By Measurement Of A Pressure Differential Patents (Class 604/505)
  • Patent number: 11154246
    Abstract: As an IV infiltration occurs and fluid leaks into surrounding tissues, several physiological changes are expected locally. The systems and methods described herein provide a scalable automated IV infiltration detection device to provide medical staff an early warning of a possible infiltration such that they can respond accordingly. The systems and methods capture the physiological state of the user at or around a peripheral catheter insertion site by incorporating one or more modalities of wearable sensing, processing the data collected from these wearable sensors, detecting the presence of extravascular fluid, and providing an indication to a medical professional.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignees: Georgia Tech Research Corporation, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Inc., Emory University
    Inventors: Omer Inan, Jambu Jambulingam, Kevin Maher, Russell Scott McCrory, Leanne West, Sinan Hersek, Samer Mabrouk
  • Patent number: 10864308
    Abstract: Sensors for catheter pumps are disclosed herein. The catheter pump can include a catheter assembly comprising a catheter and a cannula coupled to a distal portion of the catheter. The cannula can have a proximal port for permitting the flow of blood therethrough. The catheter assembly can include a sensor to be disposed near the proximal port. A processing unit can be programmed to process a signal detected by the sensor. The processing unit can comprise a computer-readable set of rules to evaluate the signal to determine a position of the cannula relative to an aortic valve of a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: TC1 LLC
    Inventors: Paul F. Muller, Keif M. Fitzgerald, Richard L. Keenan, Veronica J. Neiman
  • Patent number: 10729581
    Abstract: A surgical system comprises a pressurized irrigation fluid source; an irrigation line fluidly coupled to the pressurized irrigation fluid source; a hand piece fluidly coupled to the irrigation line; an irrigation pressure sensor located at or along the pressurized irrigation fluid source or irrigation line; and a controller for controlling the pressurized irrigation fluid source. The controller controls the pressurized irrigation fluid source based on a reading from the irrigation pressure sensor and an estimated flow value modified by a compensation factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Mikhail Boukhny, Raphael Gordon, Michael D. Morgan, Gary P. Sorensen
  • Patent number: 10436664
    Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to a sensor device, method, and system are provided for housing a sensor. An example force sensor includes an actuation element, a sense die, and a universal housing for holding a sense die. The universal housing has a top wall, a bottom wall, two side walls, and a back wall that define a cavity. The sense die is disposed within the cavity. The top wall defines an aperture having a first central axis therethrough. The housing defines an opening between the top wall and bottom wall extending from an exterior of the housing to the cavity. The opening has a second central axis and is configured to receive the sense die therethrough. At least a portion of the actuation element extends from the cavity through the aperture. The first central axis is orthogonal to the second central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: James F. Machir, Richard Wade, Jason Dennis Patch
  • Patent number: 10328199
    Abstract: A medication delivery monitoring device is disclosed. The device includes a user interface configured to receive input information, and a sensor configured to measure a plurality of fluid state parameters of a fluid delivery channel through which the medication is delivered by a vascular access device (VAD) to an infusion site region of the patient. The device also includes a processor configured to determine a state of the infusion site region based on the plurality of measured fluid state parameters and the input information, and an output device configured to provide a communication regarding the state of the infusion site region. Methods and computer-readable mediums for monitoring medication delivery are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: CareFusion 303, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Dwaine Butterfield, Brian Stock, Melissa Strait, Harry Dudley, Stephen Rosenthal
  • Patent number: 9849232
    Abstract: A fluid flow manager executing on first hardware controls a flow of fluid outputted from a fluid delivery pump to a recipient. A monitor resource, executing on second hardware operating independently of the first hardware, monitors for an occurrence of a failure condition associated with the delivery of fluid. In response to detecting occurrence of a failure condition associated with delivery of the fluid, the monitor resource generates a control output. The control output can be used to perform operations such as discontinue delivery of the fluid, notify a respective caregiver of the delivery failure, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Invenix, Inc.
