Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a carrier having a base wall and a pair of side walls extending from the base wall, and a sensor mounted on the base wall between the side walls. Each of the side walls has a side step between a first side section and a second side section extending from the first side section along a longitudinal direction of the carrier. A sensor die of the sensor is spaced in a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction by a first lateral gap distance from the first side section and by a second lateral gap distance from the second side section. The second lateral gap distance is greater than the first lateral gap distance.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed for accurately detecting a position of an endotracheal tube by sensing patient anatomy surrounding the endotracheal tube. Systems of the present disclosure include an endotracheal tube having at least one sensor supported by the endotracheal tube configured to detect surrounding patient anatomy. A signal processing unit can receive data from the sensor and can at least one of (i) identify the detected patient anatomy, for example, vocal cords, (ii) determine a distance between the detected patient anatomy and a known point on the endotracheal tube, and (iii) verify a positioning of the endotracheal tube within a tracheal or esophageal lumen of the patient. In some embodiments, the system can include at least one inflatable component that can extend along an outer surface of the endotracheal tube and support the at least one sensor.

Abstract: A catheter for insertion into a body of a patient, and methods of making and using. The catheter can include a distal portion that remains stable during fluid infusion into the patient, thus reducing or eliminating whipping of the catheter distal tip. The catheter can include a proximal portion including a first cross sectional lumen area; a distal portion including a second cross sectional lumen area larger than the first cross sectional lumen area such that the distal portion prevents whipping when the catheter is disposed in a patient and a fluid exits the catheter. The catheter can be attached to a vascular access port and a method can include power injecting a fluid through the vascular access port and the catheter.

Abstract: An implantable extravascular pressure sensing system including a cuff having a first brace portion, a second brace portion, and a plurality of biasing members movably coupling the first brace portion and the second brace portion to each other, the first brace portion defining a fluid chamber, the fluid chamber defining a recessed aperture, a flexible diaphragm coupled to the fluid chamber and sealing the recessed aperture, a fluid disposed within the fluid chamber for exhibiting a hydraulic pressure in communication with the flexible diaphragm, and a pressure sensor coupled to the first brace portion, the pressure sensor being configured to measure a change in the hydraulic pressure when a force is imparted on the flexible diaphragm.

Abstract: A pressure sensor is provided. The pressure sensor includes a housing with a control and evaluation unit. A plurality of pressure ports are arranged at the housing of the pressure sensor, with a pressure measuring cell being associated with every pressure port. The pressure measurement cells are connected to the control and evaluation unit, and the pressure sensor has at least one digital output interface. At least one pressure port is a port for inserting a pressure line, with the pressure line being installable without tools and with the pressure line being surrounded by a seal of the pressure port and being secured against being pulled out.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes an activity sensor, a pulse generator, and a control module. The control module is configured to determine activity metrics from the activity signal and determine an activity metric value at a predetermined percentile of the activity metrics. The control module sets a lower pacing rate set point based on the activity metric value at the predetermined percentile.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an elongated catheter comprising a tubular section with a side wall with essentially annular cross-section defined by an outer surface and an inner surface of the tubular section. In the outer surface of the tubular section, there is at least one longitudinal installation recess extending over a first predefined distance over the longitudinal dimension of the catheter. A flexible circuit board is wrapped around the tubular section. Electrical wiring is disposed on the outer surface of the tubular section. At least one electronic device is assembled on the flexible circuit board and disposed within the at least one longitudinal installation recess. The at least one electronic device is interconnected via the flexible circuit board with the electrical wiring.

Abstract: A method for estimating blood pressure using a blood flow occlusion system applied to an artery includes receiving from a first sensor a sensed signal; processing at a processor the sensed signal to detect beats in a pulsatile signal; determining validity of the detected beats; storing the detected beats and data associated with the detected beats in the sensed signal as the pressure applied to the artery by the blood flow occlusion system deflates towards a level below a nominal level; determining baseline beat characteristics; evaluating the stored beats and associated data to detect change in beat characteristics as compared to the baseline beat characteristics; selecting a beat before the detected change in the beat characteristic as the last beat indicating the onset of the diastolic blood pressure for the artery; determining a value of the applied pressure at the last beat as the diastolic blood pressure for the artery.

