27th week of 2009 patent applcation highlights part 61 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20090171196 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ENCODING INTERVENTIONAL DEVICES - An imaging system comprises an image acquisition device configured to image certain internal anatomic structures of a patient, and an interventional device, at least a portion of which is configured to be inserted into the body of a patient. The interventional device includes one or more markers disposed on the insertable portion(s) of the interventional device. The material of which the marker is formed is suitable for detection by the image acquisition device, and is arranged in an identifying pattern. The image acquisition device is configured to detect the marker and to read the identifying pattern. In response to the detection and reading of the pattern, the image acquisition device is configured to identify and track the position of the interventional device. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171197 | Surgical Instrument Calibration - A rotationally symmetric surgical instrument for use with a computer aided surgery system which is adapted so that it is easy to check its calibration and methods of checking the calibration of such instruments are described. The instrument includes a body having a working end which includes a working point which characterises the location in space of the working end. The instrument also has a location at which a marker can be attached to the instrument. Only a single formation is located toward the working end which provides a calibration reference point for engaging with a trackable instrument. The single formation has a fixed position relative to the working point. The position of the calibration reference point relative to the marker array can be determined so as to check whether the calibration of the instrument is still accurate. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171198 | Powdered marker - The marker delivery system described has a delivery tube or cannula which has a bioabsorbable powdered mass and a radiographically detectable element within an inner lumen thereof. The powdered material is a starch such as USP (corn) starch or other suitable polysaccharide. The radiographically detectable element may be disposed within or coupled to a bioabsorbable pellet. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171199 | METHOD AND INSTRUMENT AS WELL AS USE OF INSTRUMENT FOR PERMANENT APPLICATION OF REFERENCE MARKER FOR PRECISION AIMING OF TREATMENT BEAM - A method for permanently applying via the urethra a reference marker in the prostate gland in order by means of the marker to allow precision aiming of a treatment beam at a cancer tumor therein, whereby a catheter comprising a duct and a reference marker disposed for movement in the duct is introduced into the urethra and inserted through it to the prostate gland, a device, with guidance by the reference marker, is caused to, from the duct, penetrate the catheter and/or a membrane totally or partly covering the catheter and is inserted in glandular tissue surrounding the catheter and the urethra, and the marker is thereafter moved by a means along the penetrating and guiding means and is driven by the movement means, with guidance by the penetrating and guiding means, into said glandular tissue for permanent application therein. An instrument for this purpose comprises a catheter ( | 2009-07-02 |
20090171200 | ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS - A surface point tracked by an echo tracking processor unit for each ultrasonic beam is a tracking point. A strain measurement unit measures an amount of strain of a bone based on the surface points. A delay time measurement unit measures a time for the amount of strain of the bone to reach a return reference value, corresponding to a state before a load is applied, after the load is first applied to the bone and then removed. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171201 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REAL-TIME HEMODYNAMIC MONITORING - The invention relates to an apparatus for monitoring hemodynamic performance of a cardiac chamber. In one embodiment, the apparatus takes real time measurements of the volume and pressure of the cardiac chamber and prepares a PV loop. The apparatus may include an intracardiac echocardiogram catheter with a pressure sensor positioned to measure intracardiac pressure when the distal end of the catheter is deployed in a cardiac chamber. The apparatus may further include control circuitry that receives heart wall surface image data signals from the ultrasound transducer and intracardiac pressure data signals from the pressure senor and generates pressure-volume loop data signals from the surface image data signals and intracardiac pressure data signals in real time. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171202 | INTEGRATION OF CONTROL SOFTWARE WITH A MEDICAL DEVICE AND SYSTEM - A medical device for diagnosis or treatment of tissue is disclosed. The device includes an electronically-controlled tool configured for diagnosis or treatment, an electrical connector, and a computer readable memory. The electrical connector is configured for connection with an electronic control unit and configured to receive control signals, including signals concerning the operation of the tool, from the electronic control unit. The computer readable memory is accessible through the connector. The memory can include a set of programming instructions for control of the tool, and the programming instructions can be configured to be downloadable from the memory upon connection of the electrical connector with the electronic control unit. A system is also disclosed in which the electronic control unit is configured to transmit a data log from memory in the electronic control unit to the memory in the medical device upon the occurrence or detection of a predetermined event. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171203 | Cryotherapy Insertion System and Method - Methods and systems for inserting therapeutic probes into a patient are present. Embodiments include an automated probe insertion system and a probe insertion guide comprising a moveable probe guide sleeve; a positioner for positioning said probe guide sleeve; and a controller operable to receive a definition of a locus within a body of a patient and to direct positioning and orienting of said probe guide sleeve so that a probe advanced through said sleeve will advance in direction of said locus. Cryosurgery applications are presented. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171204 | Ultrasound System And Method Of Providing Ultrasound Images - The present invention relates to an ultrasound system for providing ultrasound images in a duplex mode. The ultrasound system comprises a transmission/reception unit for alternately transmitting a first ultrasound beam and a second ultrasound beam to a target object. The first and second ultrasound beams are transmitted for first and second time durations, respectively. The ultrasound system further comprises an image processing unit for forming a first diagnostic mode image based on echoes of the first ultrasound beam and a second diagnostic mode image containing a gap corresponding to the first time duration based on echoes of the second ultrasound beam. The image processing unit is further configured to perform gap filling based on edge points of the second diagnostic mode image to form a second diagnostic image with the gap removed. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171205 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR LOCATING BLOOD VESSELS - A method and system for detecting blood vessels and precisely determining parameters in respect thereof, such as geometry, depth and diameter. Optical imaging, such as IR imaging, is used to obtain a general overview ( | 2009-07-02 |
