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: 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: 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 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 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: 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 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: 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 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 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 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.

Abstract: Methods and devices to diagnose and treat fecal incontinence in females and males are provided. A multiple sensor-enabled catheter for positioning in a patient's rectum allows for the visualization and manipulation or positioning of an anatomical reference point(s) in the patient's body. A multiple sensor-enabled catheter for rectal insertion in a patient allows for the visualization and implementation of efficient and effective exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles.

Abstract: A hemostatic device includes a covering member for covering a dorsal side of a patient's hand, the covering member including a hole through which a puncture site on the hand where bleeding is to be stopped, is exposed. The hemostatic device further includes a pressing member configured to apply a compression force to the puncture site when the pressing member is positioned over the site and fixed to the covering member, a fixing member configured to fix the pressing member to the covering member, and a support member configured to support the hand when the pressing member applies the compression force to the puncture site. At least a portion of the support member faces the hole portion with the hand interposed therebetween, when the covering member is disposed on the dorsal side of the hand.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring phase dynamics and other properties (e.g. intracranial pressure) are disclosed. For example, the system may generate a reference waveform and a measurement waveform using digital synthesizers, each waveform having an identical constant frequency but also a relative phase shift. Next, system may send a tone-burst, via a transducer, into a sample (e.g. a skull or a bonded material), and then receive a reflected tone-burst in response. Then, a phase difference between the received tone-burst and the measurement waveform may be determined with a linear phase detector. Next, the phase shift of the measurement waveform may be adjusted, by the determined phase difference, such that there is no longer any phase difference between the received tone-burst and the adjusted measurement waveform generated by the appropriate digital synthesizer. A similar adjustment may occur after subsequent tone-bursts, allowing accurate monitoring of continuously variable phase relationships.

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 from 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 method for detecting evidence of a stroke in a patient may involve securing a volumetric integral phase-shift spectroscopy (VIPS) device to the patient's head, transmitting a first signal from a first transmitter of the VIPS device through a left hemisphere of the patient's brain to a receiver of the VIPS device, transmitting a second signal from a second transmitter of the VIPS device through a right hemisphere of the patient's brain to the receiver, and detecting the evidence of the stroke, with the VIPS device.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for minimally-invasive, including non-invasive, prevention and/or treatment of hydrocephalus and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the apparatus (10), a housing (50) is sized for superjacent contact with a skull having a fontanel. Within the housing (50), a compartment (12) includes a pressure applicator (88), such as a fluid-filled bladder (22), under the control of a pressure regulator (14). The pressure applicator (88) is configured to selectively apply an external pressure to the fontanel. The compartment (12) includes a pressure sensor (90) configured to measure intracranial pulse pressure of the fontanel. Further, in one embodiment, the apparatus (10) can cause pulse pressure modulation by adjusting the intracranial pulse pressure via the pressure applicator (88). This enables a non-invasive measurement of the pulse pressure and modulation thereof in infants, for example.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting operation data associated with a medical apparatus including an internal device implanted in a subject and an external device that is magnetically-coupled to and drives the internal device. The medical apparatus may be monitored to obtain raw data associated with the operation of the medical apparatus and one or more calculations may be performed on the raw data, wherein the raw data and/or calculated values may be associated with voiding frequency and voiding volume of the subject. A report may be generated from the raw data and/or calculated values. In addition, one or more signals may be sent to the external device and/or a docking station, or communicated by other means, to indicate to the subject that the operation of the medical apparatus should be altered.

Abstract: A coaxial draining tube, particularly for chest draining systems, includes an inner tube, which has a first opening, and an outer tube, which has a second opening. The inner tube is enclosed within the outer tube and has a smaller diameter than the second opening of the outer tube. The first and second tubes are mutually coupled by way of a supporting component and include one or more holes adapted to allow the passage of air from the chest cavity to the first opening of the inner tube and one or more holes adapted to allow the passage of liquids from the chest cavity to the second opening of the outer tube. The one or more holes are provided in the portion of the coaxial draining tube that is intended to be inserted in the chest cavity of a patient.

Abstract: A method for delivering an immunotherapy agent to a tumor includes advancing the delivery device into a vessel of a patient, and infusing the agent under pressure into the vessel to penetrate the tumor. The delivery device prevents reflux of the agent toward non-treatment sites.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring physiological parameters such as intracranial pressure (“ICP”), intracranial temperature, and subject head position are provided. In some embodiments, an implantable apparatus for measuring ICP can be implanted into a subject skull. The apparatus can comprise an implant body having a hermetically sealed chamber housing a gas at a reference pressure, and a pressure conduction catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end is configured to extend into the brain through a burr hole in the skull and includes a plurality of ports. A barrier can cover the ports of the distal end of the pressure conduction catheter, wherein the barrier and pressure conduction catheter are filled with a number of gas molecules so that the barrier is not in tension in a predefined range of ICPs. The ports may also be configured such that a barrier is not necessary.

Abstract: Non-invasive measurement of intracranial pressure (ICP), for example mean ICP. A probe adjacent the head emits energy, such as ultrasound, and receives reflected signals. A processing unit derives ICP waveform from the signals. A pressure mechanism applies external pressure intermittently to outer surface of the head and incrementally increases the external pressure. The processing unit is configured to detect a decrease in amplitude of the ICP waveform (occurring in some embodiments only after an intermediate period of ICRS compensation), the processing unit configured to determine the ICP of the person from a sum of applied external pressures from a time of the initial value A1 until a final value at which the amplitude remains stable with additional increase in applied external pressure. In some cases, the final value is earlier than that but the processing unit extrapolates the sum to when the amplitude remains stable with additional increases in pressure.

Abstract: Ophthalmic surgical devices, systems, and methods for regulating aspiration from a patient's eye are provided. A vacuum pump in fluid communication with an aspiration line provides fluid aspiration from a vitreous chamber of the eye through the aspiration line. A sensor disposed adjacent to or inside the eye determines sensor data relating to an intraocular pressure (IOP). The controller receives the sensor data and regulates the aspiration in response to changes in the IOP, such as by controlling the vacuum pump. The controller may determine whether a fluid infusion to the vitreous chamber through an infusion line is below a maximum infusion level, regulate the infusion in response to the IOP being below a threshold value and the infusion being below the maximum infusion level, and regulate the aspiration in response to the IOP being below the threshold value and the infusion being at or above the maximum infusion level.

Abstract: An imaging capsule configured to be swallowed to scan the gastrointestinal tract of a person from the inside, including a radiation source providing X-Ray and gamma radiation for scanning the gastrointestinal tract, a pressure sensor for measuring the internal pressure in the imaging capsule; and wherein the imaging capsule is configured to control the emission of radiation from within the imaging capsule responsive to the measurements of the pressure sensor.