Abstract: Skin cholesterol is measured by applying an adhesive tape onto a selected area of the skin to adhere the tape to the selected skin area and stripping the tape off the selected skin area to obtain a sample representative of the outer stratum corneum layer of the skin, the sample adhering to the tape so as to have exposed skin constituents. The sample is assayed using a detector reagent that specifically binds to cholesterol and in addition has an indicator component that allows quantitation of the amount of cholesterol present in the exposed skin constituents.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a probe assembly and a driver unit. The probe assembly includes a first cannula having a first aperture extending to a lumen proximal to a first distal end of the first cannula. A second cannula has a second aperture extending to a lumen proximal to the second distal end of the second cannula. The second cannula is disposed co-axially with the first cannula. A least one of the first aperture and the second aperture has a cutting edge. The driver unit is configured for releasably mounting the probe assembly. The driver unit is operatively configured to simultaneously rotate the first cannula and the second cannula at different rotational velocities so that the first aperture and the second aperture periodically come into alignment to form a virtual tissue sample aperture.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, systems and methods for the collection of human waste samples are provided. The systems include a collection bowl, defined as a generally bowl-shaped part extending downward from a toilet seat-shaped rim and having a collection port at the bottom of the collection bowl, a sample cup releasably coupleable to the collection port having a collection volume in communication with the collection bowl, a collection basket lined with a screen to collect solid and particulate matter, and a sample spatula to manipulate solid waste.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1) to allow providing testing of tissue of prostate gland (3) using two or more biopsy needles (4, 5, 6, etc.) essentially simultaneously. According to the invention a guiding (7) for said needles (4-6) is arranged to act on said needles, which preferably have a built-in curvature,-.so that the needles (4-6) are curved by said guiding to get the needles, when using the device, to extend along a peripheral part of the prostate gland (3) in question to allow testing in said peripheral part (2) of the same.

Abstract: A tissue penetrating system has a housing member. A plurality of penetrating members are positioned in the housing member. A tissue stabilizing member is coupled to the housing. A penetrating member sensor is coupled to the plurality of penetrating members. The penetrating member sensor is configured to provide information relative to a depth of penetration of a penetrating member through a skin surface.

Abstract: A piercing system has a carrier band carrying piercing elements with test elements disposed in-between. The carrier band holder, which is coupled to a piercing drive, holds a segment of the carrier band and moves together with the segment and a piercing element at the segment during lancing. A wind-up roll displaces the band in a band transport direction. A measuring device measures analyte concentration of a bodily fluid sample received by a test element. A segment of the band having an unused test element is guided past a carrier band segment disposed in the holder or behind the holder in the band transport direction. The two carrier band segments are pressed against each other for transferring the sample from the piercing element to the test element. A method for transferring a bodily fluid sample from a piercing element to a test element is described.

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: According to certain described aspects, multiple acoustic sensing elements are employed in a variety of beneficial ways to provide improved physiological monitoring, among other advantages. In various embodiments, sensing elements can be advantageously employed in a single sensor package, in multiple sensor packages, and at a variety of other strategic locations in the monitoring environment. According to other aspects, to compensate for skin elasticity and attachment variability, an acoustic sensor support is provided that includes one or more pressure equalization pathways. The pathways can provide an air-flow channel from the cavity defined by the sensing elements and frame to the ambient air pressure.

Abstract: A system for the detection of bruxism includes an electronics housing configured to be worn on the face of a user. The system further includes a first and second sensor, located on a side of the electronics housing. The first and second sensors are secured firmly to the face of the user, positioned a distance apart from each other, and positioned to rest over a muscle of the face; the distance apart being such that the first and second sensors both rest on the muscle of the face. The system also includes a feedback generator, configured to provide feedback to the user when a clenching event occurs. The system also includes a microprocessor, configured to receive a plurality of inputs from the first and second sensors, determine when the clenching event occurs, and activate the feedback generator to provide feedback to the user upon an occurrence of the clenching event.

