In accordance with the present design there is provided a method utilizing a novel laryngoscope design that inserts a bougie along a canal on one side of a sheath; the sheath being further comprised of a canal capable of being threaded with a bougie, providing a method of access for guiding a Bougie into the trachea, while facilitating a method for the removal of oral/pharyngeal secretions, by placing a suction catheter in a canal through which a method for creating suction is provided; and further the bougie canal provides a method of facilitating placement of a topical anesthetic by providing a channel through which a local anesthetic can be sprayed.

Abstract: A system for accessing a surgical target site and related methods, involving an initial distraction system for creating an initial distraction corridor, and an assembly capable of distracting from the initial distraction corridor to a secondary distraction corridor and thereafter sequentially receiving a plurality of retractor blades for retracting from the secondary distraction corridor to thereby create an operative corridor to the surgical target site, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site.

Abstract: A surgical kit for operations on the spinal column includes a surgical instrument having a handle body, the handle body having a substantially flat portion blended with the body, wherein the substantially flat portion is shaped to urge the gauze for draining a wound.

Abstract: A surgical retractor and a method of minimally invasive surgery, wherein the surgical retractor includes ribs and a mechanism for transferring of linear and rotational movements of the ribs and wherein each rib can be easily replaced without use of any additional tools. According to embodiments of the present invention, specific parts composing the surgical retractor are made of materials transparent to Röntgen rays (x-rays).

Abstract: A medical device module for use in a system with a remote programmer and/or a personal data assistant (PDA) with at least one medical device includes a housing, at least one medical device and a processor. The housing is adapted to couple with the PDA. The at least one medical device interface is coupled to the housing for interfacing with the at least one medical device. The processor is coupled to the at least one medical device interface to process data from the at least one medical device. The processor is also capable of interfacing with the PDA.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing a patient to access an automated process for managing a specified health problem called a disease. The system performs disease management in a fully automated manner, using periodic interactive dialogs with the patient to obtain health state measurements from the patient, to evaluate and assess the progress of the patient's disease, to review and adjust therapy to optimal levels, and to give the patient medical advice for administering treatment and handling symptom flare-ups and acute episodes of the disease. The medical records are updated, the progression of the disease is stored and tracked, and the patient's preferences for treatment are stored and then used to offer medical advice based on the current state of the disease. A prestored general disease trend curve is compared against a patient specific disease trend curve, and the system makes an automated response such as adjusting therapy.

Abstract: An ingestible apparatus produces and processes physiological signals representative of a physiological parameter. The apparatus measures the physiological parameter from within the body of a living entity. The apparatus includes a physiological transducer circuit to sense the physiological signals, a processor to process the physiological signals in response to the physiological transducer circuit, and a transmitter that transmits the processed signals during transmission intervals which are alternated with idle intervals. The apparatus further includes a capacitor-based circuit, including at least one capacitor, to accumulate sufficient charge during one of the idle intervals to supply power to the transmitter during one of the transmission intervals.

Abstract: A monitoring system comprises a module having at least one sensor and preferably skin and ambient temperature sensors within a housing. The device may be durable or disposable. The housing may be provided with certain surface features and shapes to facilitate mounting on and interface with the skin of the wearer for more accurate temperature measurement. A receiver may be provided to obtain and display data from the module. The module may also display the output data. The output data comprises both detected and derived data relating to physiological and contextual parameters of the wearer and may be transmitted directly to a local recipient or remotely over a communications network. The system is capable of deriving and predicting the occurrence of a number of physiological and conditional states and events and reporting the same as output data.

Abstract: Sensors are attached to a living being so as to generate corresponding sensor signals. A monitor is in communications with the sensors so as to derive physiological parameters responsive to the sensor signals. Predetermined limits are applied to the physiological parameters. At least one indicator responsive to the physiological parameters and the predetermined limits signal the onset of a sepsis condition in the living being.

Abstract: In one aspect, there is disclosed a system and method for rapidly and passively identifying changes in the number of open pores in the skin of an individual in response to a stimulus without contacting the individual. This is accomplished by using a thermal camera that is sensitive in the mid-wave or long-wave infrared (3-5 or 8-14 ?meters) to observe and/or count the number of skin pores opening in response to questions being asked of the individual.

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: Embodiments for providing an optimal ultrasound image for interventional treatment in a medical system are disclosed. In one embodiment, by way of non-limiting example, a medical system comprises: a medical device that is inserted into a target object and configured to remove a lesion within the target object; an ultrasound data acquisition unit configured to transmit and receive ultrasound signals to and from the target object to output ultrasound data; and a processing unit in communication with the ultrasound data acquisition unit, the processing unit being configured to form a plurality of ultrasound images based on the ultrasound data and perform an image processing upon each of the ultrasound images to detect a position of the medical device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an instrument for measuring the elasticity of a human or animal organ located behind the ribs. The instrument includes a casing having an actuator therein, the end of which is equipped with a transducer that is actuated in order to measure the elasticity of the organ. The measuring instrument also includes a mechanism for centering the transducer between the ribs.

