Abstract: An apparatus for measuring pressure of fluid in a shunt includes a distensible member arranged adjacent to a graduated scale. The shunt includes a shunt valve and the apparatus is attachable to, or incorporated into the shunt at a location either at the shunt valve or upstream of the shunt valve. Both the distensible member and the scale include radiopaque markers. The fluid in the shunt acts directly on the distensible member and the distensible member is distensible in the direction of the scale.

Abstract: A physiological sensor has light emitting sources, each activated by addressing at least one row and at least one column of an electrical grid. The light emitting sources are capable of transmitting light of multiple wavelengths and a detector is responsive to the transmitted light after attenuation by body tissue.

Abstract: A scope system includes a processor and a scope device. The scope device includes a handle configured to remain outside of the body and an elongated shaft extending from the handle to a distal tip and including a working channel extending therethrough. The working channel is open at the distal tip of the shaft. The shaft is inserted through a bodily lumen to a target surgical site. The shaft includes at least one sensor transmitting to the processor sensor data relating to the target surgical site.

Abstract: A method performed by a computer correlates vesicoelastic pressure data with volume data and calculates vesicoelastic work performed by the bladder, wherein the amount of vesicoelastic work performed by the bladder is determined by calculating an area under said vesicoelastic pressure data when said vesicoelastic pressure data is correlated against the volume data.

Abstract: One aspect relates to a device for locally applying a medical fluid, including a flexibly deformable tube including a tube wall. The tube includes a plurality of openings in the tube wall, the plurality of openings connecting an inner line of the tube to the surroundings of the tube, and the tube being closed at a distal tube. A proximal tube end of the tube is liquid-permeably connectable to a container for the medical fluid such that the medical fluid from the container can be pushed through the proximal tube end of the tube into the inner line of the tube and can be pushed out through the plurality of openings into the surroundings of the tube. The device includes an outer sleeve for closing a subset of the plurality of openings, the outer sleeve being axially movably arranged around the tube, and being shorter than the tube such that the distal openings that are not part of the closed subset of the plurality of openings are exposed.

Abstract: Devices, systems and related methods for direct and in-vivo monitoring and stimulation of the endometrial cavity include a plurality of sensing modalities incorporated on a set of flexible conductive filaments that allows its insertion in an endometrial cavity through the vagina. The flexible set of conductive filaments is in direct contact with the endometrium to maximize recording sensitivity and acquire direct readings, which correspond to the functionality of the endometrium and/or electrically stimulate endometrial peristalsis in a controlled manner. The same electrodes can be used for a controlled stimulation to strengthen weakened muscle tissue before and after medical and surgical interventions on the uterus, to reset to normal contractility.

Abstract: Brain drainage device having a rod-shaped hollow body with an inner drainage channel for insertion through the cranium into the brain, a first sensor arrangement with at least one sensor for measuring a physical parameter, and a signal interface, wherein the rod-shaped hollow body has a first region A which configured to protrude into the ventricle situated in the brain, wherein the rod-shaped hollow body has a second region B, which is arranged proximally from the first region, wherein the second region is configured to lie in the region of the brain mass, wherein the first sensor arrangement is arranged in the second region in order to measure a physical parameter of the brain mass, wherein the first sensor arrangement is connected to the signal interface such that measurement data determined by the first sensor arrangement are transmitted to a measuring system.

Abstract: A safety quick-refill compact pump for administering drugs is provided. The pump includes a motor-driven electromechanical actuator, a cylindrical container, and a hollow piercing element. The actuator causes bi-directional axial sliding of a rod that carries a pusher adapted to cause axial sliding of a plunger of the container which contains a liquid drug and is equipped, at an end thereof, with a pierceable membrane. The actuator is provided with a first connecting portion of a male-female connecting joint at least partially surrounding the rod. The container is provided with a second connecting portion of the male-female connecting joint and is firmly associated with the actuator and defines a cylindrical chamber axially extending about the sliding axis of the rod. The piercing element is oriented toward the inside of the chamber and defines a duct so that the piercing element is in fluid communication with the inside of the reservoir.

