Abstract: A trans-facet procedure for preparing a patient for oblique lateral lumbar interbody fusion (OLLIF). The preparation procedure includes providing a kit with instruments for accessing Kambin's triangle through bone at nominal approaches preferred for the OLLIF procedure, and providing instructions for the procedure on a non-transitory tangible medium.

Abstract: An inductive module with a miniaturized metamaterial structure includes an insulating substrate, two coil units, and a magnetic unit. The insulating substrate has opposing first and second surfaces and a through hole extending between the first and second surfaces. The coil units are respectively disposed on the first surface and the second surface of the insulating substrate, and are electrically connected to each other through the through hole. Each of the coil units includes a closed loop coil. The magnetic unit corresponds in position to a portion of the coil unit, surrounds said portion of the coil unit, and has an opening.

Abstract: A high voltage rectifier includes: a power divider (2) dividing power of high-frequency wave RF to be rectified; a capacitor (3) cutting-off direct current flowing between the power divider (2) and a first rectifier (10): and a capacitor (4) cutting-off direct current flowing between the power divider (2) and a second rectifier (20). The first rectifier (10) generates a direct-current voltage DC1 by rectifying a high-frequency wave RF1 output from the power divider (2), and outputs the direct-current voltage DC1 to one end of a load (7). The second rectifier (20) generates a direct-current voltage DC2 having a different polarity from that of the direct-current voltage DC1 by rectifying high-frequency wave RF2 output from the power divider (2), and outputs the direct-current voltage DC2 to the other end of the load (7).

Abstract: An implantable system is disclosed that includes an encapsulated housing including a radioactive source. The encapsulated housing is internally coated with a light-generating coating that converts the radioactive energy to light, that is then output in vivo to a photodiode positioned proximate to at least part of the encapsulated housing in vivo. The photodiode is configured to generate electrical current from the light, which electrical current is output to a power conditioning circuit that is configured to use the electrical current as an input electrical current and to output power to a load in vivo. The encapsulated may also be internally coated, at least in part, with a light directing coating that causes light to be directed toward an optical lens that focuses the light on the photodiode. The radioactive source may be a gas having a low half-life and which poses no health risk to a patient if released.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for quantitatively determining a person's neuro-muscular blockade (NMB) level in real-time using at least one sensor attached to the person is provided. The method includes receiving a first input signal from the sensor, wherein the first input signal includes a measurement of a first muscular response, the first muscular response resulting from a baseline stimulus current delivered to the person before administration of NMB agents to the person, and establishing a baseline chronaxie based on the first input signal. The method also includes delivering one or more stimulus currents to the person after the administration of NMB agents to the person, receiving a second input signal from the sensor, wherein the second input signal includes a measurement of one or more muscular responses resulting from the one or more stimulus currents, and determining the person's NMB level based on the second input signal.

Abstract: A transmitting and receiving electrode system, and power transmission method using the same are provided. The transmitting and receiving electrode system includes: a voltage/current detection unit measuring a voltage and a current in real time while power is being transmitted between first and second electrodes; a controller calculating a variable element value based on the voltage and current values transferred from the voltage/current detection unit; and a variable element unit converting a variable element under the control of the controller to adjust an impedance of a power source.

Abstract: A medical device-powering wireless receiver for use with a first electromagnetic resonator coupled to a power supply. The wireless receiver includes a load configured to power an implantable medical device using electrical power, and a second electromagnetic resonator adapted to be housed within the medical device and configured to be coupled to the load, wherein the second electromagnetic resonator is configured to be wirelessly coupled to the first electromagnetic resonator to provide resonant, non-radiative wireless power to the second electromagnetic resonator from the first electromagnetic resonator, the area circumscribed by the inductive element of at least one of the electromagnetic resonators can be varied to improve performance.

