Measuring Fluid Pressure In Body Patents (Class 600/561)
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Patent number: 11051978Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2017Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: Alcon Inc.Inventors: Tammo Heeren, Andrew David Johnson
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Patent number: 11013483Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2016Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: CHECK-CAP LTDInventors: Dmitry Gubich, Avner Elgali, Yoav Kimchy
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Patent number: 10912875Abstract: A medical system includes a medical fluid pumping machine comprising a pressure sensor, a medical fluid line set comprising a fluid line in fluid communication with a fluid passage formed between a diaphragm and a base, the medical fluid line set being configured to be connected to the medical fluid pumping machine in a manner such that the diaphragm of the medical fluid line set aligns with the pressure sensor of the medical fluid pumping machine, and a member configured to apply a positive force to the pressure sensor when the medical fluid line set is connected to the medical fluid pumping machine and the fluid passage is at atmospheric pressure.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2014Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.Inventor: Michael James Beiriger
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Patent number: 10881841Abstract: A shunt including an implantable housing having a proximal end and a distal end. A pressure sensitive valve is contained within the housing at a position between the proximal end and the distal end, and the pressure sensitive valve is capable of controlling a flow of fluid between the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port. The shunt further including a sensor assembly fluidly coupled to the pressure sensitive valve, wherein the sensor assembly is mechanically actuated and capable of detecting the flow of fluid through the pressure sensitive valve. A condition of the shunt can be detected by detecting a flow of fluid through the shunt and generating a signal indicative of a period of fluid flow through the implantable shunt based on the detecting. The signal can be output to an external device capable of determining, from the signal, whether the shunt is malfunctioning.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2017Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Inventor: Siddharth Sadanand
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Patent number: 10842398Abstract: Wireless intracranial monitors are provided. The wireless intracranial monitors comprise a main body, a wireless transceiver, a processing module, and a sensing module, in which the sensing module contains a catheter. On the catheter, a pressure sensor is configured to detect deformation of the catheter or a diaphragm connected to the pressure sensor. The detected deformation is then transmitted to the processing module through an in-catheter wire.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2016Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: ORION BIOTECH INC.Inventor: Ming-Fu Chiang
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Patent number: 10791944Abstract: A bio-pressure sensor system is disclosed, comprising a first sensor configured to provide a reference pressure measurement and second sensor configured to measure a fluid pressure within a human body. The bio-pressure sensor system also comprises a first reference element and second reference element. The first and second sensors share the first reference element. The second reference element is coupled to the first sensor and configured to provide a reference pressure. The first and second sensors each comprise independent output signals.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2017Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: ARKIS BIOSCIENCES INC.Inventor: Chad Eric Seaver
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Patent number: 10783993Abstract: A system capable of monitoring a replaceable component is provided. The system includes a controller for controlling operation of the system; programming instructions according to which the system is configured to: accept input of a viable life for the component, calculate an accumulated amount of distress experienced by the component based on each set of previously collected use data associated with each previous use of the component, and determine, based in part on the accumulated amount of distress, a used portion of the viable life that the component has experienced as a result of the previous use(s) thereof and an unused portion of the viable life; and a feedback device configured to provide to an operator of the system an indication of at least one of the unused and used portions of the viable life of the component. Methods of monitoring a replaceable component of a system are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2019Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Assignee: BAYER HEALTHCARE LLCInventors: Michael Spohn, Michael Swantner, Edward Rhinehart
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Patent number: 10760006Abstract: The present invention provides strategies to integrate adsorption and liquefaction techniques to separate hydrocarbon feed mixtures into purified light and heavy components, respectively. Initially, the hydrocarbon stream is separated into a light and heavy stream. The light stream can be integrated into a natural gas product. The heavy stream is partially liquefied. A first gas liquid separation of the partially liquefied heavy stream at an elevated pressure separates the liquid heavy stream from a methane-containing gas. The rejected methane component, which generally will include some rejected C2 and C3+ material, can be recycled to be combined with the feed mixture for re-processing. A further aspect of the strategy is then to practice at least one additional gas-liquid separation of the separated liquid heavy stream at a lower pressure effective to help further resolve the liquid heavy stream from C2-containing gas.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2019Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLCInventors: Ross E. Dugas, Zubin B. Kuvadia, Preshit Dandekar
