Abstract: An incontinence treatment system for a male patient includes a support, a brace attachable to the support, and an introducer provided to deliver an anchor through the support and into periosteum tissue over a pubic bone of the pelvis of the male patient. The brace includes a base portion, a first post extending from the base portion and a second post extending from the base portion. A first hanger is attached to an end portion of the first post and a second hanger attached to an end portion of the second post. A first slot is formed between the end portion of the first post and the first hanger and a second slot formed between the end portion of the second post and the second hanger. The hangers are insertable into pockets formed in a pair of longitudinal arms of the support.

Abstract: A urethral stabilization system includes a suspending member attached between a stabilizer and support member. The support member is implantable into a patient to support a urethra. A first suspending member is attached between a first end of the support member and a first stabilizer, and a second suspending member is attached between a second end of the support member and a second stabilizer. A first thread member continuously extends between a first end that is attached to the first stabilizer and a second end of the first thread member that is free, and a second thread member continuously extending between a first end that is attached to the second stabilizer and a second end of the second thread member that is free.

Abstract: Systems for providing support to body tissue to alleviate incontinence are disclosed that comprise an elongated incontinence sling having a central support portion adapted to be positioned to support any one of the urethra or anus and first and second sling end portions extending from the central support portion through body tissue and a tension adjustment mechanism acting on or within one or both of the sling end portions. The sling tension adjustment mechanism comprises one or more of a sling tensioning suture or band, a tensioning device coupled to a suture or band free end, a tissue anchor coupled to one or more of a suture free end and a sling end, a mesh fold, a suture tube, and a sling sheath in various combinations.

Abstract: An incontinence treatment device includes a non-porous sling located between two anchors. A first line is attached between a first end of the sling and the first anchor, and a second line is attached to a second end of the sling and inserted through a channel of the second anchor. The second anchor is provided with a restrictor segment provided in the channel. The second line has an adjustment device attached to the second line and the restrictor segment is configured to resist movement of the adjustment device through the channel. The adjustment device is movable through the channel from a first position that locates the adjustment device between the second anchor and the sling to a second position that locates the second anchor between the adjustment device and the sling to thereby reduce an effective length of the sling between the first and second anchors.

Abstract: An apparatus (60) for use within a woman's urethra (9) for inhibiting urine outflow when her intra-abdominal pressure rises. The apparatus (60) includes a generally tubular device (50) having a proximal end and a distal end and defining a longitudinal axis. Device (50) comprises structure (5) that is constructed and arranged to define a longitudinal passageway (14) that extends entirely through the device (50) from the proximal end to the distal end. Structure (5) is further constructed and arranged to be altered via an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, from a first state in which the passageway (14) is open along its length and able to conduct urine to a second state in which the passageway (14a) is more restricted or is closed off, to inhibit the passage of urine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for determining quality criteria in order to select the most viable embryos after in vitro fertilization. The present invention may further be applied for iteratively adapting embryo quality criteria based on new knowledge, historical selection & fertilization data and cooperation between fertility clinics.

Abstract: Devices and methods for forming and securing tissue folds, elongated invaginations, and tissue appositions in stomach tissue are used as a treatment for obesity. In a first embodiment, a plurality of tissue folds is formed in the fundus region of the stomach. In a second embodiment, one or more elongated invaginations are formed in the body region and/or antrum of the stomach. In a third embodiment, a plurality of tissue folds is formed in the fundus region of the stomach and one or more elongated invaginations is formed in the body region and/or antrum of the stomach. In other embodiments, a plurality of tissue folds is formed in the fundus region of the stomach and one or more tissue appositions are formed in the body region and/or antrum of the stomach. Additional embodiments include various combinations of tissue folds, elongated invaginations, tissue appositions, and other reconfigurations of stomach tissue.

