Abstract: The present invention relates to miniature biosensor technology which can be directly embedded into medical device technology to create a new category of multifunctional smart medical devices. The resulting data from these smart medical devices results in wireless communication networks and standardized referenceable databases, which are used in the creation of best practice guidelines, clinical decision support tools, personalized medicine applications, and comparative technology assessment.

Abstract: System and methods are shown having a tube-within-tube assembly with a deployable curved deflectable tube or cannula that deploys from a straight cannula or trocar. The curved cannula has pre-curved distal end to create an angular range of 0° to 180° when fully deployed from the straight trocar. The curve is configured such that the flexible element carrying a treatment device can navigate through the angular range of deployment of the curved cannula. The curved cannula allows the flexible element to navigate through a curve within bone without veering off towards an unintended direction.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods for monitoring, diagnosing and treating at least one medical respiratory condition of a patient are provided, including a medical data input interface adapted to provide at least one medical parameter relating at least to the respiration of the patient, and a medical parameter interpretation functionality (104, 110) adapted to receive the at least one medical parameter relating at least to the respiration (102) of the patient and to provide at least one output indication (112) relating to a degree of severity of at least one medical condition indicated by the at least one medical parameter.

Abstract: A measurement system for measuring carbon dioxide in a tissue sample is provided. The system includes a housing having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end including a recessed area; electrodes positioned within the housing, said electrodes in mating relationship; a conductive media in contact with said electrodes; and a recognition layer disposed between said electrodes and said recessed area.

Abstract: Devices for treating a patient by measuring a condition, such as the partial pressure of CO2, at a location on a mucosal membrane surface in the mouth region of the patient, includes a sensor (14, 16) with an end (44, 46) that lies against the mucosal surface, and a seal (20) that extends 360° around the sensor end and presses against the mucosal surface. The sensor end and the seal lie on the first end portion (24) of a holder (22) which has a second end portion (26) that presses against the outside of the patient at a location opposite the sensor and seal. The holder is a clasp which can be formed as a single piece of resilient material that extends in a loop, or which can be formed in the manner of a clothespin with a spring that pivots two bars to urge their end portions towards each other.

Abstract: A method for the detection of carbon dioxide gas using an electrochemical sensor. The method includes exposing a gas to a sensor, which includes a non-conductive solid substrate and at least one each of a metal oxide sensing electrode, a reference electrode and a counter electrode positioned on the substrate. A solid polymer electrolyte anion-exchange membrane is in intimate contact with the sensing electrode, reference electrode and counter electrode. The method is highly sensitive and selective to carbon dioxide with a very rapid response time.

Abstract: Systems and methods of use for continuous analyte measurement of a host's vascular system are provided. In some embodiments, a continuous glucose measurement system includes a vascular access device, a sensor and sensor electronics, the system being configured for insertion into communication with a host's circulatory system.

Abstract: A sensor for carbon dioxide detection may be adapted to have reduced water permeability. A sensor is provided that is appropriate for use in an aqueous medium. The sensor has a barrier with reduced water permeability, but that is permeable to carbon dioxide, that separates the sensor components from the aqueous medium.

Abstract: A microsensor array system, comprising a pad, a plurality of actuators attached to the pad, and a plurality of microprobes, wherein substantially each microprobe in the plurality of microprobes is attached to a respective actuator in the plurality of actuators.

Abstract: A portable heating or lighting unit may comprise a housing, a handle, a shield or grid, a source of electric energy, a rectifier, an electrical device adapted to use electrical energy from the source of electric energy, and a control system comprising control hardware and embedded software, where the control system may be adapted to automatically control the electric heating element. A source of electric energy may comprise a battery adapted to store energy and to output stored energy as electrical energy, a fuel cell, a thermoelectric component, or a plug adapted to draw electrical energy from a wall outlet or other source of electrical energy. A battery may be at least partially enclosed by the housing. A thermoelectric component may comprise a thermoelectric material or a thermoelectric generator. An electrical device may comprise a resistive heating element adapted to emit thermal energy.