Abstract: A scope system includes a processor and a scope device. The scope device includes a handle configured to remain outside of the body and an elongated shaft extending from the handle to a distal tip and including a working channel extending therethrough. The working channel is open at the distal tip of the shaft. The shaft is inserted through a bodily lumen to a target surgical site. The shaft includes at least one sensor transmitting to the processor sensor data relating to the target surgical site.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system includes a head-mounted wearable device with two current electrodes that provide input alternating currents over a range of frequencies to a subject during at least one intervention. The head-mounted wearable device includes at least two sense electrodes that collect voltage difference measurements in response to the input alternating currents. A measurement validation module applies a Hilbert transform or a Kramer-Kronig test to the voltage difference measurements to generate validated time-series impedance spectra. A cranial fluid dynamics module fits the validated time-series impedance spectra to an electrical circuit model to determine a glymphatic flow response to the at least one intervention.

Abstract: A medical device used to percutaneously gain access to a targeted site within a living body, for example the left ventricle of the heart. The device is comprised of an inner tubular member, outer tubular member, and an adjustable control handle. The control handle can precisely control the relative position of the inner tubular member relative to the outer member by providing feedback to the operator. This feedback provided by the control handle allows the operator to precisely maneuver the catheter within a body and change the shape of the catheter system without taking his/her eyes off the task that he/she is performing. The control handle is designed to precisely change the catheter system from one tip shape to another tip shape and back. Described herein is a method to perform a catheter tip shape change without the need to observe manipulations of a control system to change catheter tip configurations.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device includes a catheter having a proximal end region and a distal tip and an array of sealed chambers disposed along the distal tip, wherein each of the chambers includes a distal membrane disposed along an outer surface of the distal tip and a proximal membrane extending radially inward from the outer surface. Further, each proximal membrane is configured to shift between a first position and an expanded position in response to a change in pressure within the chamber.

Abstract: A kit-of-parts for initiating an action by an active implantable medical device (AIMD) (1) implanted in a body of a patient triggered by an external triggering unit (11) located outside the body of the patient is provided. The kit-of-parts including, (A) the external triggering unit (11) including an external emitter (12) which includes one or more sources of light (12L) configured for emitting an optical starting signal (10), and (B) the AIMD (1) including an encapsulation unit (1e) defining an inner volume containing an action trigger configured for initiating an action by the AIMD (1), upon reception of the optical starting signal (10) from the external triggering unit (11). The action trigger is an optical action trigger (2) includes one or more photodetectors (2pv) facing a transparent wall portion (1t) and configured for transforming the optical starting signal (10) into an electrical signal to initiate the action by the AIMD.

Abstract: A cerebrospinal-fluid-pressure-measuring device including a pressure gauge including a hollow cylindrical body for inserting through a skull and having a lower and upper end, and an inner surface, a membrane attached to the lower end and to move under a pressure of cerebrospinal fluid within the skull, and coils including a stationary coil disposed in the cylindrical body and connected to the inner surface so as to remain stationary, and a moving coil disposed in the cylindrical body and connected to the membrane so that the moving coil moves when the membrane moves under the pressure, one of the coils being configured as a transmitting coil and another of the coils being configured as a receiving coil, and a control unit to apply an input signal to the transmitting coil and receive an output signal from the receiving coil, and to generate an indication of the pressure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are configured to assess the severity of a blockage in a vessel and, in particular, a stenosis in a blood vessel. In some particular embodiments, the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure are configured to assess the severity of a stenosis in the coronary arteries without the administration of a hyperemic agent.

Abstract: A system and method for characterising a narrowing in a fluid filled tube, the system comprising: a probe having a first measurement sensor to take an instantaneous measurement at different locations along the tube; a mechanism to draw the probe through the tube; a position measure to provide location data relating to the location at which a respective instantaneous measurement is taken by the first measurement sensor; a processor to calculate, from the instantaneous measurements, a characteristic of the tube at different locations along the tube.