Abstract: The adhesive composition used in a medical instrument containing: a main agent which is an epoxy resin selected from the group consisting of bisphenol A-type epoxy resins, bisphenol F-type epoxy resins, and phenol novolac type epoxy resins; a curing agent comprising one or both of meta xylylene diamine and a derivative thereof; acrylic rubber, a filler which contains alumina.

Abstract: The teachings provided herein are directed to a methods and devices for treating a hemorrhoid in a subject in a manner that produces substantially less post-procedural pain in the subject, the method minimizing or avoiding a removing or a necrosis of a rectal tissue fold.

Abstract: A trocar system, having a trocar, an optical channel extending coaxially in the trocar for receiving an optical unit, and a hollow transparent distal tip of the trocar, which can be observed from the interior by means of the optical unit, wherein at least one working channel is constructed in the wall of the trocar surrounding the optical channel, which channel extends continuously and axially parallel from the proximal end of the trocar into the distal tip and opens into an outlet opening in the region of the tip.

Abstract: An endobronchial tube which contains an integrated camera and light source and a cleaning nozzle arrangement disposed within dedicated peripheral lumen within the tube's wall.

Abstract: A lens system and a for a capsule endoscope includes a first lens having a concave aspheric surface having a radius R2 and a second lens having a convex aspheric surface having a radius R3 facing the first lens. A third lens has a convex aspheric surface having radius R6. The lens system satisfies the following conditions: (1) R2/Gap>1 and ABS(R3/R2)>1.28; (2) 1<ABS(R6/R2)<1.1 and R6<0; and (3) V2<V1 and V2<V3; wherein: i) Gap is a distance from a center of curvature of the concave aspheric surface of the first lens to a center of curvature of the convex aspheric surface of the second lens; (ii) ABS denotes absolute value; and (iii) V1 is an Abbe number of the first lens, V2 is an Abbe number of the second lens, and V3 is an Abbe number of the third lens.

Abstract: A contact-free magnetic coupling for an endoscope. The contact-free magnetic coupling including: an outer coupling part; and an inner coupling part. Wherein the inner coupling part is disposed within the outer coupling part such that a gap remains between the outer and inner coupling parts; the outer coupling part and the inner coupling part each comprise an annular body; the annular body of the outer coupling part is disposed between first side anchor plates, which together form a substantially “U”-shaped cross section that is open toward an interior; and/or the annular body of the inner coupling part is disposed between second side anchor plates, which together form a substantially “U”-shaped cross section that is open toward an exterior. Wherein the annular body of the outer coupling part and/or the inner coupling part comprises an axially magnetized annular magnet.

Abstract: An in vivo endoscope illuminates tissue using multiple sources. Light from a short-range source exits a tubular wall of the endoscope through a first illumination region that overlaps an imaging region, and the light returns through the imaging region after reflection by tissue, to form an image in a camera. Light from a long-range source exits the tubular wall through a second illumination region that does not overlap the imaging region. The endoscope of some embodiments includes a mirror, and light from an emitter for the short-range source is split and reaches the first illumination region from both sides of an optical axis of the camera. Illuminating the first illumination region with split fractions of light results in greater uniformity of illumination, than illuminating directly with an un-split beam. The energy generated by each source is changed depending on distance of the tissue to be imaged.

Abstract: A non-rebreathing oxygen mask for supplying a continuous flow of oxygen to a patient. The non-rebreathing oxygen mask includes a face mask portion for enclosing the mouth and nose of a patient, an oxygen reserve bag for receiving a supply of oxygen from an external source, and an intermediate oxygen entry port for regulating the flow of oxygen into the oxygen reserve bag from an external source. The mask further includes a closeable aperture through which an endoscope or larger sized medical instrument may be inserted, and an auxiliary tube for monitoring carbon dioxide exhalation by the patient.

Abstract: A colonoscopy or enema aide is described which decreases friction or “rub” on the anus. Specifically, the colonoscope or enema tube is placed through the device which is then inserted into the rectum. The device prevents air from escaping. The device comprises a circular base and a conical section extending from the base to a tip through which the scope or tube is passed during use.