    Inventors: George W. Gray, William C. McQuaid, Remi Depommier, Jesse E. Ambrosina
  • Patent number: 9814388
    Abstract: A patient monitoring system includes at least two wireless sensing devices, each configured to measure a different physiological parameter from a patient and wirelessly transmit a parameter dataset. The system further includes a receiver that receives each parameter dataset, a processor, and a monitoring regulation module executable on the processor to assign one of the at least two wireless sensing devices as a dominant wireless sensing device and at least one of the remaining wireless sensing devices as a subordinate wireless sensing device. The physiological parameter measured by the dominant wireless sensing device is a key parameter and the parameter dataset transmitted by the dominant wireless sensing device is a key parameter dataset. The key parameter dataset from the dominant wireless sensing device is processed to determine a stability indicator. The subordinate wireless sensing device is then operated based on the stability indicator for the key parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Stanislava Soro, Robert F. Donehoo, Otto Valtteri Pekander
  • Patent number: 9775947
    Abstract: A medical fluid communication system is disclosed comprising a pump controller and a fluid detector. The fluid detector detects characteristics of the fluid and provides fluid measurements to the pump controller, which detects if the fluid is flowing in the medication delivery system. In the event fluid is not flowing due to an occlusion, the pump controller may attempt to resolve the occlusion or may provide a warning to a user that an occlusion is occurring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Steven Keith, Elaine McVey, Frances Tong, Ronald J. Pettis, Joshua Herr, Richard J. Klug, Christopher Rini, Natasha Bolick, Alfred Joseph Harvey, Vincent J. Sullivan, Matthew S. Ferriter
  • Patent number: 9514279
    Abstract: A medication delivery monitoring device is disclosed. The device includes a user interface configured to receive input information, and a sensor configured to measure a plurality of fluid state parameters of a fluid delivery channel through which the medication is delivered by a vascular access device (VAD) to an infusion site region of the patient. The device also includes a processor configured to determine a state of the infusion site region based on the plurality of measured fluid state parameters and the input information, and an output device configured to provide a communication regarding the state of the infusion site region. Methods and computer-readable mediums for monitoring medication delivery are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: CAREFUSION 303, INC.
    Inventors: Robert D. Butterfield, Brian Stock, Melissa Strait, Harry Dudley, Stephen Rosenthal
  • Patent number: 9480794
    Abstract: A medical fluid communication system is disclosed comprising a pump controller and a fluid detector. The fluid detector detects characteristics of the fluid and provides fluid measurements to the pump controller, which detects if the fluid is flowing in the medication delivery system. In the event fluid is not flowing due to an occlusion, the pump controller may attempt to resolve the occlusion or may provide a warning to a user that an occlusion is occurring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Steven Keith, Elaine McVey, Frances Tong, Ronald J. Pettis, Joshua Herr, Richard J. Klug, Christopher Rini, Natasha Bolick, Alfred Joseph Harvey, Vincent J. Sullivan, Matthew S. Ferriter
  • Patent number: 9442036
    Abstract: A method of monitoring the integrity of a fluid connection between first and second fluid containing systems based on at least one time-dependent measurement signal from a pressure sensor in the first fluid containing system. The pressure sensor detects first pulses originating from a first pulse generator in the first fluid containing system and second pulses originating from a second pulse generator in the second fluid containing system. A parameter value representing a distribution of signal values within a time window is calculated by analyzing the measurement signal in the time domain and/or by using information on the timing of the second pulses in the measurement signal. The parameter value may be calculated as a statistical dispersion measure of the signal values, or from matching the signal to a predicted temporal signal profile of the second pulse. The integrity of the fluid connection is determined from the parameter value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Gambro Lundia AB
    Inventors: Martin Furmanski, Anders Roslund, Bo Olde, Kristian Solem, Thomas Hertz, Jan Sternby
  • Patent number: 9352078
    Abstract: An access disconnection system includes a venous line, an arterial line, a first electrode coupled to (i) the arterial line, (ii) a patient, or (iii) a cardiac catheter assembly; and a second electrode coupled to (i) the venous line, or (ii) the cardiac catheter assembly. The access disconnection system further includes electronic circuitry communicating electrically with the first second electrode to sense an electrical heartbeat signal generated by the patient. The electronic circuitry is configured to send a disconnection output indicative of a change in the electrical signal sufficient to expect that an access disconnection of the venous line has occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Rodolfo Roger, Robert Childers, Thomas D. Kelly