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Patent number: 10751520Abstract: Apparatus for delivering therapeutic agents to the central nervous system of a subject is described. The apparatus includes at least one intracranial catheter and a percutaneous access device. The percutaneous access device includes a body having at least one extracorporeal surface and at least one subcutaneous surface, the body defining at least one port for connection to an implanted intracranial catheter. The port is accessible from the extracorporeal surface of the device, but is provided with a seal such as a rubber bung between the lumen of the port and the extracorporeal surface. The percutaneous access device may have more than two ports and/or a flange. A method of implanting the percutaneous access device is also described.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2014Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: RENISHAW (IRELAND) LIMITEDInventors: Steven Streatfield Gill, Paul David Fielder
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Patent number: 10743815Abstract: A device for detecting spatial differences in fluid level changes in a tissue of a patient may include a support structure for securing the device to a body part of the patient, a processing element operably connected to the support structure, a wireless networking interface operably connected to the support structure and in communication with the processing element and an external computing device via a network, a first transmission module operably connected to the support structure and in communication with the processing element, a second transmission module and a third transmission module operably connected to the support structure and in communication with the processing element. When activated, the first transmission module transmits a first time varying magnetic field through the tissue of the patient. The second and third transmission modules, which are spatially separated from one another, receive first and second versions, respectively, of the first time varying magnetic field.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2015Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: CEREBROTECH MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Richard Warren Wyeth, Mitchell Elliott Levinson, Bryan Jon Weber
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Patent number: 10709842Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring and damping forces within autoinjectors in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, an injection system comprises a syringe disposed within a housing, the syringe having a first end and a second end; a needle disposed at the second end of the syringe; a plunger disposed at the first end of the syringe and configured to move toward the second end of the syringe; a stopper disposed between the plunger and the second end of the syringe; a first damper disposed between the plunger and the stopper, such that the first damper is capable of damping a first event occurring between the plunger and the stopper; and a second damper disposed at the second end of the syringe, such that the second damper is capable of damping a second event occurring at the second end of the syringe.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2019Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Jean-Christophe Veilleux, Joseph Emmett Shepherd
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Patent number: 10709345Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2019Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Inventors: David Michaeli, Menashe Michaeli
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Patent number: 10682100Abstract: A measurement system and method for measuring at least one parameter in a body tissue comprise at least one measurement device to be applied to the body, an optical unit for emitting light waves, wherein at least one wavelength of the light waves lies in the region of the absorption of a body parameter, at least one light guide between the optical unit and the measurement device in order to transmit light waves, and an evaluation unit for evaluating measurement waves. Light waves emitted by the optical unit can be beamed into an optical measurement volume in the body tissue by means of the measurement device, and measurement waves received by the measurement device from the measurement volume can be transmitted from the body tissue to the evaluation unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2014Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignee: Luciole Medical AGInventors: Markus Hugo Muser, Juerg Hans Froehlich, Dirk Baumann
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Patent number: 10674964Abstract: In some examples, a device includes processing circuitry configured to determine a set of correlation coefficient values for first and second physiological parameters. The processing circuitry is further configured to determine a metric of the correlation coefficient values for a first plurality of bins and for a second plurality of bins, wherein each bin of the first plurality has a first bin parameter and each bin of the second plurality of bins has a second bin parameter different than the first bin parameter. The processing circuitry is also configured to determine a composite estimate of a limit of autoregulation of the patient based on the metric for the first plurality of bins and the metric for the second plurality of bins. The processing circuitry is configured to determine an autoregulation status based on the composite estimate and output, for display via the display, an indication of the autoregulation status.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2018Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Paul S. Addison, Dean Montgomery
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Patent number: 10660530Abstract: In some examples, a device includes processing circuitry configured to determine a set of correlation coefficient values for values of first and second physiological parameters. The processing circuitry is further configured to determine that the first physiological parameter changes rapidly in a particular time period. The processing circuitry is configured to select a correlation coefficient value associated with the particular time period and determine an updated value of the selected correlation coefficient value in response to determining that the first physiological parameter changes rapidly in a particular time period. The processing circuitry is further configured to determine an estimate of a limit of autoregulation of the patient based on the set of correlation coefficient values and the updated value. The processing circuitry is configured to determine an autoregulation status based on the estimate of the limit of autoregulation and output, for display, an indication of the autoregulation status.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2018Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Dean Montgomery, Paul S. Addison
