47th week of 2014 patent applcation highlights part 54 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20140343390 | TEXTILE BLANK WITH SEAMLESS KNITTED ELECTRODE SYSTEM - A textile-based electrode system includes a first fabric layer having an inner and an outer surface. The inner surface includes a knitted electrode configured to be placed in contact with the skin of a user. A second fabric layer is disposed and configured to contact the outer surface of the first fabric layer. The second fabric layer includes a knitted conductive pathway configured to be electrically coupled to the knitted electrode. Furthermore, a third fabric layer is configured and disposed to contact the second fabric layer. A connector is disposed on the third fabric layer and is configured to be electrically coupled to the knitted conductive pathway. The second fabric layer can be folded about a first fold axis and the third fabric layer can be folded about a second fold axis to place the second fabric layer in contact with the first fabric layer and the third fabric layer. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343391 | HEART ACTIVITY SENSOR STRUCTURE - A heart activity sensor structure includes a flexible textile substrate, and at least two electrodes with an electric insulation between each of the at least two electrodes. The at least two electrodes are applied on one side of the flexible textile substrate and configured to be placed against a skin of an exerciser in order to measure biosignals related to heart activity. The heart activity sensor also includes an electrostatic discharge shield applied on one side of the flexible textile substrate for protecting the at least two electrodes from static electricity. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343392 | OBJECT, METHOD, AND SYSTEM FOR DETECTING HEARTBEAT OR WHETHER OR NOT ELECTRODES ARE IN PROPER CONTACT - The invention discloses an object, a method and a system for detecting heartbeat or whether an electrode is in good contact. The heartbeat is detected by arranging multiple textile electrodes on the textile, using ECG equipotential line diagram, considering interference caused of human movement, and designing a separating electrode structure, electrode position, area and lead layout in an innovative manner; the dry electrode or capacitive coupling electrode is selected along with the change of environmental state so as to pick up the ECG signals; the contact between the electrode and the human body can be detected whether it is in a good state or not by measuring the noise, body surface impedance, muscle impedance and the like; in addition, the posture and action of human body can be speculated according to the wave mode and noise of the ECG signals. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343393 | SENSING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PHYSIOLOGY MEASUREMENTS - A sensing system for physiology measurements comprises a transmission end including a measuring signal generating module having at least one overshoot and undershoot wave generating circuits and a transmitting antenna module having at least one transmitting antenna; a receiving end having a plurality of receiving antennae with each receiving antenna receiving a reflected signal reflected by a target object; and a plurality of signal analyzing modules to generate a plurality of object active state signals by analyzing the reflected signal from each receiving antenna and transmit the plurality of object active state signals to a digital signal processor. Wherein each overshoot and undershoot wave generating circuit generates a measuring signal with overshoot and undershoot waves according to an inputted Pulse Width Modulation signal, and each transmitting antenna emits the measuring signal to the target object. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343394 | PROBE - An acoustic wave detector that detects an acoustic wave from a subject, an optical fiber that guides light emitted from a light source to a probe body, and a light guide member that guides light from a light entrance end, which is optically coupled to the optical fiber, to a light exit end, which is located in the vicinity of the acoustic wave detector, are provided. The light guide member is secured in the probe body with a securing material provided at least partially around the light guide member. The conditional expression below is satisfied: | 2014-11-20 |
20140343395 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING MAGNETIC BASED NAVIGATION SYSTEM IN DENTAL IMPLANT SURGERY - A system and method for providing magnetic based navigation in dental implant surgery is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a surgical navigation system comprises a custom piece that is made to fit in a patient's anatomy and comprises a first magnetic component. The surgical navigation system further comprises an instrument assembly comprising a drill bit and a second magnetic component. A processing unit receives and displays a first position and orientation data from the first magnetic component with respect to a second position and orientation data from the second magnetic component to track the movement of the first magnetic component with respect to the second magnetic component. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343396 | Use of Machine Learning for Classification of Magneto Cardiograms - The use of machine learning for pattern recognition in magnetocardiography (MCG) that measures magnetic fields emitted by the electrophysiological activity of the heart is disclosed herein. Direct kernel methods are used to separate abnormal MCG heart patterns from normal ones. For unsupervised learning, Direct Kernel based Self-Organizing Maps are introduced. For supervised learning Direct Kernel Partial Least Squares and (Direct) Kernel Ridge Regression are used. These results are then compared with classical Support Vector Machines and Kernel Partial Least Squares. The hyper-parameters for these methods are tuned on a validation subset of the training data before testing. Also investigated is the most effective pre-processing, using local, vertical, horizontal and two-dimensional (global) Mahanalobis scaling, wavelet transforms, and variable selection by filtering. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343397 | BIOMAGNETIC RESONANCE DEVICE AND MEASURING METHOD THEREFOR - Provided are an ultra-low-field nuclear magnetic resonance device and an ultra-low-field nuclear magnetic resonance measuring method. The method includes applying a first measurement bias magnetic field corresponding to an excitation frequency of a coherent biomagnetic field generated in association with the electrophysiological activity of human body organs, applying a second measurement bias magnetic field having the same direction as the first measurement bias magnetic field and having a different magnitude than the first measurement bias magnetic field, and measuring a magnetic resonance signal generated in the human body by using magnetic field measuring means. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343398 | Bioimpedance-Assisted Placement of a Medical Device - A system and method for guiding a catheter or other medical device to a desired target destination within the vasculature of a patient via bioimpedance measurements is disclosed. The target destination in one embodiment includes placement of the catheter such that a distal tip thereof is disposed proximate the heart, e.g., the junction of the right atrium and superior vena cava. In one embodiment the method for guiding the catheter comprises introducing the catheter into a vessel of the patient, the catheter defining a lumen through which fluids can be infused into the vasculature of the patient. The catheter is advanced toward a target destination within the vasculature. A first impedance value based on intravascular detection of at least one electrical property related to a first tissue surface of the vessel is calculated to enable determination of the proximity of a distal end of the catheter to the target destination. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343399 | Seed-Based Connectivity Analysis in Functional MRI - Functional MRI (fMRI) methods are presented for utilizing a magnetic resonance tomograph to map connectivity between brain areas in the resting state in real-time without the use of regression of confounding signal changes. They encompass: (a) iterative computation of the sliding window correlation between the signal time courses in a seed region and each voxel of an fMRI image series, (b) Fisher Z-transformation of each correlation map, (c) computation of a running mean and a running standard deviation of the Z-maps across a second sliding window to produce a series of meta mean maps and a series of meta standard deviation maps, and (d) thresholding of the meta maps. This methodology can be combined with regression of confounding signals within the sliding window. It is also applicable to task-based real-time fMRI, if the location of at least one task-activated voxel is known. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343400 | MEDICAL IMAGE DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS AND PET-MRI APPARATUS - A medical image diagnosis apparatus according to an embodiment includes: a first image taking unit, a second image taking unit, a position specifying unit, and a moving controlling unit. The first image taking unit performs an image taking process by implementing PET while using a first PET detector and a second PET detector. The position specifying unit specifies positions of the first PET detector and the second PET detector, on the basis of a medical image taken by the second image taking unit. The moving controlling unit controls moving of the first PET detector and the second PET detector in accordance with the specified positions. The first image taking unit and the second image taking unit each perform the image taking process after the first PET detector and the second PET detector have been moved. