Abstract: A chair-like exercising apparatus comprises a back, a seat, front legs, rear legs, and resistance element(s) which provide a broad range of resistance force adjustable by the user for the back extension exercise. The chair back pivotally connects to the rear legs directly, and pivotally connects to the front legs or rear legs through the resistance element(s). The resistance element comprises a compress-coil-spring cylinders (or constant-force-spring devices) and the cylinder holders (or the device holders). The resistance level of the back extension exercise is adjusted by switching the interchangeable compress-coil-spring cylinders (or constant-force-spring devices) of appropriate loads inside the cylinder holders (or device holders). A user sits on the chair and sway backward to perform back extension exercise after selecting an appropriate resistance level based on his/her physical condition. The apparatus is simple, affordable and can be used as a regular chair in its locked position.

Abstract: A robotic tool changer removably attaches a robotic tool to a robotic arm. The changer includes a tool module connected to the robotic tool, and a master module connected to the robotic arm. To attach and detach the robotic tool, the changer couples and uncouples the tool module and the master module. A master electrical signal module (ESM) affixes to the master module and a tool ESM affixes to the tool module. In accordance with design requirements, the changer applies the same power supply to both the master ESM and the tool ESM. The changer, however, selectively suppresses application of the power supply to the tool ESM, while maintaining application of the power supply to the master ESM, during the coupling or uncoupling of the master module and the tool module. In doing so, the changer enables such coupling and uncoupling, while also preventing the formation of transient electric arcs.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for purifying and harvesting certain cell populations in blood or bone marrow by depleting at least one of red blood cells, granulocytes, or platelets from a sample comprising blood, bone marrow, or stromal vascular fraction cells separated from adipose tissue is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a sterile, single use rigid, self-supporting cartridge within which the automated depletion, purification and harvesting of target cell populations occurs and all components may be distributed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifuge for separating a sample into at least two components, comprising a chamber for receiving a sample to be centrifuged. According to the invention, the centrifuge further comprises a means for controlling the progress of the sample separation is located at the chamber.

Abstract: Centrifuges are useful to, among other things, remove red blood cells from whole blood and retain platelets and other factors in a reduced volume of plasma. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) can be obtained rapidly and is ready for immediate injection into the host. Embodiments may include valves, operated manually or automatically, to open ports that discharge the excess red blood cells and the excess plasma while retaining the platelets and other facts. Highs speeds used allow simple and small embodiments to be used at the patient's side during surgical procedures. The embodiments can also be used for the separation of liquids or slurries in other fields such as, for example, the separation of pigments or lubricants.

Abstract: Radiosurgical techniques and systems treat behavioral disorders (such as depression, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (“OCD”), addiction, hyperphagia, and the like) by directing radiation from outside the patient toward a target tissue within the patient's brain, typically without imposing surgical trauma. The target will often be included in a neural circuit associated with the behavioral disorder. A cellularly sub-lethal dose of the radiation may be applied and the radiation can mitigate the behavioral disorder, obesity, or the like, by modulating the level of neural activity within the target and in associated tissues. Hypersensitive and/or hyperactive neuronal tissue may be targeted, with the radiation downwardly modulating hyperactive neuronal activity. By down-regulating the activity of a target that normally exerts negative feedback or a limiting effect on a relevant neural circuit, the activity of the circuit may be increased.

Abstract: A rotational pump capable of running at a rotational speed (n) having a system for direct or indirect measurement of pressure difference or flow rate across the pump, wherein a control system is designed to calculate an index of pulsatility (PI) of the pressure difference or flow rate, estimating the gradient of PI with respect to the rotational speed (dPI/dn) and regulating the dPI/dn to a pre-defined set-point or regulating the pump in a way that the dPI/dn is minimal.