20090171206 | ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS, ULTRASONIC IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, AND ULTRASONIC IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - A peripheral region is detected by using original image data acquired by ultrasound scan. Blend processing is executed in the peripheral region such that a rate of a smoothed image increases and a rate of an original image decreases as a distance from a blood flow region increases. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171207 | ULTRASONIC DIAGONSTIC APPARATUS, ULTRASONIC IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, AND ULTRASONIC IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - Low-resolution image data for recognizing signal components macroscopically is generated, an effective diagnostic component and an ineffective diagnostic component are determined by using the low-resolution image data, and a correction coefficient is decided for every pixel such that the correction coefficient is set to 1 for the effective diagnostic component and the correction coefficient is set to equal to or larger than 0 and smaller than 1 for the ineffective diagnostic component. In addition, correction processing for raising the contrast between the effective diagnostic component and the ineffective diagnostic component by multiplying each pixel value of original image data by a corresponding correction coefficient is executed. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171208 | ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS, ULTRASONIC IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, AND ULTRASONIC IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - Multiresolution decomposition of image data before scan conversion processing is hierarchically performed, low-frequency decomposed image data and high-frequency decomposed image data with first to n-th levels are acquired, nonlinear anisotropic diffusion filtering is performed on output data from a next lower layer or the low-frequency decomposed image data in a lowest layer, and filtering for generating edge information on a signal for every layer is performed from the output data from the next lower layer or the low-frequency decomposed image data in the lowest layer. In addition, on the basis of the edge information on each layer, a signal level of the high-frequency decomposed image data is controlled for every layer and multiresolution mixing of the output data of the nonlinear anisotropic diffusion filter and the output data of the high-frequency level control, which are obtained in each layer, are hierarchically performed. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171209 | ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE AND METHOD OF DISPLAYING ULTRASOUND IMAGES - The present invention relates to an ultrasound diagnostic device. The ultrasound diagnostic device comprises: a storage unit configured to store a plurality of consecutive image frames based on ultrasound echoes reflected from a target object; an image processing unit configured to form preview images of the image frames, wherein the preview images are stored in the storage unit in association with the corresponding image frames; and a user input unit allowing a user to input a selection instruction for selecting one of the preview images, wherein the image processing unit is further configured to read out an image frame corresponding to the selected preview image from the storage unit in response to the selection instruction. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171210 | SONOELECTRIC TOMOGRAPHY USING A FREQUENCY-SWEPT ULTRASONIC WAVE - Sonoelectric tomography to achieve high-resolution bioelectric imaging. Bioelectrical signals originating from various locations in an object are ultrasonically encoded to carry different frequencies that vary with time via a frequency-swept signal or chirp. The frequency-sweeping parameters are chosen so that no frequencies are duplicated in the medium at any given time. The frequency distribution is decoded, for example, by means of the Fourier transformation to recover a bioelectric image with high spatial resolution. The spatial resolution of the image is defined by the ultrasonic frequency parameters, whereas the image contrast is derived from the bioelectric signals. In an embodiment, an ultrasonic transducer transmits a frequency-swept (e.g., chirped) ultrasonic wave into the region of interest in the tissue. The ultrasonic wave may be focused to achieve high transverse resolution within the focal zone. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171211 | ULTRASONOGRAPHIC DEVICE - An ultrasonographic device includes an ultrasonic wave transmitter/receiver section which transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to and from a test subject through a probe, a phasing addition circuit which controls the phase of the received ultrasonic wave and generates RF signal frame data, an RF signal frame data selection section which makes variable the frame interval of the RF signal frame data to be outputted, and an elastic image generating section which sets the optimum imaging range for each elastic frame data generated based on the RF signal frame data and generates elastic image. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171212 | Interactive Virtual Visualization System For Training And Assistance In the Use of Ultrasound Handheld Transducers - This invention provides a system and method for constructing and implementing an interactive virtual visualization system suitable for training and assisting an ultrasound operator to acquire useful images using a handheld transducer. The system requires an actual ultrasound machine complete with image display, controls and ultrasound transducer. As a direct result, skills obtained on the machine while in training mode do not have to be reacquired on a different machine in order for the operator to transit to live subjects. This also implies that the same machine may be used for refresher training. Two embodiments of the invention are presented, one in which the interactive virtualization system appears outboard to the ultrasound machine, the other in which the virtualization systems is embedded directed within the ultrasound machine. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171213 | LINEAR ARRAY ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER WITH VARIABLE PATCH BOUNDARIES - An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system has a two dimensional array arranged in multiple patches of multiple transducer elements. Each patch of transducer elements is coupled to a group of microbeamformer delay lines having outputs which can be coupled to a selected channel of a system beamformer, which beamforms the partially summed beams of each patch into a final beamformed signal. The ability to direct a delayed signal from a transducer element to a selected beamformer channel enables the patch boundaries to be changed as the aperture is translated across the array. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171214 | ULTRASOUND SYSTEM AND METHOD OF FORMING ULTRASOUND IMAGE SIGNALS WITH MULTIPROCESSING - The present invention relates to an ultrasound system. The ultrasound system comprises: a probe for transmitting an ultrasound beam along a plurality of scan lines in a target object and output receive signals based on ultrasound echoes reflected from the target object; a beam forming unit for applying delays to the receive signals and sum the delayed receive signals to thereby form scan line signals corresponding to the respective scan lines; a multiprocessing unit including a plurality of processors, each being configured to individually process a part of the scan line signals to output sub-image signals, the multiprocessing unit being configured to synthesize the sub-image signals to output ultrasound image signals corresponding to one image frame; and an image processing unit for performing an image processing upon the ultrasound image signals for display. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171215 | ULTRASONIC IMAGING APPARATUS - An ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes an image obtaining unit for irradiating an imaging region in a subject to which a contrast agent is injected with an ultrasonic wave and obtaining tomographic image information that draws the imaging region, an input unit for inputting scan parameter value information which is set in the image obtaining unit and a target sound pressure parameter value of a sound pressure parameter as an index of an estimated sound pressure in the subject, an estimated maximum sound pressure parameter value calculating device, at the time of performing the irradiation, for calculating an estimated maximum sound pressure parameter value in the subject on the basis of the scan parameter value information and maximum drive voltage information of a piezoelectric transducer group for generating the ultrasonic wave, and a maximum drive voltage optimization device, each time the scan parameter value information is changed, for comparing the estimated maximum sound pressure parameter value calculated by using the estimated maximum sound pressure parameter value calculating device and the target sound pressure parameter value with each other and optimizing the maximum drive voltage value of the maximum drive voltage information. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171216 | Connections For Ultrasound Transducers - Described herein are electrical connections to acoustic elements, e.g., piezoelectric elements. In an exemplary embodiment, a transducer comprises an acoustic element, a passive layer attached to the acoustic element, and a conductive post embedded in the passive layer to provide a direct low resistance electrical connection to the acoustic element. In one embodiment, the conductive post has an exposed side surface allowing electrical connections to be made from the side of the transducer. In another embodiment, the conductive post has an exposed bottom surface allowing electrical connections to be made from the bottom of the transducer. In another embodiment, the transducer comprises an extension substrate adjacent to the acoustic element for protecting the acoustic element from thermal stress when a connection is made to the transducer at high temperatures. In one embodiment, a circuit is integrated on the extension substrate to process signals to or from the acoustic element. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171217 | ULTRASOUND SYSTEM FOR DIAGNOSING BREAST CANCER - The present invention relates to an ultrasound system for diagnosing breast cancers. The ultrasound system comprises an ultrasound probe including an array transducer having an arcuate shape, the array transducer containing a plurality of elements arrayed in a longitudinal direction of the array transducer. The ultrasound probe further includes a probing surface for contacting a surface of the target object, wherein the probing surface is formed to have a concave shape at a front side of the array transducer. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171218 | Biopsy System - A biopsy assembly for collecting tissue samples by means of a biopsy needle when introduced in a body cavity. The biopsy assembly comprises an elongated member ( | 2009-07-02 |