  • Patent number: 9242069
    Abstract: A method is described for repairing tissue of a selected organ from among heart, brain, liver, pancreas, kidney, and glands in a patient's body. In the method, stem cells that have the capability to repair tissue of the selected organ are intraluminally applied through a designated natural body vessel or duct leading to a predetermined target site of the tissue of the selected organ to be repaired. The stem cells are delivered into the respective vessel or duct through a catheter having a proximal portion of relatively larger central lumen diameter and outer diameter, and a distal portion of relatively smaller central lumen diameter and outer diameter, the two portions being integral with one another so that stem cells delivered into the central lumen of the proximal portion will flow through and exit the central lumen of the distal portion, the lumen diameter and length of each of the two portions being selected to minimize the pressure drop across the catheter during flow of the stem cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: SCICOTEC GmbH
    Inventors: Eckhard Alt, Kai Pinkernell, Russ Auger
  • Patent number: 9125562
    Abstract: Catheter-based Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) systems utilizing an optical fiber that is positioned off-axis of the central longitudinal axis of the catheter have many advantage over catheter-based OCT systems, particularly those having centrally-positioned optical fibers or fibers that rotate independently of the elongate body of the catheter. An OCT system having an off-axis optical fiber for visualizing the inside of a body lumen may be rotated with the body of the elongate catheter, relative to a handle portion. The handle may include a fiber management pathway for the optical fiber that permits the off-axis optical fiber to rotate with the catheter body relative to the handle. The system may also include optical processing elements adapted to prepare and process the OCT image collected by the off-axis catheter systems described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Avinger, Inc.
    Inventors: Maegan K. Spencer, Christopher B. White, Charles W. McNall, Dennis W. Jackson, Michael Zung, Nicholas J. Spinelli, Benjamin Ngo, Evangeline Lumabas, Kin F. Chan, John F. Black, Michael H. Rosenthal, John B. Simpson
  • Patent number: 9039654
    Abstract: A fluid medicament delivery device includes a patient attachment unit and a separate indicator unit. The patient attachment unit includes a housing and a fluid channel located therein, wherein at least a portion of the fluid channel includes a flexible member substantially coterminous with the housing. The separate indicator unit is adapted to be detachably coupled to the housing of the patient attachment unit and includes a first sensing element for contacting the flexible member when the indicator unit is coupled to the housing to sense a flexure of the flexible member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: CEQUR SA
    Inventors: Peter Gravesen, Heiko Arndt, Serguei Chiriaev
  • Publication number: 20150133889
    Abstract: The invention describes a system for injecting and controlling a flow of liquid to be injected, comprising: a peristaltic pump (4); a catheter (8) for delivering the fluid to be injected; a pressure sensor (6) for measuring the liquid pressure in the catheter, control means (44) for receiving data from the pressure sensor (6) and for controlling the pump (4) on the basis of the data measured at different times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENE ALT
    Inventors: Raymond Campagnolo, Pierre Jallon
  • Patent number: 9022973
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an IDDC system utilizes an intelligent therapeutic agent delivery system comprised of one, but more likely an array of “cells” containing therapeutic agent(s) and/or diagnostic agents(s); an integrated bio-sensing system designed to sample and analyze biological materials using multiple sensors that include both hardware and software components. The software component involves biomedical signal processing to analyze complex liquid mixtures and a microcontrollers) acts as interface to the biosensors, to the therapeutic delivery elements, and to a communications system(s) for the purpose of controlling the amount of therapeutic agent to deliver and also to provide information in a useful form to interested parties on the progress of therapy and compliance thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: New World Pharmaceuticals, LLC
    Inventors: Frederick A. Sexton, Ian Ivar Suni, Cetin Cetinkaya, Stephanie Schuckers, Eduard Sazonov
  • Patent number: 9022972
