Abstract: A negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) device includes a canister, a pump, a filter, and a control unit. The canister is configured to collect wound exudate from a wound site. The pump is fluidly coupled to the canister and configured to draw a vacuum within the canister by pumping air out of the canister. The filter is positioned between the canister and the pump such that the air pumped out of the canister passes through the filter in a first direction. The control unit is configured to operate the pump and to purge the filter by causing airflow through the filter in a second direction, opposite the first direction.

Abstract: An arthroscopic or other surgical system includes a handpiece and a probe. The handpiece carries a motor drive, and the probe has a proximal hub and an elongate shaft which extends about a longitudinal axis to a working end of the probe. The hub is configured for detachably coupling to the handpiece, and the motor drive is configured to couple to a rotating drive coupling in the hub when the hub is coupled to the handpiece. A first magnetic component is carried by the hub, and a second magnetic component is coupled to rotate with the rotating drive coupling.

Abstract: A flow control system for an ultrasonic aspirator handpiece having an aspiration pathway having an inner nosecone operatively connected to the handpiece. A flow control mechanism is disposed over the inner nosecone defining a flow control channel therebetween. The flow control channel is operatively connected to the aspiration pathway. A control aperture of the flow control mechanism is configured for variable engagement by a digit of an operator between an open position and a closed position for corresponding variable adjustment of an aspiration flow rate.

Abstract: A medical instrument including a first fluid line having an end with an edge, a second fluid line, and a cavity in which the end of the first fluid line is arranged, and which is connected to the second fluid line. A wall region of the cavity is designed to be flexibly movable. In a first configuration, the flexibly movable wall region bears on the edge of the end of the first fluid line and thus closes the end of the first fluid line. In a second configuration, the flexibly movable wall region does not bear, or bears only partially, on the edge of the end of the first fluid line, such that the first fluid line and the second fluid line are fluidically connected.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for a trackable suction tool for surgical use. The suction tool provides multiple configurations for the tip and reference tree, while allowing tracking by a navigation system. The tip and reference tree are attached to the suction tool handle by a snap fit, a threaded ring with key and slot connections or semi-Allen key connections, providing specific rotational configurations of the tip, handle and reference tree with each other. The handle may include a rotatable outer sleeve with a tear-shaped orifice for suction regulation and an inner sleeve with a corresponding opening, allowing variable placement of the tear-shaped orifice relative to the longitudinal axis of the suction tool. The features of the device allow a suction tool with multiple configurations to be trackable with a navigation system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a breast pump (1) comprising a first pump (6) and second pump (6?), at least one expression kit (2, 2?), a valve assembly (13), and a control unit (8) for controlling the valve assembly (13) and/or the pumps (6, 6?), wherein the control unit (8) is configured to control the valve assembly (13) and/or the pumps (6, 6?) for alternate operation of the first and second pumps (6, 6?) in dependency of the operation times of the first and second pumps (6, 6?).

Abstract: A system and method for a diaphragm-based fluidics aspiration system is disclosed. The aspiration system includes a waste reservoir configured to hold a vacuum pressure; an aspiration connection; a vacuum pinch valve including a first outlet fluidically coupled to the waste reservoir; a second outlet fluidically coupled to the aspiration connection; a fluid channel; and an actuator configured to alter a cross-sectional area of the fluid channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatuses and methods for treating a wound by applying reduced or negative pressure to the wound. The apparatus can include a wound cover, a fluid collection container, a vacuum pump, an inflation pump, and one or more conduits. The wound cover can be configured to move between at least a relatively rigid, generally raised position and a relatively flexible, generally collapsed position according to a predetermined program or in response to input from a user or one or more sensors. In some embodiments, the wound cover can be configured to move between at least the relatively rigid, generally raised position and the relatively flexible, generally collapsed position by adjusting the air pressure in one or more channels in the wound cover or by adjusting the length of piezoelectric or other length changing material supported by the wound cover.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for laser eye surgery generally make use of a console that interchangeably accepts multiple types of eye treatment cassettes. The cassettes enable one or both of displacement-based or vacuum-based aspiration. The console and the cassette may communicate to establish the functionality of the installed cassette by utilizing a component indigenous to the operation of the cassette. A dual-mode cassette may include a separable holding tank for enabling vacuum-based aspiration. A displacement-based pump may be provided to drain the holding tank while the vacuum system continues to aspirate fluids. A vacuum sensor for controlling the flow of aspirated fluids may have three ports for communicating with a handpiece, a displacement-based pump, a vacuum-based pump, or an irrigation source. The handpiece may be vented during vacuum-based aspiration by opening a vent valve interposed between the handpiece and the vacuum source.

