Patents Issued in February 23, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170049386
    Abstract: Medical devices and related patient management systems and event detection methods are provided. An exemplary method of detecting events pertaining to operation of a medical device, such as an infusion device, involves obtaining measurements indicative of a condition in a body of a patient, determining statistics for an analysis interval based on the measurements, and determining an event probability associated with the analysis interval based on historical event data associated with the patient. An event detection model associated with the patient is obtained and applied to the statistics and the event probability to identify occurrence of the event using the event detection model, and in response, an indication of the event associated with the analysis interval is provided, for example, by tagging or marking data in a database, displaying graphical indicia of the event, or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: Sinu Bessy Abraham, Chantal M. McMahon, Pratik Agrawal, Boyi Jiang, Yuxiang Zhong, Michael P. Stone, Huzefa F. Neemuchwala
  • Publication number: 20170049387
    Abstract: An intracerebral current simulation method including a first step of providing head image data; a second step of forming a three-dimensional brain model including micro-polyhedron units; a third step of providing first information which includes conditions under which a coil is placed on a patient's head, an electric current is applied to the coil, and the patient's reaction to the magnetic stimulation is observed, the conditions including a position and orientation of the coil, an electric current applied to the coil, and a structure relating to a generated magnetic field of the coil; and a fourth step of calculating an eddy current or electric field induced inside each of the micro-polyhedron units on the basis of the first information provided in the third step and second information which includes conductivity assigned to each micro-polyhedron unit. Also disclosed is a transcranial magnetic stimulation device and system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Applicants: The University of Tokyo, OSAKA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Youichi SAITOH, Masaki SEKINO, Yoshihiro TAKIYAMA, Keita YAMAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20170049388
    Abstract: An implantable device includes at least one solid structure having an external surface and a volume beneath the surface. One or more of a first conductor or set of conductors is disposed externally and/or internally on or within the structure and an array of elongate electrically conductive elements are disposed radially outwardly within the volume. A breach is detected when a conductive fluid intrudes into the volume through the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventor: Richard D.Y. Chen
  • Publication number: 20170049389
    Abstract: The invention discloses a traditional Chinese medicine health consultation system based on the internet. The traditional Chinese medicine health consultation system improves the traditional Chinese medicine health consultation efficiency. According to the technical solution, the system comprises a client side and a server. Face and tongue picture taking, sound recording, questionnaire surveying and radial artery pulse picture taking are carried out by the client side on a subject. The collected information is processed and then sent to the server, the information is intelligently processed based on a preset data model in the server, an obtained automatic health consultation result is fed back to the subject, the server can also forward the information collected by the client side to a client side for a doctor, and the doctor makes a health consultation result according to the information and provide feedback of the health consultation result to the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: Xiaoyan Gu, Rui Ren, Zhengli Zhang, Tangyi Liu, Daopeng Jin, Yuan Qin, Haoran Sun
  • Publication number: 20170049390
    Abstract: A body parameter detecting device includes: a detection module and a determination module. The detection module is configured to detect fat thickness and fat density of sites to be detected of a human body. The determination module is configured to determine body parameters at least based on the fat thickness and the fat density. This device has simple operations for detection steps and low price, and is suitable for common people users. Also, a body parameter detecting method is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: Lijie Zhang, Zhenglong Li
  • Publication number: 20170049391
    Abstract: Provided according to embodiments of the invention are methods of monitoring air obstruction in an individual that include obtaining at least one calibration photoplethysmography (PPG) signal stream from the individual while the individual spontaneously breathes through at least one resistor having a known resistance; using a processing device to determine changes in the at least one calibration PPG signal stream in response to an increase in resistance to the individual's breathing; obtaining a monitoring PPG signal stream from the individual during spontaneous breathing; and using the monitored PPG signal stream to determine a calibrated resistance value, and using the calibrated resistance value to determine a level of obstruction of the individual's breathing. Related devices are also provided herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Applicant: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Melker
  • Publication number: 20170049392
