10th week of 2009 patent applcation highlights part 67 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20090062604 | ENDOSCOPIC SURGERY TOOL - An endoscopic surgery tool in which an image pickup device is provided on a hollow guide component that penetrates a body wall of a living body and guides a surgical tool into a body cavity, includes: a detection device that detects an amount of change in the tilt of the guide component when the guide component is tilted relative to the body wall using the portion passing through the body wall as a support point; and a correction device that calculates from the tilt change amount an amount of movement of the image pickup device that moves in conjunction with the tilting of the guide component, and makes corrections in order that an observation image from the image pickup device before the guide component was tilted is maintained after it has been tilted. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062605 | Capsule endoscope - A capsule endoscope can prevent any fall of the efficiency of observation by reducing the substance or substances adhering to the outer surface of the front end cover such as food residue and mucus. The capsule endoscope includes a dome-shaped front end cover provided on the outer surface with photocatalytic coating, an image pickup means arranged in the front end cover to pick up images of the inside of an object of examination into which the endoscope is introduced and acquire image information on the inside of the object of examination and a lighting section arranged around the image pickup means within the dome-shaped front end cover. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062606 | ENDOSCOPE GUIDING TUBE DEVICE - There is provided an endoscope guiding tube device including a flexible insertion tube, an endoscope guiding channel arranged in the flexible insertion tube along, at least one bending portion having a framework including a plurality of barrel-shaped joint rings coupled to each other in series to be rotatable with respect to each other, a plurality of shape-holding wires of which tip ends are attached to a tip portion of the at least one bending portion, and an operation unit in which proximal ends of the plurality of shape-holding wires are movable freely in an axial direction. The operation unit includes a wire locking mechanism having a function of locking together all of the proximal ends of the plurality of shape-holding wires and a function of releasing a locked state of all of the proximal ends of the plurality of shape-holding wires. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062607 | Atraumatic Arthroscopic Instrument Sheath - An arthroscopic inflow and outflow sheath providing an improved inflow and outflow system reducing the diameter of a continuous flow system while eliminating the need for a third portal during arthroscopy. The improved arthroscopic inflow and outflow sheath comprises an elongated atraumatic sheath having an inner surface, outer surface, proximal end, and distal end. The atraumatic sheath further comprises plurality of ribs or webs extending from the inner surface of the sheath and designed to contact an outer surface of the arthroscope creating outer lumens facilitating the inflow and outflow of fluid to a surgical site. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062608 | APPARATUS FOR ADVANCING AN ENDOSCOPE AND METHOD FOR MANIPULATING THE APPARATUS FOR ADVANCING AN ENDOSCOPE - In a region where an intestine is movable in the abdominal cavity, conventional endoscope apparatus have suffered from a difficulty in moving an endoscope advancing portion toward a deep intestinal portion. An apparatus for advancing an endoscope is provided, which can be easily manipulated to advance medical instruments having endoscopic functions toward a deep portion. The apparatus includes first and second medical instruments, each having, at a distal end portion thereof, a balloon portion that can be fixed to an intestinal wall. In a fixed state, the balloon portion of the first medical instrument is configured to form a gap for enabling a distal end portion of the second medical instrument to advance therethrough. In a fixed state, the balloon portion of the second medical instrument is configured to form a gap for enabling a distal end portion of the first medical instrument to advance therethrough. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062609 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - The scope has an imaging sensor, a memory, an image signal-processing unit, and a scope controller having a timer. The image signal-processing unit performs a primary image-processing operation on an image signal output from the imaging sensor. The timer counts an elapsed time. The processor has a video signal-processing unit and a time-hold unit. The video signal-processing unit performs a secondary image-processing operation on the image signal on which the primary image signal processing operation is made. The time-hold unit keeps date data and outputting the date data to the scope controller. The scope controller measures a command-received time when a setting for the primary image-processing operation in the image signal-processing unit is changed on the basis of the elapsed time that is counted by the timer and the date data, and stories a record indicating that the setting has changed and the command-received time to the memory. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062610 | Automated Endoscope Reprocessor Self-Disinfection Connection - An endoscope reprocessor having a water supply disinfection filter and a method for self-disinfection of the filter employ a pair of connectors to switch from a normal operating mode into a self-disinfection mode in which circulating germicidal fluid within the reprocessor flows through the filter, while the water supply remains connected to the system and isolated from the circulating fluid. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062611 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - The present invention is an endoscope apparatus comprising an over tube having a balloon, a fluid suction pipeline provided at the over tube so that a suction opening portion is opened on a proximal end side from the balloon, a suctioning device for suctioning a fluid in the fluid suction pipeline, a pressure/flow-rate sensor for detecting a pressure of the fluid at least at a single position from a lumen to which the over tube is inserted to the suctioning device through the fluid suction pipeline, and a control circuit for controlling a suction pump so that the pressure of the fluid in the lumen in the vicinity of the suction opening portion falls within an appropriate pressure range based on the pressure detected by the pressure/flow-rate sensor. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062612 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An endoscope system comprises a scope, a first processor, and a first measuring device. The scope has an imaging sensor, a memory, and a reference signal output unit that outputs a reference signal instead of an image signal from the imaging sensor in a first operation for generating an analysis data. The first processor performs an image-processing operation of the image signal in a normal use, and performs the image-processing operation of the reference signal in the first operation. The first measuring device is connected to the first processor and measures a first characteristic of an image encoded by the reference signal on which the image-processing operation is carried out, in the first operation. The first processor transmits a measurement result by the first measuring device to the scope as the analysis data. The memory stores the analysis data when the measurement result is input to the first processor. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062613 | IN-VIVO INFORMATION ACQUIRING SYSTEM - An in-vivo information acquiring system previously sets synchronization signals for each imaging unit which captures an image. In the in-vivo information acquiring system, a capsule endoscope transmits scan-line data of an image to be transmitted using the synchronization signal corresponding to the imaging unit which captures the image to be transmitted, and a receiving apparatus identifies that the received scan-line data forms the image captured by the imaging unit corresponding to the detected synchronization signal by detecting the synchronization signal from received information. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062614 | CLOSURES FOR OUTER TUBE FOR NATURAL ORIFICE SURGERY - A plug is closely received in the open distal end of an outer tube for natural orifice surgery and is proximally removable from the tube. Various means are provided for deforming the plug to permit the plug to be retrieved through the outer tube. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062615 | ENDOSCOPE WITH FOCAL LENGTH VARYING FUNCTION - The invention provides an endoscope with a focal length varying function, which includes an observation window, an objective optical system which is disposed in the observation window and is capable of varying a focal length thereof, and an endo-therapy product raising base which is oscillatable between a stored position where the endo-therapy product raising base is stored in the distal end section body (endo-therapy product projection port) and a raised position where the endo-therapy product raising base is projected from the distal end section body in accordance with a raising operation on a proximal side, wherein at a time of a state in which the endo-therapy product raising base is projected from the distal end section body by a predetermined amount, a predetermined part of the endo-therapy product raising base is set to approximately correspond to a best focus position of the objective optical system. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062616 | IMAGE PICKUP UNIT - An image pickup unit according to the present invention, includes a solid-state image pickup device provided with a light receiving portion for receiving photographing light refracted and reflected by a reflection surface of an optical reflection member. The image pickup unit also includes a protection member which is surface-joined to and to protect at least the area of an effective reflection surface within the reflection surface by which the photographing light is refracted and made incident on the light receiving portion. Thereby, when the image pickup unit is provided in an electronic endoscope including the optical component for refracting and reflecting the photographing light, it is possible to improve the assembling property of the image pickup unit including the optical component, and possible to prevent the optical component from being damaged under various environment. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062617 | LIGHT SOURCE APPARATUS, METHOD OF DRIVING LIGHT SOURCE APPARATUS, AND ENDOSCOPE - A light source apparatus is provided with a diode as a light source that emits excitation light for exciting phosphors in an illuminator of an electronic endoscope. As excited, the phosphors emit fluorescent light, and the illuminator projects illumination light composed of the excitation light and the fluorescent light. The light source is driven by drive current supplied in the form of pulses in an exposure period of an imaging device of the endoscope. The number of pulses, the pulse width or the pulse amplitude is so controlled that the integral light volume and chromaticity of the illumination light are made proper regardless of individual variability in oscillation frequency of the light source. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062618 | TISSUE RETRACTORS - Methods and devices are provided for performing surgical procedures using tissue retractors. In general, the methods and devices allow a surgeon to use a retractor to capture a large or small amount of tissue in a fabric and to move the fabric to relocate the tissue to one or more convenient locations during the procedure. The flexible nature of the fabric can allow the fabric to be moveable between an open position, in which the fabric can support tissue, and a closed position, in which the fabric can be folded, rolled, or otherwise compressed in size and fit through a port, such as a trocar or an incision in a tissue wall. Furthermore, the position of the fabric and thus the tissue held in the fabric can be adjusted and readjusted by pushing or pulling one or more grasping elements coupled to the fabric. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062619 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR SURGICAL RETRACTION - The present invention provides method and apparatus that may be patient mounted for surgical retraction. The retractor disclosed herein may be positioned with a base plate resting against the patient's skin surface. In one embodiment, retractor blades extending into the patient's body from the base plate of the retractor device may be adapted to be inserted in a closed position for minimally invasive access, and adapted to be moved away from each other in a controlled fashion to create the desired surgical retraction of soft tissue. Because the blades are inserted in a closed position, the skin incision is small compared to the available exposure of nerves and delicate tissue. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062620 | Methods for Estimating the Metabolic Cost of Walking - Methods for determining the metabolic cost for walking are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for determining metabolic cost per unit time of a walk by an individual is disclosed. The method includes providing a body length of the individual. The method also includes measuring a walking speed of the individual. The metabolic cost per unit time is determined by adding a basal metabolic rate and a metabolic constant for walking to the result of a metabolic coefficient for walking multiplied by the walking speed (squared) and such squared speed divided by the body length of the individual. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062621 | Method and system for prioritizing communication of a health risk - System and methods are provided for prioritizing communication of a health risk. The method may include obtaining health information for individuals and determining, based on the health information, a risk of each individual contracting each of plurality of diseases. The method may also include calculating, based on the risks, an average risk of each individual contracting the diseases and selecting a subset of the individuals based on the average risks. Further, the method may include calculating an improved risk by making lifestyle changes for the subset of the individuals and communicating the health risks and the lifestyle changes to individuals in the subset based on the amount of improved risk. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062622 | System and method for determining sleep status of a baby in a cradle and controlling movement of the cradle - A computer-based method for determining sleep status of a baby in a cradle and controlling movement of the cradle is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: obtaining an image of the baby's face at fixed intervals through a digital camera, and storing the image in the digital camera; finding the baby's face in the image; locating the eyes in the image of the baby's face and framing the opening of the eyelids; determining the openness of the baby's eyes by calculating a ratio of a height of a rectangle framing the opening of eyelids to a width of the rectangle, and comparing the result with the preset threshold; judging whether the baby is asleep according to the comparison; sending a corresponding command to the motor for controlling the movement of the cradle. A related system is also disclosed. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062623 | IDENTIFYING POSSIBLE MEDICAL CONDITIONS OF A PATIENT - Assisting a health care provider in rapidly detecting a possible medical condition in a patient. In an embodiment, a handheld portable device programmed with software instructions is configured to interact with the patient to deduce a list of possible medical conditions. The deduced list of possible medical conditions is provided to a health care provider for diagnosis. Suggested treatment plans may also be provided based on the list of possible medical conditions. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062624 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS OF DELIVERING A PROBABILITY OF A MEDICAL CONDITION - Methods and systems for delivering a probability that a subject has a medical condition are disclosed herein. The methods comprise calculating the probability of a medical condition using biomarker values and the rate of change of the biomarker values over time. In most embodiments, the methods comprise relations and calculations that require computer systems to execute the methods of the invention. Systems of the invention may include computer systems, as well as medical systems, such as biomarker assays and courses of medical action. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062625 | SYSTEM FOR PROCESSING OF CONTINUOUS PRESSURE-RELATED SIGNALS FOR USE IN DRAINING FLUID FROM A BRAIN OR SPINAL FLUID CAVITY - This invention describes a method for processing pressure signals derivable from locations inside or outside a human or animal body or body cavity. Different aspects of the invention relate to a method for optimal differentiating between cardiac beat- and artifact-induced pressure waves, a method for obtaining new and improved information from said pressure signals, a method for obtaining signals predicting pressures inside a body or body cavity from pressure signals outside said body or body cavity, and a method for using said method for controlling an adjustable shunt vale. In particular this invention describes a system for draining fluid from a brain or spinal fluid cavity. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062626 | SAFE IDENTIFICATION AND ASSOCIATION OF WIRELESS SENSORS - A wireless sensor network for wirelessly monitoring a medical subject includes a plurality of sensor nodes ( | 2009-03-05 |
20090062627 | Method for measuring physical fitness and creating athletic training regimens for particular sports - Disclosed is a method for creating a fitness training program based on performing neuromuscular and muscular performance tests on an individual, analyzing the results of the neuromuscular and muscular performance tests, and creating the fitness training program based on the analysis of the neuromuscular and muscular performance test results. The equipment used to perform the neuromuscular and muscular performance tests may be equipment designed for rehabilitation physical therapy used for recovery from injuries and surgical procedures that permits general neuromuscular and muscular performance testing and testing of the difference in muscle performance between a right side and a left side of the body of the individual. The individual is tested to create a fitness training program to increase neuromuscular and muscular performance, not for purposes of injury and/or surgery rehabilitation. The individual tested may be a healthy individual. The method is particularly well suited for an athlete that desires to increase performance in a particular sport. The test equipment should objectively, quantitatively, and accurately measure the general neuromuscular and muscular performance and the difference in muscle performance between the right side and left side of the body. Neuromuscular and muscular performance tests may include a variety of exercise movements with each movement tested for isometric, coordination, proprioceptive, endurance capacity, and strength capacity response. The fitness training regimen is created for the individual based on the analysis of the neuromuscular and muscular performance test results. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062628 | Sleep diagnosis device - The sleep diagnosis device | 2009-03-05 |
