Abstract: A swab assembly for collecting a specimen from a patient includes an elongated shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a notch between its proximal and distal ends; a sheath having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending between its proximal and distal ends, wherein a portion of the elongated shaft is disposed within the sheath lumen, and the sheath is slidable relative to the elongated shaft; and a collection tip coupled to the distal end of the elongated shaft and configured for obtaining the specimen. The sheath is slidable between a first position in which the shaft notch is disposed within the sheath lumen and wherein the sheath protects the elongated shaft from breaking at the notch, and a second position in which the shaft notch is exposed out of the sheath lumen.

Abstract: An in-line sampling syringe for selectively introducing and aspirating a fluid from a downstream fluid conduit connected to a catheterized patient. The syringe includes a housing with a distal component defining a distal chamber having a proximal opening and a distal outlet port to be coupled to a downstream fluid conduit; and a pair of proximal wall components assembled together in an airtight manner defining a proximal chamber having a proximal opening for coupling to an external source of fluid and a distal opening that is coupled to the proximal opening of the distal component. The syringe also includes an elongated volume regulator positioned inside the housing. A curved element is positioned at and in alignment with the distal outlet and retention elements are defined in the distal component at the distal outlet port to mount and retain the curved element at the distal outlet port while enabling flow around the curved element relative to the distal outlet port.

Abstract: A coronary guidewire (10) includes a flexible elongated core (20) and a coil (40) comprising a plurality of helical coil turns wound around a distal end portion of the core. The coil (40) has a proximal end (50) and an opposite distal end (52). A weld joint (62) connects the distal end (52) of the coil to the core (20) and defines a distal tip (80) of the guidewire. The distal end (52) can have a flexible bend radius as small as 0.2 mm-0.6 mm.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and device for apnea and hypopnea detection. In one embodiment, a method is provided for detecting apneas and hypopneas from a digitized breath sound recording acquired from a candidate suspected of sleep apnea. The method comprises scanning an amplitude profile of the digitized breath sound recording to identify a prospect event segment; evaluating characteristics of the prospect event segment for consistency with one or more preset apnea-specific criteria; classifying the prospect event segment as representative of an apnea upon it satisfying each of the one or more apnea-specific criteria; evaluating the prospect event characteristics for consistency with one or more preset hypopnea-specific criteria distinct from the apnea-specific criteria; and classifying the prospect event segment as representative of a hypopnea upon it satisfying each of the one or more hypopnea-specific criteria.

Abstract: A wearable device having feedback characteristics including a compliant article arranged to extend over an anatomical portion of a wearer and for providing a user with information regarding range of motion parameters of a joint and/or to condition users to maintain proper joint orientations. Sensors provided with the wearable device detect the orientation of the joint and send signals to a processor for analysis. When the processor determines that the joint is outside of predefined range of motion parameters or in an unsafe or potentially injurious configuration, a feedback or response mechanism is activated to alert the user to such a condition or to provide substantially rigid structural support to the joint. The sensors, processor, and feedback mechanisms can be provided in a monitoring and control package along a side of the compliant article.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relates generally to electrical and electronic hardware, computer software, wired and wireless network communications, and computing devices, and more specifically to structures and techniques for managing power generation, power consumption, and other power-related functions in a data-capable strapband, including receiving input from one or more sensors coupled to a wearable computing device, processing the input to determine a pattern, the pattern indicating a threshold clock frequency, and operating a processor coupled to the wearable computing device at a clock frequency above the threshold clock frequency.

Abstract: A combination device for applying a treatment of light and ultrasound on a tattooed area of a patient desiring tattoo removal. The device includes an ultrasound and a LED light source. The ultrasound source produces high-frequency ultrasound waves. These waves are applied directly to the tattooed area for a first specified period of time resulting in release of tattoo ink from tattooed cells. The LED source produces a continuous high-intensity light that is applied directly over the entire tattooed area for a second specified period of time resulting in degradation of the tattoo ink.

