Abstract: An audiologic test apparatus includes: a processing unit configured to conduct a first and second audiologic tests; a first probe connector for connecting a first probe for the first audiologic test; a second probe connector for connecting a second probe for the second audiologic test; and a pump module connected to a first fluid port of the first probe connector with a first fluid channel and to a second fluid port of the second probe connector with a second fluid channel, wherein the pump module in a first operating mode is in fluid communication with the first fluid port, and in a second operating mode is in fluid communication with the second fluid port, the pump module configured to modify pressure in the first fluid channel when in the first operating mode, and to modify pressure in the second fluid channel when in the second operating mode.

Abstract: An endoscopic device including a control circuit that is detachably connectable to a handle, where the control circuit functions and is compatible with a wide variety of displays. The handle of the endoscopic device is provided with a connector to transmit image data from a distal end to the detachable control circuit. The control circuit may be provided with a keyed outer surface to guide and maintain the control circuit in an engaged position relative to the handle and connector.

Abstract: A removable filter has a hub defining a waist and a longitudinal filter axis; a plurality of primary struts extending from a first axial side of the hub, and a plurality of secondary struts extending from a second axial side of the hub opposite the first axial side. The secondary struts form a radially outward arc extending from the hub over an angle of at least about 180° in the expanded state, preferably between about 190° and about 270°. A retrieval coil with a proximal end fastened to an elongated wire has several longitudinally offset windings. The retrieval coil is preferably more rigid than the primary struts. The coil may preferably have a distal winding with an inner diameter that is greater than the diameter of the hub and smaller than the diameter of the filter in the expanded state.

Abstract: A device has a capacitive surface and a light source. A user of the device uses the capacitive surface to change the intensity of light emitted by the light source. To increase and decrease the intensity of the light emitted by the light source, the user touches the capacitive surface with one or more fingers.

Abstract: A medical diagnostic instrument that enables optical viewing of a target area, includes an optical system disposed within an instrument housing, the optical system including at least one primary optical element disposed along an optical axis. A focusing screen is distally aligned along the optical axis for focusing an image of the target area received from the optical system. The focusing screen enables a user to view the target area without requiring an eyepiece, thereby permitting the caregiver to conduct examinations without requiring intimate contact between the patient and the caregiver.

Abstract: An ear speculum that includes a body having an ear-contacting tip with an opening; a light providing member; a viewing member; and a vacuum intake port, wherein the members and intake port are provided within the ear speculum with the vacuum intake port occupying a larger portion of the of the cross-sectional area of the ear speculum opening than the light providing or viewing members to facilitate removal of material from an ear canal. Also, an otoscope that includes a head; an ear speculum as described herein in operative association with the head; an image detector in image communication with the viewing member; a suction source in vacuum communication with the vacuum intake port; and a light source in illumination communication with the light providing member. Also, a system and method for removing material or debris from an ear canal using the otoscope described herein.

Abstract: A reflected light image and a fluorescent light image of an observed region are acquired with an imaging system. A gradation level of the reflected light image is set on the basis of a feature value of the acquired reflected light image. The focus of the imaging system is controlled in accordance with the set gradation level. The fluorescent light image is corrected using a focus-controlled reflected light image of the observed region. Accordingly, the image of an object in the observed region from which the fluorescent light is generated is sharpened.

Abstract: The attenuation and other optical properties of a medium are exploited to measure a thickness of the medium between a sensor and a target surface. Disclosed herein are various mediums, arrangements of hardware, and processing techniques that can be used to capture these thickness measurements and obtain three-dimensional images of the target surface in a variety of imaging contexts. This includes general techniques for imaging interior/concave surfaces as well as exterior/convex surfaces, as well as specific adaptations of these techniques to imaging ear canals, human dentition, and so forth.

Abstract: An otoscopic instrument includes an instrument housing having a distal end and an opposing proximal end, each end defining a viewing axis of the instrument. A laser light source is disposed in relation to the viewing axis. At least one optical element is configured to direct emitted light from the laser light source toward a target of interest through the distal end of the instrument housing and in which reflected laser light is directed toward the proximal end along the viewing axis. The laser light source can be contained within a releasably attachable laser module to selectively permit separate white light and laser viewing modes of the instrument.