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Patent number: 10617851Abstract: In some examples, a catheter may include a catheter body, a first expandable member, and a second expandable member. The catheter body may define a first lumen, a second lumen, a delivery port, and a surface extending from the delivery port into the first lumen. The first lumen may define a first central longitudinal axis. The second lumen may define a second central longitudinal axis spaced from the first central longitudinal axis in a direction orthogonal to the second central longitudinal axis. The delivery port may be in fluid communication with the first lumen. The surface extending from the delivery port into the first surface may be oriented at an obtuse or acute angle relative to the first central longitudinal axis.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2016Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: Ujwal Jalgaonkar, Edwin Wang, Edwin Bon
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Patent number: 10617313Abstract: An intrauterine pressure-sensing catheter for detecting pressure changes within the uterus of a patient is disclosed having a tube with a primary lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the elongate tube. A monitor lumen is positioned within the elongate tube between the primary lumen and a wall of the elongate tube and extends from a proximal end of the elongate tube to a distal end of the elongate tube. A pressure-compliant balloon is disposed about an exterior of the elongate tube adjacent a distal end tip. A sleeve is slidably mounted on an exterior of the elongate tube and disposed over the pressure-compliant balloon during insertion of the pressure-sensing catheter within the patient. The distal end tip is configured to prevent movement of the sleeve over the tip and is further configured to provide a zone of protection for the pressure-compliant balloon.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2016Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: Clinical Innovations, LLCInventor: Steven Smith
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Patent number: 10598559Abstract: A pressure sensor assembly for use in sensing a pressure of a process fluid in a high temperature environment includes an elongate sensor housing configured to be exposed to the process fluid and having a cavity formed therein. A pressure sensor is positioned in the cavity of the elongate sensor housing. The pressure sensor has at least one diaphragm that deflects in response to applied pressure and includes an electrical component having an electrical property which changes as a function of deflection of the at least one diaphragm which is indicative of applied pressure. A flexible membrane in contact with the at least one diaphragm is disposed to seal at least a portion of the cavity of the sensor housing from the process fluid and flexes in response to pressure applied by the process fluid to thereby cause deflection of the at least one diaphragm.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2017Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: ROSEMOUNT INC.Inventors: David Alexander Andrew, David Matthew Strei
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Patent number: 10542924Abstract: A catheter for measuring pressure in the urinary tract of a patient includes a catheter body having a proximal and distal end. A plurality of lumens is formed in the catheter body, and an adaptor is coupled to the proximal end of the catheter body. The adaptor includes a port for each lumen. A first pressure sensor, typically including a balloon, is fluidically coupled to a first lumen and is configured and positioned to measure pressure in a urethra of the patient. A second pressure sensor, also typically including a balloon, is fluidically coupled to a second lumen and is configured and positioned on the catheter body to measure pressure in a bladder of the patient. An expandable retention member, which may be coupled to a third lumen, is positioned on the catheter body between the first and second expandable pressure sensors so that the catheter body may be retained at a selected location in the urinary tract to properly position the fluid pressure sensors in the bladder and urethra, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2016Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: InCube Labs, LLCInventors: Mir Imran, Ben Tranchina
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Patent number: 10537274Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for providing a standardized pressure value representing a transient pressure event within a region of interest within a living body. An air-charged catheter is configured to record pressure data representing the region of interest. A measurement assembly includes a parameter calculation component configured to calculate at least a peak pressure representing the transient pressure event and a time to peak pressure, representing the time necessary to reach the peak pressure, from the recorded pressure data. A standardization component is configured to calculate the standardized pressure value as a function of the peak pressure and the time to peak pressure. A user interface is configured to display at least the standardized pressure value at an associated display.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2012Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignees: THE U.S. GOVT AS REPRESENTED BY THE DEPT. OF VETERANS AFFAIRS, THE CLEVELAND CLININC FOUNDATIONInventors: Margot Damaser, Hassan K. Awada, Paul C. Fletter, Mitchell Cooper, Paul Zaszczurynski
