Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
600593000 | Esophagus, stomach, or lower alimentary canal | 31 |
20080275368 | Apparatus For Detecting Axial Force In The Digestive System - An apparatus and a method for measuring deformations and force applied to a probe are disclosed. The system may be a mechanical system a physical system or a biological system such as e.g. a bodily hollow system. The apparatus comprises an elongated elastic probe, a conducting medium attached to or contained by the probe, two or more electrodes being electrically connected by the conducting medium, the electrodes being attached to the probe, and the apparatus furthermore comprising means for measuring an electrical parameter, such as the potential difference between at least two of the number of electrodes, the measured electrical parameter being indicative of a deformation of the probe in at least the longitudinal direction of the elongated probe. The force applied to the probe may be determined from a pre-calibration of the electrical parameter-force relationship of the probe. | 11-06-2008 |
20080275369 | Arrangement and Method for Determining Muscular Contractions in an Anatomical Organ - The invention relates to an arrangement for determining the degree of muscular contraction of a generally tubular anatomical organ ( | 11-06-2008 |
20080287833 | Method of evaluating gastroparesis using an ingestible capsule - A method of evaluating gastroparesis comprising the steps of providing an ingestible capsule having a pH sensor and a pressure sensor, having a subject ingest the capsule, recording pH measurements from the pH sensor as a function of time as the capsule moves through at least a portion of the gastrointestinal tract of the subject, recording pressure measurements from the pressure sensor as a function of time as the capsule moves through at least a portion of the gastrointestinal tract of the subject, determining the capsule's location at a first position in the gastrointestinal tract, deriving a pressure pattern as a function of time and the pressure measurements, providing a reference pressure pattern, and analyzing the subject's pressure pattern relative to the reference pressure pattern to evaluate the subject with respect to gastroparesis. The location may be the junction between the stomach and the small bowel of the subject. The pressure pattern may be the number of contractions relative to a baseline over a given time interval or area under the curve of pressure measurements over a given time interval. | 11-20-2008 |
20080306411 | ESOPHAGEAL WAVEFORM ANALYSIS FOR DETECTION AND QUANTIFICATION OF REFLUX EPISODES - A system and method for automatically analyzing impedance and pH data from an esophageal probe includes a data collection system that collects and stores the output from the sensors for a certain period of time to locate reflux episodes in the waveforms. The data analysis system uses wavelet analysis to assist in locating bolus entry and exit points in the waveforms and to smooth waveforms for additional analysis. It also distinguishes between candidate acid reflux episodes and candidate non-acid reflux episodes for determining actual acid reflux episodes and non-acid reflux episodes, and it distinguishes between, and provides different signal processing for, signals from patients that have healthy esophageal tissue and those that have diseased esophageal tissue. | 12-11-2008 |
20080312559 | Method and Apparatus for Performing Gastric Bypass Surgery - A specially configured esophageal-gastric tube can be inserted into a patient's esophagus with the tip of the tube in the region of an end-to-end anaotomosis connection. The joined members are occluded upstream and downstream of the anastomosis connection. Fluid is pumped into the occluded section through the esophageal-gastric tube until a desired pressure level is attained. The anastomosis connection then is checked for leaks. The invention also includes a bougie having an end portion made of a material suitable for resisting electro-cauterization temperatures. | 12-18-2008 |
20090012433 | METHOD, APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR FOOD INTAKE AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ASSESSMENT - Electronic systems, devices and methods are provided to accurately measure both food intake and physical activity in a subject. A device is provided to be placed on a subject which records video as well as other physiological and/or environmental data. Video data can be analyzed along with other data obtained by the device to determine food consumption and physical activity of the subject, much of which is accomplished by automated computer-implemented processes. | 01-08-2009 |
20090018470 | DEVICE | 01-15-2009 |
20090082698 | DEVICES, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS FOR SIZING OF A GASTRIC POUCH - Devices, methods, and systems for measuring the size of gastric pouches. At least some embodiments include a catheter comprising an outer elongate tube, an inner elongate tube disposed within the outer elongate tube, a proximal balloon attached to the outer elongate tube, a distal balloon having a first end attached to the outer elongate tube and a second end attached to the inner elongate tube, at least two detection electrodes positioned on the outer elongate tube relative to at least two excitation electrodes, and a pressure transducer positioned on the outer elongate tube. | 03-26-2009 |