Abstract: A leg assist device with a control law suitable for assisting standing up motion is provided. The leg assist device is provided with an upper leg link, a lower leg link, a rotary joint, and a controller. The upper leg link and the lower leg link is attached to a leg of a user. The rotary joint rotatably connects the lower leg link to the upper leg link. The rotary joint also has an actuator which rotates the lower leg link. The controller controls the actuator so that the lower leg link angle matches a target angle. The controller has a torque limiter that limits the magnitude of the command torque that is output to the actuator. The controller sets a standing position angle corresponding to a user's standing position to the target angle, and raises an upper limit of the torque limiter as a user's hip height rises.

Abstract: A motion state of a wearable motion-assist device of a doctor is sent to the wearable motion-assist device of a patient via a network. Then, this motion state is applied to the wearable motion-assist device of the patient, so that rehabilitation is conducted for the patient. Furthermore, the motion state of the wearable motion-assist device of the patient is sent from the wearable motion-assist device to the wearable motion-assist device. Then, the motion state of the wearable motion-assist device is applied to the wearable motion-assist device. Accordingly, the doctor can objectively sense the state of the patient.

Abstract: An architecture is presented that provides an exercise device for rehabilitation. The exercise device comprises at least two handles for securing hands of a user; a front rest and a back rest to position a body of the user; and at least two foot pedals for securing feet of the user. A reduction electric motor is used to power the exercise device. Additionally, the exercise device is fitted with wheels to allow the device to be moved. Typically, a user is lifted to a standing position and positioned between the back rest and front rest and secured. The user's hands are then secured to the handles via gloves and the user's feet are secured to the foot pedals via straps. The device is then powered on to exercise muscles of the user.

Abstract: A CPR apparatus includes a chest compression unit and a means for mounting the chest compression unit on a patient. The chest compression unit includes a plunger disposed in a housing. At its one end extending from the housing, the plunger has a compression member. The plunger is driven in a reciprocating manner by a reversible electromotor via a mechanical device for translating rotational motion of the motor to linear motion of the plunger or the plunger is driven by a linear induction electromotor. An electromotor control unit including a microprocessor, a first monitor for monitoring the position of the plunger in respect of the housing and a second monitor for monitoring the position of the plunger in respect of the mechanical device for translating rotational motion to linear motion or the rotor of the linear induction electromotor. The monitored positions are communicated to the electromotor control unit. Also disclosed is a corresponding CPR method.

Abstract: A system for performing chest compression for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. The system includes a motor, drive spool and associated couplings which allow for controlling and limiting the movement of the compressing mechanism and includes a control system for controlling the operation and interaction of the various components to provide for optimal automatic operation of the system.

Abstract: A surgical positioning system includes a flexible air-impermeable shell filled with beads that is wrapped against the patient and subjected to a vacuum to hold the patient in place. An air-impermeable top wall can be joined with an air-impermeable bottom wall to define a plurality of chambers. Each of the chambers can include a peripheral edge that extends around the periphery of the respective chamber. The plurality of chambers can include a first shoulder chamber, a second shoulder chamber, and a main chamber.

Abstract: A surgical positioning system includes a flexible air-impermeable shell filled with beads that is wrapped against the patient and subjected to a vacuum to hold the patient in place. An air-impermeable top wall can be joined with an air-impermeable bottom wall to define a plurality of chambers. Each of the chambers can include a peripheral edge that extends around the periphery of the respective chamber. The plurality of chambers can include a first shoulder chamber, a second shoulder chamber, and a main chamber.

Abstract: A fracture reduction is mechanically achieved by supporting a body region having the bone fracture on a frame. A first reduction mechanism on the frame is operated to apply to the bone fracture a first predefined force reduction vector that returns the bone fracture to a corrective alignment in a first anatomic orientation, while also mechanically maintaining the corrective alignment in the first anatomic orientation. Independently, a second reduction mechanism on the frame is operated to apply a second predefined force reduction vector that returns the bone fracture to a corrective alignment in a second anatomic orientation different than the first anatomic orientation without altering the corrective alignment in the first anatomic orientation, while mechanically maintaining the corrective alignment in the second anatomic orientation. The fracture reduction is mechanically fixed by mechanically guiding the placement at least one bone fixing device into the reduced bone fracture.

