Abstract: Methods and systems for determining whether a catheter malfunction is present in a catheter by analyzing changes in the pressure of fluids being pumped through the delivery lumen of the catheter. The pressure changes that may be monitored may include, e.g., the peak pressure within the catheter and/or the pressure decay profile. The catheter malfunctions that may be determined using the methods and systems of the invention may include, e.g., leaks, blockages, the presence of gas bubbles, etc.

Abstract: The inventive endoscopy system includes a cannula for arranging an endoscope and forming, between said cannula and endoscope, an irrigation or aspiration channel for transporting an irrigation or aspiration fluid, respectively, a connection ring mounted around the cannula and provided with a connection channel connectable to the irrigation or aspiration channel, respectively and a connector which is mounted on the connection ring and includes a transport channel with the connection channel and a first pressure sensor for detecting pressure in the transport channel. The connection ring is provided with a bypass circuit connectable to the irrigation or aspiration channel, respectively and the connector including a dead channel connectable to the bypass circuit and a second pressure sensor for detecting pressure in the dead channel.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for obtaining and acting upon information indicative of circulatory health and related phenomena in human beings or other subjects. Some involve implementing or deploying therapeutic administration systems, for example, for obtaining one or more indications of a lytic material in a vicinity of one or more body lumens and accelerating a decrease in a local concentration of the lytic material in the vicinity of the one or more body lumens by causing one or more elements to extract at least a portion of the lytic material in the vicinity of the one or more body lumens in response to the one or more indications of the lytic material in the vicinity of the one or more body lumens.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device includes an array of needles, each in fluid communication with a respective reservoir. Respective actuators are coupled so as to be operable to drive fluid from the reservoirs via needle ports. Each needle can have a plurality of ports, and the ports can be arranged to deliver a substantially equal amount of fluid at any given location along its length. A driver is coupled to the actuators to selectively control the rate, volume, and direction of flow of liquid through the needles. The device can simultaneously deliver a plurality of fluid agents along respective axes in solid tissue in vivo. If thereafter resected, the tissue can be sectioned for evaluation of an effect of each agent on the tissue, and based on the evaluation, candidate agents selected or deselected for clinical trials or therapy, and subjects selected or deselected for clinical trials or therapeutic treatment.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis system includes an automated peritoneal dialysis (“APD”) machine including a logic implementer and a wireless interface receiver. The system also includes at least one of a scale or a blood pressure monitor including a wireless interface transmitter. The scale or blood pressure monitor is operable to send at least one of patient blood pressure data and patient weight data wirelessly, respectively, to the wireless interface receiver. The logic implementer is configured to store the patient blood pressure data or patient weight data. A server computer is configured to communicate with the logic implementer to receive the stored at least one patient blood pressure data and patient weight data.

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: A line management apparatus for managing multiple IV lines connected in a Y fitting or multi-way fitting provides for flow sensing and for electronic control of flow in the multiple lines. The line management apparatus may be used independently as a precise gravity feed IV system or may provide for use in combination with an infusion pump to ensure proper delivery of multiple solutions without blending of the two.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an infusion control device designed to secure the infusion control device to a drip chamber attached to an infusion tube. The infusion control device comprises a light indicator and a microprocessor. The microprocessor determines the amount of fluid in an infusion bottle providing fluid to the transparent drip chamber, and provides instructions to the light indicator to illuminate the infusion bottle when the amount of fluid in the infusion bottle is less than a predetermined first limit.

Abstract: A measurement device for measuring activity of the spinal cord of a vertebrate, wherein the device includes at least one main probe (1) shaped to be fastened to a spinous process (2) of a vertebra (3) and to hold in position on opposite sides of the vertebra at least one emitter (6) for emitting a wave capable of interacting with the spinal cord (7) and at least one associated receiver (8) for receiving the wave that has interacted with the spinal cord and for generating a signal representative of the activity of the spinal cord.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis machine includes an enclosure; dialysate pump located within the enclosure; a graphical user interface allowing a patient to program a treatment including at least one patient fill performed by the dialysate pump, at least one dwell, and at least one drain performed by the dialysate pump; and the GUI further programmed to provide an alert when it is time to begin the treatment so as to complete the at least one patient fill, dwell and drain by a prescribed time.