Abstract: A system for treatment includes a focused ultrasound energy source for placement outside a patient, wherein the focused ultrasound energy source is configured to deliver ultrasound energy towards a blood vessel with a surrounding nerve that is a part of an autonomic nervous system inside the patient, and wherein the focused ultrasound energy source is configured to deliver the ultrasound energy from outside the patient to the nerve located inside the patient to treat the nerve.

Abstract: A system for treatment includes a focused ultrasound energy source for placement outside a patient, wherein the focused ultrasound energy source is configured to deliver ultrasound energy towards a blood vessel with a surrounding nerve that is a part of an autonomic nervous system inside the patient, and wherein the focused ultrasound energy source is configured to deliver the ultrasound energy from outside the patient to the nerve located inside the patient to treat the nerve.

Abstract: A method of modulating tissue of an internal organ in vivo, includes: fixating the tissue on a shaped device; and focusing radiation on the fixated tissue using a radiation-emitting system so as to modulate the tissue, wherein said radiation-emitting system is non-local with respect to said shaped device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an infrared heating apparatus. The apparatus comprises a housing having a hollow internal space, the housing comprising an opening through which a user's legs and feet may be inserted into the internal space of the housing. The apparatus comprises one or more heating panels located on inner sides of the housing for irradiating the user's legs. The apparatus comprises a massager located at a lower portion of the apparatus inside the internal space for massaging the user's feet.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for treating a human condition by providing an appendage chamber having a thermal exchange member. A vacuum may be applied to the appendage chamber to maintain vasodilation of an appendage when placed within the appendage chamber. The appendage may be heated or cooled at the thermal exchange member for therapeutic application of thermal energy to treat a number of circulatory, neurological, lymphatic, or endocrinal maladies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a treatment apparatus using high frequency waves, and to a method for controlling same. The treatment apparatus using high frequency waves comprises: a high frequency wave generating unit; a plurality of needles for providing, into the skin of a user, high frequency energy transferred from the high frequency wave generating unit; and a driving unit for inserting the plurality of needles into the skin of the user, wherein the apparatus further comprises a control unit for controlling the driving unit such that the plurality of needles are inserted into a first target point within the skin and then move to a second target point.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating facial soft tissues of a patient in a healthcare or cosmetic treatment environment such as, for example, a spa, clinic, or a medical practitioner's office are presented herein. The facial treatment system includes a facial stimulator instrument and/or an acoustic oscillator to deliver therapeutic stimulation to the facial tissues of a patient including percussive massage, electrical stimulation, and acoustic stimulation. A facial treatment application executing on a processor of a computing device identifies a treatment protocol and operates the facial stimulator instrument and/or acoustic oscillator to implement the facial tissue treatment.

Abstract: A personal massager configured to be worn on a user's finger. The massager includes a housing, and a motor operable to vibrate the housing. The housing defines an opening configured to receive the finger. The housing extends partway around the circumference of the user's finger when the user's finger is received inside the opening. Optionally, the massager includes a control circuit configured to determine a pattern of vibration supplied to the housing by the motor. Optionally, the massager includes a rechargeable battery that provides power to the motor.

Abstract: An oral appliance for administering a stimulus, such as a substance, to the mouth of a user includes a flexible tube having an inlet portion, a first curved portion forming an ear loop connected to the inlet portion, a second curved portion forming a lip bend connected to the first curved portion, and an outlet portion extending from the second curved portion. Alternatively, a mouthpiece for delivering a substance to the mouth of a user includes a housing having an inlet portion, a riser portion extending upwardly from the inlet portion and a curved outlet portion. A flexible tube is coupled to the housing. A method of delivering a substance to a predetermined location in a user's mouth includes disposing a flexible tube between a row of teeth and an interior surface of a cheek. The flexible tube has an exit port positioned in a rear portion of the user's mouth.