20090124937 | VISUALIZATION OF VALUES OF A PHYSICAL PROPERTY DETECTED IN AN ORGANISM OVER TIME - A system for visually indicating, in real time or post hoc, values of a physical property detected over a period of time along a dimension of an organism to a user on a temporal plot and a profile plot, either individually or concurrently. The detected values may be visually indicated on the temporal plot using any of a variety of techniques, including, but not limited to, a contour technique, a line trace technique or a mesh plot technique. Further, the detected values may be visually indicated on the profile plot using any of a variety of techniques, including, but not limited to a contour technique, a line trace technique or a histogram technique. To provide a finer spatial resolution, values may be interpolated for locations between the locations at which values were detected, and these values may be displayed on the temporal plot and the profile plot. | 05-14-2009 |
20090192415 | GASTRIC RESTRICTION DEVICE DATA HANDLING DEVICES AND METHODS - Methods and devices are provided for handling data in an implantable restriction system. In general, the methods and devices allow collection, analysis, storage, and transmission of pressure measurements. Pressure measurement data can be compressed before storing it. Additionally, not all pressure data need be recorded or retained, such as data substantially equaling a resting or nominal pressure of an implantable restriction device indicative of little to no pressure variation and data indicative of isolated, non-recurring events. Any pressure measurement data that is recorded can be transmitted to an external device using power telemetrically provided by the external device. | 07-30-2009 |
20090287121 | LUMEN PASSABILITY CHECKING DEVICE AND METHODS OF DISSOLVING AND MANUFACTURING THE DEVICE - A lumen passability checking device includes: a soluble unit made of a material that dissolves in a body and forming a structure of a capsule shape; and an insoluble unit made of a material that does not dissolve in the body and forming a thin film that covers the surface of the soluble unit excluding an opening. The shape of the insoluble unit is maintained by the soluble unit, and the insoluble unit collapses when the soluble unit dissolves and collapses. | 11-19-2009 |
20090299231 | LUMEN PASSABILITY CHECKING DEVICE AND LUMEN PASSABILITY CHECKING METHOD - A lumen passability checking device includes: an outer structure having an external diameter substantially equal to that of a capsule medical device to be inserted into a body of a subject and having at least a part dissolved by a specific substance existing in a target organ within the subject; and a visually checkable identifier contained in the outer structure and discharged from the outer structure to inside of the body of the subject along dissolution of the outer structure. | 12-03-2009 |
20100056961 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DETECTING DEGLUTITION IN BABIES - A method for detecting deglutition includes steps of: generating in the computer memory a number of addresses perfectly identifiable from a start point on which electrical transients received from the sensor element will be recorded; shooting the first computer memory scan upon receiving the signal of the first suction movement detected by the cutaneous electrodes or pressure transducers; recording electrical transients of records from the microphone or movement sensors at the different memory addresses: consider as a fresh start for recording electrical transients from the microphone every new signal of a new suction movement; averaging the electrical transients of records from the sensor element at different memory addresses; compare averaged electrical transients during apneas to normal breathing (to show that the ingested milk was swallowed during the times when the infant develops apneas). The device includes: a respiration sensor element; a suction sensor element; and a deglutition sensor element. | 03-04-2010 |
20100121225 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR EXAMINING A BODY LUMEN - A system and method for indicating transferability of a non-dissolvable target in-vivo device through the GI tract are described. The in vivo system includes a dissolvable in-vivo device which has two operational phases; an initial phase in which the device is of initial dimensions and a final phase in which the device is of final dimensions. In the initial phase the device can pass freely through a normally configured body lumen whereas it may not be able to pass freely through an abnormally configured lumen. In the final phase the device can pass freely through a body lumen even if it is abnormally configured. | 05-13-2010 |
20100160833 | METHOD AND SYSTEM OF SEGMENTATION AND TIME DURATION ANALYSIS OF DUAL-AXIS SWALLOWING ACCELEROMETRY SIGNALS - The proposed invention is a method and system for the segmentation of dual-axis accelerometry signals for the purposed of identifying problematic swallowing events. The method and system employ a sensor, a data collection means including an algorithm for the analysis of the data. The proposed invention considers the stochastic properties of swallowing signals in both directions, A-P and S-I to extract events associated with swallowing. A segmentation algorithm may be applied to the signals to establish the time duration of swallows and swallows may be classified with respect to gender, body mass index, age or types of swallow. | 06-24-2010 |