Abstract: A device for delivery of glucose-regulating medication, particularly insulin, depending on the measured tissue glucose concentration, having a sensor for measuring the glucose concentration in tissue fluid, possibly a unit for removing fluid from subcutaneous tissue, as well as a container for the glucose-regulating medications, having a unit for subcutaneous delivery of the glucose-regulating medications, and having a unit connected to the glucose sensor for regulating the quantity of the glucose-regulating medication to be delivered depending on the measured tissue glucose concentrations. The device simulates the function of the natural pancreas and is constructed small and compact.

Abstract: A system for delivering or withdrawing a fluid to or from the body of a patient in a manner that permits delivery to be controlled based upon feedback from the patient, the system including a syringe assembly providing a syringe operably coupled to one or more sensors adapted to determine one or more corresponding parameters associated with fluid delivery and/or withdrawal, and a monitor adapted to be communicably associated with the one or more sensors of the syringe assembly, and optionally with other sensors or inputs providing additional parameters as well, the monitor comprising one or more read out mechanisms either directly or indirectly corresponding to the one or more fluid delivery/withdrawal parameters, and optionally with one or more of the additional parameters as well.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a skin adherable device for delivering therapeutic fluid into a body of a patient. In some embodiments, the device includes a monitoring apparatus, a pump, and a tip for delivering the therapeutic fluid into the body of the patient and for monitoring bodily analyte in the body of the patient. The pump may continuously deliver the therapeutic fluid to the body of the patient and the monitoring apparatus may continuously monitor bodily analytes of the patient.

Abstract: A medical device is provided comprising a transcutaneous device unit and a process unit. The transcutaneous device unit may comprise a transcutaneous device for transporting a fluid through a skin portion of a subject, and a mounting surface adapted for application to the skin of the subject. The process unit may comprise a reservoir adapted to contain a fluid drug, the reservoir comprising an outlet means allowing the transcutaneous device to be arranged in fluid communication with an interior of the reservoir, and an expelling assembly for expelling a fluid drug out of the reservoir and through the skin of the subject via the transcutaneous device. The transcutaneous device unit and the process unit further comprise coupling means allowing the reservoir unit to be secured to the transcutaneous device unit in the situation of use. By this arrangement a two-unit system is provided which can be used in a convenient and cost-effective manner.

Abstract: After pressing a part of the exterior of a body of an administration instrument against a body region of a patient to which a drug solution is to be administered, an injection needle that is housed in the instrument body is automatically protruded from the body to insert the needle into the body region, and further, the injection needle being inserted into the body region is automatically housed in the instrument body to remove the needle from the body region. Thereby, the pain of the patient during needle insertion and needle removal is reduced, and administration at a constant speed is possible during injection of the drug solution. Furthermore, even when two kinds of drug solutions or a dissolving and mixing type drug solution are/is used, mixing can be easily and reliably carried out.

Abstract: Systems and methods for non-vascular sensor implantation and for measuring physiological parameters in areas of a body where the physiological parameters are heterogeneous. An implant unit is implanted in an area of a body and a foreign body capsule is allowed to form around the implant unit area. A sensor may be directed into a body cavity such as, for example, the peritoneal space, subcutaneous tissues, the foreign body capsule, or other area. A subcutaneous area of the body may be tunneled for sensor placement. Spatially separated sensing elements may be used for detecting individual amounts of the physiological parameter. An overall amount of the physiological parameter may be determined by calculating a statistical measurement of the individual sensed amounts in the area. Another embodiment of the invention, a multi-analyte measuring device, may include a substrate having an electrode array on one side and an integrated circuit on another side.