    Abstract: A fluid medicament delivery device includes a patient attachment unit and a separate indicator unit. The patient attachment unit includes a housing and a fluid channel located therein, wherein at least a portion of the fluid channel includes a flexible member substantially coterminous with the housing. The separate indicator unit is adapted to be detachably coupled to the housing of the patient attachment unit and includes a first sensing element for contacting the flexible member when the indicator unit is coupled to the housing to sense a flexure of the flexible member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Cequr SA
    Inventors: Peter Gravesen, Heiko Arndt, Serguei Chiriaev
  • Publication number: 20150080844
    Abstract: Intradermal delivery devices, systems and methods thereof for the administration of a natriuretic or chimeric peptide are described. The described delivery devices, systems and methods provide for the treatment of pathological conditions such as kidney disease alone, heart failure alone, concomitant kidney disease and heart failure, or cardiorenal syndrome by delivery of a natriuretic or chimeric peptide through a microneedle array using a delivery pump. The described delivery devices, systems and methods can provide for greater availability of a natriuretic or chimeric peptide and improved pharmacokinetics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Maura Donovan, William J. L. van Antwerp, Chad A. Wieneke, Mike Kaytor, Eric Grovender
  • Publication number: 20150080635
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system, a method, devices and a computer implemented with a method for the monitoring and the control of a subject's organ perfusion. The present invention further provides for the use of a system, a method, devices and a computer implemented with a method for the monitoring and the control of a subject's organ perfusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Joop Fierens, Kevin Jason Nackard, Eric Thierry Jean Marcoux, Emmanuel J. Bartholome
  • Publication number: 20140378939
    Abstract: The invention is generally directed toward a novel fluid cartridge for medical infusion devices. The disclosed invention describes a medicament cartridge having an internal vent structure and hydrophobic venting material to permit the equilibration of pressure between an infusion device's reservoir chamber and the external environment, without the need for a costly, difficult to maintain vent located in the housing of the infusion device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: Animas Corporation
    Inventors: William G. SAULENAS, Daniel L. BAKER
  • Patent number: 8911422
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to efficiently inject a drug (physiologically active substance). Therefore, a micro-needle device 1 comprises a base plate 2 and a micro-needle 3 installed on the base plate 2. A coating agent containing the physiologically active substance is coated at least at a part of the micro-needle 3, and a coating range thereof is 100 to 230 ?m including the top of the micro-needle 3. A load due to the energy of 0.2 to 0.7 J/cm2 is applied to the micro-needle device 1 which is in contact with the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Tetsuji Kuwahara, Seiji Tokumoto, Kazuya Machida
  • Publication number: 20140350513
    Abstract: An infusion system for being operatively connected to a fluid delivery line and to an infusion container includes a pump, a plurality of different types of sensors connected to the pump or the fluid delivery line, at least one processor, and a memory. The plurality of different types of sensors are configured to indicate whether air is in the fluid delivery line. The memory includes programming code for execution by the at least one processor. The programming code is configured to, based on measurements taken by the plurality of different types of sensors, determine: whether there is air in the fluid delivery line; whether there is a partial occlusion or a total occlusion in the fluid delivery line; or a percentage of the air present in the fluid delivery line or the probability of the air being in the fluid delivery line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Meriyan Oruklu, Timothy L. Ruchti, Paul T. Kotnik, Anatoly S. Belkin, Brian G. Markey
  • Publication number: 20140288408
    Abstract: A pressure regulating syringe comprises a barrel assembly terminating with a tubular tip positionable in fluid communication with a fluid chamber, a plunger that is manually and axially displaceable within a barrel of the barrel assembly, a pressure sensor mounted onto the plunger adjacent to its distal end, for generating one or more electrical signals representative of a change in pressure within the fluid chamber, circuitry housed within the plunger for processing the generated signals, and a display mounted on the plunger for displaying an output indicative of the processed signals. The output is changeable upon axial displacement of the plunger when the tubular tip is positioned in fluid communication with the fluid chamber, which is for example a cuff surrounding a medical tube. Fluid is delivered by manually manipulating a fluid delivery element in response to the displayed output until a desired fluid delivery operation is performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Hospitech Respiration Ltd.