Abstract: A probe navigation methods and devices for use in medical diagnoses and procedures are provided. A probe that is inserted in a walled area within a subject has a distal end on which at least first and second opposing transducers are mounted. The transducers track movement of the probe end with respect to the walls of the walled area. The distal end of the probe may closely approach a wall to enter an area such that the first transducer is no longer able to properly sense it, commonly referred to as a blanking region. Tracking information of the movement of the probe away from an opposing wall generated by the second transducer is then used to provide tracking of the distal end of the probe relative to the wall the first transducer is no longer able to sense.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for in-vivo monitoring of a body fluid or tissue (F) comprises: a pressure sensor element, comprising a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) and arranged to detect a pressure of the body fluid or tissue (F) in use; and a shield, which generally surrounds the pressure sensor element such that the pressure sensor element is within an interior volume of the shield, in order to protect and to prevent distortion of the pressure sensor element in use. The pressure sensor element comprises a biocompatible thin film layer, for resisting corrosion and/or fouling of a surface of the pressure sensor element by the body fluid or tissue (F) or biological matter thereof. The pressure sensor element and the shield are in fixed relationship with each other.

Abstract: A pressure gauge contains: a body and a casing. The body includes a scale disc fixed on a top thereof. The casing is transparent and includes a close segment formed on a first end of the casing, an open segment formed on a second end of the casing, and multiple hooks spaced and arranged on an outer wall of the casing proximate to the opening segment.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and devices for treating liver cirrhosis or portal hypertension by creating an intrahepatic shunt, or new passage, from a portal vein of a patient to a hepatic vein using a device with intravascular imaging capabilities and pressure sensing capabilities or positioning mechanisms. The integration of intravascular imaging aids in the precise placement of the shunt and pressure measurement may verify successful shunt creation. An apparatus may include a catheter with an extended body for insertion into a hepatic vein of a patient, an intravascular imaging device and a needle exit port on the distal portion of the extended body, and a needle disposed within a lumen in the catheter and configured to be pushed out of the exit port and extend away from a side of the extended body, in which the needle includes a pressure sensor.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer readable medium are provided for automatically resetting a zero-offset calibration coefficient for a pressure transducer. Ambient pressure measurements from a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor can be received by a computing device and compared. Based on determining a difference in the received ambient pressure measurements, an updated zero-offset calibration coefficient can be generated. The updated zero-offset calibration coefficient can be transmitted to the first pressure sensor, which once received, causes the first pressure sensor to update a previously determined zero-offset calibration coefficient with the updated zero-offset calibration coefficient.

Abstract: A flow passage unit is detachably mounted on a pressure detection unit and detects a pressure to be transmitted to a pressure detection part. The flow passage unit includes a flexible flow passage part including a flexible flow passage which introduces liquid, flowing in the flexible flow passage part from an inflow port, to an outflow port, and which is made of a flexible material. The flow passage unit also includes a body portion configured to form a pressure transmitting space which surrounds an outer peripheral surface of the flexible flow passage part. The flow passage unit also includes a pressure transmitting part mounted on the body portion and having a thin-film shape. One surface of the pressure transmitting part faces the pressure transmitting space, and the other surface of the pressure transmitting part is capable of coming into contact with the pressure detection part.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of tissue mapping and ablation. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to expandable medical devices for identifying and treating local anatomical abnormalities within a body lumen. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods of focal treatment for overactive bladders.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for diagnosing and treating fibromyalgia in a patient. In one method, a pressure value is obtained for the patient, wherein the pressure value is determined by inserting a needle of a device into a location in the patient, injecting saline solution into the patient at the location, and measuring a pressure at the location: and fibromyalgia is diagnosed in the patient if the pressure at the location exceeds a threshold pressure value. The present disclosure also provides a device for use in the methods of the disclosure. One such device includes a needle, a syringe including a saline solution, a tube positioned between the syringe and the needle, and a pressure sensor configured to obtain a pressure value at a muscle location of a patient.