Abstract: The present invention relates, e.g., to a method for predicting the embryonic progression of a preimplantation embryo, comprising measuring in the insemination medium (IM) in which an oocyte was fertilized and subsequently incubated in vitro, thereby generating a pre-implantation embryo, at 18-24 hrs post fertilization, the levels of nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) in the insemination medium (IM), wherein a level of NOx of at least about 1.3 ?M indicates that the preimplantation embryo is likely to progress to the blastocyst stage by culture day (CD) 5.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for associating an implantable sling with a delivery device for delivering the sling to an anatomical location in a patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices and methods for reforming tissue surrounding the airway of a subject suffering from obstructive sleep apnea so as to open the airway and alleviate the occurrence of apneic events. Devices comprise a combination of resiliently deformable material and bioerodible material. The deformable portion of the device has a preferred shape that corresponds to the desired final shape of the device once placed in an airway. In making a transplant-ready device, however, the deformable portion is placed into a deformed shape and constrained in that shape by the bioerodible material. After implantation, the device gradually assumes the preferred shape as the constraining bioerodible material erodes. As the device gradually reforms toward the preferred shape, it reforms the tissue into the therapeutically desirable configuration. The gradual nature of the shape change generally stabilizes the device in the tissue, and supports tissue reforming into a stable configuration.

Abstract: It is an object to provide an endoscopic heart surgery method with which it is possible to observe an endoscopic image with a stable field of view in the pericardial space. Provided is an endoscopic heart surgery method including an inserting step of inserting an inserted portion of an endoscope into a body from the subxiphoid area and inserting the inserted portion into the pericardial space by penetrating the pericardium in the vicinity of the heart apex; a moving step of advancing the inserted portion toward the base of the heart so that the inserted portion passes through the roof of the pericardial space and is moved toward the heart apex to a treated area in the pericardial space; and an observing step of observing the treated area with the endoscope.

Abstract: A probe manipulator which has a grip device that can be held by a user in order to facilitate manipulation of a probe when the latter has been inserted into a channel of an endoscope. Connection devices are provided for releasably connecting the grip device to the probe in such a way that the probe may be rotated or displaced by rotation or displacement of the grip device. The connection device is connectable such that the probe need not be fed through the grip device, but that the grip device may be placed at any point along the length of the probe.

Abstract: A method and device are proposed for carrying out ophthalmologic analysis especially for the pathological evaluation of the Schlemm's canal that has been exposed through a scleral flap and into which an micro catheter is inserted that also includes a medium line by which medium is brought into the lumen of the Schlemm's canal for dilating the lumen and a light guide for illumination such that analog images of the dilated lumen, the inner wall of the trabecular tissue and the veins of the aqueous humor can be taken by a camera and transmitted to an outside monitor for visual evaluation.

Abstract: A method for visualizing the interior of a bodily passageway, comprising providing a visualization system comprising a tube having a distal and a proximal end, at least a portion of the distal end being rotatable; visualization apparatus disposed within the system; and a helical thread disposed on the exterior surface of the rotatable portion of the tube, the helical thread having a sufficient structural integrity and surface profile, such that when the tube is disposed in the passageway and the helical thread engages the wall of the passageway, rotation of the rotatable portion of the tube induces a relative movement between the tube and the wall of the passageway; inserting the system into the passageway; rotating the rotatable portion of the tube so as to bring together a site which is to be visualized and the visualization apparatus; and using the visualization apparatus to visualize the interior of the passageway.

Abstract: A self propelling catheter introducer system for exploring a body cavity is disclosed which includes a flexible tubular catheter, an everting tube and a steering section located near the distal end of the catheter that is introduced in a body cavity. The steering section is adapted for pointing the distal end in a desired direction using a plurality of rods adapted to be extended and retracted.

Abstract: Laparoscopic instruments and cannulas are provided for performing laparoscopic procedures entirely through the umbilicus. Generally S-shaped laparoscopic instruments placed through the C-shaped trocar sleeves or through the cannula and instrument holder unit provide markedly improved degrees of instruments' freedom during trans-umbilical laparoscopic procedures.

