Esophagus, Stomach, Or Lower Alimentary Canal Patents (Class 600/593)
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Publication number: 20120123228Abstract: Method and apparatus for disrupting a gastric vagal nerve in the gastroesophageal region and testing the function and disruption of the vagal nerve. In one example embodiment, a treatment device applies ultrasound at a high energy level, such as high intensity focused ultrasound, to a vagal nerve to disrupt it and then ultrasound at a lower energy level to another portion of the vagal nerve, preferably further from the stomach, so as to stimulate the vagal nerve. Alternative ways to test the function or disruption of the vagal nerve involve using PCP-GABA, a pancreatic polypeptide, pressure changes inside the stomach, the gastric mucusol pH, a dye agent in the stomach, and other tests.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2011Publication date: May 17, 2012Inventors: William N. Aldrich, David Miller
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Publication number: 20120123300Abstract: A probe (1) for enteral nutrition includes a tubular element (2) of elongated shape and flexible, with a first extremity (2a) having a supply mouth (4) for the introduction of nutritional substances or the like and a second extremity (2b) positionable inside the stomach of a patient and having at least a dispensing hole (6) for dispensing the nutritional substances, the tubular element (2) having a main channel (7) of communication between the supply mouth (4) and the dispensing hole (6). The probe (1) includes at least a first and a second reading element (8, 9) for reading the pressure inside the digestive system of the patient at two distinct sections of the tubular element (2).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2010Publication date: May 17, 2012Inventor: Graziano Azzolini
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Patent number: 8177715Abstract: A capsule medical system is provided with a capsule medical device to be inserted into a subject, at least one electrode pad having a plurality of receiving electrodes, a receiving electrode switching unit, a control unit for controlling operations of the receiving electrode switching unit, and a position detector. The capsule medical device has a biological information acquiring unit for acquiring biological information of the subject, and a transmitting unit for outputting the biological information from a transmitting electrode through a living body. At least one electrode pad detects the biological information by a plurality of receiving electrodes. The receiving electrode switching unit switches a pair of receiving electrodes among the plurality of receiving electrodes. The position detector detects a position of the capsule medical device inside the subject based on the biological information detected by the electrode pad, and position coordinate data of the plurality of receiving electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2008Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignees: Olympus Medical Systems Corp., Olympus CorporationInventors: Atsushi Chiba, Akio Uchiyama, Hironobu Takizawa, Ryoji Sato, Atsushi Kimura, Tetsuo Minai, Takeshi Mori
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Patent number: 8147431Abstract: A measuring member and a device to be used for determining the blood flow of the gastrointestinal tract, includes an intestinal probe, having its distal end provided with a flexible inflatable body and at least one pressure sensor mounted on this supporting body. After bringing the inflatable flexible body to predetermined pressure, the pressure sensor will abut the intestinal wall and the measured pressure development, which represents a measure for the blood flow of the gastrointestinal tract, is transformed into a graphical image with the help of the device and/or is transformed into actual values for the blood flow of the gastrointestinal tract. Further, the measuring member measures the development of the pressure within the inflatable flexible body, which represents a measure for the intestinal peristalsis.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2006Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Q-Pidt BVInventor: Jan Beute
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Patent number: 8123705Abstract: An adjustable profile probe for insertion in a body cavity to sense a biological parameter includes an elongated shaft having a sensor panel and a resiliently expandable portion substantially opposing the sensor panel. An expansion mechanism is at least partially housed within the elongated shaft for varying the profile of the probe. The expansion mechanism includes a base plate adjacent to the resiliently expandable portion and a plurality of lever arms pivotally mounted to the base plate and the sensor panel. An actuating member pivotally connects to the lever arms such that upon movement of the actuating member, the resiliently expandable portion is selectively collapsed or expanded by the plurality of lever arms pivoting between a minimal profile position near parallel with the elongated shaft and an expanded profile position with the lever arms being near perpendicular to the elongated shaft.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2005Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth P. Reever
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Patent number: 8123706Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for Resonance-Based Acoustic Reflectometry that uses a hybrid approach. A method of manufacture, system and apparatus for a modified circle system that allows for the connection of extra devices like exemplary embodiments of the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2007Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: University of Southern CaliforniaInventor: David T. Raphael
