Abstract: An injectable preparation of estrogenic and progestrogenic hormonal compounds in an anhydrous excipient injected to synchronize estrus in non-menstruating placental female animals, and a five to nine day protocol to apply the unique preparation to achieve estrus synchronization.

Abstract: A heart support system featuring a sleeve sized to fit about at least a portion of an adult human heart in a living body, the sleeve having an inner surface arranged to contact the heart in use and a sheath extending about and constraining the sleeve. At least one of the sheath and sleeve carry a discrete mark detectable from outside the body with the sheath and sleeve implanted within the body. The position of the support system about the heart can be determined with reference to the mark.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a mesh or implant system are provided. In certain embodiments, a tissue fixation device is included. The tissue fixation device can include an eyelet structure having an opening and one or more teeth adapted to grasp tissue to secure the implant in place.

Abstract: Described are methods and devices useful for supporting posterior vaginal tissue for various purposes such as treating or preventing vaginal prolapse or enterocele, especially in a patient not having a uterus, the devices including implants designed to contact the vaginal cuff and connect to sacral anatomy such as the sacrum or the uterosacral ligaments.

Abstract: An apparatus including a flexible length of cord and three tissue connectors positioned at the opposite ends of the cord and at an intermediate position of the cord is designed to be laparoscopically inserted through the abdominal wall and into the abdominal cavity, and used to move a first internal organ to a position away from a second internal organ where the apparatus holds the first internal organ in the position without further manual input, thereby providing surgical access to the second internal organ.

Abstract: An insertion device includes an idle state detector detecting an idle state in which an insertion section does not move in directions along the longitudinal axis when a rotation unit rotates in directions around the longitudinal axis, and a movement displacement calculator calculating a rotation direction and amount of the rotation unit based on a driving direction and amount of the driving member and calculating a movement displacement of the insertion section from a reference position in directions parallel to the longitudinal axis based on the rotation direction and amount of the rotation unit. the movement displacement calculator calculates the movement displacement of the insertion section so that a movement amount of the insertion section in the longitudinal directions while the idle state being detected is zero.

Abstract: Problem: To provide a trocar equipped with a retractable camera, with which the security is enhanced as compared with the related art. Means for Solution: An opening portion 13 is provided at a position of a pipe portion 11. The position of opening portion 13 is reliably within the body of the patient. A shaft 14 is arranged along the interior of the trocar, along an edge of the opening portion 13. Several bearings 15 are fixed to the inter wall of the pipe portion 11, with the shaft 14 being rotatably mounted in the bearings 15. The end portion of the shaft 14 extends to the exterior of the trocar, outside the body of the patient. A selection lever 16 is provided at the outer end portion of the shaft 14. The selection lever 16 can be changed over between a stored position and a deployed position, and can be fixed in each of these positions. A camera 17 is rigidly and integrally attached to the shaft 14 at a position that corresponds to the opening portion 13.

Abstract: The invention is related to a medical device (1) for conducting a medical examination and/or intervention within a human or animal body, the medical device (1) comprising a handle (2) and a curved guiding bar (3) connected to the handle (2), the guiding bar (3) comprising a guiding duct (4) adapted for guiding a medical instrument (5) from the handle area to a distal end (7) of the guiding bar (3) which is distant from the handle (2), the guiding bar (3) comprising on its distal end (7) a first camera (6) which is integrated within the guiding bar (3) or attached to the guiding bar (3), whereby the first camera (6) is arranged and adjusted for capturing an area (8) in front of the distal end (7) of the guiding bar (3).

Abstract: A trocar system, having a trocar, a trocar sleeve, 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 a working channel extends continuously from the proximal end to the distal end in the trocar and opens into an outlet opening in the region of the distal end, and wherein the inner wall of the working channel is formed at least in an axially continuous sub-region of the circumference thereof by the trocar sleeve.