Abstract: A device for keeping a patient's forearm and hand substantially vertically elevated. The device includes a padded body having a base and a vertical supporting region defining a groove. The patient's forearm is positioned such that the forearm is suspended and supported in the groove of the padded body such that the elbow will rest lightly on the base of the padded body. A strap is attached to the vertical supporting region to secure the forearm. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for using a device for keeping a patient's forearm and hand substantially vertically elevated. The method includes the steps of providing a padded body having a base and a vertical supporting region defining a groove and placing the forearm in the padded body such that the forearm is positioned and suspended into the groove and the elbow rests lightly on the base.

Abstract: Methods of preventing the development or exacerbation of tendinosis include receiving a first ring of resilient material over a first digit of a hand of the user and a second ring of resilient material over a second digit of the hand of the user. The first and second digits receiving first and second rings are curled about an object to grasp the object with an increased circumference grip relative to a natural grip of the user. The first and second rings are automatically slid to an interleaved configuration on the first and second digits by moving the grasped object with the hand.

Abstract: A knee brace includes a sleeve; and a plurality of flaps including a first lateral flap coupled to a first side of the sleeve and configured to extend toward a center of the sleeve; a second lateral flap coupled to a second side of the sleeve substantially opposite to the first side and configured to extend toward a center of the sleeve and overlap with the first transverse flap; a first transverse flap and a second transverse flap coupled to a rear side of the sleeve and configured to wrap around the first side and the second side of the sleeve, respectively, and overlap the first and second lateral flaps. Additionally, the knee brace may include a lower flap as an anterior cruciate ligament support and first and second transverse straps configured to extend over the plurality of flaps.

Abstract: A knee brace incorporates an upper attachment assembly received anteriorly on a thigh of and a lower attachment assembly to be received on a lower leg of a patent. Medial and lateral longitudinal supports are interconnected at medial and lateral hinges. An outer lateral arcuate support plate is attached to a first end of the lateral longitudinal support and an outer medial arcuate support plate is attached to a first end of the medial longitudinal support. Symmetrical lateral adjustment is accomplished with an anterior arcuate support plate and a lateral adjustment ratchet mounted to the anterior support plate. A lateral adjustment strap extends from the lateral arcuate support plate through the lateral adjustment ratchet. A lateral adjustment strap extends from the medial arcuate support plate through the lateral adjustment ratchet and rotation of the lateral adjustment ratchet symmetrically expands or retracts the lateral adjustment straps.

Abstract: A radiation treatment garment includes, in some embodiments, a window having a visually-transparent material for viewing alignment tattoos on a wearer. In some other embodiments, the radiation treatment garment includes a support pouch for receiving and supporting a male wearer's external genitalia, wherein the support pouch is configured to support the external genitalia in a position that is anterior and superior to the natural gravity-induced position. In some further embodiments, the radiation treatment garment includes both the window and the support pouch.

Abstract: A radiation treatment garment includes, in some embodiments, a window having a visually-transparent material for viewing alignment tattoos on a wearer. In some other embodiments, the radiation treatment garment includes a support pouch for receiving and supporting a male wearer's external genitalia, wherein the support pouch is configured to support the external genitalia in a position that is anterior and superior to the natural gravity-induced position. In some further embodiments, the radiation treatment garment includes both the window and the support pouch.

Abstract: Vascular access systems for performing hemodialysis are disclosed. The vascular access system contemplates a catheter section adapted for insertion into a vein and a graft section adapted for attachment to an artery. The catheter section may have metal or polymer wall reinforcements that allow the use of thin-walled, small outer diameter conduits for the vascular access system. One or more of the adhered, embedded or bonded conduit reinforcement structures may be removable without significant damage to the conduit sections to facilitate attachment of the sections, or to a connector between the sections. Various self-sealing materials are provided for use in the vascular access system, as well as temporary access sites and flow control/sensor systems.