    Abstract: The invention includes a system and method for predicting the performance of production animals by analysis of heart and lung sounds to determine likelihoods the animals will develop BRD or other diseases or ailments. Vital signs of animals are recorded during an adrenergic sympathetic “flight or fight” situation. A cardio-pulmonary rate ratio is determined for each animal by dividing a normalized adjusted heart rate value by a normalized adjusted respiratory value. From the ratios calculated for each animal in a group, a ratio range is established. Ratio values at a lower end of the ratio range indicate higher relative respiration rates and poor lung performance due to disease. Ratio values at an upper end of the range may indicate low cardiac output and an inability to tolerate rapid weight gain. Ratio values at either end of the range may indicate compromised cardio-pulmonary function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventor: Kurt BRATTAIN
  • Publication number: 20170049393
    Abstract: Provided is a non-invasive blood measuring device comprising: a fixture which in part or in whole is buried in bone tissue of a patient; an abutment provided in a space inside the fixture; a sensing unit including biosensors for measuring a substance in the blood; a filter through which the substance in the blood to be measured is passed through; and an outcall unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventor: Ki Bong HYUN
  • Publication number: 20170049394
    Abstract: This disclosure describes devices, system, and a method for the prediction and prevention of acute decompensated heart failure or other patient conditions involving fluid accumulation in legs or hands. In one example, a wearable device contains a drift-free leg-size sensor and a tissue-elasticity sensor. Both sensors may be relatively inexpensive and developed using innovative new sensing ideas. Preliminary tests with the sensor prototypes show promising results: the leg-size sensor is capable of measuring 1 mm changes in leg diameter and the tissue-elasticity sensor can detect 0.15 MPa differences in elasticity. In another example, a wearable system includes sensors for measuring a variety of physiological parameters, a processing module, and a communication module. A low-profile instrumented sock, e.g., a wearable device, with multiple sensors can provide an indication of heart failure status for a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Applicants: Regents of the University of Minnesota, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
    Inventors: Song Zhang, Rajesh Rajamani, Bruce Johnson
  • Publication number: 20170049395
    Abstract: A contact lens may comprise at least one sensor. An eye gear package may comprise an interface circuit configured to communicatively couple the eye gear package with the contact lens, a power source configured to power the eye gear package and the contact lens, and a processor configured to process data generated by the at least one sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Applicant: Zansors LLC
    Inventor: Hung CAO
  • Publication number: 20170049396
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a computer application for monitoring and tracking leg and foot movements and positions and a device for facilitating the computer tracking of the leg and foot movements. The application uses an accelerometer, gyroscope or other movement detectors in available devices such as a phone, movement tracker, personal music device, tablet computing device, other similar device or a device specifically designed to detect movements and positions and to track the movement and changes in position of the patient's leg and foot. The device can be held onto the patient's leg using a band type device that is easy to use and comfortable during sleep or by incorporation into a comfortable wearable band. The application includes a user interface and a backend for use by physicians or other healthcare staff to review and diagnose the patient's leg and foot movement patterns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventor: Richard P. Allen
  • Publication number: 20170049397
    Abstract: Wearable heat flux devices are disclosed that can detect heat flux based on evaporative cooling for determining a core body temperature of a user, and that can heat or cool a surface of a user for reaching a steady-state heat flux to determine the core body temperature of the user. Exemplary heat flux devices can include a heat flux sensor and a wicking layer. The heat flux sensor can be configured to detect heat flux at a location on a user. The wicking layer can be configured to absorb moisture at the location and to transport the moisture above the heat flux sensor. The heat flux subsequently detected by the heat flux sensor includes the evaporative cooling from the evaporation of the moisture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: Hoi-Cheong Steve Sun, Milan Raj, Xianyan Wang, Brian Murphy, Valerie Susan Hanson
  • Publication number: 20170049398
    Abstract: To allow an implantable device including an electronic circuit to be implanted in the head in a more preferable manner in terms of appearance and safely. This implantable device is used for a brain-machine interface or the like. A casing of an implantable device configured to be implanted in a human head has an outer convexity surface matching an external shape of a resected skull related to at least a craniotomy site of the artificial bone designed in accordance with a skull shape of each person in order to fill the craniotomy site. That is, the outer convexity surface of the artificial bone is provided with two functions: the original function of filling the craniotomy site as the artificial bone and a function of serving as the casing of the implantable device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: Masayuki Hirata, Toshiki Yoshimine, Kojiro Matsushita, Tetsu Goto, Takufumi Yanagisawa, Takafumi Suzuki, Shinichi Yoshimura
  • Publication number: 20170049399