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Patent number: 10532193Abstract: Described in one aspect is a multi-pressure monitoring system for cell or other therapy includes a first catheter having a first lumen for accepting a treatment device, a second lumen for inflating a balloon, a pressure sensor for monitoring fluid pressure within the first lumen, and a flow restrictor such as a hemostasis valve for limiting the exchange of fluids into and out of the first lumen while treatment devices are present or exchanged in the first lumen. Also disclosed is a method of using the first catheter with a first pressure monitor coupled to the first pressure sensor along with a second catheter attached to a second pressure sensor coupled to a second pressure monitor. The second catheter is positioned within the first lumen of the first catheter during treatment operations and the first and second pressure monitors are used to verify proper pressures throughout the procedure.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2017Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: Muffin IncorporatedInventors: Frank J. Fischer, Jr., James R. Randolph, Neal E. Fearnot, Jimmy L. Taylor, Jr., Gary B. Shirley
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Patent number: 10485631Abstract: The length of an optical fiber from a portion aligned with the rear end of an insertion needle to a fixing portion is a length obtained by adding a predetermined extra length to a linear distance between the rear end of the insertion needle in a case where the insertion needle is located at a protruding position (insertion position) and an optical fiber fixing position of a grip portion. There is provided a fiber feeding adjustment mechanism that suspends the optical fiber with a first suspension portion and a second suspension portion so as to make a detour in a state in which there is no slack, and changes the detour length continuously according to the movement of the insertion needle in a case where the insertion needle moves between the retracted position and the protruding position, thereby maintaining a state in which the optical fiber is suspended without slack.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2017Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventors: Dai Murakoshi, Kaku Irisawa
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Patent number: 10474307Abstract: A material-discerning proximity sensor is arranged to include an antenna that is arranged to radiate a radio-frequency signal. A capacitive sensor is arranged to detect a change in capacitance of the capacitive sensor and to receive the radio-frequency signal. An electrical quantity sensor is arranged to detect a change of the received radio-frequency signal.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2015Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATEDInventor: Alan Henry Leek
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Patent number: 10398494Abstract: Methods and surgical tools for treating back pain use a spinal facet debridement tool with cautery and denuding action and minimally invasive protocol that can denude and cauterize soft tissue associated with a synovial capsule of the spinal facet joint.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2016Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: Medovex Corp.Inventors: Robert D. Carter, Adam L. Gullickson, Scott M. W. Haufe, Seth Iverson, Jacob Blank
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Patent number: 10363049Abstract: The invention concerns a cranial drill system comprising one or more surgical drill elements for drilling into the brain. The invention also concerns a cranial drilling system comprising a surgical drill element for drilling into the skull and an element for penetrating the dura. The surgical drill element may comprise a profile that forms an opening in the skull having a narrower diameter portion and a wider diameter portion and the piercing element may be arranged to be a close fit in the narrower diameter portion of the opening. The invention also concerns a cranial drill system comprising a guiding element to be located in a hole formed through the skull and a piercing element for piercing the dura. The guiding element may have a passageway or channel therein for receiving the piercing element such that the piercing element is movable relative to the guide element to pierce the dura.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2013Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Assignee: RENISHAW PLCInventors: Steven Streatfield Gill, Catriona Anita Fennelly
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Patent number: 10345338Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing, which is sized and shaped to fit snugly over a connector containing first electrical contacts at an end of a cable. The electronic device further includes second electrical contacts within the housing and test circuitry. The second electrical contacts are configured and positioned to mate with the first electrical contacts when the housing is fitted over the connector. The test circuitry is contained within the housing and coupled to the second electrical contacts and configured to test a functionality of the cable.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2015Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: Biosense Webster (Israel ) Ltd.Inventor: Avigdor Rosenberg
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Patent number: 10322224Abstract: An apparatus for performing peritoneal dialysis includes a housing; a peritoneal dialysis supply bag supported by and/or located above the housing; a first valve for controlling gravity flow of fresh peritoneal dialysis fluid from the supply bag to a patient; a second valve for controlling gravity flow of used peritoneal dialysis fluid from the patient to a drain; and a pressure sensor positioned and arranged with respect to the gravity flow of fresh peritoneal dialysis fluid or the gravity flow of used peritoneal dialysis fluid to provide a reading used to evaluate a head height pressure.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2016Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Robert Warren Childers, Vital Eerlingen, Patrick Balteau, Duane Belongie
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Patent number: 10307566Abstract: A drainage or infusion catheter and methods of use are disclosed. In one embodiment, the catheter includes a tube body having a proximal end and a distal end, and a plurality of ports arranged along the tube body from the distal end to the proximal end. The distal end of the tube body is configured to deform around itself into a substantially spiral shape so as to cover at least one of the plurality of ports located near the proximal end of the tube body. In another embodiment, a flap is configured to erupt from apertures arranged in the tube and extend outwardly around the tube body so as to cover at least one of the plurality of ports located near the proximal end of the tube body.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2017Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: DUKE UNIVERSITYInventor: Muath Bishawi