Abstract: A medical robotic system comprises a number of components that may be monitored to determine their preventive maintenance needs by recording usage-related information for the monitored components into associated non-volatile memories. When usage of the component exceeds a specified usage threshold, the system displays a warning message on its display screen to have preventive maintenance performed for the component. If the usage continues without such maintenance and exceeds a higher usage threshold, the system displays an error message on its display screen and the system transitions into an error state during which medical procedures are not allowed to be performed. The usage-related information may also be communicated to a remote computer which gathers and processes usage-related information from a number of medical robotic systems to estimate resource requirements for timely performing preventive maintenance on the medical robotic systems, and anticipated service revenues from such maintenance.

Abstract: A power supply comprises transistors whose conduction paths are connected in series and whose control terminals receive a reference voltage. The common terminal at one end of the series-connected conduction paths provides a regulator output whereas output terminals of the transistors are connected to charge storage capacitors, which are charged by respective power generators for scavenging energy from the environment. The transistors begin conducting in sequence so that the storage capacitors begin contributing sequentially to the output current as each transistor conducts in sequence. The capacitors are charged up when they are not contributing to the output current.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a sensor for facilitating detection of a physiological characteristic of a patient. Specifically, one embodiment includes a detector configured to obtain signals from the patient, the signals being indicative of the physiological characteristic, an interface configured to send the signals to a monitor, and a sensor memory coupled with the sensor and separate from the monitor, the sensor memory storing sensor expiration data.

Abstract: A medical robotic system comprises a number of components that may be monitored to determine their preventive maintenance needs by recording usage-related information for the monitored components into associated non-volatile memories. When usage of the component exceeds a specified usage threshold, the system displays a warning message on its display screen to have preventive maintenance performed for the component. If the usage continues without such maintenance and exceeds a higher usage threshold, the system displays an error message on its display screen and the system transitions into an error state during which medical procedures are not allowed to be performed. The usage-related information may also be communicated to a remote computer which gathers and processes usage-related information from a number of medical robotic systems to estimate resource requirements for timely performing preventive maintenance on the medical robotic systems, and anticipated service revenues from such maintenance.

Abstract: An active implantable medical device having an RF telemetry circuit. The device is in particular a stimulation, resynchronization, defibrillation and/or cardioversion device. It includes a principal circuit, an RF telemetry auxiliary circuit and a supply battery for the principal and auxiliary circuits. It is envisaged to have between the supply battery and the auxiliary circuit a regulating circuit including an accumulator of electric power coupled with the auxiliary circuit to deliver a current ready to feed the auxiliary circuit, and a load circuit coupled with the supply battery to maintain the accumulator on a predetermined level of load.

Abstract: An LED for use with a medical diagnostic instrument having an adapter disposed between an instrument head and a hand-grippable handle, the LED being removably attachable in relation to the adapter in order to permit selective replacement of the LED, as needed. The LED is situated in order to provide mechanical and electrical interface with at least one of the adapter and the instrument, thereby enabling the adapter and the LED to convert the illumination source of the instrument selectively between an incandescent light source and the LED. The adapter matches a polarity between the LED and a power supply that is specifically intended for powering an incandescent light source.

Abstract: An adapter for permitting a medical diagnostic instrument having an illumination source including at least one LED (light emitting diode) to be used with a power supply normally configured for use with a diagnostic instrument having at least one incandescent lamp as an illumination source. The adapter includes circuitry for compensating LED specific characteristics for permitting the power supply to be used with the LED.

Abstract: A rectifier circuit for converting an AC voltage to a DC voltage has a first MOS transistor having a source connected to a first input terminal of an AC power supply, and also having a drain connected to an output terminal thereof, a first parasitic diode formed between the first input terminal and the output terminal, a first detection circuit, connected to the first input terminal and to the output terminal, for detecting a difference in voltage between the first input terminal and to the output terminal, a second MOS transistor, adapted to be reverse in polarity to the first MOS transistor, having a source connected to a second input terminal of the AC power supply and also having a drain connected to a ground terminal, a second parasitic diode formed between the input terminal and the ground terminal, a second detection circuit, connected to the second input terminal and the ground terminal, for detecting a difference in voltage between the second input terminal and the ground terminal, and a capacitor co