20090171219 | BIOPSY GUIDE MOUNTING STRUCTURE, ULTRASONIC PROBE, AND ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS - A biopsy guide mounting structure mounts a biopsy guide to guide and hold a biopsy needle to an ultrasonic probe. The biopsy guide mounting structure includes a guide mounting portion provided at a side face of an end portion of the ultrasonic probe. The end portion has an ultrasonic wave transmission/reception surface. The biopsy guide is attached to the guide mounting portion detachably. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171220 | METHODS FOR DETECTING AND MONITORING SLEEP DISORDERED BREATHING USING AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A method of identifying sleep disordered breathing (SDB) in a patient includes monitoring a hemodynamic pressure, deriving high, middle, and low values representative of the distribution of the hemodynamic pressure over a storage interval, measuring a ratio of a lower range to a full range of the hemodynamic pressure based on the derived high, middle, and low values, and using the ratio to determine whether the patient has experienced an SDB episode. Certain embodiments of the invention compare the ratio to a threshold value to identify the occurrence of an SDB episode, while other embodiments of the invention identify the occurrence of an SDB episode by monitoring for a simultaneous increase in both the ratio and the full range of the hemodynamic pressure. In certain other embodiments of the invention, activity level and/or duration criteria may be employed to confirm the occurrence of an SDB episode detected using the ratio. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171221 | System apparatus for monitoring heart and lung functions - A system for monitoring heart and lung functions comprises an audio signal sensing unit, an audio signal processing unit, an electrocardiogram signal sensing unit, an electrocardiogram signal processing unit, and a microprocessor unit. The audio signal sensing unit senses audio signals, including a heart sound and a lung sound. The audio signal processing unit is connected to the audio signal sensing unit and processes the audio signals to obtain the heart sound and the lung sound. The electrocardiogram signal sensing unit senses an electrocardiogram signal. The electrocardiogram signal processing unit is connected to the electrocardiogram signal sensing unit and processes the electrocardiogram signal. The microprocessor unit is connected to the audio signal processing unit, the electrocardiogram signal processing unit and a computer host, and processes the heart sound, the lung sound and the electrocardiogram signal to be data that can be identified by the computer host. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171222 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MONITORING BLOOD PRESSURE CUFF WEAR - A blood pressure cuff assembly is disclosed herein. The blood pressure cuff assembly includes a data storage device and cuff data stored on the data storage device. The cuff data pertains to a degree of wear of the pressure cuff assembly and/or an age of the pressure cuff assembly. A corresponding blood pressure monitoring system incorporating the blood pressure cuff assembly, and a method for implementing the blood pressure cuff assembly are also disclosed. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171223 | Surgical Tourniquet Cuff System - A surgical tourniquet cuff system includes a tourniquet cuff with a cuff connector for communicating pneumatically with the cuff and for releasably connecting to a tourniquet instrument connector to establish a pneumatic passageway between the cuff connector and the tourniquet instrument connector. A tourniquet instrument supplies pressurized gas through the pneumatic passageway to the cuff. The tourniquet instrument connector includes a cuff pressure transducer for producing a cuff pressure signal indicative of the pressure of gas within the gas passageway near the connection. The cuff may include a cuff usage register for containing a cuff usage record and the tourniquet instrument connector may include a cuff usage register interface for reading the record. The tourniquet cuff may further include a cuff sheath forming a flexible conduit containing the cuff connector and sized to allow the connection of the cuff connector to the tourniquet instrument connector within the sheath. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171224 | SENSOR WITH INTEGRATED LIVING HINGE AND SPRING - Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to a sensor assembly. In various embodiments the sensor assembly includes a body having a first segment, a second segment, and a living hinge. The living hinge has a pivot axis and mechanically couples the first segment and the second segment. Further, the living hinge facilitates the first segment and the second segment to pivoting relative to one another about the pivot axis. Embodiments may also relate to a method of manufacturing a sensor frame. The method may include forming an integral sensor body having a first frame segment, a second frame segment, and a living hinge. The first frame segment and the second frame segment are configured to pivot relative to one another about a pivot axis of the living hinge. The method may also include coupling one or more biasing mechanisms to the first frame segment and the second frame segment. The biasing mechanism is configured to generate a moment about the pivot axis of the living hinge. The moment biases the first segment and second segment into a closed position. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171225 | System and Method for Automated Medical Diagnostic Interpretation and Report Generation - Automated medical diagnostic interpretation and report generation for a non-invasive medical diagnostic test, such as an echo cardiogram, is provided. Various dimension measurements and physiological measurements from an echo cardiogram machine are transferred automatically to a computer over an echo cardiogram machine interface. The dimensions and physiological measurements are automatically interpreted by an intelligent interpretation engine running on a computer, generating various machine evaluations. The physician can approve the machine evaluations, overrule them, or make appropriate adjustments. Upon completion of the physician's review, the physician approved interpretations become diagnostic conclusions, and the report containing the results of the physician's review is generated by the report generation engine. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171226 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EVALUATING VARIATION IN THE TIMING OF PHYSIOLOGICAL EVENTS - In embodiments, methods and systems are provided for the calculation of one or more indices representing variability in the timing of events in a signal representing a physiological parameter. In embodiments, the method and system may utilize an infinite impulse response formulation for the calculation of the indices to minimize memory and computational overhead, while additionally making the indices more responsive to newer measurements. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171227 | SYSTEMS FOR SAFE AND REMOTE OUTPATIENT ECG MONITORING - A system and method providing outpatient ECG monitoring and safe home based cardiac tele-rehabilitation. The system includes a recordation module for recording ECG signals using at least one lead, a tele-rehabilitation module for home based exercise management for a patient's recovery from a heart disease, the tele-rehabilitation module including a processing module for recognizing erroneous data from the ECG signals and an analysis module for calculating beat-to-beat annotations and determining if an ECG event and/or if a QT interval duration change has occurred. The system can include an exercise module for guiding the patient during an exercise session, a visual display that informs the patient to start and/or to stop the tele-rehabilitation exercise, a visual display and/or audible signal that informs the patient of an incoming or a missed tele-rehabilitation exercise session, and/or a communication module for transmitting/receiving data between the a cardiac tele-rehabilitation module and a physician/monitoring centre. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171228 | BASELINE PROCESSING FOR THE DETECTION OF CARDIAC EVENTS - A system for the detection of cardiac events occurring in a human patient is provided. At least two electrodes are included in the system for obtaining an electrical signal from a patient's heart. An electrical signal processor is electrically coupled to the electrodes for processing the electrical signal and a patient alarm means is further provided and electrically coupled to the electrical signal processor. The electrical signal is acquired in the form of electrogram segments, which are categorized according to heart rate, ST segment shift and type heart rhythm (normal or abnormal). Baseline electrogram segments are tracked over time. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171229 | Swimmer's Starter Platform with Heart Rate Monitor - Some embodiments of the invention provide a swimmer's starter platform including a heart rate monitor. The heart rate monitor can include electrodes to acquire heart rate data and a transmitter. The starter platform can include a detachable display including a receiver. The detachable display can wirelessly receive the heart rate data and display the heart rate data whether coupled or detached from the starter platform. The starter platform can include a top platform, backstroke handlebars, and electrode handlebars. The electrode handlebars can include electrodes to acquire heart rate data. The electrode handlebars can be positioned with respect to the top platform and the backstroke handlebars to acquire the heart rate data while the swimmer is in the pool. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171230 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ANALYZING WAVES OF ELECTROCARDIOGRAM - Electrocardiogram wave data in which a component of cardiac massage is removed from the electrocardiogram wave data is generated, so that the electrocardiogram wave at the time of cardiopulmonary resuscitation is identified. An electrocardiogram wave processing system of obtaining and processing the electrocardiogram wave data includes a wave identification unit that identifies an electrocardiogram wave from the obtained electrocardiogram wave data, a feature selection unit that selects a feature pattern including a feature when a cardiac massage has been performed with respect to the electrocardiogram wave data identified by the wave identification unit, a generation unit that generates a component of the cardiac massage using the feature pattern selected by the feature selection unit, and a removal unit that removes, from the obtained electrocardiogram wave data, the component of the cardiac massage generated by the generation unit. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171231 | METHOD OF DETERMINING LUNG CONDITION INDICATORS - A method and a microprocessor controlled device for use in medical evaluation of the pulmonary system. The method and device incorporate two different non invasive evaluative techniques. Passive auscultation provides indicators of lung condition. Active auscultation, a different evaluative technique, provides information or indications generally not available or provided from passive auscultation. Combining the information from both techniques greatly improves the ability to provide effective medical treatment. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171232 | Drowsiness detection system - A drowsiness detection system is disclosed. The way of detection is by an EEG detection circuit to detect brain waves of a human brain for getting an EEG signal. The EEG signal is sent to a micro-controller circuit to generate a control signal. In accordance with the control signal, a processing circuit processes the EEG signal so as to learn the drowsiness state of the user in time. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171233 | BIOFEEDBACK SYSTEM AND DISPLAY DEVICE - A biofeedback system and a display device for the use in the biofeedback system. Also disclosed is a method for a biofeedback treatment of a person or an animal. Biofeedback is a therapy method which is used in rehabilitation facilities, for example in the neurological rehabilitation. A neural signal magnitude below a certain threshold does not result in a muscle response, for example, because the provided stimulus is insufficient to trigger the muscle. In order to provide a patient with an intuitive feedback of the sub-threshold neural signal nevertheless, the signal is detected and made recognizable to the patient. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171234 | Devices, systems and methods for bioimpedance measurement of cervical tissue and methods for diagnosis and treatment of human cervix - Featured are apparatuses for measuring bioimpendence of tissues of the cervix, more specifically the mammalian cervix. Also featured are methods for examining the tissues of the cervix for clinical or diagnostic purposes such as during routine gynecological examinations to determine early onset of labor in pregnant patients or to assess such tissues for the presence of abnormalities such as cancerous lesions in both pregnant and non-pregnant women. Also featured are methods for treating onset of early or pre-term labor that embody such devices, apparatuses and methods of the present invention. Also featured are systems embodying such devices, apparatuses and/or methods, where such systems preferably are configured to provide diagnostic and/or clinical information to further assist the diagnostician or clinician in diagnosing and/or examining pregnant or non-pregnant patients. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171235 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COMPLEX IMPEDANCE COMPENSATION AND FOR DETERMINING TISSUE MORPHOLOGY BASED ON PHASE ANGLE - A compensation circuit has a predetermined, known complex impedance and is located in a handle of a catheter or in a distal end of a cable that connects to the catheter. The compensation circuit is probed with a pilot signal produced by a compensation control that is external to the catheter, by way of an electrical connection through the connecting cable. The compensation control measures the complex impedance, which is the combination of the circuit's known impedance as well as that of the cable. The compensation control then determines the difference between the measured and the known complex impedances. The difference represents that which is attributable to the cable, and is used to compensate or cancel out such cable-related contributions to complex impedance in measurements made over other electrical connections in the same cable. In another aspect, an unknown tissue is identified as one of a plurality of possible tissue types such as regular myocardium, scar and fat based on the measured phase angle of the complex impedance of the unknown tissue. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171236 | ELECTRICAL BIOIMPEDANCE ANALYSIS AS A BIOMARKER OF BREAST DENSITY AND/OR BREAST CANCER RISK - Methods and systems are provided for the noninvasive measurement of the subepithelial impedance of the breast and for assessing the risk that a substantially asymptomatic female patient will develop or be at substantially increased risk of developing proliferative or pre-cancerous changes in the breast, or may be at subsequent risk for the development of pre-cancerous or cancerous changes. A plurality of electrodes are used to measure subepithelial impedance of parenchymal breast tissue of a patient at one or more locations and at least one frequency, particularly moderately high frequencies. The risk of developing breast cancer is assessed according to measured and expected or estimated values of subepithelial impedance for the patient and according to one or more experienced-based algorithms. Devices for practicing the disclosed methods are also provided. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171237 | SYSTEM AND SENSOR FOR EARLY DETECTION OF SHOCK OR PERFUSION FAILURE AND TECHNIQUE FOR USING THE SAME - According to various embodiments, a system, method, and sensor are provided that is capable of monitoring electrical impedance of oral or nasal mucosal tissue. Such sensors may be appropriate for assessing gut hypoperfusion, gut ischemia, or the onset of shock. The electrical impedance of the oral mucosa or other tissues in the upper respiratory tract may be used to non-invasively assess the clinical state of gastrointestinal tissue. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171238 | THERMAL MONITORING - A rectal thermal monitor for transrectal prostate temperature measurement includes a handle arranged in a proximal end portion of the monitor for gripping by a user, an elongate shaft extending from the handle, and an expandable distal probe portion arranged on a distal end of the shaft. The distal probe portion is arranged at a position opposite the handle portion, and is shaped to facilitate insertion through an anal sphincter and into a rectum of a patient. A cover element, is provided for covering at least a portion of the distal probe portion, and is made from a resilient material. A temperature sensing element is arranged within the distal probe portion, beneath the cover element, and is adapted and configured to sense a temperature of the prostate of the patient through the rectum wall of the patient. Further, and actuator can be provided to actuate the expandable distal probe portion, to increase a diameter thereof. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171239 | Sensory Test Device - There is disclosed a device for testing tactile sensitivity of tissue, such as nasal mucosa, comprising an elongated portion to which there is attached a thread. The thread is adapted to be brought into contact with the tissue to be tested, wherein the thread is curved or otherwise bent so as to define a lateral contact point away from the axis of the elongated portion. Preferably, the thread is axially attached to the elongated portion, and exhibits a curvature or bent to define a lateral contact point about 10 mm or less away from the axis of the elongated portion. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171240 | FUSION-BASED SPATIO-TEMPORAL FEATURE DETECTION FOR ROBUST CLASSIFICATION OF INSTANTANEOUS CHANGES IN PUPIL RESPONSE AS A CORRELATE OF COGNITIVE RESPONSE - A computationally efficient and robust approach for monitoring the instantaneous pupil response as a correlate to significant cognitive response to relevant stimuli derives data samples d(n) of the pupil diameter (area), v(n) of pupil velocity and a(n) of pupil acceleration from the pupillary response and segments the data samples into a sequence of time-shifted windows. A feature extractor extracts a plurality of spatio-temporal pupil features from the data samples from the response and baseline periods in each window. A classifier trained to detect patterns of the extracted spatio-temporal pupil features for relevant stimuli generates an output indicative of the occurrence of absence of a significant cognitive response in the subject to a relevant stimulus. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171242 | CLUTCH AND VALVING SYSTEM FOR TETHERLESS BIOPSY DEVICE - A biopsy device may include a needle, a cutter, and a handpiece. A vacuum pump may be provided in the handpiece for providing a vacuum to the needle and/or to the cutter. A motor may be provided in the handpiece to drive the vacuum pump and/or the cutter. A biopsy device may also include a valving mechanism within the handpiece for selectively communicating a vacuum and/or atmospheric air to the needle. A clutching mechanism may selectively provide communication between a motor and the cutter. Portions of a valving mechanism and a clutching mechanism may be integrally formed. A clutching and valving mechanism may be driven by a first motor; and a cutter and vacuum pump by a second motor. A biopsy device may include batteries for powering motors. A biopsy device may thus provide vacuum and power from within a handpiece, such that the biopsy device is tetherless. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171243 | Vacuum Sensor And Pressure Pump For Tetherless Biopsy Device - A biopsy device may include a needle, a cutter, and a handpiece. A vacuum pump in the handpiece may provide a vacuum to the needle and/or to the cutter. A pressure pump in the handpiece may also provide pressurized air to the needle and/or to the cutter. A motor in the handpiece may drive the vacuum pump, the pressure pump, and/or the cutter. A vacuum sensor may sense a vacuum level within the biopsy device, and cause initiation of operational cycles in response to sensed vacuum levels. Portions of a valving mechanism and a clutching mechanism may be integrally formed. A clutching and valving mechanism may be driven by a first battery-powered motor; and a cutter, pressure pump, and vacuum pump by a second battery-powered motor. A biopsy device may thus provide vacuum, pressurized air, and power from within a handpiece, such that the biopsy device is tetherless. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171244 | METHODS AND APPARATUS OF CONE BEAM CT IMAGING AND IMAGE-GUIDED PROCEDURES - Disclosed are embodiments of methods of and systems for detecting and biopsying lesions with a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) system. The system comprises, in some embodiments, a CBCT device configured to output a cone beam CT image of at least a portion of a patient's breast and a multi-axis transport module, having at least three degrees of freedom and configured to position a biopsy needle within a 3D frame of reference based on inputs received from the cone beam CT device. The transport module can be configured to place the biopsy needle adjacent to, or within, a target of interest within the breast. Also disclosed are embodiments of methods of and systems for testing CBCT systems with phantoms. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171245 | SWAB EXTRACTION DEVICE AND METHODS OF USING - This disclosure describes a swab extraction device that can be used to collect a medical specimen, transport the specimen to a laboratory, and process and analyze the specimen. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171246 | Method and Implement for Opening Hole in Soft Material - An hole-opening implement ( | 2009-07-02 |
20090171247 | MEDICAL DEVICE FOR INSERTION INTO THE HUMAN BODY, AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE - A medical device for insertion into the human body has improved sliding characteristics. The medical device for insertion into the human body includes a substrate having given shape, and an agent for improving the sliding characteristics having a hydrophilic block and a hydrophobic block, and coating the hydrophobic surface. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171248 | ULTRASOUND TREATMENT OF ADIPOSE TISSUE WITH FLUID INJECTION - There is provided herein an apparatus for treatment of adipose tissue comprising a transducer for producing and directing acoustic waves at a surface of a subject body and a dispenser element for supplying a fluid, through the transducer, to a contact area on the surface of a subject body. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171249 | Ultrasound treatment of adipose tissue with vacuum feature - There is provided herein an apparatus for treatment of adipose tissue comprising a transducer for producing and directing acoustic waves at a surface of a subject body and a drawing element for drawing a surface of the subject body into the transducer. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171250 | ULTRASOUND TREATMENT OF ADIPOSE TISSUE WITH FLUID INJECTION - There is provided herein, an apparatus for lysing of adipose tissue comprising a transducer adapted to transmit ultrasound to a target area tissue of a subject body and a fluid supplying element for automatically supplying a fluid to a contact area on a surface of the target area tissue of the subject body. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171251 | ULTRASOUND TREATMENT OF ADIPOSE TISSUE WITH VACUUM FEATURE - There is provided herein, an apparatus for lysing of adipose tissue comprising a transducer adapted to transmit ultrasound to a target area tissue of a subject body; and a vacuum system adapted to suck a surface of the target area tissue into the transducer to facilitate acoustic contact between the surface of the target area tissue and the transducer. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171252 | THERAPY HEAD FOR USE WITH AN ULTRASOUND SYSTEM - Therapy heads and related medical systems having an actuation assembly for controlling the position/orientation of a directional energy applicator in at least two planes are disclosed. A therapy head includes an enclosure, a partition separating a lower compartment from an upper compartment, an aperture in the partition, a control arm extending through the aperture, an actuation assembly positioned within the upper compartment, and a directional energy applicator positioned in the lower compartment for transmitting energy through a window. The control arm includes an upper end disposed within the upper compartment and a lower end disposed within the lower compartment. The actuation assembly is coupled with the upper end of the control arm such that the control arm is movable by the actuation assembly in at least two planes. The directional energy applicator is coupled with the lower end of the control arm. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171253 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DERMATOLOGICAL TREATMENT USING ULTRASOUND - An handpiece including an ultrasound transducer is used for dermatological applications such as skin tightening or hair removal. The handpiece is configured to monitor whether a bone of the patient underlies the ultrasound transducer. In a preferred embodiment, the transducer generates a sounding pulse. The reflection of the pulse off the bone is measured. In response to the detection of the bone, the treatment can be modified or halted to protect the bone. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171254 | Time-reversal ultrasound focusing - A method for creating a time reversed signal adapted to destroy a soft tissue, the method comprising emitting a first ultrasonic signal from a transmitter towards a tissue simulating medium which simulates said soft tissue, wherein the first ultrasonic signal has a first frequency characteristic; receiving the first ultrasonic signal in a receiver and converting the first ultrasonic signal to an electrical signal; converting the electrical signal to a digital signal; and time-reversing the digital signal to produce the time-reversed signal. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171255 | Apparatus and method for ultrasound treatment - Apparatus for lysing adipose tissue and/or cellulite comprising: at least one transducer controllable to transmit ultrasound; and an adapter configured to couple ultrasound transmitted by the at least one transducer to a region of a patient's skin comprising and/or overlaying a layer of adipose tissue and/or cellulite; wherein the adapter orients the transmitted ultrasound relative to the layer of adipose tissue and/or cellulite so that it tends to propagate along a region of the layer. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171256 | PORTABLE PERSONAL DEVICE FOR PULMONARY VENTILATION AND RESUSITATION AT NEGATIVE AND POSITIVE INTERMITTENT PRESSURES - The present invention relates to a portable-personal device ( | 2009-07-02 |