Abstract: A sensor attachment structure of an oil pressure sensor suitable for use as a control valve of an automobile transmission includes a sensor case inserted into an accommodation space 4 of a valve upper-body portion such that a body portion of the sensor case is capable of rotating about a vertical central axis. A stopper projects in a horizontal direction from the upper body, the stopper being movable vertically in a guide groove of the sensor case, and a rotatable relative to a restricting portion of the central case to restrict a vertical movement of the stopper to prevent the oil pressure sensor from falling off the upper body.

Abstract: A catheter for insertion into a body of a patient, and methods of making and using. The catheter can include a distal portion that remains stable during fluid infusion into the patient, thus reducing or eliminating whipping of the catheter distal tip. The catheter includes at least one lumen and can be configured such that the arithmetic product of an elastic modulus and an area moment of inertia for the distal portion of the catheter is greater than the arithmetic product of an elastic modulus and an area moment of inertia for a proximal portion. The catheter can be attached to an implantable access port that may include features for use as a power injectable access port.

Abstract: A guide wire for biological pressure measurement includes a tube extending along a longitudinal axis of the guide wire; and a pressure sensor for biological pressure measurement, at least a portion of the pressure sensor being mounted within the tube. The pressure sensor comprises a pressure sensor membrane facing a top side of the tube. A circumferential wall of the tube includes at least six openings: a first distal opening, a second distal opening located on a right side of the tube, a third distal opening located on a left side of the tube, a first proximal opening, a second proximal opening located on a right side of the tube, and a third proximal opening located on a left side of the tube. The first distal opening is larger than the second and third distal openings, and the first proximal opening is larger than the second and third proximal openings.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing and using an ablation catheter. The catheter may include a ring electrode having a contact force sensor that provides signals to a system controller to indicate whether the ablation electrode is in contact with the tissue to be ablated as well as how much of the ablation electrode is in contact with the tissue.

Abstract: A blood pressure measurement system comprises: a pressure sensor guide wire comprising a pressure sensor located in a distal region of the pressure sensor guide wire; a transceiver unit communicatively coupled to the pressure sensor guide wire, the transceiver unit comprising: a housing adapted to be used external to the human body, a sensor signal adapting circuitry configured to process a signal representing a pressure reading sensed by the pressure sensor to create a processed pressure reading, and a first Bluetooth transceiver configured to wirelessly transmit a signal representing the processed pressure reading; and a second Bluetooth transceiver configured to wirelessly receive the signal representing the processed pressure reading transmitted from the first Bluetooth transceiver, wherein the second Bluetooth transceiver is connected with a personal computer that is configured to display a value representing the processed pressure reading.

Abstract: A strain detector is interposed between a base and an attachment member in a structure body having the base, the attachment member, and the stainless bolts fixed the base to the attachment member. The strain detector includes an elastic member and a heat flux sensor. The elastic member is provided to compress or extend in accordance with a deformation of the stainless bolts, and the elastic member generates heat based on the compression and absorbs heat based on the extension. The heat flux sensor is deformed in accordance with the compression or the extension of the elastic member and the heat in the elastic member is transferred to the heat flux sensor. The heat flux sensor can detect a magnitude of the heat flux Fh1 as a heat stream between the inside of the elastic member and the outside, generated by the compression or the extension of the elastic member.

Abstract: A system for determining the dimensions of a native valve annulus may include a sensing catheter, a transmitter, and a computing device. The sensing catheter may include a shaft extending in a longitudinal direction; a plurality of splines attached to the shaft, the splines having an expanded condition spaced radially outward from the shaft; and at least one sensing coil located on each of the splines. The transmitter may generate a magnetic field to induce a potential in each of the sensing coils, and the computing device may identify the positions of the sensing coils based on the induced potentials.

Abstract: Pressure sensors and associated structures that may facilitate the use of automated connection processes and tools. An example may provide structures for aligning interconnect wires to pressure sensor bondpads in order to facilitate the use of automated processes and tools.