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343401 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONSIDERING TARGET MOTION IN MEDICAL FIELD - A medical method includes: obtaining marker positions at a plurality of time points; determining a first subset of the marker positions that belongs to a first phase bin; using the marker positions in the first subset to determine a first variance information, wherein the first variance information is determined using a processor; and storing the first variance information in a non-transitory medium. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343402 | Composition Comprising Acetic Anhydride And A Gadolinium Complex, And Method For The Use In Hyperpolarisation In MRI Analysis - The present invention generally relates to a composition comprising acetic anhydride, a DNP agent and a gadolinium complex and its use for the preparation of hyperpolarised imaging agent for MR diagnostic analysis. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343403 | Patient-Specific Surgical Guidance Tool and Method of Use - Presented is a preoperatively designed guidance tool for intraoperative use during bone or joint surgery wherein the guidance tool is specific to the anatomy of the patient being treated. The guidance tool comprises a body portion, a mating surface provided on the body portion for positioning the guidance tool on a corresponding registration surface of a patient's anatomy. The guidance tool further comprises at least one guide mechanism provided on the body portion for guiding a medical instrument at one or more preoperatively defined trajectories relative to a patient's anatomy. In the event of misalignment, the at least one guide mechanism is adjustable to alter the one or more preoperatively defined trajectories if necessary during intraoperative use. Also presented is a preoperative process for designing the guidance tool. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343404 | MEDICAL DEVICE GUIDANCE - A system and method for providing image guidance for placement of one or more medical devices at a target location. The system can be used to display portions of a display object, such as a rendered medical image, at different transparency levels. The system can also be used to resolve co-located display objects, such as a co-located image guidance cue and rendered medical image. The system can further be used to adjust a point-of-view location for one or more medical display objects within a virtual 3D space. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343405 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRACKING NON-VISIBLE STRUCTURES OF BODIES RELATIVE TO EACH OTHER - A monitoring system tracks the non-visible structure of a body and relatable non-visible structures in real time in three dimensions. A tracker obtains image information of the body and its vicinity. A controller spatially relates the image information with previously obtained scan data of the object revealing non-visible structure of the object. For the scan, a fiducial reference detectable in the scan is removably attached to a location on the object. The scan data and image information are used by the controller to provide the user with real time information about the relative 3D locations and orientations of the relatable non-visible structures and the non-visible structure of the body. Using three-dimensional tracking markers attached to the fiducial reference on the body and to the relatable non-visible structures, the system and method may be employed to track in three dimensions in real time a plurality of bodies having non-visible structure. Three-dimensional tracking markers intergrated with surgical screws may be attached directly to the relatable non-visible structures. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343406 | NEEDLE POSITIONING DEVICE FOR ULTRASOUND-GUIDED TREATMENTS AND EXAMINATIONS - A device for positioning a needle in an ultrasound-guided treatment or examination is disclosed. The device may include a main body portion attached to an ultrasound probe, an adjustable arm member attached to the main body member, and a needle mount attached to the arm member. The probe casts an ultrasound beam to identify a target portion of a material. The arm member is adjustable to position a needle attached to the needle mount in a desired position relative to a desired point of entry into the material. The needle mount is adjustable to position the needle at a desired insertion angle into the material. The needle may be inserted into the material to deliver medication in a vicinity of the target portion of the material, or extract fluid or a material sample from the target portion of the material. A system and method employing the device are also disclosed. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343407 | METHODS FOR THE ASSISTED MANIPULATION OF AN INSTRUMENT, AND ASSOCIATED ASSISTIVE ASSEMBLY - A method for the assisted manipulation of an instrument in an assistive assembly for instrument manipulation, comprising: a medical imaging system comprising a support to immobilize at least one part of a patient intended to be imaged or already imaged by said system, an assistive device for assisted manipulation of an instrument intended to be used in said patient, said device comprising: a mobile mechanical structure operable by an operator, on which at least one instrument can be fixed, said method being characterized in that it comprises the step to calibrate the position of the assistive device relative to the position of the imaging system, thereby allowing the position of the patient part to be known within a reference frame related to the assistive device, to assist the operator in manipulating the instrument in the patient. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343408 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR PERFORMING MEDICAL PROCEDURES IN TREE-LIKE LUMINAL STRUCTURES - Apparatus and methods are described for use with an imaging device that acquires an external image of a multi-lumen structure within a subject's body. A tool with a location sensor coupled thereto is moved along branches of the structure. The multi-lumen structure is registered with the external image, such that the multi-lumen structure and the external image of the multi-lumen structure have a common frame of coordinates, by sensing the location coordinates of the tool while the tool moves along a plurality of branch lines within the multi-lumen structure, the branch lines defining a plurality of paths within the multi-lumen structure. The branch lines are identified within the image, and a correspondence between the sensed location coordinates of the tool and the plurality of branch lines within the image is determined. Other applications are also described. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343409 | INFLATION APPARATUS WITH PRESSURE RELIEF, RELATED SYSTEMS, METHODS AND KITS - An inflation system is provided including a housing having an interior portion including an opening. A connector is positioned within the interior portion. The connector includes a first portion defining a first passageway and a second portion defining a second passageway. The second portion includes a pressure relief valve. A shaft defines a third passageway. The shaft extends through the first passageway. An inflatable member defines a fourth passageway. The inflatable member includes a first end coupled to the connector and a second end positioned external to the interior portion defining a chamber that is in communication with the fourth passageway. Methods and kits are also disclosed. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343410 | DETERMINING ANGULAR ORIENTATION FOR IMAGING - The present disclosure provides an OCT imaging system having a variety of advantages. In particular, the OCT system of the present disclosure may provide a more intuitive interface, more efficient usage of controls, and a greater ability to view OCT imaging data. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343411 | ANGULAR IMAGE MANIPULATION - The present disclosure provides an OCT imaging system having a variety of advantages. In particular, the OCT system of the present disclosure may provide a more intuitive interface, more efficient usage of controls, and a greater ability to view OCT imaging data. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343412 | WHOLE-BODY SPECT SYSTEM - A whole body SPECT system ( | 2014-11-20 |
20140343413 | FORMULATION OF SOLID NANO-SIZED PARTICLES IN A GEL-FORMING SYSTEM - The present invention relates to novel formulations comprising a plurality of nano-sized solid particles and a gel-forming system, useful, e.g. for imaging of the body of a mammal. Also described are kits comprising such formulations and imaging methods utilizing such formulations or kits. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343414 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING INHOMOGENEITY IN ANIMAL TISSUE AND EQUIPMENT TO IMPLEMENT IT - The present invention relates to a method for determining inhomogeneity in a portion of animal tissue, which provides for the arrangement beforehand of a 3-dimensional density map of said portion of tissue; the map is obtained by means of computed tomography and therefore is formed by a plurality of voxels (VX); for each voxel (VX) of the map, respectively considered as the central voxel (VXC), the following steps are carried out:—determining a space (CC) surrounding the central voxel (VXC) and containing a group of peripheral voxels (VXP),—for each peripheral voxel (VXP) of the group, calculating a value proportional to the ratio or the difference between the density of the peripheral voxel (VXP) and the density of the central voxel (VXC), thus obtaining a plurality of values,—calculating the maximum value and/or the minimum value and/or the average value and/or a statistical partitioning value of these values, thus obtaining a local indicator of inhomogeneity in the animal tissue in correspondence to the central voxel (VXC). Such method can advantageously be implemented in an equipment | 2014-11-20 |