Abstract: An ear ailment diagnostic device and method in accordance with the present disclosure generally comprises a pair of earpieces, which both further comprise a light source, a magnification lens, an air conduction channel and a miniature camera. The earpieces may optionally comprise a thermometer and/or tympanometer. Each earpiece is coupled to an air conduction tube, an insufflator and an electrical wiring/data tube which is coupled to a computer. The insufflator may be manually, electronically, or battery powered. In the preferred embodiment the computer comprises a smart phone with data processing capability and wireless communication capability. Any data sent from the device can then be interpreted and diagnosed in a remote location so that an accurate treatment is prescribed.

Abstract: An otoscopic instrument with an instrument head. The instrument head having a housing, an optical component disposed along an imaging axis, and an illumination system. The illumination system includes a plurality of LEDs disposed in a ring-like configuration adjacent a distal end of the housing with the illumination system disposed within the housing.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a method for aligning first and second light signals on an optical path directed to a target, where the first light signal provides a visualization of the target, and a portion of the second light signal reflects from at least one subsurface of the target. The method also includes aligning a first focal point of the first light signal and a second focal point of the second light signal, where the first focal point is at least in a first proximate location of the second focal point, and adjusting a first position of the first and second focal points to be in at least a second proximate location of the target without adjusting the at least first proximate location of the first focal point relative to the second focal point. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A device forming a combination ophthalmoscope and otoscope, having a housing (4) supporting a light source (10) and a plurality of lenses (8, 9), the light source (10) defining an illumination light path (14) which illuminates in use a region of interest (15), the housing having an aperture (12) defining a viewing light path (13) along which the region of interest (15) can be viewed, the lenses (8, 9) being mounted on a support (1) relative to the housing (4) so as to be moveable relative to the housing (1) so as to allow selection of a lens from the plurality of lenses (8, 9) to be disposed in the viewing light path, and in which the plurality of lenses form an ophthalmoscopy set (8) comprising at least one ophthalmoscopy lens and an otoscopy set (9) comprising at least one otoscopy lens.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for mobile imaging and image analysis. In particular, described herein are methods and apparatuses for assisting in the acquisition and analysis of images of the tympanic membrane to provide information that may be helpful in the understanding and management of disease, such ear infection (acute otitis media). These apparatuses may guide or direct a subject in taking an image of a tympanic membrane, including automatically detecting which direction to adjust the position of the apparatus to capture an image of the tympanic membrane and automatically indicating when the tympanic membrane has been imaged.

Abstract: An ear speculum that includes a body having an ear-contacting tip with an opening; a light providing member; a viewing member; and a vacuum intake port, wherein the members and intake port are provided within the ear speculum with the vacuum intake port occupying a larger portion of the of the cross-sectional area of the ear speculum opening than the light providing or viewing members to facilitate removal of material from an ear canal. Also, an otoscope that includes a head; an ear speculum as described herein in operative association with the head; an image detector in image communication with the viewing member; a suction source in vacuum communication with the vacuum intake port; and a light source in illumination communication with the light providing member. Also, a system and method for removing material or debris from an ear canal using the otoscope described herein.

Abstract: A speculum configured for attachment to an otoscope attachment of a medical examination instrument is provided in an embodiment herein. The speculum includes a proximate end, a distal end, and a speculum body extending from the proximate end to the distal end. The proximate end is configured for attachment to a first end of the otoscope attachment, and the distal end is configured for penetration into an orfice of a subject. The adjustable speculum further includes at least one flange, wherein the at least one flange is adjustably positioned on the speculum body between the proximate end and the distal end to limit a depth of the penetration of the speculum in the orfice.

Abstract: The otoscope comprises a head portion (11) including a through-hole (24) extending continuously from a proximal end to a distal end along a viewing path and a speculum receptacle (14) tapering towards the distal end and surrounding the through-hole (24), wherein a speculum (50) is attachable to the speculum receptacle (14). Lens means (26) including at least one lens (36) is configured to be movable from a viewing position, in which the lens (36) is arranged in the viewing path, to a clearance position, in which the lens (36) is arranged outside the viewing path. In the viewing position of the lens means (26) the lens (36) is arranged inside the through-hole (24) far enough for the distance between the lens (36) and the distal end (52) of an attached speculum (50) to be smaller than the focal length (F) of the lens (36).