Abstract: A system and method for balancing flows of renal replacement fluid is disclosed. The method uses pressure controls and pressure sensing devices to more precisely meter and balance the flow of fresh dialysate and spent dialysate. The balancing system may use one or two balancing devices, such as a balance tube, a tortuous path, or a balance chamber.

Abstract: A chest drainage system including a collection device configured to receive fluid from the pleural cavity of a patient. A sensor is included to detect a pressure differential in the fluid. A display is configured to display a trend in occurrences of changes in pressure of the fluid over time in predetermined time increments based on a number of detections of pressure differentials that exceed a predetermined pressure differential during each of the predetermined time increments. The trend is correlative to the percentage of time that the patient is deemed to have an air leak in the pleural cavity in the predetermined time increments. The trend is derived from a ratio of the quantity of respiratory cycles of the patient for which the predetermined pressure differential is detected (QRCleak) in the predetermined time increments to the total quantity of respiratory cycles of the patient in respective predetermined time increments (QRCtotal).

Abstract: An electronic control module is provided. The electronic control module is operably connected to a power supply for providing power to a motor. The electronic control module includes an input device, a processor coupled to the input device, and first and second current supply lines. The processor is configured to generate a command signal in response to an input supplied by the input device and transmit the command signal to the motor. The command signal controls an operating point of the motor. The first and second current supply lines are operably connectable to the motor and the processor. At least one of the current supply lines, the input device and the processor are adapted to utilize the current supply lines both to transmit power to the motor and to transmit the command signal to the motor over the current supply lines.

Abstract: A digitally controlled aspirator is provided with a processor that allows the user to select operating conditions including one or more default settings. The processor further includes sensors for sensing operational and environmental conditions and adjusts the operation of the aspirator to reflect the sensed conditions.

Abstract: A method and system assist a physician in controlling pressure in a line during a surgery. The method includes filtering a vacuum signal such that portions of the vacuum signal having a frequency greater than a threshold frequency (e.g., ten Hz) are not passed. Thus a filtered vacuum signal is provided. The method also includes providing a control signal to a vacuum source. The control signal is selected from the vacuum signal and the filtered vacuum signal. The vacuum source provides a vacuum having a level based on the control signal.

Abstract: A patch-sized fluid delivery device may include a reusable portion and a disposable portion. The disposable portion may include components that come into contact with the fluid, while the reusable portion may include only components that do not come into contact with the fluid. Redundant systems, such as redundant controllers, power sources, motor actuators, and alarms, may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, certain components can be multi-functional, such a microphones and loudspeakers that may be used for both acoustic volume sensing and for other functions and a coil that may be used as both an inductive coupler for a battery recharger and an antenna for a wireless transceiver. Various types of network interfaces may be provided in order to allow for remote control and monitoring of the device.

Abstract: A system for intracranial access that includes a support assembly is described. The system includes a tubular probe shaft that may be advanced through a hole in the patient's skull. The tubular probe shaft houses a rotating element that cuts clot, and is connected to a vacuum source to aspirate clot fragments and blood from the site. The rotating element may have a bident shape.