    Abstract: Sensing apparatus, consisting of a housing, including a medium having an elastic, transparent outer surface configured to contact a tissue within a living body and to deform in response to a force exerted by the body tissue on the surface. The apparatus has a radiation source contained in the housing and configured to direct radiation toward the surface, as well as a radiation detector contained in the housing and configured to sense the radiation that is reflected from the surface and to output a signal indicative of an amplitude of the reflected radiation. The apparatus further has a processor, which is coupled to measure a change in the signal due to deformation of the surface and, responsively to the change, to output an indication of the force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventor: Vadim Gliner
  • Publication number: 20170049400
    Abstract: There is described a method for evaluating a level of noise in a biosignal the method comprising receiving a time signal representative of a biological activity, the time signal comprising a biological activity component and a noise component; determining a modulation spectrum for the time signal, the modulation spectrum representing a signal frequency as a function of a modulation frequency; from the modulation spectrum determining a first amount of modulation energy corresponding to the biological activity component and a second amount of modulation energy corresponding to the noise component determining an indication of the level of noise using the first and second amounts of modulation energy; and outputting the indication of the level of noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: Tiago Henrique Falk, Diana Patricia Tobon Vallejo, Martin Maier
  • Publication number: 20170049401
    Abstract: A wearable physiological measurement device worn on an arm of a body includes an electronic module, at least one strap body electrically connected with the electronic module, a first sensing module electrically connected with the processor module, and a second sensing module electrically connected with the processor module. An inside of the electronic module is equipped with a processor module. An inner surface of the strap body is flush with an inner surface of the electronic module. The first sensing module is fastened to the electronic module and is exposed to the inner surface of the electronic module to be close to a skin surface of an outer side of the arm. The second sensing module is fastened to the strap body and is exposed to an inner surface of the strap body to be closed to a skin surface of an inner side of the arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventor: James Cheng Lee
  • Publication number: 20170049402
    Abstract: In a system and method for reconstructing cardiac activation information, an analysis cardiac signal and a reference cardiac signal are accessed and processed to determine a first point of change in the analysis cardiac signal at which a derivative of the analysis cardiac signal diverges with respect to a derivative of the reference cardiac signal. The signals are processed to determine a second point of change in the analysis cardiac signal at which a different derivative of the analysis cardiac signal with respect to a different derivative of the reference cardiac signal. An activation onset time is assigned in the analysis cardiac signal at a point based on a mathematical association among the first point of change and the second point of change to define cardiac activation indicating a beat in the analysis cardiac signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: Sanjiv M. Narayan, Carey Robert Briggs, Ruchir Sehra
  • Publication number: 20170049403
    Abstract: A method of producing an artificial neural network capable of predicting the survivability of a patient, including: storing in an electronic database patient health data comprising a plurality of sets of data, each set having at least one of a first parameter relating to heart rate variability data and a second parameter relating to vital sign data, each set further having a third parameter relating to patient survivability; providing a network of nodes interconnected to form an artificial neural network, the nodes comprising a plurality of artificial neurons, each artificial neuron having at least one input with an associated weight; and training the artificial neural network using the patient health data such that the associated weight of the at least one input of each artificial neuron is adjusted in response to respective first, second and third parameters of different sets of data from the patient health data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: Marcus Eng Hock Ong, Zhiping Lin, Wee Ser, Guangbin Huang
  • Publication number: 20170049404
    Abstract: A wearable sensor device can include at least one LED and a light sensor for generating a photoplethysmogram (“PPG”) from light emitted by the at least one LED. The wearable sensor device can also include a processing unit that is configured to process the PPG to produce a highly reliable representation of the wearer's pulse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: Ehsan Azarnasab, Abraham Carter, David Scott, Sameer Sontakey
  • Publication number: 20170049405
    Abstract: A system for transmitting medical coding alerts including: a database of users; a central communication processor, with a central communication processor controls alerts to users; a plurality of patient alerts, where the processor transmits a patient alert to the end users; software, where the software provides instructions for the communications processor that controls the transmission of patient alerts to users; and user software, where the user software is distributed to each user via a smart phone. Each user is an authorized medical professional and the patient alerts relate to immediate patient conditions. The patient alerts include common medical codes, including code blue. The user software includes a user icon displayed on the user's smart phone providing the alert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventor: Pamela Jordan
  • Publication number: 20170049406