Abstract: An endoscopic device includes: a light source unit configured to repeat for every frame period, an operation of emitting illumination light during a front period and turning off the illumination light during a back period of the frame period; a buffer memory mounted in an endoscopic scope and configured to store image information of a frame image signal output from an image capturing unit; and an information transmitting unit configured to read out the image information of the frame image signal from the buffer memory and transmit the image information to an image processing unit, in which the information transmitting unit reads out the image information of the frame image signal from the buffer memory within the frame period.

Abstract: A fluorescence endoscopy video system includes a multi-mode light source that produces light for white light and fluorescence imaging modes. A filter is positioned at the distal end of an imaging endoscope so that the endoscope can produce fluorescence and white light images of a tissue sample.

Abstract: A closed suction set insertable (1) includes a tube body (10), a bronchoscope connector (20), a choke valve (30) and a bronchoscope socket (40). The bronchoscope connector (20) is installed on the tube body (10), and the choke valve (30) is plugged into an external port (201) of the bronchoscope connector (20), and the choke valve (30) has a flexible choke plate (31) with an end extended into the bronchoscope connector (20) and sealed with an end of the choke valve (30). The bronchoscope socket (40) includes an external sleeve (41) and an internal sleeve (42), and the internal sleeve (42) has an insert hole (420) for passing a bronchoscope (2).

Abstract: A seal is provided for effectively inhibiting the egress of fluids from the working channel of an endoscope when an elongate device having a region with a non-circular cross-sectional shape is disposed therein. The seal has a body portion with a proximal end adapted for insertion of the elongate device, a distal end adapted for connection to the proximal end of the endoscope, and a wall defining a lumen adapted to receive the elongate device and to provide access to the working channel of the endoscope. The seal includes a sealing element for sealing the region of the elongate device with a non-circular cross-sectional shape. The sealing element conforms to the profile of the non-circular region.

Abstract: An endoscopic microscopic system for collecting and processing a sequence of images.

Abstract: A scanning endoscope apparatus includes a light source section that emits illumination light, an optical fiber that irradiates the illumination light from a distal end to a subject with directivity, a drive element and a scanning drive section that perform scanning by the distal end of the optical fiber, a first light detection section that detects light from a direction of the distal end of the optical fiber, a second light detection section that detects light from an entire scanning range, and an image processing section that forms image information to be outputted to a display section based on a result of addition of a detection result corresponding to an external factor light component in a first light detection result and a second light detection result.

Abstract: An endoscope has an insertion portion inserted through a living body, an illumination fiber arranged at a distal end of the insertion portion and irradiates the living body with illumination light, a detection fiber which detects return light from the living body, an actuator which swings a free end of the illumination fiber, and a ferrule which has a through-hole based on a diameter of the illumination fiber and is arranged between the illumination fiber and the actuator. The actuator has an actuator arranged at a first side face of the ferrule and an actuator arranged at a second side face of the ferrule that is different from a face point-symmetric to the first side face with respect to an axial direction of the illumination fiber.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes: a laser light source that generates laser light; an optical fiber that guides laser light inputted to a proximal end and applies the laser light to a subject from a distal end; an actuator swinging a distal end portion of the optical fiber; the conductive wire provided in close contact with the optical fiber, and connected to the actuator; a signal generator that generates a drive signal for driving the actuator, the drive signal being conducted by the conductive wire; a detection circuit that detects a current flowing in the conductive wire when the signal generator generates the drive signal, and detects that the conductive wire is broken, based on the detected current value; and a controller that controls an amount of illuminating light based on a result of determination of whether or not the conductive wire is broken in the detection circuit.

Abstract: A tracheal intubation device for placing an endotracheal tube in the trachea of a patient includes a bar-shaped camera, a handle portion, a guiding portion, and a display device. The bar-shaped camera for capturing images is placed inside the endotracheal tube. The display device is electrically connected to the bar-shaped camera for displaying images captured by the bar-shaped camera. The guiding portion connected to the handle portion has a front end and a rear end. The rear end is connected to the handle portion, and the bar-shaped camera and the endotracheal tube are movably situated in the guiding portion.