20140343415 | Diagnosis of Swallowing Disorders Using High Resolution Manometry - Parameters extracted from high definition manometric measurements of the pharynx and upper esophagus at preidentified locations and times are applied to a supervised learning machine trained using x-ray fluoroscopy data to provide diagnostic information comparable to that of x-ray fluoroscopy without radiation exposure. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343416 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ROBOTIC MEDICAL SYSTEM INTEGRATION WITH EXTERNAL IMAGING - A medical robotic system and method of operating such comprises taking intraoperative external image data of a patient anatomy, and using that image data to generate a modeling adjustment for a control system of the medical robotic system (e.g., updating anatomic model and/or refining instrument registration), and/or adjust a procedure control aspect (e.g., regulating substance or therapy delivery, improving targeting, and/or tracking performance). | 2014-11-20 |
20140343417 | METHOD FOR PUNCTURING THE PERICARDIAL MEMBRANE BY SYNCHRONIZING NEEDLE ADVANCEMENT WITH CARDIAC MUSCLE MOTION - A method for puncturing a pericardial membrane of a human patient, the method comprising inserting a needle into the chest of the human patient, detecting a phase of a mechanical activity of the heart of the human patient, advancing the needle toward the heart of the human patient in synchronization with the detected phase of the mechanical activity of the heart of the human patient, and repeating the detecting and advancing steps until the pericardial membrane of the human patient is punctured. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343418 | INFUSION SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS - Infusion system configurations and assemblies facilitate routing of infusion circuit tubing lines. Tubing lines are routed into and out from compartments of a shielding assembly for the infusion system, at locations which prevent kinking and/or crushing of the lines, and/or provide for ease in assembling the circuit. A plurality of the lines may be held together by a support frame to form a disposable infusion circuit subassembly, that can further facilitate routing of the lines. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343419 | ULTRASONOGRAPHY APPARATUS, ULTRASONOGRAPHY METHOD, AND PROGRAM - An ultrasonographic system includes an electronic memory to store a table that relates subject information to a plurality of frequencies, and a frequency setting unit that sets the examination frequency to one of the frequencies stored in the table. The frequency setting unit sets the examination frequency based on selection of subject information from the table, and the examination frequency is used to perform ultrasound examination on the subject according to the selected information. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343420 | Reduced Image Reading Time and Improved Patient Flow in Automated Breast Ultrasound Using Enchanced, Whole Breast Navigator Overview Images - A method and system acquiring, processing and displaying breast ultrasound images in a way that makes breast ultrasound screening more practical and thus more widely used, and reduces missing cancers in screening and diagnosis, using automated scanning of chestwardly compressed breasts with ultrasound. Enhanced, whole-breast navigator overview images are generated from scanning breasts with ultrasound that emphasize abnormalities in the breast while excluding obscuring influences of non-breast structures, particularly those external to the breast such as ribs and chest wall, and differentiating between likely malignant and likely benign abnormalities and otherwise enhancing the navigator overview image and other images, to thereby reduce the time to read, screen, or diagnose to practical time limits and also reduce screening or diagnostic errors. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343421 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY PERFORMING RADIOTHERAPY AND HYPERTHERMIA THERAPY - Provided are medical apparatuses for simultaneously performing radiotherapy and hyperthermia therapy and methods of treating an affected area. The medical apparatus includes a table where a subject is placed; a driving unit configured to move the table; a treatment device configured to treat an affected area of the subject; and an ultrasonic transducer configured to increase treatment efficiency of the affected area. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343422 | ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE AND ULTRASONIC IMAGE GENERATION METHOD - Provided is an ultrasonic diagnostic device that improves the frame rate (or volume rate), is resistant to movement, and is capable of constructing ultrasonic images at a high frame rate or a high volume rate. The ultrasonic diagnostic device comprises: a plurality of transducers arranged on an ultrasonic probe, that oscillate at the same time, and irradiate an ultrasonic beam on a subject; and an ultrasonic image generation unit that generates a first ultrasonic data as a result of the plurality of transducers oscillating at the same time and irradiating a first ultrasonic beam on the subject, generates a second ultrasonic data as a result of the plurality of transducers oscillating at the same time and irradiating a second ultrasonic beam on the subject, and generates an acoustic image on the basis of the first ultrasonic data and the second ultrasonic data. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343423 | ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSIS DEVICE AND ULTRASOUND IMAGE GENERATION METHOD - In an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, a vascular wall tracker tracks pulsation-originated vascular wall movement based on reception signals obtained through transmission and reception of ultrasonic beams by an ultrasound probe to and from a subject, and a pulsating timing determiner determines pulsating timing by detecting pulsation-originated periodic changes in the vascular wall movement tracked by the vascular wall tracker in each of sound rays, obtaining a detection time point as a pulsating timing candidate in each of the sound rays, and statistically analyzing pulsating timing candidates in the respective sound rays within a single pulse duration. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus can accurately measure the state of a blood vessel merely using information obtained through ultrasound examination without electrocardiographic waveforms. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343424 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ELECTROMECHANICAL WAVE IMAGING OF BODY STRUCTURES - A system and method for detecting electromechanical wave propagation within a body structure of a patient in a series of image frames representing movement the body structure. Image data is acquired comprising a series of image frames corresponding to the movement of a body structure. A correlation calculation is performed on the image frames to generate a displacement map representing the relative displacement between the first and second image frames. A video is generated comprising a series of displacement maps. The parameters of movement of the body structure are detected by analysis of the displacement maps. The image acquisition may detect the movement of the body structure without inducing such movement. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343425 | ENHANCED ULTRASOUND IMAGING INTERPRETATION AND NAVIGATION - Systems and techniques are provided in which the orientation of an ultrasonic image display is configured to match the ultrasound probe orientation for ease of interpretation. The position and the orientation of an ultrasound probe are tracked using a tracking device having one or more position and orientation sensors. The orientation of a displayed ultrasound image is automatically adjusted to reflect the position and orientation of the ultrasound probe relative to the body structure being imaged. In some embodiments, a background image (with possible landmarks) is provided based on the location and orientation of the tracked ultrasound probe. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343426 | EXAMINATION SYSTEM WITH MULTIPLE ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCERS - To sum up, the present invention relates to an examination system | 2014-11-20 |
20140343427 | DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING APPARATUS AND IMAGE DISPLAY METHOD - A diagnostic imaging apparatus including: an imaging section imaging a site of an examinee to generate image data; a biological signal acquisition section acquiring signal data which is periodical movement of the site of the examinee; a storage section storing the generated image and acquired biological signal data; a biological signal analysis section analyzing the signal data to detect signal waveforms; and a control section calculating evaluation values indicating steadiness of the periodical movement among the respective periods, causing the biological signal analysis section to perform extraction from among the plurality of successive periods on the basis of the calculated evaluation values and a time difference or time ratio threshold range, reading out image data generated during an extracted adaptive period, among the image data stored in the storage section, from the storage section, and causing a display section to display the read-out image data. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343428 | ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS AND IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS - An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus according to an embodiment includes a parameter setting unit, a Fly Thru image generating unit, and a controlling unit. The parameter setting unit sets a value of an image quality adjusting parameter used for generating a PVR image obtained by projecting the inside of a lumen from a predetermined viewpoint, on the basis of information about the lumen rendered in an MPR image generated by using volume data. The Fly Thru image generating unit generates the PVR image by using the value of the image quality adjusting parameter that was set. The controlling unit then causes a monitor to display the PVR image. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343429 | Ultrasound Imaging Console - An ultrasound imaging system includes a beamformer ( | 2014-11-20 |