Abstract: A negative pressure wound therapy apparatus can include a wound dressing, a fluid collection container, a vacuum pump comprising a pump motor, and tubing. Additionally, the apparatus can include a pressure sensor that measures a pressure in the tubing. One or more tubes can channel a fluid between the wound dressing, the fluid collection canister, and the pump. In addition, first and second control circuits can be provided for controlling the pump motor without using a processor. The first control circuit can generate a difference signal between a desired pressure input and a pressure sensor input, and can further generate a motor control signal responsive to the difference signal. Moreover, a second control circuit can provide an override signal based at least in part on the difference signal and at least one reference signal. The override signal beneficially overrides the motor control signal to prevent the pump motor from stalling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for delivering at least one agent to a wound site. The method includes the steps of providing a delivery tube having an outlet at a wound site, covering the wound site with a drape and introducing agent at an agent inlet port of the delivery tube. The agent passes along the delivery tube through the drape to the wound site. The agent can be a wide variety or mixture of fluids such as but not limited to pain relief medicament, anti-biotics, saline solution and/or hydrating fluid.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for treatment of an eye alter aspiration flow from the eye in response to an occlusion of the aspiration conduit pathway. Where aspiration is drawn from the eye using a volumetric pump, the pump can be reversed so as to induce fluid reflux from the aspiration conduit pathway into the eye to help clear the occlusion. The pump may vary the reverse flow in response to sensed aspiration pressure or the like, and the reverse flow may be halted before the pressure within the aspiration conduit pathway adjacent the eye significantly exceeds the irrigation fluid pressure and/or the pressure within the eye. Reflux may alternatively be generated by modulating a vent valve disposed between an irrigation conduit pathway and the aspiration conduit pathway.

Abstract: System and methods of an electrosurgical controller having multiple modes of operation that are configured for treatment of a specific targeted tissue type and the electrosurgical effect desired where the treatment and effect are provided by a single controller and an electrosurgical probe. The electrosurgical controller includes an integrated fluid control apparatus or pump where activation of the controller allows for selective energy delivery and corresponding fluid volume flow rates. The electrosurgical probe includes a fluid transport lumen and is in communication with the controller and the pump for operation of the probe in the various user selected modes with accompanying energy delivery and fluid control directed to the desired treatment and surgical effect.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fluid management assembly. The fluid management assembly includes a handpiece, a slider based fluid control mechanism, and a fluid occluding member. The slider based fluid control mechanism housed in the handpiece. The fluid occluding member is configured to be in communication with the fluid control mechanism. The fluid occluding member being separate from the handpiece.

Abstract: A breastshield unit for use with a breastpump for expressing human breastmilk using underpressure has a dimensionally stable breastshield and a flexible breastshield insert for placing in the breastshield. The breastshield has a first, open breastshield end for placing on a mother's breast. The breastshield insert has a first insert end and a second insert end which define a longitudinal direction, the first, open breastshield end having a peripheral edge on which the breastshield insert is securable with the first insert end. In the assembled state, the breastshield insert extends from this first insert end through the inside of the breastshield to the second insert end, wherein the breastshield insert, between the first and second insert ends, extends substantially spaced apart from the breastshield. In the assembled state of the breastshield insert, the second insert end is displaceable in the longitudinal direction relative to the breastshield.

Abstract: A thermal control unit for delivering temperature-controlled fluid to one or more patient therapy devices (e.g. pads, blankets, etc.) that are in contact with a patient is disclosed. The thermal control unit allows multiple patient therapy devices to be fluidly coupled thereto and to individually monitor the temperatures, flow rates, and/or connections/disconnections of the patient therapy devices. A user interface enables a user to designate outlet ports to the therapy devices as active or inactive, and the control unit provides notifications to the user if any of the active ports experience an undesired condition, or if a patient therapy device is connected to an inactive port. The user interface further allows the user to designate one of multiple patient temperature probes as a primary probe. The primary probe is used to control the temperature of the fluid circulating through the control unit.

Abstract: A regulator for modulation of the flow rate of blood out of a patients blood vessel during blood collection is disclosed. The regulator includes a housing having a housing inlet, a housing outlet, and a wall defining a housing interior. At least a portion of the wall includes a flexible member. A valve is associated with the flexible member and is in communication with the housing interior. The regulator is designed so that upon an application of a differential pressure within the housing interior, the flexible member and/or valve automatically move with respect to either the housing inlet or housing outlet to modulate a flow of blood moving through the housing. A manual over-ride device can be provided to enable a user to over-ride the automatic regulation and manually regulate the flow of blood through the housing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a guided surgical tool assembly with a guide tube including a sensor, a surgical instrument including a detectable feature moveable within the guide tube, and the sensor capable of detecting the detectable feature when the surgical instrument is inserted in the guide tube. Some embodiments include a sensor pad, a guide stop coupled to the surgical instrument, a plunger mechanism including a compressible spring mechanism coupled to the guide tube, and a wiper capable of being sensed by the sensor pad. Some embodiments include a guided surgical tool assembly system comprising a tool sensor system including a processor and at least one data input/output interface. Some embodiments include a medical robot system with a guided surgical tool assembly and including a robot coupled to an effectuator element configured for controlled movement and positioning along one or more of an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis.