Abstract: Aspects of the of the disclosure relate to a non-contact physiological motion sensor and a monitor device that can incorporate use of the Doppler effect. A continuous wave of electromagnetic radiation can be transmitted toward one or more subjects and the Doppler-shifted received signals can be digitized and/or processed subsequently to extract information related to the cardiopulmonary motion in the one or more subjects. The extracted information can be used, for example, to determine apneic events and/or snoring events and/or to provide apnea or snoring therapy to subjects when used in conjunction with an apnea or snoring therapy device. In addition, methods of use are disclosed for sway cancellation, realization of cessation of breath, integration with multi-parameter patient monitoring systems, providing positive providing patient identification, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A massager includes a massager head with a capacitive sensor. A controller uses the capacitive sensor to sense capacitance changes that indicate a human body is in close proximity or in contact with the massager head. Responsive to activating the capacitive sensor, the controller activates a massager motor in the massager head. When a human body is sensed, the controller increases the vibrations caused by the massager motor from a starting speed to a final speed through a period of time. When the capacitive sensor no longer senses a body, the massager motor is slowed down and may be stopped.

Abstract: The invention provides a compression device for the limb of a mobile patient. The device includes an inflatable sleeve adapted to surround the limb; a conduit attached to the sleeve for delivering fluid to the sleeve; and a portable, wearable controller attached to the conduit that generates and controls the flow of fluid in the device.

Abstract: A device (900) includes a leg engaging section (101) and a foot engaging section (102 intersecting at a heel receiver (103). The leg engaging section and the foot engaging section defining a leg insertion aperture (104). A first compression wrap member (301) and a second compression wrap member (302) extend from the leg engaging section. An inflatable bladder (501) can be disposed along the leg engaging section between the leg insertion aperture and a compressible cushion layer (902). The inflatable bladder can be selectively inflatable through a connection tube (502) exiting the inflatable bladder at a non-orthogonal angle (504) relative to an edge (507) of the inflatable bladder. The leg engaging section can define at least one channel (1002) to permit the connection tube to exit the device.

Abstract: A steam physiotherapy apparatus includes an open-topped physiotherapy chamber having a door, a steam generating unit, and a steam pipe for conveying generated steam into the physiotherapy chamber. Tourmaline tiles are attached to an inner surface of the physiotherapy chamber, a steam inlet pipe is provided on a bottom of the physiotherapy chamber to communicate with the steam pipe, and a steam flow guide plate is placed on the steam inlet pipe. The steam inlet pipe has two diametrically opposite steam outlets directed to two opposite directions, such that the steam flowing out of the two steam outlets forms a swirl that moves upward along the inner surface of the physiotherapy chamber to heat the tourmaline tiles. The heated tourmaline tiles release far infrared rays and negative ions that help reducing reactive oxygen species and free radicals in the user's body and help the user to give off deep-layer sweat.

Abstract: A shoulder and arm orthosis assembly for supporting at least one of a shoulder, arm, wrist and hand of a user in a desired position. The orthosis assembly provides a reconfigurable sling with a reconfigurable shoulder strap, a reconfigurable wrist/hand orthosis, and a reconfigurable pillow support to hold the arm of the user away from the body. The reconfigurable sling has attached inner and outer portions that are configured to be at least partially detached and reattached with one another and has indicia thereon to assist in support placement. The reconfigurable wrist/hand orthosis may be supported by the reconfigurable sling when it is closed and may be permitted to exit the sling when the sling is opened while continuing support for the arm of the user.

Abstract: An orthosis for supination and/or pronation of a forearm of a wearer, the orthosis including a base, an upper arm support coupled to the base and configured to secure an upper arm of the wearer, a rotation assembly coupled to the base and including an output member rotatable relative to the base within a rotation plane, and a forearm support member coupled to the output member of the rotation assembly and configured to releasably engage a wrist and the forearm of the wearer, wherein the forearm support member is contoured to receive a thumb of the wearer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a grooved grip having a body configured to be grasped by a hand comprising a channel configured to relieve pressure on a median nerve on a palmar surface on a hand.

