| 10th week of 2014 patent applcation highlights part 71 |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20140066740 | POLYMER NANO-COMPOSITES AS DRY SENSOR MATERIAL FOR BIOSIGNAL SENSING - The multifunctional polymer nano-composite sensor system for detecting various biosignals, such as EKG, includes (1) a polymer nano-composite sensor material that is flexible, elastic, soft, and conductive, (2) a sensor material fabricated into a desired shape or form, and (3) a signal capturing interface for collecting, transmitting and processing the signals. The present invention more specifically reveals a multi-functional nano-composite sensor for detecting biologically generated electrical signals which is comprised of a polymeric composition having an electrically conductive wire embedded therein, wherein the polymeric composition has a dispersion phase and a dispersed phase, wherein the dispersion phase is comprised of a thermoplastic polymer or a thermoset polymer, wherein the dispersed phase includes an electrically conductive filler, wherein the polymeric composition is gel-free, and wherein the electrically conductive wire is adapted for conveying an electrical signal to a signal processing device. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066741 | Disposable ECG Leadwire Connector - The ECG leadwire connector is designed in a way that allows low cost high volume manufacturing of an ECG leadwire assembly using standard continuous web converting processes and materials. The integrated ECG leadwire connector is assembled using the same printing and laminating processes that are used to construct the rest of the leadwire assembly. Patient safety requirements are met by the physical dimensions of the connector electrical contacts and by the thickness of a dielectric isolation feature which prevents inadvertent contact with potentially hazardous potentials, while still allowing the connector pins to make contact with the leadwire conductors. The connector also incorporates and RFID tag that allows multiple leadwire configurations to be accommodated and identified and authenticated during use. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066742 | METHOD AND SYSTEM TO IDENTIFY INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE (IOP) OF AN EYE - Non-tactile and non-evasive tonometer utilizing air flow with a definite amount of pressure to the eye and a mechanism to deflate the thin foil set that is placed near to eye ball such that re-bounded air hits on it. The mechanism involves acquiring or capturing then the images of the known pattern marking on thin foils both before and after deflating process due to rebounded air. On evaluating the deformation of the pattern appearing in the images obtained before and after air flow and calibrating the deformation with respect to size, translation, rotation and scaling parameters due the different pressure level that hits the eye ball and that rebounds on to thin foils, we arrive at a scheme of measuring the intraocular pressure of human eye. This intraocular pressure is used as a parameter for the ophthalmologist to diagnose glaucoma impairment of human beings. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066743 | OBJECT INFORMATION ACQUIRING APPARATUS - An object information acquiring apparatus is used which includes a first light source outputting irradiation light delivered to an object, an output unit to which the irradiation light is guided and which includes an opening smaller than a wavelength of the irradiation light, a probe detecting an acoustic wave generated when the object absorbs near-field light output by the output unit, and a signal processing unit acquiring information on an interior of the object from the acoustic wave detected by the probe. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066744 | OBJECT INFORMATION ACQUIRING APPARATUS - An object information acquiring apparatus according to the present invention has: a light source emitting light; a holding member holding an object; a probe receiving an acoustic wave, generated by the object when the light is irradiated on the object via the holding member, and outputting a received signal; and a signal processor acquiring information extracted from the object by using the received signal, wherein a region of the holding member that comes into contact with the object is configured as a non-uniform region that is a region where a normal direction of a tangential plane between the holding member and the object is not constant. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066745 | MEDICAL IMAGING SYSTEM AND METHOD USING DIFFERENT COMPUTERS FOR CONTROL OF DATA ACQUISITION AND FOR IMAGE RECONSTRUCTION - An imaging system, includes an imaging installation or an imaging scanner to generate raw data; a first computer that is connected with the imaging installation or the imaging scanner for controlling the imaging installation or the imaging scanner, a memory to store the generated raw data; and a second computer to calculate an image from the stored raw data. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066746 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CAPTURING MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGE - A method and apparatus for capturing a magnetic resonance image in which processes of generating T1 contrast for different regions of an object overlap with each other, thereby obtaining a magnetic resonance image having an improved contrast between different tissues within a short time. Therefore, a time required for obtaining a magnetic resonance image may be reduced, and a magnetic resonance image enabling improved diagnosis of a disease or other abnormal condition may be provided. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066747 | Episodic Memory Stimulation - The present invention comprises, without limitation, a method to maintain or increase brain health, wherein the method comprises a means to input information known to an individual, a means for an individual to access such information, access of the information by the individual, wherein the information evokes an episodic memory that stimulates brain health. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066748 | PROSTHETIC IMPLANT SHELL - A fluid-filled prosthetic implant having a shell comprising a matrix material and an additive distributed in the matrix material. The implant can be imaged in vivo using magnetic resonance imaging to more clearly reveal defects in the shell, relative to a implant having a shell without the additive material. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066749 | MEDICAL GATING USING POSITIVE AIRWAY PRESSURE DEVICES - A medical apparatus includes: a breathing device comprising an air pressure generator for generating air pressure, a tube for delivering the air pressure to a patient, and a sensor configured to sense a characteristic associated with a breathing of the patient; and a processing unit configured to receive an output from the sensor, and generate a control signal for controlling a medical device based at least in part on the output from the sensor. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066750 | Trajectory Guide Frame for MRI-Guided Surgeries - An MRI-guided interventional system for use with a patient and an interventional device includes a base, a trajectory guide frame, and a mounting device. The base is configured to be secured to a body of the patient. The trajectory guide frame includes a targeting cannula. The targeting cannula has an elongate guide bore extending axially therethrough, defining a trajectory axis, and being configured to guide placement of the interventional device. The trajectory guide frame is operable to move the targeting cannula relative to the base to position the trajectory axis to a desired intrabody trajectory to guide placement of the interventional device in vivo. A plurality of patient engagement structures are provided on the base and are configured to penetrate tissue of the body and to space the base apart from the tissue. The system further includes a plurality of fasteners configured to secure the base to the body. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066751 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING SIZE AND SIZE DISTRIBUTION OF MAGNETIC NANOPARTICLES USING VSM MAGNETIZATION DATA - A method and apparatus for performing accurate measurements of the magnetic properties of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in both liquid media and biological matrices for providing information on their size, size distribution and concentration in these media and matrices and, resulting in parameters that influence their functionality and effectiveness. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066752 | Methods and Systems for Using Therapeutic, Diagnostic or Prophylactic Magnetic Agents - Systems and methods are disclosed for directing magnetizable particles comprising therapeutic agents to a target volume, or for guiding magnetizable particles comprising therapeutic agents from a first target volume to a second target volume, at a distance using a magnetic field, to enable the treatment of diseased areas including areas deep inside a patient's body. The methods may be used to diagnose or treat diseased areas within a patient, for example tumors of the lungs, intestines, and liver, and is also useful in enhancing the permeability of solid tumors to chemotherapeutic agents. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066753 | WIRELESSLY POWERED MRI SIGNAL AMPLIFICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - An implantable parametric circuit enables local signal amplification and wireless transmission of RF signals in connection with magnetic resonance imaging systems. The parametric circuit detects RF signal detected during magnetic resonance imaging procedure, amplifies the detected RF signal, and transmits the amplified RF signal in a wireless manner to an external pick-up coil. The parametric amplifier is also configured to use another RF signal generated by an external source as the primary power source. As a result, implanted or catheter coils could be used as a wireless signal transducer without the need for a battery or a power connection. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066754 | Apparatus, Systems, and Methods for Localizing Markers or Tissue Structures within a Body - Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for localizing lesions within a patient's body, e.g., within a breast. The system may include one or more markers implantable within or around the target tissue region, and a probe for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals to detect the one or more markers. During use, the marker(s) are into a target tissue region, and the probe is placed against the patient's skin to detect and localize the marker(s). A tissue specimen, including the lesion and the marker(s), is then removed from the target tissue region based at least in part on the localization information from the probe. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066755 | Simultaneous Imaging and Particle Therapy Treatment system and Method - A simultaneous imaging and particle therapy treatment system including a means for generating a particle beamline, a treatment bed to receive and support a patient having a treatment volume, a gantry to receive the particle beamline from the generating means and to redirect the beamline to the patient's treatment volume, the gantry rotating about the treatment bed with an axis of rotation substantially coplanar with the treatment bed and redirecting the beamline to encounter the treatment volume substantially perpendicular to the gantry's axis of rotation, and an image scanner having a plurality of detector arrays radially positioned around the treatment bed to capture images of the treatment volume; whereby the scanner and gantry simultaneously capture images of and treat the treatment volume with particle therapy. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066756 | LOW COST MOLDED OPTICAL PROBE WITH ASTIGMATIC CORRECTION, FIBER PORT, LOW BACK REFLECTION, AND HIGHLY REPRODUCIBLE IN MANUFACTURING QUANTITIES - A low cost molded optical probe with astigmatic correction, fiber port, low back reflection, and highly reproducible in manufacturing quantities is provided. The molded optical probe, includes a fiber receiving portion defining a groove defined along a longitudinal axis for receiving an optical fiber; a spacer portion having a spacer portion surface non-orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the groove, the spacer portion surface configured to cooperate with a distal end of the optical fiber; a prism portion positioned adjacent the spacer portion and having a prism surface non-parallel to the spacer portion surface and non-orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and configured to reflect light transmit through the optical fiber off perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and a lens portion positioned adjacent the prism portion and having a lens surface configured to focus light received through the optical fiber. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066757 | WIDEBAND RADAR WITH HETEROGENEOUS ANTENNA ARRAYS - A heterogeneous antenna array containing antenna elements of different antenna element sizes interleaved among one another is disclosed. Heterogeneous antenna arrays as disclosed herein can efficiently cover a broad range of frequencies without loss of optimality at higher frequencies. Also disclosed are methods of frequency-domain oriented image reconstruction which are suitable for use with heterogeneous antenna arrays. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066758 | SPINAL IMPLANT SYSTEM AND METHODS OF USE - A method for treating a spine disorder includes providing a bone fastener including a distal portion and a proximal portion including an axial opening and defining a longitudinal passageway. At least one lateral opening is disposed in communication with the longitudinal passageway. The axial opening is disposed in communication with the longitudinal passageway. The distal portion is engaged with a first vertebral surface. The second vertebral surface is spaced apart from the first vertebral surface. A radiopaque biologic is introduced through the axial opening and into the longitudinal passageway and delivered to a surgical site adjacent the first vertebral surface and the second vertebral surface. Systems for treating a spine disorder are disclosed. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066759 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PARAMETRIC IMAGING - A method is provided including obtaining ultrasound information including anatomy information representative of a portion of anatomy to be imaged and artifact information representative of a coherent interference artifact. A contrast agent has been associated with the coherent interference artifact. Due to association with the contrast agent, the coherent interference artifact appears in different realizations in a plurality of readings taking along a single line. The method also includes suppressing the artifact information to form revised ultrasound information. Suppressing the artifact information includes using the plurality of readings to suppress the artifact information. Also, the method includes reconstructing the ultrasound image using the revised ultrasound information. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066760 | METHOD OF CHARACTERIZING TISSUE OF A PATIENT - A method for characterizing tissue of a patient, including receiving acoustic data derived from the interaction between the tissue and the acoustic waves irradiating the tissue; generating a morphology rendering of the tissue from the acoustic data, in which the rendering represents at least one biomechanical property of the tissue; determining a prognostic parameter for a region of interest in the rendering, in which the prognostic parameter incorporates the biomechanical property; and analyzing the prognostic parameter to characterize the region of interest. In some embodiment, the method further includes introducing a contrast agent into the tissue; generating a set of enhanced morphology renderings of the tissue after introducing the contrast agent; determining an enhanced prognostic parameter from the enhanced morphology renderings; and analyzing the enhanced prognostic parameter. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066761 | Optoacoustic-Ultrasonic Contrast Agents with Enhanced Efficiency - Provided herein are dual contrast agents or nanocomposite particles designed to enhance optoacoustic-ultrasonic imaging. The contrast agents or particles have a core designed to enhance response to incident transient ultrasonic pressure waves and at least two layers disposed around the core. The inner first layer is designed to effectively absorb incident transient optical waves, convert absorbed optical energy into heat and demonstrates significant thermal expansion and/or conversion of thermal energy into acoustic pressure. The outer second layer thermally insulates the inner layer from the surrounding aqueous environment and enhances the generation of transient ultrasonic pressure waves during optoacoustic-ultrasonic imaging and sensing. Also provided are methods of enhancing contrast in a tissue optoacoustic-ultrasonic imaging and producing enhanced optoacoustic images by contacting the tissue with the dual contrast agent or nanocomposite particles. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066762 | METHOD OF TRACKING SPECIFIC CELLS IN VIVO - A method of tracking specific cells in vivo is disclosed. The method of the disclosure includes: providing fluorescent nanoparticles suitable for targeting of specific cells; administering the fluorescent nanoparticles to a subject; providing an X-ray source to irradiate the subject; and determining the distribution and growth of the specific cells by the fluorescent images from the fluorescent nanoparticles and X-ray images of the subject irradiated by the X-ray source. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066763 | TRANSMISSIVE IMAGING AND RELATED APPARATUS AND METHODS - Apparatus and methods are described that include ultrasound imaging devices, which may operate in a transmissive ultrasound imaging modality, and which may be used to detect properties of interest of a subject such as index of refraction, density and/or speed of sound. Devices suitable for performing high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), as well as HIFU and ultrasound imaging, are also described. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066764 | CHARACTERIZATION OF TISSUE BY ULTRASOUND ECHOGRAPHY - Various embodiments concern sensing a first signal indicative of a plurality of different phases of a cardiac cycle with a sensor and sensing a second signal with an ultrasound sensor within the heart over different phases, the second signal indicative of the density of a section of cardiac tissue. Each phase can be associated with an indication of the density of the section of cardiac tissue during the phase based on the second signal. It can be determined whether the section of cardiac tissue compressed during the cardiac cycle based on a change in the indication of density of the cardiac tissue over the plurality of different phases. The efficacy of ablation therapy can be evaluated based on the compressibility of the section of cardiac tissue. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066765 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR INTRAVASCULAR IMAGING AND FLOW MEASUREMENT - Methods, systems and non-transitory computer readable media that store instructions executable by one or more processors for performing an interventional procedure are presented. One or more pulses are delivered to an intravascular region of interest (ROI) in a subject using at least one image sensor and at least one forward-looking flow sensor disposed at a distal end of an integrated intravascular device. Further, one or more images corresponding to the ROI are reconstructed using imaging signals received in response to the pulses delivered by the image sensor. Additionally, one or more flow characteristics corresponding to the ROI are determined based on the signals received in response to the pulses delivered by the flow sensor. The determined flow characteristics are used for computing one or more functional parameters corresponding to the ROI. An assessment of the subject may be provided based on the reconstructed images and/or the functional parameters. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066766 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AN ULTRASOUND WORKFLOW - An ultrasound imaging system including a user interface configured to receive user inputs from an operator during an imaging session. The user interface includes a display device having a display area and an image-processing module that is configured to receive ultrasound signals from a diagnostic probe and process the signals to generate ultrasound images. The system also includes a workflow module that is configured to display, concurrently, an acquired image of the ultrasound images and a user-selectable element in the display area. The acquired image includes an anatomical feature of a subject. The workflow module is configured to display an activated frame over the acquired image in the display area when the user-selectable element is selected by the operator. The activated frame appears partially transparent such that the anatomical feature is visible through the activated frame. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066767 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR NOISE REDUCTION AND SIGNAL ENHANCEMENT OF COHERENT IMAGING SYSTEMS - A system and method of processing an ultrasound signal may include, in response to receiving a set of complex frequency samples of the ultrasound signal inclusive of content data and noise at a first noise level and being used to image an anatomical region of a body, resampling multiple subsets of complex frequency samples from the set of complex frequency samples. The resampled subsets of complex frequency samples may be resampled from a first domain into a second domain. The transformed resampled subsets of complex frequency samples may be combined in the second domain to produce a result signal with a second noise level reduced from the first noise level. An image derived from the result signal may be displayed. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066768 | Frequency Distribution in Harmonic Ultrasound Imaging - Frequency variation is used in frequency compounding. A phase inversion harmonic image is compounded with a downshift harmonic image. The depths for downshifting fractional harmonics are determined based on a signal-to-noise ratio of the harmonic information at a given harmonic. The depth for transition between one type of harmonic imaging (e.g., phase inversion) and another (e.g., downshifted harmonic) is determined based on a similarity of the one type with noise. Weights used for frequency compounding are determined based on a difference between noise and one of the types of data to be compounded, and spatially steering angles. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066769 | BREAST ULTRASOUND SCANNING DEVICE - An apparatus and a method are disclosed for obtaining ultrasound images of a patient's breast that is chestwardly compressed with a template that is essentially planar and rotates relative to the breast while one or more ultrasound transducers moving with the template take 2D images of the breast through one or more respective radially oriented slots in the template, preferably through a membrane that is porous to a gel. The 2D images are processed into slice images representing breast slices of desired thicknesses and orientation that are displayed alone or with some of the 2D images, preferably pairs of orthogonally disposed 2D images. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066770 | ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND IMAGE ACQUISITION METHOD USING ULTRASONIC WAVES - This ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes: a probe position information obtaining section which obtains information about the position of a probe that has gotten a received signal from each point; a feature extracting and computing section which generates, based on the received signal with which the positional information has been associated, information to compose a three-dimensional image including a object of measurement; a feature data comparing section which stores information to compose a three-dimensional image that was gotten in the past and information about the position of the object of measurement, of which the characteristic was measured in the past, compares the information to compose the three-dimensional image that was gotten in the past to information to compose a three-dimensional image being gotten currently, and gets the positional information of the object of measurement, of which the characteristic was measured in the past, incorporated into the information to compose the three-dimensional image being gotten currently; and an image display processing section which performs processing to display a three-dimensional image based on the information to compose the three-dimensional image being gotten currently, the positional information of the object of measurement, of which the characteristic was measured in the past and which has been incorporated by the feature data comparing section, and information about the current position of the probe. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066771 | VERSATILE BREAST ULTRASOUND SCANNING - Versatile ultrasound scanning of a breast is described using an apparatus ( | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066772 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMAGING A VOLUME OF TISSUE WITH TISSUE BOUNDARY DETECTION - A method and system for imaging a volume of tissue and defining a tissue boundary comprising: receiving a baseline dataset representative of a first set of signals interacting with a medium; receiving a reconstruction dataset representative of a second set of signals interacting with the medium and the volume of tissue present in the medium; determining a set of direct emitter-receiver pairs, each defining a direct trajectory that does not pass through the volume of tissue; from the set of direct emitter-receiver pairs, determining a set of tangential emitter-receiver pairs, each defining a bounding vector comprising a tangent point along the tissue boundary; determining a set of interior pixels, of the reconstruction dataset, characterized by a set of pixel locations within the tissue boundary; and reconstructing pixels of the set of interior pixels, thereby transforming the baseline and the reconstruction datasets into an image rendering of the volume of tissue. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066773 | ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS AND IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS - An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes a transmitting and receiving unit, an extracting unit, a generating unit, a brightness information controlling unit and a display unit. The transmitting and receiving unit transmits an ultrasonic wave to and receives an ultrasonic wave from a diagnosis part including a moving body in an object. The extracting unit extracts a Doppler signal based on a reception signal obtained by the transmitting and receiving unit. The generating unit executes a frequency analysis on the basis of the Doppler signal and generates a Doppler spectrum. The brightness information controlling unit controls brightness information on the Doppler spectrum on the basis of a brightness correction value appropriate for a frequency subjected to the frequency analysis. The display unit displays, on a display device, the Doppler spectrum on which the brightness information is controlled by the brightness information controlling unit. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066774 | BIOCOMPATIBLE AND ULTRASOUND-DIFFERENTIABLE MICRO-OBJECTS SUITABLE FOR IMPLANTATION IN A VERTEBRATE SUBJECT - Described embodiments include a system. A described system includes a set of at least two biocompatible and ultrasound-differentiable micro-objects suitable for implantation in a vertebrate subject. Each micro-object of the set of micro-objects while implanted respectively returning an echo response to an applied ultrasound energy having a machine recognizable feature differentiating the micro-object over each other micro-object of the set of micro-objects (hereafter “set of micro-objects”). The system includes a conversion table correlating each digit of the conversion table base system with a respective machine recognizable feature in an echo response to an ultrasound energy applied to a micro-object of the set of micro-objects. In an embodiment, the system includes a packaging material carrying the set of micro-objects and the conversion table. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066775 | READING ULTRASOUND-DIFFERENTIABLE MICRO-OBJECTS IMPLANTED IN A VERTEBRATE SUBJECT AND HAVING A SPATIAL FORMAT - Described embodiments include a system, method, and computer program product. A receiver circuit receives ultrasound echoes from ultrasound-differentiable micro-objects implanted in a vertebrate subject in accordance with an implantable media format (hereafter “implanted micro-objects”). A format decoding circuit identifies the respective implantation region of the implantable media format occupied by each implanted micro-object based on their respective echoes. A micro-object recognition circuit recognizes each implanted micro-object based upon a machine recognizable feature in the respective echoes. A micro-object decoder circuit respectively decodes each recognized micro-object of the two implanted micro-objects into a unit of information pursuant to the identified implantation region of the recognized micro-object and a conversion table. An aggregator circuit collects the decoded units of information into a decoded information set. A computer storage media saves the decoded information set. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066776 | READING ULTRASOUND-DIFFERENTIABLE MICRO-OBJECTS ENCODING DATA AND IMPLANTED IN A VERTEBRATE SUBJECT - Described embodiments include a system, method, and computer program product. A receiver circuit receives ultrasound echoes from at least two ultrasound-differentiable micro-objects implanted in a vertebrate subject (hereafter “implanted micro-objects”). A recognition circuit recognizes each implanted micro-object based upon a machine recognizable feature in the received echoes. A decoder circuit decodes pursuant to a conversion table each recognized implanted micro-objects into a digit of the base system of the conversion table. An aggregator circuit collects the decoded digits into a decoded data set. A computer storage media saves the decoded data set. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066777 | IMPLANTATION OF ULTRASOUND-DIFFERENTIABLE MICRO-OBJECTS ENCODING DATA IN A VERTEBRATE SUBJECT - Described embodiments include a system and a method. A conversion table correlates each digit of the conversion table base system to a respective machine recognizable feature in an ultrasound echo response by a respective micro-object of a set at least two ultrasound-differentiable micro-objects (hereafter “set of micro-objects). An encoding apparatus encodes a data set into machine recognizable features of at least two micro-objects of the set of micro-objects pursuant to the conversion table. A selector apparatus picks from a physical set of the micro-objects at least two micro-objects having the machine recognizable features corresponding to the encoded data set. Each micro-object of the physical set of micro-objects is biocompatible and suitable for implantation in a vertebrate subject. Each micro-object while implanted returns an ultrasound echo having a machine recognizable feature differentiating the micro-object over each other micro-object of the set of micro-objects. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066778 | ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER DEVICE, PROBE, ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENT, AND ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE - An ultrasonic transducer device includes a substrate, a vibrating film, a piezoelectric element, an input section and a detection section. The substrate has a plurality of openings. The vibrating film provided in each of the openings to cover a corresponding one of the openings. The piezoelectric element is provided in each of the openings on the vibrating film. The input section is configured and arranged to input a drive signal to a part of piezoelectric elements among the piezoelectric elements. The detection section is configured and arranged to detect vibration of the piezoelectric elements, in which the drive signal is not inputted, among the piezoelectric elements while the drive signal is inputted to the part of the piezoelectric elements among the piezoelectric elements. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066779 | ATTACHMENT FOR ULTRASONIC PROBE, ULTRASONIC PROBE, ELECTRONIC DEVICE, AND ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS - An attachment for an ultrasonic probe is adapted to be mounted onto an ultrasonic probe body of the ultrasonic probe. The attachment for an ultrasonic probe includes a cover member and a protective member. The cover member is configured and arranged to cover an ultrasonic wave emission surface of a head section of the ultrasonic probe body when the attachment is mounted onto the ultrasonic probe body. The protective member is provided to a surface of the cover member facing the ultrasonic wave emission surface, and configured and arranged to be in contact with the ultrasonic wave emission surface when the attachment is mounted onto the ultrasonic probe body. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066780 | SYSTEM FOR EVALUATING INFANT MOVEMENT USING GESTURE RECOGNITION - A system and method for measuring the movement of one or more limbs of an infant using a video system for the purpose of determining whether the infant suffers from or is at risk of suffering from a medical condition such as cerebral palsy. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066781 | MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE DEVICE - A medical diagnosis device and a method for controlling the device that detect an abnormal portion of a diagnosis target early and accurately are provided. A medical diagnosis device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a light source configured to irradiate light onto a diagnosis target; an optical filter configured to filter out visible light and infrared light from light reflected from the diagnosis target and convert an optical path of the filtered visible or infrared light; a polarization beam splitter configured to polarize the infrared light filtered by the optical filter; a first image acquisition unit configured to acquire a first image from the visible light filtered by the optical fiber; and a second image acquisition unit configured to acquire a second image from the infrared light polarized by the polarization beam splitter. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066782 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING A RESTING HEART RATE OF AN INDIVIDUAL - A system to determine a resting heart rate (HR) of an individual. The system may include a monitor that is configured to be operatively connected to a sensor that obtains physiological signals from an individual. The monitor is configured to receive the physiological signals from the sensor. The monitor may include a validation module that is configured to analyze the physiological signals to identify valid heart beats from the physiological signals. The monitor may also include a rate-determining module that is configured to determine an HR signal that is based on the valid heart beats. The HR signal includes a series of data points. The monitor may also include an analysis module that is configured to analyze the HR signal and identify baseline data points from the series of data points. The analysis module is configured to calculate the resting HR based on the baseline data points. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066783 | NOISE SHIELDING FOR A NONINVAISE DEVICE - A noninvasive physiological sensor for measuring one or more physiological parameters of a medical patient can include a bump interposed between a light source and a photodetector. The bump can be placed in contact with body tissue of a patient and thereby reduce a thickness of the body tissue. As a result, an optical pathlength between the light source and the photodetector can be reduced. In addition, the sensor can include a heat sink that can direct heat away from the light source. Moreover, the sensor can include shielding in the optical path between the light source and the photodetector. The shielding can reduce noise received by the photodetector. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066784 | ENDOSCOPE AND IMAGE ACQUISITION METHOD - An endoscope configured to measure a specimen using a pattern projection image of the specimen on which a light and shade pattern of light is projected, the endoscope may include: an insertion unit; an image capturing unit installed at a tip section of the insertion unit and configured to acquire an image of the specimen; an illumination unit having a first light source configured to emit illumination light to illuminate an observation field of vision of the image capturing unit; a pattern projection unit having a second light source configured to emit projection light to project the light and shade pattern on the specimen; and a control unit configured to control an operation of acquiring the image by the image capturing unit, an operation of emitting the illumination light from the illumination unit, and an operation of emitting the projection light from the pattern projection unit. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066785 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING STROKE VOLUME OF AN INDIVIDUAL - A system for determining stroke volume of an individual. The system includes a skew-determining module that is configured to calculate a first derivative of photoplethysmogram (PPG) signals of the individual. The first derivative forms a derivative waveform. The skew-determining module is configured to determine a skew metric of the first derivative, wherein the skew metric is indicative of a morphology of at least one pulse wave detected from blood flow of the individual in the derivative waveform. The system also includes an analysis module that is configured to determine a stroke volume of the individual. The stroke volume is a function of the skew metric of the first derivative. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066786 | Method and Apparatus For Improved Wound Healing and Enhancement of Rehabilitation - Methods and a device for improving wound healing and for improving the effects of rehabilitative therapies in patients with cognitive and motor deficits are provided. Repeated regimens of remote ischemic conditioning are performed. Markers of ischemia are monitored in the tissue. The remote ischemic conditioning regimen may be adjusted based on the monitoring results. The remote ischemic conditioning regimen can be performed at a hospital, medical clinic, healthcare facility, or at a subject's home. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066787 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RECONSTRUCTING CARDIAC ACTIVATION INFORMATION - An example system and method of processing cardiac activation information are disclosed. The method includes accessing a first cardiac signal and a second cardiac signal obtained from a patient. The first cardiac signal and the second cardiac signal are processed to determine whether there is a point of change in the first cardiac signal at which a derivative of the first cardiac signal diverges with respect to a derivative of the second cardiac signal above a threshold. An activation onset time is assigned in the first cardiac signal at the point of change to define a cardiac activation if the point of change is in the first cardiac signal. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066788 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING PULSE TRANSIT TIME AS A FUNCTION OF BLOOD PRESSURE - A method is provided for determining pulse transit time of a subject as a function of blood pressure. The method includes: measuring a proximal waveform indicative of the arterial pulse at a proximal site of the subject; measuring a distal waveform indicative of the arterial pulse at a distal site of the subject; defining a relationship between the proximal waveform and the distal waveform in terms of unknown parameters of a nonlinear model; determining the unknown parameters of the nonlinear model from the measured proximal waveform and the measured distal waveform; and determining pulse transit time for the subject as a function of blood pressure from the parameters of the nonlinear model. The nonlinear model can account for arterial compliance and peripheral wave reflection, where the arterial compliance depends on blood pressure. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066789 | SENSOR GUIDEWIRE - A sensor guidewire includes a sensor and a tubular body that covers the sensor. The tubular body includes a proximal blocking wall that is formed on a proximal side of a measurement portion of the sensor, a distal blocking wall that is formed on a distal side of the measurement portion of the sensor, and a hole that extends through the tubular body and through which blood flows into or flows out of the tubular body past the measurement portion of the sensor. The sensor is disposed on a proximal side of the hole. The proximal blocking wall and the distal blocking wall form a measurement chamber in the tubular body, and the sensor does not impede blood flow through the hole. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066790 | Pressure Sensing Intravascular Devices With Reduced Drift and Associated Systems and Methods - Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the intravascular devices include at least one pressure sensing component positioned within a distal portion of the device. In some instances, a plurality of conductors are electrically coupled to the pressure sensing component and a potting material covers the electrical connections between the plurality of conductors and the pressure sensing component. In some instances, the potting material has a durometer hardness between about 20 Shore A and about 50 Shore A, a moisture absorption rate of about 0% per twenty-four hours, a linear shrinkage of 0%, a coefficient of thermal expansion (m/m/-° C.) of between about 1.0×10 | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066791 | Mounting Structures for Components of Intravascular Devices - Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the intravascular devices include at least one mounting structure within a distal portion of the device. In that regard, one or more electronic, optical, and/or electro-optical component is coupled to the mounting structure. In some instances, the mounting structure is formed of a plurality of material layers. In some embodiments, the material layers have substantially constant thicknesses. Methods of making and/or assembling such intravascular devices/systems are also provided. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066792 | BLOOD PRESSURE MEASURING METHOD, BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENT SET AND FLEXIBLE MEASURING ELEMENT THEREOF - A flexible measuring element for use with plural blood pressure measuring cuffs is provided. The flexible measuring element includes a flexible body, an identification block distribution region, and an indicating part. The identification block distribution region is disposed on the flexible body. The identification block distribution region includes at least two different identification blocks matching corresponding identification signs of the plural blood pressure measuring cuffs. When the flexible body is wrapped around an animal limb by a user, the indicating part lies within a specified identification block of the at least two identification blocks for prompting the user to select a specified blood pressure measuring cuff corresponding to the specified identification block. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066793 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING CUFF BLOOD PRESSURE - A method is provided for determining blood pressure for a subject using a sphygmomanometer. The method includes: measuring an oscillometric cuff pressure waveform of the subject using the sphygmomanometer; representing the measured waveform with a physical model accounting for mechanics of the cuff, an artery and coupling between the cuff and the artery; determining the model unknowns from the measured waveform; and determining blood pressure for the subject using the determined model. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066794 | HEART PARAMETER MONITOR - An electronic device to measure the level of mental activity of an individual includes measurement structure for measuring the interval between every heart beat of the individual. The device also includes analysis structure that is constructed to perform a series of mathematical calculations ultimately to compute an index number for the individual. That index number is a measure of mental activity of the individual and is usable to predict the quality of the individual's performance in a desired activity. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066795 | CONTINUOUS ASSESMENT OF ECG SIGNAL QUALITY - A method and system for assessing an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal quality are disclosed. In a first aspect, the method comprises determining a Kurtosis calculation of the ECG signal and determining whether the Kurtosis calculation satisfies a first threshold to continuously assess the ECG signal quality. In a second aspect, the system comprises a wireless sensor device coupled to a user via at least one electrode, wherein the wireless sensor device includes a processor and a memory device coupled to the processor, wherein the memory device stores an application which, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to determine a Kurtosis calculation of the ECG signal and to determine whether the Kurtosis calculation satisfies a first threshold to continuously assess the ECG signal quality. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066796 | DISPLAY OF DETECTED PATIENT POSTURE STATE - The disclosure provides a system that displays an indicator of patient posture state that changes according to posture state data. The posture state data may be transmitted from a medical device, for example, in or near real-time. In some examples, the disclosure relates to a method comprising receiving posture state data for a patient from a medical device; and presenting an indicator indicative of two or more of posture states based on the received posture state data, wherein each posture state of the two or more posture states is determined based on different detection criteria. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066797 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ANALYZING CHANGES IN CARDIAC OUTPUT - A system is provided including a cardiac output monitor configured to be operatively connected to a detection module that obtains electrocardiogram (ECG) signals from the patient. The monitor includes an axis analysis module and a cardiac output module. The axis analysis module is configured to obtain ECG axis information including information corresponding to at least one ECG axis of a patient. The axis analysis module is also configured to determine ECG axis change information corresponding to a change in the ECG axis information of the patient. The cardiac output analysis module is configured to determine a change in cardiac output using the ECG axis change information. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066798 | CARDIAC PERFORMANCE MONITORING SYSTEM FOR USE WITH MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS DEVICES - Described herein are apparatuses (e.g., devices, systems, software), and methods for monitoring the cardiac health of a patient. The apparatuses and methods may include a smartphone or hand held computing device having an accelerometer. The apparatus may also include a device with a plurality of electrodes integral with or attached to the smartphone. The devices can be placed on a patient's chest to measure electrical signals and vibrations on the chest caused by the heartbeat. The measurements can generate a seismocardiogram (SCG) and in some variations an electrocardiogram (ECG). The apparatuses and methods can analyze the data in the SCG to produce a measure of the cardiac function. Changes in such measures can provide an early warning for potential cardiac problems and signal the need for the patient to seek treatment prior to a fatal cardiac event. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066799 | SCHEMA FOR USING DYNAMIC COLOR AND PATTERN BACKGROUNDS FOR ELECTROCARDIOGRAM DISPLAYS AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - The present technology is generally directed to schemas for using dynamic color and pattern backgrounds for electrocardiogram display and associated systems and methods. In a particular embodiment, a method of displaying an electrocardiogram rhythm can include receiving an electrocardiogram signal and applying an algorithm to the signal to determine a rhythm diagnosis or recommended therapy. The method can further include displaying a color and/or a pattern corresponding to the rhythm diagnosis or recommended therapy. In various embodiments, the method can be performed in real time or on a pre-recorded signal for post-event analysis. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066800 | AIRWAY ADAPTOR, BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION ACQUIRING SYSTEM, AND OXYGEN MASK - An airway adaptor includes: a gas passage into which a respiratory gas of a subject is to flow; a respiratory gas introducing portion which is configured to guide the respiratory gas expired from at least one of nostrils and a mouth of the subject, to the gas passage; and an airway case on which a temperature sensor that is configured to detect a temperature change of the respiratory gas flowing into the gas passage is mountable. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066801 | Nasal Interface Device - A nasal interface device delivers a high flow rate of a gas having a pressure that is adjustable to a patient. The device includes a nasal insert that is adapted to deliver pressurized breathing gas to a nasal cavity of the patient, and to receive expired air. The nasal insert has a pressurized breathing gas delivery port and an expired gas port. The expired gas port has a plurality of openings extending therethrough. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066802 | Cognition and Usability Aptitude Evaluations for Clinician Programmers - The present disclosure involves an electronic device. The electronic device is configured to perform evaluations on a patient user for medical purposes. The electronic device includes a touchscreen display configured to receive input from the user. The electronic device includes a memory storage component configured to store programming code. The electronic device includes a computer processor configured to execute the programming code to perform an evaluation of the user's mental and physical abilities. The evaluation includes prompting the user to perform a plurality of tasks. At least one of the tasks prompts the user to manipulate one or more graphical models shown on the touchscreen display according to predefined instructions. The evaluation includes detecting, via the touchscreen display, responses from the user for the tasks. The evaluation includes determining, based on the detected responses, whether the user is mentally and physically fit to provide reliable feedback to medical personnel. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066803 | METHOD FOR ANALYZING NERVE FIBER DISTRIBUTION AND MEASURING NORMALIZED EVOKED COMPOUND ACTION ELECTRIC POTENTIAL - A method for analyzing nerve fibers distribution is provided, including inputting a stimulation signal into a nerve tissue through at least two sensing and conducting electrodes, applying a stimulation signal ratio to control the stimulation signal using an electric current steering technique to electrically stimulate a plurality of nerve fibers within a plurality of stimulations areas of the nerve tissue; receiving a plurality of evoked compound action potentials (ECAP) using at least two sensing and conducting electrodes due to the nerve fibers electrically stimulated and computing a distance between the nerve fiber and the conducting electrodes including eliminating non-ideal effect caused by an electric potential attenuation factor, wherein the electric potential attenuation factor is a function of the distance between each of the conducting electrodes and the nerve tissue; and integrating and comparing the received ECAPs and analyzing the nerve fibers distribution of the nerve tissue. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066804 | BLADDER PRESSURE MEASUREMENT SYSTEM - The invention relates to a bladder pressure measurement system and to a measurement method comprising a measurement capsule ( | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066805 | BIOPSY DEVICE - A biopsy device is disclosed. The biopsy device includes a chamber having a body having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end includes an inlet. The biopsy device further includes a vacuum generator for generating negative and positive pressure and at least one first recessed area and at least one second recessed area. The first recessed area extends along an inner wall of the body, proximate the proximal end of the body of the chamber. The first recessed area is configured to release pressure within the chamber. The second recessed area extends along the inner wall of the body, proximate the distal end of the body of the chamber. The second recessed area is configured to release pressure within the chamber. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066806 | Breast Biopsy Needle Localization Cover - What is disclosed is a medical device for covering the protruding end of a localization wire during a breast biopsy procedure. The cover is a generally hollow bell shaped device with an opening on the bottom thereof for receipt of the protruding end of the wire. In addition, there are adhesive tabs on the bottom of the cover to attach the device to the patient after placement over the protruding end of the wire. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066807 | Sampling System - A sampling system comprises a mailing package; a cell sampling device comprising a flexible shaft having a handle at one end, wherein the shaft is configured to allow an individual to self collect a cell sample from mucous tissue, and a sample collecting element removably connectable with the other end of the shaft and operable to collect a cell sample from mucous tissue of an individual; and a sealable unit, wherein the unit is configured to store the sample collecting element having a cell sample thereon configured to receive the remaining components of the system for delivery to a user. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066808 | SIGNAL PROCESSING SYSTEM, SIGNAL PROCESSING APPARATUS, AND STORAGE MEDIUM - There is provided a signal processing system including a first detection section which detects, from outside a body cavity, first audio signals of a prescribed part inside the body cavity, a second detection section which detects, from inside the body cavity, second audio signals of the prescribed part inside the body cavity, and a generation section which generates third audio signals based on the first audio signals and the second audio signals. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066809 | FEMORAL CONDYLAR RADIUS GAGE - An instrument and method for determining the location of the anatomical epicondylar axis between the condyles of a femur is provided. The instrument includes first and second gauges each for measuring a radius of a femoral condyle and a frame. At least one of the gauges is movably connected to the frame. The method includes positioning the measuring end of each gauge against a separate condyle of a femur, actuating a pivoting member of each gauge to determine the radius of each condyle, measuring the distance between the condyles, and determining the location of the anatomical epicondylar axis of the femur. A measurement can be taken from a measuring scale provided on the gauge and from another scale provided on the frame. Determining the location of the axis can further include performing a calculation utilizing the radii of the condyles and the distance between the condyles. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066810 | ORTHOPEDIC MEASUREMENT DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A device for orthopedic measurements includes a main housing, a center member, a measurement indicator, and a flexible member. The main housing has a proximal end with a top opening and a distal end with a side opening, and defines a longitudinal axis and includes a main housing cavity. The center member is disposed along the longitudinal axis within the main housing cavity. The measurement indicator is operatively connected to the center member, and is configured and adapted to display a measurement of a distance. The flexible member is threaded through the main housing cavity, and includes a first end and an opposed second end with an eyelet disposed proximate the side opening of the main housing. The eyelet is configured to be drawn away from the main housing, extending the flexible member outward with respect to the side opening to display a measurement on the measurement indicator. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066811 | POSTURE MONITOR - Disclosed is a method for detecting the body posture using sensors and supporting software, analyzing detected posture for deficiencies versus customizable parameters, recording posture trends over time, and training a user to adopt correct posture through dynamic feedback methods. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066812 | System and Method for Monitoring the Health of Joints - A system and method for detecting lubrication conditions, lubrication regimes, impingement, stick-slip, and/or surface damage allows the health of a joint to be monitored. The system and method provides in situ or in vivo real-time monitoring of dynamic and static conditions of the joint. The monitoring system may use both passive and active sensing approaches that employ strategically placed piezoelectric transducers on/in the articulating components of the joint. In some embodiments, the transducers may be Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) transducers. Active sensing may be used to detect lubrication regimes under static and dynamic conditions. Passive sensing may be used to characterize the joint motion and abnormities, such as impingements and surface damages. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066813 | INTRA VAGINAL DEVICE TO AID IN TRAINING AND DETERMINING MUSCLE STRENGTH - An intra vaginal device ( | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066814 | STRAIN MONITORING SYSTEM AND APPARATUS - A system for monitoring strain as an indicator of biological conditions, such as spinal fusion, glucose levels, spinal loading, and heart rate. The system includes an inter-digitated capacitor sensor, and RF transmitter, and an associated antenna, all of which are microminiature or microscopic in size and can be implanted in a biological host such as a human or animal. An inductively coupled power supply is also employed to avoid the need for implantation of chemical batteries. Power is provided to the sensor and transmitter, and data is transmitted from the sensor, when an external receiving device, such as a handheld RF ID type receiver, is placed proximate the location of the implanted sensor, transmitter and inductively coupled power supply. The implanted sensor, transmitter and inductively coupled power supply can be left in place permanently or removed when desired. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066815 | PATIENT MOBILITY SURFACE ASSESSMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A patient support apparatus includes a control system that measures changes in the pressure of one or more zones of a patient supporting surface and utilizes the changes in pressure to determine the mobility of a person supported on the patient supporting surface. The mobility of the person may be measured using one of several methods. The mobility measurement results in the determination of a mobility score. The mobility score is graphically displayed on a user interface that is interactive and allows a user to view additional information besides the mobility score. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066816 | METHOD, APPARATUS, AND SYSTEM FOR CHARACTERIZING GAIT - Disclosed embodiments relate to methods, apparatuses, and systems for characterizing gait. Specifically, disclosed embodiments are related methods, apparatuses, and systems for characterizing gait with wearable and wirelessly synchronized inertial measurement units. These include a method for gait characterization that comprises (a) detecting zero-velocity periods using two or more wearable and wirelessly synchronized movement monitoring devices including a triaxial accelerometer and a triaxial gyroscope and (b) calculating temporal measures of gait during walking by estimating the change in position and orientation during each step. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066817 | Method and System for Preventing Virus-Related Obesity and Obesity Related Diseases - A method for preventing obesity related to infection by an adipogenic adenovirus includes obtaining a sample from a person, assaying the sample to determine whether the person has been previously infected with an adipogenic adenovirus, and if the person has not been previously infected, providing the person with at least one sensor positioned to detect when a person's hand approaches a predetermined distance from the person's face. By warning the person of undesired hand-to-face contacts, the person is able to reduce the incidence of obesity related infections. Other embodiments are directed to a kit for preventing obesity caused by infection with an adipogenic adenovirus, such kit including a container for assaying an agent indicating the presence of antibodies to Ad-36, and a sensor positioned on an item selected from the group consisting of one of a hat, a writing instrument, eye glasses, a belt, sunglasses, a bra, a shirt, and a tie. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066818 | ULTRASONIC TREATMENT DEVICE - An ultrasonic treatment device includes a transmitting connection section connecting a proximal-side vibration transmitting section to a distal-side vibration transmitting section at an anti-node position of an ultrasonic vibration. The ultrasonic treatment device includes a detecting section detecting a coupled state in which a treatment unit is coupled with a vibrator unit or a non-coupled state in which the treatment unit is not coupled with the vibrator unit, and a supply control section controlling a supply state of a generating electric power from an electric power supply section based on a detection result of the detecting section when a first vibration generating operation is input. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066819 | LUMINESCENCE-GUIDED FOCUSED ULTRASOUND APPARATUS AND METHOD - A luminescence-guided focused ultrasound apparatus, comprising at least one focused ultrasound transducer that delivers focused ultrasound energy to at least one focal region within the subject, at least one luminescence detector that detects a luminescence signal generated within the subject, and at least one guiding element that guides the at least one focused ultrasound transducer to deliver focused ultrasound energy to the at least one focal region wherein the at least one guiding element is influenced by the detected luminescence signal. The at least one focused ultrasound transducer may be configured in operate in a plurality of modes, including a low-intensity mode for delivering low-intensity focused ultrasound energy and a high-intensity mode for delivering high-intensity focused ultrasound energy. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066820 | TREATING SPINAL CORD INJURIES VIA LASER THERAPY - Aspects for treating spinal cord injuries are disclosed. In a particular aspect, a method includes identifying a neurological level of a spinal cord injury, and activating neurons via laser therapy in which a laser beam is applied to an area proximate to the neurological level. In another aspect, a computer-readable storage medium includes computer-readable instructions for performing various acts. Such acts comprise ascertaining a neurological level of a spinal cord injury, and receiving data corresponding to a severity of the spinal cord injury. The acts further comprise outputting a laser calibration according to the neurological level and the severity. A medical device apparatus is also provided, which includes various computer executable components. The computer executable components include an assessment component configured to receive parameters corresponding to a spinal cord injury, and a calibration component configured to ascertain a laser calibration according to the at least one parameter. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066821 | METHODS, APPARATUSES, AND SYSTEMS FOR REDUCING INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING OR TREATING OPEN-ANGLE GLAUCOMA - Embodiments include methods, apparatuses, and systems for reducing elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in a patient to either prevent or treat open-angle glaucoma. Heat is applied to the trabecular meshwork in the patient's eye without damaging proteins in the trabecular meshwork. The application of heat to the trabecular meshwork has the effect of relaxing or loosening protein clogs or other inhibitors in the trabecular meshwork, which are either reducing or obstructing of the outflow of aqueous humor, thereby increasing the patient's IOP and causing ocular hypertension (OHT). By loosening or relaxing clogs or other inhibitors in the trabecular meshwork, the outflow path for aqueous humor is increased or restored, which can lower IOP and either prevent or treat glaucoma. Force may also be applied to the patient's eye to apply pressure to the trabecular meshwork to further assist in the loosening or relaxing of clogs or other inhibitors in the trabecular meshwork. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066822 | Method and Device for Mechanical Chest Compression with Optical Alignment - Optical alignment for piston driven chest compression devices optimizes the application of chest compressions to a fixed location on a subject's chest and provides information regarding the depth and frequency of chest compressions. The targeting system records and may display some telemetry corresponding to any movement or “walking” away from the selected compression site as well as the depth and frequency of compressions. The targeting system is interconnected to the compression device controller and the targeting system provides warnings to operators if the compression components contact the subject outside a preset warning limit away from the selected compression site. The targeting system may also halt the compression device if the site of contact between the compression components and the subject is located outside a preset absolute limit. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066823 | Mechanical CPR Device with Variable Resuscitation Protocol - Methods to control the delivery of CPR to a patient through a mechanical CPR device are described. The method generally allows for a gradual increase in the frequency of CPR cycles. The gradual increase can be regulated by protocols programmed within the CPR device such as intermittently starting and stopping the delivery of CPR accelerating the delivery of CPR, stepping up the CPR frequency, increasing the force of CPR, and adjusting the ratio of compression and decompression in a CPR cycle. Combinations of each of these forms may also be used to control the delivery of CPR. This manner of gradually accelerating artificial blood flow during the first minutes of mechanical CPR delivery can serve to lessen the potential for ischemia/reperfusion injury in the patient who receives mechanical CPR treatment. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066824 | Method and Apparatus for Immobilizing Subjects Undergoing Mechanical CPR - The apparatus for immobilizing and treating a subject includes a suitable apparatus for performing mechanical CPR secured to an immobilization casing. The airtight flexible casing is secured to the apparatus for performing CPR, the casing having variable rigidity which varies as a function of the amount of air within the casing. Two or more slots through the casing permit passage of one or more elements of the CPR apparatus to pass through the casing. One or more incompressible windows may be included in the casing to optimize the performance of mechanical CPR by permitting one or more elements of the subject's skeleton to contact the CPR apparatus. A means for evacuating the air from within the flexible casing to control the rigidity of the casing is included within the CPR apparatus. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066827 | MYOFASCIAL TREATMENT APPARATUS - A treatment apparatus configured to provide electrical stimulation to a leg of a user is provided. The treatment apparatus includes an inner layer configured to contact the leg of the user and configured to couple to an electrical stimulus, a retainer fixedly connected to the inner layer, and a fabric layer coupled to the inner layer, the fabric layer configured to releasably couple to the retainer to secure the electrical stimulus against the leg of the user. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066828 | BACK SUPPORT VEST - A back support vest may include a vest body having a bottom portion, a front portion, a rear inner portion, a rear outer portion, a first side and a second side. The first side may have an arm hole and the second side may have an arm hole. A plurality of padding may be attached to the rear inner portion of the vest body. The vest body may be tightened by a tightening component attached to the rear outer portion of the vest body. A closing component may be attached to the front portion of the vest body. The back support vest may comprise a fastener attached below the arm hole on the first side of the vest body down to the bottom portion of the vest body. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066829 | ANKLE-FOOT ORTHOTIC - An ankle-foot orthotic device is designed to closely simulate the natural movement of a lower extremity throughout a proper walking gait cycle. The orthotic device includes upper and lower support members that are pivotally coupled by opposing dorsiflexion assist members. The lower support member includes a rigid, unitary cup for receiving the heel and ankle portions of the lower extremity. The cup is shaped to include a continuous slot that allows for at least 5 degrees of compression upon initial heel strike and thereby promotes a smooth, decelerating heel roll. The lower support member additionally includes a rigid footplate on which is mounted a flexible overlay, the overlay extending beyond the footplate in the medial aspect to promote proper pronation into midstance. A compressible stop is mounted on the lower support member and selectively contacts the upper support member to prevent hyperextension of the lower extremity. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066830 | CEREBROSPINAL FLUID PURIFICATION SYSTEM - The present invention provides methods and systems for conditioning cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by removing target compounds from CSF. The systems provide for a multilumen flow path and exchange of a majority volume portion of CSF in the CSF space. The removal and/or delivery of specific compounds can be tailored to the pathology of the specific disease. The removal is targeted and specific, for example, through the use of specific size-exclusion thresholds, antibodies against specific toxins, and other chromatographic techniques, as well as delivery and/or removal of targeted therapeutic agents. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066831 | OCULAR IMPLANT WITH STIFFNESS QUALITIES, METHODS OF IMPLANTATION AND SYSTEM - Described herein are devices and methods for treating eye conditions. Described is an ocular implant including an elongate member having an internal lumen forming a flow pathway, at least one inflow port communicating with the flow pathway, and at least one outflow port communicating with the flow pathway. The elongate member is adapted to be positioned in the eye such that at least one inflow port communicates with the anterior chamber, at least one outflow port communicates with the suprachoroidal space to provide a fluid pathway between the anterior chamber and the suprachoroidal space when the elongate member is implanted in the eye. The elongate member has a wall material imparting a stiffness to the elongate member. The stiffness is selected such that after implantation the elongate member deforms eye tissue surrounding the suprachoroidal space forming a tented volume. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066832 | Capillary Valve - A capillary fluid flow valve may include a chamber having a first boundary surface and a second boundary surface defined by a housing. The first and second boundary surfaces may be spaced apart by a gap sized to invoke capillary action between the surfaces. The first surface may be angled relative to the second surface. The chamber may have an inlet port, an outlet port, and an air vent port. The gap at the air vent port may be smaller than the gap at the outlet port and the gap at the outlet port may be smaller than the gap at the inlet port. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066833 | EXPANDABLE FLUID DRAINAGE IMPLANTS AND ASSOCIATED DELIVERY DEVICES AND METHODS - A drainage implant is provided for the drainage of aqueous humor. The implant may comprise a collector, a connector and disperser. The collector and/or disperser may be self-expandable and can be held in an unexpanded condition by a delivery device. When positioned for implantation, the collector and disperser are ejected from the delivery device, whereby upon being ejected from the delivery device they can expand to a pre-defined final shape in the desired place. A delivery device for implanting the implant may have a shaft for accommodating the implant and a cutting edge that may be used to create a pocket or reservoir in the tissue where the implant device is to be implanted. Methods of implanting an implant are also disclosed. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066834 | MEDICAL INSTRUMENT - A medical instrument includes a multilayer wiring board having first, second and third wirings, a fourth wiring formed in a first wiring layer, and a fifth wiring formed in a second wiring layer. A first via conductor electrically connects the third and fifth wirings. A second via conductor electrically connects the fourth and fifth wirings. The medical instrument further includes first and second transistors, a second transistor, and a capacitor mounted on the first wiring layer side of the multilayer wiring board. The drain and source electrodes of the first transistor are electrically connected to the first and second wirings, respectively. The drain electrode of the second transistor is electrically connected to the second wiring. The source electrode of the second transistor is electrically connected to the third wiring. The first and second electrodes of the capacitor are electrically connected to the first and fourth wirings, respectively. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066835 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CORNEAL CROSS-LINKING WITH PULSED LIGHT - Systems and methods for treating an eye select locations for making incisions in areas of the cornea according to astigmatic keratotomy or radial keratotomy, make incisions in the selected areas of the cornea, apply a cross-linking agent to the selected areas of the cornea, and deliver photoactivating light from a light source to the selected areas of the cornea to initiate cross-linking activity in the selected areas of the cornea. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066836 | ELECTROPORATION DEVICES - Electroporation devices are provided which include a forceps-type member carrying first and second electrodes and a grip member carrying a third electrode. The third electrode is independently movable with respect to the first and second electrodes in order to vary the spatial configuration of the electrical field generated by the device and thus enable an improved range of action and efficacy. Methods for carrying out electroporation with such devices are also provided. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066837 | SKIN CARE COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS - A skin care composition can include a growth factor, such as an epidermal and/or keratinocyte growth factor (EGF, KGF), a DNA repair enzyme encapsulated by a liposome, and a carrier suitable for topical administration of the EGF and/or KGF and DNA repair enzyme to a subject's skin. One, two, or more modalities, such as sonophoresis, can be used to synergistically increase transdermal penetration of compositions. Also disclosed herein is a therapeutic agent for preventing or treating a condition of the gastrointestinal tract. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066838 | MICROWAVE PLASMA STERILISATION SYSTEM AND APPLICATORS THEREFOR - A sterilization system having a controllable non-ironismg microwave radiation source for providing microwave energy for combining with a gas to produce atmospheric low temperature plasma for sterilizing biological tissue surfaces or the like. A plasma generating region may be contained in a hand held plasma applicator. The system may include an impedance adjustor e.g. integrated in the plasma applicator arranged to set a plasma strike condition and plasma sustain condition. The gas and microwave energy may be transported to a plasma generating region along an integrated cable assembly. The integrated cable assembly may provide a two way gas flow arrangement to permit residual gas to be removed from the surface. Invasive surface plasma treatment is therefore possible. The plasma applicator may have multiple plasma emitters to produce a line or blanket of plasma. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066839 | GAS-SUPPLY SYSTEM - The gas-supply system includes a gas supply device that automatically supplies gas on the basis of the detection result of a pressure sensor that detects the pressure within a body cavity such that the pressure within the body cavity becomes a predetermined pressure, and a gas supply pipe for supplying the gas supplied from the gas supply device into the body cavity. The gas supply pipe is provided with a side face light leakage type optical fiber, and the gas supply pipe functions as a linear light emitter by controlling lighting of an LED according to the supply state of the gas due to the gas supply device and makes the light from the LED incident on the side face light leakage type optical fiber. Therefore, the supply state of the gas supplied into the body cavity may be easily grasped. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066840 | High-Flow Luer Lock Connector for a Luer Lock Connection - A high-flow luer lock connector is disclosed. A high-flow luer lock connector comprises a connector body defining an interior region, a lumen, and an extended passageway. The interior region is bounded by a cylindrical side wall and a base wall. The lumen is defined at the base wall of the interior region and extends no more than 0.274 of an inch into the interior region. The extended passageway comprises a first and second end and passes through the connector body and the lumen. The extended passageway is in communication with the interior region to allow insufflation gas to flow through the interior region and extended passageway. | 2014-03-06 |
| 20140066841 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATING CHRONIC LIVER FAILURE BASED ON PERITONEAL DIALYSIS - An artificial liver system for treating liver failure includes a reservoir to provide albumin-containing dialysis fluid to the patient's peritoneum, an implantable device including a pump to pump the fluid from the peritoneum to the bladder via respective catheters, control circuitry, battery and transceiver; a charging and communication system configured to periodically charge the battery and communicate with the implantable device to retrieve data reflective of the patient's health; and monitoring and control software, suitable for use with conventional personal computers, for configuring and controlling operation of the implantable device and charging and communication system. The monitoring and control software allows a treating physician to remotely adjust the volume, time, and frequency with which fluid is pumped from the peritoneal cavity to the bladder based on the data reflective of the patient's health. | 2014-03-06 |
