Abstract: A nerve monitoring device, including a cannula, a sensor for monitoring a nerve, and an optional support element, can be inserted into an anatomic space. The cannula, sensor and/or support element can automatically conform to and match the geometry of the anatomic space, which can enhance desired contact between the sensor and anatomic features, such as muscles, nerves or tissue in the space in an atraumatic manner. The sensor, cannula and/or support element can include one or more strips or other elements that convert from a retracted mode to an expanded mode in which the strips or elements expand, enlarge or otherwise move to match the geometry of the space and place the sensors in precise monitoring proximity relative to the target muscles, nerves or tissues. An exemplary application of the device is in the field of laryngeal monitoring, however, the device is well suited for other applications.

Abstract: A nerve monitoring device is provided that includes a cannula and a sensor for monitoring a nerve. The device can be inserted into an internal body space at a desired depth of insertion and at a desired rotational orientation to monitor the activity of the nerve and/or an associated muscle(s). At least one of the cannula, the sensor and a sensor support element can be configured to enhance desired contact between the sensor and anatomic features, such as muscles, nerves or tissue, within the body space in an atraumatic manner. At least one of the sensor, cannula and support element can be reconfigurable from a first configuration to a different second configuration, where the second configuration conforms to the anatomical geometry of at least a portion of the body space so that the sensor satisfactorily contacts the target muscle(s) and/or nerve to monitor the same.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a feeding tube in particular for total parental nutrition and/or medicine dosing. The feeding tube functionality is combined with internal monitoring of vital functions, such as ECG, PH, etc. The position of the electrodes is essential for measuring the optimal signal. In this invention the optimal position is determined by measuring the inversion point of the ECG signal. During insertion of the catheter or modified feeding tube the ECG signal is continuously monitored. Via an acoustic signal the strength of the signal is notable. This enables the nursing staff a simple control of the insertion process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nerve monitoring device. The device includes a cannula, a sensor for monitoring the nerve and an alignment device. The cannula can be any surgical cannula, and is preferably an endotracheal tube. The sensor can be an electrode or other sensor that is capable of sensing nerve activity. The alignment device is a device that ensures that after insertion of the nerve sensor into a patient, the sensors are aligned to properly monitor the target nerve or muscle. The internal alignment device may communicate externally to surgeon by using electromagnetic energy as either a transmittor or a receiver. The mismatch of triangular laryngeal anatomy to circular cannula anatomy can be compensated for by a) altering the geometry (external shape) of the cannula and b) using soft, felt-like expandable electrodes. Rotational error can be compensated for by using a multi-electrode array wherein the optimized recording montage can be simply selected on the external recording device.

Abstract: The invention is related to a feeding tube (1, 11, 15) in particular for total parental nutrition and/or medicine dosing including at least one inner tubing (9), at least one lumen (2, 13), at least one sensing element, in particular an electrode (3), the sensing element being connected to at least one monitoring device by a wiring (4, 12, 17) for internal monitoring of a patient's vital functions. The wiring (4, 12, 17) is at least partially wounded in tight contact with a surface of the inner tubing (9). Wherein the inner tubing (9) is at least partially surrounded by an outer tubing (8) in order to cover the inner tubing (9) and/or the wiring (4, 12, 17).

Abstract: An electrode for laryngeal electromyography that is adhesively secured to an insert device, endotracheal tube or other similar device. The attachable surface electrode of this invention consists of a flexible substrate having an anterior and a posterior surface specifically for insertion along the human laryngopharynx and adjacent to the cricothyroideus muscles (the vocal cords). One or more electrically conductive structures are mounted on or formed on the anterior surface of the substrate to provide an electric contact with the cricothyroideus muscles. Insulated wires extend from the electrical conductive structures for transmitting electrical pulses to the cricothyroideus muscles. There is an adhesive material on the posterior surface of the flexible substrate for attachment to an endotracheal tube, insert device, postcricoid paddle or other such device of the attachable substrate so that the electrically conductive structures thereon are properly positioned for laryngeal electromyography.

Abstract: An electrode for laryngeal electromyography that is adhesively secured to an insert device, endotracheal tube or other similar device. The attachable surface electrode of this invention consists of a flexible substrate having an anterior and a posterior surface specifically for insertion along the human laryngopharynx and adjacent to the cricothyroideus muscles (the vocal cords). One or more electrically conductive structures are mounted on or formed on the anterior surface of the substrate to provide an electric contact with the cricothyroideus muscles. Insulated wires extend from the electrical conductive structures for transmitting electrical pulses to the cricothyroideus muscles. There is an adhesive material on the posterior surface of the flexible substrate for attachment to an endotracheal tube, insert device, postcricoid paddle or other such device of the attachable substrate so that the electrically conductive structures thereon are properly positioned for laryngeal electromyography.