    Inventor: Israel Deutsch
  • Publication number: 20140276558
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and software for controlling infusion pressure, such as during a medical procedure, using systemic blood pressure are described. Systemic blood pressure, such as brachial arm blood pressure or radial artery blood pressure, may be used to estimate central retinal artery blood pressure to estimate critical closing pressure. Further, the disclosure relates to controlling infusion pressure to prevent an increase in intraocular pressure above the estimated critical closing pressure when such is not desired, and, when such is desired, using systemic blood pressure and infusion pressure to control an intentional increase in intraocular pressure above the estimated critical closing pressure to stop intraocular bleeding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Publication number: 20140276553
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to infusion devices, systems, and methods to detect a capacity of a collapsible fluid reservoir of an infusion cartridge and/or a volume of a fluid disposed in the collapsible fluid reservoir or some other parameters of the infusion cartridge, and setting corresponding therapeutic parameters of an infusion device. Embodiments may include, obtaining data on the volume of fluid in the collapsible fluid reservoir, analyzing the obtained data to determine the setting of therapeutic parameters, and setting one or more therapeutic parameters of an infusion device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike Rosinko, Phil Lamb
  • Publication number: 20140276557
    Abstract: A programmable implantable insulin pump is disclosed. The pump includes an implantable pump and a hermetically sealed module. The module provides for varying flow rates of fluid being dispensed from the pump or may provide for a constant flow rate of such fluid. In the case of varying flow rate capabilities, the module preferably includes one or more sensors to determine information relating to the pressure of the fluid, electronics for analyzing the pressure information and determining the flow rate of the fluid, and a mechanism for physically altering the flow rate. First and second resistor capillaries are included in the implantable pump to provide a large range of flow rate capabilities between basal operation and bolus operation. Methods of dispensing a medicament to a patient utilizing such a system are also disclosed, as are variations of the pump system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: PALYON MEDICAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Manish Vaishya
  • Publication number: 20140221965
    Abstract: An arrangement for administering a predetermined amount of a substance into an organism is presented. The arrangement includes a member adapted to provide information indicative of a tissue resistance against flow of a fluid containing the substance upon administration into the tissue and a controller adapted to adjust an administration characteristic of the fluid based on the information such as to achieve an intended absorption rate of the substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Medizinische Universitaet Graz
    Inventors: Werner Regittnig, Miró Jungklaus
  • Publication number: 20140114236
    Abstract: A surgical system comprises a pressurized irrigation fluid source; an irrigation line fluidly coupled to the pressurized irrigation fluid source; a hand piece fluidly coupled to the irrigation line; an irrigation pressure sensor located at or along the pressurized irrigation fluid source or irrigation line; and a controller for controlling the pressurized irrigation fluid source. The controller controls the pressurized irrigation fluid source based on a reading from the irrigation pressure sensor and an estimated flow value modified by a compensation factor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Raphael Gordon
  • Patent number: 8672873
    Abstract: A fluid medicament delivery device includes a patient attachment unit and a separate indicator unit. The patient attachment unit includes a housing and a fluid channel located therein, wherein at least a portion of the fluid channel includes a flexible member substantially coterminous with the housing. The separate indicator unit is adapted to be detachably coupled to the housing of the patient attachment unit and includes a first sensing element for contacting the flexible member when the indicator unit is coupled to the housing to sense a flexure of the flexible member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Cequr SA
    Inventors: Peter Gravesen, Heiko Arndt, Serguei Chiriaev
  • Patent number: 8672917
    Abstract: A method for adjusting delivery of a therapeutic fluid to a patient suffering from or at risk of pulmonary arterial hypertension includes introducing the therapeutic fluid to a patient via a catheter at a predetermined rate. The catheter is positioned to deliver the fluid to the right ventricle or the pulmonary artery. The catheter a one-way valve configured to allow the fluid to flow from the catheter to the target location. The method further includes monitoring pressure of the target location by monitoring internal catheter pressure, and adjusting the rate at which the therapeutic fluid is introduced to the catheter based on the monitored pressure. The rate at which the fluid is introduced to the catheter is increased if internal catheter pressure increases, and the rate at which the fluid is introduced to the catheter is decreased if the internal catheter pressure decreases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel C. Sigg, Prasanga D. Hiniduma-Lokuge, Mary M. Morris