Abstract: Retractor apparatus including a blade and a fluid port and/or a light emitter associated with blade, and surgical systems including an arm and a retractor apparatus.

Abstract: An access assembly for insertion through an opening in tissue is provided. The access assembly includes a flexible outer sleeve having an upper rim formed on a proximal end, a lower rim formed on a distal end and defining a longitudinal opening extending therebetween. The lower rim may define an inflatable space that in a deflated state facilitates insertion of the lower rim through tissue and in an inflated state assists in retaining the access assembly in place relative to the tissue. The access assembly further includes an inflatable member secured within the longitudinal opening of the outer sleeve. The inflatable member includes a plurality of inflatable lobes configured to selectively receive at least one surgical device therebetween in a sealing manner.

Abstract: An assembly allowing retraction of soft tissue away from a reference plane; the assembly including at least one retracting element each having a distal end with a formation allowing anchorage of the at least one retracting element. The assembly also includes a proximal end of the at least one retracting element capable of movement through at least one degree of freedom relative to the anchorage.

Abstract: Devices and methods for retracting tissue, such as bowels and organs, within the body of a patient are generally disclosed. In particular, the present disclosure describes surgical retractors having a series of intersecting strands defining openings there between, wherein the openings are enlargeable by slidable passage of the strands relative to one another. The present disclosure also teaches surgical retractors having a frame that defines a central opening and a supporting structure extending across the central opening and defining a plurality of openings, wherein the frame extends through the openings. In some embodiments, a surgical retractor comprises a monolithic polymeric structure extending across the central opening defined by a frame. Other embodiments and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A single port surgical robot capable of setting the location of a remote center motion (RCM) point, and a control method thereof includes: a first link connected to a body by a first joint in a direction perpendicular to the body, the first link having a linear structure; a second link connected to the upper end of the first link by a second joint, the second link having a curved structure; a third link connected to the upper end of the second link by a third joint, the third link having a cylindrical structure; a plurality of light-emitting units arranged on the lower end of the third link along the circumference of the third link, and configured to emit light toward a remote center motion (RCM) point; and a controller configured to adjust the location of the RCM point.

Abstract: A physiological information monitoring system for monitoring physiological information on a patient is provided. A first monitor has a first display and a first connector. A second portable monitor has a second display, a second connector, and a signal input unit. A measurement signal of physiological information is input to the signal input unit. The second display unit displays information corresponding to the measurement signal. When the first connector and the second connector are connected, the second display is brought into a non-display status, whereupon the first display displays information corresponding to the measurement signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for remote or distributed continuous monitoring of physiologically relevant states. The invention provides for methods to automatically detect deviations or other states in physiological parameters and automatically alert a measured subject, user or other authorized party. The device provides for a universal platform for sensors, and further provides for the automatic compensation or distribution of devices or bioactive agents at appropriate levels and/or intervals in response to deviations or other states sensed in various physiological parameters.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes a wearable eyeglass, band, belt, patch or bandage appliance; and a processor coupled to the wearable eyeglass, band, belt, patch or bandage appliance to analyze vital data or wellness data.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described to obtain and analyze a gas sample from a desired section of the breath of a person, while accounting for erratic, episodic or otherwise challenging breathing patterns that may otherwise make the capturing of a gas sample from the desired section of breath difficult. These techniques may provide more reliable, accurate and adequate samples of gas such as end-tidal gas, and ultimately an accurate analysis of the sample captured.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to devices and methods that allow an operator to obtain real-time images of a luminal surface prior to, during, and after an intraluminal procedure, including while an intraluminal tool is engaged with the luminal surface. In one embodiment, an imaging system of the invention includes a first elongate member that includes at least one first imaging element and a second member that includes at least one second imaging element. The first imaging element is an optical-to-acoustic transducer, and the second imaging element is an optical-to-acoustic transducer. The second member also defines a lumen. The second member is configured to receive at least a portion of the first elongate member within the lumen and is configured to move along a path of the first elongate member to obtain real-time images within the lumen and of the luminal surface.