Abstract: An orthopedic device has various frame elements concealed by a sleeve defining pockets into which such frame elements are located. The orthopedic device includes a strap tightening assembly adapted to secure a plurality of straps simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective bandage device and to methods of use thereof.

Abstract: A composition and wound dressing for treating a skin wound is disclosed. The composition and dressing comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; an effective amount of an active ingredient of inorganic solids comprising a potassium salt, a zinc salt, a calcium salt, and a rubidium salt; and an antimicrobial biguanide compound comprising an amount effective to reduce the number of viable microorganisms at a wound site. Methods of use include contacting a wound site with the composition and/or dressing.

Abstract: A patient wearable, continuously operating extracorporeal pump apparatus which accesses the patient's arterial venous pressure differential by applying external pressure to a subcutaneous graft that has been cannualized to modulate blood flow through an extracorporeal circuit and to drive the pump for delivering a medicament, such as an anticoagulant, to the site of an intravenous cannula to prevent clogging thereof and also to move a dialysate through a circuit, including a dialyzer and a dialysate rejuvenating cartridge, whereby kidney failure can be treated without recourse to prior art hemodialysis machines found in most treatment facilities. With slight modification, the present invention can be used to remove excess fluids from CHF patients, to remove toxins from the blood in those suffering from liver failure and to facilitate administration of insulin to diabetics and/or glucose to those having hypoglycemia.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for limiting absorption of food products in specific parts of the digestive system is presented. A gastrointestinal implant device is anchored in the pyloric portion of the gastrointestinal system and extends beyond the ligament of Treitz. All food exiting the stomach is funneled through the device. The gastrointestinal device includes an anchor for anchoring the device in the pyloric portion and a flexible sleeve that extents into the duodenum. The anchor is collapsible for endoscopic delivery and removal.

Abstract: Components may be used separately or in combination to create anchoring systems for intra-luminal implants for the treatment of metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. Various systems include an external component adapted for deployment around a portion of the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., the duodenum) and an internal component adapted for implantation within the gastrointestinal tract. Various systems use anchoring means that are based on mechanical interference, elasticity, spring force, shape memory transformation, magnetic attraction, repulsion and/or levitation. Various embodiments rely on longitudinal anchoring of the implants with minimal force against tissue.

Abstract: Provided is a method of transfecting cells of the cochlea with an agent by electroporation, and in certain embodiments using a cochlear implant to provide at least one electroporation electrode.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for use of photolyzable nitric oxide donors for the treatment of sexual dysfunction.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis system includes a base peritoneal dialysis system and a peritoneal dialysis fluid exchange system that operates independently of the base system. The base system includes a first cassette including a first patient line configured to be connected to a patient, and a PD cycler. The PD cycler receives the first cassette, and includes a pump that cooperates with the first cassette to deliver dialysate to and drain dialysate from a peritoneal cavity of the patient via the first patient line. The peritoneal dialysis fluid exchange system includes a second cassette including a second patient line configured to be connected to the patient and a fluid exchange device that receives the second cassette. The fluid exchange device includes a data exchange interface operable to transfer patient treatment data from the peritoneal dialysis fluid exchange system to the base peritoneal dialysis system.

Abstract: A deployable infection treatment system includes a cannula device comprising a cannula body having a proximal end, a flared distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. The lumen has a longitudinal x-axis extending therethrough. A sponge or drain is provided, the sponge having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein in a non-deployed configuration, the sponge is compressed within the cannula body's lumen and in a deployed configuration the distal end of the sponge expands out of the cannula body's lumen. An integrated pump and vacuum device is provided, wherein when the sponge is in a deployed configuration, the device is in fluid communication with a therapeutic fluid source. The pump controls the delivery of the therapeutic fluid to the proximal end of the sponge. The vacuum controls the extraction of the therapeutic fluid and infectious material from the proximal end of the sponge.