Abstract: An ear speculum that includes a body having an ear-contacting tip with an opening; a light providing member; a viewing member; and a vacuum intake port, wherein the members and intake port are provided within the ear speculum with the vacuum intake port occupying a larger portion of the of the cross-sectional area of the ear speculum opening than the light providing or viewing members to facilitate removal of material from an ear canal. Also, an otoscope that includes a head; an ear speculum as described herein in operative association with the head; an image detector in image communication with the viewing member; a suction source in vacuum communication with the vacuum intake port; and a light source in illumination communication with the light providing member. Also, a system and method for removing material or debris from an ear canal using the otoscope described herein.

Abstract: An ear ailment diagnostic device and method in accordance with the present disclosure generally comprises a pair of earpieces, which both further comprise a light source, a magnification lens, an air conduction channel and a miniature camera. The earpieces may optionally comprise a thermometer and/or tympanometer. Each earpiece is coupled to an air conduction tube, an insufflator and an electrical wiring/data tube which is coupled to a computer. The insufflator may be manually, electronically, or battery powered. In the preferred embodiment the computer comprises a smart phone with data processing capability and wireless communication capability. Any data sent from the device can then be interpreted and diagnosed in a remote location so that an accurate treatment is prescribed.

Abstract: A multi-purpose device that can be used, as, among other things, an otoscope and a three dimensional scanning system is disclosed.

Abstract: The otoscope includes a mounting device (14) in which an ear speculum (16) is releasably attached, the ear speculum (16) including a conically tapering cone portion (20). The ear speculum (16) includes a substantially cylindrical base portion (24) being coaxial to the cone portion (20) and having a diameter which is larger than the largest diameter of the cone portion (20) and being connected through an intermediate wall portion (22) to the cone portion (20). At least one cutout (40) extending to the free edge of the base portion (24) is formed in the base portion (24) of the ear speculum (16).

Abstract: An otoscanner including a conical laser-reflective optical element and a laser light source and the conical laser-reflecting optical element are configured so that the conical laser-reflecting optical element, when illuminated by the laser light source, projects a broken ring of laser light upon an interior surface of the ear when the ear probe is positioned in the ear and a diffractive laser optic lens and the laser light source and the diffractive laser optic lens are configured so that the diffractive laser optic lens, when illuminated by the laser light source, projects upon an interior surface of the ear a fan of laser light at a predetermined angle with respect to a front surface of the diffractive laser optic lens when the ear probe is positioned in the ear.

Abstract: An apparatus for insertion in an ear is provided in one example and includes a drug delivery device for insertion into an external auditory canal, wherein the drug delivery device contains one or more pharmaceutically active agents that can be released from the drug delivery device into the external auditory canal. In more particular instances, the drug delivery device can conform to the profile of the external auditory canal.

Abstract: An embolism filter adapted to selectively stop an embolism filter along a length of guidewire, including a filter adapted to encircle a guidewire and at least one self-deploying stop attached to the filter and which selectively stops movement of said filter.

Abstract: A medical diagnostic system includes an otoscope, which is configured to generate at least a first image (e.g., digital photograph) of a tympanic membrane of a patient, and an apparatus for diagnosing acute otitis media within the patient. The apparatus includes a computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program code embodied in the medium. The computer-readable program code includes a first computer-readable program code that evaluates the at least a first image of the tympanic membrane of the patient relative to a database containing at least one image of a tympanic membrane of at least one archived patient, to thereby detect indicia of acute otitis media in the patient.

Abstract: A speculum configured for attachment to an otoscope attachment of a medical examination instrument is provided in an embodiment herein. The speculum includes a proximate end, a distal end, and a speculum body extending from the proximate end to the distal end. The proximate end is configured for attachment to a first end of the otoscope attachment, and the distal end is configured for penetration into an orfice of a subject. The adjustable speculum further includes at least one flange, wherein the at least one flange is adjustably positioned on the speculum body between the proximate end and the distal end to limit a depth of the penetration of the speculum in the orfice.