Abstract: An evaluation of heart failure status is provided based on a disordered breathing index. Patient respiration is sensed and a respiration signal is generated. Disordered breathing episodes are detected based on the respiration signal. A disordered breathing index is determined based on the disordered breathing episodes. The disordered breathing index is trended and used to evaluate heart failure status. The disordered breathing index may be combined with additional information and/or may take into account patient activity, posture, sleep stage, or other patient information.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods employing contact lenses having one or more sensor that sense an analyte in tear fluid and one or more recesses that collect the tear fluid. In some aspects, a contact lens includes a substrate that forms at least part of a body of the contact lens and a recess formed within the substrate configured to collect tear fluid when the contact lens is worn. The contact lens further includes at least one sensor disposed within the substrate configured to sense presence of an analyte in the collected tear fluid.

Abstract: An orthopedic system to monitor a parameter related to the muscular-skeletal system is disclosed. The orthopedic system includes electronic circuitry, a sensor, and a remote system to monitor and measure. The sensor is configured to measure color or turbidity. The electronic circuitry is coupled to and interfaces with the sensor. The electronic circuit includes a transmitter to transmit measurement data from the sensor to the remote system. The orthopedic system is configured to monitor color or turbidity of a fluid in proximity to the muscular-skeletal system. The orthopedic system can transmit a signal when a predetermined color is detected or when the turbidity of the fluid exceeds a predetermined value. Alternatively, the remote system includes a processor and software configured to analyze the measurement data from the sensor and transmit a signal when a predetermined color is detected or when the turbidity of the fluid exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods employing a contact lens having a pulse oximetry sensor to detect information indicative of a blood oxygen content and/or pulse rate of a wearer of the contact lens, are provided. In some aspects, a contact lens includes a substrate that forms at least part of a body of the contact lens and a pulse oximetry sensor located on or within the substrate that detects information associated with at least one of blood oxygen content or a pulse rate of a wearer of the contact lens. The pulse oximetry sensor comprises one or more light emitting diodes that illuminate a blood vessel of at least one of a region of an eye or an eyelid and a detector that receives light reflected from the blood vessel and generates the information.

Abstract: A physiological measurement system has a sensor, a processor, a communications link and information elements. The sensor is configured to transmit light having a plurality of wavelengths into a tissue site and to generate a sensor signal responsive to the transmitted light after tissue attenuation. The attenuated light can be used by the system to determine a plurality of physiological measurements. The processor is configured to operate on the sensor signal so as to derive at least one physiological parameter after which of the plurality of physiological measurements the system is configured to or capable of measuring.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods employing a contact lens having a pulse oximetry sensor to detect information indicative of a blood oxygen content and/or pulse rate of a wearer of the contact lens, are provided. In some aspects, a contact lens includes a substrate that forms at least part of a body of the contact lens and a pulse oximetry sensor located on or within the substrate that detects information associated with at least one of blood oxygen content or a pulse rate of a wearer of the contact lens. The pulse oximetry sensor comprises one or more light emitting diodes that illuminate a blood vessel of at least one of a region of an eye or an eyelid and a detector that receives light reflected from the blood vessel and generates the information.