Abstract: System for non-invasive measuring of an intracranial reserve space (ICRS) parameter of a mammalian subject, comprising a multi-frequency ultrasound probe configured, beginning at a start time, to emit and receive ultrasound waves into and the subject's head and to produce a signal of brain tissue pulsation; an instrument configured to non-invasively partially occlude an internal jugular vein (IJV) starting at the start time and including a second ultrasound probe producing a second signal; and a computer system configured to receive the signal, the second signal and the start time, the computer system also configured, using one or more processors, to derive from the signal an intracranial brain tissue pulsation waveform and from the second signal images of the IJV, and to determine a length of time from the start time to a subsequent time at which the waveform is sufficiently compressed so as to exhibit a predefined decline in variability.

Abstract: A device to prevent urinary leakage intended to be implanted in a patient includes a compressor to compress the patient's urethra, an electronic controller to actuate the compressor, and a measurer to measure the patient's activity. The measurer is coupled with the controller and the controller functions according to a predictive model of urinary leakage based on patient activity, so as to anticipate a possible urinary leak in relation to the measured activity of the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for assessing a hemodynamic property in a coronary vasculature and a corresponding method are provided in which diagnostic data of a vessel of interest is used to identify a first and second measurement position at which a first and a second value for a first hemodynamic property may be obtained whereby these first and second values are suitable to derive at least one diagnostic parameter indicative of a second hemodynamic 5 property that cannot or should not be measured directly.

Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter for monitoring intra-abdominal pressure, the catheter including an expandable outer balloon and an expandable inner balloon positioned within the outer balloon. A first lumen communicates with the inner balloon and the inner balloon and first lumen are filled with gas to form a gas filled chamber to monitor pressure within the bladder to thereby monitor pressure within an abdomen of the patient. A second lumen communicates with the bladder to remove fluid from the bladder. The catheter is configured for attachment of an external pressure transducer communicating with the gas filled chamber for measuring bladder pressure based on gas compression caused by deformation of the expanded inner balloon deformed by the expanded outer balloon.

Abstract: An implantable intravascular pressure sensor comprising a first transducer arranged to provide a pressure dependent signal in response to alternating electrical signals of a first frequency band, a second transducer arranged to provide a reference signal in response to alternating electrical signals of a second frequency band different from the first frequency band and an antenna coupling for sending and receiving said signals.

Abstract: Systems and methods for stroke detection in accordance with embodiments of the invention are illustrated.

Abstract: The invention is generally a system, apparatus, and method for monitoring and measuring a change in intrauterine pressure without rupturing the amniotic sac. A catheter is coupled to a pressure sensing module. The pressure sensing module is configured with a chamber that is in fluid communication with a balloon of the catheter. The chamber includes a pressure-sensing membrane coupled to sensing circuitry. The sensing circuitry is configured to detect a pressure applied to the pressure-sensing membrane and communicate the condition to a monitor of the system. Methods include inserting the catheter through the cervix so that the balloon may be inflated and situated in the lower segment of the uterus, resting against the amniotic sac. Because the balloon of the catheter is in fluid communication with the pressure-sensing membrane, pulsations of the amniotic sac will be sensed by the sensing circuitry of the pressure sensing module.

Abstract: A vascular access system may include a catheter assembly, which may include a catheter hub and a catheter extending distally from the catheter hub. The vascular access system may include an instrument advancement device coupled to the catheter assembly. The instrument advancement device may include a vascular access instrument. The vascular access instrument may include a coil formed by a flat wire wound around an axis into multiple loops. The instrument advancement device may be configured to advance the vascular access instrument from a retracted position to an advanced position beyond a distal end of the catheter. The distal end of the catheter may include a distal opening. The coil may extend through the distal opening of the catheter in response to the vascular access instrument being in the advanced position.