20090171257 | SUPPORT DEVICE FOR ADMINISTRATION OF CPR - A support device for assisting a wearer in the administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the device comprising: a wearable support for strengthening at least one of the wearer's wrist, hand or forearm, the wearable support being adapted to circumscribe a majority of the circumference of the at least one of the wearer's wrist, hand or forearm; wherein the wearable support is adapted to be in close contact with the at least one of the wearer's wrist, hand or forearm, to provide support to the wearer through compression of the at least one of the wearer's wrist, hand or forearm. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171258 | Layered Adhesive Construct Having a Mouldable Layer as Skin Contact Surface - The invention relates to a layered adhesive construct comprising a backing layer and a first and second layer of a hydrocolloid adhesive, where the first and second layer of hydrocolloid adhesive have different composition, and the second layer of hydrocolloid adhesive is interposed between the first layer of hydrocolloid adhesive and the backing layer where the first adhesive layer is a layer moldable adhesive paste comprising hydrocolloids having a Strain Recovery below 45% and the second adhesive layer is a layer of hydrocolloid adhesive having a Strain Recovery above 55%. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171259 | Abdominal Compression - A post-operative compression garment ( | 2009-07-02 |
20090171260 | ATHLETIC PROTECTIVE DEVICE - Embodiments of the invention relate to an athletic cup to direct forces away from soft tissue. In an embodiment, the athletic cup has a convex structure to direct a force associated with an impact to the athletic cup to a pelvic bone of a wearer and away from soft tissue of the wearer. In one embodiment, the athletic cup directs the force of an impact away from a penis, a scrotum, and a perineum of a wearer. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171261 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CALCULATING FLUID FLOW RATE - A switch valve for use in an extracorporeal blood flow circuit comprises a valve housing having a chamber, four openings communicating with the chamber, and a valve member located in the valve chamber. A first opening is to be connected to a patient via an arterial cannula, a second opening is to be connected to a patient via an venous cannula, a third opening is to be connected to a first inlet/outlet of a blood treatment device, and a fourth opening is to be connected to a second inlet/outlet of a blood treatment device. The valve member is movable within the valve housing to fluidly connect the first opening to either the third or the fourth opening and to fluidly connect the second opening to either the third or the fourth opening. The width of the valve member is smaller than a peripheral dimension of the openings. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171262 | Method and Mixture for In Vivo Photochemical Cross-Linking of Collagen - A method and a composition for photochemical cross linking of collagen by photoactive agent in-vivo are presented. The method includes a non-toxic photoactive formulation of the composition with collagen, which is administered to treatment area locally; followed by irradiation with suitable wavelength. In one of the embodiment liposomal formulated mTHPC is added to the collagen and is irradiated with a 652 nm laser, resulting in producing efficient collagen scaffolds with strengthen and stabilized microstructure, thus improving the physiochemical properties of the collagen scaffold. It improves the thermo stability, mechanical property and swelling ratio of newly formed scaffold. Photochemical cross-linked collagens shows antimicrobial effect, when irradiated with suitable wavelength it disinfects the treatment site and curbs microbial growth. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171263 | System, devices, and methods including actively-controllable superoxide water generating systems - Systems, devices, methods, and compositions are described for providing an actively-controllable disinfecting implantable device configured to, for example, treat or prevent an infection in a biological subject. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171264 | Medical Devices Based On Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) - Provided are orthopedic implants and scaffolds comprising poly(vinyl alcohol) which has a degree of hydrolysis of at least 90% and a weight average molecular weight of at least 50,000. Also provided are methods for making same. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171265 | Catheter-Based, Dual Balloon Photopolymerization System - A system for applying a polymer (hydrogel) to the inner surface of a vessel by photopolymerization includes a catheter having a first inflatable member and a guidewire having a second inflatable member. The catheter has an extended tip distal to the first inflatable member that includes multiple perfusion ports. A light emission coil is disposed on the extended tip with individual coil loops interspaced with the perfusion ports. In a method, the guidewire is delivered to a treatment site within a vessel. The catheter is delivered to the treatment site over the guidewire. The inflatable members are inflated to form an enclosed treatment space within the vessel. A photoinitiator is delivered to the enclosed treatment space. Excess photoinitiator is flushed from the treatment space, and a prepolymer is delivered. The prepolymer is cured by light delivered by the light emission coil. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171266 | COMBINATION THERAPY - There is provided a method for producing lysis of adipose tissue that includes applying focused ultrasonic energy to the adipose tissue and applying at least one additional therapeutic procedure to said adipose tissue or surrounding tissue. There is further provided a system for combination therapy for producing lysis of adipose tissue that includes a transducer adapted to apply focused ultrasonic energy to said adipose tissue and at least one additional unit adapted to provide a therapeutic procedure to said adipose tissue or surrounding tissue(s). | 2009-07-02 |
20090171267 | RHEOLYTIC THROMBECTOMY CATHETER WITH SELF-INFLATING PROXIMAL BALLOON WITH DRUG INFUSION CAPABILITIES - The present disclosure involves a rheolytic thrombectomy catheter with a self-inflating proximal balloon having drug infusion capabilities. A self-inflating balloon having a plurality of outflow orifices located about the peripheral circumference thereof is located proximal to an inflow gap or orifices and a fluid jet emanator and which balloon is inflated and expanded by internal operating pressures to uniformly space and position the outflow orifices of the self-inflating balloon in close proximity to or in intimate contact with the thrombus or walls of the blood vessel. Devices of the present disclosure can be used for the purposes of thrombectomies, embolectomies, thrombus or vessel dilation and for the delivery of drugs to a thrombus or vessel site. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171268 | Manually Operated Insufflator - The invention includes a device, kit, and system capable of manually distending a subject's body cavity. In one embodiment, the invention includes a distention media reservoir ( | 2009-07-02 |