Abstract: A medical waste fluid collection and disposal system includes a medical waste fluid collection cart including first and second fluid collection canisters. A valve assembly selectively communicates with the canisters and a valve drive system controls the valve assembly. A liquid level sensor is positioned within each of the canisters. A cart processor communicates with the liquid level sensors and the valve drive system. A cart drain line communicates with the valve assembly and a receptacle, a cart flushing line communicates with the valve assembly and the receptacle and a cart data line and a cart power line communicate with the cart processor and the cart receptacle. A station includes a drain pump that communicates with a drainage system and a station drain line, a flushing pump that communicates with a source of washing liquid and a station flushing line and a station processor in communication with the drain and flushing pumps. A station data line communicates with the station processor.

Abstract: Techniques for testing integrity of various elements of implantable medical device systems are described. Some embodiments automatically test the integrity of one or more system elements in response to detecting an event. Examples of events in response to which an integrity test may be performed include the patient being within a target activity state, a symptomatic event experienced by a patient, an external impact on the patient that exceeds a damage threshold, or an indication that the patient is receiving inappropriate therapy. Some embodiments automatically test integrity in response to failure to autonomously detect an event, which may be indicated by input from a patient. An implantable lead carrying electrodes or a therapeutic substance delivery element, such as a catheter, are examples of system elements for which integrity may be tested in some embodiments.

Abstract: A dialysis system instrument includes a dialysis instrument, a disposable pumping and valving cassette apparatus operable with pumping and valving actuators of the dialysis instrument, the disposable cassette including an electronic cell and electronics associated with the electronic cell, the electronics configured to determine an electrical property of a solution flowing through the electronic cell of the disposable apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to prediction of a rapid symptomatic drop in a subject's blood pressure, e.g. during a medical treatment or when operating an aircraft. To this aim, a pulse shape parameter (Pps) with respect to a peripheral body part (105) of the subject (P) is registered by means of a pulse oximetry instrument (110) adapted to detect light response variations in blood vessels. An initial pulse magnitude measure is calculated based on a pulse shape parameter (Pps) received at a first instance. During a measurement period subsequent to the first instance, a respective pulse magnitude measure is calculated based on each of a number of received pulse shape parameters (Pps). It is further investigated, for each pulse magnitude measure in the measurement period, whether or not the measure fulfills a decision criterion relative to the initial pulse magnitude measure. An alarm triggering signal (?) is generated if the decision criterion is found to be fulfilled.

Abstract: Drug pump devices may be remotely controlled and/or reprogrammed by a smartphone or other wireless handheld device.

Abstract: Problems To provide a cardiac disease treatment system for accurately diagnosing the functional cause of an abnormality of a cardiac disease by analyzing the hemodynamic state of a patient, automatically performing medication in accordance with the diagnosis result, and treating the cardiac disease. Means for solving problems The cardiac disease treatment system is characterized by comprising input means (2) for inputting the cardiac output value of the patient, the left atrial pressure value and/or the right atrial pressure value, first calculating means (31) for calculating the pumping ability value of the left heart or the right heart from the inputted cardiac output and the left or right atrial pressure value, first comparing means (41) for comparing the pumping ability value of the left heart or the right heart with a target pumping ability value, and first medicating means (51) for medicating the patient in accordance with the result of the comparison by the first comparing means (41).