20140343430 | IMAGING PROCESSING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Systems and methods for image processing based on ultrasound data. The system may include an IVUS catheter configured to collect data vectors including ultrasound data and an imaging engine configured to process the ultrasound data of the data vectors. The imaging engine may receive the data vectors and divide the data vectors into different sets. The ultrasound data of each respective set may be averaged and then an envelope of each set may be detected. The envelopes of each set may then be averaged to generate an enhanced data vector which may be used to generate an image. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343431 | AUTOMATIC BLOOD VESSEL IDENTIFICATION BY NAME - A device is configured for interrogating a blood vessel to derive flow characteristics (S | 2014-11-20 |
20140343432 | OCULAR ULTRASOUND PROBE - Devices, systems and methods for ocular ultrasound are provided having therapeutic and/or diagnostic applications. In one aspect, an ocular probe is disclosed that is uniquely configured for use in the eye on the basis of shape and frequency. The ocular probe may be multi-functional, providing sensor, optical or other functionality in additional to ultrasound energy. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343433 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING DEVICE ENGAGEMENT - An intravenous ultrasound (IVUS) system can include a catheter and a translation mechanism for translating the catheter. Engagement between the catheter and the translation mechanism may be detected, and the translation mechanism can be placed in a connected or disconnected mode, accordingly. When in connected mode, certain IVUS operations may be enabled when compared to disconnected mode, wherein such operations may be disabled. Thus, some embodiments may ensure proper engagement between the catheter and the translation mechanism prior to allowing certain IVUS operations to be carried out. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343434 | ELECTRICAL ISOLATION OF CATHETER WITH EMBEDDED MEMORY IN IVUS SYSTEMS - An intravenous ultrasound (IVUS) system can include a catheter which can include memory. Because portions of the catheter are in intimate contact with the patient, electrical signals are isolated for safety. The IVUS system or catheter can thus comprise a catheter interface which provides bidirectional isolation circuitry for coupling the catheter to additional components of the IVUS system. Such circuitry allows for memory operation and communication from within the catheter while remaining electrically isolated. Catheter memory can contain information specific to the catheter such as the type of catheter, information regarding catheter components, information regarding catheter use, and other information useful for catheter operation. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343435 | METHODS AND DEVICES SUITABLE FOR IMAGING BLOOD-CONTAINING TISSUE - Disclosed are methods and devices useful for imaging blood-containing tissue, for example for angiography, especially retinal angiography, whereby an image is generated by dividing pixels of an image acquired at some wavelength range by corresponding pixels of an image acquired at a different wavelength range. In some embodiments, a first wavelength range includes predominantly light having wavelengths between about 400 nm and about 620 nm and a second wavelength range includes predominantly light having wavelengths between about 620 nm and about 800 nm. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343436 | DISPOSABLE ACTIVE PULSE SENSOR - A disposable active pulse sensor has an emitter that generates optical radiation having a plurality of wavelengths, a detector that is responsive to the optical radiation and an unbalanced electrical motor that vibrates when energized. A tape assembly removably attaches the emitter, the detector and the unbalanced electrical motor to a tissue site. The tape assembly also physically mounts the emitter, the detector and the unbalanced electrical motor in a spatial arrangement so that vibration from the unbalanced electrical motor induces pulsatile blood flow within the tissue site, the emitter transmits the optical radiation into the tissue site and the detector generates a sensor signal responsive to the intensity of the optical radiation after attenuation by the pulsatile blood flow within the tissue site. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343437 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PULSE RATE CALCULATION USING A SCHEME FOR ALTERNATE WEIGHTING - Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method for analyzing pulse data. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving a signal containing data representing a plurality of pulses, the signal generated in response to detecting light scattered from blood perfused tissue. Further, one embodiment includes performing a pulse identification or qualification algorithm on at least a portion of the data, the pulse identification or qualification algorithm comprising at least one constant, and modifying the at least one constant based on results obtained from performing the pulse identification or qualification algorithm, wherein the results indicate that a designated number of rejected pulses has been reached. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343438 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING HEART FAILURE EVENT USING PATIENT CHRONIC CONDITIONS - Devices and methods for detecting physiological target event such as events indicative of HF decompensation status are described. A medical device is configured to receive at least a first and a second chronic condition indictors of a patient, receive one or more physiologic signals from the patient, and generate a plurality of signal metrics when the first and the second chronic condition indicators meet their respective criterion. The medical device can detect the target event or condition using one or more patient-specific signal metrics selected from a group including both the first and the second set of the signal metrics. The medical device and the methods can be configured to detect an event indicative of HF decompensation. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343439 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR STRATIFYING RISK OF HEART FAILURE DECOMPENSATION - Devices and methods for identifying patient at elevated risk of developing future heart failure (HF) events, such as events indicative of HF decompensation status, are described. The devices and methods can stratify the risk using sensor signals or signal metrics selected in accordance with patient chronic conditions. A medical device can receive a patient status input including at least a first and a second chronic condition indicators, sense one or more physiologic signals from the patient, and generate a plurality of signal metrics from the physiologic signals when the first chronic condition indicator and the second chronic condition indicator meets respective criterion. One or more patient-specific signal metrics can be selected from a group including the signal metrics selected for both the first and the second chronic conditions. A risk stratification algorithm can use the selected one or more patient-specific signal metrics to compute a composite risk index indicative of the probability of the patient later developing an event indicative of worsening of HF. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343440 | AUTOMATED INTERPRETIVE MEDICAL CARE SYSTEM AND METHODOLOGY - Improved apparatus and methods for monitoring, diagnosing and treating at least one medical respiratory condition of a patient are provided, including a medical data input interface adapted to provide at least one medical parameter relating at least to the respiration of the patient, and a medical parameter interpretation functionality ( | 2014-11-20 |