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing a sufficiently stable power to a load in an energy transfer system that transfers energy from one side of a physical boundary to another side of the boundary. In one example, a power supply and a primary winding are located on a first side of a physical boundary (e.g., external to a body), and a secondary winding and the load are located on a second side of the physical boundary (e.g., internal to the body). A primary voltage across the primary winding is regulated so as to provide a sufficiently stable output power to the load notwithstanding changes in the load and/or changes in a relative position of the primary winding and the secondary winding. One aspect of the invention relates to energy transfer methods and apparatus for use in connection with the human body. In particular, one example of the invention includes a transcutaneous energy transfer (TET) system for transferring power from a power supply external to the body to a device implanted in the body.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multi-mode crystal oscillator system selectively configurable to minimize power consumption or noise generation. Such a system is particularly applicable to the communication system of an implantable device, e.g., the microstimulator/sensor device described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,164,284 and 6,185,452. In such devices, their small size limits the size of the battery contained within and thus makes it essential to minimize power consumption. Additionally, the small size and battery capacity result in a limited transmission power. Furthermore, the small size limits the antenna efficiency which makes it desirable to limit any noise generation to maximize the signal-to-noise level of the resulting receive signal. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention alternatively supply power to the oscillator in either a first mode that minimizes power consumption or a second mode that minimizes noise generation.

Abstract: An irrigator (20) useful for surgical and medical procedures. The irrigator includes a handpiece (22) to which a tip assembly (30) is attached. The tip assembly includes a discharge tube (32) through which irrigating fluid is discharged. A spray head (422) with spaced-apart shoulders (422) is moveably attached to the front of the discharge tube. When the spray head is in a first position, the shoulders do not interfere with the discharge of irrigation fluid. When the spray head is in a second position, the shoulders are in registration over the discharge openings; the discharged irrigation fluid is dispersed by the shoulders. A spray shield (181) is disposed over the discharge tube. The irrigation fluid defused by the spray head shoulders strikes the spray shield which further diffuses this discharge.

Abstract: An irrigator (20) useful for surgical and medical procedures. The irrigator includes a handpiece (22) to which a tip assembly (30) is attached. The handpiece (22) includes a drain tube (50) that extends through the body of the handpiece and outside of the handpiece to the complementary suction system. The tip assembly includes a discharge tube (32) that is snap secured into the front of the handpiece and a suction tube (48) that seats in the open front end of the drain tube. A removable splash shield (181) is attached to the front end of the tip assembly. A trigger (44) allows one-handed control of, the position of the handpiece, the on/off state of the irrigator and the rate at which fluid is discharged from the irrigator. A rechargeable power pack (222) can be used to supply the energization current needed to activate a number of different handpieces at different speeds.

Abstract: An electrical signal supply apparatus independently controls and regulates voltage and current in supplying microampere currents to skin tissue of patients. The apparatus enables operators to select a desired voltage level independent of the requirement to maintain current through the skin tissue at a relatively constant level. The apparatus includes a switching regulator in combination with an electric voltage doubling network and potential divider network to enable the supply of increased voltages.

Abstract: An electromagnetic wave generator for influencing different corporal states in a biological organism includes an oscillator circuit coupled to a microcontroller and an antenna coupled to the microcontroller through which waves at a given frequency are transmitted to a biological organism.

Abstract: A bipolar high-voltage switching power supply system includes an input and a first output module for generating power at a first voltage and power rating. In another configuration, a second output module is combined with the first to generate power at double the power rating. The power supply is particularly suited for CT scanners and similar biomedical instrumentation.

Abstract: Adaptors are provided for use with electrosurgical bipolar instruments and standard commercially available electrosurgical generators that reduce coagulum buildup and sticking on electrosurgical instruments. A first type of adaptor converts a high voltage, high crest factor output voltage waveform typical of conventional electrosurgical generators to a more desirable lower voltage, lower crest factor regime. A second type of adaptor limits the peak open-circuit voltage supplied by a conventional electrosurgical generator to an electrosurgical instrument.