Abstract: Some embodiments of a portable infusion pump system can be configured to can be configured to adjust the sensitivity of particular detectors or alert systems based (at least in part) on information received from a monitoring device. For example, a glucose monitoring device can communication with an infusion pump assembly used to supply insulin or another medication to a user. In such circumstances, the data received from the monitoring device can be used to adjust the sensitivity of an occlusion detection system.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are described herein for controlling the level of one or more target cell types in the blood fluid and/or lymph fluid of a vertebrate subject. Devices and systems are provided that include a body defining at least one lumen configured for fluid flow; at least one controllable flow barrier to the at least one lumen; one or more sensor configured to detect one or more target cell types in blood fluid or lymph fluid of a vertebrate subject; at least one treatment region disposed within the at least one lumen; at least one reactive component disposed in the at least one treatment region; and at least one controller in communication with the one or more sensor and in communication with the at least one controllable flow barrier to the at least one lumen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for drug delivery via brain extracellular space (ECS). It includes putting head of patient in an imaging apparatus; generating dynamic images of the brain via the imaging apparatus; delivering drugs into brain ECS of the patient according to the dynamic images and the drugs get to the therapeutic target by simple diffusion along concentration gradient. The present invention also relates to a device for drug delivery via brain ECS. Basing on the self-diffusion delivery (SDD) of drugs in brain ECS, the present invention can deliver drug into the ECS of the brain's relatively safe area in low speed, with small amounts of doses and without extra stress. Therefore, the present invention can reduce delivery time and dose of drugs, relieve injection pressure, decrease damages on normal brain tissue, and reduce the cost of treatment observably.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described that release one or both of a neurotrophin and an inhibitor of the degradation of the neurotrophin within or in the vicinity of a highly innervated tissue. In some embodiments, the method includes regulating the release of the neurotrophin and the inhibitor of degradation over time. In some embodiments, the method includes monitoring the concentration of the neurotrophin over time. The system may include a device or multiple devices for the release of the neurotrophin and the inhibitor as well as a controller. In some embodiments the system may include a sensor device and/or an imaging device capable of detecting the concentration of the neurotrophin over time. The release of the neurotrophin and inhibitor of degradation may be part of a controlled release system and regulated over time.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is an apparatus including an alarm for alerting an operator to recharge a humidifier, wherein such alarm is generated other than through the use of a humidity sensor. In one embodiment the total work performed during heating and hydrating an insufflation gas is measured and an alarm generated when the total work performed exceeds a particular threshold. In another embodiment, a flow meter is used to measure the total flow of insufflation gas so that when the total flow of insufflation gas reaches a predetermined level an alarm is activated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an injection device comprising an optically-based sensor for determining the position or setting of a dose setting member arranged to set a dose to be injected from the injection device. In particular, the present invention relates to an injection device comprising a rotatably mounted member having a plurality of optically coded paths arranged on an outer surface thereof. The rotatably mounted member is operatively connected to the dose setting member and is adapted to rotate with the dose setting member.

Abstract: A cardiorenal patient monitoring system comprising, either implanted or non-implanted device(s), remote peripheral device(s), computer network(s), host, and communication means between the device(s), computer network(s), and host. The preferred embodiment shows an advanced patient monitoring system for using an implanted cardiac device and a dialysis machine in renal therapy. In addition, the method of advanced patient monitoring is in conjunction with the advanced patient monitoring system is disclosed.

Abstract: A medical device system comprises a reservoir configured to store a therapeutic fluid and a medical pump configured to deliver the therapeutic fluid from the reservoir to a patient. The system also comprises a sensor that can detect a characteristic associated with the pump and a processor to determine if the characteristic detected indicates the reservoir is empty or near empty. The characteristic may comprise a property associated with the energization of an actuation mechanism configured to be energized to provide a pump stroke. The characteristic may also comprise a characteristic of a noise made by an actuator within the pump at the end of a pump stroke.

Abstract: A microsurgical system capable of controlling aspiration and detecting an occlusion via monitoring a change in either suction flow rate or suction impedance.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing care to a patient, comprising a patient care device having a number of configuration databases stored in a memory in the device. Each configuration database preferably includes protocols, operating limits, rule sets and/or operating features that collectively define an operating environment, or personality, of the device. Selection of a specific configuration database preferably is based at least in part upon patient-specific information obtained from any location in a distributed hospital network. Examples of such patient-specific information include patient age or size, patient medical characteristics, a location of the patient or a location of the care device. In a preferred embodiment, programming a patient care device to deliver a drug to a patient entails activating a configuration database and scanning a machine-readable drug label identifying a particular protocol stored in the activated database.