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Patent number: 10307218Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a stereotactic guide assembly comprising an implantable body and a fastener. The implantable body can have an interior chamber and a first passageway that extends through the implantable body into communication with the interior chamber. At least a portion of the interior chamber can be defined by a first coupling feature. The fastener can be configured to fit in the interior chamber. The fastener can have a second passageway extending therethrough, and a second coupling feature adapted to releasably engage the first coupling feature.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2016Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: THE CLEVELAND CLINIC FOUNDATIONInventors: John T. Gale, Jorge Gonzalez-Martinez, Shawan J. Anthony
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Patent number: 10300251Abstract: Drug delivery devices and methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a drug can be delivered into a brain ventricle of a subject, where it can diffuse, flow, or otherwise travel across the ependyma and into the hippocampus. The drug can be delivered through a delivery device configured to selectively or transiently obstruct a portion of the ventricle, e.g., the temporal horn or a posterior portion of the temporal horn. The obstruction can define a partitioned volume of the ventricle, limiting or preventing flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) into or out of the partitioned volume. Accordingly, a drug can be delivered into the partitioned volume without being diluted or carried away by CSF, allowing the drug to saturate the ependyma adjacent the hippocampus.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2017Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: Alcyone Lifesciences, Inc.Inventors: Eric Leuthardt, P J Anand
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Patent number: 10279119Abstract: An apparatus includes a syringe body and a plunger. The syringe body defines a volume configured to contain a medicament. A proximal end portion of the syringe body includes an engagement portion, and a distal end portion of the syringe body includes a delivery tip. A side wall of the syringe body includes a transparent window. The plunger has a distal end portion configured to move within the volume of the syringe body to convey the medicament. An engagement portion of the plunger is configured to interface with the engagement portion of the syringe body to limit rotation of the plunger about a longitudinal axis of the plunger. An outer surface of the plunger includes a series of indicia, at least one which is visible through the transparent window.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2016Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: Brell Medical Innovations, LLCInventor: Jeffrey M. Leary
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Patent number: 10265509Abstract: Devices and methods useful for storing and retrieving information related to a medical device such as an implantable valve or an implantable sensor are disclosed. An implantable valve can include a valve housing adapted to receive fluid flow therethrough between a valve inlet and a valve outlet. A valve assembly can be disposed within the valve housing and adapted to control a rate of fluid flowing through the valve housing. The implantable valve can also include a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag associated with the valve housing, adapted to store data, and including an antenna for communicating stored data to an external reading device. The RFID tag can store data related to, for example, a patient, a pressure setting of the valve assembly, and/or pressure sensor disposed within the valve. The RFID tag can also store an identifier that identifies the implantable valve, a pressure sensor disposed in the valve housing, a patient associated with the implantable valve, and/or patient clinical history.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2013Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignee: INTEGRA LIFESCIENCES SWITZERLAND SARLInventor: Salim Kassem
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Patent number: 10219725Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a control system that measures changes in the pressure of one or more zones of a patient supporting surface and utilizes the changes in pressure to determine the mobility of a person supported on the patient supporting surface. The mobility of the person may be measured using one of several methods. The mobility measurement results in the determination of a mobility score. The mobility score is graphically displayed on a user interface that is interactive and allows a user to view additional information besides the mobility score.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2013Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Rachel L. Williamson, Robert M. Zerhusen, Charles A. Lachenbruch, Timothy J. Receveur, Nicholas C. Batta, Yaoning Wu
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Patent number: 10166375Abstract: Drainage systems for excess body fluids and associated methods are disclosed herein. A body fluid drainage system in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology, for example, can include a catheter that has an exterior surface, a proximal portion, and a distal portion opposite the proximal portion. The body fluid drainage system can further include a valve device, a pressure sensor, and a controller operatively coupled to the valve device and the pressure sensor. The valve device can include an actuator positioned over the exterior surface of the catheter. The actuator is movable between an open position that allows body fluid flow through the catheter, a closed position that at least substantially obstructs the body fluid flow through the catheter, and intermediate positions that partially obstruct the body fluid flow through the catheter. The controller can change the position of the actuator in response to a predetermined condition of the pressure sensor.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2015Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: University of WashingtonInventors: Samuel R. Browd, Barry R. Lutz
