02nd week of 2011 patent applcation highlights part 48 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20110009672 | Substituted Phenylsulfur Trifluoride and Other Like Fluorinating Agents - Novel substituted phenylsulfur trifluorides that act as fluorinating agents are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for their preparation and methods for their use in introducing one or more fluorine atoms into target substrate compounds. Finally, various intermediate compounds for use in preparing substituted phenylsulfur trifluorides are provided. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009673 | PROCESS FOR PRODUCING 2-(1-HYDROXYALKYL)CYCLOALKANONE - The present invention relates to a process for producing a 2-(1-hydroxyalkyl)cycloalkanone which includes the steps of (i) continuously mixing a cycloalkanone and an alkyl aldehyde in the water and a base catalyst to form a reaction system and allow both the compounds to react with each other; (ii) continuously withdrawing a reaction mixture produced in the step (i) out of the reaction system while allowing the step (i) to proceed; and (iii) adding an additional amount of water containing the base catalyst to the reaction system to maintain a constant concentration of the base catalyst and/or a constant amount of water in the reaction system while allowing the step (ii) to proceed. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009674 | Methods and Compositions for the Recombinant Biosynthesis of N-Alkanes - The present disclosure identifies methods and compositions for modifying photoautotrophic organisms as hosts, such that the organisms efficiently convert carbon dioxide and light into n-alkanes, and in particular the use of such organisms for the commercial production of n-alkanes and related molecules. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009675 | Process for the Continuous Production of High Purity Phenolic Glycol Ether - Phenolic glycol ethers, e.g., ethylene glycol phenyl ether, are prepared by a continuous, nonaqueous process comprising the steps of (A) contacting under isothermal reactive conditions in a first reactor or reaction zone an alkylene oxide, e.g., ethylene oxide, with (i) a stoichiometric molar excess of a phenolic compound, e.g., phenol, and (ii) a catalytic amount of a base, e.g., sodium hydroxide, homogeneously dispersed throughout the phenolic compound, to form a first intermediate phenolic glycol ether product, (Bj transferring the first intermediate phenolic glycol ether product to a second reactor or reaction zone, and (C) subjecting the first intermediate phenolic glycol ether product to adiabatic reactive conditions in the second reactor or reaction zone to form a second intermediate phenolic glycol ether product comprising phenolic glycol ether, unreacted phenolic compound, catalyst, water and byproduct glycols. In addition, the mono-/di-product weight ratio can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the amount of base catalyst employed. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009676 | PROCESS FOR THE PREPARATION OF 1-ALKYL GLYCEROL ETHERS - A process for the preparation of a 1-alkyl glycerol ether of the formula (I) | 2011-01-13 |
20110009677 | METHOD FOR PURIFYING FERMENTATION ALCOHOL - The present invention relates to a method for purifying an aqueous solution of fermentation alcohol to give anhydrous alcohol, wherein a mash column is controlled such a manner that an alcohol concentration of an alcohol/water mixed vapor distilled from a mash column is less than 50% by weight and a reflux amount of a condensate to a distillation column is controlled such a manner that an alcohol concentration of an alcohol/water mixed vapor that is distilled from the distillation column is 65 to 85% by weight. According to the present method, the purification for obtaining an anhydrous alcohol from an aqueous solution of a fermentation alcohol with the use of a mash column, a distillation column, an evaporator and a membrane separator can be more conveniently carried out with an extremely high energy efficiency as the whole process. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009678 | COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING A COMBINATION OF Z AND E STEREOISOMERS OF HYDROFLUOROOLEFINS - Disclosed are the combinations containing Z and E stereoisomers of hydrofluoroolefins where the more toxic isomer is less than about 30% weight of the combination (vs the sum of Z+E), to minimize the toxicity impact in the applications they will be used for such as cooling and heat fluids, foams blowing agents or solvents. Also disclosed are means to obtain combinations containing Z and E stereoisomers of hydrofluoroolefins. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009679 | TUNABLE FERROELECTRIC SUPPORTED CATALYSTS AND METHOD AND USES THEREOF - Disclosed are tunable catalysts and methods of controlling the activity of a catalyst. For example, disclosed are methods of controlling the activity of a catalyst, comprising providing a catalyst, comprising a ferroelectric substrate of finite thickness comprising two opposing surfaces, the ferroelectric substrate being characterized as having a polarization; an electrode surmounting one of the surfaces of the ferroelectric substrate; and a catalytically active material surmounting the surface of the ferroelectric substrate opposing the electrode; and subjecting the ferroelectric substrate to a controllable electric field to give rise to a modulation of the polarization of the ferroelectric substrate, whereby the modulation of the polarization controllably alters the activity of one or more chemical species on the catalytically active material. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009680 | Molecular Sieve Composition and Method of Making and Using the Same - This disclosure relates to a crystalline molecular sieve comprising silicalite-1 having substantially hexagonal column morphology of at least 90% and having less than 20% crystal twinning as measured by SEM. This disclosure also relates to a method of making the crystalline molecular sieve of this disclosure, the method comprises:
| 2011-01-13 |
20110009681 | Methane Conversion To Higher Hydrocarbons - The present invention provides a process for the manufacture of acetylene and other higher hydrocarbons from methane feed using a reverse-flow reactor system, wherein the reactor system includes (i) a first reactor and (ii) a second reactor, the first and second reactors oriented in a series relationship with respect to each other, the process comprising supplying each of first and second reactant through separate channels in the first reactor bed of a reverse-flow reactor such that both of the first and second reactants serve to quench the first reactor bed, without the first and second reactants substantially reacting with each other until reaching the core of the reactor system. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009682 | METHOD OF PRODUCING PARA-SUBSTITUTED AROMATIC HYDROCARBON - This invention relates to a method of efficiently producing a high-purity para-substituted aromatic hydrocarbon while suppressing caulking without requiring isomerization-adsorption separation steps, and more particularly to a method of producing a para-substituted aromatic hydrocarbon, characterized in that a methylating agent and an aromatic hydrocarbon are reacted in the presence of a catalyst formed by coating MFI type zeolite having a particle size of not more than 100 μm with a crystalline silicate. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009683 | SYNTHESIS OF SUBSTITUTED FLUORENE LIGANDS - The present invention describes a cost-efficient method for preparing di-substituted fluorenes in high yield. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009684 | MULTI-STAGE MEMBRANE SEPARATION PROCESS - The invention concerns a process for the removal of gaseous acidic contaminants, especially carbon dioxide and/or hydrogen sulphide, in two or more stages from a gaseous hydrocarbonaceous feedstream ( | 2011-01-13 |
20110009685 | MFI Molecular Sieve Composition and the Method of Making the Same - The disclosure relates to a substantially uniform molecular sieve having MFI topology and quasi parallelepiped morphology. This disclosure also relates to a method of making the crystalline molecular sieve of this disclosure. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009686 | Method of generating specified activities within a target holding device - A method for producing uniform activity targets according to an embodiment of the invention may include arranging a plurality of targets in a holding device having an array of compartments, each target being assigned to a compartment based on a known flux of a reactor core so as to facilitate an appropriate exposure of the targets to the flux based on target placement within the array of compartments. The holding device may be positioned within the reactor core to irradiate the targets. The method may be used to produce brachytherapy and/or radiography targets (e.g., seeds, wafers) in a reactor core such that the targets have relatively uniform activity. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009687 | CATHETER TO ASSIST THE PERFORMANCE OF A HEART - In a catheter ( | 2011-01-13 |