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Patent number: 8118758Abstract: A living body inspection apparatus includes: a first detecting unit detecting a displacement of two positions in a lateral direction of a subject's larynx; a second detecting unit detecting a swallowing sound of the subject; a displaying unit displaying a waveform regarding the displacement of the two positions formed using information from the first detecting unit and a waveform regarding the swallowing sound formed using information from the second detecting unit; a processor instructing the displaying unit; and a flexible holding member including a pair of sensor holding members having flexibility and provided with the first and second detecting units at one ends, and a mounting member integrally formed with the pair of sensor holding members at other ends to hold the sensor holding members, the other ends being made open so that the mounting member is mounted on and held by the subject's larynx.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2009Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Hitachi Computer Peripherals Co., Ltd.Inventors: Akihiko Kandori, Tsuyoshi Miyashita, Mitsuru Onuma, Yuko Sano, Ryuzo Kawabata
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Patent number: 8118206Abstract: A device and method in accordance with the invention for generating a signal indicative of a property of a subject tissue in contact with the working surface of a surgical instrument. The invention describes a sensing adjunct to surgical staplers. The adjunct can take the form of an optionally coupled accessory to a surgical stapler, or a stand-alone substitutive component acting to serve as a replacement for a component of the surgical stapler such as an anvil, housing or cartridge. Embodiments include a sensing anvil serving to act in place of a non-sensing surgical stapler anvil to monitor tissue properties of an anastomosis for the purpose of avoiding anastomotic failure.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2009Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Surgisense CorporationInventors: Jason Matthew Zand, Gregory Scott Fischer
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Patent number: 8105247Abstract: A system for measuring the size of a gastric lumen includes a gastric banding device, an antenna positioned outside of the patient's body, and a receiver in operative communication with the antenna. The banding device comprises two orthogonal ultrasonic transceiver modules, a microprocessor, and a transmitter in electrical communication with the microprocessor. The microprocessor is in operative communication with each of the two transceiver modules. The transmitter transmits signals to a receiver positioned outside of a patient's body. Another system for measuring the size of a gastric lumen includes a gastric banding device having a first coiled conductor. The system further comprises a circuit external to the banding device, the circuit comprising a second coiled conductor. The circuit further comprises a tunable frequency generator and a spectrum analyzer, the circuit being tunable to allow a resonant frequency.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2008Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Buchwald O'Dea LLCInventors: Henry Buchwald, Thomas J. O'Dea
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Publication number: 20120016268Abstract: An abdomen width determiner determines an abdomen width of a subject. A shape index calculator calculates a shape index corresponding to a cross-sectional shape of an abdomen of the subject. An obesity evaluator evaluates whether an obesity degree of the subject is high or low. An obesity index calculator calculates an obesity index corresponding to the abdomen width using a first equation if the obesity evaluator evaluates that the obesity degree is low, and calculates an obesity index corresponding to the abdomen width and the shape index using a second equation different from the first equation if the obesity evaluator evaluates that the obesity degree is high.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2011Publication date: January 19, 2012Applicant: TANITA CORPORATIONInventors: Yasuhiro KASAHARA, Yoshio SAKAI, Hirokazu ONO, Koji TSUJI
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Patent number: 8088078Abstract: Method and apparatus for performing multidimensional pressure measurements by means of pressure profile sensors comprises using a multichannel catheter (7), each channel (1, 2 . . . ) of which is individually excited electrically, more particularly each channel is individually and distinctly excited electrically so to provide individual, distinct excitation signals for registration. Use for performing pressure measurements in various human or animal tracts like e.g. esophagus, urethra or intestine or various cavities like e.g. stomach, bladder or uterus.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2003Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: PP-Technologies AGInventors: Raymond Glocker, Haldun Ă–zdemir
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Patent number: 8079964Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a marking element into a marker body includes a body portion, an insertion member, and a pushing member. The body portion has a compartment configured to receive a marker body. The insertion member is configured to engage the marker body within the compartment. The pushing member is configured to engage with the insertion member. The pushing member is operable to force a marking element along the insertion member into the marker body. The insertion member may include a hollow needle configured to penetrate the marker body. The pushing member may include a pin configured to fit within the hollow needle. The marker body may include an opening such as a slit, a slot, or a passage that is configured to receive a marking element. The marker body may include a collagen dowel, and the marking element may be formed of titanium.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2008Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.Inventors: Lee E. Reichel, Gwendolyn P. Payne, Trevor W. V. Speeg