Abstract: A physiological sensing device for the measurement of pCO2 includes a closed chamber bounded, at least partially, by a carbon dioxide permeate e membrane (12). There are two electrodes (10) within the chamber. The chamber contains a substantially electrolyte-free liquid in contact with electrodes (10) and the membrane (12). The liquid contains a non-ionic excipient in order to prevent egress of water due to an osmotic gradient across the membrane (12) in use.

Abstract: A sensor is provided that is appropriate for transcutaneous detection of tissue or blood constituents. A sensor for tissue constituent detection may include a gas collection chamber with a conduit to a sensing component and a conduit from the sensing component to the chamber. A sensor as provided may also include a barrier layer to prevent water from infiltrating the sensor.

Abstract: A blood gas concentration sensor includes a first housing at least partially defining a first chamber containing a first electrolyte, a first electrode in the first chamber, and a second electrode in the first chamber and substantially parallel to the first electrode. The first housing includes a gas permeable material. The first electrode includes sides and an end. The sides of the first electrode are surrounded by a first insulating layer. The end of the first electrode is in contact with the first electrolyte. The end of the first electrode is not in contact with the first housing. The first electrode includes a first metal. The second electrode includes a second metal. A potential difference between the first metal and the second metal is at least about 0.5 volts.

Abstract: A system for measuring an analyte of interest, particularly carbon dioxide, dissolved in a fluid media of a patient including a nanoelectronic sensor and a measurement instrument in communication with the sensor and configured to receive at least a signal from the sensor indicative of a response of the sensor to at least the analyte of interest.

Abstract: A system for measuring an analyte of interest, particularly carbon dioxide, dissolved in a fluid media of a patient including a nanoelectronic sensor and a measurement instrument in communication with the sensor and configured to receive at least a signal from the sensor indicative of a response of the sensor to at least the analyte of interest.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a patient having a vessel carrying blood to ascertain characteristics of the blood. The apparatus includes a display module and a probe having a distal extremity adapted to be inserted into the vessel of the patient and having a proximal extremity coupled to the display module. The probe includes a sensor in the distal extremity for providing an electrical signal to the display module when the probe is disposed in the blood. The probe can have an antithrombogenic surface treatment for inhibiting the adhesion of blood components to the probe when disposed in the blood.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of navigating a spinal subarachnoid space in a living being, that includes percutaneously introducing a device into the spinal subarachnoid space at an entry location. The device has a first passageway that is sized to slidably receive, and work with, at least a guidewire. The device can be a catheter or a sheath. The method can also include advancing the device within the spinal subarachnoid space at least more than 10 centimeters from the entry location. Alternatively, the method can include advancing the device within the spinal subarachnoid space to facilitate intracranial access with a second device introduced through the first passageway. Also disclosed is a device suited for attachment to a patient's skin, such as a sheath, that includes an elongated member, a skin-attachment apparatus having a flexible skin-attachment flap, and a valve apparatus.

Abstract: A physiological sensing device comprises an electrical sensor (4) for insertion into the tissue of a live animal and which measures the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the animal tissue. The device also includes an electrical cable (6) connected electrically at its distal end to the sensor (4). The cable (6) is surrounded by a sheath (28). The sheath (28) has several flexible portions (30) separated by longitudinal slits (29). Movement of the proximal end of the sheath (28) towards its distal end shortens the distance between the ends of the flexible portions (30) and causes them to bow outwardly. The sensor (4) can be retained in animal tissue by the bowed flexible portions (30).

Abstract: A device for the combined measurement of the arterial oxygen saturation and the transcutaneous CO2 partial pressure on an ear lobe comprises a sensor. The sensor has means for pulse oximetric measurement of the arterial oxygen saturation, means for measurement of the transcutaneous CO2 partial pressure and means for warming a sensor contact surface intended for contact with the ear lobe. The device makes simple and reliable measurement of the arterial oxygen saturation and the transcutaneous CO2 partial pressure possible on an ear lobe.