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems are described for simultaneously displaying location data and physiological data for a plurality of users. The methods may include receiving physiological data corresponding to one or more physiological parameters of each of the plurality of users. The methods may also include receiving location data corresponding to a location of each of the plurality of users. The method may also include displaying the received physiological data and location data simultaneously on a same visual representation for each of the plurality of users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: AARON JOHN LANZEL, BENJAMIN DAVID MORRIS, ROBERT JEFFREY NELSEN
  • Publication number: 20170049407
    Abstract: According to a measuring method or a control method of life activity, a life object is illuminated with an electromagnetic wave including a wavelength in a designated waveband, and a characteristic in a local area of the life object is detected, or a life activity thereof is controlled. The “designated waveband” is defined based on phenomena used for detecting or controlling an activity state of the life object or a change of the state. This “local area” is an area constituted by one or more cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventor: Hideo Ando
  • Publication number: 20170049408
    Abstract: A graphical audio station of a nurse call system is operable to permit a user to perform one or more of the following functions: establish a two-way voice communication link with another computer device in another patient and/or with a another computer device located in another staff work area and/or with a wireless communication device carried by caregiver and/or with a telephone of the healthcare facility; broadcast a voice page to a group of other selected computer devices; compose and send a text message to a portable device that is carried by a caregiver and that has wireless communication capability; browse web pages and/or view multimedia content, such as videos, hosted on servers of the healthcare facility and/or that are accessible via the Internet; view and/or acknowledge and/or answer and/or cancel alerts or nurse calls originating in a plurality of patient rooms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: Richard J. Schuman, Patricia A. Glidewell, Erik E. Roehl
  • Publication number: 20170049409
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dental radiography device capable of: reducing the amount of radiation exposure and the amount of battery consumption by reducing radiation exposure time by using a high switching frequency of 100 kHz or greater; preventing occurrence of operation errors caused by a momentary high voltage, etc. while using the high switching frequency; and easily setting X-ray irradiation time according to the type of teeth. Thus, the dental radiography device is safe, accurate and easy to use, and can have a small size and light weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventor: Joon Ho OH
  • Publication number: 20170049410
    Abstract: A method of capturing an x-ray image including providing an intraoral sensor having an array of pixels having a plurality of pixel clusters and a plurality of lines of pixels, each line of pixels having a first number of pixels different from the pixel clusters. The method may also include directing x-ray radiation toward the intraoral sensor and generating an electrical signal correlated to the x-ray radiation that impinges the pixel. The method may also include processing electrical signals generated by one or more pixels in the plurality of pixel clusters, generating at least one combined signal for at least one of the pixel clusters based on the signals from each of the pixels in the at least one of the pixel clusters, and initiating the capture of the image generated with information from each of the pixels in the array of pixels that is exposed to radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: Uwe Zeller, Doug Golay
  • Publication number: 20170049411
    Abstract: A medical imaging system includes at least two robotic arms each with an imaging device component positioned at its distal end. A controller is configured to controllably adjust the pivots of the robotic arms to control the position and perspective angle of both imaging device component such that the perspective angle of each imaging device component faces the other imaging device component along an imaging axis. The controller and both robotic arms are further configured to rotate the imaging axis to any angle relative to the imaging volume along a plane of movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventor: George Papaioannou
  • Publication number: 20170049412
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system (1) for controlling an X-ray detector (11) for detection of X-ray radiation, an X-ray imaging arrangement (3) comprising such system (1) and a method for controlling an X-ray detector (11) for detection of X-ray radiation. The system (1) for detection of X-ray radiation comprises a trigger device (12). The trigger device (12) is configured to be arranged remotely from the X-ray detector (11). The trigger device (12) is furthermore configured to be data-linked to the X-ray detector (11). The trigger device (12) is configured to determine a start of an X-ray exposure of an X-ray tube (2), to generate an activation signal and to communicate such signal the X-ray detector (11) to activate image detection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventor: HANNS-INGO MAACK
  • Publication number: 20170049413