Abstract: A connector assembly (2100,3100) includes a unitary female connector portion (100) manufactured from a singular material that includes a waisted, tapering intermediate section (101) disposed between a compression ring (102) and a luminal connector (103) and one or more finger-grasping surfaces (108,109) disposed along the waisted, tapering intermediate section. A unitary male connector portion (1200,2200), which can be single ended or double-ended, includes a protruding male connector portion (1202,2202), one or more luminal connectors (1203,2203,2233) and a convex frustum (201,1201) disposed between the protruding male connector portion and the single ended luminal connector.

Abstract: The invention is generally directed to systems and methods for ophthalmic surgery, and more particularly to systems and methods for phacoemulsification using vacuum-based aspiration pumps. In accordance with one embodiment, a vacuum-based phacoemulsification system, having a handpiece, includes a subsystem to detect an occlusion occurring at the handpiece during operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods can be used improve the efficacy of tube thoracostomy. For example, this document provides devices and methods for confirming the proper placement of a chest tube within the pleural space.

Abstract: A cassette module (1), in particular an ophthalmological cassette module (1), serves for receiving material and/or liquids aspirated during an operation and for insertion into a container chamber (8) of a suction module (19). The cassette module (1) comprises a container (4) with a container wall (3) that delimits a receiving space (33) for receiving the liquids, wherein the container (4) can be inserted into the container chamber (8), wherein the container (4) has at least one inlet opening (36) extending through the container wall (3), through which inlet opening (36) the material and/or the liquid can be delivered to the receiving space (33) of the container (4), and wherein the container (4) has at least one vacuum opening (25) which extends through the container wall (3) and by way of which the receiving space (33) can be subjected to an underpressure built up in the container chamber (8).

Abstract: A hydraulically-driven Intra-Ocular Lens (IOL) insertion tool includes a body, a chamber within the body, a first fluid port providing fluid communication into the chamber, a piston positioned within the chamber and arranged to move within the chamber in response to the introduction or removal of fluid from the chamber, and an elongated member. The elongated member includes a distal end comprising an intra-ocular lens interface and a proximal end connected to the piston such that movement of the piston within the chamber causes corresponding movement of the elongated member.

Abstract: A tracheal intubation system including a laryngoscope is disclosed. An endotracheal tube exchange system is also disclosed. In some examples, the system includes a laryngoscope, a stylet, and an endotracheal tube. In some examples the stylet is an articulating stylet. An endotracheal tube with one or more depth-assessment bands is also disclosed. An articulating stylet with one or more depth-assessment bands and an orientation mark is also disclosed. A method of positioning an endotracheal tube in a patient is also disclosed. A method of positioning a stylet for placement of an endotracheal tube is also disclosed. A method of performing an endotracheal tube exchange procedure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical cassette clamping system includes a mounting plate having a first side and a second side. A bracket system may be disposed adjacent the first side of the mounting plate. A clamp motor may be disposed adjacent the mounting plate and fixed relative to the mounting plate. The clamp motor may be operably connected to the bracket system to displace the bracket system relative to the mounting plate. The system may also include a plurality of pivot arms pivotably connected to the bracket system and extending adjacent the second side of the mounting plate. An engagement portion may be attached to each of the plurality of pivot arms that cooperatively engages the second side of the mounting plate, the engagement portion being operable to pivot the pivot arms when the bracket system moves relative to the mounting plate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include an endoscope including multiple lumens for tissue acquisition and removal and related methods of use.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in dialyzing a patient comprising a hemodialysis catheter comprising an elongated body having a proximal and a distal end, wherein the distal end terminates in a substantially planar distal end surface; first and second lumens extending from the proximal end to the distal end, wherein the lumens terminate on the distal end surface in first and second mouths, arranged in side-by-side configuration, and further wherein the lumens are separated by a septum; and first and second longitudinal slots formed in the distal end of the elongated body and communicating with the interiors of the lumens, the slots opening on the distal end surface; wherein the slots each have a length and a width, relative to the dimensions of the lumens and the rate of blood flow to be passed through the hemodialysis catheter, so as to minimize undesirable recirculation of dialyzed blood.