20090062629 | STIMULUS PLACEMENT SYSTEM USING SUBJECT NEURO-RESPONSE MEASUREMENTS - A system evaluates and selects temporal and spatial locations for introduction of stimulus material. Video streams, physical locations, print advertisements, store shelves, images, commercials, etc. are analyzed to identify locations for introducing stimulus material, such as messages, brand images, products, media, marketing and/or other sales materials. The system analyzes neuro-response measurements from subjects exposed to stimulus material in different temporal and spatial locations. Examples of neuro-response measurements include Electroencephalography (EEG), Galvanic Skin Response (GSR), Electrocardiograms (EKG), Electrooculography (EOG), eye tracking, and facial emotion encoding measurements. Neuro-response measurements are analyzed to select temporal and spatial locations for introduction of stimulus material. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062630 | Sensor permitting detection of a substance in the body of a living being - A sensor is disclosed for permitting detection of a substance in the body of a living being. In at least one embodiment, the sensor includes probe molecules, for binding the substance that is to be detected, and marking elements designed in such a way that the binding of the probe molecules to the substance to be detected is detectable by way of an imaging modality. For example, antigens or pathogens that are present only in a low concentration can be detected. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062631 | Determination of the state of health of a human being - The invention provides a method for the determination of the state of an entity, in particular the state of health of a human being or animal. The method includes the step of contacting secreted compounds or related reaction products with a surface linked to an optical waveguide in such a way that compounds binding to the surface can influence the propagation of light in the waveguide, determining the occurring influence by means of an optical interferometric measuring principle, and deducing the state from the occurring influence. The invention further provides a device for the determination of such a state. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062632 | Non-Invasive System and Method for Measuring an Analyte in the Body - A system for determining an analyte concentration in a fluid sample (e.g., glucose) comprises a light source, a detector, and a central processing unit. The detector is adapted to receive spectral information corresponding to light returned from the fluid sample being analyzed and to convert the received spectral information into an electrical signal indicative of the received spectral information. The central processing unit is adapted to compare the electrical signal to an algorithm built upon correlation with the analyte in body fluid. The algorithm is adapted to convert the received spectral information into the analyte concentration in body fluid. Spectral information is delivered from the central processing unit to the light source and used to vary the intensity and timing of the light to improve the accuracy of conversion into analyte concentration. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062633 | IMPLANTABLE ANALYTE SENSOR - An implantable analyte sensor including a sensing region for measuring the analyte and a non-sensing region for immobilizing the sensor body in the host. The sensor is implanted in a precisely dimensioned pocket to stabilize the analyte sensor in vivo and enable measurement of the concentration of the analyte in the host before and after formation of a foreign body capsule around the sensor. The sensor further provides a transmitter for RF transmission through the sensor body, electronic circuitry, and a power source optimized for long-term use in the miniaturized sensor body. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062634 | ANALYTE MONITORING DEVICE AND METHODS OF USE - An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte. The analyte monitor may also be part of a drug delivery system to alter the level of the analyte based on the data obtained using the sensor. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062635 | SIGNAL PROCESSING FOR CONTINUOUS ANALYTE SENSOR - Systems and methods for dynamically and intelligently estimating analyte data from a continuous analyte sensor, including receiving a data stream, selecting one of a plurality of algorithms, and employing the selected algorithm to estimate analyte values. Additional data processing includes evaluating the selected estimative algorithms, analyzing a variation of the estimated analyte values based on statistical, clinical, or physiological parameters, comparing the estimated analyte values with corresponding measure analyte values, and providing output to a user. Estimation can be used to compensate for time lag, match sensor data with corresponding reference data, warn of upcoming clinical risk, replace erroneous sensor data signals, and provide more timely analyte information encourage proactive behavior and preempt clinical risk. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062636 | Electrode Clamp - The invention relates to an electrode clamp ( | 2009-03-05 |
20090062637 | Electromagnetic Sensors for Tissue Characterization - A sensor for tissue characterization is provided, comprising: a resonator, configured to be placed proximally to an edge of a tissue for characterization, without penetrating the tissue, the resonator comprising a conductive structure associated with a diameter-equivalent dimension D, in a plane substantially parallel with the edge, and with a feature size d; and at least one conductive lead, for providing communication with an external system, wherein the resonator is configured to resonate at a frequency which corresponds to a free-air wavelength range of between about lambda and about 40 lambda, wherein lambda is at least about ten times the diameter-equivalent D, and wherein upon receiving a signal in the range of between about lambda and about 40 lambda, the sensor is configured to induce electric and magnetic fields, in a near zone, in the tissue, the near zone having a diameter of about D, so that the tissue in the near zone effectively functions as part of the resonator, influencing its resonating values, and so the tissue in the near zone is thereby characterized by its electromagnetic properties, by the resonating response of the resonator. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062638 | Medical Diagostic Device Comprising an Operating Element for Controlling System Components - The invention relates to a medical diagnostic device comprising an operating element for controlling system components of the medical diagnostic device, said device comprising at least one operating lever which is embodied in such a way that it has at least one feature which is characteristic of the associated system component and is, for example, designed in such a way that it is congruent to the system component. In this way, the operating lever has a form adapted to that of the real system components or has the same form as said components. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062639 | Automated vessel repair system, devices and methods - Systems, devices and automated methods for minimally invasive surgery. A device is fabricated of bio-compatible semiconductor elements, and can be assembled, delivered, navigated and implanted by automated methods, using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) technology. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062640 | MRI APPARATUS - An MRI apparatus for imaging of a bodily fluid flowing inside a subject includes a gradient coil which applies gradient pulses to the subject, a transmission coil which transmits RF pulses to the subject, and a control part which controls the gradient coil and the transmission coil. The control part controls the gradient coil and the transmission coil in order to: saturate longitudinal magnetization of the bodily fluid in a field of saturation positioned on an upstream flow of the bodily fluid during a saturation period, invert the direction of longitudinal magnetization of the bodily fluid in an imaging field of view positioned on an downstream flow of the bodily fluid during an inversion period following the saturation period, and acquire MR signals from the bodily fluid in the imaging field of view during a data acquisition period following the inversion period. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062641 | Method and system for catheter detection and tracking in a fluoroscopic image sequence - A method and system for detecting and tracking an ablation catheter tip in a fluoroscopic image sequence is disclosed. Catheter tip candidates are detected in each frame of the fluoroscopic image sequence using marginal space learning. The detected catheter tip candidates are then tracked over all the frames of the fluoroscopic image sequence in order to determine an ablation catheter tip location in each frame. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062642 | CARDIAC TISSUE ELASTICITY SENSING - A system and method are provided for assessing the compliance of internal patient tissue for purposes of catheter guidance and/or ablation procedures. Specifically, the system/method provides for probing internal patient tissue in order to obtain force and/or tissue displacement measurements. These measurements are utilized to generate an indication of tissue elasticity. In one exemplary embodiment, the indication of elasticity is correlated with an image of the internal tissue area and an output of this image including elasticity indications is displayed for a user. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062643 | Medical diagnostic imaging with real-time scan conversion - Display or pixel values are scan converted from ultrasound data on the fly. As each pixel is to receive display values, the display value is determined. Scan conversion is performed sequentially, with each new value being determined in synchronization with reading display values out to the display. Rather than storage in a raster buffer, scan converted display values are output to the display while other display values for a same image are being converted. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062644 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ULTRASOUND HARMONIC IMAGING - A system includes at least one transducer configured to transmit at least one ultrasound pulse into a region of interest (ROI) of a patient. The pulse has at least a first frequency and propagates through a bodily structure in the ROI. The system further includes at least one receiver configured to receive at least one echo signal corresponding to the pulse. The echo signal includes the first frequency and at least one harmonic multiple of the first frequency. The system further includes a processor configured to automatically determine, from the at least one harmonic multiple, at least one boundary of the bodily structure. In an embodiment, the processor is configured to automatically determine, from the at least one harmonic multiple, an amount of fluid within the bodily structure. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062645 | METHOD FOR DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF PROSTATE CANCER - In a method for diagnosis and treatment of a patient with a tumor relating to prostate cancer, the following steps are implemented. A differential diagnosis of prostate cancer versus prostatitis and/or BPH is conducted on a patient using a cost-effective diagnosis method. If prostate cancer is diagnosed in the patient using a cost-effective measurement method, a characteristic value for the tumor aggressiveness of the prostate cancer is determined. A watchful waiting treatment is implemented with the patient given a characteristic value below a predeterminable first limit value. The size and position of the tumor is determined using a cost-effective method given a characteristic value above the first limit value. A cost-effective ultrasonic theranosis or a conventional therapy is conducted for a size below a second predeterminable limit value. The presence of metastases in the patient is checked, with a cost-intensive method generating image information, for a size above the second limit value. A metastasis treatment is implemented in the event that metastases are present. In the event that no metastases are present, a tumor treatment based on the aforementioned image information generated is implemented. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062646 | OPERATION OF A REMOTE MEDICAL NAVIGATION SYSTEM USING ULTRASOUND IMAGE - A method of operating a remote medical navigation system using ultrasound, employs ultrasound imaging from a medical device to supplement or to replace conventional x-ray imaging of the operating region during navigation. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062647 | Method for extracting geometrical properties of a tubular cavity using low SNR echogram enhancement - A method for determining geometrical properties of a tubular cavity, the method comprising: transmitting a series of synchronized ultrasonic signals in predetermined timing from within the cavity; collecting echo data of the signals; analyzing the echo data to identify covariant components; extracting echo peaks from the identified covariant components; and calculating the geometrical properties of the cavity using the extracted echo peaks. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062648 | Automatic gain control in medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging - Gain is adjusted automatically in ultrasound imaging. The average of signals regardless of type of reflector (e.g., tissue or fluid) is determined, such as from all data in a frame of data representing a scanned region. The gain is set based on the difference between the average and the target. The gain offset is used with or without other gain limitations for analog, digital, or both analog and digital amplifiers. Given less computational expense, a same processor performing image processing functions may be used to also determine gain. A handheld ultrasound scanner with less computation bandwidth may implement the automatic gain adjustment. Given limited space for input devices, a depth gain may be provided without sliders or other depth based gain input. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062649 | SCAN CONVERSION FOR ULTRASONIC IMAGING AND APPARATUS USING THE SAME - A scan conversion method for ultrasonic imaging is disclosed. The method comprises a storage step for storing sample data derived from ultrasonic echo signals into a memory; a conversion step for performing conversion between target coordinate points in a display coordinate system and interpolation coordinate points in a sampling coordinate system; and an interpolation step for interpolating several sample data adjacent to the interpolation coordinate points to obtain the interpolation data at the interpolation coordinate points, wherein the interpolation step includes a nonlinear interpolation substep selected for low-pass filter of the ultrasonic echo signals. When interpolation is conducted along Axis θ of the polar coordinates, 4-point interpolation may be used. The interpolation coefficient may be based on cubic B-spline function, which has relatively uniform low-pass filter effects, thereby reducing noise result from interpolation in ultrasonic image. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062650 | ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS - According to this invention, an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus is provided which generates a tomographic image of a subject site in a living body, including a region-of-interest setting section which sets a region-of-interest in the tomographic image, a data acquiring section which samples, from one piece of sound ray data within the region-of-interest, pieces of data at at least two positions including a piece of data at one position included in the one piece of sound ray data and a piece of data at at least one position upwardly or downwardly spaced apart from the one position by an interval of a predetermined number of pixels in a depth direction of the one piece of sound ray data, and a blood flow data calculating section which calculates a piece of blood flow data at the one position by performing spatial averaging on the pieces of data sampled by the data acquiring section. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062651 | IMAGE PLANE STABILIZATION FOR MEDICAL IMAGING - A medical imaging system automatically acquires two-dimensional images representing a user-defined region of interest despite motion. The plane of acquisition is updated or altered adaptively as a function of detected motion. The user-designated region of interest is then continually scanned due to the alteration in scan plane position. A multi-dimensional array is used to stabilize imaging of a region of interest in a three-dimensional volume. The user defines a region of interest for two-dimensional imaging. Motion is then detected. The position of a scan plane used to generate a subsequent two-dimensional image is then oriented as a function of the detected motion within the three-dimensional volume. By repeating the motion determination and adaptive alteration of the scan plane position, real time imaging of a same region of interest is provided while minimizing the region of interest fading into or out of the sequence of images. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062652 | Wirelessly Chargeable And Portable Ultrasonic Diagnostic Device - Embodiments of the present invention may provide a portable ultrasonic diagnostic device to which electric energy can be transferred wirelessly. The device according to the present invention comprises: a wireless energy radiating part for converting an electrical energy into wireless energy to radiate the wireless energy therearound; a main body of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic device, the main body being separated from the radiating part; a wireless energy converting part disposed in the main body and being configured to convert the wireless energy radiated from the radiating part into the electrical energy; and a rechargeable battery connected to the converting part so as to be recharged by the electrical energy converted at the converting part. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062653 | Ultrasound System And Method Of Forming Ultrasound Image - The present invention relates to an ultrasound system and a method of forming an ultrasound image. The ultrasound system includes: a transmit/receive unit operable to transmit ultrasound signals to a target object and receive ultrasound echo signals to form receive signals based on the received ultrasound echo signals; a signal processing unit operable to form Doppler signals based on the receive signals; and an image processing unit operable to obtain information on a plurality of blood flow velocities at the target object from the Doppler signals, set a reference velocity, compute a dispersion of the plurality of the blood flow velocities with respect to the reference velocity, and form a 3-dimensional image indicating velocity changes at the respective locations in the target object by using the reference velocity and the dispersion. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062654 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATIC OPTIMIZATION OF DOPPLER IMAGING PARAMETERS - A method and apparatus are disclosed for automatic optimization of Doppler imaging parameters. The method includes obtaining and storing at least two characteristic spectral lines at a predetermined pulse repetition frequency. The method further includes optimizing at least one of the Doppler imaging parameters based on the stored at least two characteristic spectral lines and a predetermined mean noise power. In one embodiment, the characteristic spectral lines are obtained by collecting in real time the Doppler spectral lines generated at the predetermined pulse repetition frequency within a predetermined time period, and processing the collected Doppler spectral lines in real time without storing them. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062655 | ULTRASONIC PROBE - An ultrasonic probe is provided capable of eliminating difficulties in processing, increasing the directivity of ultrasonic waves, and obtaining a high-resolution diagnostic image. An ultrasonic probe | 2009-03-05 |
20090062656 | BACKING MATERIAL, ULTRASONIC PROBE, ULTRASONIC ENDOSCOPE, ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS, AND ULTRASONIC ENDOSCOPIC APPARATUS - A backing material for suppressing the surface temperature rise of an ultrasonic probe. This backing material is provided on a back face of at least one vibrator for transmitting and/or receiving ultrasonic waves in an ultrasonic probe, and includes: a backing base material containing a polymeric material; and a heat conducting fiber provided in the backing base material, having a larger coefficient of thermal conductivity than that of the backing base material, and running through without disconnection from a first face of the backing material in contact with the at least one vibrator to a second face different from the first face. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062657 | ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS - An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an operating device for an operator to input an instruction, a probe for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, an image display device for displaying an ultrasonic image, and a processing device. The processing device controls driving the probe based on the instruction, generates the ultrasonic image based on a received signal, and displays the ultrasonic image on the image display device. The operating device is formed separately from the processing device and the image display device is supported by an arm extending from a column support along the processing device or by an arm extending from the processing device. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062658 | POSITION TRACKING AND CONTROL FOR A SCANNING ASSEMBLY - A scanned beam imaging system including a radiation source configured to provide a beam of radiation, a movable element configured to direct the beam of radiation onto a scanned area, and a collector configured to receive radiation returned from the scanned area. The imaging system further includes a housing that houses the movable element therein and a reference mark coupled to or received in the housing. The reference mark is positioned such that at least part of the radiation from the radiation source is directable at the reference mark. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062659 | MEDICAL DEVICE INCLUDING SCANNED BEAM UNIT WITH OPERATIONAL CONTROL FEATURES - A method of controlling a medical device is provided. The method includes generating a beam of radiation using a radiation source assembly. The beam of radiation is directed toward a distal end of the medical device using an optical fiber. The beam of radiation is directed onto an area of interest by scanning the reflector in a scanning pattern, the reflector receiving the beam of radiation from the optical fiber. Radiation is collected from the area of interest using a collector to generate a signal for use in producing a viewable image. A loss of scan condition of the reflector is detected automatically by a control system. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062660 | Examination and imaging of brain cognitive functions - A system and method for examining or imaging brain functions of a subject includes a light source and a light detector located on the exterior surface of the subject's head. The light source introduces transcranially optical radiation into the brain of a subject, and the light detector detects radiation that has migrated in a brain region from the light source to the detector. The system also provides brain stimulation and evaluates the detected radiation to determine a brain cognitive function of the subject. One embodiment of the system can detect a brain disorder. Another embodiment of the system can detect “deceit.” In addition to the optical module, the system may include other optional modules such as an EEG module, an MEG module, a thermography module, a respiratory module, a skin conductivity module, and a blood pressure module. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062661 | SENSOR FOR MEASURING LIVING BODY INFORMATION AND EARPHONE HAVING THE SAME - A sensor for measuring living body information includes a light guide member for guiding a first light; a light extracting member, disposed adjacent to the light guide member, for outputting the first light guided by the light guide member to an exterior of the light guide member through contact with the light guide member; and a light coupling member, disposed adjacent to the light guide member, for coupling a second light to the light guide member through contact with the light guide member. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062662 | Optical spectroscopic device for the identification of cervical cancer - A medical examination device used for the detection of pre-cancerous and cancerous tissue has an illumination source, a visualization unit, a contacting optical probe, a detector and a process unit. One embodiment of the apparatus includes both a non-contacting macroscopic viewing device (the visualization unit) for visualizing an interior surface of the cervix, as well as a fiber optic wand (contacting optical probe) for spectrally analyzing a microscopic view of the tissue. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062663 | NON-INVASIVE BLOOD PRESSURE MONITOR APPARATUS AND SYSTEM - A non-invasive blood pressure monitoring system is disclosed herein. The non-invasive blood pressure monitoring system includes a pressure cuff comprising a resistive portion and a conductive portion aligned with the resistive portion. The non-invasive blood pressure monitoring system also includes a controller operatively connected to the pressure cuff. The controller is adapted to estimate the circumference of the pressure cuff based on the position of the conductive portion relative to the resistive portion. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062664 | BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENT DEVICE - A blood pressure measurement device. The device comprises a measurement component for measuring blood pressure and a display component for displaying the blood pressure data measured. The display component is adapted to display simultaneously at least two sets of blood pressure measurement data measured at different date or time. Alternatively, the device further comprises a measurement state control component for recording and storing at least one measurement state related to the measurement of the blood pressure, and means for providing the at least one measurement state. Alternatively, the device further comprises an interfacing component that comprises a bi-direction multifunctional port, for exchanging blood pressure data measured between the blood pressure measurement device and at least one external device. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062665 | NONINVASIVE METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING BLOOD PRESSURE BY DETERMINING A MAXIMUM FREQUENCY OF SPECTRAL CONTENT OF THE SECOND HEART SOUND - Methods and apparatus for noninvasively estimating a blood pressure are provided. A bandpass filter is applied to a second heart sound (S2) component to generate a filtered S2 component. The bandpass filter has a lower cutoff frequency greater than a maximum frequency of the S2 component. The maximum frequency of the S2 component is estimated using the filtered S2 component, a predetermined relationship is applied between the estimated maximum frequency and blood pressure to generate a blood pressure estimate and the blood pressure estimate is displayed. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062666 | Arterial pressure-based, automatic determination of a cardiovascular parameter - One or more cardiovascular parameters is estimated as a function of the arterial pressure waveform, in particular, using at least one statistical moment of a discrete representation pressure waveform having an order greater than one. Arterial compliance, the exponential pressure decay constant, vascular resistance, cardiac output, and stroke volume are examples of cardiovascular parameters that can be estimated using various aspects of the invention. In one embodiment of the invention, not only are the first four moments (mean, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis) of the pressure waveform used to estimate the cardiovascular parameter(s) of interest, but also heart rate, statistical moments of a set of pressure-weighted time values, and certain anthropometric patient measurements such as age, sex, body surface area, etc. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062667 | Implantable Systemic Blood Pressure Measurement Systems and Methods - Implantable systems, and methods for use therewith, for monitoring arterial blood pressure on a chronic basis are provided herein. A first signal indicative of electrical activity of a patient's heart, and a second signal indicative of mechanical activity of the patient's heart, are obtained using implanted electrodes and an implanted sensor. By measuring the times between various features of the first signal relative to features of the second signal, values indicative of systolic pressure and diastolic pressure can be determined. In specific embodiments, such features are used to determine a peak pulse arrival time (PPAT), which is used to determine the value indicative of systolic pressure. Additionally, a peak-to-peak amplitude at the maximum peak of the second signal, and the value indicative of systolic pressure, can be used to determine the value indicative of diastolic pressure. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062668 | BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENT CUFF - A blood pressure measurement cuff, includes: a first bag, including a first surface; a second bag, housing the first bag, and including a second surface facing to the first surface; and a sheet, fixed to one of the first surface and the second surface, and capable of being bent with no wrinkle therein. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062669 | Modular Arterio-Venous Shunt Device and Methods for Establishing Hemodialytic Angioaccess - The present invention provides an implantable modular AV shunt device, which is capable of monitoring and reporting its own patency, and which comprises a plurality of modular components that may be assembled and adjusted by the vascular surgeon during the implantation procedure, using well-known surgical techniques, in order to provide a custom fit and arrangement for the particular patient involved. The device comprises an arterial anastomotic valve that permits blood flowing through an artery to pass into the shunt device, a venous anastomotic valve that permits blood flowing through the shunt device to pass into a vein, a medial flow control unit, a first flexible shunt that carries blood from the arterial anastomotic valve to the medial flow control unit, a second flexible shunt that carries blood from the medial flow control unit to the venous anastomotic valve, and a valve control system. The valve control system is operable to control both the rate at which blood is permitted to enter the shunt device via the arterial anastomotic valve, as well as the rate at which blood is permitted to exit the shunt device via the venous anastomotic valve. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062670 | HEART MONITORING BODY PATCH AND SYSTEM - Provided is a diagnostic patch system for monitoring and storing patient information, which includes sensors, a data storage unit, and a transceiver. Each of the sensors is attached to a skin to detect a patient data. The data storage unit is configured to store stream of the detected patient data from the plurality of sensors. The transceiver, connected with the sensors and the data storage unit, communicates the stream of the patient data with an analyzer, and the analyzer is configured to process and analyze the stream of the patient data. Two or more diagnostic patch systems can communicate with each other. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062671 | PERIODIC SAMPLING OF CARDIAC SIGNALS USING AN IMPLANTABLE MONITORING DEVICE - In a method of diagnosing an atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter condition, a monitoring device implanted in a subject acquires strips of a subcutaneous ECG signal of a predetermined length. The strips are acquired at regular, periodic intervals, and the timing of when the strips are acquired is not triggered by analysis of the subcutaneous ECG signal by the monitoring device. The acquired subcutaneous ECG strips are stored in memory of the implanted monitoring device, and transmitted from the implanted monitoring device for receipt by an external analysis system. In the external analysis system, the received subcutaneous ECG strips are processed to generate information for an assessment of an atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter burden for the subject. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062672 | Method of measuring an acoustic impedance of a respiratory system and diagnosing a respiratory disease or disorder or monitoring treatment of same - The present invention provides a method of measuring an acoustic impedance of a respiratory system. The method comprises selecting a frequency range for an acoustic wave, directing the acoustic wave into the respiratory system and receiving an acoustic wave from the respiratory system. The method also comprises determining the acoustic impedance for a plurality of volumes or volume ranges of the respiratory system. Each volume, or the volumes within each volume range, is larger than RV or FRC and smaller than TLC whereby the determined acoustic impedances are specific for respective volumes or volume ranges. Further, the method includes determining a volume, or volume range, dependency of the acoustic impedance of the respiratory system and charaterising the respiratory system by analysing the dependency of the acoustic impedance on the volume or volume range. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062673 | Electro-Pneumatic Assembly for Use in a Respiratory Measurement System - An electro-pneumatic assembly for use in a respiratory measurement system that includes a housing having a plurality of channels defined therein and a plurality of walls forming a cavity. The housing includes an upper face, a lower face, and a plurality of apertures defined in the lower face of the housing to. A cover is affixed to the upper face of the housing to enclose the cavity thereby forming a chamber, and to enclose the channels thereby forming a plurality of conduits. A control component is operatively coupled to at least one aperture in the plurality of apertures, and a measurement component is operatively coupled to at least one aperture in the plurality of apertures. This assembly provides a simple, robust component for managing the pneumatics of the respiratory measurement system. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062674 | SPIROMETRY-BASED METHOD FOR CONTINUOUS MONITORING OF WORK OF BREATHING AND MONITORING DEVICE THEREOF - A spirometry-based device for continuous monitoring of work of breathing (WOB) includes a flow sensor and a respiratory mechanics module connected with the flow sensor. The flow sensor may sample an airway gas flow and an airway pressure when a patient is in a state of inspiration. The respiratory mechanics module may calculate an incremental amount of a gas volume that flows to the patient side in a sampling period, calculate a product of the airway pressure and the incremental amount of the gas volume in the sampling period, and accumulate the product into the WOB. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062675 | DETECTION OF THE BEGINNING OF AN APNEA - The beginning of an apnea can be recognized reliably if a series of sample values describing the breathing noise of a patient are processed in block-wise manner, and if a fingerprint with a predetermined number of fingerprint coefficients describing a waveform of the sample values within a block is determined for a number of sample values within the block. Since the number of fingerprint coefficients is smaller than the number of sample values within the block, comparison of the fingerprint coefficients with reference fingerprint coefficients characteristic for the waveform at the beginning of an apnea can be performed efficiently and reliably, in order to detect the beginning of the apnea. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062676 | PHASE AND STATE DEPENDENT EEG AND BRAIN IMAGING - The present invention provides methods and devices for performing electroencephalographic (EEG) phase dependent brain imaging using evoked and event related potentials (EP, ERP) or other forms of brain imaging including functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and magnetic encephalography (MEG). The methods and devices can be used for a variety of purposes, including for the study of normal and pathological cognitive function, and for the diagnosis and prognosis of neurological and sleep disorders. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062677 | Method of Recording and Saving of Human Soul for Human Immortality and Installation for it - The inventor shows that a human soul is only the information in human brain. He offers a method for re-writing the human brain on electronic chips. This method allows for the modeling of a human soul in order to achieve man immortality. This method does not damage the brain but works to extend and enhance it. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062678 | Method and Apparatus for Prediction and Warning of Hypoglycaemic Attack - The present invention includes a method and device for warning of hypoglycaemic attacks, which is a big problem for especially diabetics, who are in insulin treatment. It is estimated that about 1 million people have a decreased quality of life as a result of hypoglycaemic attacks. The invention collects EEG signals from people, who must be supervised and analyses these in order to detect characteristic changes in the EEG signals, which occurs in advance of a hypoglycaemic attack. In a preferred embodiment the EEG signals are collected with subcutaneously placed electrodes and the signals are lead via wires drawn under the person's skin to a similar subcutaneously placed signal processing unit. The signal processing analyses the EEG signals and when the pre-seizure characteristics signal changes are detected, a warning signal is given to the person from an alarm giver build into the signal processing unit, e.g. in form of a vibrator. When a person detects a warning signal, the person can prevent the hypoglycaemic attack by e.g. consuming a sugary food. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062679 | CATEGORIZING PERCEPTUAL STIMULI BY DETECTING SUBCONCIOUS RESPONSES - A perceptual stimulus categorization technique is presented which identifies the stimuli category of a perceptual stimulus that has been presented to a person whose brain activity is being monitored. This generally accomplished by first training a detection module to recognize the part of the brain activity generated in response to the presentation of a stimulus belonging to each of one or more stimuli categories using brain activity information. Once the detection module is trained, a subsequent instance of a stimulus belonging to a trained stimuli category being presented to the person is detected, and this detection is used to identify the trained stimuli category to which the presented stimulus belongs. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062680 | ARTIFACT DETECTION AND CORRECTION SYSTEM FOR ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPH NEUROFEEDBACK TRAINING METHODOLOGY - The method for simultaneously and concurrently identifying and quantifying a wide variety of types of facial electromyographic (EMG) and eye movement electrooculargraphic (EOG) activity, which naturally contaminate electroencephalographic (EEG) waveforms in order to significantly improve the accuracy of the calculation in real-time of the amplitude and/or coherence of any brainwave activity for any chosen frequency bandwidth for any number of electrode placements. This multi-level, widely or universally applicable, pre-defined pattern recognition artifact detection and correction system provides a method for enhancing EEG biofeedback training by detecting and eliminating any brief, contaminated epoch of EEG activity from being included in the calculation and analysis of the EEG signal. The method and apparatus disclosed herein make it possible to provide without any interruption visual, auditory and/or tactile feedback of a “true” EEG signal that through operant conditioning learning principles enables individuals to more quickly and easily learn to control their brainwave activity using neurofeedback. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062681 | CONTENT BASED SELECTION AND META TAGGING OF ADVERTISEMENT BREAKS - A system evaluates stimulus materials such as videos, imagery, web pages, text, etc., in order to determine resonance and priming levels for various products and services at different temporal and spatial locations including advertisement breaks in the stimulus materials. The stimulus materials are tagged with resonance and priming level information to allow intelligent selection of suitable advertisement content for insertion at various locations in the stimulus materials. Response data such as survey data and/or neuro-response data including Event Related Potential (ERP), Electroencephalography (EEG), Galvanic Skin Response (GSR), Electrocardiograms (EKG), Electrooculography (EOG), eye tracking, and facial emotion encoding data may be used to determine resonance and priming levels. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062682 | Patient Advisory Device - A patient advisory device (“PAD”) and its methods of use. The PAD may be configured to alert the patient about an estimated brain state of the patient. In preferred embodiments, the PAD is adapted to alert the patient of the patient's brain state, which corresponds to the patient's propensity of transitioning into an ictal brain state, e.g., having a seizure. Based on the specific type of alert, the patient will be made aware whether they are highly unlikely to have a seizure for a given period of time, an elevated propensity of having a seizure, a seizure is occurring or imminent, or the patient's brain state is unknown. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062683 | THREE-DIMENSIONAL MONITORING OF MYOGRAPHIC ACTIVITY - A system comprising an electromyogram (EMG) system operative to sense electromyographic activity generated in a muscle, at least one position sensor, and a processor in communication with the EMG system and the at least one position sensor, the processor operative to process data of the EMG system and three-dimensional position and orientation information from the at least one position sensor to provide an output that comprises electromyographic activity data as a function of the three-dimensional position and orientation of the at least one position sensor. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062684 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR A GLOBAL MODEL OF HOLLOW INTERNAL ORGANS INCLUDING THE DETERMINATION OF CROSS-SECTIONAL AREAS AND VOLUME IN INTERNAL HOLLOW ORGANS AND WALL PROPERTIES - The present invention relates generally to medical measurement systems for evaluation of organ function and understanding symptom and pain mechanisms. This model takes into account a number of factors such as volume and properties of the fluid and the surrounding tissue. Particular emphasis is on a multifunctional probe that can provide a number of measurements including volume of refluxate in the esophagus and to what level it extents. The preferred embodiments of the invention relate to methods and apparatus for measuring luminal cross-sectional areas of internal organs such as blood vessels, the gastrointestinal tract, the urogenital tract and other hollow visceral organs and the volume of the flow through the organ. It can also be used to determine conductivity of the fluid in the lumen and thereby it can determine the parallel conductance of the wall and geometric and mechanical properties of the organ wall. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062685 | ELECTRO-OPTICAL SENSOR FOR PERIPHERAL NERVES - Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is employed to examine the neuronal activity and vascular response of a peripheral nerve for research or clinical purposes. An embodiment for implementing this approach has: a nerve stimulator; a tissue spectrometer; a stimulation probe adapted to apply a stimulation from the nerve stimulator to a peripheral nerve; at least one illumination optical fiber, where each illumination optical fiber is adapted to transmit a near-infrared source light to the peripheral nerve after the stimulation is applied; and a detection optical fiber adapted to collect and deliver to the tissue spectrometer a returning light from the peripheral nerve after each source light is transmitted to the peripheral nerve. The returning light has a returning intensity, and the tissue spectrometer can determine the returning intensity to provide readings of optical diffuse reflectance of the peripheral nerve after the stimulation is applied. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062686 | Physiological condition measuring device - A method may include providing an output comprising a presentation format to an end user. The output may be provided for user-based interaction. An interactive response from the end user may be measured in response to the presentation format of the output, where the interactive response may be indicative of at least one physiological condition regarding the end user. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062687 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND PRODUCTS FOR DIAGNOSTIC HEARING ASSESSMENTS DISTRIBUTED VIA THE USE OF A COMPUTER NETWORK - The systems, methods and associated devices performing diagnostic hearing tests which use a computer network to allow interaction between a test administration site and one or a plurality of remote patient sites. The test can be administered by an audiologist or clinician at a site remote from the patient, in a manner, which can allow interaction between the user and the clinician during at least a portion of the administration of the test. The diagnostic hearing tests can be performed such that they meet standardized guidelines such as ANSI requirements or certification standards and can include distortion product emission level measurements or middle ear compliance measurements. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062688 | Method for processing of continuous pressure-related signals derivable from a human or animal body or body cavity - This invention describes methods for processing pressure signals derivable from locations inside or outside a human or animal body or body cavity. The major aspect of the invention relates to methods for obtaining new and improved information from said pressure signals. The analysis output of said method may be presented in a variety of ways such as numerical values; trend plots of numerical values, histogram presentations or as a quantitative matrix, the presentation as a quantitative matrix is highlighted. Thereby completely new information about pressures is obtained. In particular, information about intracranial compliance is derived from the intracranial pressure (ICP) signal itself. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062689 | System for processing of continuous pressure-related signals derivable from a human or animal body or body cavity - This invention describes a method for processing pressure signals derivable from locations inside or outside a human or animal body or body cavity. Different aspects of the invention relate to a method for optimal differentiating between cardiac beat- and artifact-induced pressure waves, a method for obtaining new and improved information from said pressure signals, a method for obtaining signals predicting pressures inside a body or body cavity from pressure signals outside said body or body cavity. In particular, this invention describes a system for sensing continuous pressures signals and displaying otput of processing according to the inventive methods. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062690 | Specimen Collecting - A kit for collecting specimen includes a tubular member sized for placement in the vaginal canal, a sampling member configured for receipt within the tubular member, and a container of collection medium suitable for preserving and transporting human tissue cells and related tissue secretions. The tubular member has a wall defining a longitudinal through channel having a central axis. The tubular member defines an opening at a distal end oriented at an oblique angle to the central axis with a first section of the wall extending distally of a distal end of a second section of the wall. At least a portion of the first section of the wall flares distally to an enlarged outer diameter at the opening. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062691 | Specimen Collecting - A device includes a tubular member sized for placement in the vaginal canal. The tubular member has a wall defining a longitudinal through-channel having a central axis, and an opening at a distal end oriented at an oblique angle to the central axis such that a first section of the wall extends distally of a distal end of a second section of the wall. The first section flares outwardly by 13-30 mm to an enlarged outer diameter at the opening. The oblique angle is 20-65°, and the first section of the wall extends distally of the distal end of the second section of the wall by 20-60 mm. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062692 | Laparoscopic instrument and method for distance measurements of body parts - A laparoscopic instrument includes an elongated barrel portion which mountably extends between operable parts for engagement with internal structures and organs of a subject patient, which are disposed at a first end of the barrel portion, and an actuating mechanism disposed at a second end of the barrel portion which remains outside the patient and which allows actuation of the instrument by the surgeon, for example by hand manipulation. The operable parts include two jaw parts which collectively define a clamp in which an opening size between the two jaw parts is selectively alterable by operation of the actuating mechanism. The operable parts further include a distance displacement sensor to effect distance measurement when the body part of the patient is received between the jaw parts and the instrument moved there along. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062693 | System for determining individual user anthropometric characteristics related to mattress preference - A measuring device to aid mattress selection has an upstanding frame with a plurality of vertically space-apart horizontal illuminated strips. A camera mounted in front of the frame takes front view and side view images of a person standing in front of the illuminated strips. These images are delivered to an associated computer having means to determine the body mass distribution and the spine curvature of the person based on the images of the strips taken by the camera and in particular based on those portions of the image of the illuminated strips blocked by the person standing in front of the illuminated strips. This information can then be used to aid in appropriate mattress selection for the person. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062694 | INTERNAL NOSTRIL OR NASAL AIRWAY SIZING GAUGE - Methods of sizing a nasal airway by using certain measurements of digits. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062695 | APPARATUS FOR MEASURING AND ANALYZING EFFORTS EXERTED BY THE LEGS - The invention concerns methods and apparatus for measuring and analyzing leg effort. The apparatus includes a motorized treadmill secured to two superimposed upper and lower assemblies that are mounted in combination with measurement sensors. The apparatus may be used for analyzing the forces exerted while running, for example, by means of the lower assembly, or walking, by means of both the lower and upper assemblies. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062696 | Abnormal motion detector and monitor - In an embodiment, a seizure monitor provides intelligent epilepsy seizure detection, monitoring, and alerting for epilepsy patients or people with seizures. In an embodiment, the seizure monitor may be a wearable, non-intrusive, passive monitoring device that does not require any insertion or ingestion into the human body. In an embodiment, the seizure monitor may include several output options for outputting the accelerometer/gyro or other motion sensor data and video data, so that the data may be immediately validated and/or remotely viewed. The device alerts and communicated to the outside care givers via wirelessly or wired medium. The device may also support recording of accelerometer or other motion sensor data and video data, which can be reviewed later for further analysis and/or diagnosis. The device and invention is also used and applicable for other body motion disorders or detection and diagnostics. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062697 | INSERTABLE ULTRASOUND PROBES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR THERMAL THERAPY - Disclosed herein are methods and systems for producing hemostasis, tissue closure, or vessel closure by inserting a thermal delivery probe into a passageway and emitting thermal energy from the probe to produce the hemostasis or tissue closure. These methods and systems may be used following a percutaneous medical procedure that creates a passageway in tissue of patient, such as is caused by introduction of an access device into the patient. The thermal delivery probe may have one or more ultrasound transducers positioned in an elongated shaft. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062698 | Methods and apparatuses for rehabilitation and training - A method of rehabilitation using an actuator type that includes a movement mechanism capable of applying a force that interacts with a motion of a patient's limb in a volume of at least 30 cm in diameter, in at least three degrees of freedom of motion of the actuator and capable of preventing substantial motion in any point in any direction in said volume, comprising:
| 2009-03-05 |
20090062699 | DEVICE FOR REGULATING BLADDER MERIDIAN AND CHANNEL SINEWS OF FOOT TAIYANG - A device for regulating Bladder Meridian and Channel Sinews of Foot Taiyang includes a board having a top face and a bottom face. A rib is formed on an end of the top face. A plurality of holes are defined in the bottom faces and have different distances to the rib. A leg is removably engaged with one of the holes of the bottom face of the board to support the board in one of a plurality of inclination angles. In use, a user stands on the top face of the board, with his or her heels abutting against and supported by the rib. The feet of the user rest on the top face of the board and are, thus, in a bent position toward the lower limbs of the user to stretch the posterior sinews of the lower limbs of the user. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062700 | FACE-CONTOUR-COMPLIABLE EYESHADE - A face-contour-compliable eyeshade includes a hollow shade member in which a flexible unit is arranged. The flexible unit has predetermined resiliency, such as being made of metals, plastics, rubbers, and other flexible and bendable materials, for flexibly bending and shape setting, and has a shape corresponding to a portion around the user's eyes and is further provided with a plurality of bosses and a vibration unit that is attached thereto at a predetermined location, whereby the shade member is shape adjustable in order to comply with the user's face contour for tightly attaching to and engaging the portion around the eyes so that the vibration unit can make the plurality of bosses to vibrate for effecting acupressure and massage on acupuncture points around the eyes and the shade member is foldable for easy carrying. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062701 | LOWER EXTREMITY COMPRESSION DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO ENHANCE CIRCULATION - Systems and methods for enhancing circulation are described. In one particular embodiment, the invention provides a method for enhancing circulation. The method comprises attaching at least one compression device to at least a portion of a person's lower extremity. The person's chest is repetitively compressed so that the chest experiences a compression phase and a recoil phase or decompression. Also, the person's lower extremity is compressed using the compression device during at least some of the recoil phases. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062702 | Thermal device for application to the spine - A thermal wrap that extends down at least a portion of a user's spine. Thermal element(s) may be placed along the length of the thermal wrap to warm the spine region. Optionally, thermal element(s) are located in wing portions that may contact the user's upper back. | 2009-03-05 |
20090062703 | Compression Sleeve Having Air Conduits - A compression sleeve is described as having a first sheet, a second sheet attached to said first sheet and defining at least one inflatable section, and at least one conduit disposed within the boundary of the least one of said inflatable sections. | 2009-03-05 |