    Abstract: A medical device for providing guidance to administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation during cardiac arrest in a subject comprising a measuring probe to measure a hemodynamic property of blood flowing through a blood vessel of the subject, an interface element with reference indicia to guide the measuring probe to major blood vessels of the subject experiencing cardiac arrest, and a blood flow monitoring device comprising a data module to collect measured hemodynamic properties of the subject and a guidance module configured to display resuscitation guidance information for manipulating at least one hemodynamic property of the blood.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: Graham Nichol, Adeyinka Adedipe, Pierre D. Mourad
  • Publication number: 20170049414
    Abstract: A sensor of a maternal and fetal monitoring device is disclosed. The sensor includes a signal processor configured to transmit ultrasound beam on to a portion of a subject. Reflected ultrasound signals are received from the subject. These reflected ultrasound signals are processed to generate one or more of processed fetal information and processed maternal information. The sensor also includes a wireless module configured to communicate with a remote ultrasound processing system. The wireless module streams the processed fetal information and the processed maternal information to be stored in the remote processing subsystem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventor: Vijith Venugopalan
  • Publication number: 20170049415
    Abstract: An ultrasound endoscope includes: an ultrasound probe arranged in a distal end rigid portion; a suction and forceps port provided in a vicinity of the ultrasound probe; a treatment instrument insertion channel and a negative pressure channel communicating with the suction and forceps port; and a control valve configured to variably regulate a negative pressure for suction that is transmitted to the suction and forceps port through the treatment instrument insertion channel and the negative pressure channel to two or more states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Teppei TSURUTA
  • Publication number: 20170049416
    Abstract: A method includes receiving a B-mode image, a strain image, and a corresponding correlation image. The method further includes modifying pixel values of the strain image based on a reliability of the strain image, thereby generating a modified strain image. The method further includes displaying the B-mode image. The method further includes superimposing the modified strain image over the B-mode image. A system (100) includes a memory (304) that stores elastography visualization algorithms (306, 308, 310). The system further includes a processor (302) that executes at least one of the elastography visualization algorithms, based on a visualization mode of interest, causing the processor to render at least one of a pixel of a strain image transparent or not at all, wherein the strain image is displayed overlaid over a B-mode image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Applicant: B-K Medical Aps
    Inventors: Reza Z. AZAR, Kris DICKIE, Michelle ALEXANDER
  • Publication number: 20170049417
    Abstract: A diagnostic imaging device includes a probe that uses both an ultrasound transducer and frequency-domain diffuse optical imaging (FD-DOI) to assist with locating and diagnosing sub-tissue anomalies. According to one aspect, the diagnostic imaging device relates to a clip-on cap that can be utilized with existing ultrasound transducers. The diagnostic imaging device described herein can be utilized for image-guided needle biopsy to regions where prostate tissues are highly suspicious for high-grade cancer, as well as for image guided interventions, such as cryotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and brachytherapy for early-stage or localized prostate cancer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: Hanli LIU, Venkaiah C. KAVURI
  • Publication number: 20170049418
    Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes a quadrature detection section configured to perform quadrature detection on reception radio-frequency data generated by a reception circuit to generate complex data, a frequency analyzer configured to perform a first frequency analysis using the complex data of a set number of sample points starting from a first start point and a second frequency analysis using at least one group of the complex data of the set number of sample points starting from a second start point that is different from the first start point, and to acquire a spectral signal corresponding to each pixel of a Doppler waveform image based on results of the first frequency analysis and the second frequency analysis, and a Doppler waveform image generator configured to generate the Doppler waveform image using the spectral signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Katsuya Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20170049419
    Abstract: Provided is an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus including a data acquirer configured to obtain ultrasound data about an object having blood vessels; an image processor configured to extract a blood vessel area from an ultrasound image generated based on the ultrasound data, extract a plaque area included in the blood vessel area, and analyze a risk of plaque based on at least one of a surface shape of the plaque area and brightness information of the plaque area; and a display configured to display the risk of plaque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Applicant: SAMSUNG MEDISON CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jin-ki PARK, Jin-yong LEE, Hyuk-jae CHANG, Namsik CHUNG, Geu-ru HONG, Chi-young SHIM, Ji-hyun YOON, In-jeong CHO, Ran HEO
  • Publication number: 20170049420