Abstract: The protective sheath front end of the disclosed curved section protective sheath for covering the curved section of an endoscope covers the outer periphery of the front end of the endoscope. A filamentous member is wound around the outer periphery of the protective sheath front end, affixing the protective sheath front end to the front end of the endoscope. An adhesive agent is layered on the outer periphery of the protective sheath front end so as to cover the filamentous member. A ring member is fitted to the protective sheath front end so as to cover the adhesive agent. The inner surface of the ring member is bonded to the filamentous member with the adhesive agent therebetween.

Abstract: An endoscopic attachment apparatus for coupling an endoscope with an endoscopic instrument includes an attachment ring having a ring body with first and second apertures respectively shaped and dimensioned for the receipt of an endoscope and an endoscopic instrument. The attachment ring includes an annular body defining the first aperture and the annular body is provided with an endoscope release mechanism for facilitating release of the endoscope from the attachment ring.

Abstract: To provide an endoscope system that includes a light source, an insertion part to be inserted into a living organism for guiding a illumination light emitted from the light source and a light returned from the living organism, a deflection optical system for outwardly directing the illumination light in a radius direction of the insertion part and for introducing a light inwardly returned from the living organism in the radius direction into the insertion part, a part for capturing the returned light, a part for detecting an insertion speed of the insertion part, a part for adjusting a frame rate for the image capturing of the image capturing part based on the detected insertion speed, an image forming part for arranging acquired images at a pitch based on the insertion speed to form an image of the inside of the living organism, and a part for displaying the formed image.

Abstract: An endotracheal intubation assistance device for use in assisting a practitioner in performing an endotracheal intubation on a patient. The endotracheal intubation assistance device comprises a thumb member which is engaged with a practitioner's thumb thereby creating a protective barrier between the practitioner's thumb and the patient's teeth. The endotracheal intubation assistance device further comprises a blade member which extends beyond a distal side of the thumb member and serves to expose the patient's glottis in an efficient and effective manner, thereby enhancing the accuracy of a digitally performed endotracheal intubation.

Abstract: A surgical access system and method for accessing a surgical target site in order to perform surgical procedures, and particularly suited for establishing an operative corridor to an intervertebral target.

Abstract: An attachment which can be used with a vaginal speculum. The attachment can be used with a vaginal speculum. The attachment has a pair of arms on one end which will engage the fornix lateral to the cervix of a women's vagina, and a U-shaped curved portion on the other end which will allow a doctor to engage the attachment with a vaginal speculum in order to spread a patient's lateral, as well as vertical, walls at the same time.

Abstract: A suspension system for supporting surgical devices inside a patient's body cavity comprising an external frame, a plurality of elongated members extending from the external frame and through the patient's skin into the body cavity, and an internal platform located inside the body cavity. The internal platform includes a plurality of links reconfigurable from a first elongated position wherein the links are substantially aligned along a longitudinal axis for insertion to a second position wherein the links are angled with respect to one another to form a non-linear configuration. A first support of the external frame is movable with respect to the second support to thereby move the internal platform.

Abstract: The invention covers a method and apparatus for assessing the health of an infant by accurately estimating the average growth velocity of the infant. The invention employs an exponential model to estimate growth velocity based on at least two weight measurements from different days of life of an infant. The exponential model provides the accuracy and ease of use that are lacking in current methods applied to growth research. The exponential model has numerous features that make it a desirable and powerful model, i.e., (1) it is extremely accurate; (2) it is simple to use, requiring only weight and day of life at 2 time points; (3) it is robust under various testing conditions; and (4) it is unaffected by clinical factors found commonly among ELBW infants, which allows its broad application for the study of infant growth. The exponential model closely approximates the accurate standard GVs, regardless of starting point or time interval used.