  • Publication number: 20140031787
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods using feedback from sensors for the treatment of pathological conditions such as Kidney Disease (KD) alone, Heart Failure (HF) alone, KD with concomitant HF or cardiorenal diseases syndrome (CRS) are described. The devices, systems and methods monitor and gather patient information and administer one or more diuretic or natriuretic molecules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: John Burnes, VenKatesh Manda, William Van Antwerp, Jamie Williams
  • Patent number: 8628510
    Abstract: A device for delivering fluid to a user includes a housing, a drive motor assembly in the housing, a force sensor, and an electronics module. The drive motor assembly regulates delivery of fluid by actuating a piston of a fluid reservoir, and the force sensor generates output levels in response to force imparted thereto during, for example, fluid delivery operations. The electronics module processes the output levels of the force sensor to assess the operating health of the force sensor, to check for occlusions in the fluid delivery path, and to monitor the seating status of the fluid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Afshin Bazargan, Pablo Vazquez, Hsiao-Yu S. Kow, Salman Monirabbasi, Ian B. Hanson
  • Patent number: 8608642
    Abstract: An environmentally sensitive hydrogel material swells or collapses in response to a parameter such as pH level associated with consumption of food by a patient. This swelling or collapsing is harnessed to treat morbid obesity or some other condition of the patient. The swelling or collapsing of the hydrogel may be used to tighten a gastric band or gastric valve when the patient starts eating; then loosen the band or valve when the patient is between meals. The swelling or collapsing of the hydrogel may also be used to increase the size of a space occupying device in the patient's stomach when the patient starts eating; then decrease the size of the space occupying device when the patient is between meals. The swelling or collapsing of the hydrogel may also be used to selectively restrict the absorption of nutrients within a patient's gastrointestinal tract, such as in the duodenum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Janna M. Burrell, Randal T. Byrum, Robert Louis Koch, Jr., Larry D. Pool, Christopher W. Widenhouse
  • Publication number: 20130296772
    Abstract: The present application relates to a system for the delivery of heated therapeutic fluid to a patient's body cavity, said system comprising a device, said device comprising a heating element and a pump; and a tubing system, said tubing system comprising at least one length of tubing, a heat exchanger and at least one in-line temperature sensor. The present application further relates to a method of treating a patient using heated therapeutic fluids within a patient's body cavity, said method comprising the steps of heating the therapeutic fluid using a device comprising a heating element and a pump; and pumping the therapeutic fluid so that it is delivered to the patient's body cavity by means of a tubing system comprising at least one length of tubing, a heat exchanger and at least one in-line temperature sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: Alberto Martinez Albalat
  • Publication number: 20130281787
    Abstract: The present invention provides for devices and methods for providing endovascular therapy, including facilitating establishment of vascular access, placement of endovascular sheaths, catheter tip localization, and administration of vascular occlusion. The invention includes a vessel cannulation device, an expandable sheath, an occlusion catheter, and a localizer each of which may be provided separately or used as part of a system. One embodiment of the invention is a vessel cannulation device including: a housing having a distal end with a distal tip and a proximal end; a guidewire lumen passing through the housing and at least the distal tip; a sensor coupled to the guidewire lumen; and an advancing member, which is configured for advancing at least one of a guidewire or a sheath and which is operably coupled to the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Itzhak Avneri, Ben-Ami Avneri, Shahar Avneri, Lior Avneri
  • Publication number: 20130274705
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods using feedback from sensors for the treatment of pathological conditions such as Kidney Disease (KD) alone, Heart Failure (HF) alone, KD with concomitant HF or cardiorenal diseases syndrome (CRS) are described. The devices, systems and methods monitor and gather patient information and administer one or more diuretic or natriuretic molecules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: John Burnes, VenKatesh Manda, William Van Antwerp, Jamie Williams
  • Patent number: 8527023