Abstract: A method can include targeting a region of interest below a surface of skin, which contains fat lobuli and delivering ultrasound energy to the region of interest. The ultrasound energy generates a conformal lesion with said ultrasound energy on a surface of a fat lobuli. The lesion creates an opening in the surface of the fat lobuli, which allows the draining of a fluid out of the fat lobuli and through the opening. In addition, by applying ultrasound energy to fat cells to increase the temperature to between 43 degrees and 49 degrees, cell apoptosis can be realized, thereby resulting in reduction of fat.

Abstract: A method for imaging a volume of tissue in a scan region, including: emitting, from transmitting transducers, acoustic waveforms toward the volume of tissue; detecting, with detecting transducers, a plurality acoustic signals derived from acoustic waveforms interacting with the volume of tissue; generating from the detected acoustic signals a plurality of variable attenuation maps, in which each variable attenuation map corresponds to acoustic signals detected by a respective detecting transducer and includes a plurality of variable attenuation coefficients mapped to the scan region; modifying at least a portion of the detected acoustic signals based on one or more variable attenuation maps; and generating a reflection rendering of the volume of tissue based on the modified acoustic signals.

Abstract: The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiments includes an ultrasound transmitting and receiving unit, a tomographic image generating unit, an analyzing unit, and an analysis result display controller. The ultrasound transmitting and receiving unit is configured to transmit ultrasonic beams in multiple directions and is configured to receive echo signals of the multiple directions. The tomographic image generating unit is configured to generate a tomographic image in accordance with each of the directions of the ultrasonic beams. The analyzing unit is configured to compare echo signals of corresponding spatial positions in the tomographic images generated by the tomographic image generating unit with respect to each of the directions of the ultrasonic beams, and is configured to perform an analysis based on the comparison. The analysis result display controller is configured to display the analysis result obtained by the analyzing unit onto the displaying unit.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe includes a transducer array for a B-mode image which transmits and receives an ultrasonic beam for a B-mode image, and a transducer array for sound speed measurement which is laminated and formed above the transducer array for a B-mode image and receives an ultrasonic beam for sound speed measurement.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes an elongated member having an ultrasonic beacon disposed adjacent to a distal end portion of the elongated member, a power supply releasably attachable adjacent to the proximal end of the elongated member, and a catheter. The distal end portion of the elongated member with the ultrasonic transmitter is inserted into an anatomical structure of the human body, and the ultrasonic transmitter is powered by the power supply. Using conventional medical ultrasonography equipment, a technician is able to observe and/or track on a display an image of the internal structure of the human body and an image such as an illuminated bright spot representing the energized ultrasonic beacon. After locating the elongated member, the power supply is removed, and the catheter is slid onto the elongated member to locate the catheter tip. Thereafter, the elongated member is removed.

Abstract: A system and method for diagnosing a fluid status of a patient includes non-invasively determining a left ventricular pressure of blood within a left ventricle of a heart of the patient. The left ventricular pressure is compared to a predefined pressure value to diagnose the fluid status.

Abstract: A monitoring device with a pedometer is disclosed herein. The monitoring device preferably comprises an article, an optical sensor, an accelerometer and processor. The optical sensor preferably comprises a photodetector and a plurality of light emitting diodes. A sensor signal from the optical sensor is processed with a filtered accelerometer output signal from the accelerometer to generate a pedometer function.

Abstract: A wrist sphygmomanometer includes an operation unit operable by a user. A manometer measures blood pressure. A detector detects the posture of the user. A storage stores an optimum posture for the user. A comparator compares the posture detected by the detector and the optimum posture stored beforehand in the storage to generate posture information. A communication unit communicates the posture information to the user. A setting unit sets the optimum posture in the storage. The storage includes a first storage section, which stores a fixed optimum posture corresponding to an unspecified user, and a second storage section, which stores a second optimum posture corresponding to a specified used. The setting unit stores the second posture based on a value detected by the detector as the second optimum posture in the second storage section in accordance with an operation of the operation unit.

Abstract: An area of a patient can be mapped with a system operable to identify a plurality of locations and save a plurality of locations of a mapping instrument. The mapping instrument can include one or more electrodes that can sense a voltage that can be correlated to a three dimensional location of the electrode at the time of the sensing or measurement. Therefore, a map of an area or volume can be determined based upon the sensing of the plurality of points without the use of an imaging device. An implantable medical device can then be navigated relative to the mapping data.