Abstract: The present application concerns a device for measurement and analysis of the middle ear and ear channel color for the diagnosis of ear infections. The device is composed of a otoscope (1), including two optical fibers (2a and 2b): one for ear illumination and another returning the reflected light. The electronic unit (3) can change linearly the power of emitted light, as well as, its color. The received light is also independently measured, enabling the determination of changes on color and texture associated with the ear inflammations. Command buttons in the otoscope handler (4) enable the user to save the values of the three color components. The combined value of the components is shown in the digital display (5) of the electronic unit, as well as, by a set of LEDs (6) green, yellow and red that gives a diagnosis in a simple and immediate way. The otoscope allows, simultaneously, directly ear view through a magnifying glass (7) applied in the head of the otoscope, with a standard white light.

Abstract: An audio/video recording method and device for recording a main audio/video file and at least one index audio/video file corresponding to the main audio/video file. A section of the index audio/video files can be transformed into text data serving as a portion of file names of the main audio/video file. When a user collates or uses the main audio/video file, the index audio/video file is used to accelerate distinguishing what the main audio/video files are, thereby facilitating searching, classification and management of the main audio/video file effectively.

Abstract: A device for determining the presence of abnormal fluid in a middle ear of a subject includes an elongated probe, a first light source housed within the elongated probe, and a second light source housed within the elongated probe. The elongated probe includes a distal end for inspection of an ear. The First light source is configured to convey an optical beam through a tympanic membrane associated with the middle ear of the subject, without puncturing the tympanic membrane. The second light source is configured to convey light through the distal end of the elongated probe and illuminate the tympanic membrane.

Abstract: A medical diagnostic instrument that enables optical viewing of a target area, includes an optical system disposed within an instrument housing, the optical system including at least one primary optical element disposed along an optical axis. A focusing screen is distally aligned along the optical axis for focusing an image of the target area received from the optical system. The focusing screen enables a user to view the target area without requiring an eyepiece, thereby permitting the caregiver to conduct examinations without requiring intimate contact between the patient and the caregiver.

Abstract: An otoscope includes an instrument head, a tip element and an optical system. The instrument head has a distal insertion portion for insertion into an ear of a human or veterinary subject. The distal insertion portion has a distal opening. The tip element is releasably attached to the distal insertion portion. The tip element has a distal opening. The optical system is contained within the instrument head. The optical system includes a plurality of optical components. The optical system further comprises a viewing component for viewing of an image of a target of interest aligned along an optical axis disposed within said distal opening. The optical system is configured to provide a field of having a diameter equaling at least 7 mm at a distance of at least 15 mm from a distal opening of said attached tip element. The optical system is further configured to simultaneously provide a distance range of optimal focus having a range of at least 8 mm.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a method for aligning first and second light signals on an optical path directed to a target, where the first light signal provides a visualization of the target, and a portion of the second light signal reflects from at least one subsurface of the target. The method also includes aligning a first focal point of the first light signal and a second focal point of the second light signal, where the first focal point is at least in a first proximate location of the second focal point, and adjusting a first position of the first and second focal points to be in at least a second proximate location of the target without adjusting the at least first proximate location of the first focal point relative to the second focal point. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A viewing system associated with a conventional otoscope enables a person to examine the interior of his or her own ear. The viewing system utilizes a box-like enclosure containing a first mirror that reflects an image of the ear forwardly of the user's face, and a remote mirror that reflects the image back to the user's face.

Abstract: A device forming a combination ophthalmoscope and otoscope, having a housing (4) supporting a light source (10) and a plurality of lenses (8, 9), the light source (10) defining an illumination light path (14) which illuminates in use a region of interest (15), the housing having an aperture (12) defining a viewing light path (13) along which the region of interest (15) can be viewed, the lenses (8, 9) being mounted on a support (1) relative to the housing (4) so as to be moveable relative to the housing (1) so as to allow selection of a lens from the plurality of lenses (8, 9) to be disposed in the viewing light path, and in which the plurality of lenses form an ophthalmoscopy set (8) comprising at least one ophthalmoscopy lens and an otoscopy set (9) comprising at least one otoscopy lens.