Abstract: A method for sensing at least one property with an instrument, wherein the instrument comprises an elongate shaft body; the method comprising the steps of: securing a sensor film conformally to the elongate shaft body, the sensor film comprising: at least one substrate core having a first surface and a second surface; at least one sensing element; a first conductive layer residing on the first surface, the first conductive layer having first solder mask coated thereon, and wherein the first conductive layer is grounded; a second conductive layer residing on the second surface, the second conductive layer having a second solder mask coated thereon, and coupled to the at least one sensing element; causing the at least one sensing element to measure at least one property and output a sensed signal and to convey the sensed signal via the second conductive layer to an electronics module.

Abstract: Example systems, apparatuses and methods are disclosed for sensing a force applied by an external source in a fluid monitoring tube. An example system comprises a force sensing device and signal conditioning circuitry configured to be electrically coupled to the force sensing device. The example system further comprises a housing configured to enclose the force sensing device and the signal conditioning circuitry. The housing comprises a snap structure configured to attach the housing to a base plate and retain the force sensing device and the signal conditioning circuitry in the housing.

Abstract: A cable for use with a pressure monitoring catheter, the catheter including an inflatable balloon forming a fluid chamber for pressure measurement. The cable has a first end operably connectable to the catheter, a second end operably connectable to a monitor providing pressure displays, and a printed circuit. The cable includes one or both of the filter system to enable collection and analysis of data and an adjustment feature to adjust pressure values in response to patient movement.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes at least two pairs of electrodes, and a processor, wherein the processor may be configured to generate a signal and output the signal by using a first pair of electrodes, measure a voltage response signal by using a second pair of electrodes, detect a differential electrocardiogram from the measured voltage response signal, detect a local impedance cardiogram from the measured voltage response signal, calculate a pulse arrival time by using the detected differential electrocardiogram and local impedance cardiogram, and calculate blood pressure by using the calculated pulse arrival time. It is possible to provide various other embodiments.

Abstract: A pressure sensor apparatus includes a plurality of pressure responsive chambers provided along a longitudinal dimension of the apparatus, and a pressure sensor device provided in each chamber which together provide a pressure profile in an anatomical cavity.

Abstract: A system for refilling a multi-chamber implantable infusion device is presented. The infusion device has a refill chamber which is accessible through an external septum of a refill port. The refill chamber is divided by an inner septum into an upper reservoir and a lower reservoir. The lower refill chamber is refilled with lower reservoir needles having a needle opening axially placed to align with the lower reservoir. The upper reservoir is refilled with an upper reservoir needle having an opening aligned with the upper reservoir. Magnetic portions are provided in the needles to localize and identify the needle. A processor within the infusion device is connected to magnetic field sensors which sense magnetic portions of the needle and recognize information encoded magnetically within the needle.

Abstract: A device can be coupled to a foley catheter inserted into the bladder of a patient, where the foley catheter includes a urine passage through which urine can be drained from the bladder. The device includes a pressure sensor that is connected to a urine outlet of the urine passage and configured to measure a pressure value of the urine being drained through the urine outlet, a processor connected to the pressure sensor and configured to determine whether the foley catheter can be removed by comparing the pressure value and a predetermined threshold value, and a display unit connected to the processor and displaying whether the foley catheter can be removed according to the control of the processor.

Abstract: This disclosure describes the methods, devices, and systems of treating diseased tissue with integrated nanosecond pulse irreversible electroporation. Methods and systems as disclosed provide MRI compatible shielded electrodes and electrode leads to prevent emanating radiofrequency noise and improve image quality, disconnecting the electrode from the cable linkage to the pulse generator reduce electromagnetic interference and image artifacts, placing electrodes strategically within a guide cannula to minimize distortion from heterogeneities or maximize ablation within the tissue, utilizing conductive fluids, innate or external, such as cerebral spinal fluid or grounding pads to provide a pathway for current return, and for timing of the electrical waveforms with inherent brain electrical activity.

Abstract: A rectal drainage appliance is disclosed comprising a tubular element having an inflatable balloon at a distal end for anchoring the appliance in the rectum. The appliance includes one or more of: (i) first and second auxiliary lumens communicating with the inflatable balloon to provide independent inflation and pressure monitoring paths coupled to the balloon; (ii) a pressure state indicator defined by a mechanical element configured to flip between first and second states or shapes responsive to sensed pressure; and (iii) a collapsible auxiliary lumen larger than the inflation lumen, and configured to permit admission of irrigation fluid. The pressure state indicator may also be used in intestinal drains.