Abstract: The presence of a cardiac pulse in a patient is determined by evaluating fluctuations in an electrical signal that represents a measurement of the patient's transthoracic impedance. Impedance signal data obtained from the patient is analyzed for a feature indicative of the presence of a cardiac pulse. Whether a cardiac pulse is present in the patient is determined based on the feature in the impedance signal data. Electrocardiogram (ECG) data may also be obtained in time coordination with the impedance signal data. Various applications for the pulse detection of the invention include detection of PEA and prompting PEA-specific therapy, prompting defibrillation therapy and/or CPR, and prompting rescue breathing depending on detection of respiration.

Abstract: Cardiac tissue motion characteristics acquired by novel cardiac sensors are analyzed and processed for the derivation of physiological indices. The indices are output to a hand held local or remote volumetric haptic display and enable an operator to obtain motion related dynamic characteristics of cardiac tissues. The ability to tactually sense the motion of cardiac tissue and the affect on such motion from inserted cardiovascular instrumentation enhances the operator's performance of procedures including the positioning and placement of implanted catheters/sensors, extraction of permanently implanted leads and delivery of cardiovascular therapies. Optimal haptic rendering is achieved by using computational techniques to reconstruct the physically and perceptually relevant aspects of acquired signals and bridge the gap between the inserted catheter and operator's hand/catheter handle.

Abstract: An apparatus for outputting heart sounds includes an implantable system and an external system. The implantable system includes a sensor for generating sensed signals representing detected heart sounds, an interface circuit and a control circuit for receiving the sensed signals, generating data representing the heart sounds therefrom, and transmitting the data to the external system via the interface circuit. The external system includes an interface circuit for communicating with the implantable system, and a control circuit for receiving the data representing the heart sounds and for generating control signals that cause an output device to generate outputs representing the sounds. The implantable system may also include a sensor(s) for detecting cardiac electrical signals. In this case, outputs representing the cardiac electrical signals are also output.

Abstract: A multistage system and method for estimating respiration parameters from an acoustic signal. At a first stage, the method and system detect and isolate portions of the signal that exhibit long-term, moderate amplitude noise by analyzing cumulative energies in the signal, and portions of the signal that exhibit short-term, high amplitude noise by analyzing peak energies in the signal. At a second stage, the method and system filter heart sound from the signal energy envelope by applying an adaptive filter that minimizes the loss of respiration sound. At a third stage, the system and method isolate respiration phases in the signal by identifying trends in the energy envelope. Once respiration phases are isolated, these phases are used to estimate respiration parameters, such as respiration rate and I/E ratio.

Abstract: Dual path noise detection and isolation for an acoustic respiration monitoring system detects noise in an acoustic signal recording lung sounds using two discrete noise detection techniques. A first technique detects portions of the signal that exhibit long-term, moderate amplitude noise by analyzing cumulative energy in the signal. A second technique detects portions of the signal that exhibit short-term, high amplitude noise by analyzing peak energy in the signal. Noisy portions of the signal are isolated using the combined results of the dual path detection. A respiration parameter is estimated using the signal without resort to the noisy portions and information based at least in part on the respiration parameter is outputted.

Abstract: The wearable acoustic device for monitoring breathing sounds includes an acoustic sensor and audible/visual indicators triggered by device electronics indicating normal, abnormal, and severity of abnormal bronchial asthmatic breathing. An elastic belt holds the device. Fasteners disposed on the belt allow the belt to be secured around the baby's chest. An oximeter may be connected to the device to measure percentage oxygen intake of the baby. A processor disposed in the device processes the oximeter and acoustic signals via an algorithmic sequence that looks for oxygen intake and the presence of bronchial asthmatic breathing vs. a normal breathing/oxygen intake sample stored in memory on the device. A transmitter powered by rechargeable batteries wirelessly transmits the alarm condition to the baby's caretaker. Depending on the normality/severity of the infant's breathing, an audible alarm sounds. The visual indicator displays severity of the breathing condition.

Abstract: A device is directly or indirectly connectable to a patient for determining a volume related to the lungs of the patient. The device has an inspiration part through which a breathing gas passes towards the patient, and an expiration part through which the breathing gas passes away from the patient. The inspiration part has a mouthpiece for introducing a change of the gas composition in the breathing gas. The device implements a method for determining the volume with a detector being arranged in the expiration part that measures a measuring parameter which is dependent on the change in the gas composition, and with a calculation unit connected to the detector unit that determines the variation in the measuring parameter, and determines the volume from the determined variation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a diagnostic method comprising continuously monitoring and transmitting urine output and urine flow rates of a catheterized patient to means which correlate the same with at least one of renal perfusion, renal function, fluid status, polyuria, oleguria, hypoperfusion, hemorrhage shock and GFR.