20100298741 | DUODENAL EATING SENSOR - Apparatus ( | 11-25-2010 |
20120016268 | ABDOMINAL OBESITY INDEX MEASURING APPARATUS - An abdomen width determiner determines an abdomen width of a subject. A shape index calculator calculates a shape index corresponding to a cross-sectional shape of an abdomen of the subject. An obesity evaluator evaluates whether an obesity degree of the subject is high or low. An obesity index calculator calculates an obesity index corresponding to the abdomen width using a first equation if the obesity evaluator evaluates that the obesity degree is low, and calculates an obesity index corresponding to the abdomen width and the shape index using a second equation different from the first equation if the obesity evaluator evaluates that the obesity degree is high. | 01-19-2012 |
20120123300 | PROBE FOR ENTERAL NUTRITION | 05-17-2012 |
20120130283 | Device for Monitoring Size of Luminal Cavity - A system for measuring the size of a gastric lumen includes a gastric banding device, an antenna positioned outside of the patient's body, and a receiver in operative communication with the antenna. The banding device comprises two orthogonal ultrasonic transceiver modules, a microprocessor, and a transmitter in electrical communication with the microprocessor. The microprocessor is in operative communication with each of the two transceiver modules. The transmitter transmits signals to a receiver positioned outside of a patient's body. Another system for measuring the size of a gastric lumen includes a gastric banding device having a first coiled conductor. The system further comprises a circuit external to the banding device, the circuit comprising a second coiled conductor. The circuit further comprises a tunable frequency generator and a spectrum analyzer, the circuit being tunable to allow a resonant frequency. | 05-24-2012 |
20120265103 | Systems and Methods for Treating Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease - Systems and methods for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) includes minimally invasively implanting a stimulating device in a patient's esophagus in the region proximate the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The patient is provided with a questionnaire related to his disease via an online service. The questionnaire is accessed on a mobile device, such as a cell phone, or on a computer with network access. The data from the sensors and the answers from the questionnaire are analyzed together by a health care provider using the online service. The data and answers are used to program the stimulating device, via the mobile device or computer, to optimize treatment. | 10-18-2012 |
20120316470 | METHOD AND SYSTEM OF SEGMENTATION AND TIME DURATION ANALYSIS OF DUAL AXIS ACCELEROMETRY SIGNALS - The proposed invention is a method and system for the segmentation of dual-axis accelerometry signals for the purpose of identifying problematic swallowing events. The method and system employ a sensor, a data collection means including an algorithm for analysis of the data. The proposed invention considers the stochastic properties of swallowing signals in both directions, A-P and S-I to extract events associated with swallowing. A segmentation algorithm may be applied to the signals to establish the time duration of swallows and swallows may be classified with respect to gender, body mass index, age or types of swallow. | 12-13-2012 |
20130090573 | DETECTION AND TREATMENT OF ABNORMAL ESOPHAGEAL SPHINCTER FUNCTIONALITY - An esophageal device is used to recognize, diagnose, characterize, or relieve an impact of an abnormal or defective UES anatomy, physiology, or functionality. In one implementation, the esophageal device measures a UES response to esophageal fluid infusion to detect or characterize an abnormality or defective UES anatomy, physiology, or functionality. An Upper Esophageal Sphincter compression device is used to increase intra-luminal pressure within the Upper Esophageal Sphincter of a patient in order relieve an impact of an abnormal or defective UES anatomy, physiology, or functionality. | 04-11-2013 |
20130165818 | DEVICES AND SYSTEMS TO SIZE A LUMINAL ORGAN - Devices and systems to size a luminal organ. At least some embodiments include a catheter comprising an outer elongate tube, an inner elongate tube disposed within the outer elongate tube, a proximal balloon attached to the outer elongate tube, a distal balloon having a first end attached to the outer elongate tube and a second end attached to the inner elongate tube, electrodes positioned on the outer elongate tube, and a pressure transducer positioned on the outer elongate tube. | 06-27-2013 |
20130274634 | Trocar and Device for Measuring a Tracheoesophageal Puncture - A trocar device and measurement assembly, includes a trocar having a sharply pointed shaft and a handle. An elongated sheath receives the shaft of the trocar therein, wherein the elongated sheath includes a plurality of measuring indicia thereon for measuring a length of a tracheoesophageal puncture formed by the trocar. A method of measuring the tracheoesophageal puncture is provided by inserting the elongated sheath into the puncture while observing the measuring indicia on the sheath to determine a length of the puncture. | 10-17-2013 |