Abstract: An implantable flow connector for fluidically coupling a source tissue-enclosed body space with a destination element, comprising: a conduit having a lumen terminating at an orifice at a first end of the conduit implantable in the source body space through an opening formed in a tissue wall of the source body space, and a second end of the conduit implantable in the destination element through an opening in a surface of the destination element; and a circumferential flange, radially extending from the conduit proximate the conduit first end, configured to be implanted in the source body space adjacent an opening in the tissue wall of the source body space such that the conduit extends through the opening, the flange comprising one or more circumferentially adjacent sections at least one of which has a rigidity that decreases in a radially-increasing direction.

Abstract: A system for bypassing an anastomosis site in a hollow organ is provided. The system includes a sleeve configured for spanning the anastomosis site at an internal surface of the hollow organ and a band configured for attachment to an external surface of the hollow organ and limiting migration of the sleeve beyond the anastomosis site.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catheter system. The system comprises a catheter body having a chamber containing a low acoustic impedance medium. The catheter body includes an elongated body with an external surface and an ultrasound transducer having an external side between a first end and a second end. The ultrasound transducer is positioned over the external surface of the elongated body such that the first end is adjacent to the chamber.

Abstract: Ultrasound catheter devices and methods provide enhanced disruption of blood vessel obstructions. Generally, an ultrasound catheter includes an elongate flexible catheter body with one or more lumens. An ultrasound transmission member or wire extends longitudinally through the catheter body lumen and, in many embodiments, a guide wire tube also extends through the same lumen. A distal head is fixed to or otherwise mechanically coupled with the distal end of the ultrasound transmission member or wire and is positioned adjacent the distal end of the catheter body. Although the distal end of the catheter body overlaps the distal head, the distal head is not directly affixed to the distal end of the catheter body. Thus, the distal tip may move freely, relative to the distal end of the catheter body when ultrasonic energy is applied through the ultrasound transmission member.

Abstract: A method and device for monitoring or treating patient glucose levels. The device includes a glucose sensor for measuring a glucose level of a patient, a physiological status monitoring system for measuring at least one physical or metabolic variable of the patient, and an automatic controller in communication with the glucose sensor and the physiological status monitoring system. The controller includes a prediction module for automatically predicting a future glucose level using data measured by the glucose sensor and the physiological sensor.

Abstract: A robotic catheter rotatable device cartridge may include a housing member attachable to a drive mechanism for rotating the cartridge and a catheter attached to the cartridge along an axial direction of the catheter. A slider block may be generally slidable relative to the housing and engaged with one or more steering wires for controlling movement of the catheter in a transverse direction relative to the axial direction. The catheter may include the steering wire(s) engaged therewith and movable in the transverse direction when the slider block is linearly driven in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: Medical devices for delivering a bioactive agent and methods of use thereof are provided. The device includes a balloon having micro-needles for delivery of the bioactive agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to balloon catheters for treating a luminal system of a patient. Specifically, the invention relates to catheters having a flexible membrane positioned at a distal portion of the catheter, the flexible membrane retained in a substantially unexposed conformation prior to deployment. Preferably the flexible membrane is capable of delivering a therapeutic agent to a localized environment when deployed to an exposed conformation.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to medical devices and related methods. In some embodiments, the methods include applying a material to the balloon and then removing the material from one or more regions of the balloon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety syringe. The safety syringe comprises a barrel having a plurality of elastic support units in the inner side, a plunger having a rubber ring and a first coupling portion at the front-end, and an injection head unit comprising a first needle seat, a second needle seat, and a needle, wherein the second needle seat comprises a second coupling portion. When the injection head unit is mounted on the front-end opening, the second needle seat is propped by the plurality of elastic support units preventing the needle seat from being crushed during injection. After injecting, the first coupling portion is pushed to couple with the second coupling portion, and then the needle can be pulled into the barrel for safety.