Abstract: An infection treatment system includes a first intramedullary rod for placement within an intramedullary canal and including a superior portion having a superior end, an inferior portion having an inferior end, and a shaft extending longitudinally between the superior and inferior portions. The shaft includes longitudinally extending channels. A second intramedullary rod for placement within an intramedullary canal includes a superior portion having a superior end, an inferior portion having an inferior end, and a shaft extending longitudinally between the superior and inferior portions. The shaft includes longitudinally extending channels. A coupler is operatively attached to the rods. The coupler has a superior face, an inferior face, an anterior face, a posterior face, a first lateral face and a second lateral face. At least one of the faces includes at least one opening in fluid communication with at least a portion of the channels of the first and second rods.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a medicament pump cartridge may include a reservoir configured to store a medicament, wherein the reservoir may be configured to transition between an expanded configuration when filled with medicament and a collapsed configuration when empty. The medicament pump cartridge may include an electromagnetic pumping mechanism, wherein the electromagnetic pumping mechanism includes at least one magnet secured to a membrane. Further, the medicament pump cartridge may include an electromagnetic valve operably coupled to the electromagnetic pumping mechanism. The pump cartridge may be configured to allow for secured refills through compatible ports. The pump cartridge may include light indicators for ports/orifice that communicate with pump, and possess sensor volumetric feedback for continuous monitoring of the medicament volume.

Abstract: A catheter includes a tip electrode with a shell and a support member to provide a plenum chamber. The plug is formed with a U-shaped passage for a safety line to wrap around and secure the support member (with the shell affixed thereto) to the catheter. Additional passages are formed in the plug to accommodate components such as irrigation tubing, lead wire and thermocouple wire pair. A method of manufacture provides distal installation and/or anchoring of the safety line, lead wire and thermocouple wire pair in the support member prior to sealing the support member and mounting the shell.

Abstract: A system and method for anchoring a round catheter pull wire within the distal end of a catheter. A steering deflection mechanism includes a pull ring having a plurality of apertures and one or more receiving slots. The method includes affixing one or more round pull wires to the one or more receiving slots of the pull ring. The shape of the round wire and manner of affixing the wire to the pull ring provide a steering assembly that can withstand greater pull forces while maintaining design integrity.

Abstract: The infusion pump drug delivery system and corresponding method disclosed herein allow for continuous delivery of a first fluid and/or medicament from a reservoir operably connected to a pump and selective delivery of a second fluid and/or medicament from a separate reservoir, where the second fluid and/or medicament may be delivered sequentially or simultaneously with the first fluid and/or medicament at the command of the user. Both fluids and/or medicaments are delivered via a single dispense interface.

Abstract: A repeater system may control a pump by using a repeater and a user interface. An adhesive patch system may be used for affixing a pump or other object to a human body. Such an adhesive patch system may include two sets of adhesive members, each member including an adhesive material on at least one side so as to attach to the body. The members of the first set are spaced to allow the members of the second set to attach to the body in spaces provided between the members of the first set, and the members of the second set are spaced to allow members of the first set to detach from the body without detaching the members of the second set. Also, fill stations and base stations are provided for personal pump systems.

Abstract: A medical pump for delivering medicament through an IV line to a patient may provide for awareness of the operator and operator authority limiting access by any individual to particular tasks of procedure review, pump programming, pump loading, patient set up, pump operation, and the like associated with the treatment provided by the medical pump. Identifying the operator allows the assignment of particular authority levels to the operators to ensure proper operation of the medical pump, and/or proper operators have made the necessary review to perform the necessary set up of the medical pump facilitating collaborative healthcare delivery. A record of operator intervention and authority levels may be logged to permit an automatic checklist process by the medical pump. Authentication process and pump operation parameters can be communicated through Near Field Communication (NFC).

Abstract: Disclosed is a skin securable therapeutic fluid dispensing device that includes a reservoir adapted to retain therapeutic fluid, a pump driving mechanism, and at least one housing configured to accommodate the reservoir and the pump driving mechanism, with at least a portion of the at least one housing defining at least a portion of the reservoir. The device also includes a shield coupled to the at least one housing, the shield configured to protect, at least in part, the reservoir from application of external forces thereon.