Abstract: A measuring device and method is for enabling a user to measure and record changes in emotion during the day and translate it into a relative stress value per day. It may be used to accumulate the positive and negative emotional reactions that a user experiences during a predetermined time period. This method and device will provide a record of the associated distress and eustress and the cumulative effect therefrom on the individual. The user has a visual display of whether or not the emotions felt during a given day are positive or negative. The recognition of the stress level may remind or enable the user to take some action that will counterbalance excessive negative emotions known to contribute to major diseases and engage in activities that reduce or relieve the stress influences on the user before the end of each day.

Abstract: A system comprising a biometric monitoring device including a housing including a platform to receive at least one foot of the user, a body weight sensor to generate body weight data, processing circuitry to calculate user weight data which corresponds to the user's weight, using the body weight data, and communication circuitry to: (a) receive user identification data which identifies the user or a portable activity monitoring device, and (b) transmit the user weight data to data storage associated with the user identification data. The system further includes the portable activity monitoring device including a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the user's body, a sensor to generate sensor data, and communication circuitry to receive physiologic data which is based on the user weight data, and processing circuitry to calculate activity data using the sensor data and physiologic data.

Abstract: A heart monitoring system for a person includes one or more wireless nodes; and a wearable appliance in communication with the one or more wireless nodes, the appliance monitoring vital signs.

Abstract: A system comprises an external medical device configured to communicate with a first implantable medical device (IMD). The external medical device includes a communication circuit and a display. The communication circuit is configured to receive information associated with cardiovascular pressure from the IMD. The external medical device is configured to annotate a waveform on the display to indicate one or more events associated with cardiovascular pressure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamically and intelligently estimating analyte data from a continuous analyte sensor, including receiving a data stream, selecting one of a plurality of algorithms, and employing the selected algorithm to estimate analyte values. Additional data processing includes evaluating the selected estimative algorithms, analyzing a variation of the estimated analyte values based on statistical, clinical, or physiological parameters, comparing the estimated analyte values with corresponding measure analyte values, and providing output to a user. Estimation can be used to compensate for time lag, match sensor data with corresponding reference data, warn of upcoming clinical risk, replace erroneous sensor data signals, and provide more timely analyte information encourage proactive behavior and preempt clinical risk.

Abstract: An in vivo component measurement method allowing how long a high concentration state of a measurement target component continues in an organism to be grasped is provided. In this in vivo component measurement method, a value relating to an amount of a measurement target component in tissue fluid extracted for 60 minutes or more from an organism on which a treatment for enhancing extraction of tissue fluid has been made is acquired.

Abstract: A modular, flexible architecture for offering full-field breast ultrasound (FFBU) functionality and general-purpose ultrasound functionality in a single system is described. A conventional, general-purpose ultrasound system is modified with an FFBU toolkit to create a dual-capability ultrasound system, the dual-capability ultrasound system being able to accommodate both general-purpose ultrasound functionality and FFBU functionality, using a single ultrasound engine. Among other advantages, real-world clinical environments may enjoy cost savings for initial system procurement, space savings on clinic floors, easier and less expensive system upgrades, and the ability to use a single system and user interface for both FFBU screening and for follow-up diagnosis, biopsy, etc.

Abstract: A sample moves, either naturally (as in the case of the heart) or by application of force, and its movement is measured. A processing unit calculates first displacement related information concerning a first direction of the object to be measured (the sample) by using data in either one of an increase period and a decrease period of the force applied to the objected to be measured, from data received by a first ultrasonic probe. In addition, the processing unit calculates second displacement related information concerning a second direction of the object to be measured by using data in the same period as that used to calculate the first displacement related information, from data received by a second ultrasonic probe.

Abstract: The image display method comprises a three-dimensional image creating step that creates a three-dimensional image based on volume data; a cutting plane setting step that sets a cutting plane that cuts the three-dimensional image at an arbitrary position; and a positional relationship display image creating step that creates a positional relationship display image representing the mutual positional relationship between the three-dimensional image and the cutting plane, in which the opacity of the cutting plane in the positional relationship display image is adjusted so that a portion of the three-dimensional image that is hidden by the cutting plane is visually recognizable through the cutting plane in the positional relationship display image.