Abstract: A transmit power supply optimization method optimizes power supply voltage to high voltage transmitters of an ultrasound imaging apparatus for each operating mode of the apparatus. The method comprises the steps of linking the operating mode of the apparatus, the output of the high voltage transmitters, and the power supply. It is then determined when a change in optimum power supply voltage will be desired. Operation of the high voltage transmitter power supply and the high voltage transmitters is coordinated to react to the determination that a change in optimum power supply voltage will be desired, before the change in optimum power supply voltage is actually desired. Finally, a distributed power supply filter is provided to allow the high voltage transmitters to operate while the change in optimum power supply voltage is occurring.

Abstract: A wall mounted power supply for a remote instrument handle has a novel self compensating voltage regulating circuit that remains in precise calibration despite variable voltage drops in the load, cabling, and control switches. Power output is enabled by an infrared emitter-detector combination disposed in the device's cradle that senses the absence of the instrument handle therein.

Abstract: The invention concerns a current-generating apparatus for supplying at least two probes designed to be applied to a part of the human body for the purpose of therapeutic treatment in the field of biophysics and physiology. This apparatus comprises a self-contained electrical power supply source (2) suitable for delivering a constant voltage, a constant current generator (18), a frequency-generator (10, 19) suitable for transforming the constant current so as to deliver a current in the form of biphase rectangular pulses with zero mean and steep edges, the total duration T of which in .mu.s is substantially between 200 .mu.s and 800 .mu.s, and a delay circuit (12, 14, 15) for delaying the sending of the starts of pulses suitable for triggering a pulse every k .times.15 ms, where k=1 or 4.

Abstract: A non-volatile memory disposed within electrically powered medical equipment is described. The non-volatile memory may be preprogrammed to store utilization limits and parametric data for the equipment. An external control module may be programmed to store the utilization history for the equipment in the non-volatile memory on an on-going basis. The control module compares the utilization limits and utilization history during each use, and disables the equipment if a utilization limit is exceeded. The control module may also use the parametric data stored in the non-volatile memory to regulate the power supplied to the equipment.

Abstract: Electrosurgery apparatus includes an r.f. power amplifier with an output to a patient electrode. The amplifier is controlled by the voltage of input signals from a control unit which receives a sample of the voltage and current of the output signal. The voltage and current signals are supplied to A/D converters to provide two digital signals that are used to address a look-up table in an EPROM and provide a digital output representative of impedance. A switch is set by the user to the desired mode/power curve and this provides a digital signal which together with the impedance signal is used to address a second look-up table in an EPROM which contains digital representations of the required output voltage of the amplifier to produce the desired power level. An adder compares the required voltage with a feedback of the actual voltage to produce an error signal that is supplied to the amplifier to control its output.

Abstract: A removable package for use primarily in an ambulatory monitoring device, such as a medical monitor includes a RAM and a power supply. The RAM package is connected to an external device via an edge connector which includes interlock means for sensing when the removable RAM package is properly connected to the external device in order to prevent inadvertent writes into the RAM. In a preferred embodiment of the invention disclosed, the removable RAM circuit also includes a microprocessor compatible real time timer which is connected to the same data and address buses as the RAM.

Abstract: An electrosurgical unit for producing a modulated oscillating signal for coagulation procedures and an unmodulated oscillating signal for cutting procedures. The unit includes a four arm bridge rectifier interconnected directly to the line voltage. A first pair of opposing diagonal terminals on the rectifier is connected directly to the line voltage. A cutting signal is obtained from the other pair of diagonal terminals, and a coagulation signal is obtained across one arm of the bridge rectifier. An oscillator tank coil provides the necessary RF isolation output. A switch selectively interconnects either the coagulation signal output from the bridge rectifier, or the cutting signal output from the bridge rectifier, to the oscillator. The output is taken across the tank circuit from the RF oscillator and applied to a patient through a handpiece. Through the use of high voltage transistors in the circuit, high efficiency is obtained by eliminating the input transformer of the prior art.

Abstract: An adapter for permitting a medical diagnostic instrument having an illumination source including at least one LED (light emitting diode) to be used with a power supply normally configured for use with a diagnostic instrument having at least one incandescent lamp as an illumination source. The adapter includes circuitry for compensating LED specific characteristics for permitting the power supply to be used with the LED.