Abstract: As placement of a physiological monitoring sensor is typically at a sensor site located at an extremity of the body, the state of microcirculation, such as whether vessels are blocked or open, can have a significant effect on the readings at the sensor site. It is therefore desirable to provide a patient monitor and/or physiological monitoring sensor capable of distinguishing the microcirculation state of blood vessels. In some embodiments, the patient monitor and/or sensor provide a warning and/or compensates a measurement based on the microcirculation state. In some embodiments, a microcirculation determination process implementable by the patient monitor and/or sensor is used to determine the state of microcirculation of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a digital portable pulse oximeter and battery-powered control method thereof. The automatic switching of the power supply is achieved by adding a Hall circuit, and the data displayed is allowed to always face the users by adding an acceleration sensor to the circuit. The advantageous effects of the present invention compared with the prior art are: Users can always read the data from the front side no matter which way they move. The digital portable pulse oximeter of the present invention can be automatically turned on just by inserting a finger, without having to press the switch button, and cut off the power supply by pulling out the finger, as well as judge intelligently whether to continue the measurement after the finger has been pulled out. If yes, the power supply will stay on, which reduces the energy waste and low efficiency caused by the restarting program initialization, improves the use efficiency of the battery and prolongs the battery life.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods employing contact lenses with two-electrode electrochemical sensors are provided. In some aspects, the contact lens includes: a substrate that forms at least part of a body of the contact lens; and a circuit, disposed on or within the substrate, and including a two-electrode electrochemical sensor. The two-electrode electrochemical sensor can include: a working electrode; and a combination reference-counter electrode. The electrochemical sensor can be an amperometric sensor that senses a biological feature of a wearer of the contact lens. The working electrode can generate a signal indicative of the sensed analyte, and the combination reference-counter electrode can pass the signal generated from the working electrode. The signal can be employed to determine the analyte concentration of a solution in contact with the contact lens.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrophysiological analysis system, in particular for detecting pathological states. This system comprises: electrodes intended to be placed in different regions of the body that are well away from each other; an adjustable DC voltage source for generating successive DC voltage pulses varying in magnitude from one pulse to another, the duration of the pulses being equal to or greater than about 0.2 seconds; a switching circuit for selectively connecting a pair of active electrodes to the voltage source and for connecting at least one other high-impedance electrode; and a measurement circuit for recording data representative of the current in the active electrodes and potentials on at least certain high-impedance connected electrodes in response to the application of said pulses. The range of voltages covered causes, from one pulse to another, the appearance or disappearance of electrochemical phenomena in the vicinity of the active electrodes.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a miniaturized wearable nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) apparatus is described. The example NMR apparatus accesses data (e.g., table, mathematical expression) that describes a relation between a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signal decay rate and a known concentration of glucose in a fluid. The NMR apparatus acquires, non-invasively and in-vivo, an observed NMR signal decay rate from a fluid in a patient, and estimates a concentration of glucose in the fluid in the patient by comparing the observed NMR signal decay rate with the data that describes the relation between the NMR signal decay rate and the known concentration of glucose. The data may be generic to a population and a class of devices or may be customized to an individual patient and an individual device.

Abstract: A catheter having a distal assembly with multiple spines with proximal ends affixed to the catheter and free distal ends. The spines have different lengths so distal ends of the spines trace different circumferences along an inner tissue surface of a tubular region to minimize risk of vein stenosis. The spine lengths can be configured so that the distal ends trace a helical pattern. The distal assembly may have a plunger which deflects the spines when moved longitudinally relative to the distal assembly. The catheter may include a second distal assembly distal of a first distal assembly wherein the first and second distal assemblies are separated by a fixed distanced or an adjustable distance.

Abstract: A heart support system featuring a sheath sized to fit about at least a portion of an adult human heart in a living body, an expansion sleeve disposed within the sheath and sized to fit about the heart and a sensor sleeve disposed within the sheath and sized to fit about the heart. The expansion sleeve is at least partially defining an expandable chamber. The sensor sleeve carries at least one sensor electrically responsive to a heart parameter.

Abstract: A catheter with a mechanism for omni-directional deflection of a catheter shaft includes a shaft assembly and a controller. The shaft assembly includes a first tubular component that has a preformed curvilinear distal section, a second, substantially straight tubular component with a main axis and an outer shaft. The first and second components are configured for slidable movement therebetween while preserving common rotation so that when the second component is axially moved in a distal direction, the second component deflects the preformed curvilinear section towards the main axis while orientation of the outer shaft is preserved. The controller is configured to effect relative axial movement between the first and second components as well as to effect rotation of the first and second components (and thus also of the preformed curvilinear distal section) without any rotation of the shaft relative to the handle.