Abstract: A face mask that may be used for bag-mask ventilation, during the induction of general anesthesia for example, and allows for two-handed or ambidextrous use. The face mask includes a dome connected to a deformable rim, which forms an enclosed air space when the rim is pressed against a patient's face. The dome has a connection port and a contoured outer surface adjacent the connection port. The contoured outer surface includes contour features such as a pair of crossed composite recesses which may each receive a different one of a user's thumbs. The connection port is aligned with the patient's mouth when the mask is in use and an adapter may be included that attaches to the connection port and provides a ventilation port as well as an intubation port that is aligned with the mouth.

Abstract: A sideways viewing endoscope including: a proximal handle, an endoscope shaft having outer and inner tubes, and first and second optical component assemblies arranged in a distal region of the endoscope shaft, the optical components assemblies can be rotated with respect to one another about a longitudinal axis of the endoscope shaft and are mounted against each other by an axial bearing that is disposed between the optical component assemblies and pretensioned by a pretensioning device; wherein the first optical component assembly is distally connected to the outer tube and comprises optical windows, prisms and/or lenses having a sideways viewing direction and the second optical component assembly is distally connected to the inner tube and comprises an image sensor having a straight-ahead viewing direction oriented in the direction of the longitudinal axis; and the pretensioning device is disposed in the distal region of the endoscope shaft at the axial bearing.

Abstract: A fluorescence endoscope apparatus includes a light source that radiates excitation light and reference light onto an examination target; a fluorescence-image generating portion that generates a fluorescence image by capturing fluorescence generated at the examination target due to irradiation with the excitation light; a reference-image generating portion that generates a reference image by capturing return light that returns from the examination target due to irradiation with the reference light; a division-image generating portion that generates a division image by dividing the fluorescence image generated by the fluorescence-image generating portion by the reference image generated by the reference-image generating portion; and a corrected-image generating portion that generates a corrected image based on the division image and the fluorescence image, wherein the corrected-image generating portion generates a corrected image in which a region that has relatively high luminance and that the division image

Abstract: An intubation guide assembly includes a laryngoscope having a handle and a blade. The blade has a first portion engaged with the handle, and a second portion configured for insertion into the oral cavity of a patient. The handle and blade are configured for slidably receiving a guide member. The guide member is dimensioned such that a proximal portion is extendable beyond the handle for manipulation by an operator, and a distal portion is extendable into the trachea of the patient when the blade is inserted into the oral cavity. Upon withdrawal of the laryngoscope, a tubular airway member may be advanced over the guide member such that the distal end of the airway member extends into the trachea to provide ventilation to the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for tissue separation comprises a hollow retractor expandable in at least one dimension, the retractor having upper and lower guide surface portions for contacting respective upper and lower tissue surfaces; a first dilator having a distal portion configured to fit inside the upper and lower guide surface portions of the retractor so as to expand a distance between the upper and lower guide surface portions of the retractor and thereby separate the upper and lower tissue surfaces by a first distance; and a second dilator having a distal portion configured to fit inside the upper and lower guide surface portions of the retractor so as to expand a distance between the upper and lower guide surface portions of the retractor and thereby render the upper and lower tissue surfaces being separated by a second distance, the second distance greater than the first distance.

Abstract: Devices and methods for sternal retraction that reduces bleeding from the cut edges of a sternum and reduces fracturing of the sternum during retraction. The devices and methods involve the use of sternal retractor blades having a certain geometry and inserts placed inside the sternal retractor blades during retraction of the sternotomy incision. The blades and inserts act to tamponade the blood flow from the cut sternal edge and reduce fracturing of the sternum during retraction.