Abstract: The present invention is made to accurately detect an absolute pressure even when a contact property between an elastic coupler and a body surface of an object is poor. An elastic coupler 20 is formed by an elastic material with flexibility to have two layers at least with different ultrasonic wave reflectance properties and attached to an ultrasonic wave transmitter/receiver surface, and a pressure calculating unit 30 detects the position of a boundary surface 22 between those two layers based on RF signal frame data output from an RF signal frame data selection unit 10, obtains positional change of the boundary surface based on the detected position of the boundary surface and the initial position of the boundary surface, which was obtained in advance, and obtains the absolute pressure applied to the object based on the positional change and a pre-set elasticity property of the elastic coupler.

Abstract: A structured randomly permutated pulse compression system comprises an FM transmitter configured to receive an input signal and transmit an output signal. The FM transmitter is configured to modulate the frequency of the output signal by modulating the frequency of the output signal according to a structured random permutation of time samples of the input signal. At least one antenna interfaces with the FM transmitter. The FM receiver is configured to auto-correlate the output signal with a return signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of a user interface in an ultrasound system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the ultrasound system comprises a display unit for prompting a user to touch a desired one of hierarchically arranged soft buttons for triggering an execution of the function of the ultrasound system associated with the touched button. The display unit includes a display having a display with touch panel mounted. The display unit is configured to display a touch screen menu together with the ultrasound image on the display.

Abstract: A pressing device for smoothly performing pressing operation, an ultrasonic probe, and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus are provided. The pressing device has a balloon installed on an ultrasonic transmission/reception surface of an ultrasonic probe and presses an object to be examined by the balloon. The balloon has a hollow pressing unit made of an elastic material, a tube for charging/discharging liquid to/from the pressing unit, and an attachment part contiguous to the peripheral edge of the pressing unit and attaching the pressing unit to the ultrasonic transmission/reception unit of the ultrasonic probe. The inner diameter of the attachment part or the pressing unit is set smaller than the outer diameter of the part of the ultrasonic probe on which the attachment part is attached. Because tension is applied to the pressing unit, pressing operation can be started with a less amount of initial injection, and this makes the pressing operation smooth.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for guiding a needle in conjunction with a biopsy using a medical imaging device, where a non-reusable needle guide, which is relatively inexpensive which grasps the sheathed bracket firm, and holds the same in a set position based upon a bullet-nose lock.

Abstract: The invention application presents a fast, efficient, reproductive alternative of a non-invasive method for diagnosing the severity of heart failure based on a specific biomarker. An additional object of the present invention is a collector device for the biomarker from exhaled breath that is portable, simple, low cost and does not need to run on electric power. This invention advantageously permits the replacement of invasive diagnosis methods, favoring the patient's comfort in addition to the agility and speed of medical attention at hospitals, and may become a standard method for all suspected cases of circulatory disease and heart failure and, more specifically, decompensated heart failure.

Abstract: A manual pressurization electronic sphygmomanometer includes a specific component detection unit for detecting a synthetic wave of a manual fluctuation wave and a pressure pulse wave as a specific component from a cuff pressure signal obtained during pressurization; a derivation processing unit for deriving a pressurization target value based on the detection result of the specific component detection unit; and a display unit for notifying to urge pressurization up to the pressurization target value. The derivation processing unit calculates a pulse wave component based on the waveform before and after the specific component and the waveform of the specific component, and determines a value obtained by adding a predetermined value to the systolic blood pressure value estimated based on the amplitude of the pulse wave component as the pressurization target value.

Abstract: A blood pressure measuring apparatus includes a sensing unit including a plurality of sensors sensing sphygmus waves at a measurement site, a selection unit selecting one sensor of the plurality of sensors based on the sphygmus waves sensed by the plurality of sensors, and a blood pressure estimation unit estimating blood pressure of the measurement site based on a sphygmus wave sensed by the selected sensor.