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Patent number: 8079965Abstract: A system for displaying an esophageal operation includes a display device, an interface capable of receiving esophageal impedance and pressure measurements, and a processing system in communication with the display device, the interface, and an esophageal operation model. The processing system is configured to receive a plurality of impedance values from a first plurality of spaced-apart esophageal locations, receive a plurality of pressure values from a second plurality of spaced-apart esophageal locations, process the plurality of impedance values and the plurality of pressure values with the esophageal operation model, display the plurality of impedance values on the display device as a bolus transit, and display the plurality of pressure values on the display device as operational esophagus movement.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2009Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Sandhill Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Thomas D. Stuebe, Timothy Paul Stewart, Lisa Roos Stewart
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Patent number: 8075502Abstract: A system for visually indicating, in real time or post hoc, values of a physical property detected over a period of time along a dimension of an organism to a user on a temporal plot and a profile plot, either individually or concurrently. The detected values may be visually indicated on the temporal plot using any of a variety of techniques, including, but not limited to, a contour technique, a line trace technique or a mesh plot technique. Further, the detected values may be visually indicated on the profile plot using any of a variety of techniques, including, but not limited to a contour technique, a line trace technique or a histogram technique. To provide a finer spatial resolution, values may be interpolated for locations between the locations at which values were detected, and these values may be displayed on the temporal plot and the profile plot.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2009Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Pressure Profile Systems, Inc.Inventor: Thomas R. Parks
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Patent number: 8062236Abstract: A method for determining an optimal compression of tissue to apply a surgical element has the steps of applying a load to the tissue. The method has the step of determining a reactive load applied by the tissue in response to the load. The method also has the step of determining the reactive load per unit time for a predetermined time period and determining a slope of the reactive load per unit time. The method further has the steps of evaluating the slope relative to a predetermined threshold, and signaling when the slope exceeds the predetermined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2006Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group, LPInventor: Michael A. Soltz
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Patent number: 8051850Abstract: A nasal dilator includes a contact pad attachable to a user's facial region below the user's eye and outboard from the user's nose. A tugging device is coupled with the contact pad and urges the contact pad in a direction away from the user's nose. With this structure, effective dilation of the nasal passages can be achieved in a comfortable manner. The dilator may also be incorporated into a CPAP mask and/or form part of an automated control system.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2006Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: ResMed LimitedInventors: Rodney Philip Kwok, Ron Richard
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Patent number: 8038629Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining proper endotreachal placement is disclosed. The apparatus includes an audio receiver having a body, a microphone mount in a center thereof the body and an audio cavity, an audio processing unit; and a signal cable connected at a first end to the microphone and at a second end, where the receiver is adapted to be positioned in a suprasternal notch of a patient and the acoustic signal detected after inflation of a balloon associated with an endotracheal tube. The method uses the apparatus to detect and analyze an audio signal. The audio signal is then used to confirm endotracheal tube placement.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2008Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: Daneshvari R. Solanki, Thomas K. Doan, William E. McGrady, II
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Patent number: 8005536Abstract: A device and method for mapping, diagnosing and treating inflammatory disorders (such as Crohn's disease) or other diseases, disorders or conditions of the intestinal tract is provided using a capsule passing through the intestinal tract. Further, a capsule tracking system is provided for tracking a capsule's location along the length of an intestinal tract as various treatment and/or sensing modalities are employed. In one variation, an acoustic signal is used to determine the location of the capsule. A map of sensed impedance and or temperature may be derived from the pass of a capsule to diagnose the disorder or disease. The capsule or subsequently passed capsules may treat, further diagnose or mark the intestinal tract at a determined location along its length.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2003Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Entrack, Inc.Inventor: Mir A. Imran