Abstract: A surgical retractor configured for use in surgical procedures to repair patient wrist distal radius bone fractures. The retractor includes an elongated handle portion, a wing portion coupled to the handle portion, and a hook portion at a working end of the retractor. The hook portion is configured to engage the radius bone of a surgical patient during a procedure. The wing portion is positioned intermediate the hook portion and the elongated handle portion and configured with a sufficient width to retract the patient's pronator quadratus muscle, while having a height such that the wing portion does not contact the median nerve of the surgical patient. A portion of the retractor above the wing portion is configured to contact the median nerve while being sufficiently narrow so as not put excessive pressure on the median nerve to cause nerve damage.

Abstract: Embodiments of dermalogical cell treatment are described generally herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: An ophthalmic laser illuminator 10 includes multiple laser devices 12-16. There are at least three different wavelengths of light emitted by the multiple laser devices 12-16 and each wavelength of light emitted by each laser device is outside of wavelengths blocked by a safety filter used for surgical treatment lasers 52. A controller 18 controls the multiple laser devices 12-16. A graphical user interface 32 is operably attached to the controller 18 for allowing a user to select a plurality of light parameters for a light beam exiting the illuminator 10.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of forming an apparatus wherein the apparatus includes a first electrode and a second electrode arranged to form a parallel plate capacitor; a compressible, transparent dielectric layer provided between the first electrode and the second electrode wherein the dielectric layer has a nanostructure and the dimensions of the nanostructure are such that the dielectric layer is optically transparent.

Abstract: A physiological electrical signal and living organism movement signal sensing apparatus includes at least one electrode element, a piezoelectric sensing layer, a connecting layer and a control unit. The connecting layer is connected to the at least one electrode element, and the electrode element measures a physiological electrical signal of a living organism to generate a physiological sensing signal and the piezoelectric sensing layer measures a living organism movement signal to generate a living organism movement sensing signal, and the control unit receives the physiological sensing signal and the living organism movement sensing signal to determine and display the physiological status and movement of the living organism. The sensing apparatus has the features of providing highly integrated functions and simple structure.

Abstract: Joint sensor devices, bracing members, and methods of use are provided. A joint sensor device includes a bracing member contoured to fit over a joint on a limb of a human subject, such that the bracing member allows the limb to pivot; at least a first sensor operably connected to the bracing member, such that the first sensor is configured to detect an angle of the joint; at least a second sensor operably connected to the bracing member, such that the second sensor is configured to detect a vibration caused by joint movement; and a data communication device operably connected to the sensors, wherein the data communication device communicates signals from the sensors to an external device. The devices can also include temperature sensors. Bracing members and methods of monitoring joint health of subjects are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of determining a value of a physiological parameter for a subject at a selected state includes obtaining, via a device attached to the subject, a value of the physiological parameter of the subject at a particular time-of-day, and applying a time-dependent relationship function to the obtained physiological parameter value via a processor to determine a value of the physiological parameter at the selected state.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the establishment, implementation and management of a personalized information system pertinent to a user's general health, wellness and/or sport performance. Disclosed is a system capable of transcutaneous measurement of a subject including at least one light source, at least one light detector, and at least one component for generating or storing at least one value of VC02 or at least one value of V02 from the detected signal. Further, disclosed is a portable device for analyzing the composition of the respired gasses of a subject including at least one air flow conduit through which the subject can inspire or expire air through the body of the device, at least one sampling portal, an oxygen sensor, and at least one flow sensor. A dual-battery system is also provided by which an uninterrupted power supply can be provided for electronic components.

Abstract: A flexible spirally-rolled polymer microtube for in vivo monitoring and treatment of brain injuries; the tube integrally comprising one or more microsensors and one or more microchannels, wherein the microsensors monitor one or more parameters and the microchannels are capable of delivering substances to the brain, removing substances from the brain, or both.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for detecting chemicals. As an example, a system is disclosed that includes a chemical sensor, a processor, and a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium includes instructions executable by the processor to: receive a plurality of outputs from the chemical sensor; calculate a baseline value using the plurality of outputs from the chemical sensor; and report an event when the baseline value is exceeded.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments that relate to the deployment of a glucose sensor comprising an optical fiber into a physiological fluid, wherein the optical fiber has disposed along a distal region thereof a chemical indicator system comprising a fluorophore and a glucose binding moiety immobilized within a hydrogel, wherein the components of the chemical indicator system are in a dry state before deployment. Also disclosed is a one-point in vivo calibration of the chemical indicator system based on an independently measured glucose concentration.