Abstract: A cooling system for an indwelling heat exchange catheter includes a heat exchange bath that is configured to receive a conduit that carries saline to and from the catheter. A heating/cooling fluid is in the bath and exchanges heat with the saline. The heating/cooling fluid flows through a heat exchanger that includes a refrigerant and two variable speed DC compressor for removing heat from the refrigerant. A gear pump circulates the working fluid to and from the catheter and is removably engaged with a pump support platform.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise can comprise an auto-injector, which can comprise: a vial configured to store and/or contain an injectable medicament, the vial defining a vial longitudinal axis, and a housing comprising the vial. In various embodiments, the injectable medicament can be a medicine, medication, drug, pharmaceutical, prescriptive, agent, antidote, anti-venom, hormone, stimulant, vasodilator, anesthetic, and/or nutritional supplement that is substantially ready for injection.

Abstract: A syringe drive device 1 includes a cylinder holding section 3 configured to detachably hold a cylinder 201, a piston manipulating section 4 detachably coupled with a piston, and a piston drive section 5 including racks 31A and 31B coupled with the piston manipulating section 4 and configured to move the piston manipulating section 4 so that a piston 202 is moved in a push-in direction or a pull-out direction. A cylinder 200A having a given capacity (for example, 50 cc) is directly loaded in the syringe drive device 1 with no adapter therebetween. A syringe 200C having a different capacity (for example, 20 cc) is loaded in the syringe drive device 1 by means of a cylinder adapter 81 and a piston adapter 82.

Abstract: Liquid infusion apparatus includes non-magnetic materials in a pumping structure and drive motor, therefore, and in a controller that supplies drive signals to the motor to facilitate convenient operation in intense magnetic fields without distorting the magnetic fields and without radiating objectionable radio-frequency interference.

Abstract: A micromechanical pumping system is formed on a substrate surface. The pumping system uses a pumping element which pumps a fluid through valves which move in a plane substantially parallel to the substrate surface. An electromagnetic actuating mechanism may also be fabricated on the surface of the substrate. Magnetic flux produced by a coil around a permeable core may be coupled to a permeable member affixed to a pumping element. The permeable member and pumping element may be configured to move in a plane parallel to the substrate. The electromagnetic actuating mechanism gives the pumping system a large throw and substantial force, such that the fluid pumped by the pumping system may be pumped through a transdermal cannula to deliver a therapeutic substance to the tissue underlying the skin of a patient.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for removing fluid from a surgical access device and/or from surgical instruments passed therethrough, and for preventing such fluid from accumulating. For example, in one embodiment, an exemplary device can include a body defining a working channel that is configured and sized to allow for passage of a surgical instrument therethrough. A number of seals can be disposed in the working channel so as to contact the inserted surgical instrument. One or more outlets can be oriented to direct gas, such as air or an insufflation gas, into the working channel so as to remove fluid on the seals, or other parts of the surgical access device, as well as the surgical instruments themselves. In some embodiments, constant flows of gases can be arranged to act as shields to help prevent fluid from accumulating on the surgical access device and/or surgical instruments.

Abstract: Various embodiments may include methods of manufacture of a retrofitted neural injection system. Various embodiments may include acquiring an injection needle comprising a hollow cannula with an open distal end. Then, forming an at least one side port in the hollow cannula proximate to the distal end. Then, sealing the open distal end of the hollow cannula with a bio-compatible sealant so as to eliminate fluid communication between the inside and the outside of the hollow cannula via the distal end. In some embodiments, the bio-compatible sealant may be comprised of a thermosetting material. In some embodiments, the bio-compatible sealant may be comprised of a cured epoxy resin. In some embodiments, the bio-compatible sealant may be comprised of an aliphatic polymer. In some embodiments, the bio-compatible sealant may be comprised of an polyfluorocarbon.