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Patent number: 7963283Abstract: The method and system are for sealing/unsealing (regulating) airway leaks occurring between the ventilator circuit and respiratory airways during lung ventilatory support in response to myoelectrical activity of diaphragm. Myolectrical activity of a patient's respiratory-related muscle is sensed to detect respiratory effort, and to produce a myoelectrical signal representative of the sensed muscle myoelectrical activity. Respiratory flow and pressure can also be measured to produce respective respiratory pressure and respiratory flow signals. A logic trigger sealing/unsealing of airway leaks in relation to the myoelectrical signal, respiratory flow signal and/or respiratory pressure signal to assist respiration of the patient. The amplitude of the myoelectrical signal is compared to a given threshold, and airway leaks are sealed when the amplitude of the myoelectrical signal is higher than this threshold.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2002Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Universite de MontrealInventor: Christer Sinderby
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Patent number: 7963929Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for measuring the size of gastric pouches. At least some embodiments include a catheter comprising an outer elongate tube, an inner elongate tube disposed within the outer elongate tube, a proximal balloon attached to the outer elongate tube, a distal balloon having a first end attached to the outer elongate tube and a second end attached to the inner elongate tube, at least two detection electrodes positioned on the outer elongate tube relative to at least two excitation electrodes, and a pressure transducer positioned on the outer elongate tube.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2008Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: DTherapeutics, LLCInventor: Ghassan S. Kassab
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Patent number: 7935065Abstract: An oral device for use with a person in which at least one non-toxic gas pulse is delivered to a predetermined location in the mouth via a device conduit. The oral device may be provided as a kit with at least one device for measuring the subject's responses and representing them as feedback to the subject/clinician. A method of creating a gas bolus pulse train, delivering it to a predetermined mouth area, and monitoring the subject's responses to it, is also shown. The oral device and method may be used as a diagnostic tool, or a therapeutic tool, in swallowing or speech rehabilitation of children and adults who have swallowing, speech, salivary, and/or oral sensorimotor impairments.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2006Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: The University of Western OntarioInventors: Ruth E. Martin, Frank Bihari, Julie A. Theurer, Rebecca C. Smith
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Patent number: 7914468Abstract: A system for detecting non-verbal acoustic energy generated by a subject is provided. The system includes a sensor mountable on or in a body region of the subject, the sensor being capable of sensing the non-verbal acoustic energy; and a processing unit being capable of processing the non-verbal acoustic energy sensed by the sensor and deriving an activity related signature therefrom, thereby enabling identification of a specific activity associated with the non-verbal acoustic energy.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2005Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: SVIP 4 LLCInventors: Tadmor Shalon, Tidhar Shalon
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Publication number: 20110066254Abstract: There is provided a method for controlling a flow of fluid and/or other bodily matter in a lumen formed by a tissue wall of a patient's organ. The method comprises gently constricting (i.e., without substantially hampering the blood circulation in the tissue wall) at least one portion of the tissue wall to influence the flow in the lumen, and stimulating the constricted wall portion to cause contraction of the wall portion to further influence the flow in the lumen. The method can be used for restricting or stopping the flow in the lumen, or for actively moving the fluid in the lumen, with a low risk of injuring the organ. Such an organ may be the esophagus, stomach, intestines, urine bladder, urethra, ureter, renal pelvis, aorta, corpus cavernosum, exit veins of erectile tissue, uterine tube, vas deferens or bile duct, or a blood vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2010Publication date: March 17, 2011Inventor: Peter FORSELL
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Publication number: 20100312147Abstract: In some embodiments, methods to sense parameters associated with restriction procedures and/or devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, the parameters are sensed directly from the region of the procedure and/or device and in other embodiments, associated neural pathways are sensed. Methods for further optimization of the obesity treatment regimens are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2010Publication date: December 9, 2010Inventor: Michael Gertner
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Publication number: 20100298741Abstract: Apparatus (21) is described including a sensing electrode (22) that detects electrical activity of a duodenum (26) of a subject. The apparatus (21) includes a control unit (20) configured to facilitate a treatment of the subject responsively to the detected electrical activity. Other embodiments are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2008Publication date: November 25, 2010Applicant: BETASTIM, LTD.Inventors: Yossi Gross, Yossi Roffeh, Radwin Khawaled, Jacob Benarie