Abstract: A patch-sized fluid delivery device may include a reusable portion and a disposable portion. The disposable portion may include components that come into contact with the fluid, while the reusable portion may include only components that do not come into contact with the fluid. Redundant systems, such as redundant controllers, power sources, motor actuators, and alarms, may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, certain components can be multi-functional, such a microphones and loudspeakers that may be used for both acoustic volume sensing and for other functions and a coil that may be used as both an inductive coupler for a battery recharger and an antenna for a wireless transceiver. Various types of network interfaces may be provided in order to allow for remote control and monitoring of the device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cleaning body cavities are presented. Some embodiments reduce size of fecal matter pieces within an evacuation conduit. Some comprise devices and methods for purging an evacuation conduit. Some comprise reduced cross-sectional profiles of a cleaning device. Some protect intestinal tissue by preventing exposure to excessively high and low pressures.

Abstract: The present application relates to a breast pump system. The breast pump system comprises a vacuum path for creating a pressure reduction on a breast. A pump unit generates and releases a pressure reduction in the vacuum path, and comprises a vacuum pump (20). A leakage aperture (60) is configured to allow a controlled release of a pressure reduction in at least part of the vacuum path so that the pressure reduction in at least part of the vacuum path is released in the event that the pump unit fails to release the pressure reduction in the vacuum path. The vacuum pump (20) has a discharge port (22) for discharging air drawn from the vacuum path, and the leakage aperture (60) is disposed proximate to the discharge port (22) so that airflow discharged from the discharge port (22) is directed over the leakage aperture (60).

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a cassette capture mechanism for uniting a cassette with a console to prevent jamming or damage to the console and/or cassette. The cassette capture mechanism comprises a cassette receptacle, an axial translation linkage, a first sensor apparatus, and a second sensor apparatus. The cassette receptacle is configured to couple with a cassette having a positioning surface. The axial translation linkage is configured to couple the cassette with the cassette receptacle. The first sensor apparatus is configured to detect alignment of the cassette in a horizontal plane with respect to the cassette receptacle when the cassette is initially coupled with the cassette receptacle; and the second sensor apparatus is configured to detect activation of the first sensor apparatus and detect alignment of the cassette in a vertical plane with respect to the cassette receptacle.

Abstract: A surgical irrigation and suction apparatus includes a housing forming a handle and a barrel. The housing contains a suction tube for disposing of waste slurry and am irrigation tube for provision of irrigation fluid. The apparatus further includes a removable tube divided into an irrigation chamber and a suction chamber. The two chambers are collinearly arranged with respect to each other. The removable tube is coupled with the housing via a tube fitting. The apparatus further includes an inlet/outlet tip coupled with the other end of the removable tube, the tip including an outlet port and a plurality of inlet ports, respectively. The irrigation chamber terminates distal to the barrel with the tip arranged to spray the irrigation fluid through the outlet port. The suction chamber terminates distal to the barrel with the tip for recovery of the waste slurry through the plurality of inlet ports.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a method to vent gas from a body cavity during an endoscopic procedure. A body cavity is in fluid communication with an exhaust gas inlet of a vacuum break device. The vacuum break device has a chamber in fluid communication with both the inlet and an outlet. The chamber may comprise one or more openings in fluid communication with the atmosphere. A conduit in fluid communication with the exhaust gas outlet may be connected directly or indirectly to a suction source. The suction source may be activated.

Abstract: This invention relates to the design of tissue covering elements for use in vacuum assisted tissue apposition systems, wherein the geometry of the covering elements favors the application of contractile forces over compressive or extensive forces at the tissue interface.

Abstract: A device for applying radiofrequency energy for sphincter treatment comprising a flexible outer tube, an expandable basket having a plurality of arms movable from a collapsed position to an expanded position, and a plurality of electrodes movable with respect to the arms from a retracted position to an extended position. An advancer is slidably disposed within the outer tube to move the plurality of electrodes to the extended position. An actuator moves the advancer from a first position to a second position to advance the plurality of electrodes. An aspiration tube extends within the outer tube. An assembly includes an aspiration disabler having a first position to enable aspiration from a distal portion of the aspiration tube to a proximal portion and a second position to disable aspiration.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods interface a cassette with an eye treatment system console to provide coupling between the console and an eye treatment probe. The console may receive the cassette using a driven axial translation linkage that inhibits rotation of the cassette. The cassette may facilitate accurately positioning of a pressure sensor relative to a the console by allowing sliding movement between the sensor and a cassette body. Multiple peristaltic drives may be mounted to the console so that their rotors rotate about a common axis. An integrated mount structure may support and/or position components of the console which will interface with cassette, and an axially compressible vacuum connector of the console seal to a tapered vacuum coupler of the cassette.