Abstract: An venous access catheter is combined with a needle, guidewire, and actuator where the needle is disposed coaxially over the guidewire and the catheter is disposed coaxially over the needle. A hub at a proximal end of the access catheter includes a wiping element to clean blood from the needle and guidewire as they are removed and a side port to allow connection of fluids after the access catheter is placed.

Abstract: A medical device is provided having a hemostatic valve system that allows substantially leak-free passage of one or more medical interventional devices, such as a catheter, for insertion into a body vessel. The medical device comprises a hemostatic valve system and an elongate tubular member. The hemostatic valve system comprises a body, one or more pouches, and one or more disks.

Abstract: A garment for use with a patient requiring treatment with a central venous catheter and/or gastrostomy tube. Access openings are provided through which the catheter or tube may be reached from the outside of the garment and, in the case of the catheter, coiled on the outside of the garment. Flaps are attached to the garment for covering the access openings and securing the catheter or tube under the flaps. When the access openings are connected with an open ended slot to a central longitudinal opening in the front of the garment, the catheter or tube may be passed into the access opening and the garment put on and taken off without disturbing the medical appliance to which the catheter or tube is attached.

Abstract: An auto-injector apparatus includes a flexible container containing a liquid medicant, a needle communicated with a container, a housing with a container being received in the housing, a pump disposed in the housing and positioned to engage the flexible container and expel the medicant from the container through the needle upon relative movement between the pump and the container, and a main drive spring operably associated with the needle to extend the needle from a first needle position wherein the needle is completely received in the housing to a second needle position wherein the needle protrudes from the housing. The pump may be a roller.

Abstract: A device for administering a product (e.g. a medicinal or therapeutic substance), the device including a receptacle for the product or constituents of the product and a casing, wherein the receptacle and casing are engaged, and an outer sleeve, wherein the casing can be moved relative to the receptacle into the outer sleeve.

Abstract: The transdermal administration device of the present invention includes: a needle support with a plurality of microneedles formed at a tip portion thereof; a holder with the needle support placed therein, allowing the needle support to protrude itself therefrom and retract therein; and a cap for covering the microneedles, and further includes: a spring member placed between the needle support and the holder, for biasing the needle support in a protruding direction; an engaging portion at a base of the needle support; and an engaged portion capable of engaging the engaging portion, formed in the holder, where the engaging portion of the needle support can be locked with the engaged portion of the holder when the needle support is retracted in the holder.

Abstract: A method and device for delivering medicament such as for ameliorating pain in a patient from an injector superiorly and/or laterally and/or anteriorly towards the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG). A device for delivering a medicament to a patient in need thereof includes (a) an injector containing a first end configured to remain outside a nasal passage of the patient and a second end configured for entry into the nasal passage of the patient; and (b) an introducer configured for engagement with a nostril of the patient and containing a passageway configured for slidably receiving the injector. The injector is moveable between a storage position preceding the engagement and an engaging position pursuant to the engagement. The device may further include a locking connection assembly that is useful in other devices.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices and treatment methods are provided, particularly for use in the bladder. The device is configured for retention in the bladder for at least a portion of the drug delivery period and includes at least one biodegradable component such that following a biodegradation at a selected time, the retention function is lost and the device or portions thereof are resorbed and/or excreted. The method may include deploying into the bladder of a patient a device having a device structure housing a drug formulation comprising at a drug; releasing drug from the device structure into the bladder; and then, changing the composition of urine in the bladder, e.g., by altering the pH, to trigger degradation of at least part of the device structure to enable the device structure or parts thereof to be excreted from the bladder.

Abstract: An improved wound care system is set forth. The system includes a wound care device having a first end and a second end. A fastener, adapted to extend to a desired length to selectively attach the device at an anchor, wherein the anchor is provided on a second end of the device is also provided. The fastener is sufficiently sized and formed of a suitable material to prevent the device from moving when secured to the anchor. In an embodiment, medicine is provided in a desired treatment area of the device. The medicine can be inserted via a medicinal delivery device by inserting the medicinal delivery device up to a stop on the medicinal delivery device into the wound care device.