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Patent number: 7840269Abstract: Diet evaluation gastric apparatus (18) is provided, which detects when a patient (10) swallows, and detects the type and amount of matter ingested. The apparatus includes electrodes (74, 100) adapted to be coupled to the fundus and antrum of the patient and to measure electrical and mechanical activity therein, and a control unit (90) to analyze such electrical and mechanical activity and optionally apply electrical energy to modify the activity of tissue of the patient.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2007Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Metacure LimitedInventors: Shai Policker, Ricardo Aviv, Ophir Biton
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Patent number: 7824347Abstract: A device and method for mapping, diagnosing and treating the intestinal tract is provided using a capsule passing through the intestinal tract. Further, a capsule tracking system is provided for tracking a capsule's location along the length of an intestinal tract as various treatment and/or sensing modalities are employed. In one variation, an acoustic signal is used to determine the location of the capsule. A map of sensed information may be derived from the pass of a capsule. Capsules may be subsequently passed through to treat the intestinal tract at a determined location along its length. One variation uses an electrical stimulation capsule to treat and/or diagnose a condition in the intestinal tract.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2003Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Entrack, Inc.Inventors: Mir A. Imran, Oliver K. Colliou, Ted W. Layman, Sharon L. Lake, Harm Tenhoff, Timothy J. Hughes
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Patent number: 7764992Abstract: A swallow challenge medium is thixotropic for easy swallowing and to provide enough viscosity for effective challenge to peristalsis and has high ionic density for effective impedance measurements by contact with electrodes positioned in a person's esophagus or oropharynx during swallow testing. The medium also has a high surface tension so as not to adhere to or coat the electrodes or probe surfaces. These physical characteristics are stabilized and consistent enough to provide standard for esophageal and/or oropharyngeal function testing and diagnostics.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2007Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Sandhill Scientific, Inc.Inventors: Jerry E. Mabary, Ian N. Askill
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Patent number: 7749177Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting swallowing activity is provided. In an embodiment, a method includes receiving an electronic signal from an accelerometer that represents swallowing activity, extracting at least two features from the signal, classifying the signal as a type of swallowing activity based on the extracted features, and generating an output of the classification. Exemplary activities include swallows, aspirations, movement and vocal artifacts. By indicating whether an activity is a swallow or an aspiration, the manner in which a patient afflicted with an increased likelihood for aspirations is fed can be adjusted to increase the likelihood of achieving a swallow instead of an aspiration during feeding. In turn this could reduce hospitalizations for aspiration pneumonia in patients with acute or chronic injury.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2009Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Bloorview Kids RehabInventors: Thomas T. K. Chau, David J. Kenny, Michael J. Casas, Glenn Berall
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Publication number: 20100160833Abstract: The proposed invention is a method and system for the segmentation of dual-axis accelerometry signals for the purposed of identifying problematic swallowing events. The method and system employ a sensor, a data collection means including an algorithm for the analysis of the data. The proposed invention considers the stochastic properties of swallowing signals in both directions, A-P and S-I to extract events associated with swallowing. A segmentation algorithm may be applied to the signals to establish the time duration of swallows and swallows may be classified with respect to gender, body mass index, age or types of swallow.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2009Publication date: June 24, 2010Inventors: TOM CHAU, ERVIN SEJDIC
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Patent number: 7727169Abstract: A moveable in vivo device comprises a device body and at least one moveable appendage that is moveably coupled the device body such that movement of the moveable appendage causes the device body to move in a body lumen.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2002Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Given Imaging, Ltd.Inventors: Shlomo Lewkowicz, Arkady Glukhovsky, Harold Jacob
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Publication number: 20100121225Abstract: A system and method for indicating transferability of a non-dissolvable target in-vivo device through the GI tract are described. The in vivo system includes a dissolvable in-vivo device which has two operational phases; an initial phase in which the device is of initial dimensions and a final phase in which the device is of final dimensions. In the initial phase the device can pass freely through a normally configured body lumen whereas it may not be able to pass freely through an abnormally configured lumen. In the final phase the device can pass freely through a body lumen even if it is abnormally configured.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2010Publication date: May 13, 2010Inventors: Shlomo Lewkowicz, Daniel Gat, Yehudit Kraizer, Zvika Gilad, David Leuw, Gavriel Meron, Arkady Glukhovsky, Howard D. Manten