20140343441 | BLOOD PRESSURE DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE PROVIDING ENHANCED VASCULAR CONDITION DETECTION FEATURES AND RELATED METHODS - A medical diagnostic system may include a plurality of blood pressure measuring devices each configured to measure blood pressure of a respective extremity from among a plurality of extremities of a patient, and a blood pressure diagnostic device including at least one input device and a controller. The controller may cooperate with the at least one input device to determine blood pressure measurements for the respective patient extremities based upon the plurality of blood pressure measuring devices, receive an indicator of at least one symptom of the patient via the input device, and determine statistical probabilities that a condition of the patient is within a first group of vascular conditions requiring a first course of treatment, and a second group of vascular conditions requiring a second course of treatment different than the first course of treatment, based upon the determined blood pressure measurements and the indicator of the at least one symptom. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343442 | ENHANCED ACTIVATION ONSET TIME OPTIMIZATION BY SIMILARITY BASED PATTERN MATCHING - An anatomical mapping system and method includes mapping electrodes configured to detect activation signals of cardiac activity. A processing system is configured to record the detected activation signals and generate a vector field for each sensed activation signal during each instance of the physiological activity. The processing system determines an onset time and alternative onset time candidates, identifies an initial vector field template based on a degree of similarity between the initial vector field and a vector field template from a bank of templates, then determines an optimized onset time for each activation signal based on a degree similarity between the onset time candidates and initial vector field template. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343443 | BIOMETRIC MONITORING DEVICE HAVING A BODY WEIGHT SENSOR, AND METHODS OF OPERATING SAME - A system comprising a biometric monitoring device including a housing including a platform to receive at least one foot of the user, a body weight sensor to generate body weight data, processing circuitry to calculate user weight data which corresponds to the user's weight, using the body weight data, and communication circuitry to: (a) receive user identification data which identifies the user or a portable activity monitoring device, and (b) transmit the user weight data to data storage associated with the user identification data. The system further includes the portable activity monitoring device including a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the user's body, a sensor to generate sensor data, and communication circuitry to receive physiologic data which is based on the user weight data, and processing circuitry to calculate activity data using the sensor data and physiologic data. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343444 | Rapid Visual Cuing Apparatus for Cardiac EKG Rhythms - The present invention is a visual cuing device which allows users to rapidly and easily identify ECG/EKG cardiac arrhythmias and twelve lead ECG/EKG arrhythmias. A visual cuing device contains a plurality of panels with a plurality of graphically displayed ECG/EKG abnormalities alternated with visually high-contrast, solid colored text sections. A visual cuing device may also contain additional tools, such as a heart rate reference line, time reference line or baseline window to aid in analysis and interpreting ECG/EKG strips. A visual cuing device may also be adapted to display using a touch screen or other user interface. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343445 | System and Computer Program Product for Automatically Distinguishing Atrial Flutter from Atrial Fibrillation - The present invention relates to a system for automatically distinguishing atrial flutter from atrial fibrillation based on a sequence of R-R-intervals of ECG-data. The system of the invention comprises means adapted to calculate or simulate an R-R-pattern from a model which is based on a periodic or almost periodic signal representing peaks of an atrial flutter signal, a first AV block scheme blocking respective ones of the atrial excitations while transmitting the others with a predetermined transmittal delay and at least one more AV-block scheme blocking respective ones of the excitations transmitted by the previous AV-block scheme and transmitting the others with a predetermined transmittal delay. The excitations transmitted by the last AV-block scheme constitute the calculated R-R-pattern. The system further comprises consistency checking means adapted to automatically check whether said sequence of R-R-intervals of the ECG-data is to some predetermined degree consistent with said calculated or simulated pattern. The system is configured to identify the ECG-data to be based on atrial flutter if said predetermined degree of consistency is found. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343446 | Model-Based Method for Assessing Acoustic Signal Quality in Heart Monitoring Device - A model-based method for assessing acoustic signal quality in a heart monitoring device. The personal heart sound interval distribution of a person being actively monitored is compared with a modeled global heart sound interval distribution shared by most human beings after which processing action is taken consistent with the quality assessment. The error in the best fit between the personal interval distribution and the global interval distribution is presumed to be caused predominantly by noise, allowing the quality of the fit to serve as a proxy for the level of noise in the acoustic signal and used in making processing decisions. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343447 | Cough Analysis - A computer-implemented method comprises: (A) receiving first acoustic data representing a first cough train of a first human subject, wherein the first cough train comprises at least one first cough of the first human subject; (B) identifying at least one first value of at one first acoustic property of the first acoustic data; and (C) determining, based on the at least one first value of the at least one first acoustic property, whether the first acoustic data indicates that the first human subject has a severe respiratory illness. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343448 | TWO-ELECTRODE, IMPEDANCE-BASED RESPIRATION DETERMINATION - Methods, apparatuses and systems are described for determining respiration through impedance measurements using only two electrodes. A drive signal may be applied to a person, using only two electrodes. Using the same electrodes, the fluctuations in the voltage of the drive signal are determined. The voltage fluctuations in the drive signal are the result of impedance variations in the person's thoracic cavity due to respiration. Therefore, the voltage fluctuations may be used to determine a respiration rate of the person. In doing so, the voltage fluctuations may be digitized using a sampling rate that is much less than the frequency of the applied drive signal. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343449 | ENDOSCOPIC INSTRUMENT FOR TISSUE IDENTIFICATION - A method for identifying and treating tissue includes providing an electrosurgical treatment device including an electrode assembly. One or more electrical property values of target tissue are measured. The measured electrical property values of the target tissue are compared against electrical property values of known tissue types. A tissue type of the target tissue is identified. An energy delivery configuration of the electrosurgical treatment device is adjusted to the type of target tissue. The electrosurgical treatment device is activated to treat the target tissue. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343450 | Cognitive testing for drug compliance monitoring - A system for monitoring drug taking compliance utilizes cognitive testing after the scheduled administration of the medicine to determine compliance by measuring cognitive function. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343451 | NON-INVASIVE METHODS OF DETECTING TARGET MOLECULES - Embodiments of the present invention relate to non-invasive methods and compositions for collecting detecting, measuring, and identifying target molecules. In some embodiments, methods and compositions relate to target molecules in gastrointestinal lavage fluid or feces. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343452 | Pseudobezoar-Based Intraluminal Gastrointestinal Cleansing and Biospy - The present disclosure describes an orally administrable implement comprising expandable material designed specifically to swell in a targeted gastrointestinal (Gl) organ of a mammal, including human to form a pseudobezoar, so that upon swelling it touches the walls of the targeted organ. In one design, the swollen pseudobezoar provides sponge-like cleansing of the targeted Gl organ to prepare the said organ for further examination. In another design the expandable material scrapes the walls of the targeted Gl organ by creating a sufficient friction tension between its permeable wails and the mucosa of the Gl organ walls to collect enough adequate tissue samples, occult blood, or both, for the purpose of tissue sample analysis, DNA analysis, occult blood analysis, or a combination thereof. Safety mechanisms for the controlled disintegration of the pseudobezoars in cases of possible obstruction are also described. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343453 | Tissue Sample Securement and Extraction Apparatus and Method - A tissue sample securement apparatus secures a volumetric tissue sample. The tissue sample securement apparatus according to the present invention includes an expandable-retractable tissue sampling device, which tissue sampling device includes an axial displacement member, an expandable tip construction, and a tensile member. The axial displacement member includes a distal member end and a proximal member end. The tip construction extends from the distal member end, and the tensile member extends in adjacency to the axial displacement member and is connected to the tip construction for selectively retracting a member-retractable distal portion of the tip construction. The selectively retracted distal portion simultaneously severs and secures a volumetric tissue sample. The tissue sample may then be retrieved via a catheter member for directing the device to and from the target tissue mass. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343454 | Assembly for Coupling Powered Driver With Intraosseous Device - Apparatus and methods are provided to remove biopsy specimens from a bone and/or associated bone marrow using a powered drive and an intraosseous (IO) needle set. The powered driver may rotate the IO needle set at an optimum speed to obtain a biopsy sample of bone and/or bone marrow. Apparatus and methods may also be provided for aspiration of bone marrow and/or stem cell transplant procedures. The apparatus may include a powered driver, a coupler assembly, a containment bag or sterile sleeve and various IO needles and IO needle sets with associated hubs and/or hub assemblies. Each IO needle set may include a cannula or catheter and an associated trocar stylet with respective tips operable to penetrate a bone and/or bone marrow with minimum trauma to a patient. Each hub assembly may be used to releasably dispose a respective stylet within an associated generally hollow cannula. Some coupler assemblies and/or hub assemblies may also be used with manual drivers. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343455 | MODIFICATION OF AN APPROVED MEDICAL DEVICE AND TECHNIQUE - Attaching an elliptical excisional skin biopsy punch to an appropriately designed hand held electrically powered handle can quickly produce a sharply demarcated wound that is the same shape and size as the elliptical punch that was used. The biopsy specimen obtained in this manner can be obtained within 1-2 seconds and thus is a much faster method than the more laborious method of rocking the elliptical punch back and forth by hand. In addition, only slight pressure is required to complete the biopsy thus minimizing the crush effect on the biopsy specimen. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343456 | PERIPHERAL BLOOD SAMPLING METHODS AND DEVICES - Methods and devices are provided for transporting fluid between a body and an external source. More particularly, the methods and devices provided can be used to transport blood from a body. In one exemplary embodiment, a system is provided for transporting fluid between a body and an external source. The system can include a collection catheter that is sized to fit inside a catheter that is placed in the body and configured to have its distal end extend beyond a distal end of the catheter that is placed in the body. Various methods for transporting fluid from the body to an external source are also provided. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343457 | Guidewire Having Selectively Adjustable Stiffness and Tip Curvature - A guidewire assembly having selectively adjustable stiffness and tip curvature includes a hollow guidewire having a distal portion terminating at a distal tip, a curvature-modifying element anchored to the distal tip, and a stiffness-modifying element displaceable within the hollow guidewire towards and away from the distal tip so as to vary a stiffness of the distal portion. The stiffness-modifying element and the curvature-modifying element are frictionally linked such that movement of the stiffness-modifying element from a current position over a first range of motion causes corresponding displacement of the curvature-modifying element, thereby modifying a state of curvature of at least part of the distal portion of the guidewire. Movement of the stiffness-modifying element beyond the first range of motion displaces the stiffness-modifying element relative to the curvature-modifying element. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343458 | Device and method for inducing brain injury in animal test subjects - An apparatus and method for inflicting brain injury on a laboratory animal that employs a platform for supporting the laboratory animal. The platform defines an opening for positioning the head of the laboratory animal over the opening. A projectile is launched from a projectile launching device orientated below the opening of the platform. The projectile launching device has a means for propelling the projectile directly at and/or through the opening of said platform, thereby inflicting brain injury on the animal via either a pressure wave or concussive impact of the projectile. Without helmet, direct impact of the projectile results in severe traumatic brain injury. Use of helmet protects animals from skull fracture, subdural hematoma, intracerebral hemorrhage and contusion yet produces mild concussion-like pathology. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343459 | SPASTICITY MEASUREMENT DEVICE - A spasticity measurement apparatus includes: a leg mounting fixture including a lower leg mounting portion mounted on a lower leg of a subject for fixation, and a foot receiving portion coupled to a lower end portion of the lower leg mounting portion and having a heel receiving portion and a toe receiving portion for respectively receiving a heel and a toe of a foot leading to the lower leg, the toe receiving portion being disposed relatively rotatably around the heel receiving portion in an approaching rotation direction bringing the toe receiving portion closer to the lower leg mounting portion; a rotation inhibition apparatus inhibiting relative rotation when the foot receiving portion rotates relative to the lower leg mounting portion in the approaching direction; and a muscular contraction force measurement apparatus measuring a muscular contraction force acting in a rotation direction. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343460 | MOBILE GAIT FORCE AND MOTION ANALYSIS SYSTEM - Systems and methods for performing gait analysis of a subject are provided. A method includes obtaining a plurality of measurement sets for a subject, each of the plurality of measurement sets including inertial measurements obtained from a sensor device associated with a different one of a plurality of segments of the subject and calculating a sensor orientation for the sensor device associated with each of the plurality of segments based at least on a portion of a corresponding one the plurality of measurement sets. The method also includes computing an estimate of a segment orientation for each of the plurality of segments based on a data fusion process applied at each of the plurality of segments, where the data fusion process includes combining at least a one of the plurality measurement sets and the corresponding sensor orientation to estimate the segment orientation. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343461 | LIGAMENT LAXITY MEASURING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MEASURING LIGMENT LAXITY - A ligament laxity measuring system for measuring ligament laxity between a first limb and a second limb connected to each other includes a force module, an angle sensing module and a data processing module. The force module disposed on the first limb is adapted to provide an external force to make the first limb pivot or twist with respect to the second limb, thereby generating a pivoting (varus/valgus) value and a twisting (rotational) value. The force module generates a force signal based on the external force. Opposite two segments of the angle sensing module are disposed on the first limb and the second limb respectively. The angle sensing module is used for sensing the pivoting value and the twisting value of the first limb and generating an angle signal. The data processing module is connected to the force sensor of the force module and the angle sensing module. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343462 | Method and Apparatus for Detecting the Onset of Hypoglycaemia - A method and apparatus for the detection of the onset of hypoglycaemia is described. A portable sensor worn by a subject is used to detect a physiological tremor signal. The tremor signal is analysed over a period of time, and an alarm is generated when a change in the physiological tremor signal indicative of the onset of hypoglycaemia in the subject is detected. A patient or carer can then perform appropriate action, such as performing a finger prick test to determine blood sugar test and treating as required. The portable sensor can be used to detect a tremor signal indicative of the, the onset of hypoglycaemia such as a signal corresponding to a decrease in blood glucose level (BGL) below 5 mmol/l. The portable sensor can use an accelerometer and may be worn on a limb, such as an arm or leg. The sensor can be used to measure the power of the tremor signal and detect a change, such as an increase in power over time and/or an increase in the rate of change of power over time. Filtering the signal may include filtering signals outside of the range 0-50 Hz, or more specifically 7-15 Hz. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343463 | ULTRASOUND NEUROMODULATION TREATMENT OF CLINICAL CONDITIONS - Disclosed are methods and systems for non-invasive ultrasound neuromodulation of neural targets for the treatment of clinical conditions. These include neuromodulation of the occipital nerves to treat migraine and cluster headaches in their multiple variations as well other pain and tension conditions, the Sphenopalatine Ganglion and associated neural structures vidian nerve and/or sphenopalatine nerve to treat migraine and cluster headaches as well as other indications such as neurologic and psychiatric conditions, and the Reticular Activating System for a variety of clinical purposes such as reversibly putting a patient to sleep or waking them up (for example, for the purpose of anesthesia) or reversibly putting a patient into a coma (for example for the purpose of protecting or rehabilitating the brain of the patient after a stroke or head injury). Other clinical applications include neuromodulation of the Motor Cortex and other areas of the brain impacted by stroke for mitigating the effects of stroke and/or in stroke rehabilitation, pain-related targets to treat acute or chronic pain, tinnitus-related targets to treat that condition, and targets for the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Use of ultrasound neuromodulation in sessions can enhance the effects. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343464 | APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY LENGTHENING CALF MUSCLE - There is provided an apparatus for automatically lengthening a calf muscle in order to relax fatigue and tension of a calf muscle of a worker who works standing up for a long time or a woman wearing high heels. Accordingly, a calf muscle can be naturally relaxed itself by lengthening a length of the calf muscle that is tense by a repetitive and continuous damage, so that it is possible to reduce a chronic muscle unbalance and a muscular pain of a worker who works standing up for a long time or a young woman wearing high heels and it is possible to improve quality of life and work efficiency in an industrial site. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343465 | GAIT REHABILITATION ROBOT HAVING PASSIVE MECHANISM FOR SHIFTING CENTER OF GRAVITY - The gait rehabilitation robot having a passive mechanism includes: a first auxiliary link member connected to a portion between the pelvis and the knee of a rehabilitating person; a joint coupled to a lower end of the first auxiliary link member; a second auxiliary link member coupled to the lower end of the joint and connected to a portion between the pelvis and the knee of the rehabilitating person; a first spring coupled to an upper end of the first auxiliary link member to prevent introversion and extroversion of a hip point from occurring when the rehabilitating person is walking; a foot support which comes into contact with the foot of the rehabilitating person; an ankle joint for connecting the foot support and the second auxiliary link member; and a second spring coupled to a side of the foot support to compensate an entropion angle. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343466 | Chest Compression Belt with Belt Position Monitoring System - An automated chest compression device for performing CPR, with distance sensors disposed on a compressing mechanism and on a structure fixed relative to the CPR patient, for determining inferior/superior movement of the compressing mechanism over the course of multiple compressions. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343467 | MASSAGE MACHINE - The massage machine includes a chair main body that includes: a seat part on which a person to be treated is seated, a backrest part, which is provided at a back part of the seat part, and on which the person to be treated leans, and a footrest which is provided at a front part of the seat part and supports leg parts of the person to be treated; guide rails and which are provided at the chair main body; and a first massage part and a second massage part which are configured to respectively move in the height direction along the guide rails. The first massage part moves at least from a position corresponding to the backrest part to a position corresponding to the seat part, and the second massage part moves at least from a position corresponding to the footrest to the position corresponding to the seat part. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343468 | Muscle fiber excitation system for preventing blood clot and muscular-skeletal decline - The invention muscle fiber excitation system (MFES) targets improving muscular and skeletal systems and preventing blood clots. MFES consists of 2 shafts, each affixed with 2 CAMs featuring surround peaks and valleys surfaces, a platform with stiffener side and compliant other side, and 4 plungers at the corners. The shafts tied with timing bets through pulleys are driven with DC motor. As the CAMs rotate the peaks and valleys make contacts with the platform stiffener side causing the platform to telescope 1 mm to 4 mm displacements, transferring contact stress stimuli from platform stiffener to compliant human contact side at frequency that encompass muscle fiber excitation frequencies. Wearable and standing model tests show improved bone density, muscle contraction and blood flow, preventing blood pooling. There is no side effect compared to use of blood thinners for blood clot prevention. Wearable model is concealable compared to compression pneumatic device with user complaints. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343469 | Orthopedic Cast Cover - An orthopedic cast cover is provided. The present cast cover provides a removable, sleeve-like device that securely fits over an orthopedic cast to protect skin, clothing, furniture, and other articles from being damaged by the hard, abrasive surface of a plaster or fiberglass orthopedic cast. The present cast cover may further be padded to add an additional layer of protection to the cast cover. The distal end of the cast cover is adapted to fit over the user's hand protruding from the body of the cast and thereby firmly secure it in place. The present invention also has a removable flap or window portion that allows the cast being covered by the present invention to be accessed for activities such as cast signing. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343470 | HIP SPICA CAST AND UNDERGARMENT FOR USE WITH HIP SPICA CAST - An undergarment for use with a cast tape to form a hip spica cast, such as a pantaloon-type hip spica cast. The cast includes at least one layer of a 3D spacer synthetic padding material formed into a fabric of monofilament yarns and fabricated into an anatomically correct undergarment structure for being positioned around a torso and residing directly against the skin of a hip spica cast patient. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343471 | SURGICAL CAST VENTING DEVICE AND MATERIAL - A surgical cast venting material comprises a waterproof, flexible substrate made of a plastics material and having first and second sides. The first side has a plurality of shallow, concave recesses distributed over the substrate and spaced-apart from one another while the second side has a plurality of protrusions distributed across the substrate. The substrate is perforated with a plurality of small holes distributed across its length and width. Also, a surgical cast venting device is disclosed for venting a bent region of a patient's limb. It has a flexible, central portion that can cover a major part of the bent region of the limb including opposite side surfaces and a front or rear surface. The device also has flexible connecting straps extending from two corners of the central portion. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343472 | ELASTIC BRACE ASSEMBLY AND METHODS OF USE - Example embodiments of the brace assembly utilize an elastic cross strap attached to mounting facilities about a joint to provide progressive resistance to the extension, flexion or other movement of body parts about the joint. In some embodiments for a knee joint, the brace assembly provides a progressive resisting force to resist hyperextension of the knee. Some embodiments of the assembly may be able to accommodate different joints, different size wearer's of the assembly and different tension settings such as for athletes during competition. Some embodiments of the brace assembly may be used bilaterally and can be made without metal bracing to comply with the requirements of some sports. Some embodiments of the mounting facilities may have through holes. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343473 | CARPAL TUNNEL GLOVE - A glove is for the treatment and/or prevention of repetitive stress injury such as carpal tunnel syndrome includes an exterior fabric portion fabricated from synthetic polymeric material, and an interior fabric portion fabricated from pure metallic silver yarn joined to the exterior fabric. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343474 | FOOT AILMENT SUPPORT AND CUSHION APPARATUS - A foot ailment support and cushion apparatus configured for supporting an ankle and a plantar on a foot. The apparatus comprises an ankle strap and a plantar strap assembly. The ankle strap comprises a generally curvilinear band having an inner surface, an outer surface, two longitudinal ends, a minor edge, a major edge, a notch and an attaching means disposed on one of the two longitudinal ends, where the inner surface is opposingly disposed from the outer surface, the minor edge connects to the major edge at the two longitudinal ends of the band and the notch is disposed along a portion of the major edge. The plantar strap assembly includes two attachment ends and an elastic strap. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343475 | FLUID INFUSION METHODS FOR OCULAR DISORDER TREATMENT - Methods of treating ocular disorders are disclosed, such as a method that includes inserting an implant in eye tissue, using a delivery instrument, such that an inlet portion of the implant is in an anterior chamber of an eye and an outlet portion of the implant is in a physiological outflow pathway; removing the delivery instrument from the eye without removing the implant; and conducting fluid comprising a therapeutic substance through the implant and into the physiological outflow pathway. Another method includes inserting an instrument into a physiologic outflow pathway through which aqueous humor drains from an anterior chamber of an eye; separating first and second walls of tissues which comprise the physiologic outflow pathway by injecting a fluid comprising a drug from the instrument while the instrument remains in the physiologic outflow pathway; and withdrawing the instrument following the injection with said fluid remaining within the eye such that the drug has a therapeutic effect on the eye. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343476 | OCULAR IMPLANT WITH INTRAOCULAR FLUID PRESSURE REGULATION - An ocular implant comprising a shunt and a fluid absorbing conduit for reducing intraocular pressure, and optionally comprising a biodegradable ring. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343477 | PANCREATIOBILIARY DIVERSION DEVICE - Apparatus ( | 2014-11-20 |