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Patent number: 10092195Abstract: Vascular conditions are detected non-invasively in the human body using a collection of information from small local regions of the vasculature, or from a specific signature or “BrainPulse” that can be derived from a patient's heartbeat-induced cranium movements. An array of accelerometers or other sensors are engaged against the head of a patient and skull movements, preferably under 100 Hz, are recorded. Vibration signatures of vessel structures such as branches, aneurysms, stenosis, etc. using random, periodic, band limited or transient analysis provides a library for further processing. The signature library is used to localize the origin of the recognized vascular feature, and the localized feature is presented to the physician in a clinically relevant manner.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2014Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: JAN MEDICAL, INC.Inventors: Paul A. Lovoi, Ray Schumacher, Charlie MacVean
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Patent number: 10090655Abstract: A conduit box assembly including: a housing defining an interior chamber; arms extending outward from the housing, wherein the arms each have a wall defining a passage into the chamber; a compressible seal for each of the arms, wherein each seal has an outer surface configured to seat in and abut the wall of the arm receiving the seal, and a cover configured to attached to the housing and cover an open side of the housing, wherein the cover includes arms extending outward from a center portion the cover and the arms are each configured to cover an open side of a respective one of the arms of the housing and compress the seal in the respective arm.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2017Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Edgar Eduardo Luna, Luis Martinez
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Patent number: 10076274Abstract: Vascular conditions are detected non-invasively in the human body using a collection of information from small local regions of the vasculature. An array of accelerometers are attached to the head and blood flow sounds are recorded. Vibration signatures of vessel structures such as branches, aneurysms, stenosis, etc. using random, periodic, band limited or transient analysis provides a signature library for further processing. The signature library is used to localize the origin of recognized vascular features and the localized feature is presented to the physician in a clinically relevant manner.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2016Date of Patent: September 18, 2018Assignee: JAN MEDICAL, INC.Inventors: Paul A Lovoi, Kieran Murphy, Jeff Jarvela, Pete Neild, John Thomas, Ray Schumacher, Charlie Macvean
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Patent number: 10004450Abstract: Tactile sensing devices, systems, and methods to image a target tissue location are disclosed. When force is applied to the tactile sensing device, voltage data is detected and visualized on a screen, indicating the target tissue location.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2017Date of Patent: June 26, 2018Assignee: TEXAS MEDICAL CENTERInventors: Nicole C. Moskowitz, Jessica Traver, Xavier Garcia-Rojas, Yashar Ganjeh
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Patent number: 9980745Abstract: A guide tube is used for guiding an instrument through a hole within tissue of a patient. The guide tube includes a cannula member defining a passage extending therethrough along an axis. The passage is operable to receive the instrument and guide the instrument through the hole within the tissue of the patient. The guide tube also includes an expansion member that is moveably coupled to the cannula member to selectively move radially between a retracted position and an expanded position relative to the axis of the cannula member. The expansion member is at least partially insertable into the hole when the expansion member is in the retracted position. The expansion member is operable to engage with a surface of the hole when the expansion member is in the expanded position.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2015Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.Inventors: Bruce M. Burg, Brad Jacobsen
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Patent number: 9949646Abstract: The present document describes a pressure guidewire comprising a shaft tube, a tip portion and a fiber optic pressure sensor. The shaft tube comprises a middle section and a sensor housing extending distally relative to the middle section, the sensor housing having a distal end. The tip portion extends distally relative to the shaft tube. The pressure sensor is embedded in the sensor housing. The sensor housing defines a cavity, inside the sensor housing, which is distal relative to the pressure sensor and delimited at a proximal end thereof by the pressure sensor.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2014Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Inventor: Claude Belleville
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Patent number: 9949647Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor and guide wire assembly (21) for intravascular measurements of physiological variables in a living body, comprising a core wire (22), a first coil (23), a jacket (24), and a second coil (25). The jacket (24) comprises a first end portion (24a), which is crimped onto the core wire (22) and over which a portion of the first coil (23) is threaded, and a second end portion (24b), which is crimped onto the core wire (22) and over which a portion of the second coil (25) is threaded.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2005Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: ST. JUDE MEDICAL COORDINATION CENTER BVBAInventors: Leif Smith, Ola Hammarström, Per Egnelöv, Dan Åkerfeldt