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Publication number: 20100114149Abstract: An implant for placement within a hollow body organ, the implant includes a distension device having an undeployed shape for delivery within a hollow body and one or more deployed shapes for implantation therein. The device has sufficient rigidity in its deployed shape to exert an outward force against an interior of the hollow body so as to bring together two substantially opposing surfaces of the hollow body. The implant further includes an implantable pump in fluid communication with the distension device and having a plurality of actuators configured to change the shape of the distension device upon the application of energy thereto such that sequential activation of the plurality of actuators is effective to create pumping action to move fluid through the pump.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2008Publication date: May 6, 2010Inventors: Thomas E. ALBRECHT, Jason L. HARRIS, Mark S. ORTIZ, Michael J. STOKES, Mark S. ZEINER
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Publication number: 20100056961Abstract: A method for detecting deglutition includes steps of: generating in the computer memory a number of addresses perfectly identifiable from a start point on which electrical transients received from the sensor element will be recorded; shooting the first computer memory scan upon receiving the signal of the first suction movement detected by the cutaneous electrodes or pressure transducers; recording electrical transients of records from the microphone or movement sensors at the different memory addresses: consider as a fresh start for recording electrical transients from the microphone every new signal of a new suction movement; averaging the electrical transients of records from the sensor element at different memory addresses; compare averaged electrical transients during apneas to normal breathing (to show that the ingested milk was swallowed during the times when the infant develops apneas). The device includes: a respiration sensor element; a suction sensor element; and a deglutition sensor element.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2007Publication date: March 4, 2010Inventor: Luis Maria Voloschin
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Publication number: 20100022853Abstract: A system for measuring the size of a gastric lumen includes a gastric banding device, an antenna positioned outside of the patient's body, and a receiver in operative communication with the antenna. The banding device comprises two orthogonal ultrasonic transceiver modules, a microprocessor, and a transmitter in electrical communication with the microprocessor. The microprocessor is in operative communication with each of the two transceiver modules. The transmitter transmits signals to a receiver positioned outside of a patient's body. Another system for measuring the size of a gastric lumen includes a gastric banding device having a first coiled conductor. The system further comprises a circuit external to the banding device, the circuit comprising a second coiled conductor. The circuit further comprises a tunable frequency generator and a spectrum analyzer, the circuit being tunable to allow a resonant frequency.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2008Publication date: January 28, 2010Inventors: Henry Buchwald, Thomas J. O'Dea
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Patent number: 7651471Abstract: An encapsulated medical device is passed through the lumen of a body cavity in order to examine, cure, or treat an internal region of the body cavity under the control of the extracorporeal device. A capsule body has a linkage hole bored in the extended portion thereof so that when the capsule body comes into close contact with the internal surface of a body cavity to block the lumen thereof, the linkage hole will realize a fluid passage which allows a fluid such as a gas or humor to flow into the forward and backward parts of the lumen.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2006Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventors: Takeshi Yokoi, Hironobu Takizawa, Hidetake Segawa, Hideyuki Adachi
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Patent number: 7651470Abstract: A swallowing function evaluating apparatus capable of quantitatively evaluating a swallowing function safely and repeatedly, which comprises a height variation detecting unit 10 for detecting a variation in the height of the surface of a throat from a predetermined reference position in the height direction in which a thyroid protrudes and an analyzing unit 21 for time-serially analyzing the variation to calculate an index for evaluating a swallowing function. The swallowing function evaluating apparatus can repeatedly detect the variation safely without radiating X-rays and can quantitatively evaluate the swallowing function using a calculated index.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2007Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Assignees: Sumitomo Osaka Cement Co., Ltd., Keio UniversityInventors: Junya Sato, Masato Nakajima, Yasuhiro Takemura
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Publication number: 20090299231Abstract: A lumen passability checking device includes: an outer structure having an external diameter substantially equal to that of a capsule medical device to be inserted into a body of a subject and having at least a part dissolved by a specific substance existing in a target organ within the subject; and a visually checkable identifier contained in the outer structure and discharged from the outer structure to inside of the body of the subject along dissolution of the outer structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2009Publication date: December 3, 2009Applicant: OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORP.Inventor: Hironobu TAKIZAWA
