39th week of 2013 patent applcation highlights part 61 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20130253285 | ADHERENT DEVICE WITH MULTIPLE PHYSIOLOGICAL SENSORS - An adherent device to monitor a patient for an extended period comprises a breathable tape. The breathable tape comprises a porous material with an adhesive coating to adhere the breathable tape to a skin of the patient. At least one electrode is affixed to the breathable tape and capable of electrically coupling to a skin of the patient. A printed circuit board is connected to the breathable tape to support the printed circuit board with the breathable tape when the tape is adhered to the patient. Electronic components electrically are connected to the printed circuit board and coupled to the at least one electrode to measure physiologic signals of the patient. A breathable cover and/or an electronics housing is disposed over the circuit board and electronic components and connected to at least one of the electronics components, the printed circuit board or the breathable tape. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253286 | Device and System for Sensing Medically Relevant Information from the Mouth - An intraoral multisensor device includes a mouthpiece, a plurality of sensors at least one of attached to or integrated with the mouthpiece, and a data communications unit configured to receive signals from the plurality of sensors. The mouthpiece has a form to permit stable arrangement at least partially within a person's mouth such that it can remain for hands-free sensing of a plurality of biological parameters. Also, an intraoral multisensor system includes an intraoral multisensor device and a data processing device adapted to communicate with the intraoral multisensor device. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253287 | BIOSENSOR WITH FINGER-POSITIONING FUNCTION - The present invention provides a biosensor with finger-positioning function, comprising: a bottom plate, a cover, and a test-strip socket; wherein the cover mounted on the bottom plate has a front end provided with a guiding plate for positioning a finger, and the guiding plate has a center line and a guiding surface, in which the center line passes through a center of the guiding surface; and the test-strip socket is formed at the front end of the cover. When using the biosensor, the user can rest his/her wrist and palm on the cover of the biosensor and rest the punctured finger on the guiding surface provided at the front end of the cover to align the test strip with the blood drop on the finger so as to simplify the measurement. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253288 | GUIDE FOR PLACEMENT OF CATHETER INTO BRAIN AND A METHOD OF UTILIZING THE SAME - The subject matter discloses an apparatus for detecting an environment within a body comprising: an apparatus comprising a stylet and a catheter capable of being inserted into the body; a bio-sensing module for detecting a predefined material within the body, upon insertion of the stylet and catheter with close proximity to the predefined material | 2013-09-26 |
20130253289 | DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE - An improved diagnostic analyte monitoring device has partially retractable hollow guide needles for the intradermal placement of diagnostic elements fixedly connected to measuring means within this device obviating the need to remove the guide needle and to connect the diagnostic elements to measuring means after placement into the skin. A flexible surface adhering to the skin serves for the subcutaneous implantation of the diagnostic elements within the guide needles and partial retraction of the guide needles exposes the active surface to body fluid, actuated by means designed for easy handling and safe operation. Concentration-time profiles of endogenous and exogenous analytes measured with the device are used to improve drug treatment modalities on an individualized basis. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253290 | PARAMAGNETIC MATERIAL PATCH - A microneedle patch for assessing oxygenation at a localized region of interest includes microneedle projections which extend into a region of interest, a layer of material bonded to the microneedles which allows the patch to releasably engage the localized region of interest, and a paramagenetic material dispersed within the patch. An oxygen impermeable layer of material may be disposed over the oxygen permeable layer of material such that environmental oxygen is inhibited from interacting with the paramagnetic material. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253291 | Patient Support Apparatus With Redundant Identity Verification - A patient support apparatus includes one or more readers and/or sensing devices to receive data that can be use to verify the identity of persons or objects, such as patients, caregivers, and medications. The sensing devices may include, for example, a biometric sensor, a physiological sensor, a bar code reader, a camera, a microphone, or a combination thereof. The patient support apparatus may use identity verification information obtained from these devices for a number of different purposes, including, for example, managing the delivery of therapy, medication, or treatment to a patient associated with the patient support apparatus. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253292 | OPTICAL-BASED PHYSIOLOGICAL SENSOR ASSEMBLY WITH DISPOSABLE BARRIER LAYER - A physiological sensor assembly includes a physiological sensor having at least one light source and at least one optical receiver. A substantially transparent barrier layer is disposed between the physiological sensor and the patient's skin such that the barrier layer is removably adhered to the physiological sensor and removably adhered to the patient's skin. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253293 | METHOD AND FUEL CELL FOR ELECTROCHEMICAL MEASUREMENT OF ANALYTE CONCENTRATION IN VIVO - The invention relates to a method for the electrochemical measurement of an analyte concentration in vivo, comprising a fuel cell with which the analyte to be measured is reacted catalytically with an enzyme contained in an enzyme layer and which supplies an electrical voltage, dependent on the analyte concentration to be measured, beween an anode and a cathode, which voltage is measured. In the catalytic reaction of the analyte to be measured in the enzyme layer, a product is generated which, as fuel of the fuel cell, oxidizes on the anode and is reduced on the cathode. The invention further relates to a fuel cell for such a method. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253294 | BODILY FLUID ANALYSIS DEVICE - An apparatus for analysing a bodily fluid sample, comprising a substrate having supported thereon: bodily fluid collecting means configured to collect a bodily fluid from the surface of a body part placed adjacent to the bodily fluid collecting means; means for analysing the collected bodily fluid sample; and means for displaying an indication of a result of the analysis. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253295 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING AN IN VIVO CONCENTRATION OF A SMALL MOLECULE SUBSTANCE OF INTEREST IN A NONINVASIVE MANNER - Systems and methods for determining an in vivo concentration of a small molecule substance of interest is provided that takes advantage of the semi-permeable nature of skin, which allows small molecules to passively diffuse through the skin and onto the skin surface. The systems and methods of the present invention allow for the collection of these small molecules that have passively diffused through the skin without skin disruption or breaking of the skin. The systems and methods of the present invention are noninvasive, painless and safe even for delicate newborns, and are particularly suited for the determination of blood glucose in newborns and infants in a noninvasive manner. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253296 | SINGLE AND MULTI-NEEDLE ELECTROMYOGRAPHIC (EMG) RECORDING ELECTRODE CONFIGURATIONS FOR INTRAOPERATIVE NERVE INTEGRITY MONITORING - An electromyographic recording electrode assembly for intraoperative nerve integrity monitoring includes cables enabled for connection to a nerve integrity monitor; an electrode hub connected to the one or more cables; and a needle electrode connected to the electrode hub. The needle electrode extends perpendicularly from an undersurface of the hub, and along a line of insertion into a patient. The needle electrode extends from the electrode hub to a first bend in a first direction, and extends from the first bend in a second direction to an end of the electrode, defining a proximal needle segment from the hub to the first bend, and a terminal needle segment from the first bend to the end of the electrode. The terminal needle segment and at least a portion of the proximal needle segment are insertable into a patient along the line of insertion. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253297 | SWITCHED DIVERTER CIRCUITS FOR MINIMIZING HEATING OF AN IMPLANTED LEAD AND/OR PROVIDING EMI PROTECTION IN A HIGH POWER ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD ENVIRONMENT - An energy management system that facilitates the transfer of high frequency energy induced on an implanted lead or a leadwire includes an energy dissipating surface associated with the implanted lead or the leadwire, a diversion or diverter circuit associated with the energy dissipating surface, and at least one non-linear circuit element switch for diverting energy in the implanted lead or the leadwire through the diversion circuit to the energy dissipating surface. In alternate configurations, the switch may be disposed between the implanted lead or the leadwire and the diversion circuit, or disposed so that it electrically opens the implanted lead or the leadwire when diverting energy through the diversion circuit to the energy dissipating surface. The non-linear circuit element switch is typically a PIN diode. The diversion circuit may be either a high pass filter or a low pass filter. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253298 | CARDIAC MAPPING CATHETER - A multi electrode catheter for non contact mapping of the heart having independent articulation and deployment features. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253299 | MONITORING AND REGULATING PHYSIOLOGICAL STATES AND FUNCTIONS VIA SENSORY NEURAL INPUTS TO THE SPINAL CORD - Methods and apparatuses for monitoring and regulating physiological states and functions are disclosed. Several embodiments include application of one or more microelectrode arrays to a dorsal root ganglion for measurement of sensory neuron activity, or stimulation of sensory reflex circuits. The methods and apparatuses can be used, for example, for monitoring or controlling bladder function in a patient. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253300 | ELECTRODE SYSTEM WITH RIGID-FLEX CIRCUIT - An electrode system comprises a flexible circuit substrate, a plurality of electrode modules, and a plurality of sensors. The flexible circuit substrate comprises a flexible material and traces supported by the flexible material. The flexible circuit substrate extends through at least two of the electrode modules such that the electrode modules encompass portions of the flexible circuit substrate. Each electrode module comprises at least one rigid circuit member configured to process ERPs of a test subject. The rigid circuit members are layered against the flexible circuit substrate such that the rigid circuit members and the flexible circuit substrate together form a rigid-flex circuit. The sensors may be removably coupled with at least one of the plurality of electrode modules and may sense ERPs from the test subject. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253301 | BLOOD VESSEL SIZING DEVICE - Medical devices and methods for determining the size of blood vessels are disclosed. In an embodiment, a blood vessel sizing device includes a marker configured for placement on the skin of a patient. The marker defines a substantially circular shape and includes a plurality of radiopaque substantially concentric circles. In an embodiment, a blood vessel sizing method includes placing a marker having a plurality of substantially concentric circles on the skin of a patient, imaging a blood vessel of the patient and the marker, and comparing the imaged blood vessel to the imaged circles to determine the blood vessel size. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253302 | Electron Tunneling Putative Energy Field Analyzer - A device and method of detecting and analyzing a vital field places a thin film tunneling barrier in the path of vital waves in the vital field. The vital waves pass through the high resistivity thin film electrodes into the tunneling barrier and interfere with the electron tunneling process in the tunneling barrier. Control circuitry and a pulse generator drive the device at a known sampling frequency. The interference produces a beat frequency that is output from the tunneling barrier. By adjusting the sample rate by a known amount, a second beat frequency is produced and the beat frequency shift is used to determine the input frequency of the vital waves. The vital waves are very weak and produce frequencies into the terahertz range, so that the input frequency is undersampled by the device. A circuit is designed to maintain a reasonable cost using currently available technology. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253303 | Host Cells with Artificial Endosymbionts - The present invention is directed generally to eukaryotic cells comprising single-celled organisms that are introduced into the eukaryotic cell through human intervention and which transfer to daughter cells of the eukaryotic cell through at least five cell divisions, and methods of introducing such single-celled organisms into eukaryotic cells. The invention also provides methods of using such eukaryotic cells. The invention further provides single-celled organisms that introduce a phenotype to eukaryotic cells that is maintained in daughter cells. The invention additionally provides eukaryotic cells containing magnetotactic bacteria. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253304 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR INFLUENCING AND/OR DETECTING MAGNETIC PARTICLES - The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for influencing and/or detecting magnetic particles in a field of view ( | 2013-09-26 |
20130253305 | System and Method for Imaging of the Vascular Components Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging - A system and method is provided for acquiring a medical image of a portion of a vascular structure of a subject using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. A magnetization preparation RF module is applied to a portion of a subject including a vascular structure using the MRI system. A readout procedure is performed to collect image data, wherein the readout procedure includes a phase encoding scheme configured to provide a desired delay time after the application of the magnetization preparation RF module to allow a partial recovery of signal within the vascular structure following application of the magnetization preparation RF module when sampling a central region of k-space during the readout procedure. The image set is reconstructed into an image of the vascular structure wherein blood within the vascular structure is reflected as a gray-blood image. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253306 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND FACILITY FOR REDUCING PEDIATRIC PATIENT ANXIETY DURING MEDICAL DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING PROCEDURES - A facility for performing a medical examination includes a room, a medical imaging system located in the room, and a plurality of elements installed on at least one of the room and the medical imaging system, the elements collectively creating a first theme that forms a physical environment at least partially surrounding a patient, wherein the theme is presented in a manner to reduce the level of patient anxiety and fear experienced by the patient being imaged. A medical imaging system is also described. A method of imaging a patient using the facility, a method of remodeling an existing facility, and a method of determining a theme to be used in a medical facility are also described. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253307 | MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING APPARATUS AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING METHOD - An MRI apparatus includes an imaging data acquiring unit and a blood flow information generating unit. The imaging data acquiring unit acquires imaging data from an imaging region including myocardium, without using a contrast medium, by applying a spatial selective excitation pulse to a region including at least a part of an ascending aorta for distinguishably displaying inflowing blood flowing into the imaging region. The blood flow information generating unit generates blood flow image data based on the imaging data. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253308 | TECHNIQUES, SYSTEMS AND MACHINE READABLE PROGRAMS FOR MAGNETIC RESONANCE - The present disclosure provides various methods and systems for performing magnetic resonance studies. In accordance with many embodiments, image or other information of interest is derived from super radiant pulses. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253309 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE DEPLOYMENT WITHIN A VESSEL - In one example, this disclosure is directed to a method for intravascular implantation of an implantable medical device comprising positioning a distal end of an elongated outer sheath forming an inner lumen adjacent a target site within a vasculature of a patient, and partially deploying an implantable medical device from the distal opening, wherein the implantable medical device includes an expandable fixation element. A portion of the expandable fixation element assumes an expanded position when the implantable medical device is partially deployed from the distal opening. The method including advancing the distal end of the outer sheath within the vasculature with the implantable medical device partially deployed from the distal opening, and monitoring at least one of the vasculature and the portion of the expandable fixation element for deflection to determine when the size of the portion of the expandable fixation element corresponds to the size of the vasculature. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253310 | MEDICAL DEVICE AND TECHNIQUE FOR USING THE SAME - According to various embodiments, a tracheal tube may employ optical sensing techniques for determining a distance between the inserted tube and an anatomical structure such as a carina. The distance information may provide an indication as to whether or not the tracheal tube is properly placed within the trachea. The optical techniques may include interferometry. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253311 | TIME OF FLIGHT BASED TRACHEAL TUBE PLACEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - According to various embodiments, a tracheal tube may employ optical sensing techniques for determining a distance between the inserted tube and an anatomical structure, such as a carina. The distance information may provide an indication as to whether or not the tracheal tube is properly placed within the trachea. The optical techniques may include time of flight techniques. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253312 | MEDICAL TOOL THAT EMITS NEAR INFRARED FLUORESCENCE AND MEDICAL TOOL POSITION-CONFIRMING SYSTEM - A medical tool position-confirming system is provided with a medical tool | 2013-09-26 |
20130253313 | AUTOFOCUSING ENDOSCOPE AND SYSTEM - An autofocusing endoscope includes an objective lens, a relay optical system arranged to relay an image between the objective lens and a proximal end of the autofocusing endoscope, an optical fiber arranged with a distal end proximate the objective lens, a light source arranged to couple light into the optical fiber, an optical detection system arranged to receive and detect light from the optical fiber, and a data processor constructed to communicate with the optical detection system while in operation. The data processor is configured to determine a distance of a surface to be imaged through the objective lens and provide instructions for adjusting a focus of the autofocusing endoscope of the surface. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253314 | DEVICES AND SYSTEMS FOR DETERMINATION OF PARAMETERS FOR A PROCEDURE, FOR ESTIMATION OF CARDIOPULMONARY FUNCTION AND FOR FLUID DELIVERY - A method of determining at least one parameter for an imaging procedure including the injection of a contrast enhancement fluid which includes a contrast enhancing agent, includes: substituting into a model discrete point data determined from at least one contrast time enhancement curve measured using an imaging system for a first region of interest resulting from injection of a bolus of the contrast enhancement fluid. In several embodiments, a sufficient number of data points can be substituted into the model to determine values for physiological variables in the model. The variables can, for example, be related to cardiopulmonary function. At least one data point from at least a second contrast time enhancement curve for a second region of interest measured using the imaging system can also substituted into the model. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253315 | MARKER OR FILLER FORMING FLUID - A system for at least partially filling and marking a cavity at a site within a patient's body includes a marker delivery device having a chamber configured to contain a marking substance and having a mechanism configured to expel the marking substance. A quantity of the marking substance is contained within the chamber of the marker delivery device. The marking substance is configured to at least partially fill the cavity and form therein a porous bioabsorbable body. A delivery tube is coupled in fluid communication with the chamber of the marker delivery device. The delivery tube has a distal end with a discharge port through which the marking substance is expelled. A marker is configured to be delivered to the cavity from the distal end of the delivery tube and is configured to remain with the porous bioabsorbable body within the cavity upon the formation thereof. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253316 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING DATA TO USER OF ULTRASOUND APPARATUS - A method of providing data to a user of an ultrasound apparatus, the method including: transmitting identification information input by the user to an external server; receiving data including use environment information of the ultrasound apparatus, which corresponds to the identification information, from the external server; and changing use environment of the ultrasound apparatus according to the received use environment information. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253317 | ULTRASOUND IMAGING SYSTEM WITH PATIENT-SPECIFIC SETTINGS - The present invention relates to an ultrasound imaging system ( | 2013-09-26 |
