Abstract: A differential force sensor method and apparatus for automatically monitoring manual injections through an intravenous line. The differential force sensor includes two piezoresistive sense die that are packaged in close proximity utilizing a number of packaging processes. The two piezoresistive sense die can be utilized to measure forces exerted on a diaphragm on either side of an orifice. The piezoresistive sense die can be packaged in close proximity to make intimate contact with the diaphragms on either side of the orifice. The differential force sensor further includes two plungers that make intimate contact with the diaphragm and transfer the force into the piezo-resistive sense dies. Additionally, one or more ASICs and microcontrollers can be utilized to provide thermal calibration and differential calculation.

Abstract: A wound treatment system includes a distribution manifold, a reduced pressure source, a fluid delivery source, and an ultrasonic energy transducer. Reduced pressure and fluid delivery may be applied to the wound through the distribution manifold. The ultrasonic energy transducer is configured to deliver ultrasonic energy to the wound to debride the wound. The ultrasonic energy transducer may be either a piezoelectric transducer or a surface acoustic wave device. The ultrasonic energy transducer may be placed adjacent to the distribution manifold to deliver ultrasonic energy directly to the wound or may be coupled to an acoustically-conducting membrane positioned between the distribution manifold and the wound.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating ocular disorders are disclosed. One system has an implant and a delivery device. The implant has inlet and outlet portions, a lumen extending therebetween and communicating with inlet and outlet ports. The implant is sized so that in use aqueous humor flows from an anterior chamber of an eye through the implant and into a uveal scleral outflow path of the eye. The delivery device is configured to advance the implant from within the anterior chamber, with the outlet portion leading the inlet portion, to a location where the outlet and inlet ports respectively communicate with the uveal scleral outflow path and the anterior chamber. One method involves advancing an implant from within the anterior chamber, and draining fluid from therein such that fluid flows into an implant inlet port and out through an implant outlet port and into the uveal scleral outflow path.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for injecting liquid, comprising a piece of tubing on which there is situated at least a first liquid occlusion system. According to the invention, a regulation system is situated upstream from the first occlusion system, the two systems defining an intermediate segment in which the pressure, in the absence of injection, is greater than the pressure that exists downstream from the first occlusion system so as to direct any leak of liquid from the first occlusion system downstream. The invention is applicable to a pump used for injecting contrast liquid for medical imaging.

Abstract: A tube of a medical device is inserted into the lung of a patient through a passage, sealed from the pleural cavity, which passes through the chest wall, parietal membrane and visceral membrane into the lung. A flange of the medical device is secured to the chest of the patient. Thus secured, a proximal opening of the tube is positioned within the lung of the patient and an external opening is positioned external to the patient, permitting gasses within the lung of the patient to escape through the chest wall by entering the distal opening, passing through the tube and venting to atmosphere through the proximal opening.

Abstract: A disposable flow set for use with a pump includes a first administration tube, at least one tube-segment having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the first administration tube, a second administration tube connected to the second end of the at least one tube-segment; and an identifying key member connected to the at least one tube-segment. The identifying key member includes a number of teeth that define a unique code, including a combination of location and width. The teeth fit into compatible niches located in the pump.

Abstract: A system and method to automatically initiate an injection procedure of a medicament into a patient. In the system, a delivery assembly includes an injector for infusing the medicament into the patient. Further, the system includes a monitor for detecting a parameter characteristic of the procedure, for instance, a pressure indicative of a partial vacuum between the injector and the injection site, a pressure exerted by the patient against the delivery assembly, a conductance, a capacitance, or an optical blood reading. Also, the system includes a timer for determining compliance of the parameter within a predetermined range during a first time interval. In response to the timer, an actuator initiates the injection procedure at the expiration of the first time interval. Further, the actuator may stop the injection procedure if the parameter is outside the predetermined range during a second time interval.

Abstract: The effectiveness of a vasodilator delivered to a patient and/or the operation of the fluid delivery device from which the vasodilator is delivered are evaluated based on feedback from one or more sensors implanted within the patient. A fluid delivery system includes a fluid delivery device, a sensor, and a processor. The fluid delivery device is configured to deliver a vasodilator. The sensor is configured to sense at least one of blood pressure or blood flow in one of a ventricle or an atria of a heart, a pulmonary artery, and a renal vessel. The processor is configured to trigger a therapeutic action when the sensed at least one of blood pressure or blood flow traverses the threshold.

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.

Abstract: A system and method for treating hypotension in a mammal including a measuring device for measuring the blood pressure in a blood vessel having a wireless transmitter therein for emitting a signal when the measured blood pressure moves into a predetermined range. The system also includes an injection device fixed on the skin of a mammal, the injection device having a receiver for receiving the signal emitted from the wireless transmitter, a drug reservoir, a conduit for moving drug from the drug reservoir through the skin upon activation, and an activation device that causes the drug to move from the drug reservoir through the conduit and into the mammal upon receiving the signal emitted from the wireless transmitter.