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Publication number: 20090292182Abstract: A system and method for determining the path length through a body lumen, for example to a specified location, is described. A location detection system may identify the location in space of an in-vivo device over time. A path-length detection unit may use data from the location detection system to determine a path traveled by an in-vivo device. A site of interest along that path may be identified. The distance of the site of interest from at least one end point of a body lumen may be determined.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2009Publication date: November 26, 2009Inventor: Eli HORN
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Publication number: 20090287121Abstract: A lumen passability checking device includes: a soluble unit made of a material that dissolves in a body and forming a structure of a capsule shape; and an insoluble unit made of a material that does not dissolve in the body and forming a thin film that covers the surface of the soluble unit excluding an opening. The shape of the insoluble unit is maintained by the soluble unit, and the insoluble unit collapses when the soluble unit dissolves and collapses.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2009Publication date: November 19, 2009Applicant: OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORP.Inventors: Hironao KAWANO, Takeshi YOKOI
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Patent number: 7615014Abstract: A device for measuring elastic properties, comprising a long bar-like probe base (42) and probes (50a, 50c) fitted to the probe base (42) driven as to be pressed against and withdrawn from a living body tissue. The probes are so formed that generally semi-spherical contact balls (58) having stress detection bases (56) are fitted to the ends of leaf strings (52) and stress detection sensors (60) are disposed on the stress detection bases (56). Light-receiving elements are fitted to the opposite side of the leaf displacement sensors (62a, 62b). The stress sensors (60) and displacement sensors (62a, 62b) are connected to the device body through signal lines (92, 94), respectively. The profile of the displacement of the tissue is calculated and displayed in a manner indicating correlation with stress.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2004Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignee: Nihon UniversityInventors: Sadao Omata, Chris E. Constantinou, Osamu Yamaguchi, Hideyuki Usui
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Publication number: 20090227907Abstract: A living body inspection apparatus includes: a first detecting unit detecting a displacement of two positions in a lateral direction of a subject's larynx; a second detecting unit detecting a swallowing sound of the subject; a displaying unit displaying a waveform regarding the displacement of the two positions formed using information from the first detecting unit and a waveform regarding the swallowing sound formed using information from the second detecting unit; a processor instructing the displaying unit; and a flexible holding member including a pair of sensor holding members having flexibility and provided with the first and second detecting units at one ends, and a mounting member integrally formed with the pair of sensor holding members at other ends to hold the sensor holding members, the other ends being made open so that the mounting member is mounted on and held by the subject's larynx.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2009Publication date: September 10, 2009Inventors: Akihiko KANDORI, Tsuyoshi MIYASHITA, Mitsuru ONUMA, Yuko SANO, Ryuzo KAWABATA
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Patent number: 7585283Abstract: A device and method is described for enabling an examining device to pass through an abnormally configured body lumen. The device may pass through a body lumen while maintaining an initial dimension. Upon encounter with an abnormally configured body lumen, the device may be depleted and take on a final dimension after a predetermined time period, regardless of its current orientation with respect to the body lumen, so that the device may pass through and vacate the abnormally configured body lumen shortly after the predetermined time period may have elapsed.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2004Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: Given Imaging Ltd.Inventors: Yehudit Kraizer, Raphael Rabinovitz, Yoram Sela
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Publication number: 20090192415Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for handling data in an implantable restriction system. In general, the methods and devices allow collection, analysis, storage, and transmission of pressure measurements. Pressure measurement data can be compressed before storing it. Additionally, not all pressure data need be recorded or retained, such as data substantially equaling a resting or nominal pressure of an implantable restriction device indicative of little to no pressure variation and data indicative of isolated, non-recurring events. Any pressure measurement data that is recorded can be transmitted to an external device using power telemetrically provided by the external device.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2008Publication date: July 30, 2009Applicant: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.Inventors: Mark S. Ortiz, David N. Plescia, Daniel F. Dlugos, JR., David C. Yates, Kevin Doll
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Patent number: 7567831Abstract: A respiratory measurement system and a method for measuring respiratory motion are provided. The system includes a strapping device that is configured to be placed across a chest of a person. The strapping device is substantially transparent to x-rays. The system further includes a sensor operatively coupled to the strapping device generating a measurement signal indicative of a displacement of the strapping device during respiration by the person.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2004Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventors: Michael Ronald Miller, Elizabeth Ann Thottakara, Phil E. Pearson, Jr.