20090171269 | Infusion Device and Methods Therefor - Method and apparatus for providing retractable infusion tubing for an infusion device and a jog wheel user interface for an analyte monitoring system receiver and/or an infusion device control unit is provided. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171270 | ATTACHMENT FOR A MILK PUMP - An attachment for a milk pump, including a one-walled, dimensionally stable positioning section which tapers in tunnel-shaped manner from the positioning opening to the securing section for connecting to the milk pump. The positioning section and the securing section are connected together by an articulated connection such that the longitudinal axis of the tunnel-shaped positioning section can be adjusted to an angle (alpha) which deviates by 180° in relation to the longitudinal axis of the securing section. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171271 | Active Cannula for Bio-Sensing and Surgical Intervention - Disclosed is a surgical needle, or active cannula, that is capable of following a complex path through cavities and tissue within a patient's anatomy. The needle has a plurality of overlapping flexible tubes, each of which has a pre-formed curvature and a pre-determined flexibility. Each of the plurality of flexible tubes is selected based on their respective pre-formed curvature and flexibility so that a given overlap configuration causes the combination of overlapping flexible tubes to form a predetermined shape that substantially matches a desired path through the anatomy. By individually controlling the translation and angular orientation of each of the flexible tubes, the surgical needle may be guided through the anatomy according to the desired path. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171272 | DEFLECTABLE SHEATH AND CATHETER ASSEMBLY - The present invention relates to deflectable access sheath assembly. The present invention relates to deflectable sheaths and catheters, including a deflectable sheath access device or introducer, wherein the deflection and movement of the sheath access device is controlled through the relative movement of a plurality of sheaths with respect to one another. Moreover, the present invention relates to catheter assemblies designed for increased flexibility. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171273 | DEFLECTABLE CATHETER CONSTRUCTED TO INHIBIT COMPONENT MIGRATION - A method of manufacturing a deflectable electrophysiological catheter includes constructing a shaft having a distal end and at least one lumen. The method further includes inserting a component into the lumen, and processing at least a portion of the distal end to reduce the cross-sectional profile of the lumen to capture/confine the component. A catheter manufactured using this method includes a shaft having at least one lumen. The lumen comprises a longitudinally-extending trough defined by a longitudinally-extending recess, within which a component is disposed, and a longitudinally extending open edge. The lumen further comprises a longitudinally-extending channel defined by a longitudinally-extending cavity and by the open edge of the trough. A planarity wire is disposed within the cavity and is configured to close the open edge of the trough to within a pre-defined tolerance that is less than the size of the component to retain the component in the recess. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171274 | Non contact mapping catheter - A multi electrode catheter for non contact mapping of the heart having independent articulation and deployment features. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171275 | CONTROLLING MOVEMENT OF DISTAL PORTION OF MEDICAL DEVICE - A medical device allows movement control of a distal end portion of the medical device and is adapted for one-handed operation. The medical device is capable of omni-directional control of the distal end portion of the device. The device has an elongated member including a deflectable portion at a distal end portion of the elongated member. The device also has a control portion disposed on the elongated member. This control portion can be a handle for one-handed use by an operator of the medical device. The control portion comprises an elastic element and a flexible element. Angular movement of a first portion of the control portion with respect to a second portion of the control portion results in amplification of that angular movement in the deflectable portion of the device. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171276 | Transseptal Puncture Needle and Needle Assemblies - A transseptal needle includes an elongate needle body having a distal end and a proximal end and a cannular needle tip located proximate the distal end of the needle body. The needle tip has a distal segment, a proximal segment, and a longitudinal axis. An inner surface of the needle tip defines a passageway spanning at least a portion of the needle tip, and an outer surface of the needle tip defines a wall with the inner surface. The distal segment of the needle tip also includes a wedge surface and a dome-shaped region. The wedge surface forms a wedge angle of other than 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis. The dome-shaped region, which intersects the wedge surface, includes at least two bevels that intersect the wedge surface and that intersect each other at one or more points on the needle tip. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171277 | BALLOON DILATION CATHETER HAVING TRANSITION FROM COAXIAL LUMENS TO NON-COAXIAL MULTIPLE LUMENS - A shaft for a balloon dilation catheter comprises a proximal portion wherein a guidewire tubular member is disposed coaxially within an outer tubular member, a shaft transitional portion, wherein the guidewire member is disposed within the outer member, with at least one distal tubular member not present in the proximal portion, a shaft distal portion, wherein the guidewire member and the distal members are disposed side-by-side and encased within a distal body, and fluid-tight barrier within a proximal lumen blocking the flow of fluid in the proximal lumen, but allowing the proximal lumen to remain in fluid communication with a distal lumens. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171278 | Balloon catheter system for treating vascular occlusions - The present invention provides a balloon catheter comprising: | 2009-07-02 |
20090171279 | Balloon catheter assembly and controller therefor - A balloon catheter assembly included a catheter provided with a distal end and a proximal end and at least one inflation lumen in the catheter. The inflation lumen includes a distal end and a proximal end. An inflatable balloon is provided at the distal end of the catheter and in fluid communication with the distal end of said inflation lumen. The proximal end of the inflation lumen is able to be coupled to a source of fluid. A flow controller is coupled between the inflation lumen and the fluid source, the flow controller being adjustable by an operator of the balloon catheter assembly so as to adjust the flow of inflation fluid to the balloon. In one embodiment, the flow controller includes a manually operable control actuator and a plurality of discrete flow configurations provided in the form of flow through holes in the flow controller. In another embodiment the flow controller includes a manually operable control actuator and a gradually varying flow passage therethrough by means of a coupling channel within the flow controller of varying channel dimension. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171280 | Catheter - A tracheo-oesophageal fistula catheter ( | 2009-07-02 |
20090171281 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR LOCATING AND CLOSING A TISSUE PUNCTURE - A vascular closure device includes a main body and an expandable portion that can be selectively expanded and contracted. The vascular closure device may be used to close the hole in a wall of a vessel after a medical procedure. For example, the vascular closure device may be used to close the hole in an artery after a medical procedure that required access to the artery. In one embodiment, the expandable portion may be oriented at an oblique angle relative to the main body. This may be desirable in situations where the vessel puncture is oriented at an angle relative to the vessel. Orienting the expandable portion at an oblique angle relative to the main body may help the expandable portion to cover the hole in the wall of the vessel. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171282 | VASCUAR CLOSURE DEVICE HAVING A FLOWABLE SEALING MATERIAL - Various embodiments of a device are shown and disclosed for closing a vascular access puncture site following percutaneous diagnostic or therapeutic interventional procedures. The vascular closure device is configured to safely and accurately deploy a sealing material that undergoes a phase change when deployed inside the tissue tract. The sealing material may be a solid at room temperature and a liquid or gel at body temperature. Also, the sealing material may change from a liquid or gel to a cubic phase when it comes into contact with bodily fluids. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171283 | METHOD OF BONDING A DILATION ELEMENT TO A SURFACE OF AN ANGIOPLASTY BALLOON - A balloon catheter with dilation elements and method of fabricating thereof is provided that may be used to dilate and/or cut hardened regions of a body vessel. The balloon catheter is provided with dilation elements that extend along a surface of a balloon. One or both ends of the dilation element is inserted through corresponding apertures formed in the balloon neck. After inserting the one or both ends through the corresponding apertures, the ends are bonded into the material of the catheter shaft and the balloon. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171284 | DILATION SYSTEM - A dilation system and method of use thereof are provided that may be used to dilate hardened regions of a stenosis. The dilation system is provided with dilation elements that extend between a catheter and a distal tip to form a cage-like structure. The inner passageway of the cage-like structure is sized to receive a balloon catheter. During a procedure, the balloon catheter may be introduced into the cage. Inflation of the balloon causes the dilation elements to radially move outward and contact a stenosed region. After dilation of the stenosed region, the balloon catheter may be withdrawn. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171285 | Safety syringe, syringe plunger processing system and method - A safety syringe includes a plunger for moving a rubber stopper in a barrel to force the medicine out of a needle assembly into the patient's body that has a connector at the front side of a shank thereof to hold a metal hook for hooking the needle assembly so that the needle assembly can be pulled backwards and received inside the barrel after the service of the safety syringe. The invention relates also automatic fabrication of the plunger through a syringe plunger processing system that comprises a metal hook dispenser for dispensing metal hooks, a connector dispenser for dispensing connectors, a high-frequency heat-sealing apparatus for bonding each metal hook to one respective connector, and an injection molding apparatus for molding a shank on each combination of metal hook and connector. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171286 | Safety syringe - A safety syringe includes a barrel which has a hollow passage inside and is coupled with a barrel cover. A push rod has a distal end coupled with a rubber ring to form a close contact with the hollow passage in a slidable manner. A driving module has an inner detent member, a piston seat and a piston rubber ring held in the barrel cover. The push rod is movable forwards to push the inner detent member and the piston rubber ring of the driving module forwards to make a cut surface at one end of the push rod to hit one end of a first stem of the needle mount to be broken and separated so that continuous moving forward of the push rod causes instant release of air pressure inside to retract the needle mount in a holding chamber of the push rod to safely hold a needle after injection. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171287 | SINGLE USE SAFETY SYRINGE HAVING A RETRACTABLE NEEDLE - A single use safety retractable syringe ( | 2009-07-02 |
20090171288 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VACUUM-ASSISTED REGENERATION OF DAMAGED TISSUE - A system and method for regenerating damaged or necrosed tissue. Negative or vacuum pressure is applied to a surface of the damaged tissue to stimulate the revascularization of the area and/or increased blood flow to the area, which encourages the regeneration of the damaged tissue. A negative pressure device is provided that is capable of providing a sequenced vacuum treatment regimen to damaged tissue. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171289 | USER INTERFACE IMPROVEMENTS FOR MEDICAL DEVICES - A method and system is disclosed for operating a medical device with or without a cassette in place. A method is disclosed for adding additional VTBI to an ongoing infusion without stopping the infusion and with maintaining the infusion parameters. A method and system is disclosed for changing the CCA without having to interrupt or completely stop an ongoing infusion. Quick titration buttons are provided to allow improved navigation between various delivery display screens. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171290 | INFUSION DEVICE FOR INFUSING MULTIPLE MEDICAMENTS AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS AND METHOD - An infusion device comprises a pump having first and second chambers that are sealed by a penetrable membrane; an injection catheter comprises a first passageway which is connected to the first chamber; and an expandable elastic pouch which is mounted to the injection catheter and is connected to the second chamber through inlet holes defined in a wall of the second passageway. The expandable elastic pouch further connects an outlet port of the injection catheter through some outlet holes which are also defined in the wall. Medicaments are filled into the chambers and can either be directly injected through to the first passageway, or transmitted to the elastic pouch. The elastic pouch is expanded, and accordingly, a pressure is induced on the medicament to effectively continuous deliver the medicament for a given period of time. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171291 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS ALLOWING FOR RESERVOIR FILLING AND INFUSION MEDIUM DELIVERY - A system includes a durable portion with a durable housing and a separable disposable portion with a disposable housing that selectively engage with and disengage from each other. The disposable housing secures to a patient and may be disposed of after it has been in use for a prescribed period. Components that normally come into contact with a patient or with an infusion medium may be part of the disposable portion to allow for disposal after a prescribed use. A reservoir for holding the infusion medium may be part of the disposable portion, and may be supported by the disposable housing. The durable portion may include other components such as electronics for controlling delivery of the infusion medium from the reservoir, and a drive device including a motor and drive linkage. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171292 | ARRANGEMENT FOR INTRODUCING A LIQUID INTO THE BODY OF A PATIENT - An infusion set with a guiding needle, more particularly a laterally displaceable guiding needle. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171293 | SELF EXPANDING WIRE GUIDE - A wire guide system and method of use are described. The wire guide system comprises a sheathing member, an elongate member, and a self-expandable expandable anchoring portion. The expandable anchoring portion is affixed to the distal end of the elongate member. Advancement of the wire guide system may be achieved by pre-loading the elongate member and the expandable anchoring portion into a lumen of the sheathing member. Upon reaching a target site within a body lumen, the sheathing member is proximally retracted so as to expose the expandable anchoring portion. Retraction of the sheathing member allows the expandable anchoring portion to radially self-expand and engage one or more walls of the body lumen so as to anchor the elongate wire in position. The elongate wire now provides a stabilized pathway for medical devices to be advanced thereover. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171294 | Single crystal shape memory alloy devices and methods - Devices and methods of making devices having one or more components made of single crystal shape memory alloy capable of large recoverable distortions, defined herein as “hyperelastic” SMA. Recoverable Strains are as large as 9 percent, and in special circumstances as large as 22 percent. Hyperelastic SMAs exhibit no creep or gradual change during repeated cycling because there are no crystal boundaries. Hyperelastic properties are inherent in the single crystal as formed: no cold work or special heat treatment is necessary. Alloy components are Cu—Al—X where X may be Ni, Fe, Co, Mn. Single crystals are pulled from melt as in the Stepanov method and quenched by rapid cooling to prevent selective precipitation of individual elemental components. Conventional methods of finishing are used: milling, turning, electro-discharge machining, abrasion. Fields of application include aerospace, military, automotive, medical devices, microelectronics, and consumer products. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171295 | Enhanced apparatus for percutaneous catheter implantation and replacement - A medical apparatus and method of use for implanting a percutaneous catheter in a patient's body which catheter can be easily positioned, repositioned, and replaced. The apparatus includes an elongate sleeve having a tapered forward portion to facilitate its insertion through an undersized incision. The sleeve provides an interior elongate passageway which extends from a sleeve proximal end to a sleeve distal end. The sleeve is intended to be percutaneously implanted through an incision in the patient's skin so that the sleeve distal end resides subcutaneously. The sleeve outer peripheral surface carries a layer of porous material intended to be placed under the patient's outer skin layer in contact with the dermis to promote tissue ingrowth for anchoring the sleeve and forming an infection resistant barrier. The sleeve passageway is dimensioned to snugly accommodate the outer surface of catheter while permitting the catheter to slide relative to the sleeve. A sealing device is mounted around the catheter adjacent to the sleeve proximal end to prevent deleterious material from migrating into the patient's body along the catheter outer surface. A locking member secured to the sleeve can be pivoted to an unlocked portion for permitting axial and rotational movement of said catheter relative to said sleeve and or to a locked position for preventing such relative movement. | 2009-07-02 |
20090171296 | NEEDLE ASSEMBLY FOR A PREFILLED SYRINGE SYSTEM - A needle assembly ( | 2009-07-02 |