Abstract: An electrode for laryngeal electromyography that is attachable to an insert device, endotracheal tune or other similar device that is also size adjustable by cutting to size. The attachable and size adjustable surface electrode of this invention consists of a flexible plate having an anterior and a posterior surface specifically for inserting in the human laryngopharynx adjacent to the cricothyroideus muscles (the vocal cords). An electrical conductive plate is mounted on the anterior surface to provide an electric contact with the cricothyroideus muscles. An insulated wire extends from the electrical conductive plate for monitoring or delivering electrical pulses to the cricothyroideus muscles. There are marked graduations parallel to a center line on the electrical conductive plate for cutting and sizing the flexible plate and electrical conductive plate to the size of the patient's laryngopharynx.

Abstract: According to this technique of packaging a sensor device implantable in a living body so as to provide protection of the sensor device and to the living body itself, an electrical conductor of the sensor device is sealed in an insulating substrate extending between proximal and distal ends. The distal end of the electrical conductor is externally connected to an external sensor on the sensor device and the proximal end of the electrical conductor is externally connected to a distal end of a lead wire extending proximally to a pulse generator and these connections are embedded in an insulative sheath. The external sensor, substrate, and insulative sheath are encapsulated in a thin film of hermetic material without interference with the lead wire. In another embodiment, a layer of insulating material may underlie the hermetic material to encapsulate the external sensor and the substrate.

Abstract: A ready-to-install electrode system designed for use with an endoscope for performing cardioversion through the esophagus, and an assembly of the system and an endoscope. The system is characterized in that it includes a globally tubular protective cover (3) designed to be fitted on the endoscope (40) to cover at least the distal end of the endoscope, at least one electrode (2a-d) including a conductive electric membrane (21) connected to an electric conduction wire designed to be connected by its free end to a cardioversion apparatus, first and second fixing elements adapted to fix the at least one electrode respectively on the distal end of the endoscope and on the tubular wall (31) of the cover, such that the conductive membrane is directly accessible from outside the cover.

Abstract: Many individuals generate excessively loud snoring during their sleep, often to the point where others cannot tolerate sleeping in the same room with them. Most cases of snoring are caused by excessive bulk and flaccidity of soft tissues of the palate and uvula that vibrate as air flows past them. These palate and uvula contain muscles whose contractions can stiffen and displace the soft tissues so that they do not vibrate. The invention provides electrical stimulation that causes the oropharyngeal muscles to contract during sleep using one or more microstimulators injected into or near these muscles or the nerves which innervate them. The invention also provides methods of determining the anatomical structures implicated in snoring and testing such locations for effective placement and stimulation of muscle contraction to decrease the frequency or magnitude of snoring.

Abstract: An apparatus/method for producing fabric-like electronic circuit patterns created by methodically joining electronic elements using textile fabrication-like methods in a predetermined arrangement.

Abstract: Described is an electrode array for measuring electrical activity in a subject's biological tissue, comprising an electrode support, a group of electrodes mounted on the electrode support, and an inter-electrode conductive medium having a given resistivity for controlling resistivity between the electrodes of the group. Also, described is a method for controlling the inter-electrode resistivity in the electrode array comprises providing the inter-electrode conductive medium having the given resistivity between the electrodes of the group, and interconnecting the electrodes of the group through this inter-electrode conductive medium to control resistivity between the electrodes.

Abstract: Instruments for thermally-mediated treatment of a patient's lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to induce an injury healing response to thereby populate the extracellular compartment of walls of the LES with collagen matrices to altere the biomechanics of the LES to provide an increased intra-esophageal pressure for preventing acid reflux. A preferred embodiment is a bougie-type device for trans-esophageal introduction that carries conductive electrodes for delivering Rf energy to walls of the LES (i) to induce the injury healing response or (ii) to “model” collagenous tissues of the LES by shrinking collagen fibers therein.

Abstract: An esophageal stethoscope includes a tubular flexible body having an acoustic input region. A carrier member, which is separate from the tubular flexible body, is selectively engageable with the tubular flexible body either proximally or distally of the acoustic input region. The carrier member carries one or more devices for providing esophageal recording, monitoring or stimulation functions. For transesophageal cardiac pacing, electrodes are mounted to the carrier member such that engagement of the carrier member with the tubular flexible body functions to convert the esophageal stethoscope to a pacing stethoscope. To carry out a sensing, recording or monitoring function, such as esophageal oximetry, one or more oximetry probes are mounted to the carrier member such that engagement of the carrier member with the esophageal stethoscope converts the stethoscope for use in an oximetry sensing application.