Abstract: A portable 2-dimension oximeter image device is disclosed. The portable 2-dimension oximeter image device includes a plurality of light sources for emitting light to an object to be measured such that a plurality of sensors can sense the intensity of reflected light from the measured object; an analysis processor for receiving the light intensity sensed by the front-end detectors to analyze and calculate based on an oxygen saturation distribution algorithm to generate oxygen saturation distribution information; an image reconstruction unit for reconstructing an image according to the oxygen saturation distribution information to generate image information with a color scale to demonstrate the differences in the object's oxygen saturation in each regional tissue of the object, thereby providing an effective and accurate regional detection range.

Abstract: A physiological trend monitor has a sensor signal responsive to multiple wavelengths of light transmitted into a tissue site. The transmitted light is detected after attenuation by pulsatile blood flow within the tissue site. A processor has an input responsive to the sensor signal and a physiological parameter output. Features are extracted from the physiological parameter output. Criteria are applied to the features. An alarm output is generated when the criteria are satisfied.

Abstract: A sleep apnea diagnostic system includes a housing that is configured to be attached to near the nose of a patient's face to sense physiological information of a patient. The housing includes sensors to sense the physiological information. The physiological information may be, for example, air flow through the nose or the mouth or both. The physiological information further may be, for example, blood volume. The sleep apnea diagnostic system includes at least one processor in the housing or external to the housing or both to analyze the physiological information to determine whether the patient has experienced irregular or abnormal respiratory activity and to detect respiratory effort. The analysis may be real time or delayed.

Abstract: A system and method for non-invasively estimating the tissue blood oxygen saturation level of a human subject, including so-called “outliers”, whose physiological make-up causes previously-known techniques to generate invalid tissue blood oxygen saturation estimations. The system includes a computing device and a sensor. The sensor includes a light source configured to emit light of at least four different wavelengths, one at a time. The sensor also includes two light detectors, each positioned a different distances from the light source. Optical density measurements are taken by the light detectors and provided to the computing device. A first tissue blood oxygen saturation value is computed using the optical density measurements associated with three of the four wavelengths, and a second tissue blood oxygen saturation value is computed using the optical density measurements associated with four of the wavelengths.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a noninvasive optical sensor or probe including disposable and reusable components. The assembly of the disposable and reusable components is straightforward, along with the disassembly thereof. During application to a measurement site, the assembled sensor is advantageously secured together while the componentry is advantageously properly positioned.

Abstract: Devices and methods for determining analyte levels are described. The devices and methods allow for the implantation of analyte-monitoring devices, such as glucose monitoring devices, that result in the delivery of a dependable flow of blood to deliver sample to the implanted device. The devices comprise a unique microarchitectural arrangement in the sensor region that allows accurate data to be obtained over long periods of time.

Abstract: Devices and methods for determining analyte levels are described. The devices and methods allow for the implantation of analyte-monitoring devices, such as glucose monitoring devices, that result in the delivery of a dependable flow of blood to deliver sample to the implanted device. The devices comprise a unique microarchitectural arrangement in the sensor region that allows accurate data to be obtained over long periods of time.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for a continuous analyte sensor, such as a continuous glucose sensor. One such system utilizes first and second working electrodes to measure additional analyte or non-analyte related signal. Such measurements may provide a background and/or sensitivity measurement(s) for use in processing sensor data and may be used to trigger events such as digital filtering of data or suspending display of data.

Abstract: Systems and methods of use involving sensors having a signal-to-noise ratio that is substantially unaffected by non-constant noise are provided for continuous analyte measurement in a host. In some embodiments, a continuous analyte measurement system is configured to be wholly, transcutaneously, intravascularly or extracorporeally implanted.