Abstract: A system and method for endotracheal intubation of airways are disclosed. A malleable stylet having a distal end and a proximal end, a charged coupled device (CCD) at the distal end and a transmitter, at or near the proximal end or connected to the proximal end of the stylet with connectors, transmits video to a visualization device comprising a receiver means, a display means, and a display support adapted to be worn on an operator in a position so that the operator can view the display with one eye while simultaneously viewing the airway directly. The display support is typically worn on the head of a physician. A second display can be worn by a student or observer. In some instances, the transmitter means and receiver means are wireless.

Abstract: An otoscope includes an instrument head, a tip element and an optical system. The instrument head has a distal insertion portion for insertion into an ear of a human or veterinary subject. The distal insertion portion has a distal opening. The tip element is releasably attached to the distal insertion portion. The tip element has a distal opening. The optical system is contained within the instrument head. The optical system includes a plurality of optical components. The optical system further comprises a viewing component for viewing of an image of a target of interest aligned along an optical axis disposed within said distal opening.

Abstract: A portable diagnostic instrument for use by medical professionals. The portable diagnostic instrument can comprise a circuit control that can maintain the output of the light intensity constant, even when battery power is reduced. The circuit control system can also comprise a warning system to provide information about remaining battery life to the user. Furthermore, the portable diagnostic instrument can comprise an otoscope further comprising a separate, folding magnifying lens assembly and a separate, folding specula assembly.

Abstract: A system for inspecting a body cavity of a patient comprises an otoscope having a gripping body, a speculum having a narrow distal portion adapted to be placed in the body cavity of the patient and a wide proximal portion connectable to a top end of the gripping body, a viewing port connected to the top end of the gripping body to provide a line of sight through the speculum, and a light source connected to the top end of the gripping body configured to direct light through the speculum, where the speculum is substantially transparent.

Abstract: A medical instrument including a probe adapted to be inserted into an orifice of an animal's body. The instrument includes an emitter of electromagnetic radiation that is sensed by a sensor mounted on the probe. The sensor can then determine, by variations in the amount of radiation received from the emitter, whether a probe cover is mounted over the probe. A sensor can also be used to determine whether the walls of the body orifice block the radiation received from the emitter, thereby indicating position of the sensor, and thus, the probe within the orifice. A special probe cover is disclosed, and methods of using the medical instrument are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a method for aligning first and second light signals on an optical path directed to a target, where the first light signal provides a visualization of the target, and a portion of the second light signal reflects from at least one subsurface of the target. The method also includes aligning a first focal point of the first light signal and a second focal point of the second light signal, where the first focal point is at least in a first proximate location of the second focal point, and adjusting a first position of the first and second focal points to be in at least a second proximate location of the target without adjusting the at least first proximate location of the first focal point relative to the second focal point. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to an anoscope (1) that comprises a back piece (3) to stand on; a handle (6) with a longitudinal axis that faces the front piece (2) of the anoscope (1), particularly the sliding lid (5) and the window (11) when the lid (5) is opened; a broadly piece (7) that is located at the junction of the handle (6) and the front piece (2) and that sits on the front piece (2); a socket (8) on the surface of the atrium (23) of the broadly piece (7); a cylindrical extension (17) inside the broadly piece (7); a sliding lid (5) located on the front piece (2) that can either be separated totally from the front piece (2) or can form a window (11) that opens to the desired extent; a protrusion (12) located at the inner surface of the sliding lid (5) that facilitates the lid (5) being handled and pulled; a tongue (9) distal to the front piece (2) that sits on the socket (8) and manages locking and unlocking processes of the front piece (2) and the back piece (3); and a pillar (21) and a console (22) located

Abstract: An embolic protection device for use in a patient's blood vessel, such as the aorta, has an approximately cylindrical outer structure made of a filter mesh material and an approximately conical inner structure also made of a filter mesh material. On the downstream end of the embolic protection device, the wider end of the conical inner structure is joined to the cylindrical outer structure. The upstream end of the embolic protection device is open for blood to flow between the conical inner structure and the cylindrical outer structure. The space between the conical inner structure and the cylindrical outer structure defines a collection chamber for captured emboli. The narrow upstream end of the conical inner structure has a catheter port with a resilient seal that is sized for passage of a catheter shaft. The filter mesh material may be self-supporting or it may be supported on a resilient-framework or an inflatable framework.