Abstract: A multi-electrode catheter has a longitudinally extending body with a number of longitudinally extending lumens formed therein and a number of electrode assemblies. Each assembly has an electrode located at an external surface of a caudal section of the body and an electrical conductive surface extending longitudinally within an associated lumen of the number of lumens connected to a cephalad section of the body. The conductive electrical surface forms at least a portion of an internal wall of the associated lumen and is in electrical connection with a different one of the electrodes forming the electrode assemblies.

Abstract: A multi-electrode catheter has a longitudinally extending body with a number of longitudinally extending lumens formed therein and a number of electrode assemblies. Each assembly has an electrode located at an external surface of a caudal section of the body and an electrical conductive surface extending longitudinally within an associated lumen of the number of lumens connected to a cephalad section of the body. The conductive electrical surface forms at least a portion of an internal wall of the associated lumen and is in electrical connection with a different one of the electrodes forming the electrode assemblies.

Abstract: A device and methods are described for a non-invasive transnasal and transocular drug delivery to the central nervous system using iontophoresis technology. By delivered through the olfactory nerve and the optical nerve, a biologically active substance of interest can be enhanced to be delivered into the CNS and CSF and bypassing the blood-brain barrier. Such drug delivery system can also be enhanced by using phonophoresis and other enhancement techniques.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for treating snoring by implanting a stimulating electrode into a patient. The electrode is placed in stimulating contact with an airway passage-controlling muscle of the patient. The electrode is energized to contract the muscle and alter the airway passage.

Abstract: An esophageal stethoscope includes a tubular flexible body having an acoustic input region. A carrier member, which is separate from the tubular flexible body, is selectively engageable with the tubular flexible body either proximally or distally of the acoustic input region. The carrier member carries one or more devices for providing esophageal recording, monitoring or stimulation functions. For transesophageal cardiac pacing, electrodes are mounted to the carrier member such that engagement of the carrier member with the tubular flexible body functions to convert the esophageal stethoscope to a pacing stethoscope. To carry out a sensing, recording or monitoring function, such as esophageal oximetry, one or more oximetry probes are mounted to the carrier member such that engagement of the carrier member with the esophageal stethoscope converts the stethoscope for use in an oximetry sensing application.

Abstract: Gastrointestinal probe (2) comprising a sensitive material (4) which is able to be connected to electrical or optical readout means or measurement means (10) characterized in that said sensitive material (4) undergoes an irreversible change when it is submitted to the cumulative action of the external medium, in such a manner that the irreversible change can be measured and/or recorded by said electrical or optical readout means or measurement means (10). The present invention concerns also the production process of the gastrointestinal probe according to the invention and its use.

Abstract: Remote physical contact using mechanical surrogates that replicate anatomical components. Pressure, temperature and displacement sensors perceive action upon the surrogate. Actuators for pressure temperatures and displacement enable a second surrogate to mimic the contact imparted on the first. A computer program implements the method by sending contact messages comprising contact characteristics that describe the nature of a physical contact perceived by a surrogate with full duplex capability. A human lip surrogate enables two people to kiss remotely.

Abstract: An apparatus to treat a sphincter has a support member. A sphincter electropotential mapping device includes a mapping electrode. The sphincter electropotential mapping device is coupled to the support member and configured to detect aberrant myoelectric activity of the sphincter.

Abstract: An electrode useful for generating or receiving electrical signals generally comprises a base and more than one dome-like protuberance on an exterior surface of the base. The electrodes can be utilized in connection with various probe applications. For example, the electrodes can be utilized with an esophageal probe for invasively monitoring cardiac functions, including the ECG or cardiac output of a patient. To further minimize the differences in voltage potential as may be caused by electrolytes present at the point of contact, a gold-plated layer may be provided on the outer surface of the electrodes. An exemplary probe generally comprises a chassis with an electrical cable extending from the proximal end of the chassis and with the cable terminating at an electrical plug configured for connection to a cardiac monitor.