Abstract: A device for retrieving calculus in a lumen of a living body includes an elongated member possessing an outer dimension configured to be positioned in the lumen of the living body, wherein the tubular body includes an inlet, an outlet and a retrieval space in the interior at a position between the inlet and the outlet. A foldable sealing member is positioned in the tubular body interior and is axially movable in distal and proximal directions, and a plunger is connected to the sealing member so that axial movement of the plunger axially moves the sealing member in the interior of the tubular body. The foldable sealing member is folded into a folded configuration when the plunger is axially moved in a distal direction toward the inlet and being spread out in a spread-out configuration when the plunger is axially moved in a proximal direction away from the inlet.

Abstract: A device for vacuum treatment of wounds, the device having a disposable canister for receiving a suctioned wound exudate, and a vacuum pump. The disposable canister is designed to partially enclose the vacuum pump, which is inserted into the canister, and to thereby fix it against movements in non-inserting directions. The structure of the device is used mainly in a stationary mode and occasionally is used in a mobile mode when worn by patients.

Abstract: A needleless fluid injection device including a flexible shaft with a proximal end, a distal end, an injection lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the shaft, and at least one injection orifice extending through a wall of the injection lumen at the distal end of the shaft. The injection lumen can include a depth-limiting system (462) at its distal end for controlling the depth of insertion of the injection lumen relative to a target tissue of a patient. The injection lumen can alternatively or additionally include at least one guidance feature. The injection lumen can alternatively or additionally include at least one flow-modifying protrusion extending from the inner tubular wall of the injection lumen and toward a longitudinal axis of the injection lumen.

Abstract: A medical hollow needle for use with at least a suction device includes at least one suction tube or suction line with a lumen and having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end is formed as a suction aperture, and a needle tip formed at said distal end of the suction tube or suction line, wherein said needle tip is formed spoon-like and protrudes beyond an edge of said suction aperture or said distal end of said suction tube or suction line.

Abstract: A negative pressure wound therapy apparatus can include a wound dressing, a fluid collection container, a vacuum pump comprising a pump motor, and tubing. Additionally, the apparatus can include a pressure sensor that measures a pressure in the tubing. One or more tubes can channel a fluid between the wound dressing, the fluid collection canister, and the pump. In addition, first and second control circuits can be provided for controlling the pump motor without using a processor. The first control circuit can generate a difference signal between a desired pressure input and a pressure sensor input, and can further generate a motor control signal responsive to the difference signal. Moreover, a second control circuit can provide an override signal based at least in part on the difference signal and at least one reference signal. The override signal beneficially overrides the motor control signal to prevent the pump motor from stalling.

Abstract: A system for measuring the flow properties of a tear duct, to ascertain its flow resistance, includes a syringe communicating with a cannula to supply liquid to a punctum of an eye, the cannula having a tip to seal to the punctum. A motor is arranged to actuate the syringe. A pressure sensor monitors the pressure of the liquid supplied to the punctum. A monitoring circuit provides an indication of the flow resistance. A feedback circuit controls the motor in accordance with the measured pressure, to maintain a preset liquid pressure, or to ensure that the liquid pressure does not exceed a preset threshold. The system may prevent flow through the other punctum of the eye. If the flow rate of the liquid supplied to the punctum is also monitored, the monitoring circuit is arranged to determine the flow resistance from the pressure and the flow rate.

Abstract: A method for optoacoustic imaging of a tissue mass after treating the skin overlying a portion of a tissue being imaged to improve optical clarity is presented. In an embodiment, the method involves optoacoustic imaging after first applying a carrier agent such as hyaluronic acid to the skin surface and applying a clearing agent to the skin. A method of temporarily reducing optical scattering (opacity) of skin for diagnostic purposes is also presented. In an embodiment, the method involves applying a liquid comprising at least one of: polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol, to the skin, the skin having been pretreated with hyaluronic acid.