20110009688 | METHOD FOR MAKING A BLOOD PUMP - A method of making a blood pump comprises selecting a desired flow pattern in a pumping chamber defined by an extensible bladder wherein the flow pattern is based generally on blood flow in a natural heart, using an initial computer model of the desired flow pattern to determine the material composition and dynamic operation conditions of each portion of the bladder, designing a bladder and pump operating system, computer modeling the actual design, testing and refining the design, and constructing a prototype based thereon. The desired flow pattern includes guiding and directing the flow of blood through the pumping chamber by reason of the action of an expansile bladder on the blood flow. A continuous circular or spiral fluid path is obtained that more effectively washes all areas of the bladder including the inlet and discharge ports with blood to reduce thrombosis. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009689 | ASSAY OF NITRIC OXIDE METABOLITES IN THE CULTURE MEDIA OF HUMAN PREIMPLANTATION EMBRYOS - The present invention relates, e.g., to a method for predicting the embryonic progression of a preimplantation embryo, comprising measuring in the insemination medium (IM) in which an oocyte was fertilized and subsequently incubated in vitro, thereby generating a pre-implantation embryo, at 18-24 hrs post fertilization, the levels of nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) in the insemination medium (IM), wherein a level of NOx of at least about 1.3 μM indicates that the preimplantation embryo is likely to progress to the blastocyst stage by culture day (CD) 5. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009690 | External Anchoring Configurations for Modular Gastrointestinal Prostheses - Components may be used separately or in combination to create anchoring systems for intra-luminal implants for the treatment of metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. Various systems include an external component adapted for deployment around a portion of the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., the duodenum) and an internal component adapted for implantation within the gastrointestinal tract. Various systems use anchoring means that are based on mechanical interference, elasticity, spring force, shape memory transformation, magnetic attraction, repulsion and/or levitation. Various embodiments rely on longitudinal anchoring of the implants with minimal force against tissue. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009694 | HAND-HELD MINIMALLY DIMENSIONED DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE HAVING INTEGRATED DISTAL END VISUALIZATION - Hand-held minimally dimensioned diagnostic devices having integrated distal end visualization are provided. Also provided are systems that include the devices, as well as methods of using the devices, e.g., to visualize internal tissue of a subject. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009695 | BENDING SECTION FOR ENDOSCOPE - A bending device for an endoscope having a camera mounted on one end for photographing the inside of a human body, a machine, a pipe and the like is provided. For flexible bending with the smallest external diameter and the largest extended internal diameter, a plurality of bending plates each having an internal hole ( | 2011-01-13 |
20110009696 | ENDOSCOPE INSERTION APPARATUS - An endoscope insertion apparatus is provided that has an inner-side unit in which a plurality of inner-side fixing sections having an inner-side arm are uniformly arranged in a circumferential direction, an outer-side unit in which a plurality of outer-side fixing sections having an outer-side arm are uniformly arranged in a circumferential direction and in which slit portions that extend in a direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction and from which the inner-side arms protrude are uniformly arranged in the circumferential direction between the outer-side fixing sections, and an insertion operation portion that changes a front/rear relationship between the inner-side arms and outer-side arms. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009697 | GUIDING SYSTEM, POSITION CONTROLLING APPARATUS, AND GUIDING METHOD - A guiding system includes a capsule-type apparatus and a position controlling apparatus. The capsule-type apparatus includes a permanent magnet, which is fixed to a capsule-shaped casing, and is introduced into a subject. The position controlling apparatus includes a relative position controlling mechanism that changes a relative position between a predetermined axis and the subject, and a magnetic field generating mechanism that forms, in a space in which the subject is laid, a magnetic field that includes at least one of a component of a trapping magnetic field that attracts the permanent magnet to the predetermined axis and a component of a gradient magnetic field that attracts the permanent magnet in a direction same as or opposite to a direction in which the relative position is changed. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009698 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS, ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - An endoscope apparatus includes an endoscope main body and an assisting drive unit. The endoscope main body includes an endoscope insertion portion having a curving portion on the leading end side thereof, a curving operation portion operating or curving the curving portion, and a curving drive portion driving or curving the curving portion according to an operation force applied to the curving operation portion. The assisting drive unit generates a drive force assisting a curving drive operation to be carried out by the curving drive portion. Curving information regulated at each curving angle corresponding to curving amount of the curving portion is stored previously. The curving amount θa of the curving portion is detected. The drive force is generated from the assisting drive unit using the curving information corresponding to the detected curving amount θa. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009699 | METHODS FOR BIOFILM REMOVAL - A method of removing bacterial biofilm from a target site of a human patient. A bacterial biofilm removal system is provided that includes an endoscope, an irrigation duct and an aspiration duct. The endoscope includes a working end. The irrigation duct includes an outlet. The aspiration duct includes an inlet. The endoscope working end, the irrigation duct outlet and the aspiration duct inlet are disposed proximate a target site that includes a layer of bacterial biofilm. The target site is imaged with the endoscope working end. The fluid is dispensed through the irrigation duct outlet toward the target site to mechanically remove at least a portion of the layer of bacterial biofilm. The removed bacterial biofilm and the dispensed fluid are collected with the aspiration duct inlet. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009700 | CONTROLLING MOVEMENT OF DISTAL PORTION OF MEDICAL DEVICE - A medical device allows movement control of a distal end portion of the medical device and is adapted for one-handed operation. The medical device is capable of omni-directional control of the distal end portion of the device. The device has an elongated member including a deflectable portion at a distal end portion of the elongated member. The device also has a control portion disposed on the elongated member. This control portion can be a handle for one-handed use by an operator of the medical device. The control portion comprises an elastic element and a flexible element. Angular movement of a first portion of the control portion with respect to a second portion of the control portion results in amplification of that angular movement in the deflectable portion of the device. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009701 | OCT USING SPECTRALLY RESOLVED BANDWIDTH - The embodiments disclosed herein is related to a system for optical coherence tomographic imaging of turbid (i.e., scattering) materials utilizing multiple channels of information. The multiple channels of information may be comprised and encompass spatial, angle, spectral and polarization domains. More specifically, the embodiments disclosed herein is related to methods and apparatus for utilizing optical sources, systems or receivers capable of providing (source), processing (system) or recording (receiver) a multiplicity of channels of spectral information for optical coherence tomographic imaging of turbid materials. In these methods and apparatus the multiplicity of channels of spectral information that can be provided by the source, processed by the system, or recorded by the receiver are used to convey simultaneously spatial, spectral or polarimetric information relating to the turbid material being imaged tomographically. The multichannel optical coherence tomographic methods can be incorporated into an endoscopic probe for imaging a patient. The endoscope comprises an optical fiber array and can comprise a plurality of optical fibers adapted to be disposed in the patient. The optical fiber array transmits the light from the light source into the patient, and transmits the light reflected by the patient out of the patient. The plurality of optical fibers in the array is in optical communication with the light source. The multichannel optical coherence tomography system comprises a detector for receiving the light from the array and analyzing the light. The methods and apparatus may be applied for imaging a vessel, biliary, GU and/or GI tract of a patient. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009702 | FLUORESCENCE OBSERVATION APPARATUS - The number of ACF can be readily counted without overlooking the existence of ACF to achieve reduced observation time. A fluorescence observation apparatus includes a light source unit inserted into a body cavity of a biological organism and emitting excitation light onto an inner wall of the body cavity; an image acquisition unit that acquires image information by acquiring an image of fluorescence generated when a fluorescent probe whose fluorescence characteristic changes by reacting with a molecule existing in an ACF formed in the inner wall of the body cavity is excited by the excitation light; a position control unit that moves the light source unit and the image acquisition unit relative to the inner wall of the body cavity; and a counting section that counts the number of fluorescence generation sites included in the image acquired by the image acquisition unit. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009703 | FLEXIBLE EXTERNAL CANNULA SHEATH - A flexible external cannula sheath assembly includes a tubular member having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion and a seal positioned adjacent the distal end portion of the tubular member. The seal defines a hole in a central portion thereof for receiving surgical instruments therethrough. The flexible sheath is formed of a flexible material and is configured and dimensioned to surround an external surface of a cannula. The seal is displaced a predetermined distance from a distal end of the cannula to provide additional flexibility to the assembly. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009704 | Apparatus and Method for Transvaginal Surgery - An access port for performing surgery transvaginally is provided. The access port includes an elongated flexible member having proximal and distal ends and a central portion therebetween, and a retention mechanism formed on the distal end of the elongated member. The retention mechanism includes a first configuration for inserting the distal end of the elongated member within an opening and a second configuration for selectively securing the elongated member within an opening. Also provided is a method of performing a transvaginal surgery. The method includes providing an access port including a retention mechanism configured to selectively retain the access port within the vagina of a patient, forming an incision in the wall of the vagina into the abdomen of the patient, inserting a distal end of the access port into the vagina and through the incision, and activating the retention mechanism to secure the distal end of the access port within the abdominal cavity of the patient. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009705 | INTERNAL TISSUE RETRACTION DEVICE, METHOD OF USE, AND SYSTEM - A device for retracting internal tissue comprises a base section and an elongated section adapted to fit within a surgical portal coupled to and extending away from the base section. The elongated section comprises an elongated section tip, a top section, an outer bottom shell, an inner cavity, and an extendable gripping mechanism. The extendable gripping mechanism is adapted to hold and release internal tissue and comprises a telescoping section and a biasing device. The biasing device in one embodiment is substantially located in the cavity and comprises a proximal end operatively coupled to at least one of the base section, top section, and the outer shell. The biasing device also comprises a distal end operatively coupled to the telescoping section. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009706 | Adjustable Polyaxial Tissue Retractor - An adjustable polyaxial tissue retractor includes a retraction bar including a plurality of etched teeth, a retraction blade coupled to the retraction bar, a connector including a quick release component cavity and an outwardly protruding and expandable round bulbous body, a quick release component engaged with at least one tooth of the retraction bar via a retraction bar cavity, where the quick release component is configured to loosely mate with the quick release component cavity, a saddle pin engaged within the connector via a first channel bored through the connector and contacting the bulbous body causing the bulbous body to outwardly expand, and a base including a plurality of embedded sockets and directly connected to the bulbous body, where the base receives the connector. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009707 | Telehealth Scheduling and Communications Network - A telehealth communications network accessible anywhere sufficient bandwidth connection is available facilitates a medical encounter between a patient at a patient site and a provider at a provider site remotely located from the patient, and includes an operating console comprising at least one memory and at least one processor coupled to the network, the operating console configured to execute at least one workflow for facilitating the medical encounter. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009708 | System and apparatus for improved nutrition analysis - A system having an incorporated software program attempts to tailor a person's diet with the person's desired nutritional goal and their current food consumption. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009709 | DETECTION OF CONGESTION FROM MONITORING PATIENT RESPONSE TO A RECUMBENT POSITION - Systems and methods obtain information that allows detection of whether a patient suffers from congestion by monitoring a response of the patient to a recumbent position of the patient's body. The patient may be monitored to determine a respiration pattern for a non-recumbent position such as standing and a respiration pattern for a recumbent position such as lying down. The two patterns may be compared, either by a processing device or a physician, to determine a difference in the two respiration patterns. Furthermore, the congestion may be inferred from detecting an amount of time that the patient spends in a recumbent position or from detecting the recumbent angle that the patient obtains, either of which is presumed to indicate whether a recumbent position presents discomfort to the patient due to the presence of congestion. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009710 | COMBINATION LEVEL ALARMS AND ALARM PERSISTENCE FOR PATIENT MONITORING - Combination level alarms and alarm persistence for patient monitoring, as well as related methods and apparatus, are disclosed. For a combination level alarm, respective values for multiple physiological conditions are received. A determination is made as to whether the received values satisfy respective alarm criteria for the physiological conditions, and if so, an alarm is raised. An alarm persistence feature involves periodically receiving values of a physiological condition, and determining whether the received values have satisfied an alarm criterion for at least a predetermined portion of a predetermined period of time. If so, an alarm is maintained. Combination alarms and alarm persistence may be implemented individually or together. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009711 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR HEALTH MONITORING - A personal health monitor, including: (a) a physiological data input device operative to gather physiological data; and (b) a multi-purpose personal data accessory, whereas the multi-purpose personal data accessory is adapted to execute health monitoring software such as to enable the multi-purpose personal data accessory to receive the physiological data, process the physiological data to provide processed physiological data and control a long range transmission of the processed physiological data to a remote entity; wherein the physiological data input device controls a transmission of the physiological data to the multi-purpose personal data accessory. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009712 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS THAT MONITOR FOR AN IMPENDING MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION - Implantable systems, and methods for use therewith, are provided for monitoring for an impending myocardial infarction. A signal indicative of changes in arterial blood volume is obtained. Such a signal can be a photoplethysmography signal or an impedance plethysmography signal. For each of a plurality of periods of time, a metric indicative of the areas under the curve of the signal or number of inflections in the signal is determined. An impending myocardial infarction is monitored for based on changes in the metric indicative of the area under the curve of the signal or number of inflections in the signal, and an alert and/or therapy is triggered in response to an impending myocardial infarction being predicted. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009713 | Rhythmic percussion exercise garment with electronic interface and method of conducting an exercise program - Hands-free exercise device combining: weights; an electronic vital signs monitoring device with interactive capabilities and a controllable interface with an electronic or instrumental percussive music source, adapted to be worn about the user's body resulting in new method of conducting an exercise program. User varies weight to adjust muscle load during a range of motion. Simultaneously, sound is movement activated: depending on placement, user learns to exercise de-conditioned muscle groups by learning how to produce sound. During exercise, device monitors/records user's vital signs to objectively determine exertion level in real time, and calculate long term progress. Device can automatically adjust tempo, challenging user to respond with concordant change in exercise pace so that actual exertion level will increase or decrease to desired levels. Device can respond to exertion, notifying user when a threshold of exertion is reached by switching the type of instrumental sound, providing indicative audible cue. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009714 | HEMODYNAMIC MONITORS AND ALARMS - A hemodynamic monitoring instrument includes a processor and an output device. The processor ( | 2011-01-13 |