    Abstract: An ultrasonic image diagnostic device includes: an ultrasonic transmitting/receiving unit which repeatedly transmits an ultrasonic wave to a subject and receives an ultrasonic echo from the subject; an image processor which generates a plurality of ultrasonic images illustrating an in-vivo state of the subject based on ultrasonic echoes sequentially received from the subject; and a motion evaluating unit which performs motion evaluation of a moving body in the plurality of generated ultrasonic images, wherein the motion evaluating unit includes an interval setting unit which sets an interval between the ultrasonic images which should be compared with each other for the motion evaluation so as to be variable in increments of the number of frames based on a frame rate of the plurality of generated ultrasonic images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Applicant: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventors: Jo SHIKAMA, Kazuya TAKAGI, Yoshihiro TAKEDA
  • Publication number: 20170049421
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to sampling bags having flexible walls. The sampling bags may have agile walls that include a shape memory component. The shape memory component tends to return the sampling bag to its initial shape. Such sampling bags may be used in a variety of sampling methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Applicant: Nextteq, LLC
    Inventors: Gueorgui Mihaylov, Bryan Truex
  • Publication number: 20170049422
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a cell collection device includes a sample brush including a proximal end, a distal end, and outwardly extending bristles provided at the distal end, and an outer sleeve adapted to receive the sample brush, the sleeve including a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the sleeve can be linearly slid along the length of the brush to encapsulate the bristles after they have been used to collect cells from a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Applicant: Augusta University Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventor: Daron G. Ferris
  • Publication number: 20170049423
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for in vivo sampling of biological species, comprising: a tubular sheath extending between a proximal end of said sheath and a distal end of said sheath, said distal end of the sheath having a projecting part, a rod extending between a proximal end of said rod and a distal end of said rod, capable of sliding in the sheath between a retracted position in which the distal end of the rod is located inside the sheath and a deployed position in which the distal end of the rod extends beyond the distal end of the sheath, said rod comprising a capturing support for capturing said biological species, made from a porous material, arranged in a distal region of the rod on a portion of the circumference of the rod such that the capturing support is located outside the sheath when the rod is in the deployed position of same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Adrien Mombrun, Mohamed- Ali Bouamrani, Eric Boyer, Christelle Yeromonahos
  • Publication number: 20170049424
    Abstract: Medical or dental instruments, preferably handpieces, can have different temperature-measuring devices for measuring the temperature in the instrument or of at least a part of the instrument. The temperature-measuring devices can be designed, for example, to measure the temperature contactlessly by detection of electromagnetic radiation or to measure the temperature of an interior of the instrument that can be heated by a heat source. The temperature-measuring devices may be designed, for example, as electrical temperature-measuring devices or may have a magnetic material whose magnetic property is a function of temperature and/or has a temperature-dependent course. The temperature-measuring device may have, for example, an electrical switching device and a signal device wherein the signal device is switched at least between a first signal condition and a second signal condition when a temperature limit value is reached or exceeded or is underrun.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Applicant: W&H Dentalwerk Bürmoos GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Pruckner, Karlheinz Eder, Johann Grosslhuber
  • Publication number: 20170049425
    Abstract: Medical devices for closing anatomical apertures, such as atrial or ventricular septal defects, are disclosed. The medical devices can include a plug body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis. The plug body can include an exterior surface, an interior surface defining an interior lumen, and a seal which can be located within the interior lumen. The medical devices can also include at least one arm member extending through the plug body between the exterior surface and the interior surface of the plug body. In certain embodiments, the medical device can include a distal loop and a proximal loop extending through the plug body. In certain embodiments, the proximal loop can be smaller than the distal loop, such that a top end and a bottom end of the proximal loop can fit within a top end and a bottom end of the distal loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: Paul Rothstein, Paul A. Iaizzo
  • Publication number: 20170049426
    Abstract: A method for closing a puncture in a vessel wall of a blood vessel that includes advancing a guide member into proximity with a puncture in a vessel wall, positioning a distal end of an angle adjustment member distal to openings of the guide member, deploying the needle guides from the guide member through the openings, advancing the deflected needle guides and the suture securing devices through the vessel wall, retracting the needle guides to release the suture securing devices distally of the vessel wall, and establishing tension in the sutures to move the suture securing devices toward each other to thereby close the puncture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: Marc G. Gianotti, Aaron M. Fortson
  • Publication number: 20170049427