Abstract: An automatically locking safety device, e.g., for use in a blood collection procedure, can include a housing, first and second needle covers that are at least partly received in the housing, and a needle that is at least partly received in at least one of the first and second needle covers. The needle can include a proximal tip configured for placement into a patient and a distal tip configured for placement into a blood collection vial. In some embodiments, the first and second needle covers are biased by a biasing member. In some cases, one or both of the first and second needle covers can be locked to prevent axial movement thereof after the blood collection procedure. In certain embodiments, a distal end of the device is configured to connect with a medical connector, such as a needleless IV access device.

Abstract: A robotic system for flexible needle steering under ultrasound imaging. A robot is used to steer the needle along a predetermined curved trajectory by maneuvering the needle base. The needle tip position is detected by an ultrasound sensor and the tracking error of the needle tip from a predetermined needle path is input to a controller which solves the inverse kinematic based on the needle position, and the needle and tissue properties. The control algorithm uses a novel method to detect the elastic properties of the tissue by analyzing tissue motion at the region in front of the needle tip. The inverse kinematic solution may be performed on a model of the needle as a flexible beam having laterally connected virtual springs to simulate lateral forces exerted by the tissue elasticity. The system is able to direct the needle to a target within the tissue while circumventing forbidden regions.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating the tongue strength of a subject during a sucking event includes an insert positioned within a nipple element to provide an output in response to deformation of the nipple element during a sucking event. The output is at least one of resistive force exerted against the subject's tongue and movement measurement of deformation force exerted on the nipple element during the sucking event. The apparatus is configurable to evaluate nutritive sucking (NS) or non-nutritive sucking (NNS) capabilities of the subject. The insert may be a sensing device, a compliance element, an intermediate device or a combination of these. A coupling device is configured to position the insert relative to the nipple element and/or to receive output from the insert. A method includes evaluating tongue strength of a subject during NS or NNS and using inserts providing increasing levels of resistive force to exercise the subject's tongue.

Abstract: A system, dressing, and method for providing reduced pressure treatment to a tissue site on a wound bed of a patient includes a variable wound dressing having a variable cover that is pliable at ambient pressure and less-pliable when placed under reduced pressure. The variable wound dressing has a first side and a second, patient-facing side, and in use, a treatment space is formed between the second, patient-facing side of the variable dressing and the wound bed. One or more ports are used to supply reduced pressure within the variable cover and to the wound site. A reduced-pressure subsystem is also included that is operable to supply reduced pressure to the one or more ports.

Abstract: The present invention provides a differential pressure body suit with external support against body suit migration. In its preferred embodiment, such body suit may comprise a close-fitting, multi-layered suit sealed against a mammal's skin to contain the differential pressure, or a looser-fitting suit that bends at the mammal's joints with minimal force. External support means include either fixed or movable mechanical supports attached to the body suit, extraordinary air pressure levels for making the body suit rigid, or exoskeletons attached to the body suit. A cyclic control system can turn the differential pressure condition within the body suit on and off on a selective basis to accommodate the movement of the legs of the mammal.

Abstract: In a walking assistance device (10) including a main frame (22) supporting a power generator (26, 28) and worn on a pelvic part of a user, the main frame is provided with an opening (23) in a middle part thereof, and an electronic unit (25) is received in the opening. As the electronic unit is placed in the middle part of the main frame which is relatively free from deformation, the electronic unit is protected from deformation or stress that could impair the reliability of the electronic unit. To achieve both an easy access to the electronic unit, and an attractive appearance, the opening may be provided with a lid (24) that selectively closes the opening from a side adjacent to the user, and the lid may be formed as a back support member for supporting a back part of the user. As the lid serves the dual purposes, the weight and cost of the device can be minimized.

Abstract: In a belt buckle device including a tongue piece (75, 76; 210; 310) connected to an end of a belt extending in a longitudinal direction and a hook member (68, 70; 220; 320) configured to be selectively connected to the tongue piece by engaging a first lateral bar of the tongue piece in a hook opening (111; 226; 326) defined by a hook portion (71, 72; 225; 324) thereof, a longitudinal dimension (B) between the free end of the tongue piece and a base end side of the first lateral bar is substantially equal to or smaller than a width (A) of the entrance of the hook opening, and the effective thickness (C) of the first lateral bar is greater than the width (A) of the entrance of the hook opening. Thus, the first lateral bar is held inside the hook opening as long as the tongue piece is kept in a flat position in a reliable manner.