Abstract: A pressure sensor is provided, the sensor comprising an inlet for connecting to a body of gas; a diaphragm assembly comprising a first diaphragm and a second diaphragm, the first and second diaphragms defining a chamber therebetween, the chamber being connected to the inlet; a first transducer responsive to movement of the first diaphragm and operable to produce a first electrical signal in response to the same; and a second transducer responsive to movement of the second diaphragm and operable to produce a second electrical signal in response to the same; and an amplifier disposed in the chamber of the diaphragm assembly and connected to the first and second transducers to receive the first and second electrical signals therefrom.

Abstract: A method of assembling an electronic prosthetic aortic valve is provided. The method includes inserting an electronics component into a valve component, the electronics component including one or more electrodes and a prosthetic-valve coil, and the valve component including a frame and prosthetic leaflets coupled to the frame; and coupling the electronics component to the valve component. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An optical detecting device has gas emission and pressure reduction function and includes a holder, a light penetrating component, a light detecting component, a hole structure, and a. The light penetrating component is disposed on the holder to form an accommodating space whereinside the light detecting component is disposed. The hole structure is formed on the holder to connect with the accommodating space. The waterproofing and ventilating component is disposed on the holder and covers the hole structure to prevent liquid from leaking into the accommodating space via the hole structure. While an inner gas pressure of the accommodating space is decreased, part of the gas is exhausted from the accommodating space via the hole structure and the waterproofing and ventilating component.

Abstract: The invention describes an implantable pressure sensor having a housing, wherein the housing has walls and two or more pressure transfer membranes bounding an internal volume, wherein the pressure transfer membranes are not coplanar.

Abstract: Pressure-sensing intravascular devices, systems, and methods are provided. In some instances, the pressure-sensing intravascular devices include a cylindrical body having a proximal portion and a distal portion; a pressure-sensing component coupled to the distal portion of the cylindrical body, the pressure-sensing component being at least partially wrapped around a circumference of the cylindrical body; and a communication cable coupled to the pressure sensing component. The intravascular devices can be catheters and/or guidewire. Associated systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A tactile sensor includes a pressure transducer encapsulated in an elastic material that defines a contact surface and provides a transmission path that transmits contact forces or pressure distributions applied to the contact surface to the pressure transducer. The pressure transducer can be enclosed in a protective housing that defines a chamber around the transducer. The housing can include one or more openings that expose the chamber to the exterior pressure. The tactile sensor can be made by applying the elastic material in liquid form and exposing the housing to a vacuum that removes air inside the chamber allowing the liquid elastic material to flow into the chamber. Once cured, the elastic material defines a contact surface of the tactile sensor and serves to transfer contact forces applied to the contact surface to the transducer.

Abstract: An implantable vessel fluid sensor is configured to sense at least one vessel fluid parameter of a vessel. The implantable vessel fluid sensor includes a tubular body having a first end portion. The first end portion is configured to be inserted into and to form a sealed junction with an open vessel end of the vessel. The implantable vessel fluid sensor further includes a sensor unit connected to the tubular body. The sensor unit includes a sensor region configured to be in direct contact with the vessel fluid in a sealed junction state. A minimum distance between the sensor region and the first end portion is at most 10 times an outer diameter of the first end portion of the tubular body.

Abstract: Provided is a pressure detection device, wherein a pressure detection unit includes: a pressure detecting diaphragm; a second connection portion; and four strain resistance portions. One of either a first connection portion or the second connection portion is formed of a magnet, and the other of either the first connection portion or the second connection portion is formed of a magnet or a magnetic body. The first connection portion and the second connection portion are arranged such that the first connection portion and the second connection portion are attracted by a magnetic force in a state where a flow passage unit is mounted on the pressure detection unit. The four strain resistance portions are attached to a region of a second surface of a pressure detecting diaphragm other than a center portion.

Abstract: A medico-technical measuring device for measuring a property of a fluid, such as pressure for pressure measurement, includes a line extending along a central longitudinal axis to guide a fluid, such as blood, within a longitudinal cavity delimited by a wall. A sensor unit has a sensor and measures a property of the fluid guided in the longitudinal cavity. The line is provided with a radial cavity inserted in the wall in a radial direction, in which the sensor unit is at least partially arranged, and which is integrated in the wall such that the sensor is in communication with the fluid. In this way, a measuring device can be provided that allows simple handling—in particular, in combination with a comparatively precise measurement—especially, pressure measurement. The measuring device may be produced according to a method and the measuring device may be used in a measuring method.