    Abstract: Systems and methods for tissue containment and retrieval are disclosed. The containment system includes a primary chamber interconnected with a secondary channel extending from the primary chamber. A tissue specimen is mobilized inside a body cavity and placed into the primary chamber through a first opening. The first opening is pulled through a first incision or orifice and the narrower secondary channel is placed at a second incision or orifice. A second opening at the end of the secondary channel permits observation via a scope inserted through the second opening of the tissue specimen in the primary chamber undergoing morcellation via the first opening. Other systems and methods for deployment, containment, debulking and sealing of the second opening to create a closed system for the safe retrieval of the tissue specimen are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: Alexandra Do, Tracy Breslin, Emily Yin, Serene Wachli, Charles C. Hart, Jacob J. Filek
  • Publication number: 20170049428
    Abstract: Retractor blade assemblies, retractors, kits, and methods of using the same. The retractor blade assembly may include a retractor blade, a pedicle screw, and a shim that connects the pedicle screw to the retractor blade. The retractor blade may have a proximal end configured to engage a retractor body and a distal end configured to retract soft tissue. The pedicle screw may have a head portion removably connected to the distal end of the retractor blade and a shaft portion configured to engage the pedicle of a vertebra. The shim couples the pedicle screw to the retractor blade. For example, the shim may include an extension portion configured to engage the retractor blade and a connection portion configured to receive and temporarily lock the pedicle screw to the retractor blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: Joel Cryder, Edward Karpowicz
  • Publication number: 20170049429
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus for use in assisting the performance of a procedure on an eye, the eye having a front and rear, a cornea, an iris defining a pupil, and a lens capsule behind the iris. The apparatus has a frame with a front and rear, a first portion and a second portion. The first frame portion has at least one iris engagement portion for being operatively connected to the iris to exert a pressure upon the iris that maintains the pupil in an enlarged state. The second frame portion has a curved edge configured to guide movement of an instrument in a curved path with the first frame portion operatively connected to an iris.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventor: Ravi Nallakrishnan
  • Publication number: 20170049430
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus for use in assisting the performance of a procedure on an eye, the eye having a front and rear, a cornea, an iris defining a pupil, and a lens capsule behind the iris. The apparatus has a frame with a front and rear, a first portion and a second portion. The frame is reconfigurable between (i) a first collapsed state for being inserted through an incision in a cornea and (ii) a second operative state for being operatively connected to an iris. The frame first portion is configured to be generally residing within a plane in the second operative state. The second frame portion is configured to be operatively connected to an iris in the second operative state exerts a pressure upon the iris at at least a first location that is spaced from the plane to maintain the pupil in an enlarged state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventor: Ravi Nallakrishnan
  • Publication number: 20170049431
    Abstract: Tensionable systems, devices, and methods for tissue repairs. A fixation device has a post and a flexible strand which passes around the post and is provided with one stop member on one side of the post, or with two stop members, one on each side of the post. Stop members allow a flexible strand to slide around the post and become fixed for approximation of tissue to tissue and tensioning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas Dooney, JR.
  • Publication number: 20170049432
    Abstract: Systems and methods for soft tissue to bone repairs, without knot tying. Soft tissue repair systems include self-cinching constructs with a fixation device, a flexible strand with multiple flexible limbs, and a shuttle/pull device attached to the flexible strand to shuttle the multiple flexible limbs through the flexible strand and form a locking splice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas Dooney, JR., Peter J. Dreyfuss
  • Publication number: 20170049433
    Abstract: Described herein are devices and techniques for no-hole-prep installation of miniaturized suture anchors into bone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Applicant: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Terry
  • Publication number: 20170049434
    Abstract: Systems and methods for soft tissue to bone repairs, without knot tying. Soft tissue repair systems include self-cinching constructs with a fixation device, a flexible strand with multiple flexible limbs, and a shuttle/pull device attached to the flexible strand to shuttle the multiple flexible limbs through the flexible strand and form a locking splice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas Dooney, JR., Peter J. Dreyfuss, Derek C. Sullivan, Andrew C. Petry, Paul C. Brady, Kyle Chun, Christopher Donaldson
  • Publication number: 20170049435
    Abstract: A surgical snare assembly is disclosed. The surgical snare assembly has a suture fastener having an entrance and an exit. The surgical snare assembly also has first and second suture engaging loops. The surgical snare assembly further has first and second handles configured such that: a) movement of the first handle a first distance away from the suture fastener causes the first suture engaging loop to move through the suture fastener from the exit to the entrance; and b) movement of the second handle a second distance away from the suture fastener causes the second suture engaging loop to move through the suture fastener from the entrance to the exit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: Jude S. Sauer, Angelo John Martellaro