    Abstract: The device for the transcutaneous determination of blood gases including a transcutaneous sensor for the measurement of at least one of the parameters of skin carbon dioxide partial pressure (PsCO2) and skin oxygen partial pressure (PsO2) includes at least one sensor for the measurement of the tissue blood flow (F) local with respect to the transcutaneous sensor, and includes a device for the calculation of at least one of the parameters of transcutaneous carbon dioxide partial pressure (tcpCO2) and transcutaneous oxygen partial pressure (tcpO2) from the measured skin carbon dioxide partial pressure (PsCO2) or the measured skin oxygen partial pressure (PsO2), with a factor dependent on the local tissue blood flow (F) being taken into account in the calculation of at least one of the parameters of transcutaneous carbon dioxide partial pressure (tcpCO2) and transcutaneous oxygen partial pressure (tcpO2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Sentec AG
    Inventors: Josef Hayoz, Rolf Wagner
  • Publication number: 20130226138
    Abstract: Various embodiments relating to a method of controlling the blood pressure of a subject is provided, the method includes generating blood pressure data indicating the blood pressure of the subject, controlling a plurality of pumps to infuse, in dependence on the blood pressure data, drugs into the subject, wherein each of the plurality of pumps is adapted to infuse one out of a plurality of different drugs into the subject, and wherein each of the plurality of different drugs has a particular influence on the blood pressure of the subject, wherein the plurality of pumps is controlled such that, in dependence on the blood pressure data, a mix of drugs is infused into the subject which stabilizes the blood pressure of the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: SINGAPORE HEALTH SERVICES PTE. LTD.
    Inventor: Tiong-Heng Alex Sia
  • Patent number: 8500714
    Abstract: Some embodiments of a system or method for treating heart tissue can include a catheter device that provides a user with the ability to perform a number of heart treatment tasks (before, during, and after a cardiac surgery or a percutaneous coronary intervention). In particular embodiments, the catheter device can be used to (i) precondition heart muscle tissue before the heart is isolated from the circulatory system, (ii) deliver cardioplegia into the coronary sinus during the cardiac surgery when the heart is isolated from the circulatory system, and (iii) control the blood flow through the heart after the heart is reconnected with the circulatory system. In some embodiments, the catheter device can perform some or all of: (i) intermittently occluding the coronary sinus, (ii) delivering a treatment fluid into the coronary sinus, and (iii) monitoring a flow rate of blood passing from the coronary sinus to the right atrium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Miracor Medical Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Mohl
  • Publication number: 20130190717
    Abstract: A microplegia console for controlling the delivery of cardioplegia to a patient, comprising an integrated display/touch screen for displaying cardioplegia information and patient information and allowing inputting of parameters via the display/touch screen into the console for computer-controlled perfusion of cardioplegia into the patient. The invention further comprises a method for delivery of cardioplegia to a patient, including defining and selecting a protocol from a displayed list and sequencing a series of the protocols. The invention also comprises a method for cardioplegia delivery to achieve aortic valve closure. Additionally, the invention comprises a method for activating an icon whereby, upon a first selection of the icon, displaying an indicia indicating that the icon has been first selected; and upon a second selection of the icon, activating the icon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: QUEST MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Michael L. Dollar, Cristo Suresh Corera, Kenneth A. Jones
  • Publication number: 20130131578
    Abstract: The invention relates to an ophthalmic system for controlling an infusion liquid pressure at a distal end of an ophthalmic irrigation device penetrating an eye and being connected to an irrigation line for feeding the device with an infusion liquid. The system comprises a processor that is arranged for estimating a compensation pressure for compensating an internal pressure loss in the eye due to surgical acts in the eye. The estimation result is used for dynamically adjusting, in response to the estimated compensation pressure, the pressure of the irrigation liquid in the irrigation line. The estimation step is based on a configuration and/or actual operation of an ophthalmic surgical device performing the surgical acts in the eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: D.O.R.C. Dutch Ophthalmic Research Center (International) B.V.
    Inventors: Peter Stalmans, Gerrit Jan Vijfvinkel
  • Publication number: 20130116615
    Abstract: An inflatable cuff in a blood pressure-measurement system is integrated with a drug delivery device. The drug delivery device is configured to automatically deliver a drug dermally or transdermally to the individual in response to the measured blood pressures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Michael H. Baym, Edward S. Boyden, Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Lowell L. Wood, JR.
