38th week of 2014 patent applcation highlights part 167 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20140275901 | Devices and Methods For Monitoring Oxygenation During Treatment With Delivery Of Nitric Oxide - The present invention provides devices and methods for calculating and monitoring oxygenation parameters during treatment with delivery of nitric oxide. The devices and methods of the present invention can calculate the oxygenation index based on measurements of mean airway pressure, saturation of oxygen and fraction of inspired oxygen derived from components of the present invention. Also described is a nitric oxide delivery device that incorporates a proximal pressure transducer. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275902 | Device Configuration for Supporting a Patient Oxygenation Test - A physiological monitor device includes a central processing unit (CPU) that is configured to control operation of the device, a display screen, and one or more computer readable data storage media storing software instructions that, when executed by the CPU, cause the device to: create or modify a patient profile, select a patient test, store one or more test parameters selected or entered for the patient test, store one or more thresholds selected or entered for at least one of the test parameters, store one or more instructions for the patient, start the test, display test results while the test is in progress, determine whether any of the test parameters exceed limits set by the one or more thresholds, take one or more actions when it is determined that one or more of the test parameters exceed the limits set by the one or more thresholds, provide a summary and analysis of the test results, and send the test results to a computing device. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275903 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR QUICK-ACCESS PHYSIOLOGICAL MEASUREMENT HISTORY - Described are methods and systems to allow the use of a very simple physiological meter without a user input interface (i.e., buttonless) while maintaining the ability to store time linked measurement records for retrospective or prospective analysis of the measured physiological measurements with a bistable display to allow for a display of plural prior physiological measurements without necessitating the activation (e.g., turning on or manipulation of the user input interfaces) of the physiological meter. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275904 | Sensors, Sensor Systems and Methods - Disclosed herein is an analyte sensor having a sensing end with dehydrated basement membrane formed thereon. Methods of making and using the sensor also are disclosed. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275905 | Coated Surgical Mesh, and Corresponding Systems and Methods - Disclosed herein is a surgical mesh with a layer of dehydrated basement membrane formed thereon. Methods of making and using the mesh also are disclosed. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275906 | GARMENT FOR A MEDICAL DEVICE - A garment for a medical device comprises a front panel; a back panel; at least one opening for a body part; at least one pocket; and at least one fastener. In some embodiments, the garment can be worn by the user of an insulin pump. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275907 | IN VIVO GLUCOSE SENSING IN AN INCREASED PERFUSION DERMAL LAYER - Systems, devices, and methods are provided that enable the sensing of an analyte level within, e.g., the dermal layer of the skin of a subject. These systems, devices, and methods can utilize modalities that increase perfusion in an area local to a dermal sensor. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275908 | CHEMOCHROMIC MEDICAL ARTICLES - The present invention is directed to medical articles which exhibit a color change upon exposure to an analyte of interest and to methods of detecting analytes in bodily fluid using the same. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275909 | CATHETER AND SHEATH INTRODUCER - The present disclosure provides a catheter comprising one or more infusion lumens each terminating at an infusion eye, and one or more sensor lumens each terminating at a sensor eye. The present disclosure also provides a sheath introducer comprising one or more sensor lumens each terminating at a sensor eye, and an introducer lumen terminating at an introducer eye. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275910 | Multi-Function Analyte Test Device and Methods Therefor - Methods, device and systems including receiving a request for a therapy profile for treating a medical condition, determining using a processor a plurality of therapy profile parameters, assigning a weighted value to each therapy profile parameter based on a hierarchy determined by the medical condition, querying a database to identify a stored therapy profile with therapy profile parameters that most closely correspond to the determined plurality of therapy profile parameters based on the hierarchy, generating an output data corresponding to the identified stored therapy profile, the output data a medication dosage information are provided. Also provided are systems and kits. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275911 | NEURAL SENSING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MAKING THE SAME - The present invention provides a neural sensing device and method for making the same. The neural sensing device includes a base, an integrated circuit portion and a plurality of microprobes. The base has an active surface and a backside surface. The integrated circuit portion is disposed on the active surface of the base. The microprobes protrude from the backside surface of the base. The conductive vias are disposed in the microprobes and electrically connected to the integrated circuit portion. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275912 | METHODS FOR MEASURING TISSUE IMPEDANCE AND DEVICES THEREOF - A method and apparatus for measuring an impedance of a tissue region inside a body of a patient. A first guidewire is advanced into a tissue region of a body of a patient, wherein the first guidewire comprises one or more electrodes electrically coupled to the tissue region. A second guidewire is advanced into the body, wherein the second guidewire comprises one or more electrodes electrically coupled to the tissue region of the body of the patient and spaced from the first guidewire. An error correction electrode is electrically coupled to the body. A voltage is applied across the first and the second guidewires. The impedance of the tissue region between the first and the second guidewires is measured while using an electrical pathway created by the error correction electrode. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275913 | ACTIVE DETECTION OF SENSOR TRANSITION FROM COVERED TO EXPOSED - An introducer may comprise a shaft and a proximal electrode. The shaft may have a proximal end portion and an interior lumen, the interior lumen configured to receive a catheter therethrough. The proximal electrode may be coupled with the proximal end portion and may be configured to act as an electrical source or sink so as to create an electrical field within the interior lumen. A position of an electrode coupled with the catheter may be determined according to the electrical field. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275914 | COMPLIANT ELECTRODE FOR EMG ENDOTRACHEAL TUBE - An apparatus for monitoring EMG signals of a patient's laryngeal muscles includes an endotracheal tube having a first cuff and a second cuff. Conductive ink electrodes are formed on an exterior surface of the first cuff. The conductive ink electrodes are configured to receive the EMG signals from the laryngeal muscles when the endotracheal tube is placed in a trachea of the patient. At least one conductor is coupled to the conductive ink electrodes and is configured to carry the EMG signals received by the conductive ink electrodes to a processing apparatus. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275915 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE INCLUDING A MOLDED PLANAR TRANSFORMER - The present disclosure provides methods and techniques associated with a planar transformer for an apparatus. The planar transformers include a substrate carrying electronic components and a continuous core that is formed by distributing the encapsulant material uniformly around the substrate unit to define a consistent cross-sectional area for the magnetic path. The electronic components include primary windings and secondary windings associated with the transformer. In some embodiments, the encapsulant material is molded to seals air gaps to the substrate unit. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275916 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO DETERMINE HR, RR AND CLASSIFY CARDIAC RHYTHMS BASED ON ATRIAL IEGM AND ATRIAL PRESSURE SIGNALS - Systems, devices and methods described herein can be used to monitor and treat cardiovascular disease, and more specifically, can be used to determine heart rate (HR), determine respiration rate (RR) and classify cardiac rhythms based on atrial intracardiac electrogram (IEGM) and atrial pressure (AP) signals. The atrial IEGM and AP signals are subject to spectrum transforms to obtain an atrial IEGM frequency spectrum and an AP frequency spectrum. Based on peaks in the atrial IEGM and AP frequency spectrums measures of HR and RR are determined, and arrhythmias are detected and/or arrhythmia discrimination is performed. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275917 | CARDIAC SIGNAL VECTOR SELECTION WITH MONOPHASIC AND BIPHASIC SHAPE CONSIDERATION - Systems, methods and non-transient software media for performing sensing vector selection in an implantable cardiac device by assessing biphasic or monophasic characteristics of the cardiac signal in vectors under analysis. A factor associated with the biphasic or monophasic nature of the cardiac signal, as seen from a given sensing vector, can be inserted into the assessment of which of several available sensing vectors is considered “best” for purposes of cardiac signal analysis. Additional factors may be considered beyond the biphasic or monophasic nature including the quantity of turning points or inflections and amplitude variability. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275918 | Closed Catheter Tip Including Electrically Conductive Pathway - A closed-ended catheter assembly that includes an electrically conductive pathway is disclosed. The conductive pathway enables electrical signals, such as ECG signals produced by a patient's heart, to pass through the closed-ended tip of the indwelling catheter while still preventing unintended fluid flow. In one embodiment, therefore, a catheter assembly is disclosed and comprises an elongate catheter tube including a closed distal end. The catheter tube defines at least one lumen and includes a valve defined in the catheter tube that is configured to selectively enable fluids to pass therethrough. The catheter tube includes a conductive element that provides an electrically conductive pathway between the at least one lumen and an exterior portion of the catheter. The conductive element includes a porous material extending between the at least one lumen and the exterior portion of the catheter, the porous material being transmissive to electrical signals and non-permeable to blood. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275919 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC MONITORING - In various examples, an apparatus includes an apparatus configured for implantation within a body of a patient. The apparatus, in some examples, includes a housing. At least one antenna extends from the housing, the antenna being flexible such that the antenna conforms to the body of the patient. In some examples, the apparatus includes at least three electrodes, wherein at least a first electrode is disposed on the antenna and at least a second electrode is disposed on the housing. The at least three electrodes are disposed in a non-linear configuration, allowing for differential processing of signals recorded by the at least three electrodes. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275920 | Devices and Methods for Catheter Localization - A medical device can be localized by providing at least three non-colinear localization elements (e.g., electrodes) thereon. Once placed in a non-ionizing localization field, three adjacent localization elements, at least one of which will typically be a spot electrode, may be selected, and the non-ionizing localization field may be used to measure their locations. A cylinder is defined to fit the measured locations of the selected localization elements. The cylinder is rotationally oriented using the measured location of a spot electrode. Location and rotational attitude information may be used to construct a three-dimensional representation of the medical device within the localization field. The electrodes may be provided on the medical device or on a sheath into which the medical device is inserted. The invention also provides systems and methods for identifying and calibrating deflection planes where the medical device and/or sheath are deflectable. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275921 | CARDIAC MAPPING CATHETER - A multi electrode catheter for non contact mapping of the heart having independent articulation and deployment features. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275922 | Sacrificial Catheter - A sacrificial catheter assembly and method of use for placing a functional catheter within the body of a patient, such as into the patient's vasculature, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the sacrificial catheter assembly comprises a sacrificial catheter including an elongate body that defines a longitudinally extending lumen. A stylet is removably received within the lumen of the sacrificial catheter such that the catheter and stylet can be advanced together to a target destination within the body of the patient. The sacrificial catheter is configured so as to then be proximally slid over the stylet to remove the sacrificial catheter from the body while the stylet remains in place at the target destination. A functional catheter can then be distally slid over the stylet to place the functional catheter at the target destination. The stylet can then be removed from the body of the patient. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275923 | INTRAOCULAR PHYSIOLOGICAL SENSOR - An implantable intraocular physiological sensor for measuring a physiological characteristic, such as intraocular pressure. The implantable intraocular physiological sensor may include a tubular main body configured to house one or more electrical components. The implantable intraocular physiological sensor may also include a sensor cap configured to be inserted into a first end of the tubular main body with a moisture barrier seal. The implantable intraocular physiological sensor may wirelessly transmit measurements to an external device. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275924 | METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND APPARATUS FOR NEURAL SIGNAL DETECTION - Methods, systems, and apparatus for signal detection are described. In one example, a detection assembly includes a signal detector. The signal detector is configured to receive a sensor signal having a peak magnitude and a first frequency and generate an output signal having a magnitude proportional to the peak magnitude of the sensor signal and having a second frequency less than the first frequency of the sensor signal. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275925 | DETERMINING SYSTOLIC TIME INTERVALS USING HEART SOUNDS - Systems and methods are provided for using information from a subject heart sound signal and information from a subject physiological pulsatile signal to identify subject systolic time intervals. An example system for identifying systolic time intervals includes a heart sound detector circuit, configured to detect a subject heart sound signal using an acoustic signal. The system can include a physiological signal sensing circuit configured to detect a physiological pulsatile signal, including at least one of a pulsatile cervical impedance signal or a pulsatile pulmonary artery pressure signal. A timing circuit can be configured to calculate a systolic time interval between a feature on the heart sound signal and a feature on the pulsatile signal. A subject physiologic diagnostic indication can be provided using information from the timing circuit about the systolic time interval. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275926 | NEUROMONITORING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Systems, devices and methods are provided for neuromonitoring, particularly neuromonitoring to reduce the risks of contacting or damaging nerves or causing patient discomfort during and after surgical procedures, including spinal surgeries. The neuromonitoring procedures include monitoring for the presence of or damage to sensory nerves, and optionally includes additional monitoring for motor nerves. In some systems, including systems that monitor for both sensory and motor nerves, components of the monitoring systems (e.g., stimulating electrodes and response sensors), may be combined with one or more surgical instruments. The systems, devices, and methods provide for pre-surgical assessment of neural anatomy and surgical planning, intraoperative monitoring of nerve condition, and post-operative assessment of nerve position and health. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275927 | Electrode Connector Design to Aid in Correct Placement - An electrode connector includes a housing, an electrically conductive contact plate, a lead wire terminal electrically connected to the contact plate and an electrically conductive member. The housing defines a first opening configured to receive at least a portion of an electrode therethrough. The contact plate defines a bore aligned with the first opening. The bore is configured and dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the electrode therein. The electrically conductive member is electrically coupled to the lead wire terminal. The electrically conductive member is supported on the housing and is spaced apart from the first opening. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275928 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING AND DIAGNOSING PATIENT CONDITION BASED ON WIRELESS SENSOR MONITORING DATA - A device adapted to attach to a subject for detecting an ECG signal of the subject. The device includes a first, a second, and a third electrode, where the electrodes form an orthogonal configuration. Two channels of ECG data can be obtained using a common electrode, and can be further combined to obtain a further channel using vector mathematics. The channel combination can be performed at vector angles suitable for optimizing the detection of various features of the ECG spectra of the subject. A method of using an implantable cardiac device together with surface-attached wireless sensor(s) is also provided where the acquired data from the implantable cardiac device and from the surface-attached wireless sensor(s) are both used for diagnosing patient's heart conditions and administering appropriate therapies. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275929 | NEURAL SENSING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MAKING THE SAME - The present invention provides a neural sensing device and method for making the same. The neural sensing device includes a base, an integrated circuit portion, a plurality of microprobes and at least one conductive via. The base has an active surface and a backside surface. The integrated circuit portion is disposed on the active surface of the base. The microprobes protrude from the backside surface of the base. The through silicon via is disposed in the base and electrically connects the integrated circuit portion and the microprobes. Each of the microprobes includes an isolation layer partially covering a conductive layer. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275930 | Methods, Devices And Systems For Photoplethysmography At The Nasal Columella - Provided according to embodiments of the invention are photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors, systems and methods of using the same. In some embodiments of the invention, methods of obtaining a photoplethysmography (PPG) signals include securing a PPG sensor onto a nasal columella of an individual; and obtaining a PPG signal from the PPG sensor. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275931 | PORTABLE ELECTRONIC APPARATUS - There is provided a portable electronic apparatus including an apparatus main body that includes electronic components built therein, a fixation belt that is used to attach the apparatus main body to a living body surface, a connector that is provided at an end of the fixation belt in a belt longitudinal direction, and has an engagement protrusion that is detachably stored in an engagement recess formed at the apparatus main body, and a biasing body that is provided in the engagement recess, and biases the engagement protrusion stored in the engagement recess so as to maintain an engagement state between the engagement recess and the engagement protrusion. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275932 | DISPOSABLE BIOMETRIC PATCH DEVICE - A system and method for health monitoring are disclosed. The system includes a patch device and an electronic module coupled to the patch device. The method includes providing a patch device, coupling an electronic module to the patch device to provide a wearable device, and monitoring health of a user using the wearable device. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275933 | Reduce Motion Artifact Electrode - A medical electrode which mechanically isolates a conductive interface between the electrode and a patient's skin from forces applied to the lead wires or a lead wire connector is described. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275934 | THREE-DIMENSIONAL MULTI-ELECTRODE ARRAY - A multi-electrode array with individually isolated electrodes each configurable for a target-containing carrier and a method for fabricating the array are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the array includes a substrate; and a plurality of electrodes disposed on the substrate. Each electrode of the plurality of electrodes has a conductive tip-end and an insulated remainder. A first electrode of the plurality of electrodes has a first configuration selected to bring a conductive tip end of the first electrode in proximity to a first target structure, and a second electrode of the plurality of electrodes has a second configuration selected to bring a conductive tip end of the second electrode in proximity to a second target structure. The first configuration and the second configuration are different. A first contact of the plurality of contacts may be electrically coupled to the first electrode through the substrate. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275935 | INFLATABLE MEDICAL INTERFACES AND OTHER MEDCAL DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS - An inflatable mask with two ocular cavities can seal against a user's face by forming an air-tight seal around the periphery of the user's eye socket. The sealed air-tight ocular cavity can be pressurized to take ocular measurements. The mask can conform to the contours of a user's face by inflating or deflating the mask. In addition, the distance between the user and a medical device (e.g. an optical coherence tomography instrument) can be adjusted by inflating or deflating the mask. Also disclosed herein is an electronic encounter portal and an automated eye examination. Other embodiments are also described. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275936 | WIRELESS INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE MONITORING DEVICE, AND DETECTING MODULE THEREOF - A wireless intraocular pressure monitoring device includes reflecting and detecting modules. The reflecting module includes a soft contact lens having a curvature corresponding to that of a cornea while worn. A metal layer is embedded in and deformable with the soft contact lens. The detecting module includes two waveguides, an oscillator, and a converting unit. The oscillator is operable to generate oscillation signals having a frequency dependent on an equivalent impedance of the waveguides such that the equivalent impedance corresponds to intraocular pressure. The converting unit is operable for receiving and converting the oscillation signals into an output signal corresponding to the intraocular pressure. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275937 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR COMPUTING CARDIAC OUTPUT OF A LIVING SUBJECT VIA APPLANATION TONOMETRY - Apparatus and methods for calculating cardiac output (CO) of a living subject using applanation tonometry measurements. In one embodiment, the apparatus and methods build a nonlinear mathematical model to correlate physiologic source data vectors to target CO values. The source data vectors include one or more measurable or derivable parameters such as: systolic and diastolic pressure, pulse pressure, beat-to-beat interval, mean arterial pressure, maximal slope of the pressure rise during systole, the area under systolic part of the pulse pressure wave, gender (male or female), age, height and weight. The target CO values are acquired using various methods, across a plurality of individuals. Multidimensional nonlinear optimization is then used to find a mathematical model which transforms the source data to the target CO data. The model is then applied to an individual by acquiring physiologic data for the individual and applying the model to the collected data. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275938 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING REPETITIVE AIRFLOW REDUCTIONS - Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and method for determining a repetitive airflow reduction of an individual. The system may include a photoplethysmogram (PPG) detection module configured to detect a PPG signal of a patient. The PPG signal may include a pulsatile AC component superimposed on a DC baseline. The system may also include a PPG baseline analysis module configured to analyze the DC baseline of the PPG signal to detect one or more threshold crossings with respect to an acceptable threshold correlated to normal breathing. The system may also include a repetitive airflow reduction determination module configured to determine an occurrence of the repetitive airflow reduction through an analysis of the one or more threshold crossings. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275939 | Device and Method for Measuring Radiation Exposure - Garments and methods for monitoring radiation exposure and cumulative radiation exposure in individuals undergoing repeated exposure to ionizing radiation are disclosed. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275940 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTRA-OPERATIVE LEG POSITION MEASUREMENT - Systems, methods and computer program products are disclosed for medical navigational guidance systems. In one example, intra-operative leg position measurements are provided during hip arthroplasty. An optical sensor couples to a pelvis and a target couples to a femur in alignment with the sensor, which provides positional signals to a processing unit for determining a relative position of the sensor and target. The processing unit uses a baseline measurement of leg position and a map to calculate and display position measurements in real time. The map is defined through a registration range-of-motion procedure where instructions are presented to move the femur in at least two planes to generate signals to calculate the map. Leg position may be leg length, offset or anterior/posterior position. The map is used to present the leg position measurements in an anatomical, rather than a sensor, coordinate frame. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275941 | PHOTOACOUSTIC MONITORING TECHNIQUE WITH NOISE REDUCTION - Various methods and systems for photoacoustic patient monitoring are provided. A photoacoustic system includes a light emitting component that emits one or more wavelengths of light into an interrogation region of a patient and an acoustic detector that detects acoustic energy generated by the interrogation region of the patient in response to the emitted light. The system also includes an optical detector that detects the emitted light and provides a signal that is used as an input to remove noise from the signal generated by the acoustic detector. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275942 | Imaging Device for Biomedical Use - An imaging system that includes a light source configured to project a beam of light within a determined range of wavelengths onto an illumination area of a patient's skin and a detector configured to detect acoustic waves within a scan area of the patient's skin without contacting the patient's skin, wherein the scan area does not overlap the illumination area. In certain embodiments, the beam of light is a series of pulses of coherent light and the detector is an interferometer. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275943 | PHOTOACOUSTIC MONITORING TECHNIQUE - Various methods and systems for photoacoustic patient monitoring are provided. A photoacoustic system includes a light emitting component that emits one or more wavelengths of light into an interrogation region of a patient and an acoustic detector that detects acoustic energy generated by the interrogation region of the patient in response to the emitted light. The system may be implemented to receive photoacoustic waves from a local vein and artery and determine hemodynamic parameters based on a summed indicator dilution curve representative of both arterial and venous indicator dilution. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275944 | HANDHELD ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD-BASED BIO-SENSING AND BIO-IMAGING SYSTEM - A handheld electromagnetic field-based bio-sensing and bio-imaging system, for use with a biological object, includes a handheld control unit, a handheld probe, connected to the control unit, that may manipulated around a biological object as it generates and receives an electromagnetic field, and a tracking unit that tracks the position of the handheld probe. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275945 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ASSESSING IMAGE QUALITY IN MODELING OF PATIENT ANATOMIC OR BLOOD FLOW CHARACTERISTICS - Systems and methods are disclosed for assessing the quality of medical images of at least a portion of a patient's anatomy, using a computer system. One method includes receiving one or more images of at least a portion of the patient's anatomy; determining, using a processor of the computer system, one or more image properties of the received images; performing, using a processor of the computer system, anatomic localization or modeling of at least a portion of the patient's anatomy based on the received images; obtaining an identification of one or more image characteristics associated with an anatomic feature of the patient's anatomy based on the anatomic localization or modeling; and calculating, using a processor of the computer system, an image quality score based on the one or more image properties and the one or more image characteristics. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275946 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ASSESSING IMAGE QUALITY IN MODELING OF PATIENT ANATOMIC OR BLOOD FLOW CHARACTERISTICS - Systems and methods are disclosed for assessing the quality of medical images of at least a portion of a patient's anatomy, using a computer system. One method includes receiving one or more images of at least a portion of the patient's anatomy; determining, using a processor of the computer system, one or more image properties of the received images; performing, using a processor of the computer system, anatomic localization or modeling of at least a portion of the patient's anatomy based on the received images; obtaining an identification of one or more image characteristics associated with an anatomic feature of the patient's anatomy based on the anatomic localization or modeling; and calculating, using a processor of the computer system, an image quality score based on the one or more image properties and the one or more image characteristics. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275947 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ASSESSING IMAGE QUALITY IN MODELING OF PATIENT ANATOMIC OR BLOOD FLOW CHARACTERISTICS - Systems and methods are disclosed for assessing the quality of medical images of at least a portion of a patient's anatomy, using a computer system. One method includes receiving one or more images of at least a portion of the patient's anatomy; determining, using a processor of the computer system, one or more image properties of the received images; performing, using a processor of the computer system, anatomic localization or modeling of at least a portion of the patient's anatomy based on the received images; obtaining an identification of one or more image characteristics associated with an anatomic feature of the patient's anatomy based on the anatomic localization or modeling; and calculating, using a processor of the computer system, an image quality score based on the one or more image properties and the one or more image characteristics. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275948 | INFORMATION TERMINAL DEVICE - An information terminal device includes an imaging unit which captures a face image of a user, a main memory which extracts and stores an eyeball area and an under eye region from the face image, and a control unit which detects an amount of color change in a pupil and iris color at a current point in time relative to the pupil and iris color in the eyeball area at a past point in time after factoring in an amount of color change from face skin color in the entire face image that includes the eyeball area and the undereye region captured by the imaging unit at the current point in time compared to the entire face image that includes the eyeball area and the under eye region captured at a past point in time. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275949 | BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION DETECTION APPARATUS - A biological information detection apparatus includes a detection unit which has a light receiving unit receiving light from a subject, a light transmitting member which is provided on a housing surface side in contact with the subject of the biological information detection apparatus, transmits light from the subject, and has a convex portion in contact with the subject to give a pressing force when measuring biological information of the subject, and a pressing force suppression unit which is disposed in periphery of the convex portion on or above the housing surface and suppresses the pressing force given to the subject by the convex portion. A groove portion is provided between the convex portion of the light transmitting member and the pressing force suppression unit. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275950 | IMAGING GUIDEWIRE WITH PRESSURE SENSING - An intravascular element, for example a guidewire, configured for pressure measurements and imaging within a patient. In an embodiment, the invention uses a system of optical fibers and photoabsorptive and/or photoreflective materials to make intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) measurements. In an embodiment, the invention uses microfabricated pressure sensors to measure fluidic pressure adjacent to the element, such as the pressure of the blood within the vasculature. In a clinical setting, the invention can provide a surgeon with critical information about pressure, tissue composition, and luminal area while also reducing the time for procedures. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275951 | GUIDEWIRE CONCIERGE - The invention provides a method of intravascular intervention that includes inserting a catheter comprising an extended body into a lumen within tissue of a patient, advancing the catheter to a treatment site, vibrating a proximal end of the catheter with a mechanical vibrator, and treating the treatment site while a distal end of the catheter is vibrating. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275952 | TREATMENT PLANNING FOR LUNG VOLUME REDUCTION PROCEDURES - Methods and systems for planning a bronchoscopic lung volume reduction procedure, such as placement of a one-way valve or biosealant or energy delivery in a patient's lungs. The system may include a processor and programming operable on the processor for planning the lung volume reduction procedure. Planning the lung volume reduction procedure by the processor may include receiving patient volumetric images, analyzing the images to identify the lobes and airway tree of the lungs, displaying a three dimensional model of the lungs, generating and displaying a suggested treatment volume on the three dimensional model, receiving a selected treatment volume from a user, generating and displaying a suggested treatment location within the airway tree, receiving a selected treatment location within the airway tree from the user, receiving a selected treatment modality from the user, and displaying a treatment plan. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275953 | MOBILE X-RAY IMAGING SYSTEM - An imaging system includes a first portion and a second portion that translates and/or rotates with respect to the first portion. A first locking mechanism may prevent the second portion from translating with respect to the first portion, such as during transport of the system. A second locking mechanism may prevent the second portion from rotating with respect to the first portion, such as during transport and/or during an imaging scan. Further embodiments include a cable management system between the first and second portions, a spherically-shaped surface of a support gimbal and a user interface device for an imaging system. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275954 | RADIOGRAPHY SYSTEM - This radiography system has a switching processing unit that switches the device that controls a radiation source and a radiography device to a control device or a portable apparatus. In a case where penetrative imaging has started, the switching processing unit switches the device that controls the radiation source and the radiography device from the control device to the portable apparatus. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275955 | SURGICAL TOOL SYSTEMS AND METHOD - Embodiments of the invention provide a guided surgical tool assembly with a guide tube including a sensor, a surgical instrument including a detectable feature moveable within the guide tube, and the sensor capable of detecting the detectable feature when the surgical instrument is inserted in the guide tube. Some embodiments include a sensor pad, a guide stop coupled to the surgical instrument, a plunger mechanism including a compressible spring mechanism coupled to the guide tube, and a wiper capable of being sensed by the sensor pad. Some embodiments include a guided surgical tool assembly system comprising a tool sensor system including a processor and at least one data input/output interface. Some embodiments include a medical robot system with a guided surgical tool assembly and including a robot coupled to an effectuator element configured for controlled movement and positioning along one or more of an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275956 | SURGICAL POSITIONING CIRCUIT - A surgical locator circuit identifies a surgical target such as a kidney stone by disposing an emitter such as a magnetic source behind or adjacent the surgical target, and employing the circuit to identify an axis to the emitter, thus defining an axis or path to the surgical target. An array of sensors arranged in an equidistant, coplanar arrangement each senses a signal indicative of a distance to the emitter. A magneto resistor sensor generates a variable resistance is responsive to the distance to a magnetic coil emitting a magnetic field. An equal signal from each of the coplanar sensors indicates positioning on an axis passing through a point central to the sensors and orthogonal to the plane. A fixed element and signal conditioner augments and normalizes the signal received from each of the sensors to accommodate subtle differences in magneto resistive response among the plurality of sensors. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275957 | Device, system, and method for intracardiac diagnosis or therapy with localization - A medical system for locating a catheter distal tip within a body using a plurality electrical position sensors and a magnetic position sensor in conjunction with an acceleration sensor or rotational encoder. The system locates the catheter by using signals from the acceleration sensor or rotational encoder and magnetic sensors to compensate for positioning errors associated with electric positioning sensors. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275958 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR VERIFYING AND MONITORING ENDOTRACHEAL TUBE POSITION DURING INTUBATION - An endotracheal tube positioning device includes a first Hall sensor, a second Hall sensor spaced a predetermined distance from the first Hall sensor, a converter, and an integrated circuit board electrically connecting the first Hall sensor and the second Hall sensor to the converter, wherein a position range is established for the device based on a symmetry of voltage readings provided from the first and second Hall sensors to the converter. An endotracheal tube positioning system includes an endotracheal tube having a magnet provided toward a distal tip end, an endotracheal tube positioning device having a first Hall sensor and a second Hall sensor, the positioning device configured to adhere to a skin surface, and a monitor for receiving data based on voltage values provided by the first and second Hall sensors, the data indicating a position of the magnet relative to the adhered position of the positioning device. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275959 | EXTERNAL FIXATION SYSTEM WITH RADIO FREQUENCY SHIELDING - An electrical insulator is applied to a bone anchor, for instance of a bone implant, such as an external fixation frame, so as to prevent undesirable temperature increases in the bone anchor and surrounding anatomical tissue when subjected magnetic resonance imaging. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275960 | FUNCTIONAL MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING BIOMARKER OF NEURAL ABNORMALITY - Systems and methods for application of fMRI as a biomarker of neural abnormalities are presented. A subject's activations of brain regions that occur while performing cognitive tasks in an fMRI scanning apparatus are measured. The resulting measurements are compared to the activations of brain regions that occur during each cognitive task for a control group. The comparison to the performance and brain activations of normal subjects determine the presence of cortical compensatory mechanisms that indicate neural abnormalities in the subject. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275961 | METHODS FOR THE NON-INVASIVE DETERMINATION OF HEART AND PULMONARY PRESSURES - The disclosure of the present application provides methods for the noninvasive determination of cardiac and pulmonary pressures based off of patient-specific medical images and one or more computations. In one exemplary embodiment, the method comprises noninvasively generating a patient-specific medical image of at least a portion of a heart, determining a free vibration measurement from the left ventricular free wall based on the patient-specific image, and performing at least one computation using the free vibration measurement to noninvasively determine a cardiac or pulmonary pressure. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275962 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS USING MAGNETIC RESONANCE AND ULTRASOUND FOR TRACKING ANATOMICAL TARGETS FOR RADIATION THERAPY GUIDANCE - Methods and systems using magnetic resonance and ultrasound for tracking anatomical targets for radiation therapy guidance are provided. One system includes a patient transport configured to move a patient between and into a magnetic resonance (MR) system and a radiation therapy (RT) system and an ultrasound transducer coupled to the patient transport, wherein the ultrasound transducer is configured to acquire four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound images concurrently with one of an MR acquisition or an RT radiation therapy session. The system also includes a controller having a processor configured to use the 4D ultrasound images and MR images from the MR system to control at least one of a photon beam spatial distribution or intensity modulation generated by the RT system. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275963 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RADIOTHERAPY WITH MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING - Systems and methods for delivery of radiotherapy in conjunction with magnetic resonance imaging in which various conductors, shields and shims may be used to solve issues occurring when radiation therapy equipment is placed in the vicinity of an magnetic resonance imaging system. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275964 | MARKER-FLANGE FOR MRI-GUIDED BRACHYTHERAPY - Disclosed herein is a marker flange for use with a brachytherapy applicator, having a flange body with a first face, a second face, and a hollow chamber positioned between the first and second faces. A cavity extending through the flange body is dimensioned to receive a tandem in a brachytherapy applicator in a press-fit connection, so as to affix the flange-marker to an outside surface of the tandem. The hollow chamber includes an MR imaging responsive marker agent that provides strong signal intensities and a high geometric accuracy in MR imaging. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275965 | Apparatus and Implementation Method of a Set of Universal Compact Portable MR-Compatible PET Inserts to Convert Whole-Body MRI Scanners Into Organ-Specific Hybrid PET/MRI Imagers - A Positron Emission Tomography (PET″) insert for use with a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (“MRI”) scanning device, the PET insert including a plurality of photodetector modules provided adjacent each other in an array, the plurality of photodetector modules configured for placement adjacent a body of a patient and sized to be received in a magnetic bore of the MRI scanning device with the patient, the photodetector modules providing detection of gamma annihilation photons, and a Radio Frequency (“RF”) coil provided between the patient and the plurality of photodetector modules. Each of the plurality of photodetector modules includes a pixelated scintillator array provided for alignment adjacent the patient's body, and a shielding block including silicon photomultiplier pads and passive electronic circuitry only. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275966 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MOTION TRACKING USING UNIQUE ULTRASOUND ECHO SIGNATURES - A system and method for tracking the position of a region in a subject using an ultrasound system is provided. Training data that indicates the position of the region is acquired from the subject while ultrasound data is acquired from the subject using the ultrasound system. A position mapping table is formed using the training data and ultrasound data; this table relates position information contained in the training data to the acquired ultrasound data. The position of the region is tracked by acquiring additional ultrasound data from the subject using the ultrasound system. This additional ultrasound data is compared to the ultrasound data contained in the position mapping table to identify the position of the region based on a unique relationship between the position of the region and ultrasound echo signatures of the ultrasound data acquired in both the training and motion tracking stages. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275967 | Method and Apparatus for Detecting a Dipole Position Marker - An apparatus, method and system for detecting a position within a body are provided. A dipole that is free to rotate or oscillate within a capsule is inserted at a target location within the body. The dipole can be either electric or magnetic, and the dipole rotates or oscillates within the capsule when an alternating or rotating electric or magnetic field is applied in the vicinity of the dipole. Ultrasound energy is impinged upon the target location and a position of the dipole is determined based on detected ultrasound reflections. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275968 | SURROGATE IMPLANTED MEDICAL DEVICE FOR ENERGY DISSIPATION OF EXISTING IMPLANTED LEADS DURING MRI SCANS - A surrogate implantable medical device includes a thermally conductive and electrically conductive housing. A header connector block includes a header block body, where the header block body is attached to the housing. At least one connector cavity is located within the header block body and configured to be attachable to an implantable lead. At least one conductive leadwire is disposed at least partially within the header block body having a first end and a second end. The at least one conductive leadwire's first end is electrically connected to the at least one connector cavity and the at least one conductive leadwire's second end is electrically connected to the housing. The housing does not contain active electronics. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275969 | FUNCTIONAL BROWN ADIPOSE TISSUE IMAGING TECHNIQUE - Disclosed embodiments for assessing brown adipose tissue use imaging of metabolic contrast agents. For example, activated brown adipose tissue may be assessed by evaluating a difference in production of the hyperpolarized | 2014-09-18 |
20140275970 | Method and Apparatus for MRI Compatible Communications - An MRI compatible communication system is disclosed. An interface module manages communications between devices within and external to the MRI scan room. The interface module also translates messages between varying wireless communication standards and protocols for retransmission to other devices. The communication system is configurable to transmit and/or receive data between physiological sensors, the MRI controller, patient monitoring devices, patient entertainment devices, and other computers. The interface module is configurable to be placed either in the control room or in the scan room. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275971 | Automatic Needle Insertion Location Identification - A system for automatically identifying a needle insertion location from a medical diagnostic image, such as an MRI image, and providing a visual indication of the needle insertion location is disclosed. A grid plate is located proximate to an anatomical region and is preferably incorporated in an MRI support structure utilized to immobilize the anatomical region. An MRI scanner obtains an MRI image of the anatomical region, and an MRI technician places a marker on the MRI image, identifying the needle insertion location. The MRI image and the marker are transferred from the MRI scanner to another device, such as a tablet computer, which is configured to convert the MRI image and the marker to coordinates and an insertion depth. A visual indicator is located proximate to or integrated with the grid plate that provides the needle insertion coordinates and insertion depth to the MRI technician. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275972 | HIGH TEMPORAL RESOLUTION MONITORING OF CONTACT BETWEEN CATHETER TIP AND TARGET TISSUE DURING A REAL-TIME-MRI-GUIDED ABLATION - A method of monitoring a position of a catheter tip relative to a target tissue. The method includes steps of identifying a wall structure in the target tissue; guiding a catheter towards the wall structure; monitoring a location of the catheter; directing a navigator beam towards the wall structure; aligning the navigator beam with the location of the catheter; monitoring a position of the wall structure using the navigator beam; and determining the position of the wall structure relative to the location of the catheter. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275973 | MRI COIL DRAPE AND METHOD OF USING - A drape is provided for use in a surgical or diagnostic procedure using MRI and a patient stabilization device. The drape protects a coil portion of a coil. The drape further includes one or more attachment members to selectively attach and secure the drape to the stabilization device. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275974 | Surgical Navigation Systems and Methods - Implementations described herein relate to an anatomical referencing system and associated methods for surgical navigation that include referencing shapes and features on excised target tissue back to the wound or cavity in the body from which it was removed. Such an anatomical referencing system can comprise an expandable structure operably coupled to a controller assembly. The expandable structure can have a port in communication with an interior cavity and a surface adapted for measuring having a plurality of navigation markers. The controller assembly can operate to communicate with the expandable structure through the port and can have a means for expanding the expandable structure to a selected pressure against the cavity. The expandable structure can be adapted to conform to the geometry of the cavity in which it is placed upon expansion by the controller assembly. The controller assembly can include a means for recording the dimensions of the interior cavity of the expanded structure. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275975 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR SUPERIMPOSING PATTERNS ON IMAGES IN REAL TIME, PARTICULARLY FOR GUIDANCE BY LOCATION - The invention relates to a device for superimposing known patterns, characteristic of a region, on (real) images of said region. The device comprises , a memory in which patterns are stored, which are representative of a selected region, of known position and orientation with relation to a common reference and processing means, for determining a pattern representative of the selected portion in the memory, on receipt of the designation of at least one portion of an observed image of the selected region, taken at a selected angle and at least one representative attribute of said region, taking account of the attribute selected, then superimposing the determined pattern on the selected portion of the image taking account of the selected angle. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275976 | Global Ventricular Cardiac Diastolic Function Evaluation System and Associated Methods - A method for evaluating diastolic function of a heart includes measuring a volumetric flow of blood through the heart and determining volume change rates during a diastolic flow period. A diastolic index is formulated from a combination of volume change rates and features of the volumetric change and is weighted by the index for evaluating the weighted feature at a heightened sensitivity against a preselected value. The index weighting provides a measure of diastolic filling performance specific to the weighting parameter. As a result, guidance is provided in evaluating volume changes in heart failure patients, cardiac diastolic performance, medication/titration for diastolic performance, an athletic training program, and cardiac reserve. Guidance is also provided for improving exercise capacity in patients with diastolic dysfunction without requiring the patient to be evaluated during exertion. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275977 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VISUALIZING FLUID ENHANCED ABLATION THERAPY - Systems and methods for visualizing fluid enhanced ablation therapy are described herein. In one embodiment, a method for ablating tissue is provided that includes inserting an elongate body into a tissue volume, heating an imageable fluid within the elongate body to transform the imageable fluid into an imageable therapeutic fluid, delivering the imageable therapeutic fluid into the tissue volume to deliver a therapeutic dose of thermal energy to the tissue volume, and imaging the tissue volume to determine the extent of the tissue volume containing the imageable therapeutic fluid. The imageable therapeutic fluid can indicate the extent of the tissue volume that has received the therapeutic dose of thermal energy. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275978 | NEEDLE PLACEMENT MANIPULATOR WITH ATTACHMENT FOR RF-COIL - A needle placement manipulator includes, a needle holder configured to hold a needle, a guide system configured to position the needle holder to a predetermined direction with respect to a subject of needle placement, an attachment including an attaching portion to which the guide system is attached and a setting portion on which an RF-coil is set. A base surface of the setting portion is configured to be disposed on the subject. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275979 | NEEDLE PLACEMENT MANIPULATOR WITH TWO ROTARY GUIDES - A needle placement manipulator includes, a pair of rotary guides arranged at a slanted angle with respect to each other, a needle holder which holds a needle along a needle holder axis, and a base body on which the guides are supported. The needle holder axis and each axis of the rotary guides cross at a single point located at or below the base body. The base body is configured to be attached to a patient or to an RF-coil. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275980 | TIP ASSEMBLY FOR MRI-COMPATIBLE MEDICAL DEVICES AND MRI-COMPATIBLE MEDICAL DEVICES INCORPORATING SAME - An MRI-compatible tip assembly for an MRI-compatible medical device includes a first tubular member, a second tubular member, a ring electrode, and a tip electrode. The tip electrode proximal end is secured to the first tubular member distal end. The second tubular member distal end is inserted through the ring electrode and is secured to the first tubular member proximal end. When assembled, the tip assembly is a substantially rigid structure. Each tubular member has a recessed portion for a tracking coil. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275981 | METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND DEVICES FOR GUIDING SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS USING RADIO FREQUENCY TECHNOLOGY - Methods, systems, and devices are provided for guiding surgical instruments using radio frequency (RF) technology. In general, the methods, systems, and devices can allow a trajectory, e.g., an angular approach, of a surgical instrument relative to a patient to be identified during use of the instrument in a surgical procedure being performed on the patient. The trajectory can be identified using a plurality of RF modules. The methods, systems, and devices can allow the trajectory to be compared to a predetermined trajectory so as to identify whether the trajectory matches the predetermined trajectory. A result of the matching can be communicated to a user of the instrument. Based on the result, the user can maintain the trajectory, e.g., if the trajectory matches the predetermined trajectory, or can adjust the trajectory to closer align the trajectory with the predetermined trajectory, e.g., if the trajectory does not match the predetermined trajectory. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275982 | CATHETER MOVEMENT CONTROL - An endovascular device monitoring system is provided that determines, based on movement of the endovascular device past a selected reference location, at least one of a movement rate of a endovascular device and position of a distal end of a endovascular device in a body of a patient. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275983 | Side Lumen Reentry Catheters And Related Methods - True lumen reentry devices and methods useable for redirecting a guidewire from a subintimal tract within a wall of a blood vessel into the true lumen of the blood vessel. A reentry catheter device comprises a main catheter shaft having at least one guidewire outlet aperture with at least one side tube located on a distal portion of the main catheter shaft. The side tube(s) is/are tracked over initially inserted guidewire(s) to advance a distal portion of the reentry catheter device into the subintimal tract with a guidewire | 2014-09-18 |
20140275984 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR TARGETED RADIATION THERAPY - Described here are temporary devices for placement into tissue cavities at the time of a surgical procedure. In addition to marking the tissue cavity for radiation therapy, the devices are capable of draining fluid from the cavity. The devices generally include a resilient, volumetrically shaped distal portion. The shape of the distal portion may be released when removal of the device from the tissue cavity is desired. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275985 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR LOCALIZING, TRACKING AND/OR CONTROLLING MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS - Systems and methods are described herein for tracking, localization or controlling an elongate instrument or other medical instrument in an image or patient. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275986 | TISSUE IMAGING AND IMAGE GUIDANCE IN LUMINAL ANATOMIC STRUCTURES AND BODY CAVITIES - Navigational imaging system and method for use in branched luminal structure. Flexible, spatially steerable probe is equipped with forward- and side-imaging mutually complementing means to enable sub-surface imaging, quantitative determination of probe's positioning with respect to anatomical identifiers of structure, forming 3D image of structure in a volume defined by the imaging means, and positioning of probe in registration with a 3D coordinate system that is independent from the structure. Method includes determining anatomical identifiers of luminal structure branches based on 3D and sub-surface images, assigning such identifiers as fiducial points, and correlating the determined identifiers with those obtained from anatomical model to select target branch for further steering the probe. Optionally, data representing a distance between a branch of lumen from fiducial point and angular orientation of the branch is extracted from complete 3D and quantitative image of lumen obtained during a pull-back of probe along the lumen. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275987 | Integrated Navigation Array - Disclosed is a method and system for navigating an instrument relative to a configurable theater system. The configurable theater instrument can be any instrument positioned in a theater that is configured to have more than one position. A localizer can generate an electromagnetic field that is sensed by a tracking device to determine a location of the tracking device with the sensed electromagnetic field. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275988 | FLEXIBLE INSTRUMENT LOCALIZATION FROM BOTH REMOTE AND ELONGATION SENSORS - A system and method of tracking a flexible elongate instrument within a patient is disclosed herein. The system is configured to obtain remote localization measurement data of the flexible elongate instrument and obtain elongation measurement data of the flexible elongate instrument. This data is combined and transformed to a coordinate reference frame to produce a localization of the flexible elongate instrument that is more accurate than the remote localization measurements or elongation measurement data alone. The combined localization is then provided to a localization consumer. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275989 | Navigation Field Distortion Detection - Disclosed is a method and system for navigating an instrument relative to a patient that can be near a field distorting feature. A localizer can generate an electromagnetic field that is sensed by a tracking device to determine a location of the tracking device with the sensed electromagnetic field. The system and related method can assist in determining whether a navigation field is distorted near a tracking device of the instrument. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275990 | Ultrasound Guidance System Including Tagged Probe Assembly - Ultrasound-based systems are described for use in guiding subdermal probes during medical procedures. The systems include an ultrasound system in conjunction with a probe detection system. The probe detection system can be used to generate a virtual image of a probe in a subdermal environment such that the virtual image is highly correlated with the actual probe location in the subdermal environment. The probe used in the system can include a tag that can provide information concerning the probe characteristics to the probe detection system. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275991 | SYSTEM FOR DETECTING CATHETER ELECTRODES ENTERING INTO AND EXITING FROM AN INTRODUCER - Systems for detecting when catheter electrodes enter into and exit from an introducer are disclosed. In one form, a system detects a relative position of a catheter (comprising a marker band and an electrode) and an introducer (comprising a proximity sensor adapted to sense the marker band), while the catheter and introducer are in a human body. The system may comprise an electronic control unit to analyze signals from the catheter and/or the introducer, to determine whether the catheter electrode is within the introducer; and to disregard data collected from the electrode when that electrode is in the introducer. The sensor may be on the catheter and the sensed element may be on the introducer. The sensed element may comprise one or several marker bands. A marker band may be applied during the manufacture of a medical device or during its use and is any element capable of electromagnetic detection. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275992 | VISUALIZATION SYSTEMS, INSTRUMENTS AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME IN SPINAL DECOMPRESSION PROCEDURES - A method for positioning a treatment instrument in a subject involves positioning a tissue protector of a visualization instrument in an epidural space of the subject. The tissue protector is viewed and positioned in the epidural space using fluoroscopy. A treatment instrument between a first vertebra and a second vertebra and while viewing the tissue protector positioned in the epidural space. A decompression procedure is performed using the treatment instrument. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275993 | Devices, Systems, and Methods for Specialization of Neuromodulation Treatment - The present disclosure relates to devices, systems and methods providing evaluation and feedback to an operator of a device providing neuromodulation treatment, such as modulation of renal nerves of a human patient. In one embodiment, for example, a system monitors parameters or values generated before, during, and/or after the course of a treatment. Feedback provided to an operator is based on the monitored values and relates to an assessment of various physiological parameters of the patient that are relevant to efficacious neuromodulation. In other embodiments, parameters or values generated during the course of an incomplete treatment (such as due to high temperature or high impedance conditions) may be evaluated to provide additional instructions or feedback to an operator. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275994 | REAL TIME IMAGE GUIDANCE SYSTEM - A real time image guidance system is provided having an imaging device configured to capture a surface image of tissue and an ultrasound device configured to capture a sub-surface image of tissue. An imaging processor combines the surface image and the sub-surface image to generate a three-dimensional (3D) image that is displayed to a clinician. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275995 | DEFINED BORDERS - The present invention relates to use of co-registered data to virtually recreate a section of a vessel in an external image, in which the section of the vessel cannot be imaged using an external imaging modality. In certain aspects, a method of the invention includes obtaining external imaging data of a vessel, wherein data representing a specific portion of the vessel is absent from the external imaging data, obtaining intraluminal imaging data of the specific portion of the vessel, and co-registering the external imaging data with the intraluminal imaging data to construct an external image of the vessel that includes the specific portion of the vessel. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275996 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONSTRUCTING AN IMAGE OF A BODY STRUCTURE - The invention generally relates to systems and methods for constructing an image of a body structure. In certain embodiments, methods of the invention involve externally imaging a body structure within the patient using a first imaging device. The methods also involve internally imaging the body structure within the patient using a second imaging device. The second imaging device includes a radiopaque label co-located with an image collector of the second imaging device. Additionally, methods of the invention involve combining external imaging data and internal imaging data to produce an image of the body structure. The label on the second imaging device facilitates alignment of the external imaging data and the internal imaging data. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275997 | SHAPE SENSOR SYSTEMS FOR TRACKING INTERVENTIONAL INSTRUMENTS AND MEHODS OF USE - A medical tracking system comprises a fiducial apparatus that includes a sensor docking feature configured to mate with a mating portion of a sensor device. The sensor docking feature retains the mating portion in a known configuration. The fiducial apparatus also includes at least one imageable fiducial marker and a surface configured for attachment to an anatomy of a patient. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275998 | MEDICAL DEVICE NAVIGATION SYSTEM - A system for navigating a medical device is provided. In one embodiment, a magnetic field generator assembly generates a magnetic field. Position sensors on the medical device, on an imaging system and on the body generate signals indicative of the positions within the magnetic field. The generator assembly and reference sensors are arranged such that a correlation exists between them and the positions of the body and of a radiation emitter and a radiation detector of the imaging system. An electronic control unit (ECU) determines, responsive to signals generated by the sensors, a position of the medical device, a position of one of the radiation emitter and detector and a distance between the emitter and detector. Using this information, the ECU can, for example, register images from the imaging system in a coordinate system and superimpose an image of the device on the image from the imaging system. | 2014-09-18 |
20140275999 | BIOPSY DEVICE - A biopsy device includes a probe, a holster, and a tissue sample holder for collecting tissue samples. The probe includes a needle and a hollow cutter. The tissue sample holder includes a housing having a plurality of chambers that are configured to receive a plurality of strips connected by at least one flexible member. The flexible member is configured to permit the strips to pivot relative to each other such that the strips can shift between a flat configuration and a arcuate configuration. The tissue sample holder is rotatable to successively index each chamber to the cutter lumen such that tissue samples may be collected in the strips. The strips may be removed from the tissue sample holder and placed in a tissue sample holder container for imaging of tissue samples. | 2014-09-18 |
20140276000 | Laser Tracking of Surgical Instruments and Implants - A projection system includes a tracking system comprising a first source of light and a first light sensor; a second source of light and a second light sensor, a reflector, and a processing system. The first light sensor may record a first direction the first source is pointed when it receives a reflection of the first light source from the reflector. The second light sensor may record a second direction the second source is pointed when it receives the reflection of the second light source from the reflector. The processing system may determine a point in space corresponding to an intersection of the first and second directions, and may calculate the relationship between the first and second light sources and the reflector. | 2014-09-18 |