20110009715 | INGESTIBLE EVENT MARKER DATA FRAMEWORK - The ingestible event marker data framework provides a uniform, comprehensive framework to enable various functions and utilities related to ingestible event marker data (IEM data). The functions and utilities include data and/or information having an aspect of data derived from, collected by, aggregated by, or otherwise associated with, an ingestion event. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009716 | PATIENT DATA SENSOR DEVICE - A patient data sensor device has an implantable patient data sensor and an implantable data transmission mechanism, which is in signal connection with the patient data sensor. The data transmission mechanism has an antenna for telemetric data transmission to an external data collection unit. In addition, the data transmission mechanism has a carrier plate for electronic components. The latter are covered on the carrier plate, at least to one side, by a cover. The antenna is configured in an edge region of the carrier plate and running around the latter and around the electronic components. The result is a patient data sensor device which is more tolerable for the patient. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009717 | BLOOD SAMPLING DEVICE - A blood sampling device useful for collecting a blood sample from a separate vascular access device is described herein. The blood sampling device includes a body shaped and sized for partial insertion into a separate vascular access device. The body includes a reservoir defined within the body, which has an internal volume sufficient to contain enough blood for use in a diagnostic blood test. The body also includes a gas permeable vent disposed on the body, in which the gas permeable vent is in gaseous communication with the reservoir. When connected to a separate vascular access device the blood sampling device collects a blood sample as blood flows into the reservoir from the separate vascular access device and as gases pass out the reservoir via the gas permeable vent. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009718 | DETERMINATION OF PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS USING REPEATED BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENTS - A pulsewave detection unit is provided, at least a portion of the pulsewave detection unit being configured to be coupled to a portion of a subject's body, the pulsewave detection unit generating a signal that is responsive to arterial pressure of the portion of the subject's body. A pulsewave parameters determination unit receives respective first and second signals from the pulsewave detection unit, the signals being responsive to arterial pressure of the portion of the subject's body while the portion of the pulsewave detection unit that is coupled to the portion of the subject's body is at respective first and second heights, at respective times. An arterial parameters calculating unit determines an arterial property of the subject by processing the first and second signals, and generates an output in response to determining the arterial property. Other embodiments are also described. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009719 | MULTIPLE WAVELENGTH SENSOR SUBSTRATE - A physiological sensor has emitters configured to transmit optical radiation having multiple wavelengths in response to corresponding drive currents. A thermal mass is disposed proximate the emitters so as to stabilize a bulk temperature for the emitters. A temperature sensor is thermally coupled to the thermal mass. The temperature sensor provides a temperature sensor output responsive to the bulk temperature so that the wavelengths are determinable as a function of the drive currents and the bulk temperature. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009720 | Continuous whole blood glucose monitor - A portable continuous whole blood glucose monitor comprising, a mid-infrared quantum cascade laser and driver in optical communication with a transmission cell and a photo-conductive detector and pre-amplifier. The monitor further comprises a peristaltic pump connected to a single lumen catheter peripherally inserted into a patient's vein. The single lumen catheter, in combination with the peristaltic pump, is operable to automatically withdraw a fixed and metered amount of whole blood from a patient, then a tube delivers a fixed and metered amount of the saline/surfactant supply to the whole blood. Methods of enhancing measurement sensitivity are also provided. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009721 | NEAR-INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY SENSOR WITH LIGHT SHEET - A sensor includes a sensor pad configured to be disposed on a portion of a patient's body. A light sheet is disposed on the sensor pad and has a first substrate and a second substrate spaced from one another. The light sheet further includes a light source configured to emit near-infrared light and a light detector configured to detect near-infrared light. The light source and the light detector are disposed between the substrates. The sensor pad is configured to allow light generated by the light source to travel through the portion of the patient's body to the light detector. The light received by the light detector is indicative of oxygen saturation of the portion of the patient's body through which the light travelled. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009722 | Historical Trend Icons For Physiological Parameters - Embodiments relate to systems and methods for displaying graphical icons representing a detected medical condition or a sensor fault. Specifically, embodiments of relate to a monitoring system that includes a sensor configured to obtain a physiologic signal from a patient, and a monitor communicatively coupled to the sensor and configured to receive the signal. In an embodiment, the monitor includes a processor adapted to compute physiological data based on the signal and identify a pattern in the physiological data, wherein the pattern relates to a condition of the patient, the sensor, or the monitor. In an embodiment, the processor also selects a graphical icon indicative of the pattern and provides the selected icon to a display. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009723 | FOREHEAD SENSOR PLACEMENT - Forehead oximetry sensor devices and methods for determining physiological parameters using forehead oximetry sensors. One method includes placing an oximetry sensor on the forehead of a patient, such that the sensor is placed on the lower forehead region, above the eyebrow with the sensor optics placed lateral of the iris and proximal the temple; and operating the pulse oximeter to obtain the physiological parameter. In one aspect, the method also includes providing and placing a headband over the oximetry sensor, or alternately, the sensor is a headband-integrated sensor. The headband has an elastic segment sized to fit around the patient's head. The headband also includes a non-elastic segment that is smaller than and attached with the elastic segment. The non-elastic segment is sized to span a portion of the elastic segment when the elastic segment is stretched. In addition, the non-elastic segment is larger than the portion of the elastic segment it spans when the elastic segment is not stretched. When the headband or the headband-integrated sensor is sufficiently tight, it delivers a pressure in the range higher than the venous pressure and lower than the capillary pressure to the forehead of the patient. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009724 | PROVIDING CONTEXTUALLY RELEVANT ADVERTISEMENTS AND E-COMMERCE FEATURES IN A PERSONAL MEDICAL DEVICE SYSTEM - A medical device system includes a portable (patient-worn or patient-carried) medical device that can automatically initiate certain e-commerce and/or advertisement presentation features in response to the detection of one or more triggering events. A triggering even may, for example, be associated with the monitoring of the operation or status of the medical device, the operation or status of the medical device system, a medical condition of the patient, treatment of the patient, and/or the preferences of the patient or user. In one application, the medical device is an insulin infusion pump and the user is automatically prompted to purchase, order, or otherwise obtain replaceable or replenishable items associated with the operation of the insulin infusion pump, such as a continuous glucose sensor, an infusion set, or an insulin reservoir. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009725 | PROVIDING CONTEXTUALLY RELEVANT ADVERTISEMENTS AND E-COMMERCE FEATURES IN A PERSONAL MEDICAL DEVICE SYSTEM - A medical device system includes a portable (patient-worn or patient-carried) medical device that can automatically initiate certain e-commerce and/or advertisement presentation features in response to the detection of one or more triggering events. A triggering even may, for example, be associated with the monitoring of the operation or status of the medical device, the operation or status of the medical device system, a medical condition of the patient, treatment of the patient, and/or the preferences of the patient or user. In one application, the medical device is an insulin infusion pump and the user is automatically prompted to purchase, order, or otherwise obtain replaceable or replenishable items associated with the operation of the insulin infusion pump, such as a continuous glucose sensor, an infusion set, or an insulin reservoir. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009726 | TAPE CASSETTE FOR A MEDICAL HANDHELD DEVICE AND BLOOD SUGAR MEASURING SYSTEM - A tape cassette for a medical handheld device. The inventive tape cassette includes a carrier tape with a plurality of functional elements which may take the form of test fields for analyzing a sample of a human or animal body fluid and/or a plurality of lancets. During use, the carrier tape slides past friction points. To reduce friction between the carrier tape and at least one of the friction points, the at least one friction point includes a surface made of a fluoropolymer. The tape cassette may have a housing that includes a sealed compartment with a tape exit opening wherein the friction point is disposed proximate the tape exit opening. A cover element may also be positioned to cover the tape exit opening. The cover element may also include a fluoropolymer material engageable with the carrier tape. A method of manufacturing such tape cassettes is also disclosed. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009727 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROCESSING, TRANSMITTING AND DISPLAYING SENSOR DATA - Systems and methods for continuous measurement of an analyte in a host are provided. The system generally includes a continuous analyte sensor configured to continuously measure a concentration of analyte in a host and a sensor electronics module physically connected to the continuous analyte sensor during sensor use, wherein the sensor electronics module is further configured to directly wirelessly communicate displayable sensor information to a plurality of different types of display devices. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009728 | MEDICAL ELECTRODE, ELECTRODE BUNDLE AND ELECTRODE BUNDLE ARRAY - A medical microelectrode includes portions capable of movement relative to each other when implanted in or inserted into soft tissue, so as to increase or decrease their distance along the electrode. The electrode is at least partially embedded in a substantially rigid biocompatible matrix that is soluble or biodegradable a body fluid. Also disclosed are uses of the microelectrode; microelectrode bundles and arrays of microelectrode bundles and their uses; methods for inserting or implanting microelectrodes, microelectrode bundles and arrays of microelectrode bundles in soft tissue. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009729 | APPARATUS FOR MEASURING PHYSIOLOGICAL SIGNALS - Provided is an apparatus for measuring physiological signals by distributing modules according to functions. The physiological signal measuring apparatus includes first and second detection electrodes, a physiological signal detection module, a power supply module, and a connection line. The first and second detection electrodes are adhered to a target skin to detect physiological signals. The physiological signal detection module is installed at the first detection electrode to generate physiological signal data from the physiological signals detected by the first and second detection electrodes. The power supply module is installed at the second detection electrode to supply power to the physiological signal detection module. The connection line connects the physiological signal detection module and the power supply module. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009730 | MRI SYSTEM APPARATUS TO PRODUCE ELECTRIC CURRENT - A magnetic resonance imaging system ( | 2011-01-13 |
20110009731 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PERFORMING UPRIGHT MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF VARIOUS ANATOMICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS - Vasculature or parenchyma is imaged using upright MRI techniques, on patients who may have conditions such as congestive heart failure, or otherwise be healthy. When an individual is horizontal, venous drainage is minimized, causing the vessels to remain engorged, also referred to herein as vascular congestion. Vascular congestion results in an enlarging of the vessels and surrounding tissue causing the vessels to be more visible on MRIs. The decrease in vascular visibility in upright subjects is in part, due to an increase in venous drainage. Patients suffering from coronary and/or pulmonary deficiencies (e.g. CHF) experience decreased rates and degrees of venous drainage. In one embodiment, the present invention uses upright imaging to visualize these enlarged vessels. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009732 | MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING APPARATUS, IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, AND IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - In one embodiment, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes: a functional image generating unit that generates a functional image from a magnetic resonance image generated by collecting a magnetic resonance signal from a subject who executes a task with an intermission of a resting period; an image generation controlling unit that controls the functional image generating unit so that a plurality of functional images along a time series are generated by separating a plurality of magnetic resonance images generated along the time series during a collecting period (in which the resting period and a task-execution period are repeated a plurality of times along the time series) into image groups each corresponding to a predetermined temporal phase and by performing a statistic process on each of the image groups; and a display controlling unit that exercises control so that the functional images are displayed by a predetermined display unit. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009733 | NON-MAGNETIC MEDICAL INFUSION DEVICE - Liquid infusion apparatus includes non-magnetic materials in a pumping structure and drive motor therefore, and in a controller that supplies drive signals to the motor to facilitate convenient operation in intense magnetic fields without distorting the magnetic fields and without radiating objectionable radio-frequency interference. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009734 | IMAGE GUIDED HIGH INTENSITY FOCUSED ULTRASOUND TREATMENT OF NERVES - A method for using high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to treat neurological structures to achieve a desired therapeutic effect. Depending on the dosage of HIFU applied, it can have a reversible or irreversible effect on neural structures. For example, a relatively high dose of HIFU can be used to permanently block nerve function, to provide a non-invasive alternative to severing a nerve to treat severe spasticity. Relatively lower doses of HIFU can be used to reversibly block nerve function, to alleviate pain, to achieve an anesthetic effect, or to achieve a cosmetic effect. Where sensory nerves are not necessary for voluntary function, but are involved in pain associated with tumors or bone cancer, HIFU can be used to non-invasively destroy such sensory nerves to alleviate pain without drugs. Preferably, ultrasound imaging synchronized to the HIFU therapy is used to provide real-time ultrasound image guided HIFU therapy of neural structures. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009735 | CARDIAC DIAGNOSTICS USING WALL MOTION AND PERFUSION CARDIAC MRI IMAGING AND SYSTEMS FOR CARDIAC DIAGNOSTICS - Cardiac information of a patient is displayed by obtaining a plurality of MRI cine loops of the heart of the patient at a plurality of heart rates, the plurality of cine loops including both wall motion cine loops and at least one perfusion cine loops and simultaneously displaying both the wall motion cine loops and the at least one perfusion cine loop. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009736 | Localization Using Non-Metallic Implantable Fiducial Markers - A system may include a biocompatible housing and an electrical circuit disposed within the housing, the electrical circuit to emit a radiofrequency signal, and wherein the electrical circuit does not comprise a metal. Also included may be a signal generator to generate a wireless signal to trigger the electrical circuit, a receiver to receive a wireless response signal generated by the triggered electrical circuit, a processor to determine a location of the biocompatible housing based on the wireless response signal, and a ion beam source to deliver a ion beam to a patient volume including the biocompatible housing. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009737 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DERMATOLOGICAL TREATMENT AND TISSUE RESHAPING - Exemplary method and apparatus can be provided for directing a substance and electromagnetic radiation to a particular location in a biological tissue, for example, to inject and cure a cosmetic filler in situ. The apparatus can include a needle configured to be inserted into the tissue, and a waveguide configured to direct the electromagnetic radiation, such as optical energy, to a location proximal to the needle tip. The substance can be injected into the tissue through the needle and irradiated by the optical energy. In addition, the exemplary method and apparatus can be provided for determining the location of the needle tip in a biological tissue based on characteristics of light directed through the waveguide and emitted proximal to the needle tip. For example, intensity of the emitted light can indicate whether the needle tip is located inside or outside of a blood vessel. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009738 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VISUALIZING NEEDLE ENTRY INTO A BODY - A system for visualizing needle entry into a body is presented. The system includes a needle for entering a body. The needle is coated with a radiation scattering coating on at least a portion of the needle. The system additionally includes a radiation visualization device which detects reflected radiation directed at a target body and enables medical personnel to view anatomical structures such as a blood vessel along with the inserted needle within a body. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009739 | TRANSCRANIAL ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER WITH STEREOTACTIC CONDUIT FOR PLACEMENT OF VENTRICULAR CATHETER - An apparatus, system and method for performing a ventriculostomy using an ultrasound probe is disclosed. A head portion of the probe is connected to a handle portion at a proximal end of the head portion. A transducer is mounted in a distal end of the head portion to transmit ultrasound waves into the patient. The head portion includes a conduit portion arranged to accept and to accurately direct a catheter into the body of the patient in a direction parallel to the direction of the ultrasound waves. The head portion is sized to fit into a conventionally-sized craniotomy. An adjustment mechanism connects the head portion to the handle portion for selectively adjusting the angle between the handle portion and the head portion. A sterile sheath having an integral conduit assembly for mounting to the head is optionally provided. An illuminator is optionally provided on the probe. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009740 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR NAVIGATING AN ULTRASOUND CATHETER TO IMAGE A BEATING HEART - Catheter navigation is coupled with ultrasound imaging to yield a context map showing the location on a heart of the ultrasonically imaged frame. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009741 | Endovascular Optical Coherence Tomography Device - An endovascular OCT probe is included in an endovascular access device for intravascular imaging. The probe includes a hollow coil wire defining an axial lumen of the endovascular access device. A single mode optical fiber for transmitting light is disposed in the axial lumen of the hollow coil wire so that translation and rotation of the hollow coil wire carrying the optical fiber within the endovascular access device is stabilized for scanning endovascular tissue with at least 5 microns resolution. An optic element directs light from and into the optical fiber at a distal tip of the optical fiber and is coupled to or fixed to the distal end of the optical fiber. The optic element and the distal end of the optical fiber is disposed within a glass ferule to protect it from damage. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009742 | ADAPTIVE RADIOTHERAPY TREATMENT USING ULTRASOUND - Radiation treatment is delivered to a patient by positioning the patient such that a radiation beam is delivered to a lesion within the patient along a beam-delivery path while securing a diagnostic imaging device about the patient such that the diagnostic imaging device does not intersect the beam-delivery path. Radiation therapy is simultaneously delivered along the beam-delivery path while diagnostic images are obtained using the imaging device. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009743 | DYNAMIC RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE OBTAINING METHOD AND APPARATUS - A method and apparatus for obtaining a dynamic radiographic image with enhanced resolution, in which an electrocardiogram of a subject is obtained, and five time phases are allocated to each cardiac beat period (1 second). The initial X-ray irradiation is performed at 1 | 2011-01-13 |
20110009744 | BIOLOGICAL OBSERVATION APPARATUS AND BIOLOGICAL OBSERVATION METHOD - A biological observation apparatus is configured as follows. Namely, the biological observation apparatus includes a marker attached to a living body in order to detect the vibration of the living body, a high-sensitivity camera which forms an observation image of the living body, a high-speed camera which forms an image of light from the marker, and an optical system including a first BA which prevents the light from the marker from entering the high-sensitivity camera. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009745 | Ultrasonically determining flow parameters of a fluid flowing through a passage, by using far-field analysis - Ultrasonically determining flow parameters of a fluid ( | 2011-01-13 |
20110009746 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR PULMONARY EDEMA DETECTION WITH IMPLANTABLE ACOUSTIC DEVICES - A system includes a first implantable acoustic transducer, a second implantable transducer a memory circuit, and a processor. The first implantable acoustic transducer is configured to receive transmitted acoustic energy from a thorax region of a subject and the second implantable acoustic transducer is configured to transmit the acoustic energy to the thorax region. The processor is communicatively coupled to the first acoustic transducer, the second acoustic transducer, and the memory circuit. The processor includes a parameter module configured to measure a parameter of the received acoustic energy, and a trending module configured to trend the measured parameter and to provide an indication of pulmonary edema status of the subject using the parameter trend. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009747 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MEASURING DENSITY OF A BONE - The object of the invention is an ultrasound device for forming skeleton density information. This ultrasound device comprises for forming skeleton density information at least two transmitters | 2011-01-13 |
20110009748 | TRANSPERINEAL PROSTATE BIOPSY SYSTEM AND METHODS - Method and systems for performing ultrasound guided transperineal prostate biopsies. A template having a plurality of apertures and attached to a transrectal ultrasound probe is used for planning and guiding the biopsy. The template is placed against the patient's perineum and transverse ultrasound images having a projected template image are displayed. Planned biopsy locations are marked on the projected aperture image and biopsy samples are obtained through the corresponding template apertures. Sagittal ultrasounds may be viewed to ensure the correct depth of the biopsy needle during the biopsy. Information about the location of the biopsy sample can be recorded by identifying the template aperture through which the biopsy was obtained. Stored biopsy location information can be used for planning later treatments which can use a template having the same set of apertures. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009749 | SYSTEM FOR DIAGNOSING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS - A system for determining at least one index out of a blood reflux rate index and increased blood resistance index in cerebral veins in a patient including a detection source set (TCCS, ECD) for detecting: —i) a blood reflux in at least one of the deep cerebral veins, —ii) a blood reflux in at least one of the internal jugular and/or vertebral veins; —iii) a stenose in at least one of the internal jugular vein; —iv) a lack of Doppler detectable blood flow in at least one of the internal jugular and/or vertebral veins; and —v) a negative difference between the cross-sectional area of at least one of the internal jugular veins in the supine posture and in the erect posture of said patient. The system further includes a processing module (PC) operatively connected to the detection source set (TCCS, ECD) to sense the condition where at least two of indexes i) to v) are positive so that the processing module (PC) emits an advice signal in case said condition is sensed. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009750 | CARDIOVASCULAR IMAGING SYSTEM - Embodiments of the present invention include a laser catheter that includes a catheter body, a light guide, and a distal tip that extends beyond the exit aperture of the light guide. In some embodiments, an imaging device is disposed on the distal tip such that the imaging device is distal relative to the exit aperture of the light guide. In some embodiments, the imaging device can be gated to record images during and/or slightly beyond periods when the laser catheter is not activated. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009751 | Subcutaneous access device and related methods - A subcutaneous access device of the invention comprises: a multi-layered structure capable of use in a medical imaging procedure; a light source for transillumination of a body portion of interest of a patient's body; and an attachment portion for attaching the device to the patient's body in a manner such that the body portion of interest is outwardly exposed on a side of the patient's body opposite the light source. The device facilitates hands-free transillumination of the body portion of interest. Kits for subcutaneous access comprise the subcutaneous access device and a light detector for detecting light emitted from the subcutaneous access device. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009752 | ENDOSCOPIC LONG RANGE FOURIER DOMAIN OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY (LR-FD-OCT) - An endoscopic swept-source Fourier Domain optical coherence tomographic system (FDOCT system) for imaging of tissue structure includes a Fourier Domain mode locked (FDML), high speed, narrow line-width, wavelength swept source, an OCT interferometer having a sample arm, a reference arm, a detection arm, and a source arm coupled to the swept source, an endoscopic probe coupled to the sample arm, and a data processing circuit coupled to the detection arm. The swept source includes a long optic fiber functioning as a cavity, a high optical gain lasing module, and a tunable narrow bandwidth bandpass filter for wavelength selection combined to form a unidirectional ring laser cavity, where the tunable narrow bandwidth bandpass filter is driven synchronously with the optical round-trip time of a propagating light wave in the cavity. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009753 | Respiration Rate Trending for Detecting Early Onset of Worsening Heart Failure - Patient respiration is sensed from which respiration measurements are made, including a median respiration rate (MedRR) and a maximum respiration rate (MaxRR). Determinations are made as to whether an abnormality exists in MedRR and in MaxRR. An output indicative of the patient's tachypnea status is generated in response to determining the abnormality in MedRR and MaxRR. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009754 | ARTERIAL BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORING DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS USING CARDIOGENIC IMPEDANCE SIGNAL - Provided herein are implantable systems, and methods for use therewith, for monitoring a patient's arterial blood pressure. Electrode(s) implanting within and/or on the patient's heart are used to obtain a cardiogenic impedance (CI) signal indicative of cardiac contractile activity. Additionally, a signal (e.g., PPG or IPG signal) indicative of changes in arterial blood volume remote from the patient's heart is obtained using a sensor or electrodes that are implanted remote from the patient's heart. One or more metrics indicative of pulse arrival time (PAT) are determined, where each metric can be determined by determining a time from one of the detected features of the CI signal to one of the detected features of the signal indicative of changes in arterial blood volume. Based on at least one of the metric(s) indicative of PAT, arterial blood pressure is estimated, which can include determining values indicative of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure and/or mean arterial blood pressure, and/or changes in such values. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009755 | ARTERIAL BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORING DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR USE WHILE PACING - Provided herein are implantable systems, and methods for use therewith, for monitoring a patient's arterial blood pressure while a patient's heart is being paced. A signal (e.g., PPG or IPG signal) indicative of changes in arterial blood volume remote from the patient's heart is obtained using a sensor or electrodes that are implanted remote from the patient's heart. One or more metrics indicative of pulse arrival time (PAT) are determined, where each metric can be determined by determining a time from a paced cardiac event to one or more predetermined features of the signal indicative of changes in arterial blood volume. Based on at the metric(s) indicative of PAT, arterial blood pressure is estimated, which can include determining values indicative of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure and/or mean arterial blood pressure, and/or changes in such values. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009756 | METHOD, APPARATUS AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR NON-INVASIVE BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENT - A method, apparatus and computer program product are disclosed for non-invasively determining blood pressure related parameters of a subject. A cuff attached to a subject is inflated to a target pressure which is such that normal blood pressure oscillation of the subject appears in an output signal of a pressure sensor monitoring the pressure of the cuff. The output signal of the pressure sensor is acquired for at most a predetermined time period, while the cuff is maintained substantially at the target pressure, thereby to obtain blood pressure waveform data for the subject, and the blood pressure related parameters are derived from the blood pressure waveform data. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009757 | BLOOD PRESSURE INFORMATION MEASUREMENT DEVICE - A sphygmomanometer separately includes a cuff accommodating an air bladder and a main body provided with an expanding/contracting mechanism arranged to expand and contract the air bladder, and the cuff includes a tubular cuff main body portion into which an upper arm is insertable and a gripping portion provided on an outer peripheral surface of the cuff main body portion. The cuff main body portion has a tightening belt wrapped around the outer side of the air bladder and a tightening length adjustment mechanism arranged to variably adjust a tightening length of the tightening belt over the upper arm. The tightening length adjustment mechanism includes a winding roller arranged to wind and feed the tightening belt, a geared motor arranged to drive and rotate the winding roller, and an electromagnetic brake arranged to apply a braking force to the winding roller. With such a configuration, in the sphygmomanometer in which the cuff and the main body are separated from each other, the cuff can be easily attached to a measurement site, and reliable winding of the cuff around the measurement site can be repeated in every measurement. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009758 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HEART MONITORING - Disclosed are systems and methods for monitoring a heart. According to one embodiment, the system includes a registering unit positioned external to the patient's body. The registering unit comprises a first controller configured to register an electrical signal from the heart. The system includes a second controller in operable communication with the first controller. The second controller is configured to receive the data from the first controller corresponding to the registered electrical signal and to compare the registered electrical signal to a baseline electrical signal to determine whether the heart is functioning properly. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009759 | NON INVASIVE ANALYSIS OF BODY SOUNDS - This method for analysing the sounds of body fluid flows comprises:—simultaneously acquiring ( | 2011-01-13 |
20110009760 | Hospital Readmission Alert for Heart Failure Patients - Physiologic data is collected for a heart failure patient during hospitalization and after discharge of the heart failure patient from a hospital, and analyzed for a change in the collected physiologic data. Deterioration of the patient's heart failure status is detected based at least in part on detecting an acute deleterious change in the collected physiologic data indicative of an abnormality in one or more physiologic parameters represented by the physiologic data. A readmission alert is generated in response to the acute deleterious change in the collected physiologic data. The readmission alert indicates that further deterioration in the patient's heart failure status may require readmission of the patient to the hospital. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009761 | Method and system for real-time profiling respiratory motion with variable-horizon prediction capability - A method of profiling respiratory motion is provided that includes estimating a temporal respiratory pattern, using a warping function to map the temporal respiratory pattern to a corresponding phase value, using a baseline drift function to determine drift in the temporal respiratory pattern, and noise filtering the temporal respiratory pattern, where variations in a respiratory motion are provided. The warping function includes combining an elliptical shape prior for providing iso-phase events in real-time, where the elliptical shape prior is in an augmented state space and Poincare´ sectioned. Parameters of the ellipse are estimated, where a projection of a center of the ellipse onto an observed respiratory position provides a real-time estimation for baseline drift of the respiratory motion. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009762 | PORTABLE PNEUMOTACHOGRAPH FOR MEASURING COMPONENTS OF AN EXPIRATION VOLUME AND METHOD THEREFOR - A portable pneumotachograph for determining components of the expiration volume, comprising a processor ( | 2011-01-13 |