Abstract: A flexible printed circuit and a manufacturing method thereof, an electronic device module and an electronic device are provided.

Abstract: An intracranial pressure monitoring device includes a housing defining a first internal chamber, a plurality of strain gauges disposed on an inner surface of a diaphragm defined by a wall of the first internal chamber, a device for generating orientation signals, and circuitry coupled to the plurality of strain gauges and to the device. The circuitry is configured to generate intracranial pressure data from signals received from the plurality of strain gauges, generate orientation data based on the orientation signals received from the device, and store the intracranial pressure data and the orientation data in a computer readable storage such that the intracranial pressure data and orientation data are associated with each other.

Abstract: In part, the disclosure relates to computer-based methods, devices, and systems suitable for performing intravascular data analysis and measurement of various types of data such as pressure and flow data. The disclosure relates to probes and methods suitable for determining an event in a cardiac cycle such as flow threshold such as a peak flow, a fraction thereof, other intravascular parameters or a point in time during which peak flow or a change in one of the parameters occurs. An exemplary probe includes one or more of a pressure sensor, a resistor, a flow sensor and can be used to generate diagnostic data based upon measured intravascular and other parameters. In part, the disclosure relates to methods and systems suitable for determining a coronary flow reserve value in response to one or more of intravascular pressure and flow data or data otherwise correlated therewith.

Abstract: The various embodiments disclosed here relate to systems, methods, and devices for monitoring bladder health. Certain implementations are directed to patients who require daily catheterization. The various embodiments have at least one tube coupled to a catheter, a pressure sensor, a pump, and a processor. Certain embodiments include a digital device with a software application capable of displaying the monitored readings.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a nexus and a first, a second, a third, and a fourth circuit board. Each of the first and second circuit boards is coupled to opposing sides of the nexus, and each of the third and fourth circuit boards is coupled to opposing sides of the second circuit board. The integrated circuit is transitionable between a first, open configuration, in which the first, second, third and fourth circuit boards and the nexus are substantially coplanar, and a second configuration, in which the first, second, third and fourth circuit boards and the nexus are coupled to one another to define a cavity therein.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for detecting air embolisms in lines for hemodynamic monitoring. In use, using a first sensor, one or more gas bubbles are detected within a first line for hemodynamic monitoring. In response to the detecting, a first clamp attached to the first line for hemodynamic monitoring is contracted.

Abstract: A multi-sensor system may include a catheter that has lumen, is flexible, is made of a polymer, and has a circular cross section that has an outer diameter of no more than 0.5 cm; and one or more sensors that sense multiple characteristics of material flowing within the lumen, including at least two of the following: flow rate, pressure, and composition of the material. A multi-sensor system may include a catheter that has lumen, is flexible, is made of a polymer, and has a circular cross section that has an outer diameter of no more than 0.5 cm; and one or more sensors that sense multiple characteristics of material flowing within the lumen, including at least two of the following: flow rate, pressure, and composition of the material.

Abstract: A catheter can include a catheter main body and a sheath that covers the catheter main body and can move along the longitudinal axis with respect to the catheter main body. An operating unit can be disposed at a proximal end portion of the sheath and can move the sheath and the catheter main body with respect to one another. The catheter main body can include a slit on an outer peripheral surface of a distal end portion and can extend along the longitudinal axis from a slit distal end to a slit proximal end side. An outside diameter of the distal end portion of the catheter main body is larger than an inside diameter of a distal end portion of the sheath when the distal end portion of the catheter main body is housed in the sheath.