Abstract: A medicinal solution injection apparatus 10 includes a composite needle 12 including a needle base portion 12c, an injection needle 12d, and an adjustment needle 12e, a pressure generating portion 13 configured to discharge a compressed air, a measuring portion 14 configured to measure a filling amount and a filling speed of a medicinal solution by measuring a position of a gasket 17a of a syringe 17, and a control portion 15 configured to control the pressure generating portion 13 and the measuring portion 14. The compressed air is introduced into a vial container 16 through an edge 12h of the adjustment needle 12e located above a liquid surface 16a of the medicinal solution in the vial container 16 (outside the liquid surface) to press the liquid surface 16a of the medicinal solution downward, so that a medicinal solution 16b is injected into the syringe 17 through an edge 12i of the injection needle 12d in the medicinal solution 16b.

Abstract: An infusion system is for infusing a fluid into the body of a patient. The infusion system includes at least one sensor for monitoring blood glucose concentration of the patient and an infusion device for delivering fluid to the patient. The sensor produces at least one sensor signal input. The infusion device uses the at least one sensor signal input and a derivative predicted algorithm to determine future blood glucose levels. The infusion device delivers fluid to the patient when future blood glucose levels are in a patient's target range. The infusion device is capable of suspending and resuming fluid delivery based on future blood glucose levels and a patient's low shutoff threshold. The infusion device suspends fluid delivery when future blood glucose levels falls below the low shutoff threshold. The infusion device resumes fluid delivery when a future blood glucose level is above the low shutoff threshold.

Abstract: A method for treatment of COPD, hypertension, and left ventricular hypertrophy, and chronic hypoxia including creation of an artificial arterio-venous fistula and installation of a flow mediating device proximate the fistula. The flow mediating device is operated to limit flow as medically indicated to provide the optimum amount of bypass flow.

Abstract: Some embodiments an infusion pump system can be used to determine a user's total insulin load (TIL) that provides an accurate indication of the insulin previously delivered to the user's body which has not yet acted. In particular embodiments, the TIL can account for both the bolus deliveries and the basal deliveries that have occurred over a period of time. Such information may be useful, for example, when the infusion pump is operated in conjunction with a continuous glucose monitoring device.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for automatically limiting the drainage of a bodily fluid such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a patient into a collection chamber. The collection chamber includes a vent having an hydrophobic filter for the passage of air to facilitate the movement of CSF yet to maintain a closed system. The system includes a buoyant float hingedly connected with the top of the collection chamber in one embodiment. When fluid rises in the collection chamber to a predetermined volume, buoyant force raises the float and causes a seal plug mounted on top of the float to seal one of an inflow port or a vent port. The float is limited to pivoting movement in one plane and to a certain angle within that plane. The system and method avoid overdrainage of CSF from the patient and overfilling of the collection chamber.

Abstract: A medical canister connector is presented for connecting to a medical canister, which has a patient port and a reduced-pressure port. The medical canister connector includes a first connection member that is coupled to a patient-port-attachment member, which is for coupling to a patient port on a medical canister and has a patient-port opening with a first longitudinal axis. The medical canister connector also includes a second connection member coupled to a reduced-pressure-port-attachment member, which is for coupling to a reduced-pressure port on the medical canister and has a reduced-pressure-port opening with a second longitudinal axis. A spacing member or pressure transport member may be used to couple the first connection member to the second connection member. The spacing member or transport member flexes and twists during connection. The medical canister connector may also help organize one or more pressure-sensing conduits. Methods are also presented.