Abstract: A method of transesophageal magnetic resonance analysis of a patient, such as an animal or human, includes providing a loopless antenna formed from a flexible coaxial cable having an extended center conductor at the distal end thereof. A distal portion of the loopless antenna is secured within a Levin-type gastric tube. The gastric tube which receives the loopless antenna is inserted in the esophagus of the patient. A tuning, matching and decoupling circuit for the loopless antenna is employed external to the patient. The tuning, matching and decoupling circuit is electrically connected to a magnetic resonance imaging scanner. The magnetic resonance imaging scanner is employed to display an image of the aorta of the patient.

Abstract: Gastrointestinal probe (2) comprising a sensitive material (4) which is able to be connected to electrical or optical readout means or measurement means (10) characterized in that said sensitive material (4) undergoes an irreversible change when it is submitted to the cumulative action of the external medium, in such a manner that the irreversible change can be measured and/or recorded by said electrical or optical readout means or measurement means (10).

Abstract: Gastrointestinal probe (2) comprising a sensitive material (4) which is able to be connected to electrical or optical readout means or measurement means (10) characterized in that said sensitive material (4) undergoes an irreversible change when it is submitted to the cumulative action of the external medium, in such a manner that the irreversible change can be measured and/or recorded by said electrical or optical readout means or measurement means (10). The present invention concerns also the production process of the gastrointestinal probe according to the invention and its use.

Abstract: An electrode useful for generating electrical signals generally comprises a base and more than one dome-like protuberance on an exterior surface of the annular ring-like base. The electrodes can be utilized in connection with various probe applications. For example, the electrodes can be utilized with a probe adapted for insertion into an anatomical canal, e.g. the esophagus of an animal or a human for ECG or cardiac output measurements. An exemplary probe generally comprises a chassis with an electrical cable extending from the proximal end of the chassis and with the cable terminating at an electrical plug configured for connection to a cardiac monitor. The probe also includes an electrode assembly comprising the dome-like protuberances and configured to generate or receive electrical signals that are indicative of the cardiac functions of the patient. The probe may further include an engagement device attached to the chassis for stabilizing the probe within the esophagus.

Abstract: A monitoring catheter that inserts into the patient's esophagus alone or in combination with an existing catheter, such as a feeding or aspiration tube. The monitoring catheter includes a pair of EMG electrodes on an exposed surface that contact the patient's esophageal wall to measure the activity of the diaphragm and/or a pair of pressure detecting mechanisms that measure the pressures within the patient at separate locations. The electrodes are sized and spaced from one another so as to maximize detection of diaphragm muscle activity while minimizing detection of noise. The pressure detecting mechanisms are sized and spaced apart to measure the patient's esophageal and gastric pressures, for example. If necessary, an attaching mechanism secures at least a portion of the monitoring catheter to the existing catheter so that the monitoring catheter uses the existing catheter as a tracking guide.

Abstract: A method and a catheter for passing a therapeutic electric current to, or sensing electric signals from, the body of a patient. The catheter is inserted into the esophagus of the patient, temporarily sealing a space surrounding a portion of the catheter containing one or more electrodes within the esophagus wall. The space is filled with an electrically conductive liquid (electrolyte). Then, an electric current is passed through electrodes to the conductive liquid between the esophagus wall and an electrode carried on the catheter in spaced relation from the esophagus wall or to other electrodes in the heart or body surface.

Abstract: Gastrointestinal probe (2) comprising a sensitive material (4) which is able to be connected to electrical or optical readout devices or measurement devices (10) such that the sensitive material (4) undergoes an irreversible change when it is submitted to the cumulative action of the external medium, in such a manner that the irreversible change can be measured and/or recorded by said electrical or optical readout devices or measurement devices (10).

Abstract: A mechanically expandable esophageal medical lead has an elongated flexible body which carries at a distal end thereof one or more electrically conducting members. The conducting members are moveable laterally with respect to the body portion of the medical lead by means of a mechanical structure contained therein. The degree and extent of mechanical movement can be controlled through manipulation of a pull wire axial movement mechanism.

Abstract: A gauging esophageal catheter or stethoscope which is insertable into the esophagus or stomach of a subject or patient, has an elongated, flexible body portion having an instrument carried on a distal end. The catheter has a series of user visible gradations for permitting selective positioning of the instrument at a predetermined insertion depth within the subject. The gradations are calibrated to the height, weight or body surface area of the subject. The gradations may be printed on the body portion, or the body portion may have a transparent portion, and the gradations may be carried on a member internal thereto which is visible through the transparent portion.

Abstract: An esophageal probe comprising in combination EKG electrodes and ECHO electrodes selectively spaced from each other for monitoring or pacing an organ at a single location which allows for more controlled stimulation of the selected organ and to provide more accurate diagnostic data.