Abstract: A device configured to deliver and deploy an implantable medical device (IMD) includes a handle assembly and a shaft extending distally therefrom. A device containment housing configured to accommodate the IMD is coupled to the distal region of the shaft. At least one of the shaft and device containment housing includes a compressible region that is configured to compress by an amount that is related to an applied force. The device may include a first position indicator and a second position indicator. An applied force causes the compressible region to compress by an amount that is related to the applied force, causing a change in distance between the first position indicator and the second position indicator and thus providing an indication of the applied force.

Abstract: A medical pump or the like provides for a multi-function flow monitor that provides for capacitive plates positioned on opposite sides of the IV line to sense changes in the electrical environment within the IV line to deduce IV line pressure, the presence of IV fluid bubbles, the presence of the IV line within the pump, and/or correct pump operation. Each of these conditions may be determined by different analysis of the capacitance across the capacitive plates.

Abstract: A stabilized catheter tube for insertion into a body of a patient. The catheter tube includes a distal portion that remains stable during fluid infusion into the patient, thus reducing or eliminating whipping of the catheter distal tip. In one embodiment, the catheter tube defines at least one lumen and is formed from a tube material that defines a proximal portion and a distal portion of the catheter tube. The catheter tube is configured such that the arithmetic product of an elastic modulus and an area moment of inertia for the distal portion of the catheter tube is greater relative the arithmetic product of an elastic modulus and an area moment of inertia for the proximal portion of the tube. In one embodiment, the catheter tube is operably attached to an implantable access port and includes an enlarged distal portion relative a proximal portion of the catheter tube.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system that includes pressure sensors to assist in monitoring pressure at a selected location. Pressure sensors may be applied to or incorporated into catheters and/or shunts positioned within a patient. A monitoring system may then receive signals from the pressure sensors to monitor pressure at the location over time.

Abstract: Various techniques for measuring cardiac cycle length and pressure metrics based on pulmonary artery pressures are described. One example method described includes identifying a point within a derivative signal of a cardiovascular pressure signal without reference to electrical activity of a heart, initiating a time window from the identified point in the derivative signal, identifying a point within the cardiovascular signal within the time window, and determining at least one of a systolic pressure or diastolic pressure based on the identified point.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus for diagnosis is provided in which a simpler configuration enables an anatomical technique and a physiological technique to be used in combination. The imaging apparatus for diagnosis disclosed herein includes a first calculator for calculating a parameter indicating each deformation degree of measurement slit portions, by using a tomographic image including the measurement slit portions which are disposed at different positions in an axial direction of a probe unit and whose cross-sectional shape is deformed in response to a pressure applied to the probe unit, and a second calculator for calculating a value corresponding to a myocardial fractional flow reserve, based on the calculated parameter.

Abstract: An implant delivery system includes an implant, such as a wireless sensor, a first sheath, and a second sheath. The sheaths extend from a proximal end of the implant delivery system, and at least said first sheath extends to a distal end of said implant delivery system. The first sheath is positioned at least partially within said second sheath. The implant is connected to an exterior surface of the first sheath and positioned near an end of the second sheath. The first sheath and said second sheath are movable with respect to one another to deploy said implant to a desired location.

Abstract: An intravascular sensor delivery device for measuring a physiological parameter of a patient, such as blood pressure, within a vascular structure or passage. In some embodiments, the device can be used to measure the pressure gradient across a stenotic lesion or heart valve. For example, such a device may be used to measure fractional flow reserve (FFR) across a stenotic lesion in order to assess the severity of the lesion. The sensor delivery device has a distal sleeve configured to pass or slide over a standard medical guidewire. Some distance back from the sensor and distal sleeve, the device separates from the guidewire to permit independent control of the sensor delivery device and the guidewire. The sensor delivery device can be sized to pass over different sizes of guidewires to enable usage in coronary and peripheral arteries, for example.