20140343478 | Visible Light Photo-Disinfection Patch - A method and device are presented for providing patient safe light to a wound. The device includes a radiation source producing flora lethal radiation wavelengths, a radiation conduit detachably optically coupled to the radiation source, and a patch remotely located from the radiation source configured to at least partially conform to a surface contour of the wound. The patch includes a flexible panel formed of a radiation transmitting material able to withstand sterilization, including at least one surface with a disturbed surface area configured to emit radiation upon the wound. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343479 | ADVANCED METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR TREATING CELL PROLIFERATION DISORDERS - The present invention relates to methods for treating cell proliferation disorders comprising (1) administering to the subject at least one activatable pharmaceutical agent that is capable of activation by a simultaneous two photon absorption event and of effecting a predetermined cellular change when activated, (2) administering at least one plasmonics-active agent to the subject, and (3) applying an initiation energy from an initiation energy source to the subject, wherein the plasmonics-active agent enhances or modifies the applied initiation energy, such that the enhanced or modified initiation energy activates the activatable pharmaceutical agent by the simultaneous two photon absorption event in situ, thus causing the predetermined cellular change to occur, wherein said predetermined cellular change treats the cell proliferation related disorder, and the use of plasmonics enhanced photospectral therapy (PEPST) and exiton-plasmon enhanced phototherapy (EPEP) in the treatment of various cell proliferation disorders, and the PEPST and EPEP agents and probes | 2014-11-20 |
20140343480 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND COMPOSITIONS FOR CROSS-LINKING - Various agents and additives for cross-linking treatments are identified in disclosed studies. The characteristics of the various agents and additives may be advantageously employed in formulations applied in cross-linking treatments of the eye. In some embodiments, riboflavin is combined with Iron(II) to enhance the cross-linking activity generated by the riboflavin. In other embodiments, cross-linking treatments employ an Iron(II) solution in combination with a hydrogen peroxide pre-soak. In yet other embodiments, 2,3-butanedione is employed to increase the efficacy of corneal cross-linking with a photosensitizer, such as riboflavin. In further embodiments, folic acid is employed in combination with a photosensitizer, such as riboflavin, to enhance cross-linking activity. In yet further embodiments, 2,3-butanedione, folic acid, a quinoxaline, a quinoline, dibucaine, Methotrexate, menadione, or a derivative thereof is applied as a cross-linking agent. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343481 | SKIN TREATMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS USING NEEDLES - A device for treating the skin comprises a handpiece assembly having a distal end and a proximal end and a tip on the distal end of the handpiece assembly. The handpiece assembly includes a fluid delivery conduit, a waste conduit and/or an energy delivery conduit. Further, the tip is configured to contact the skin. The tip comprises a peripheral lip and a plurality of needles generally positioned within the peripheral lip. The tip also comprises at least one opening in fluid communication with a fluid delivery conduit, at least one opening in fluid communication with a waste conduit and/or an energy contact point in electrical communication with an energy contact point and energy conduit in the main body portion. The plurality of needles may be movable with respect to the peripheral lip through the use of a pneumatic or other force. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343482 | ENDOLUMINAL DRUG DELIVERY DEVICES AND METHODS - A device and method for delivering a drug from inside a body lumen to tissue surrounding the body lumen. An endoluminal drug delivery device includes a dual-lumen catheter for housing a guidewire and a needle connectable to a drug source. The guidewire exits the catheter through an opening at the distal end, and the needle exits the catheter through an exit port in the outer wall of the catheter. A distal portion of the catheter has a single lumen and includes a taper, allowing the distal tip to act as a dilator. The device optionally includes a catheter lumen splitter and/or a handpiece assembly. A method of delivering fluid to tissue surrounding a body lumen includes inserting a guidewire into the body lumen, tracking the device over the guidewire, deploying the needle through the exit port to the tissue, delivering fluid, and retracting the needle into the catheter. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343483 | SHEATH FOR USE WITH AN ULTRASOUND ELEMENT - An apparatus for delivering ultrasound energy and a drug solution to a treatment site in a vessel is disclosed. The apparatus includes an elongate, hollow sheath having a distal opening and an energy delivery section at least partially constructed from a material that transmits ultrasound energy. The apparatus also includes a drug delivery lumen positioned along at least a portion of the sheath, the drug delivery lumen having at least one drug delivery port within the energy delivery section. The apparatus further includes an elongate body having an ultrasound element, the elongate body configured to be movably positioned within the sheath, such that ultrasonic energy can be transmitted from the ultrasound element through the energy delivery section. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343484 | CONTAINER FOR THE GENERATION OF THERAPEUTIC MICROFOAM - A device containing sclerosant liquid for use in the treatment of blood vessels comprises an aerosol valve housing ( | 2014-11-20 |
20140343485 | PERITONEAL DIALYSIS SYSTEMS AND METHODS THAT REGENERATE DIALYSATE - A method for providing a peritoneal dialysis treatment that regenerates therapy fluid includes coupling a single fluid circuit having a cleaning cartridge to a peritoneal cavity of a patient, feeding a first amount of therapy fluid into the single fluid circuit, circulating the first amount of therapy fluid multiple times through the single fluid circuit and the peritoneal cavity of the patient, removing a therapeutically effective amount of solutes and ultrafiltrate from the patient using the first amount of therapy fluid, cleaning the first amount of therapy fluid using the cleaning cartridge, removing an amount of fluid from the single fluid circuit, the amount of fluid including at least most of the removed solutes, and feeding a second amount of therapy fluid into the single fluid circuit, the second amount of therapy fluid being approximately equal to the amount of fluid removed from the fluid circuit. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343486 | MANUAL PORTABLE BREAST PUMP - A breast pump configured to interface with a breast via a cup. The breast pump comprising a manual bulb pump configured to be compressed by a user and an adapter end configured to removably receive a bag. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343487 | Drinking straw that contains substances for treating the side effects of alcohol consumption - A drinking straw that contains an alcohol treatment substance such that the user consumes the alcohol treatment substance while drinking the alcoholic beverage using the drinking straw. The drinking straw may include a perforated top barrier and a perforated bottom barrier with an alcohol treatment substance in between or may have a perforated capsule containing an alcohol treatment substance in it or attached to its bottom opening. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343488 | Nanotechnology and Other Small Scale Injectable Machines with MultiStage External Magnetic and Electrostatic Actuation - New nanotechnology and other small-scale devices for performing intravenous medical procedures are provided. In some aspect of the invention, a group of encapsulated injectable machines is delivered intravenously into a bloodstream via a syringe. A treatment area within a patient's body is specified and targeted for action by an external control system, which also monitors blood flow and other environmental. Externally applied magnetic and/or electrostatic signaling and direction devices controlled by the control system then trigger the release of encapsulation layers surrounding the injectable machines upon reaching the treatment area. The externally applied magnetic signaling and direction devices then drive the machines into treatment targets within the treatment area, exploiting an overall charge and polarity of the machines distinct from their condition during encapsulation. Pulsed magnetic fields then cause polarized moving parts within the machines to move counter to one another, with opposing angled edges breaking up the treatment target. In some embodiments, the machines may also or alternatively deliver a magnetically- or electrostatically-released medication or device to the treatment target. In still other embodiments, a local control unit within the devices may direct additional, more sophisticated actions, which actions may be directed or triggered by external signaling from the externally-applied magnetic signaling and direction devices, or other aspects of the external control system. | 2014-11-20 |
20140343489 | Endoscope Control Unit with Braking System - A control unit that includes a braking system for fixing the position of an endoscope tip is provided. The control system includes an up-down control knob and a right-left control knob. The brakes are engaged by rotating the control knob itself counter-clockwise from a free wheeling position. After the brakes have been engaged, a sufficient amount of force applied to the control knobs will move the endoscope tip slightly in the corresponding direction, allowing for fine tuning of tip position after braking. | 2014-11-20 |