Abstract: Methods, systems, devices and computer program products for providing maintenance, guidance and/or control of certain systems are disclosed. Typically, in some aspects the systems are complex. Also disclosed are methods, systems, devices and computer program products for providing therapeutic guidance for controlling a subject's circulation. One such method comprises the steps of: (i) determining the subject's present and desired circulatory states as a function of at least mean systemic filling pressure (Pms), heart efficiency (EH) and systemic vascular resistance (SVR); (ii) determining a target direction of a trajectory from the subject's present circulatory state to said subject's desired circulatory state, wherein treatment of the subject so as to traverse the trajectory will cause the subject's circulatory state to move towards a desired circulatory state; and (iii) visually representing the target direction of the trajectory.

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.

Abstract: A system for performing an intraparenchymal drug infusion including a pump device, a delivery tube, a sensor, and a processor. The tube is fluidly coupled to the pump device, establishing an infusate pathway from the pump to an infusate exit port of the delivery tube. The sensor is positioned to sense a parameter indicative of pressure in the infusate pathway. Finally, the processor is programmed to generate information indicative of infusate delivery effectiveness of a drug infusion procedure based upon information from the sensor. In some embodiments, the processor generates a net infusion pressure profile, such as a pressure-time curve, and prompts display of the pressure profile to a neurosurgeon for subsequent evaluation of infusate delivery effectiveness.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system and method for measuring flow at a patient utilizing a differential force sensor in order to precisely control the flow of fluid at very low flow rates. The system includes a fluid line through which a fluid is conveyed to the patient, and a flow controller that selectively varies a rate of flow of the fluid through the fluid line. The differential force sensor can be mounted very close to a point of entry of the fluid into the patient's body. An onboard communications device is controllably coupled to the flow controller and to the force sensor, responds to an output signal, and provides a feedback to the flow controller in a closed-loop process. The system can pump the fluid at a higher frequency until the flow rate is actually reached at the patient and then adjust to the flow rate needed to ensure patient health.

Abstract: A fluid management system for a patient includes a console for mounting on an IV pole. The console includes an input for setting a desired fluid balance for a set therapy duration. A weighing subsystem weighs the patient's urine output collected in a urine collection chamber and weighs a source of hydration fluid. An infusion pump is integrated with the console and is configured to pump hydration fluid from the source of hydration fluid into the patient. A controller in the console is responsive to the set desired fluid balance, the set therapy duration, and the weighing subsystem.

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.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system and method for measuring flow at a patient utilizing a differential force sensor in order to precisely control the flow of fluid at very low flow rates. The system includes a fluid line through which a fluid is conveyed to the patient, and a flow controller that selectively varies a rate of flow of the fluid through the fluid line. The differential force sensor can be mounted very close to a point of entry of the fluid into the patient's body. An onboard communications device is controllably coupled to the flow controller and to the force sensor, responds to an output signal, and provides a feedback to the flow controller in a closed-loop process. The system can pump the fluid at a higher frequency until the flow rate is actually reached at the patient and then adjust to the flow rate needed to ensure patient health.

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.

Abstract: An objective and reproducible system for, and method of, monitoring and/or controlling the pressure during nerve blockage injection, especially by less experienced personnel, is provided in order to decrease the possibility of intraneuronal injection. More specifically, the present invention employs a pressure sensing and/or limiting device located between an injection device (typically a syringe) and a nerve block needle whereby injection pressure during a nerve block injection can be easily and objectively monitored, thereby allowing the operator to monitor the injection pressure and/or injection speed during a nerve blockage injection procedure and to take appropriate corrective actions if abnormal pressure conditions are observed.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for evaluating skin hydration and fluid compartmentalization. The system includes a microneedle array configured to extract fluid from an interstitial space and a pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure differential between the interstitial space and ambient pressure during extraction of the fluid. A processor coupled to the pressure sensor is configured to compute a hydration index based on the pressure differential. A display coupled to the processor is configured to display the hydration index.

Abstract: An implantable system for monitoring a hydration state of a patient and adjusting fluid removal from the patient includes a pressure sensor implantable within an inferior vena cava of the patient and a processor. The pressure sensor senses and generates an output representative of a baseline inferior vena caval pressure value of the patient and chronically senses and generates outputs representative of an inferior vena caval pressure value of the patient. The processor compares differences between the baseline inferior vena caval pressure value and subsequent inferior vena caval pressure values. The processor can reside in another implantable device or in an external device/system.

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.