Abstract: A signal processor receives a signal containing information about a sensor that is spirally wrapped at a known pitch or separation down a pipe having a flow; and determines a flow velocity based at least partly on the information contained in the signal received by applying an autocorrelation function that depends on a relationship between the time between a repeating pattern and the known pitch or separation of the spirally wrapped sensor. The signal processor provides a corresponding signal containing information about the flow velocity. The sensor includes a strain sensor, including a piezo-electric polymer strain sensor fabricated from PVDF, and/or two or more equally spaced spirally wound sensors. The determining includes correlating output signals of two or more equally spaced spirally wound sensors to determine a time delay, and determining the flow velocity based on the time delay and the known pitch or separation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for measuring pressure, including a pressure sensor comprising: a deformable membrane on which is placed a resistive bridge able to deliver a bridge voltage representative of a deformation of the deformable membrane caused by a pressure applied to said deformable membrane; a system for limiting the deformation of the deformable membrane, able to limit the bridge voltage in the case of an over-pressure or an under-pressure on the deformable membrane; and an amplifying electronic circuit connected to the resistive bridge, able to deliver an output voltage depending on the bridge voltage; the limiting system and the electronic circuit are conjointly configured so that the output voltage makes it possible to distinguish the case of failure of the pressure sensor and/or of the electronic circuit from the case of an over-pressure or under-pressure on the deformable membrane.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical system enabling pressure measurements proximal to the eye may include an illumination probe having a probe tip configured for insertion through an incision in an eye of a patient. The probe tip may include a distal end of an optical fiber, wherein the distal end of the optical fiber includes a first reflective surface and a second reflective surface. The first and second reflective surfaces being separated by a cavity, wherein the second reflective surface is provided by a partially transparent wall forming an exterior surface of the distal end of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A pressure measurement system for use in blood circuits comprised of a pressure sensing pod and a force measurement device. The pressure sensing pod can include a flexible, moveable, fluid-impermeable diaphragm and can be formed via either a one-shot or a two-shot molding process. A mechanical engagement member of the force measurement device engages with a mechanical engagement feature of the diaphragm, and the engagement member is operative to move in concert with movement of the engagement feature of the diaphragm based on pressure variations with the pressure sensing pod. The force measurement device generates and outputs to a processor a signal based on detected force associated with movement of the engagement member.

Abstract: A sensor including a flexible channel defining a fluid flow path, the flexible channel configured to at least partially deflect when a force is imparted on the flexible channel. A gel layer is in contact with an outer surface of the flexible channel, and a transducer is in contact with the gel layer. Transducer is configured to generate an output signal that corresponds to an amount of strain imparted on the flexible channel.

Abstract: A piezoelectric power generator using wind power is provided. To elaborate, the piezoelectric power generator has a central axis unit with a charger, a piezoelectric film supporting frame engaged onto an outer circumference surface of the central axis unit, and a piezoelectric film having a pre-set area and at least one side engaged to at least one of one side part of the piezoelectric supporting frame and the central axis unit. In addition, the piezoelectric film supporting frame has a shape corresponding to a shape of an edge of the piezoelectric film to surround the edge of the piezoelectric film.

Abstract: The invention provides a spacer for soldering comprising an elongate body having one end provided with a tapped hole and an opposite end provided with a transverse bearing surface having a smooth centering peg projecting therefrom, the peg has a longitudinal outer passage extending over at least a fraction of its length as far as the transverse bearing surface to enable molten solder to penetrate by capillarity as far as the transverse bearing surface. The invention also provides a module including such a spacer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing data processing and control for use in a medical communication system are provided.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical device, one or more temperature sensors associated with the electrosurgical device, a fluid-flow path leading to the electrosurgical device, and a flow-control device disposed in fluid communication with the fluid-flow path. The electrosurgical device includes a probe for directing energy to tissue. The electrosurgical system includes circuitry for detecting bending of the probe. The circuitry alerts the user of excessive bending by activating an alarm, such as an audible alarm, lighting one or more LEDs or other light sources, tactile feedback, or any other means. The electrosurgical system further includes a processor unit communicatively-coupled to the one or more temperature sensors and communicatively-coupled to the flow-control device. The processor unit is configured to control the flow-control device based on determination of a desired fluid-flow rate using one or more electrical signals outputted from the one or more temperature sensors.