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Patent number: 9931477Abstract: An apparatus provides feedback regarding the material in which tip of the apparatus is located as the tip is advanced into matter of varying resistances. The apparatus responds to a change in pressure, force, or other parameter such that when the tip reaches matter of a certain resistance, a change in the parameter is sensed. The apparatus provides a driving force to a penetrating medical device, such as a needle, when the apparatus tip encounters material of high resistance. When the apparatus tip encounters a low resistance material, no further driving force is applied to the apparatus. An inner core may be advanced into the low resistance material for deployment of a gas or a liquid as desired.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2014Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignees: The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc., Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Erik Bassett, Jeffrey M. Karp, Robert S. Langer, Omid C. Farokhzad, Alexander H. Slocum
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Patent number: 9931043Abstract: A pressure sensing apparatus has a pressure sensor component that includes a pressure sensing port, a pressure sensor for sensing a pressure of a fluid in the pressure sensing port, and a digital processor communicating with the pressure sensor for performing calculations involving fluid pressures sensed. The pressure sensing apparatus further includes a first chamber in fluid contact with the pressure sensing port, a second chamber fluidically connectable with a patient's cerebrospinal fluid system, and a membrane located between the first and second chambers so as to transmit fluid pressure from the second chamber to the first chamber.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2015Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: INTEGRA LIFESCIENCES SWITZERLAND SÀRLInventors: Stephen F. Wilson, Alan J. Dextradeur
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Patent number: 9901269Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2015Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: Branchpoint Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas Hu, Kevin Hughes, Hyung Phouasalit
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Patent number: 9848789Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure comprise improved systems and methods for monitoring physiological parameters such as intracranial pressure (“ICP”), intracranial temperature, and subject head position. For example, 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2015Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: Branchpoint Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas Hu, Kevin Hughes, Hyung Phouasalit
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Patent number: 9819074Abstract: A sub-skin-depth (nanoscale metallization) thin film antenna is shown that is monolithically integrated with an array of neural recording electrodes on a flexible polymer substrate. The structure is intended for long-term biometric data and power transfer such as electrocorticographic neural recording in a wireless brain-machine interface system. The system includes a microfabricated thin-film electrode array and a loop antenna patterned in the same microfabrication process, on the same or on separate conductor layers designed to be bonded to an ultra-low power ASIC.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2014Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Rikky Muller, Peter Ledochowitsch
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Patent number: 9801608Abstract: An apparatus for measuring intracranial pressure constituted of: a transmitter arranged to transmit a first acoustic signal through a first cranial point; a receiver arranged to receive a second acoustic signal from a second cranial point; and a control circuitry, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to: extract from the detected second acoustic signal a first set of frequency components associated with the transmitted first acoustic signal; extract from the detected second acoustic signal a second set of frequency components associated with intracranial processes; and determine intracranial pressure responsive to the extracted first set of frequency components and the extracted second set of frequency components.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2015Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: HEADSENSE MEDICAL LTD.Inventors: Guy Weinberg, Surik Papyan
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Patent number: 9757501Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for applying negative pressure to tissues of a patient that are transmitted to the vertebral venous system of the patient and thereby lowering intracranial pressure. Intracranial pressure is thus lowered easily without increasing the work of breathing, without needing to be intubated, and without breathing through a valve in patients with elevated increased intracranial pressure.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2013Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: Thomas Jennings, David B Gillis
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Patent number: 9755461Abstract: There are provided with: a secondary winding 20 to which an electric power is supplied in a non-contact manner from a primary winding 10 by an alternating-current power source; a first circuit section 21 connected in parallel to the secondary winding 20; and a second circuit section 22 connected in series to a parallel circuit of the secondary winding 20 and the first circuit section 21. An impedance of the first circuit section 21 is larger than an impedance of the second circuit section.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2013Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Toshihiro Kai, Throngnumchai Kraisorn, Yuuya Yamauchi, Yuusuke Minagawa
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Patent number: 9543948Abstract: A physical force capacitive touch sensor comprises a capacitive sensor element on a substrate, a physically deformable electrically insulating spacer over the capacitive sensor element and a conductive deformable plane over the physically deformable electrically insulating spacer. A protective deformable fascia may be placed over the conductive deformable plane to provide an environmental seal for physical and weather protection, but is not essential to operation of the capacitive touch sensor. Back lighting is accomplished through a light transmissive layer(s) in the capacitive touch sensor. When the conductive deformable plane is displaced toward the capacitive touch sensor element, the capacitance value of the capacitive touch sensor element changes and that change may be detected and used as an actuation signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2013Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATEDInventors: Keith Curtis, Fanie Duvenhage