  • Patent number: 8430840
    Abstract: An improved method of controlling intraocular pressure with a microsurgical system using measured flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Nader Nazarifar, Frederick Reed, John C. Huculak, Roger Thomas
  • Patent number: 8403908
    Abstract: A differential pressure based flow sensor assembly and method of using the same to determine the rate of fluid flow in a fluid system. The sensor assembly comprises a disposable portion, and a reusable portion. A flow restricting element is positioned along a fluid flow passage between an inlet and an outlet. The disposable portion further has an upstream fluid pressure membrane and a downstream fluid pressure membrane. The reusable portion has an upstream fluid pressure sensor and a downstream fluid pressure sensor. The upstream fluid pressure sensor senses the upstream fluid pressure at a location within the fluid flow passage between the inlet and the flow restricting element. The downstream fluid pressure sensor senses the downstream fluid pressure at a location within the fluid flow passage between the flow restricting element and the outlet. The process utilizes output of the sensors to calculate the flow rate of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Hospira, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Jacobson, Brian Barclay, Ryan Brumund, Steven T. Cho, Hrishikesh Choudhury, Marwan A. Fathallah, Tom Johnson, Patrick B. Keely, Mohammad M. Khair, Michael G. Lowery, Frank Walsworth, John S. Ziegler
  • Patent number: 8398609
    Abstract: During diastolic coronary perfusion, blood perfuses through the heart via the coronary arteries. Delivery of a therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent to the heart during diastolic coronary perfusion allows the therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent to efficiently perfuse through the heart. A medical device according to the invention detects closure of the aortic valve of a heart, and initiates delivery of a therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent upon detection of aortic valve closure. The medical device detects aortic valve closure by processing a signal. Exemplary signals used by the medical device to detect aortic valve closure include left or right ventricular accelerometer signals, left or right ventricular flow signals, left or right ventricular pressure signals, aortic pressure signals, pulse pressure signals, systemic arterial pressure signals, electrogram signals, and phonocardiogram signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward Chinchoy
  • Patent number: 8371303
    Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus that includes an endotracheal tube or airway device having a proximal end and a distal end and an occlusion cuff. The occlusion cuff includes a sensor for helping determine proper endotracheal or airway device placement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Anesthetech Inc.
    Inventors: David Schaner, Harshvardhan N. Chaobal
  • Patent number: 8343131
    Abstract: A catheter adapted for use in passing fluids and medicines therethrough for use in the perfusion or reperfusion of blood or blood-fluid mixtures into the arteries, veins, tissues, conduits, or organs of a patient by selectively adjusting the flow rate of fluid supplied to a drug delivery lumen of the catheter based at least in part on the sensed systemic fluid pressure and the sensed fluid pressure at a distal end of the catheter is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Emory University
    Inventor: Jakob Vinten-Johansen
  • Patent number: 8231646
    Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for the control of blood perfusion pressure within a blood vessel that undergoes arterialization. A cannula is introduced that contains a stenosis that either resorbs or is removed in time, allowing a gradual increase in blood pressure between two blood passages connected at either ends of the cannula. Particular emphasis has been made with the use of the cannula for the vessels in the heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: CVDevices, LLC
    Inventors: Ghassan S. Kassab, Jose A. Navia, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8162919
    Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical system utilizes a needle through which fluid is aspirated from a surgical site, and a sleeve coaxially received over the needle to define a flow passage between the sleeve and needle through which fluid is communicated to the surgical site. The system further includes a container that provides an adjustable infusion pressure for urging the flow of irrigation fluid to the surgical site. An aspiration pump urges aspiration of fluid from the surgical site, and a sensor detects the rate of aspiration flow. A controller is configured to calculate an intraocular eye pressure based on the infusion pressure and a pressure drop due to a resistance to the flow rate, which flow includes the sensed flow rate and a predicted leakage selected from a look-up table based on a size of the needle, a size of a sleeve, and a size of an incision through which the needle and the sleeve are placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated
    Inventors: Laurence J. Cull, James T. Perkins, Russ Finlay