Abstract: The systems and methods monitor a subject's blood pressure under a constant applied pressure. Measurements taken from a pressure measuring element and a pulse sensing element are combined to determine the subject's systolic and diastolic pressure. The systolic pressure is measured directly by the pressure measuring element, and the diastolic pressure is determined indirectly by using a pulse waveform to extrapolate portions of a pressure waveform. The systems and methods can be employed in any number of applications, including, without limitation, taking a single reading from a subject, continuously monitoring a subject, or evaluating a subject during physical exertion.

Abstract: A system and method for managing respiratory insufficiency through remote patient care is described. A patient enrolled in remote patient care is identified with information including at least one of treatment profile and medical history. Collected device measures are received to record raw physiometry for a patient, wherein the patient is regularly monitored by a medical device. Derived device measures are generated to provide derivative physiometry based on the collected device measures. A patient status indicator is determined by analyzing the collected and derived device measures to diagnose a pathophysiology indicative of respiratory insufficiency.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for measuring respiratory rate (RR) from a patient. The system includes an impedance pneumography (IP) sensor, connected to at least two electrodes, and a processing system that receives and processes signals from the electrodes to measure an IP signal. A motion sensor (e.g. an accelerometer) measures at least one motion signal (e.g. an ACC waveform) describing movement of a portion of the patient's body to which it is attached. The processing system receives the IP and motion signals, and processes them to determine, respectfully, frequency-domain IP and motion spectra. Both spectra are then collectively processed to remove motion components from the IP spectrum and determine RR. For example, during the processing, an algorithm determines motion frequency components from the frequency-domain motion spectrum, and then using a digital filter removes these, or parameters calculated therefrom, from the IP spectrum.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described as relating to a variable angled guide plug holder for use in interventional procedures. In an exemplary embodiment, a variable angled guide plug holder for use in interventional procedures is provided, including a guide plug holder for receiving an angular determination fixture, the guide plug holder movable relative to the angular determination fixture between a plurality of positions, each position providing a different angle of insertion relative to a point of origin on the angular determination fixture, and plate plug engaged with the angular determination fixture wherein the plate plug is insertable into a guide plate aperture of a guide plate for use in an interventional procedure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for crossing stenosis, partial occlusions, or complete occlusions within a body lumen. The systems generally include an elongate member such as a hollow guidewire that houses a rotatable and translatable drive shaft. The drive shaft typically has a distal portion that is advanced to create a path in the occlusive material that is large enough to allow the hollow guidewire to cross the occlusive material.

Abstract: A blood test strip useful for venting a closed intravenous system and collecting a blood sample is described herein. The blood test strip includes a blood test strip, one or more vents, and a gripping member coupled to the proximal end of the blood test strip. The one or more vents are disposed between the distal and the proximal portions of the blood test strip.

Abstract: A method of collecting a specimen sample and simultaneously dividing the sample into separate portions is presented. The method of the instant invention is comprised of providing a specimen collector comprised of a collection receptacle attached by a connector to at least 2 tubes which lead to at least 2 conduits which in turn empty into separate collection containers; expelling a biological specimen into the collection receptacle of the specimen collection device; and allowing the biological specimen to flow downward through the device and into separate specimen containers.

Abstract: A bodily fluid sampling device is operable to breach the skin surface and allow bodily fluid to emerge from the breach location. The bodily fluid sampling device further evaluates the amount of bodily fluid emerged from breach location and determines whether the amount is sufficient or insufficient for a particular purpose, such as sampling and testing. The determination is accomplished automatically without moving the device. The user may also intervene to perform a variety of tasks following the determination of the amount of bodily fluid.

Abstract: A method of automatically requesting assistance for a patient includes wearing a wireless device with one or more accelerometers on the patient to detect patient motion; determining a fall based on detected motions; and automatically requesting assistance for the patient if needed.