Abstract: A measuring instrument includes a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor and circuitry. The first and second temperature sensors each generate a signal indicative of the temperature of a medium being detected. The circuitry is configured to activate verification of temperature being sensed with the first sensor. According to one construction, the first temperature sensor comprises at least one thermocouple temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor comprises an optical temperature sensor, each sensor measuring temperature over the same range of temperature, but using a different physical phenomena. Also according to one construction, the circuitry comprises a computer configured to detect failure of one of the thermocouples by comparing temperature of the optical temperature sensor with each of the thermocouple temperature sensors. Even further, an output control signal is generated via a fuzzy inference machine and control apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tonometric measuring head for bringing a measuring medium to a composition consistent with an individual to be examined non-invasively through the outermost tissue layer. A measuring head comprises a sealed chamber, having a wall whose oppositely facing sides are essentially made of pliable membrane materials, at least one membrane material of said materials being permeable to a gas to be analyzed but effectively impermeable at least to solids and liquids, as well as a measuring medium in a cavity within the wall. The measuring head is provided with a guide member between the chamber and an external device. In addition, the chamber wall is partially constituted by a pliable second membrane material which is effectively impermeable both to a gas to be analyzed and to at least solids and liquids.

Abstract: An annul protecting portion 23 having a thickness larger than the thickness of a sensor sensitive portion 1 is provided in such a manner as to surround the sensor sensitive portion 1, the sensor sensitive portion 1 together with the protecting portion 23 is placed between living tissues, so as to ensure that the gate portion 7 is not subjected to an external pressure by coming into contact with the living tissues. Further, outer peripheries of lead wires 4 on the sensor sensitive portion 1 side are covered with a plasticity material 24 woven into a tubular shape by a metal wire such as a stainless steel wire, and is grounded together with the metallic protecting portion, so as not to be subjected to induction noise. Further, the metal wire is bent to hold the sensor sensitive portion 1 at a suitable angle.

Abstract: Nitric oxide-specific electrodes are useful for in situ detection of nitric oxide in biomedical applications and have at least a surface region thereof which is capable of forming complexes with nitric oxide, for example, nitrosyl complexes. The nitric oxide complexes formed at the surface of the electrodes apparently increase the concentration of nitric oxide available for detection, thereby leading to significantly improved relative responses as compared to other known nitric oxide electrode materials. Most preferably, the electrode has at least an exterior surface region which contains ruthenium and/or at least one oxide of ruthenium. The electrodes are advantageously conditioned in saline solution at +675 mV for about two hours.

Abstract: Nitric oxide-specific electrodes are useful for in situ detection of nitric oxide in biomedical applications and have at least a surface region capable of forming complexes with nitric oxide. The nitric oxide complexes formed at the surface of the electrodes apparently increase the concentration of nitric oxide available for detection, leading to significantly improved relative responses as compared to other known nitric oxide electrode materials. The electrode has at least an exterior surface region which contains ruthenium and/or at least one oxide of ruthenium. The electrodes are pre-conditioned at a potential, or potentials, different than the working potential of the electrode, followed by further conditioning at the working potential. Direct response to nitric oxide has been observed for ruthenium electrodes at or below potentials about +675 mV vs. Ag/AgCl, while ruthenium electrodes paradoxical response to nitric oxide has been observed at potentials above +675 mV vs. Ag/Cl.

Abstract: An improved remote sensing tonometric catheter apparatus (20) and method for sampling of a fluid or gas property of interest in a hollow internal organ. The tonometric catheter (20) assists in early detection of the problems of stress ulceration and/or intestinal ischemia. The tonometric catheter (20) can be one or more sampling chambers (40) for introduction into an internal organ or area adjacent thereto. Preferably, the wall (36) of the sampling chamber (40) is freely permeable to the gas or fluid to be measured by the sensor (42), but is poorly permeable to other gases or fluids which may interfere with the sensor (42).