20110009763 | EXHALED BREATH SAMPLING WITH DELIVERY OF GAS - A system for sampling exhaled breath and for supply of a gas, the system comprising: a gas delivery cannula comprising at least one nasal prong for insertion into a nostril, the nasal prong comprising a distal end; an exhaled breath sampling cannula for insertion into the nostril, the exhaled breath sampling cannula comprising a distal end; and a connector for coupling the gas delivery cannula to the exhaled breath sampling cannula, such that the distal end of the exhaled breath sampling cannula is disposed deeper in the nostril than the distal end of the nasal prong, to reduce dilution of sampled exhaled breath by delivered gas. The connected is configured to facilitate adjustability of an insertion depth of the exhaled breath sampling cannula into said nostril. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009764 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR AIDING IN THE DETECTION OF A PHYSIOLOGICAL ABNORMALITY - The present invention comprises a method for excluding the presence of a pulmonary embolism using a combination of a blood test for D-dimer and a carboximetry test measuring the ratio of exhaled CO | 2011-01-13 |
20110009765 | Methods of Detecting Gaseous Component Levels in a Breath - Method for detecting gaseous component levels in a breath, comprising: receiving a breath through a breath channel, wherein the breath channel is in fluid communication with a flow rate sensor and an electrochemical fuel cell gas sensor; measuring a flow rate of the breath received through the breath channel; measuring a first time, wherein the first time corresponds to an amount of time elapsed while receiving the breath in the breath channel; and calculating a current gaseous component level utilizing the flow rate, first time and an output from the gas sensor. Methods for detecting an error condition while measuring gaseous component levels in a breath comprising: determining if the peak output occurs while breath is still being received in the breath channel; and if the peak output occurs while breath is still being received in the breath channel, alerting a user of an error condition. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009766 | Noninvasive method and system for measuring pulmonary ventilation - A pulmonary ventilation system comprising means for storing an empirical relationship that is designed and adapted to determine at least one pulmonary ventilation parameter as a function of a plurality of measured anatomical distances and volume-motion coefficients, means for acquiring the anatomical distances, means for determining the plurality of motion coefficients, and processing means for determining the ventilation parameter based on the acquired anatomical distances and determined plurality of volume-motion coefficients. In one embodiment, the system further includes means for acquiring base-line ventilation characteristics and means for correlating the base-line ventilation characteristics to the ventilation parameter determined with the empirical relationship. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009767 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TRENDING A PHYSIOLOGICAL CARDIAC PARAMETER - The present invention relates to an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator or pacemaker whose standard circuitry is used to trend a physiological cardiac parameter using intra-cardiac impedance measurements. The trend information may be used to predict the onset of a sudden cardiac death (SCD) event. By being able to predict the onset of an SCD event, patients and their physicians may be forewarned of a life-threatening event allowing them to respond accordingly. The trend information may also be used to predict the efficacy of cardiac-related medications, monitor progress of congestive heart failure, detect the occurrence of myocardial infarction, or simply track changes in sympathetic tone. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009768 | METHOD OF STIMULATING AND RECORDING FROM ULNAR DORSAL CUTANEOUS SENSORY NERVE - A device to stimulate and measure a response from the ulnar dorsal cutaneous nerve of a patient may include a first surface electrode to apply a stimulating signal to the ulnar dorsal cutaneous nerve, a second surface electrode to record the response from the stimulating signal after applying the stimulating signal to the ulnar dorsal cutaneous nerve, and a third surface electrode to reference the stimulating signal. The second surface electrode may be placed over the fifth metacarpal joint, and the device may include a ground electrode positioned over the dorsal surface of the hand. The device may include a inactive stimulating electrode positioned near to the first surface electrode. The inactive stimulating electrode may be positioned within 3 cm of the first surface electrode, and the first electrode may be placed substantially above the tendon the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle. The first electrode may be placed substantially at the level of styloid, and the second surface electrode may be placed in an area supplied by the ulnar dorsal cutaneous nerve. The first surface electrode may be placed substantially one proximal to styloid. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009769 | APPARATUS FOR EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME AND METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ACQUIRING INFORMATION ON THE SKIN SENSITIVITY OF A FINGER OF A PATIENT - The apparatus ( | 2011-01-13 |
20110009770 | Audiometric Testing and Calibration Devices and Methods - An audiometric testing device is provided including a housing having one or more integral calibration couplers adapted to couple with a testing transducer. The testing device also includes a tone generator that generates tones of various frequencies and intensities during a hearing test. A calibration transducer is positioned proximate the coupler and converts an output of the testing transducer into a calibration signal. The calibration signal is measured by a signal measurement module within the housing, which generates a calibration measurement that can then be used to correct for undesired intensity level variations produced by the tone generator. Audiometric testing systems and calibration methods are also provided. In some cases a testing and/or calibration of an audiometric testing device is controlled by an external computing device coupled to the testing device. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009771 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DETERMINING TRANSFER FUNCTIONS OF THE HRTF TYPE - The invention relates to a method for determining transfer functions of the HRTF type for an individual, that comprises: measuring, for a first number of directions, the transfer functions of the HRTF type specific to said individual; matching the directivity functions associated with said measured functions of the HRTF type, with reference directivity functions associated with reference transfer functions of the HRTF type, said reference functions of the HRTF type being determined for a second number of directions higher that said first number of directions and reconstructing the measured directivity functions from said reference directivity functions. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009772 | BIOPSY DEVICE - Biopsy needles equipped with fibres ( | 2011-01-13 |
20110009773 | IMPLANTABLE SENSING MODULES AND METHODS OF USING - Implantable sensing modules and methods for monitoring various physical parameters, including physical parameters of a living body and environmental parameters to which the living body may be subjected, for example, impacts. A method for monitoring impacts to which a living body is subjected entails the use of an implantable sensing module that has a rigid housing containing at least one energy storage device and at least one electromechanical sensing element that is responsive to impacts. The module generates data corresponding to impacts to which the electromechanical sensing element is subjected, and records the data in memory. The module is preferably implanted in a living body so that the module is connected to a rigid portion of the living body, in particular, a bone or tooth. | 2011-01-13 |
20110009774 | BODY FLUID SAMPLING DEVICE - Body fluid sampling device comprising a skin-piercing element having a collection zone for receiving body fluid. In one embodiment, the collection zone includes a plurality of holes, e.g., 3 or more holes, or 50 to 100 holes. The hole size may be small, e.g., having a diameter of 0.01 to 0.5 mm. The holes may or may not extend through the lancet. In some embodiments, the holes have a depth of 50 to 500 μm. In other embodiments, the collection zone is porous, or is a roughened area. The collection zone can take up a very small volume of body fluid, e.g., 3 to 10 nL, in a very short time period, e.g., less than 0.5 seconds. In other embodiments, the device further comprises a fluid receiving means spaced apart from the collection zone so that body fluid in the collection zone will not contact the fluid receiving means initially. | 2011-01-13 |