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Publication number: 20090124937Abstract: A system for visually indicating, in real time or post hoc, values of a physical property detected over a period of time along a dimension of an organism to a user on a temporal plot and a profile plot, either individually or concurrently. The detected values may be visually indicated on the temporal plot using any of a variety of techniques, including, but not limited to, a contour technique, a line trace technique or a mesh plot technique. Further, the detected values may be visually indicated on the profile plot using any of a variety of techniques, including, but not limited to a contour technique, a line trace technique or a histogram technique. To provide a finer spatial resolution, values may be interpolated for locations between the locations at which values were detected, and these values may be displayed on the temporal plot and the profile plot.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2009Publication date: May 14, 2009Applicant: Pressure Profile Systems, Inc.Inventor: Thomas R. Parks
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Publication number: 20090082698Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for measuring the size of gastric pouches. At least some embodiments include a catheter comprising an outer elongate tube, an inner elongate tube disposed within the outer elongate tube, a proximal balloon attached to the outer elongate tube, a distal balloon having a first end attached to the outer elongate tube and a second end attached to the inner elongate tube, at least two detection electrodes positioned on the outer elongate tube relative to at least two excitation electrodes, and a pressure transducer positioned on the outer elongate tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2008Publication date: March 26, 2009Applicant: DTherapeutics, LLCInventor: Ghassan S. Kassab
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Patent number: 7509174Abstract: A device, system and method for diagnosing and treating gastric disorders is provided. A functional device resides within the patient's stomach and is secured to the stomach wall by an attachment device. The functional device may be a sensor for sensing various parameters of the stomach or stomach environment, or may be a therapeutic delivery device. The functional device in one embodiment provides a device, system and method for gastric electrical stimulation where stimulating electrodes are secured to the wall of the stomach by the attachment device or otherwise. A preferred device includes: at least one stimulating electrode in electrical contact with the stomach wall; an electronics unit containing the electronic circuitry of the device; and an attachment mechanism for attaching the device to the stomach wall. The functional devices may be programmed to respond to sensed information or signals.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2002Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: IntraPace, Inc.Inventors: Mir A. Imran, Olivier K. Colliou, Ted W. Layman, Deepak R. Gandhi, Sharon L. Lake
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Patent number: 7505802Abstract: A capsule endoscope is disclosed that includes a capsule and a transparent cover having a central axis and that is located in front of an objective optical system within the capsule. The objective optical system has a depth of field, a field of view, and an image surface that has curvature of field, and is arranged on the central axis of the transparent cover and the capsule. The field of view of the objective optical system includes a spherical surface that is tangent to the transparent cover at a periphery of the field of view, and the near point of the depth of field on the optical axis of the objective optical system is positioned farther from the objective optical system than is the transparent cover. Various conditions are satisfied so as to provide high quality imaging.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2004Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventor: Koichiro Yoshino
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Patent number: 7502649Abstract: A method is provided for detecting a change in posture of a subject. An electrical impedance is measured between two or more sites on a stomach (20) of the subject, and an impedance signal is generated responsive thereto. The change in posture is detected by performing a posture analysis of the impedance signal. A method is also provided for treating a subject. The method includes applying an electrical signal to a site of the subject selected from the list consisting of: a colon (402) of the subject, and a distal small intestine (408) of the subject. The signal is configured to stimulate cells of the subject to increase secretion of glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1) or PYY, or to decrease secretion of ghrelin, in order to treat the subject.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2004Date of Patent: March 10, 2009Assignee: Metacure Ltd.Inventors: Shlomo Ben-Haim, Shai Policker, Ricardo Aviv, Ofer Glasberg