20140081176 | SURGICAL TECHNIQUE(S) AND/OR DEVICE(S) - One or more techniques and/or devices are disclosed for promoting standardization of the dissection of a portion of a patient's stomach, such as during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), for example. In this way, LSG can be improved at least by allowing a surgeon and/or patient to choose a post surgery stomach size in a quantifiable manner. For example, a patient could discuss various stomach sizing options with their doctor and select the option believed to be most beneficial to the patient. Moreover, one or more techniques and/or devices are disclosed for decreasing tissue trauma while performing surgical stapling, such as during LSG. In this way, surgical procedures that implement stapling can be improved, as reduced tissue trauma generally accelerates healing time, among other things. For example, staples and/or staple cartridges may be designed to reduce pinching or pressure points along a staple line while achieving desired closure and/or hemostasis. | 03-20-2014 |
20140148731 | GASTRIC SIZING SYSTEMS INCLUDING INSTRUMENTS FOR USE IN BARIATRIC SURGERY - Systems and methods for effecting bariatric procedures are disclosed. Each system includes an instrument, a control valve and, optionally, a suction controller. The instrument is in the form of an elongated, flexible sizing tube having a distal end portion including a plurality of apertures. The control valve enables suction to be applied to the patient's stomach via the apertures to drain gastric fluids and to bring adjacent portions of the patient's stomach into engagement with the sizing tube to provide a visually perceptible delineation line along which a portion of the stomach may be resected, sealed and tested. | 05-29-2014 |
20140148732 | METHODS FOR PERFORMING BARIATRIC SURGERY USING GASTRIC SIZING SYSTEMS AND INSTRUMENTS - Systems and methods for effecting bariatric procedures are disclosed. Each system includes an instrument, a control valve and, optionally, a suction controller. The instrument is in the form of an elongated, flexible sizing tube having a distal end portion including a plurality of apertures. The control valve enables suction to be applied to the patient's stomach via the apertures to drain gastric fluids and to bring adjacent portions of the patient's stomach into engagement the sizing tube to provide a visually perceptible delineation line along which a portion of the stomach may be resected, sealed and tested. | 05-29-2014 |
20140180170 | METHOD AND SYSTEM OF SEGMENTATION AND TIME DURATION ANALYSIS OF DUAL-AXIS SWALLOWING ACCELEROMETRY SIGNALS - The proposed invention is a method and system for the segmentation of dual-axis accelerometry signals for the purpose of identifying problematic swallowing events. The method and system employ a sensor, a data collection means including an algorithm for analysis of the data. The proposed invention considers the stochastic properties of swallowing signals in both directions, A•P and S-I to extract events associated with swallowing. A segmentation algorithm may be applied to the signals to establish the time duration of swallows and swallows may be classified with respect to gender, body mass index, age or types of swallow. | 06-26-2014 |
20140288463 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING ANATOMIC PROPERTIES OF A PATIENT - A method is disclosed for determining anatomical properties of a patient, the patient having an oral cavity and a throat, comprising a) projecting at least one structured light pattern into the patient's oral cavity; b) detecting at least one reflected light pattern, each of the reflected light patterns emanating from reflection of a corresponding projected structured light pattern; c) analysing the at least one reflected structured light pattern in view of the at least one structured light pattern, thereby determining anatomical properties of the patient; and an associated imaging device. | 09-25-2014 |
20150112231 | TREATMENT OF FECAL INCONTINENCE - Methods and devices to diagnose and treat fecal incontinence in females and males are provided. A multiple sensor-enabled catheter for positioning in a patient's rectum allows for the visualization and manipulation or positioning of an anatomical reference point(s) in the patient's body. A multiple sensor-enabled catheter for rectal insertion in a patient allows for the visualization and implementation of efficient and effective exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles. | 04-23-2015 |
20150289783 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING A STOMA AND A BALLOON CATHETER - A balloon catheter comprises a catheter and a balloon located on the distal end of the catheter. A pair of stimulating electrodes for receiving a constant current stimulating signal when the balloon is inflated with an electrically conductive medium and a plurality of sensing electrodes for producing voltage response signals are located on the catheter. The voltage response signals are indicative of the values of the transverse cross-sectional area of the balloon adjacent the sensing electrodes. A first lumen accommodates the inflating medium to and from the balloon, and a second lumen accommodates electrically conductive wires to the stimulating and sensing electrodes. A pressure sensing element is located in a protective housing in the second lumen, and communicates through a communicating opening in the protective housing and through a communicating port in the catheter with a hollow interior region of the balloon. The balloon catheter may also be provided with a guide wire engaging element for engaging a guide wire externally of the balloon catheter. | 10-15-2015 |