Abstract: Field effect devices, such as capacitors and field effect transistors, are used to interact with neurons. Cubic silicon carbide is biocompatible with the neuronal environment and has the chemical and physical resilience required to withstand the body environment and does not produce toxic byproducts. It is used as a basis for generating a biocompatible semiconductor field effect device that interacts with the brain for long periods of time. The device signals capacitively and receives signals using field effect transistors. These signals can be used to drive very complicated systems such as multiple degree of freedom limb prosthetics, sensory replacements, and may additionally assist in therapies for diseases like Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: An elongated device adapted for insertion, including self-insertion, through the body, especially the skull is disclosed. The device has at least one effector or sensor and is configured to permit implantation of multiple functional components through a single entry site into the skull by directing the components at different angles. The device may be used to provide electrical, magnetic, and other stimulation therapy to a patient's brain. The lengths of the effectors, sensors, and other components may completely traverse skull thickness (at a diagonal angle) to barely protrude through to the brain's cortex. The components may directly contact the brain's cortex, but from there their signals can be directed to targets deeper within the brain. Effector lengths are directly proportional to their battery size and ability to store charge. Therefore, longer angled electrode effectors not limited by skull thickness permit longer-lasting batteries which expand treatment options.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for obtaining information on a cardiovascular system beat by beat and continuously which are based exclusively on measurements between two limbs and effected with a pair of distal electrodes on each limb. The measurement is made by causing an alternating current to flow between one electrode of each limb and measuring the potential difference between the other two electrodes, one also on each limb. This potential difference has a low frequency component which is an electrocardiogram (ECG) and another component having the-a frequency of the injected alternating current and from which an impedance plethysmogram (IPG) is extracted. The cardiovascular information is determined by measuring the time interval between any predefined characteristic element of the ECG and one of the IPG.

Abstract: A lesion diagnosis apparatus and method for diagnosing images in real time to notify a user that a lesion is detected and providing the user with information about the detected lesion, thereby enhancing accuracy and convenience in a diagnosis. The lesion diagnosis apparatus includes a diagnoser configured to diagnose lesions in images received from a probe; and a guide information provider configured to notify a user that a lesion is detected and to provide guide information, when the lesion is detected.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optoacoustic probe with a coated transducer assembly. The probe includes a transducer assembly with a multi-layer coating on the active end thereof. The multi-layer coating includes a layer of parylene and at least two layers of metal. In an embodiment, the multi-layer coating includes a layer of nickel, at least one layer of parylene, and a layer of gold.

Abstract: A photoacoustic measuring apparatus includes a light source, a movable holding unit which holds an object, a light diffusing unit which fixes the distance between the light diffusing unit and the holding unit and diffuses light incident from the light source, and an acoustic wave obtaining unit which obtains an acoustic wave generated from the object by the light emitted via the holding unit and the light diffusing unit.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to perform a more accurate and detailed diagnosis of a brain disease. A diagnosis server 10 of the brain disease diagnosis system 1 for diagnosing a brain disease of an examined person includes: an acquiring unit 11 for acquiring a brain image of the examined person so as to obtain an acquired image; a region setting unit 12 for setting a plurality of regions in the acquired image; an individual index value calculating unit 13 for calculating an individual index value based on a pixel value of the acquired image, in each of the plurality of regions; a whole index value calculating unit 14 for calculating a whole index value by weighting the individual index value of each of the plurality of regions; a diagnosis unit 15 for diagnosing the brain disease of the examined person based on the whole index value; and an output unit 16 for outputting information indicating a diagnosis outcome.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for non-invasive neuromodulation using ultrasound for cognitive enhancement. Cognitive enhancement can be used for mitigation of abnormal conditions such as Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease or stroke, or for enhancement in a normal individual. The neuromodulation can produce acute or long-term effects. The latter occur through Long-Term Depression (LTD) and Long-Term Potentiation (LTP) via training. Included is control of direction of the energy emission, intensity, frequency, pulse duration, pulse pattern, mechanical perturbation, and phase/intensity relationships to targeting and accomplishing up regulation and/or down regulation.