Abstract: An infusion set is provided for use in delivering fluid through a cannula, which is housed on a cannula housing, to a selected subcutaneous infusion site on a patient. The fluid is generally a medication, e.g., insulin. The cannula is in fluid communication with a fluid passageway surrounded by a projection on the cannula housing that includes one or more rail-like extensions acting as guides. A connector connects the cannula housing to a fluid delivery system, e.g., an infusion pump. The connector includes a needle, one or more guide arms that slide over the rail-like extensions to guide the needle into the self-sealing septum, and one or more locking arms, with barbs at the end, to connect with corresponding recesses in the cannula housing. An introducer having one or more similar guide arms and locking arms, and a longer needle, may be used to insert the cannula into the patient.

Abstract: The present invention involves, in some embodiments apparatus, such as dialysis apparatus, and methods for pumping fluid. Certain embodiments comprise a housing enclosing a pump drive assembly for actuating at least one pump on a removable fluid pumping cassette. The housing may comprise a door connected to the housing for enclosing an installed cassette in the housing upon closure of the door. The pump drive assembly may comprise a mating block configured for operative association with an installed cassette and to may be configured to permit a sealing engagement with an installed cassette upon closure of the door. To facilitate sealing, certain embodiments of the door include a movable compression plate configured to exert a compressive force on an installed cassette against the mating block when the door is in a closed position.

Abstract: A surgical access port comprises a valve or instrument seal that separates the instrument contact function from the instrument conforming function. Embodiments of the instrument seal comprise in instrument contact element that extends through an opening in a compression element, thereby defining an instrument orifice that seals with an instrument extending therethrough. Embodiments of the instrument contact element comprise a non-distensible membrane or film, for example, as a tube or cylinder.

Abstract: A catheter sheath introducer comprises a hub and a tubular sheath having an inner lining with one or more dampers to improve retention of medical devices received or passed through the sheath without significantly increasing the force required to advance the medical device through the sheath. The dampers are made of a friction inducing material, for example, rubber-based materials, and configured as fingers, bumps or flaps that are unidirectional by means of an asymmetrical shape relative to a longitudinal axis of the sheath.

Abstract: Tubing for use in gastrointestinal applications includes a hollow tube and a spring positioned inside the tube. The spring is corrosion resistant and helps to prevent kinking of the tubing when the tubing is bent. An encapsulant may be positioned over the spring. The spring may be co-extruded with the tubing.

Abstract: A multilayered wound dressing which is two-dimensional and has a peripheral edge is provided that includes at least one hydrophobic antimicrobial layer, at least one absorbent layer which includes a water-containing hydrogel, and a covering layer. Starting from the edge of the wound dressing, at least one incision is formed, which partially separates the wound dressing.

Abstract: Drug injection device (400) comprising expelling means for expelling an amount of drug from a reservoir, the expelling means comprising setting means (411) allowing a user to set a dose to be expelled, and actuation means (413) for releasing the drug expelling means to expel the set dose. The actuation means comprises an actuation member adapted to be moved between an initial position, an intermediate position, and an actuated position in which the expelling means is actuated to expel the set dose. The device further comprises an electronically controlled capturing system (420) for capturing data representing the amount of drug expelled from the reservoir by the expelling means, and switch means for starting initialization of the capturing system when the actuation member is moved to its intermediate position.

Abstract: A drug injector (1) comprising expelling means for expelling a dose of drug from a reservoir, a release member (13) for releasing the drug expelling means, and an actuation member (33) adapted to be moved by a user between an initial, intermediate and actuated position in which the release member is moved to release the drug expelling means. The injector further comprises an electronic capturing system for capturing data representing a dose of drug to be expelled, and a switch (38) for starting initialization of the data capture system, the switch being actuated when the actuation member is positioned in its intermediate position. A spring (34) provides a biasing force against movement of the actuation member between its initial and intermediate position. Thereby the electronic data capturing system is allowed to initialize during the actuation member's movement between the intermediate and the actuated position.