Abstract: A therapeutic delivery catheter system method or kit for delivery of therapeutic to a target location is provided. In various embodiments of the present invention the invention may include a catheter with a therapeutic delivery lumen and a therapeutic delivery orifice. The lumen and the orifice may be in fluid communication with each other and may be configured such that therapeutic delivered therethrough may be done at pressures mimicking pressures existing or otherwise normal at the target locations receiving the therapeutic. In some embodiments the catheter may be part of a kit that may include instructions regarding the proper manner of operation of the catheter. These instructions may include suggested target pressures for therapeutic delivery as well as delivery times, and suggested lengths of time for the device to reside at the target area after delivery to allow for proper uptake of the therapeutic.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically delivering a dose of pharmaceutical liquid to an animal includes electronic control to automatically obtain dose information for the animal, electronic control to deliver a volume of pharmaceutical liquid to the animal in response to the dose information; and automatically recording a detailed audit trail of the liquid delivery to the animal. The dose information may be a function of a stored value of at least one physical parameter of the animal. The detailed audit trail may include, for example, information about the amount of liquid actually delivered to the animal, specifying the time of delivery, whether there were any problems with the delivery, and if so, information about such.

Abstract: A device (10) for delivery of glucose-regulating medication depending on the measured tissue glucose concentration, having a sensor (7) for measuring the glucose concentration in the tissue fluid, possibly a unit (1) for removing fluid from subcutaneous tissue (11), as well as a container (14) for the medications, having a unit (23) for subcutaneous delivery of the glucose-regulating medications, and having a unit (12) connected to the glucose sensor (7) for regulating the delivery of the glucose-regulating medication depending on the measured tissue glucose concentrations. To provide a device (10) simulating the function of the natural pancreas and being compact, the sensor (7) for measuring the tissue glucose concentration or the unit (1) for removing the tissue fluid is combined with the delivery unit (23), particularly in a shared catheter (25), so that the measurement of the tissue glucose concentration is essentially performed at the location of the delivery of the glucose-regulating medication.

Abstract: An improved method of controlling intraocular pressure with a microsurgical system using measured flow rate and a dual infusion chamber.

Abstract: An implantable medical device for delivering a therapeutic substance to a delivery site in a patient. A reservoir holds a supply of the fluid therapeutic substance. A catheter has a proximal end, a delivery region and a lumen extending from the proximal end to the delivery region. The proximal end of the catheter is operatively coupled to the reservoir. The delivery region of the catheter is adapted to be placed proximate the delivery site in the patient. The therapeutic substance is adapted to be delivered through the lumen to the patient. A sensing device is operatively coupled with the lumen of the catheter being capable of detecting a pressure of the therapeutic substance in the lumen. A controller is operatively coupled to the sensing device, the controller being capable of taking an action in response to the pressure in the lumen.

Abstract: Pressure is sensed in blood flow tubing by placing an aqueous, preferably isotonic, substantially cell-free solution into branch connection tubing (branch tube) that connects in branching relation with the blood flow tubing at one end. The branch connection tubing may also connect in use with a pressure transducer unit at its other end, or pressure may be mechanically indicated. An air volume is maintained, occupying a portion of the branch connection tubing which is adjacent to the other end. One flows positively or negatively pressurized blood through the blood flow tubing, with the result that the pressure of the blood is communicated through the aqueous solution and the air volume in the branch connection tubing to the pressure transducer unit, with the blood being spaced from the air volume. Preferably, substantially all of the branch connection tubing containing the aqueous solution and air volume has an inner diameter of substantially no more than 5 mm.

Abstract: A surgical irrigation apparatus includes a disposable assembly and a reusable assembly. The disposable assembly includes an irrigation fluid pump and a hand piece having a supply passage for delivery of irrigation fluid to the surgical site. The reusable assembly includes a motor, a power source, and a pressure detector. The pressure detector assists in changing the power being supplied to the motor. The power is transferred from the motor to the pump with a magnetic coupler or other suitable device. The reusable assembly may alternatively include a sound receiver for picking up voice commands or other sounds to change the power being supplied to the motor. The reusable assembly may also alternatively include a controller that is operatively connected to a switch on the hand piece to permit a user to manually change the power being supplied to the motor. Related methods for surgical irrigation are also described.

Abstract: A steerable percutaneous catheter for guiding at least one functional device to selected surfaces of a body for treatment thereon, particularly adapted for laser-assisted Percutaneous Transmyocardial Revascularization (PTMR). The steerable catheter has a handle portion at its proximal end and a controllably deflectable end portion at its distal end. The distal end of the catheter and the distal end of the functional device maintain alignment automatically during deflection. The invention also includes a surface contact detection system to detect contact with an interior body surface, such as the heart wall.