Abstract: A capsule endoscope image receiver includes a receiving electrode unit that receives first and second differential signals from a capsule endoscope image transmitter through a human body communication channel, an analog amplifying unit that receives the first and second differential signals and outputs first and second amplified differential signals, and a signal restoring unit that receives the first and second amplified differential signals and restores image information. The analog amplifying unit includes a first amplifier that outputs the first amplified differential signal, a second amplifier that outputs the second amplified differential signal, and an input impedance that is connected between a first inverting input terminal of the first amplifier and a second inverting input terminal of the second amplifier and obtains a gain of differential signal amplification in which a high frequency component of the first and second amplified differential signals is greater than a low frequency component.

Abstract: Intravascular diagnosis apparatus and methods are disclosed. In one aspect of the disclosed technology, a intravascular diagnosis apparatus includes a monitoring guidewire and a display unit. The monitoring guidewire includes a core wire and a sensor disposed in a distal region of the core wire. The display unit includes a processor and a display screen, and is capable of receiving communication from the monitoring guidewire. The display unit is configured to perform computations using the processor based on communications received from the monitoring guidewire and is configured to display information on the display screen based on the computations. The display unit can be configured to be disposed after a predetermined number of uses or after a predetermined duration of use.

Abstract: A catheter hub assembly includes a body. A pressure sensor is disposed within the body to sense pressure within a catheter and communicating with the body. The body has a chamber formed therein having a predetermined volume. A stopper assembly, slideably moves to engage the body forming a gastight seal within the chamber for pushing a column of gas ahead of the stopper assembly as the stopper assembly moves from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: A sample collection and processing apparatus includes a tissue processing cassette and a biopsy device. The tissue processing cassette is sized to be used in a pathology laboratory for purposes of dehydrating, embedding and sectioning. The tissue processing cassette has at least one distal opening through which tissue samples are received and has a floor with a plurality of openings. The biopsy device has a cassette holder adapted to receive the tissue processing cassette. The cassette holder has a fluid path adapted to be coupled to a vacuum source and in fluid communication with the interior of the tissue processing cassette through the openings of the floor such that vacuum from the vacuum source facilitates the transfer of the cut tissue samples into the received tissue processing cassette.

Abstract: A low-profile intercranial device including a low-profile static cranial implant and a functional neurosurgical implant. The low-profile static cranial implant and the functional neurosurgical implant are virtually designed and interdigitated prior to physical assembly of the low-profile intercranial device.

Abstract: In some examples, a tissue compression device includes a base including a major surface configured to engage a dorsal surface of a hand of a patient, a flexible backing adjustably mechanically connected to the base and configured to engage a palmar surface of the hand when the dorsal surface of the hand is engaged with the base, and an expandable member mechanically connected to the flexible backing. The expandable member is configured to be positioned over an ulnar region of the patient when the palmar surface of the hand is engaged with the flexible backing and the dorsal surface of the hand is engaged with the base, such that inflation of the expandable member may apply pressure to tissue near the ulnar artery of the patient.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a snake wrist structure further including: a first joint disk having a first rim having a first tooth slot and a first toothed gear with the first tooth slot opposite the first toothed gear along the first rim; and a first strut having a first slot bearing and a first hole bearing connected by a first connection strut with the first slot bearing in the first tooth slot.

Abstract: Provided is an implant, including a chamber having an interior radius wherein the interior radius has a flange, a cover slip, a cup, a setting member, a securing member, a resistance member, and an opposing member, wherein the cover slip, cup, resisting member, and setting member are attached to one another, the setting member sets on a flange and the securing member secures the setting member to the flange, the resistance member includes a flexibility and a longitudinal axis with a length wherein the flexibility permits modification of the length, and the opposing member sets a minimum length of the longitudinal axis. Also provided is a method of using said implant including affixing the chamber to a skull of a mammal.

Abstract: A device that can be placed within or near the cranial vault that fluctuates in size in response to changes in CSF pressure is disclosed. The device diminishes in size when CSF pressures rise and increases in size as CSF pressures diminish. The device has the effect of reducing the flow of CSF occurring in the foramen magnum and provides an alternative to craniovertebral decompression in Chiari I patients. The device may have applications in other neurologic illnesses associated with abnormal CSF flow, such as Idiopathic Syringomyelia, Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, and CSF dural leaks.