Abstract: When consumable part such as pressure-resistant cover (300) is installed on a chemical solution injector (100), consumption degree data is read from storage means such as an RFID chip of the consumable part and temporarily held. If the consumption degree updated according to the use of the consumable part exceeds the consumption criteria, a replacement preliminary warning is outputted and the updated consumption degree data is written in the consumption storage means (310) of the consumable part. Since the consumption degree of a consumable part installed on a mechanical device is automatically detected and a replacement preliminary warning is issue to the user at an adequate timing, continuous use of a totally consumed part, unnecessary replacement of a non-totally consumed part is prevented.

Abstract: A device and method capable of sensing the presence of biochem agents, and preferably also capable of delivering precise amounts of one or more antidotes to treat a victim exposed to the agents. The device includes a freestanding tube portion having an internal passage containing a substance selective to a chemical or biological agent so that matter accumulates within the freestanding tube portion when a fluid drawn through the tube portion contains the agent. When vibrated at resonance, the resonant frequency of the tube portion is indicative of the accumulation of matter and thereby the presence of the agent to which the substance is selective. The device then preferably delivers precise amounts of one or more appropriate antidotes to treat the victim. The device is a sufficiently small and lightweight unit to permit being carried by an individual.

Abstract: A method and system for both autonomous and manual control of an infusion pump for delivering medication to a patient is provided.

Abstract: A medical system comprises a first medical probe having indicia, and a second medical probe in a coaxial arrangement with the first medical probe. The second medical probe has a detector (e.g., an optical detector) configured for detecting a passage of the indicia as the first and second medical probes are moved relative to each other. In one embodiment, the first medical probe is an inner medical probe, and the second medical probe is an outer medical probe. The medical system further comprises an electromechanical driver coupled to the first and second medical probes, and a controller configured for directing the electromechanical driver to move the first and second medical probes relative to each other, and for receiving signals from the detector indicating the relative movement between the first and second medical probes.

Abstract: A drug administration controller has a sensor that generates a sensor signal to a physiological measurement device, which measures a physiological parameter in response. A control output responsive to the physiological parameter or a metric derived from the physiological parameter causes a drug administration device to affect the treatment of a person, such as by initiating, pausing, halting or adjusting the dosage of drugs administered to the person.

Abstract: Programmable infusion systems and method for controlled infusion of diagnostic or therapeutic substances (e.g., drugs, biologics, fluids, cell preparations, etc.) into the bodies of human or animal subjects.

Abstract: A solution sending system includes a flow path; a pump including a space that also serves as part of the flow path; and a flow path resistance changing unit that changes a flow path resistance in the flow path. At least while a solution is filling the space, the flow path resistance changing unit operates such that the flow path resistance in the flow path becomes greater than that while the flow path resistance changing unit is not operating.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the controlled delivery of a drug as a function of bioavailable drug concentration, a sensor device for detecting bioavailable drug concentration, and a delivery device that controls delivery of the drug based on the real-time detection of bioavailable drug concentration.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis system includes a logic implementer configured to: (i) generate a number of peritoneal dialysis therapy regimens that meet at least one therapy target input; (ii) accept a filter input; and (iii) filter the generated therapy regimens according to the filter input to refine the number of therapy regimens available for selection.

Abstract: Infusion devices with blockage detection capability and methods of monitoring infusion devices. High resolution pressure sensing and/or the sensing of a reflected pressure event may be used to detect a blockage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic anesthesia control system and method for the detection of the degree of each component of general anesthesia, automatic detection of drugs administered and automatic drug delivery via intravenous route.

Abstract: A cutting accessory for use with a powered surgical tool. The accessory includes a drive shaft to which an outer hub is attached. Internal to the outer hub is a self-contained transponder formed from an RFID chip and a coil of electrical conductor embedded within a solid substrate or encapsulated within a plastic enclosure. The transponder wirelessly communicates one or more pieces of information concerning the identity and operation of the accessory to the surgical tool when the accessory is attached to the surgical tool.