Abstract: Systems and methods of use involving sensors having a signal-to-noise ratio that is substantially unaffected by non-constant noise are provided for continuous analyte measurement in a host. In some embodiments, a continuous analyte measurement system is configured to be wholly, transcutaneously, intravascularly or extracorporeally implanted.

Abstract: A computer-based method includes receiving, from a computer-based user interface, user-specified information about one or more events influential on the user's blood glucose level, generating, with a computer-based processor, a plurality of estimated trajectories of the user's blood glucose level as influenced by the one or more events, receiving a set of data that represents actual blood glucose measurements for the user, and identifying, with the computer-based processor, which of the estimated trajectories represents a best fit to the set of data that represents the actual blood glucose measurements for the user. At least some of the actual blood glucose measurements occurred later in time than a start time of the one or more events influential on the user's blood glucose level. A computer-based system is provided for implementing the method.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, apparatuses, etc. for glucose sensor signal purity analysis. In certain example embodiments, a series of samples of at least one sensor signal that is responsive to a blood glucose level of a patient may be obtained. Based at least partly on the series of samples, at least one metric may be determined to characterize one or more non-physiological anomalies of a representation of the blood glucose level of the patient by the at least one sensor signal. A reliability of the at least one sensor signal to represent the blood glucose level of the patient may be assessed based at least partly on the at least one metric. Other example embodiments are disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a clinical decision support system which makes use of a numerical model which dynamically describes a blood dilution of a blood circulation. Based on measured coagulation data and maybe other patient information, loss of hemostatic balance is predicted based on calculations of certain protein concentrations. Additionally, a calculation arrangement translates at least some of the calculated values of concentrations of human blood proteins into a risk value which risk value describes a risk of clotting and/or embolism and/or bleeding. A time development of that risk value is displayed to the user.

Abstract: Physiological parameters of a patient can be used to monitor patient status and/or in conjunction with patient therapy. Physiological cycles may be monitored by implanting a monitoring system into the patient, the system including an implantable pulse generator operably connected to a lead implanted on a carotid sinus of the patient, measuring at least one signal indicative of a physiological parameter of the patient along at least two vectors selected from: a first vector defined between a first electrode of the lead and a second electrode of the lead, a second vector defined between the first electrode of the lead and an electrode integrated into an implantable pulse generator, and a third vector defined between the second electrode of the lead and the electrode integrated into the implantable pulse generator, and providing an output indicative of the at least one signal indicative of the physiological parameter.

Abstract: A method for sensing multiple local electric voltages from endocardial surface of a heart, includes: providing a system for sensing multiple local electric voltages from endocardial surface of a heart, including: a first elongate tubular member having a lumen, a proximal end and a distal end; a basket assembly including: a plurality of flexible splines for guiding a plurality of exposed electrodes, the splines having proximal portions, distal portions and medial portions therein between, wherein the electrodes are substantially flat electrodes and are substantially unidirectionally oriented towards a direction outside of the basket.

Abstract: An electronic device in which a battery can be positioned in a diameter direction, the battery can be brought into contact with a positive terminal member stably and sufficiently, and a portion housing the battery and a case body can be molded individually from optimal materials is provided.

Abstract: The invention also provides an integrated system that combines an ablation system used in the electrophysiology (EP) lab with a novel, body-worn monitor and data-management software system. The body-worn monitor differs from conventional monitors in that it measures stroke volume (SV) and cardiac output (CO) in addition to heart rate (HR) and ECG waveforms. The combined system collects numerical and waveform data from patients before, during, and after an EP procedure, thereby providing a robust data set that can be used for a variety of analytics and reporting purposes. The body-worn monitor can be applied to the patient immediately after the EP procedure, e.g. while they are recovering in a hospital. Once applied, the body-worn monitor measures data in real-time, and transmits them to both an EMR and a software application running on a mobile device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or personal digital assistant.