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for assessing impairment of blood circulation in a patient, such as that in perfusion failure, by measurement of pCO2 (partial pressure of carbon dioxide) in the upper digestive and/or respiratory tract of the patient. The method comprises introducing a carbon dioxide sensor into the upper digestive and/or respiratory tract of a patient, without passing the sensor down through or beyond the patient's epiglottis. Specifically, a carbon dioxide sensor is placed adjacent a mucosal surface within the upper digestive and/or respiratory tract, preferably within the patient's mouth or inside the patient's nose. By avoiding passage through the mouth into the throat and esophagus, discomfort is substantially avoided and the potential for injury minimized.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining the difference between a regional CO2 partial pressure of a selected body organ of a mammalian subject, such as the gut, and a systemic CO2 partial pressure of the subject. The regional CO2 partial pressure value is tonometrically obtained at body temperature using a gaseous sampling medium. A systemic CO2 partial pressure value is obtained from the blood. The systemic CO2 partial pressure value can be that for the body temperature or for a standard temperature. If the systemic CO2 partial pressure value is that for the body temperature, the regional CO2 partial pressure value is compared to the systemic CO2 partial pressure value and the difference therebetween is provided as a CO2 partial pressure gap measurement.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for analyzing a compound to be drawn from a patient's organ. The apparatus comprises a sampling element having a wall which a compound to be analyzed is capable of penetrating. The apparatus also includes a pressure-difference producing element which, through the action of a pressure-difference, is capable of delivering a sample along a tube extending from the sampling element. The apparatus also includes an analyzer capable of performing an analysis on a sample drawn from the sampling element. The analyzer is in flow communication with the sampling element by way of the tube. According to the method, a mixture consisting of a medium and a compound drawn from the organ is delivered to the analyzer for a subsequent analysis, and at least some of the mixture is returned from the analyzer back to the sampling element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for assessing impairment of blood circulation of a patient by measurement of PCO.sub.2 (partial pressure of carbon dioxide) in the upper digestive/respiratory tract of the patient. The method includes introducing a CO.sub.2 sensor into the mouth-nose area and against a mucosal surface. In one example, the sensor is placed under the tongue, in the manner of an oral thermometer, and sublingual (under the tongue) measurements of CO.sub.2 are taken. This allows for the triage of patients or victims in emergency of disaster settings. The measurement involves minimal invasion while avoiding false readings. For monitoring of more than about one or two minutes, holders are used to hold the CO.sub.2 sensor instrument stabily in the mouth or nose, and to isolate the mucosal area immediately around the CO.sub.2 sensor from air flow that could carry away CO.sub.2, while maintaining high humidity.

Abstract: The method is accomplished by introducing the catheter (20) into the organ such that the sampling chamber (40) is disposed at a portion of the wall of the organ. The sampling chamber (40) is left in position at the wall of the organ for a time sufficient to allow the fluid or gas of interest to diffuse into the sampling chamber (40). The concentration of the liquid fluid or gaseous fluid of interest is analyzed. The pH of the wall of the organ may be calculated based on the concentration of the fluid or gas property of interest.

Abstract: A tonometric device for use in hollow viscus tonometry and remote sensing of patient fluid parameters is disclosed. The device is capable of monitoring certain critical fluid properties of interest, such as oxygen gases and carbon dioxide gases in the wall tissue itself of the patient's organ, rather than monitoring such properties in a lumen of the organ. A walled sampling chamber, which is preferably an inflated balloon member, is provided on an elongated tube, with provisions for positioning the sampling chamber in direct contact with a wall portion of the patient's internal organ.

Abstract: A tonometry catheter apparatus comprises an elongate, flexible, multilumen tube having a proximal end to be positioned outside the human body and a distal end to be positioned within a portion of the human body. Provided at the distal end are an ingress lumen through which gas may enter the tube, and an egress lumen through which gas may exit the tube. A hollow connecting member links the ingress lumen and the egress lumen to define a sampling circuit through which the gas may continuously recirculate. In one embodiment, the distal end of the tube is provided with a distensible, gas-permeable vessel in communication with the ingress and egress lumens. In an alternative embodiment, an extracorporeal gas-permeable membrane links the sampling circuit to a separate, gas-containing analyzing circuit. In each embodiment, a pump is provided for propelling gas through the circuits, and a sensor continuously quantifies the level of gas within the circuits.

Abstract: A method and an equipment for determining components, particularly pH, pO.sub.2 and pCO.sub.2 in blood. In order to facilitate the determination of blood gases, one sensor is used for measurement of more than one component. The components are measured at the same measuring point, using an electrode based on antimony. The electrode potential is measured both with and without a known voltage applied over the electrode.

Abstract: A method and system for the determination of the pH of a fluid by measuring the pH of the fluid and thereafter correcting the pH based upon the determination of measured and/or adjusted values of at least one other parameter, such as PO.sub.2 and PCO.sub.2, which relate to the fluid.