| 18th week of 2012 patent applcation highlights part 64 |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20120108921 | GASTRIC BANDING SYSTEM ADJUSTMENT BASED ON A SATIETY AGENT CONCENTRATION LEVEL - Methods and devices are provided for adjusting a gastric band to obtain a predetermined optimal expression of hormones. These hormones may be used to control appetite, metabolism and other weight control mechanisms. Ultimately, weight-loss efficacy is desired by tightening or loosening the gastric band based on hormone response. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108922 | Implantable Medical Sensor and Fixation System - An implantable medical device, such as a sensor for monitoring a selected internally detectable physiological parameter of a patient, is attached to a fixation member that is deployable within the patient to position and orient the sensor to enable it to perform its function. The fixation member may be configured to lie in a single plane when deployed or may be tubular in shape. The attachment of the housing and fixation member includes providing the fixation member with a linear attachment strut that is non-circular in cross section and providing the housing with external members that define an elongate channel, non-circular in cross section and receptive to the attachment strut. The attachment strut can be inserted transversely into the channel and the external member can be crimped over the strut to secure the housing and fixation member together. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108923 | SYMMETRICALLY PACKAGED OPTICAL SENSORS FOR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES - Implantable medical devices and methods include an optical sensor that includes at least two optical sensor portions. The light emitting devices of the optical sensor are distributed among the at least two optical sensor portions. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108924 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTION OF SKIN WOUNDS AND COMPARTMENT SYNDROMES - A system configured to provide feedback regarding fluid parameters in the skin and/or compartments of an individual to facilitate early diagnosis of skin wounds and compartment syndromes. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108925 | MONITORING OF TISSUE HEMOGLOBIN CONCENTRATION - A medical device system and associated method monitor tissue hemoglobin concentration. Light attenuation is measured in a volume of tissue in a patient. A value of a tissue scattering coefficient corresponding to the tissue volume in the patient is established in response to the attenuation measurement. A second derivative of the light attenuation measurement is determined. An artifact correction term is computed in response to the established tissue scattering coefficient, and a tissue hemoglobin concentration is computed using the artifact correction term and the second derivative. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108926 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR TRANSRADIAL ACCESS - Devices, systems, and methods for transradial access. In at least one embodiment of a device for providing access to a vessel or other luminal organ of the present disclosure, the device comprises a needle having a needle tip, a sheath positioned around at least part of the needle, the sheath defining an aperture at a distal sheath end, and a protractor in communication with the needle, whereby engagement of the protractor causes the needle tip to protract from the sheath, and whereby release of the protractor causes the needle tip to retract into the sheath. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108927 | METHOD FOR SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC BLOOD OXYGENATION MONITORING - A method and apparatus for non-invasively determining the blood oxygenation within a subject's tissue is provided that utilizes a near infrared spectrophotometric (NIRS) sensor capable of transmitting a light signal into the tissue of a subject and sensing the light signal once it has passed through the tissue via transmittance or reflectance. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108928 | System and Method for Measurement of Vital Signs of a Human - A method and system for optical measuring one or more vital signs of a human is described. The method includes generating an optical Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) signal modulated in accordance with a predetermined Pulse Width Modulation scheme. The PWM scheme includes one or more Pulse Width Modulations having different modulation frequencies. The method also includes applying the PWM optical signal to a measurement location in a blood perfused body tissue of the human and receiving light originated back from the measurement location. A photo current signal of a time response of the blood perfused body tissue to the PWM optical signal is indicative of the vital signs. The method includes generating a voltage signal from the photo current signal and processing the voltage signal for determining the vital signs. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108929 | Analyte Monitoring Device and Methods of Use - An analyte monitor including a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit is disclosed. 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. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108930 | Subcutaneous Glucose Electrode - A small diameter flexible electrode designed for subcutaneous in vivo amperometric monitoring of glucose is described. The electrode is designed to allow “one-point” in vivo calibration, i.e., to have zero output current at zero glucose concentration, even in the presence of other electroreactive species of serum or blood. The electrode is preferably layered, with the layers serially deposited within a recess upon the tip of a polyamide insulated gold wire. A first glucose concentration-to-current transducing layer can be overcoated with an electrically insulating and glucose flux limiting layer (second layer) on which, optionally, an immobilized interference-eliminating horseradish peroxidase based film is deposited. An outer layer is preferably biocompatible. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108931 | Calibration of Analyte Measurement System - A method of calibrating an analyte measurement system is provided. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108932 | GLUCOSE SENSOR SIGNAL PURITY ANALYSIS - Disclosed are methods, apparatuses, etc. for glucose sensor signal purity analysis. In certain example embodiments, a series of samples of at least one sensor signal that is responsive to a blood glucose level of a patient may be obtained. Based at least partly on the series of samples, at least one metric may be determined to characterize one or more non-physiological anomalies of a representation of the blood glucose level of the patient by the at least one sensor signal. A reliability of the at least one sensor signal to represent the blood glucose level of the patient may be assessed based at least partly on the at least one metric. Other example embodiments are disclosed herein. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108933 | SYSTEM AND/OR METHOD FOR GLUCOSE SENSOR CALIBRATION - The subject matter disclosed herein relates to systems, methods and/or devices for calibrating sensor data to be used in estimating a blood glucose concentration. A relationship between sensor signal values and reference readings may be used to estimate a relationship between sensor signal values and measurements of blood glucose concentration. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108934 | CONTINUOUS ANALYTE MONITOR DATA RECORDING DEVICE OPERABLE IN A BLINDED MODE - A system is provided including a continuous analyte sensor that produces a data stream indicative of a host's analyte concentration and a device that receives and records data from the data stream from the continuous analyte sensor. The data received from the continuous analyte sensor may be used to provide alarms to the user when the analyte concentration and/or the rate of change of analyte concentration, as measured by the continuous analyte sensor, is above or below a predetermined range. Data received from the continuous analyte sensor may also be used to prompt the diabetic or caregiver to take certain actions, such as to perform another single point blood glucose measurement. The device may provide for toggling between modes that allow or prevent the display of glucose concentration values associated with the continuous glucose sensor. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108935 | GLUCOSE SENSOR SIGNAL RELIABILITY ANALYSIS - Disclosed are methods, apparatuses, etc. for glucose sensor signal reliability analysis. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108936 | FLUID ACCESS INTERFACE - The present invention relates generally to systems, apparatuses, and methods for obtaining a fluid sample from a patient. In particular, the present invention relates to a various types of fluid access interfaces for enabling contact between a patient blood sample and blood parameter sensors for the measurement of physiological parameters and blood constituents. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108937 | METHOD FOR TREATING THE PROSTATE - The invention comprises a method for treating a prostate to alleviate prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and other conditions. The method involves inserting a tool to create a small self-sealing puncture site through tissue to gain access to a portion of a prostate, inserting a probe though the puncture site into the prostate, activating the probe to treat the prostate, withdrawing the probe and inspecting a surgical site for a flow of urine or semen to determine whether a sufficient amount of prostate tissue has been treated, and inspecting for hemostasis. The method may also include delivering a luminally protective sheath before inserting any instruments, using a template to guide insertion of the probe, and delivery of tamponading balloons to assist with attainment of hemostasis after the coring procedure. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108938 | Steerable sheath access device - The present invention relates to steerable access sheath assembly including at least one electrode. Moreover, the present invention relates to a steerable sheath access device for use in cardiovascular procedures. Embodiments of the present invention including steerable access sheaths or introducers may provide cardiovascular access for various ablation tools and devices for the performance of various ablation procedures or procedures involving alternate energy sources. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108939 | ELECTRODE DEVICE AND ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC MEASUREMENT DEVICE - A device for electrocardiogram measurement is provided, which is relatively not easily influenced by electrical activities of muscles, and which can perform electrocardiogram measurement during a measured person's daily life without removing clothes. The device includes a pair of lead electrode sections that are provided on a band section. Each of the pair of lead electrode sections includes a lead electrode that is disposed so that the lead electrode is positioned in the vicinity of a carotid artery of the measured person when the band section surrounds a neck portion of the measured person. The band section is configured to include a flexible band, and the band section detachably holds onto the neck portion of the measured person with nipping force arising from elastic deformation of the flexible band. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108940 | Device and method for pupil size modulation - A device and method are presented for drug-free, non-invasive, modulation of a size of a patient's pupil. The invention utilizes application of an external electric and/or magnetic field of desired properties to the patient's iris to thereby effect stimulation or neutralization of synapses and thus temporarily inducing mydriasis or miosis effect. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108941 | APPLANATION TONOMETER AND METHOD FOR MEASURING THE INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE OF THE EYE - An applanation tonometer for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) so that the health of a human or animal eye can be determined. The applanation tonometer includes a prism having a contact tip at one end to be moved into contact with and lightly touched against the cornea or the eye. Incident laser light is transmitted inwardly through the prism to the contact tip at which some of the light is decoupled and lost though the contact tip depending upon the area of contact between the contact tip and the cornea. The remaining light is reflected by the contact tip outwardly through the prism. A photo defector which is responsive to the light reflected by the contact tip of the prism and a force detector which is responsive to the pressure at the area of contact between the contact tip and the cornea generate paired force and area data pairs that are processed to measure IOP. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108942 | Sterile Protective Membrane with Light Guides for a Medical Probe and Associated Method of Production - In the field of dual-mode medical probes, a simple device perfectly meets the double need for dual-modality and sterilization, and provides a sterile, disposable, or sterilizable protective membrane, also called a “glove” or “sock”, equipped with optical fibres. This protective membrane can be slipped onto an ultrasound probe. It therefore ensures both the dual-mode functionality and perfect sterilization of the probe, this being the desired effect. The protective membrane is easy to produce and easy to use. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108943 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MINIMALLY-INVASIVE OPTICAL-ACOUSTIC IMAGING - An imaging guidewire can include optical fibers communicating light along the guidewire. At or near its distal end, one or more blazed or other fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) directs light to a photoacoustic transducer material that provides ultrasonic imaging energy. Returned ultrasound is sensed by an FBG sensor. A responsive signal is optically communicated to the proximal end of the guidewire, and processed to develop a 2D or 3D image. The guidewire outer diameter is small enough such that an intravascular catheter can be passed over the guidewire. Techniques for improving ultrasound reception include using a high compliance material, resonating the ultrasound sensing transducer, using an attenuation-reducing coating and/or thickness, and/or using optical wavelength discrimination. Techniques for improving the ultrasound generating transducer include using a blazed FBG, designing the photoacoustic material thickness to enhance optical absorption. Techniques for distinguishing plaque or vulnerable plaque may enhance the displayed image. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108944 | In Vivo 1H Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy For The Diagnosis Of Testicular Function And Disease - This invention relates to the use of | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108945 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PATIENT SELECTION IN TREATING SLEEP DISORDERED BREATHING - A system and method provides for determining patient eligibility for receiving an implantable upper airway stimulation system. Images and sensed data are obtained regarding an upper airway of a patient. Based on the obtained image and sensed data, an obstruction vector is determined according to a location, a pattern, and a degree of obstruction along the upper airway. A patient candidate filter is applied against a patient health profile. Patient eligibility is determined based on the obstruction vector and application of the patient candidate filter. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108946 | MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING APPARATUS AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING METHOD - According to one embodiment, a MRI apparatus includes an acquisition unit, a reference section information calculating unit, a positioning unit and an imaging unit. The acquisition unit acquires frames of section image data including a heart from an object with use of magnetic resonance. The reference section information calculating unit calculates spatial positional information of a reference section of the heart based on the frames of the section image data. The positioning unit displays a reference section image of the heart on a display unit and performs positioning of an imaging part for imaging through the displayed reference section image of the heart. The reference section image is calculated from the frames of the section image data based on the positional information of the reference section. The imaging unit images the imaging part set by the positioning. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108947 | METHOD FOR PREDICTING WEIGHT GAIN ASSOCIATED WITH A PHARMACEUTICAL THERAPY - Methods for using TRL V6 as a biomarker for the risk of weight gain associated with treatment of a patient with a pharmaceutical agent, as for example, olanzapine. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108948 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COLLIMATION IN DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING SYSTEMS - A system and method for collimation in diagnostic imaging systems is provided. One collimation system includes a collimator for a radiation imaging detector having a plurality of adjustable segments and a plurality of collimator holes within each of the plurality of adjustable segments. The plurality of adjustable segments are configured to move independently of a detector to adjust a field of view of the collimator holes. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108949 | STAGED SENSING ADJUSTMENTS BY AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE IN THE PRESENCE OF INTERFERING SIGNALS - An implantable medical device (IMD) receives an input associated with the presence of an environment having an external source that generates an interfering signal, such as an MRI device. The IMD adjusts a first set of one or more sensing parameters of a sensing module of the IMD in response to receiving the input associated with the presence of the environment. In this manner, the IMD operates in accordance with the adjusted sensing configuration in the presence of the interfering signal in an attempt to obtain a more detailed representation of the signal including noise caused by the interfering signal. The IMD analyzes the signals sensed using the first set of adjusted sensing parameters to determine if further adjustment is desired. If desired, the IMD adjusts a second set of one or more sensing parameters of the sensing module based on the analysis. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108950 | BIOIMPEDANCE-ASSISTED PLACEMENT OF A MEDICAL DEVICE - A system and method for guiding a catheter or other medical device to a desired target destination within the vasculature of a patient via bioimpedance measurements is disclosed. The target destination in one embodiment includes placement of the catheter such that a distal tip thereof is disposed proximate the heart, e.g., the junction of the right atrium and superior vena cava. In one embodiment the method for guiding the catheter comprises introducing the catheter into a vessel of the patient, the catheter defining a lumen through which fluids can be infused into the vasculature of the patient. The catheter is advanced toward a target destination within the vasculature. A first impedance value based on intravascular detection of at least one electrical property related to a first tissue surface of the vessel is calculated to enable determination of the proximity of a distal end of the catheter to the target destination. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108951 | Method and Apparatus for Determining the Position of a Surgical Tool Relative to a Target Volume Inside an Animal Body - The invention relates to a method for determining the position of a surgical tool relative to a target volume inside an animal body according to a pre-plan comprising the steps of i) obtaining a plurality of two-dimensional images of said target volume using imaging means, each 2D-image being represented by an image data slice I(x,y,z); ii) reconstructing from said plurality of image data slices I(x,y,z) a three-dimensional image of said target volume using transformation means, said 3D-image being represented by a volumetric image data array V(x,y,z); iii) displaying said three-dimensional image of said target volume to an user using displaying means. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108952 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PATIENT ALIGNMENT FOR NUCLEAR MEDICINE IMAGING - Methods and systems for patient alignment for nuclear medicine imaging are provided. One method includes activating a proximity sensor system associated with imaging detectors of the diagnostic imaging system, wherein the imaging detectors are in an L-mode configuration. The method also includes initiating movement of a patient table of the diagnostic imaging system and using a sensed proximity of a patient on the moving patient table by the proximity sensor system to automatically adjust a height of the patient table on which the patient is supported to a patient table height scanning position. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108953 | CATHETER WITH CORONARY SINUS OSTIUM ANCHOR - A method of treating cardiac tissue is provided, including positioning a first chamber of a medical device adjacent an atrial wall; directing a cryogenic coolant into the first chamber; anchoring the first chamber to the atrial wall through cryoadhesion; directing a distal portion of the medical device into the coronary sinus; and positioning a cardiac lead through at least a portion of the coronary sinus with the distal portion. The method may include measuring a temperature of the first chamber; removing the first chamber from the atrial wall once a predetermined threshold temperature of the first chamber is reached; anchoring a second chamber of the medical device to a portion of the coronary sinus; and/or perfusing blood flow through at least a portion of the second chamber. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108954 | ERROR CORRECTION TECHNIQUES IN SURGICAL NAVIGATION - A medical system includes a sensor location module, a first module, and a second module. The sensor location module determines a location of a magnetic field sensor within a magnetic field. The first module determines an acceleration of the magnetic field sensor. The second module indicates a modified location of the magnetic field sensor in an image of a medical patient based on the acceleration and one or more previously determined locations. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108955 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PROVIDING REAL-TIME DYNAMIC IMAGERY OF A MEDICAL PROCEDURE SITE USING MULTIPLE MODALITIES - A system and method of providing composite real-time dynamic imagery of a medical procedure site from multiple modalities which continuously and immediately depicts the current state and condition of the medical procedure site synchronously with respect to each modality and without undue latency is disclosed. The composite real-time dynamic imagery may be provided by spatially registering multiple real-time dynamic video streams from the multiple modalities to each other. Spatially registering the multiple real-time dynamic video streams to each other may provide a continuous and immediate depiction of the medical procedure site with an unobstructed and detailed view of a region of interest at the medical procedure site at multiple depths. A user may thereby view a single, accurate, and current composite real-time dynamic imagery of a region of interest at the medical procedure site as the user performs a medical procedure. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108956 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MEASURING BLOOD PRESSURE WITHIN AT LEAST ONE VESSEL - Exemplary apparatus and method for obtaining information for at least one structure can be provided. For example, it is possible to forward at least one first electro-magnetic radiation to the at least one structure which is external from the apparatus. At least one second electro magnetic radiation provided from the at least one structure (which is based on the first electro-magnetic radiation(s)) can be detected. It is also possible to determine at least one characteristic of the structure(s) based on the second electro-magnetic radiation(s), and obtain data relating to a pressure of at least one portion of the structure(s) based on the characteristic(s). | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108957 | Apparatus And Method For Cardiac Ablation - Cardiac mapping and ablation include a multi-electrode catheter introduced percutaneously into a subject's heart and deployable adjacent to various endocardial sites. The electrodes are connectable to a mapping unit, an ablation power unit a pacing unit, all of which are under computer control. Intracardiac electrogram signals emanated from a tachycardia site of origin are detectable by the electrodes. Their arrival times are processed to generate various visual maps to provide real-time guidance for steering the catheter to the tachycardia site of origin. In another aspect, the system also includes a physical imaging system which is capable of providing different imaged physical views of the catheter and the heart. These physical views are incorporated into the various visual maps to provide a more physical representation. Once the electrodes are on top of the tachycardia site of origin, electrical energy is supplied by the ablation power unit to effect ablation. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108958 | ANTIPROTON PRODUCTION AND DELIVERY FOR IMAGING AND TERMINATION OF UNDESIRABLE CELLS - Systems and methods for using antiprotons for terminating unwanted or undesirable cells which can be used in the treatment of conditions caused by the existence and/or proliferation of such undesirable cells. Such conditions include cardiovascular ailments, Parkinson's disease, wet macular degeneration, endocrine disorders, dermatological ailments, and cancer. Because of the unique nature of antiprotons and their annihilation characteristics, the preferred antiproton delivery device ( | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108959 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR ELUTING AGENTS TO A VESSEL - Systems, devices and methods for eluting an agent at a treatment site are disclosed. The devices include an expandable frame and at least one membrane. The membrane may carry an agent to elute at the treatment site. The membrane may allow blood flow at the treatment site during agent delivery. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108960 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ORGANIZING STORED ULTRASOUND DATA - Methods and systems for organizing stored ultrasound data are provided. One method includes displaying selectable anatomical identification guidance information having a plurality of identifiers corresponding to a plurality of anatomical portions of an anatomical region and receiving a user input selecting one of the plurality of identifiers. The method further includes storing a subsequently acquired image and associating the stored image with the anatomical potion of the anatomical region corresponding to the selected identifier. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108961 | ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS - Disclosed herein is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The apparatus transmits ultrasonic signals to an object and receives reflected ultrasonic signals from the object to create ultrasonic images. The apparatus includes a detection unit for detecting an ultrasonic influence factor indicative of the influence of ultrasonic waves upon biological tissues, a warning unit warning a user, and a controller receiving the ultrasonic influence factor from the detection unit and activating the warning unit if the ultrasonic influence factor exceeds a predetermined threshold value. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108962 | PROVIDING A BODY MARK IN AN ULTRASOUND SYSTEM - Embodiments for providing a body mark are disclosed. In one embodiment, by way of non-limiting example, an ultrasound system comprises: an ultrasound data acquisition unit configured to acquire ultrasound data corresponding to a living body including a target object; a storage unit for storing at least one body mark corresponding to at least one application; and a processing unit configured to form an ultrasound image based on the ultrasound data, perform edge detection upon the ultrasound image to detect an edge of the target object, detect a body mark corresponding to the edge from the storage unit based on first input information for selecting an application, and set the body mark on the ultrasound image based on the edge. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108963 | Semiconductor Device and Ultrasonic Diagnostic Apparatus Using the Same - The present invention provides a semiconductor device of a bi-directional analog switch having a high linearity and a low electric power loss. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a high degree of detection accuracy, comprising the semiconductor device, is also provided. A semiconductor device of a bi-directional analog switch, comprising a switch circuit capable of switching ON or OFF bi-directionally, and built-in driving circuits for the switch circuit, wherein the driving circuit is connected to first and second power supplies, and a first power supply voltage is higher than a maximum voltage of a signal applied to an input/output terminal of the switch circuit, a second power supply voltage is lower than a minimum voltage of a signal applied to an input/output terminal of the switch circuit, and the driving circuit comprises a Zener diode and a p-type MOSFET connected in series between the first power supply and the switch circuit. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108964 | PERFORMING GAIN CONTROL PROCESS BASED ON APPLICATION IN ULTRASOUND SYSTEM - Embodiments for performing a gain control process based on information of at least one gain control curve corresponding to at least one application are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, by way of non-limiting example, an ultrasound system comprises: an ultrasound data acquisition unit configured to acquire ultrasound data corresponding to a living body; a storage unit for storing information of at least one gain control curve corresponding to at least one application; and a processing unit configured to extract information a gain control curve corresponding to input information for selecting an application from the storage unit, form a gain control curve based on the extracted information, and perform a gain control process upon the ultrasound data based on the gain control curve. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108965 | Facilitating Desired Transducer Manipulation for Medical Diagnostics and Compensating for Undesired Motion - Methods and apparatus are described for facilitating desired transducer manipulation for medical diagnostics and/or compensating for undesired transducer motion. In one embodiment, a transducer is provided with one or more motion sensing elements such as accelerometers, magnetic sensors, etc. During image collection, motion of the transducer is tracked and compared to a desired motion, which may include lack of motion. Feedback may be provided to the operator to facilitate desired manipulation of the transducer. Feedback may be visual feedback, audio feedback or some other form of feedback (for example, tactile feedback). If the operator's technique is deficient, the operator may be prompted to repeat the image collection steps. Various motion templates may be stored according to specific transducer models, examination types, involved anatomy, etc. Motion data may also be used to compensate for undesired motion. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108966 | USE OF FOCUSED ULTRASOUND FOR VASCULAR SEALING - Methods for applying heat to a region proximate a blood vessel are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method can include generating an imaging ultrasound beam adapted to image a blood vessel target and receiving a reflection of the imaging ultrasound beam. The method can also include producing an output signal in response to the reflection of the imaging ultrasonic beam and processing the output signal to identify a location of a treatment zone proximate an outer wall of the blood vessel. Therapeutic energy can be applied to the treatment zone. In some embodiments, the therapeutic ultrasound energy beam can be moved to over-scan the treatment zone. Other methods are also disclosed. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108967 | USE OF FOCUSED ULTRASOUND FOR VASCULAR SEALING - Methods for applying heat to a region proximate a blood vessel are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method can include generating an imaging ultrasound beam adapted to image a blood vessel target and receiving a reflection of the imaging ultrasound beam. The method can also include producing an output signal in response to the reflection of the imaging ultrasonic beam and processing the output signal to identify a location of a treatment zone proximate an outer wall of the blood vessel. Therapeutic energy can be applied to the treatment zone. In some embodiments, the therapeutic ultrasound energy beam can be moved to over-scan the treatment zone. Other methods are also disclosed. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108968 | Tissue Density Quantification Using Shear Wave Information in Medical Ultrasound Scanning - Tissue density is quantified using shear wave information in medical ultrasound scanning. Measurements of the tissue reaction to shear waves indicate tissue density. For example, shear wave velocity is linked with density using clinical study information. The shear wave velocity in a region, over the entire tissue, or at various locations is used to determine a corresponding density or densities. The tissue density information is used for categorization, estimation of disease risk, imaging, diagnosis, or other uses. The tissue may be breast tissue or other tissue. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108969 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REDUCING NON-UNIFORM ROTATION DISTORTION IN ULTRASOUND IMAGES - A method for generating an ultrasound image includes receiving an image frame having consecutive ultrasound scan lines obtained using a rotating ultrasound imaging arrangement and determining first and second cross-correlation values for a plurality of the scan lines. For each individual scan line, the first cross-correlation value includes a cross-correlation coefficient between a first subframe of consecutive scan lines including the individual scan line and a second subframe of scan lines shifted from the first subframe by a first integer value. The second correlation value includes a cross-correlation coefficient between the first subframe and a third subframe of scan lines shifted from the first subframe by a second integer value. The method further includes evaluating, individually for multiple scan lines, whether that scan line exhibits non-uniform rotation distortion using at least one of the first and second cross-correlation values. A correction for non-uniform rotation distortion is applied. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108970 | ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TRACING MOVEMENT OF TISSUE - An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes a transmitting and receiving unit that transmits an ultrasound wave to a target object in sequence and receives the ultrasound wave as ultrasound data reflected from the target object including a blood vessel. A first memory unit stores the received ultrasound data. An image generation unit generates an ultrasound image as a sectional image of the blood vessel. A display unit displays the ultrasound image. A region of interest (ROI) setting unit sets a plurality of ROIs on an inner wall and an outer wall of the blood vessel at a designated time. The ROIs are generated from the ultrasound data. A tracing unit traces movement of tissue in the target object corresponding to the ROIs set from the designated time to sequentially following thereafter. A second memory unit stores information of the movement of the tissue for a predetermined duration. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108971 | ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TRACING MOVEMENT OF TISSUE - An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes a transmitting and receiving unit that transmits an ultrasound wave to a target object and receives the ultrasound wave as ultrasound data reflected from the target object including a long axis direction blood vessel. An image generation unit generates an ultrasound image as a sectional image of the blood vessel. A region of interest (ROI) setting unit sets a first ROI on a vertical straight line at a right angle to the long axis direction and a second ROI on a wall of the blood vessel displayed at a designated time. A tracing unit traces movement of tissue in the target object corresponding to the first and second ROIs from the designated time to sequentially following thereafter by a gradient method using a spatial brightness gradient. A second memory unit stores information of the movement of the tissue for a predetermined duration. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108972 | ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TRACING MOVEMENT OF TISSUE - An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus including a transmitting and receiving unit that transmits an ultrasound wave to a target object and receives the ultrasound wave as ultrasound data reflected from a certain region of the target object including a blood vessel, an image generation unit that generates an ultrasound image as a sectional image of the certain region, and a region of interest setting unit that sets a region of interest including a plurality of divided regions in the ultrasound image at a designated time. The region of interest is generated from the stored ultrasound data. The apparatus further includes a tracing unit that traces movement of tissue in the target object corresponding to the divided regions from the designated time to sequentially following thereafter, and a movement measuring unit that measures a movement distance of the tissue at a predetermined time based on the traced movement of the tissue. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108973 | ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND ULTRASONIC IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS - According to one embodiment, an edge information calculation unit calculates edge information based on a generated ultrasonic image. An edge filter unit generates a filtered image from the ultrasonic image by applying a filter having filter characteristics corresponding to the calculated edge information to the ultrasonic image. An edge enhancement unit generates an enhanced image from the filtered image by increasing the brightness value, of the filtered image, which corresponds to the edge information. A high brightness suppression unit generates a composite image of the enhanced image and the ultrasonic image in accordance with a compositing ratio corresponding to the brightness value of the enhanced image. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108974 | ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND PROGRAM - An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes: an ultrasound probe; a transmission section which supplies the probe with a drive signal; a receiving section which receives a reception signal sent from the probe; an image generation section which generates frame image data obtained by converting the reception signal; an intermediate image generation section which detects a moved image, identifies a move source and a move destination of the detected image based on a plurality of frame image data, and generates intermediate image data which allocates the moved image at a position obtained by intermediating the identified move source and the identified move destination of the detected image; and a display section which displays the ultrasound diagnosis image, wherein the display section displays the ultrasound diagnosis image so that intermediate image is inserted and displayed in a chronological order into image based on the frame image data. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108975 | MULTI-HEADED IMAGING PROBE AND IMAGING SYSTEM USING SAME - A diagnostic imaging system is provided that includes an image acquisition component, a transmitter operatively coupled to the image acquisition component to transmit a signal therefrom, and a beamformer operatively coupled to the image acquisition component to receive image data therefrom. Also included is a processor configured to assemble images from the acquired image data and a display configured to display the images. The image acquisition component includes a multi-headed probe that has a plurality of transducers configured to permit a change of active transducers during an imaging session without a change of the image acquisition component. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108976 | RF SHIELD FOR AN ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER FOR USE IN A MAGNETIC RESONANCE SYSTEM - An ultrasound transducer for use in a magnetic resonance system is provided with an RF shield formed of electrically conductive material and having an interior cavity configured to receive the ultrasound transducer therein. The RF shield substantially precludes coupling between the ultrasound transducer, and any coupling medium that is employed, and the transmission and reception coils of the magnetic resonance system. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108977 | TISSUE INSERTION TYPE ULTRASONIC PROBE - An ultrasonic probe for supporting spine surgery serving as a tissue insertion type ultrasonic probe comprises an insertion unit and an operation unit. On a front end portion of the insertion unit, a tactile member and a transducer unit are provided. The insertion unit comprises a pipe, and a sheath tube provided outside of the pipe. An FPC board serving as a line sheet is provided in the pipe. The FPC board is inserted in a rounded shape similar to a tube along an inner wall surface of the pipe. A large number of signal lines are formed on the FPC board through printing. A ground cable is provided in an inside space of the FPC board. In the operation unit, a rear end portion of the FPC board and a front end portion of another FPC board are connected by thermo compression bonding. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108978 | TISSUE INSERTION TYPE ULTRASONIC PROBE - There is provided an ultrasonic probe for supporting spine surgery which can execute both inspection by tactile sense and inspection by ultrasound diagnosis. A front-end component provided at a front end of an insertion unit. The front-end component comprises a metal component and a resin component, and the metal component comprises a tactile member and an anchor. The resin component comprises a cap portion and a surrounding portion. An insertion portion in the front-end component is inserted into a front end portion of a pipe. The anchor and the front end portion are in close proximity with a certain distance therebetween, such that insulation is secured and vibration transmitted from a head can be transmitted from the anchor to the pipe in a superior manner. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108979 | IMAGING CATHETER WITH ROTATABLE ARRAY - An imaging catheter is provided having a distal end portion selectively rotatable relative to a catheter body. A transducer array is supported by the distal end portion so that a corresponding imaging field may be selectively panned about an axis extending distally from the catheter body. The catheter may be advanced within a patient to a desired location. Optionally, the catheter may then be steered, or curved to position the transducer array. Optionally, the catheter may be rotated to further position the transducer array. Then, the imaging field may be panned without manipulation of the catheter body. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108980 | CATHETER WITH SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY ACTUATOR - Actuators employable for oscillating movement of a load. An improved actuator may include at least a first shape memory member that is actuatable to affect at least a portion of the oscillating movement of the load. The actuator may further include a second shape memory member actuatable to affect at least a second portion of the oscillating movement of the load. The utilization of one or more shape memory members facilitates the realization of controllable and reliable oscillating movement of a load in a compact manner. Such actuators may be used in imaging catheters having an ultrasound transducer disposed for oscillating movement to scan across an internal region of interest. Such imaging catheters may be used in generating three dimensional and/or real-time three dimensional (4D) images. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108981 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC MEASUREMENTS OF BLOOD PARAMETERS - An apparatus for measuring the blood parameters in an extracorporeal circuit comprises: a seat ( | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108982 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IN-VIVO OPTICAL IMAGING AND MEASUREMENT - Disclosed are methods and systems for: (i) sequentially illuminating a specimen with different spatial distributions of light, wherein each illumination causes an object embedded in the specimen to emit radiation in response to the light; (ii) for each different spatial distribution of illumination light, imaging the radiation emitted from the specimen from each of multiple sides of the specimen; and (iii) determining information about the object in the specimen based on the imaged radiation from each of the multiple sides for each of the different spatial distributions of illumination light. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108983 | BODY-WORN SENSOR FEATURING A LOW-POWER PROCESSOR AND MULTI-SENSOR ARRAY FOR MEASURING BLOOD PRESSURE - A system is described that continuously measures a patient's blood pressure over a length of time. The system features a sensor assembly featuring a flexible cable configured to wrap around a portion of a patient's arm. The flexible cable features a back surface that includes at least two electrodes that are positioned to contact the patient's skin to generate electrical signals. It additionally features an optical sensor that includes at least one light source and at least one photodetector. These components form an optical sensor that is configured to generate an optical signal by detecting optical radiation emitted by the at least one light source and reflected from a blood vessel underneath the patient's skin. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108984 | INTEGRATED PATIENT CARE - A therapy regimen, e.g., a contingent medication prescription, may be created and automatically distributed to a patient via an integrated patient care system. A clinician may create therapy instructions by at least associating patient conditions with one or more therapy regimens, e.g., medication prescriptions. In some examples, the integrated patient care system may present historical condition data to the clinician to aid the clinician with creating and/or updating the therapy instructions specific to the patient. A therapy module of the integrated patient care system may use the therapy instructions to automatically select a therapy regimen from the therapy instructions based on a patient condition detected based on a sensed physiological parameter. The physiological parameter of the patient may be sensed by an implanted or external sensor. In some examples, the therapy regimen can be presented to the patient according to a predetermined schedule or in response to the detected condition. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108985 | CUFFLESS BLOOD PRESSURE MONITOR - A cuffless blood pressure monitor is revealed. The cuffless blood pressure monitor includes a pressure detection module, a signal processing module and a display module. The pressure detection module detects blood pressure to generate a blood pressure pulse signal. The signal processing module processes the blood pressure pulse signal to generate a measurement result that is displayed by the display module. The cuffless blood pressure monitor measures continuous blood pressure pulse signals, processes the blood pressure pulse signals by the signal processing module, and calculates the measurement result for real-time measurement of blood pressure. A measurement point on the user is pressed by a soft pressure-transferring medium so that the user won't feel uncomfortable. Moreover, the cuffless blood pressure monitor is compact and portable. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108986 | Implantable Medical Sensor and Fixation System - An implantable medical device, such as a sensor for monitoring a selected internally detectable physiological parameter of a patient, is attached to a fixation member that is deployable within the patient to position and orient the sensor to enable it to perform its function. The fixation member may be configured to lie in a single plane when deployed or may be tubular in shape. The attachment of the housing and fixation member includes providing the fixation member with a linear attachment strut that is non-circular in cross section and providing the housing with external members that define an elongate channel, non-circular in cross section and receptive to the attachment strut. The attachment strut can be inserted transversely into the channel and the external member can be crimped over the strut to secure the housing and fixation member together. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108987 | 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. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108988 | ZERO-DRIFT DETECTION AND CORRECTION IN CONTACT FORCE MEASUREMENTS - A method, consisting of inserting a probe having a force sensor into a body cavity of a patient, and receiving from the force sensor a plurality of measurements, each of the measurements indicative of a force applied to the force sensor. The method further includes detecting that the measurements received over a period of time of at least a specified duration have not varied by more than a predefined amount, and setting a baseline of the force sensor, for use in further measurements, to a value based on the measurements received during the period. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108989 | NON-INVASIVELY MEASURING PHYSIOLOGICAL PROCESS - Equipment ( | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108990 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCING NOISE IN A MEDICAL DEVICE - A method and apparatus for detecting a cardiac event in a medical device that includes sensing a cardiac signal, detecting a cardiac event in response to the sensed signal, determining whether an interval associated with the cardiac signal is less than an interval threshold, determining a noise metric in response to an interval associated with the cardiac signal being less than the interval threshold, determining whether the noise metric is greater than a noise metric threshold, and determining whether to inhibit detecting in response to determining whether an interval associated with the cardiac signal is less than the interval threshold and determining whether the noise metric is greater than the noise metric threshold. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108991 | ISCHEMIA DETECTION AND CLASSIFICATION - Techniques for detecting ischemia and classifying a type of ischemia are described. Electrograms of cardiac activity may be generated using implanted or external electrodes, e.g., electrodes carried on vascular leads within the heart and a housing electrode. In some examples, ischemia is detected and classified as benign or malignant based on whether a change an electrogram metric is detected, or first detected, in an endocardial electrogram or a non-endocardial electrogram. The relative timing of the change in the electrogram metric and a change in heart rate or patient activity may also be considered. In some examples, the system may create a stress test for detecting ischemia by instructing the patient to exercise or increasing the cardiac pacing rate. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108992 | MORPHOLOGY CHANGE DETECTION FOR CARDIAC SIGNAL ANALYSIS - Method and apparatus for improved detection of changes in morphology for cardiac analysis in post-processing. In some examples, a method of detecting a morphology change includes receiving an electrogram signal that represents a heartbeat; calculating a plurality of correlation values between the heartbeat and a template heartbeat; determining a maximum correlation value between the heartbeat and the template heartbeat based at least partially on the plurality of correlation values; and classifying the heartbeat based on the maximum correlation value. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108993 | ELECTRODE SHAPES AND POSITIONS FOR REDUCING LOSS OF CONTACT IN AN IMPLANTABLE ECG RECORDER - An improved design for subcutaneous monitors that addresses the problem caused by bubbles of air may remain in the pocket in which the device is implanted. As implantable monitors and their associated electrodes are reduced in size, these bubbles may in some cases cover one or both electrodes, interfering with sensing of the ECG signal. The invention addresses this problem by configuring the electrodes to increase the pressure of the electrodes against the tissue above the electrodes relative to the pressures exerted by the adjacent outer facing surfaces of the device. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108994 | MORPHOLOGY CHANGE DETECTION FOR CARDIAC SIGNAL ANALYSIS - Method and apparatus for improved detection of changes in morphology for cardiac analysis in post-processing. In some examples, a method of detecting a morphology change includes receiving an electrogram signal that represents a heartbeat; calculating a plurality of correlation values between the heartbeat and a template heartbeat; determining a maximum correlation value between the heartbeat and the template heartbeat based at least partially on the plurality of correlation values; and classifying the heartbeat based on the maximum correlation value. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108995 | NEURO-RESPONSE POST-PURCHASE ASSESSMENT - Efficient and effective mechanisms for collecting neuro-response data are provided to allow assessment of post-purchase products, services, offerings, and experiences. In some examples, a neuro-response data collection mechanism such as a portable electroencephalography (EEG) headset is used to collect neuro-response data from a consumer exposed to a product in a post-purchase state. Post-purchase assessments may be made at particular times after a purchase transaction. A post-purchase assessment may be compared to a pre-purchase assessment. The assessments can be used to enhance product packaging, modify service components, improve sustained experiences, change consumer behavior, etc. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108996 | Wireless Controlled Neuromodulation System - An apparatus is disclosed for controlled neuromodulation. The apparatus includes a plurality of neural sensors, wherein each of the neural sensors is electrically connected to a separate signal conditioner. Each of the signal conditioners produces a neural sensor signal, which is analyzed by a separate threshold detector to produces a neural event signal when the neural sensor signal exceeds a threshold level associated with the threshold detector. Each of the threshold detectors is connected to a wireless transceiver and the wireless transceivers transmit the neural event signals to a processor. The processor analyzes the neural event signals and determines the presence or absence of a clinical brain state. The apparatus can be used to detect and control epileptic seizures. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108997 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR GENERATING A REPRESENTATION OF A SUBJECT'S ATTENTION LEVEL - A device and method for generating a representation of a subject's attention level. The device comprises means for measuring brain signals from the subject; means for extracting temporal features from the brain signals; means for classifying the extracted temporal features using a classifier to give a score x | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108998 | THERAPY CONTROL BASED ON A PATIENT MOVEMENT STATE - A movement state of a patient is detected based on brain signals, such as an electroencephalogram (EEG) signal. In some examples, a brain signal within a dorsal-lateral prefrontal cortex of a brain of the patient indicative of prospective movement of the patient may be sensed in order to detect the movement state. The movement state may include the brain state that indicates the patient is intending on initiating movement, initiating movement, attempting to initiate movement or is actually moving. In some examples, upon detecting the movement state, a movement disorder therapy is delivered to the patient. In some examples, the therapy delivery is deactivated upon detecting the patient is no longer in a movement state or that the patient has successfully initiated movement. In addition, in some examples, the movement state detected based on the brain signals may be confirmed based on a signal from a motion sensor. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120108999 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING SEIZURES - A method of detecting seizures may comprise receiving an EMG signal and processing the received EMG signal to determine whether a seizure characteristic is present in the EMG signal during a time window. An apparatus for detecting seizures with motor manifestations may comprise one or more EMG electrodes capable of providing an EMG signal substantially representing seizure-related muscle activity; and a processor configured to receive the EMG signal, process the EMG signal to determine whether a seizure may be occurring, and generate an alert if a seizure is determined to be occurring based on the EMG signal. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120109000 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING NERVE PROXIMITY, DIRECTION, AND PATHOLOGY DURING SURGERY - The present invention involves systems and methods for determining nerve proximity, nerve direction, and pathology relative to a surgical instrument based on an identified relationship between neuromuscular responses and the stimulation signal that caused the neuromuscular responses. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120109001 | SENSING IN AN IMPLANTABLE DEVICE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN INTERFERING SIGNAL USING LEAD IMPEDANCE MEASUREMENTS - A device to which an implantable lead is coupled may be configured to perform one or more impedance measurements subsequent to a sensed physiological event to determine whether the sensed physiological event is possibly associated with noise induced by an interfering signal. Interfering signals, such as electromagnetic fields generated by an external source, may induce voltages or currents on conductors of the implantable lead, which will have an effect on lead impedance measurements. By measuring one or more impedances associated with the lead during a time window that substantially coincides with the sensed physiological event, the device may determine whether the sensed events may have resulted from interference. The device may determine whether to further adjust operation of the IMD based on the classification of the sensed physiological event and a classification of one or more previously sensed physiological events. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120109002 | MEDICAL DEVICE FIXATION ATTACHMENT MECHANISM - A fixation member configured to anchor an implantable medical device within a patient is attached to an implantable medical device by introducing at least a portion of the fixation member in a tube mechanically connected to the medical device, and plastically deforming the tube in order to pinch the fixation member within a hollow space of the tube. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120109003 | Device and Method for Assessing Thermoalgesic and Vibratory Sensitivity - The invention relates to a device for assessing thermoalgesic and vibratory sensitivity, including a first unit ( | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120109004 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR MAPPING THE LOCATION OF A NERVE - An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for mapping the location of a nerve. The apparatus includes at least one stimulation module, a stimulation detection module, a distance module, and a mapping module. The stimulation module stimulates a nerve with an electrical stimulation current from at least one stimulation electrode. A stimulation detection module detects a muscle reaction resulting from stimulation of the nerve by the at least one stimulation electrode. The distance module uses information from the at least one stimulation electrode and from the stimulation detection module to calculate a distance between the at least one stimulation electrode and the nerve. The mapping module maps a location on the nerve using at least two distances calculated by the distance module and position information of the at least one stimulation electrode for each of the at least two distances calculated. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120109005 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR VOICE BASED DIAGNOSTIC SUPPORT - An apparatus ( | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120109006 | FITTING AN AUDITORY PROSTHESIS - A method and system for fitting and adjusting the operation of an acoustic hearing prosthesis or a hybrid electric and acoustic hearing prosthesis. A graphic user interface allows for the acoustic and electric fitting parameters to be viewed and adjusted in a comparable way. The method further allows for the parameters for acoustic stimulation of the acoustic channels to be adjusted in response to behavioural or objective measurement of responses to known stimuli, so as to achieve a desired response curve. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120109007 | HANDHELD BIOPSY DEVICE WITH NEEDLE FIRING - A biopsy device includes a body, a needle, and a cutter. A motor is operable to both move the cutter relative to the needle and actuate a needle firing assembly to retract and fire the needle relative to the body. The biopsy device also includes a needle rotation assembly that is configured to substantially prevent rotation of the needle about the longitudinal axis when the needle is in a proximal position yet permit rotation of the needle about the longitudinal axis when the needle is in a distal position. A valve assembly of the biopsy device includes a slider that selectively couples a secondary lumen in the needle with either atmospheric air or saline based on the longitudinal position of the slider. The cutter passes through the slider. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120109008 | URINE MEASURING DEVICE - A device for measuring of urine production of a patient carrying a urine catheter, the device comprising a replaceable self-emptying chamber ( | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120109009 | ORAL TESTING DEVICES AND METHODS - An oral testing device has a housing comprising a window for visually exposing test strips within the housing and a donor sample pad coupled to a first end of the housing. In addition, the oral testing device has a mirror hingedly coupled to a second end of the housing positioned for viewing the test strips when the donor sample pad is inserted within a donor's mouth. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120109010 | ELECTROCHEMICAL SENSOR, LANCET, AND BODILY FLUID MEASURING APPARATUS - An electrochemical sensor includes a base plate provided with a concave part formed on one of surfaces thereof, a fluid channel formed so that a bottom part of the concave part and the other one of the surfaces of the base plate are communicated with each other, a plurality of electrodes formed on the concave part; a reagent fixed on the electrodes, a cover which covers the concave part, and an air channel which causes the inside and outside of the concave part to be communicated with each other. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120109011 | SAMPLE COLLECTOR WITH ADEQUACY SENSOR - The present invention provides a sample collection device for determining that an adequate amount of sample is collected, the sample collection device including a sample collection member for collecting a fluid sample and at least one electrode, the at least one electrode being in liquid communication with the sample collection member and including a processor. In one embodiment, the sample collection member includes a groove structure, wherein at least one electrode is located on each side of the groove. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120109012 | DISTANCE MEASUREMENT USING IMPLANTABLE ACOUSTIC TRANSDUCERS - Implantable systems and methods (e.g., using an implantable medical device) for measuring distance including a transmit/receive acoustic transducer implantable at a first location for transmitting and receiving acoustic signals, an echo acoustic transducer implantable at a second location for receiving the acoustic signal from the transmit/receive acoustic transducer and in response thereto transmitting a return echo signal to be received by the transmit/receive acoustic sensor, and a controller to control transmission of the acoustic signal from the transmit/receive acoustic transducer at a transmit time and determine a receive time corresponding to the time the transmit/receive acoustic transducer receives the return echo signal. The distance between the transmit/receive acoustic transducer and the echo acoustic transducer is determined as a function of the transmit time and the receive time. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120109013 | Peripheral Sensory And Supersensory Replacement System - A sensor-based quantification and analysis system includes an input device including a plurality of sensors that generate an input based on a force. The input device also includes a transmission device that transmits force information based on the input. The system also includes an output device that receives the force information. A processing unit selects, for each of the plurality of sensors, one of a plurality of levels of a likelihood of tissue damage based on the force and a predetermined time period. Further, the output device includes a display that presents or logs the one of the plurality of levels of the likelihood of tissue damage for each of the plurality of sensors. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120109014 | Cervical Sizing Devices and Related Kits and Methods - This disclosure relates to cervical sizing devices and related kits and methods. In some aspects, a cervical sizing device includes an elongate arm and a member positioned at a distal end region of the elongate arm. The cervical sizing device can be used to determine an approximate size of a cervix when the member is brought into contact with an outer surface of the cervix. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120109015 | Uterine Cavity Length Measurement - A uterine cavity length measuring device includes a first elongate member including a lumen and a plurality of apertures extending between the lumen and an exterior surface of the first elongate member, and a second elongate member including a lumen, and at least one aperture located at a distal end extending from the lumen of the second elongate member to an exterior surface, where the second elongate member is positioned within and is configured to move within the lumen of the first elongate member and where the first elongate member and second elongate member provide a fluid path from a proximal end of the lumen in the second elongate member, through the lumen in the second elongate member to the at least one aperture located at the distal end of the second elongate member and to at least one of the plurality of apertures in the first elongate member. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120109016 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMPROVING TRUNCAL CONTROL - An exercise monitoring apparatus for measuring proper abdominal strengthening affords a customer an improved method for developing better abdominal muscles to treat back pain, avoid injuries and improve physical performance. The exercise apparatus has a stretchable belt with first and second ends having fasteners to attach the belt to the athlete's waist, the fasteners accommodating a variety of waist sizes. The belt has a wider middle portion formed by wider surfaces of the fabric, the wider portion forming a pocket with an exit at a small opening. The pocket accommodates an airtight sac containing gas-filled, compressible foam. A manometer is attached to the sac via a tube that passes through the small opening around the sac, and the manometer displays data on pressure changes as the customer uses the belt. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120109017 | MECHANICAL DEVICE FOR TISSUE REGENERATION - The invention relates to a mechanical device for tissue-regeneration inside a patient, comprising means ( | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120109018 | ENERGETIC MODULATION OF NERVES - A system for applying high intensity ultrasound energy to a nerve surrounding an artery of a patient includes a piezoelectric array comprising a plurality of ultrasound elements, a controller configured to individually control a phasing of each of the ultrasound elements, a platform on which the ultrasound elements are coupled, wherein the platform is configured to support at least a part of the patient, a programmable generator configured to generate an output power for at least one of the ultrasound elements, and a programmable processor configured to process a signal transmitted from one of the ultrasound elements and reflected back from tissue, and determine a tissue characteristic based on the reflected signal. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120109019 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ULTRASONIC SPINE TREATMENT - The present invention relates to an apparatus for therapeutically treating bone structure using ultrasound, and more particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus with an attachment structure for treating bone injuries or a variety of musculoskeletal injuries and/or problems. | 2012-05-03 |
| 20120109020 | METHODS FOR MODIFYING NEURAL TRANSMISSION PATTERNS - The invention generally relates to methods for modifying neural transmission patterns. In certain embodiments, methods of the invention involve noninvasively applying a first type of energy to a region of neural tissue, noninvasively applying a second type of energy to the region of tissue, such that the combined effect modifies a neural transmission pattern between cells of the neural tissue. | 2012-05-03 |