Abstract: An automatic control system and methods of automatic control for reducing the blood/air interface for suction from the left ventricle and/or operating field are provided by the present invention. A system in accord with the present invention will have a pressure sensor or monitor, a pump, and a bubble or air sensor to detect the ratio of air-to-blood in the sucker lines. The system will also have a processing means connected to the pressure sensor, pump, and air sensor for automatically adjusting the pump speed in response to the sensed pressure and/or the sensed air-to-blood ratio, and may have a display and the appropriate manual controls to manually adjust the pump speed also connected to the processing means.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing device and its method of operation are disclosed. The device includes a feedback system which allows the device to respond in a timely and measured manner to changes in the dispensing flow rate of fluid from the device. The feedback system operates effectively even under conditions where the cause of increase or decrease in flow rate is not unequivocally known or reasonably capable of direct measurement. The device has a fluid reservoir which has an outlet which optionally may have a flow or pressure resistance unit incorporated, into the outlet, and an electric (preferably electrochemical) gas generation module or reversible pump which provides gas pressure to dispense the fluid from the reservoir. A sensor is provided for detection and measurement of an internal or external operating parameter which is indicative of flow rate of the fluid being dispensed.

Abstract: Pressure is sensed in blood flow tubing by placing an aqueous, preferably isotonic, substantially cell-free solution into branch connection tubing that connects in branching relation with the blood flow tubing at one end. The branch connection tubing also connects in use with a pressure transducer unit at its other end. An air volume is maintained, occupying a portion of the branch connection tubing which is adjacent to the other end. One flows positively or negatively pressurized blood through the blood flow tubing, with the result that the pressure of the blood is communicated through the aqueous solution and the air volume in the branch connection tubing to the pressure transducer unit, with the blood being spaced from the air volume. Preferably, substantially all of the branch connection tubing containing the aqueous solution and air volume has an inner diameter of substantially no more than 5 mm.

Abstract: A process for treating a patient with hydrocephalus is disclosed which utilizes an external medical drainage system having a slide interface between a mounting assembly and a disposable drip assembly. The mounting assembly is generally reusable and the drip assembly disposable. The mounting assembly includes a clamp which is fastenable to the pole, and a support rail affixed to the clamp and which has a longitudinal slot that defines an open-face elongated channel. The drip assembly includes a key adjustably positionable within the channel, a graduated cylinder supported by the key, a drainage bag fluidly connected to the graduated cylinder, and tubing extending from the graduated cylinder opposite the drainage bag. A portion of the key disposed within the channel has a cross-sectioned configuration substantially matching the cross section of the channel.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method to analyze the pressure variation in a perfusion device including multiple perfusion modules each equipped with a pump to deliver a liquid to be perfused in a line placed downstream from the pump as well as a means to measure the pressure in the line, with junction points enabling connection of certain lines among each other or certain lines with lines from units outside the perfusion device.

Abstract: A medication infusion pump includes a housing, a medication chamber defined within the housing, means for supplying the medication from the medication chamber to a patient, a reservoir defined within the housing and adapted to apply a predetermined negative pressure to a medication within the medication chamber, and a gas within the reservoir. The gas has a vapor pressure less than ambient atmospheric pressure at normal human physiological temperature, more specifically less than 14.7 psia at 37° C.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting and treating cerebral blood vessel collapse (54) during intracranial hypertension or vasospasm by affecting cerebral venous outflow pressure (61). Venous collapse is diagnosed by lowering jugular venous bulb pressure (61) and detecting significant, progressively increasing gradient between it and ICP (60). Rising jugular venous pressure initially the collapse is terminated and then ICP starts to increase. Increasing jugular venous pressure opens collapsed vascular segments by increasing intravascular pressure. There is no increase in ICP if jugular venous pressure is maintained below value that affects ICP. During life-threatening vascular collapse caused by a plateau wave or vasospasm venous outflow pressure is temporarily increased to a level necessary to terminate collapse regardless of ICP. This is accomplished by venous occlusion catheter placed into dominant jugular vein.

Abstract: A device cooperating with a pump for guiding a contrast medium from a source thereof to a catheter for delivery to a patient's vascular system. The device comprises a dual check valve, a tubular member, an in-line check valve and a three-port stopcock. The dual check valve has an inlet port connectable to the source of contrast medium, an inlet-outlet port connectable to the pump, and an outlet port coupled to the tubular member. The in-line check valve is connected to the tubular member at a point spaced from the dual check valve for preventing fluid flow towards the dual check valve. The stopcock connected at a first port to the in-line check valve, a second port of the stopcock being operatively connectable to the catheter. Using this device, medical personnel infuses contrast medium into the patient from the source without having to disconnect any element from the device during the infusion process.