Abstract: A portable medical diagnostic instrument includes an instrument head and a handle portion having an open-ended receiving cavity. A compact illuminator defined by a housing retaining a miniature light source and a power supply is releasably fitted within the open-ended receiving cavity of the handle portion wherein the light source of the illuminator is optically coupled with the instrument on assembly therewith. The handle portion can be integral with the instrument or releasably attached. The handle portion according to at least one version is made from a plastic or other suitable material, permitting disposability and/or single patient use. In one version, the handle portion is flexibly deformable, at least partially, to facilitate release of the portable illuminator.

Abstract: A medical instrument including a probe adapted to be inserted into an orifice of an animal's body. The instrument includes an emitter of electromagnetic radiation that is sensed by a sensor mounted on the probe. The sensor can then determine, by variations in the amount of radiation received from the emitter, whether a probe cover is mounted over the probe. A sensor can also be used to determine whether the walls of the body orifice block the radiation received from the emitter, thereby indicating position of the sensor, and thus, the probe within the orifice. A special probe cover is disclosed, and methods of using the medical instrument are also disclosed.

Abstract: A handheld device for performing an optical medical examination of a patient. The device comprises a handle; an image sensor positioned at an end of the handle; a trigger provided in the handle; an image memory for storing the image data upon activation of the trigger; a roll of print media mounted in the handle; an ink supply within a core of the roll of print media; a media transportation mechanism; a pagewidth print head extending longitudinally within the handle; a guillotine mechanism for severing a printed image from the transported print media; and a print engine controller.

Abstract: An instrument handle (12) for a medical diagnostic light (10), to which a light instrument head (14) can be connected, accommodates or can be connected to an energy source. A manually operable light regulation device (20) is arranged in the instrument handle (12) at least partially behind a lateral wall opening (22) of the instrument handle (12) and is sealingly closed by a cover element (30) that is connected to the instrument handle (12) with material fit. The cover element (30) comprises an operating section (32) that can be manually pressed in and has markings (34) that can be haptically and optically differentiated, wherein the markings (34) are designed in the form of surface depressions and/or surface elevations of the cover element (30). A medical diagnostic light (10) uses the instrument handle (12) and a medical diagnostic device uses the diagnostic light (10).

Abstract: A medical device removal system includes a vessel filter repositioning or removal device to remove and/or reposition a medical device, such as a vessel filter. The system includes a gripper to grip a medical device that is located within a body vessel, and a detector, linked to the gripper, to detect the proximity of the medical device to the gripper. The system may also include an output to indicate a signal from the detector.

Abstract: The present otoscope attachment, when used with a cellular phone comprising a light source, provides a powerful otoscope that is both lightweight and portable. This otoscope is powered by one or more light sources comprising the cellular phone, which provides the light necessary to conduct a medical examination with the otoscope. A further feature of this device is its ability to be folded flat making it easy to carry in one's pocket.

Abstract: The present invention discloses devices and methods for performing intravascular procedures with out cardiac bypass. The devices include various embodiments of temporary filter devices, temporary valves, and prosthetic valves. The temporary filter devices have one or more cannulae which provide access for surgical tools for effecting repair of the cardiac valves. A cannula may have filters of various configurations encircling the distal region of the cannula, which prevent embolitic material from entering the coronary arteries and aorta. The temporary valve devices may also have one or more cannulae which guide the insertion of the valve into the aorta. The valve devices expand in the aorta to occupy the entire flow path of the vessel. In one embodiment, the temporary valve is a disc of flexible, porous, material that acts to filter blood passing therethrough. A set of valve leaflets extend peripherally from the disc.

Abstract: An adapter for permitting a medical diagnostic instrument having an illumination source including at least one LED (light emitting diode) to be used with a power supply normally configured for use with a diagnostic instrument having at least one incandescent lamp as an illumination source. The adapter includes circuitry for compensating LED specific characteristics for permitting the power supply to be used with the LED.