20130253318 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING VISCOELASTIC PARAMETERS IN TISSUE - Described herein are a method and apparatus for determining viscoelastic parameters of a tissue. A vibration signal is applied to the tissue and displacements at a plurality of locations within the tissue are measured at a plurality of times. The viscoelastic parameters of the tissue, including elasticity and viscosity, can then be determined by fitting a finite element model of the tissue to the vibration signal and the measured displacements and by solving for the viscoelastic parameters of the model. A value for density of each element of the model is selected and the absolute values for the viscoelastic parameters of each of the elements in the model is determined. Alternatively, the difference in relaxation-times between two locations within the tissue can be determined from the difference in phases of the strains at the two locations. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253319 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ACQUIRING AND ANALYZING MULTIPLE IMAGE DATA LOOPS - A method and system for acquiring and analyzing multiple image data loops comprising: receiving a set of ultrasound data, characterizing a tissue, collected over a first collection loop and a second collection loop; determining a tissue parameter distribution within the tissue based on the set of ultrasound data and multi-dimension speckle tracking; receiving identification of at least one region of interest represented in the set of ultrasound data in the first collection loop and the second collection loop; measuring a comparative characteristic, in the region of interest, between the first collection loop and the second collection loop; and rendering at least one of the comparative characteristic and the tissue parameter distribution. The system comprises a processor, an analysis engine, and a user interface, and may further comprise an ultrasound scanner. The system is preferably configured to perform the method. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253320 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OBTAINING TISSUE DOPPLER IMAGES - A method of obtaining a Doppler image of tissue, which is captured using an ultrasonic wave, the method including: transmitting an ultrasonic signal to a target object such that a plurality of ensembles are formed; receiving a ultrasonic response signal from the target object; filtering the received ultrasonic response signal by using a variable filter; estimating a frequency of the received ultrasonic response signal based on the filtered data; and generating the Doppler image of the tissue based on the estimated frequency. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253321 | ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS, IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, AND IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes an ultrasonic probe, a storage controller, and an output controller. The ultrasonic probe is configured to perform three-dimensional ultrasonic scanning under transmission/reception control. The storage controller is configured to control data generated by the three-dimensional scanning performed by the ultrasonic probe so as to be stored in a predetermined memory as a plurality of pieces of two-dimensional data generated by two-dimensionally scanning a plurality of predetermined cross-sections each of whose positions is continuously changed along a predetermined direction in a region of the three-dimensional scanning. The output controller is configured to control a plurality of pieces of two-dimensional image data based on the pieces of two-dimensional data stored in the predetermined memory so as to be output as moving image data to a predetermined output unit. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253322 | BREAST MEASUREMENT APPARATUS - A breast measurement apparatus comprises a receptacle for surrounding a breast; a plurality of optical fibers for irradiating the breast with examination light and detecting transmitted scattered light from the breast; an inner image generation unit for generating an optical CT image concerning the breast according to a detection signal of the transmitted scattered light; an ultrasonic probe, arranged so as to face the inside of the receptacle, for scanning the breast with an ultrasonic wave and receiving a reflected wave from the breast; an image generation unit for generating an ultrasonic image concerning the breast according to the reflected wave; and a mechanism for injecting and discharging a liquid interface agent into and from the inside of the receptacle. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253323 | USER INTERFACE IN AN ULTRASOUND SYSTEM - Embodiments of a user interface in an ultrasound system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the ultrasound system comprises a display unit for prompting a user to touch a desired one of hierarchically arranged soft buttons for triggering an execution of the function of the ultrasound system associated with the touched button. The display unit includes a display having a display with touch panel mounted. The display unit is configured to display a touch screen menu together with the ultrasound image on the display. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253324 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ENHANCEMENT OF MEDICAL IMAGES - Method and related apparatuses are described for performing automated ultrasound mammography with reduced nipple shadow effects. The breast is compressed in a direction generally toward the chest wall of the patient with one side of a compressive member which is preferably a membrane. The breast is scanned with an ultrasonic transducer array positioned in acoustic communication with the other side of the membrane. Beamsteering is used. The signals from the beamsteered energy are combined to generate one or more compound images having a reduced nipple shadow effect. An acoustic couplant is preferably applied between the breast and the membrane. The images of the sub-nipple region are also preferably enhanced by making comparisons with reference areas of the breast in areas away from the nipple shadow effected area. The images are preferably displayed to a user, either automatically or upon receiving a preference from the user. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253325 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVING ULTRASOUND IMAGE QUALITY BY APPLYING WEIGHTING FACTORS - Systems and methods for improving the quality of ultrasound images made up of a combination of multiple sub-images include giving more weight to sub-image information that is more likely to improve a combined image quality. Weighting factor information may be determined from the geometry (e.g., angle or path length) of a location of one or more specific transducer elements relative to a specific point within a region of interest or a region of an image. In some embodiments, any given pixel (or other discrete region of an image) may be formed by combining received echo data in a manner that gives more weight to data that is likely to improve image quality, and/or discounting or ignoring data that is likely to detract from image quality (e.g., by introducing noise or by increasing point spread). | 2013-09-26 |
20130253326 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INTERFACING HIGH-DENSITY TRANSDUCER ARRAYS - The embodiments of the probe in the ultrasound imaging diagnostic apparatus include at least one rigid interface device for connecting a high-density acoustic array and a predetermined low-density device while maintaining one-to-one connection. The rigid interface provides a first connection area having a predetermined high density and a second connection area having a predetermined medium density that is lower than the high density. The second connection area offers a connection surface for connecting a predetermined low-density device having a predetermined low density that is lower than the medium density. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253327 | PROBE HAVING SEPARABLE SCANHEAD - The invention relates to a probe that is comprised in an ultrasonic diagnostic system, wherein the probe comprises: a scanhead which includes a housing that functions as a handle, a transducer that is installed on one side of the housing, a tuning board that is accommodated within the housing and has one side connected with a PCB of the transducer, and a board connection-connector that is connected with the other side of the tuning board; and a cable assembly which has one end on which a scanhead connector detachably coupled with the board-connection connector is positioned, and has the other end on which a system connector is placed. Since the scanhead can be separated from the cable assembly such that the scanhead can be replaced, overall convenience of a user is improved greatly, and consequently, the ultrasonic diagnostic system can be miniaturized and carried in a portable form. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253328 | CATHETER SHEATH AND METHODS THEREOF - A catheter a first sheath having a proximal end and a distal end, and a length extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The first sheath being devoid of any bonds between the proximal end and the distal end, and a flexural modulus of the first sheath varying along the length. A method of making a catheter having more than one flexural modulus. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253329 | System for Measuring Mood State - Disclosed is an system for measuring mood states, which calculate and views high-accurate mood indices from brain activation signals obtained by a non-invasive biospectrometric technology, taking account into differences among individuals, for example cognitive capacity using methods supporting the measurement of mood states of individuals. The system of the present invention stores a plurality of different mood index calculation formulae, selects one of the plurality of mood index calculation formulae based on a personal trait, for example the working memory task performance or working memory capacity of a subject, and substitutes the brain activation data of the subject for the selected calculation formula to calculate and view mood indices. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253330 | ASSESSMENT OF TISSUE OR LESION DEPTH USING TEMPORALLY RESOLVED LIGHT SCATTERING SPECTROSCOPY - A method is described to enhance the ability to evaluate the depth of a tissue component or a lesion having optical properties different from a surrounding tissue using time resolved optical methods. This invention may be particularly suitable for the evaluation of lesion depth during RF ablation (irreversible tissue modification/damage) using specially designed devises (catheters) that deliver heat in a localized region for therapeutic reasons. The technique allows for increased ability to evaluate the depth of the ablated lesion or detect the presence of other processes such as micro-bubble formation and coagulation with higher sensitivity compared to that offered by steady state spectroscopy. The method can be used for in-vivo, real-time monitoring during tissue ablation or other procedures where information on the depth of a lesion or tissue is needed. Exemplary uses are found in tissue ablation, tissue thermal damage, lesion and tissue depth assessment in medical applications. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253331 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ESTIMATING PULSE RATE - A method and apparatus for reducing the effects of noise on a system for measuring physiological parameters, such as, for example, a pulse oximeter. The method and apparatus of the invention take into account the physical limitations on various physiological parameters being monitored when weighting and averaging a series of measurements. Varying weights are assigned different measurements, measurements are rejected, and the averaging period is adjusted according to the reliability of the measurements. Similarly, calculated values derived from analyzing the measurements are also assigned varying weights and averaged over adjustable periods. More specifically, a general class of filters such as, for example, Kalman filters, is employed in processing the measurements and calculated values. The filters use mathematical models which describe how the physiological parameters change in time, and how these parameters relate to measurement in a noisy environment. The filters adaptively modify a set of averaging weights to optimally estimate the physiological parameters. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253332 | TISSUE INTERFACE SYSTEMS FOR APPLICATION OF OPTICAL SIGNALS INTO TISSUE OF A PATIENT - Systems and methods for applying optical signals into tissue of a patient are provided herein. In one example, a tissue interface system for applying optical signals to tissue of a patient is provided. The tissue interface system includes a tissue interface pad configured to apply the optical signals carried by at least one optical source into the tissue, and a pressurized volume configured to apply pressure to the tissue interface pad to couple a portion of the tissue interface pad to the tissue. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253333 | TISSUE INTERFACE ELEMENTS FOR APPLICATION OF OPTICAL SIGNALS INTO TISSUE OF A PATIENT - Systems and methods for applying optical signals into tissue of a patient are provided herein. In one example, a tissue interface pad for applying an optical signal to tissue of a patient is provided. The tissue interface pad includes a first surface configured to interface with the tissue of the patient, at least one guide channel disposed within the tissue interface pad and configured to route an input optical fiber carrying the optical signal to a first location in the tissue interface pad, and a second surface at the first location configured to direct the optical signal from the input optical fiber into the tissue through the first surface. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253334 | WIRELESS PATIENT MONITORING DEVICE - A device for obtaining physiological information of a medical patient and wirelessly transmitting the obtained physiological information to a wireless receiver. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253335 | OPTICAL PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR NON-INVASIVE DETECTION OF MELANOMA - A non-invasive, optical method and device for the detection of melanoma in skin lesions. The detection of the presence of melanoma is accomplished optically by looking for specific changes (signatures) in the spectrum of optical light elastically scattered off melanoma molecules. Elastic scattering spectroscopy (ESS) converts subcellular morphological changes into scattering spectrum signatures. A melanoma discrimination analysis is performed by illuminating the lesion with a handheld device that also collects a portion of the scattered light, converts it into digital signals, analyzes the requisite spectral signatures, and provides a logical output showing the user the presence (or absence) of melanoma in the subject lesion. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253336 | SENSOR, GAS ANALYZER AND METHOD FOR MEASURING CONCENTRATION OF AT LEAST ONE RESPIRATORY GAS COMPONENT - A sensor for measuring a concentration of a respiratory gas component is disclosed herein. The sensor comprises at least one radiation source configured to emit radiation and at least one radiation sensing detector configured to receive radiation and provide a signal indicative of the concentration of the gas component. The sensor further comprises an electronics board configured to receive and process the signal to determine the concentration, and an energy storage device configured to supply energy to the radiation source. The electronics board is configured to choose from among at least two different modes, one being an operation mode allowing sufficient energy supply to the radiation source, and another being a rest mode allowing reduced energy supply compared to the operation mode to limit radiation for saving energy within the breathing cycle. A gas analyzer and method for measuring a concentration of a respiratory gas component are also provided. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253337 | AUTOMATED ASSESSMENT OF SKIN LESIONS USING IMAGE LIBRARY - An automated skin lesion assessment system may automatically assess a suspect skin lesion. An electronic image library may contain diagnosed skin lesion image data representative of images of a plurality of diagnosed skin lesions and, for each, a diagnosis of the skin lesion. An image capture system may capture an image of the suspect skin lesion. A computer processing system may compare the image of the suspect skin lesion with the diagnosed skin lesion image data and, based on this comparison, identify one or more diagnosed skin lesions which match the suspect skin lesion. A user interface may report the diagnoses of the diagnosed skin lesions that match the image of the suspect skin lesion. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253338 | REFLECTION DETECTION TYPE MEASUREMENT APPARATUS FOR SKIN AUTOFLUORESCENCE - The present invention provides a reflection detection type measurement apparatus for skin fluorescence, which is configured to perform light irradiation and light detection on a reference sample and a measurement target. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253339 | Network-Based Medical Patient Servicing System - A network-based medical patient servicing system includes a network-connected server having at least one processor and at least one connected data repository, software executing on the at least one processor from a non-transitory medium, the software providing a first function for importing into at least one electronic interface an interactive list of preset and confirmed on-location appointments made by patients or persons acting in behalf of those patients, a second function for dispatching one or more medically equipped non-physician assistants having at least one network-capable appliance to the preset and confirmed appointment locations, a third function for establishing network connectivity between the at least one network appliance and the electronic interface and, a fourth function for recording subsequent session data relative to interaction between a physician and at least the one or more non-physician assistants operating at the appointment locations. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253340 | CARDIAC CYCLE SYNCHRONIZED SAMPLING OF IMPEDANCE SIGNAL - A system comprising implantable device, the implantable medical device including an intrinsic cardiac signal sensor, an impedance measurement circuit configured to apply a specified current to a transthoracic region of a subject and to sample a transthoracic voltage resulting from the specified current, and a processor coupled to the intrinsic cardiac signal sensor and the impedance measurement circuit. The processor is configured to initiate sampling of a transthoracic voltage signal in a specified time relation to a fiducial marker in a sensed intrinsic cardiac signal, wherein the sampling attenuates or removes variation with cardiac stroke volume from the transthoracic voltage signal, and determine lung respiration using the sampled transthoracic voltage signal. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253341 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR NON-INVASIVE CONTINUOUS BLOOD PRESSURE DETERMINATION - According to some embodiments, systems and methods are provided for non-invasive continuous blood pressure determination. In some embodiments, a PPG signal is received and locations of pulses within the PPG signal are identified. An area within a particular pulse is measured. The area may be of just the upstroke, downstroke or the entire pulse. The area may be measured relative to a time-domain axis or a baseline of the pulse. The pulse may be split into multiple sections and the area of each section may be measured. The area of one portion of the pulse may correspond to systolic blood pressure while the area of another portion may correspond to diastolic blood pressure. Empirical data may be used to determine blood pressure from the measured area by applying calibration data measured by a suitable device. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253342 | PASS-THROUGH IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE DELIVERY CATHETER - In one example, this disclosure is directed to a kit for intravascular implantation of an implantable medical device within a patient, the kit comprising an elongated inner sheath with a distal end, a first coupling module slidably connected to the inner sheath, an elongated outer sheath forming an inner lumen with a distal opening and a proximal opening. The outer sheath sized to traverse a vasculature of the patient. The proximal opening is configured to receive the distal end of the inner sheath. The inner lumen is sized to receive the inner sheath and to contain the implantable medical device. The kit further includes a mating coupling module that connects to the first coupling module such that the inner sheath is axially aligned with the outer sheath. The inner sheath is slidable within the outer sheath while the first coupling module is connected to the mating coupling module. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253343 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE DELIVERY WITH INNER AND OUTER SHEATHS - In one example, this disclosure is directed to a kit for intravascular implantation of an implantable medical device within a patient, the kit comprising an elongated outer sheath forming a first inner lumen with a distal opening, the outer sheath sized to traverse a vasculature of the patient, and an elongated inner sheath forming a second inner lumen. An outer diameter of the inner sheath is smaller than the diameter of the first inner lumen such that the inner sheath fits within the first inner lumen, wherein the inner sheath is slidable within the first inner lumen. The second inner lumen at a distal end of the inner sheath is configured to carry an implantable medical device. The inner sheath forms a slit at a distal end of the inner sheath to facilitate deployment of the implantable medical device out of the distal opening of the outer sheath. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253344 | INTRAVASCULAR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE INTRODUCTION - In one example, this disclosure is directed to a kit for intravascular implantation of an implantable medical device within a patient, the kit comprising an elongated outer sheath forming an inner lumen with a distal opening, the outer sheath sized to traverse a vasculature of the patient, and an elongated inner sheath with an inflatable member at its distal portion. The inflatable member is inflatable from a proximal end of the inner sheath to close-off the distal opening of the outer sheath when inflated. The inner sheath further includes a stopper proximally located relative to the inflatable member. The inflatable member is remotely controllable from a proximal end of the inner sheath to retract in a proximal direction towards the stopper. The inflatable member can be retracted in a proximal direction towards the stopper and past an implantable medical device positioned within a distal portion of the outer sheath. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253345 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE DELIVERY CATHETER WITH TETHER - In one example, this disclosure is directed to a kit for intravascular implantation of an implantable medical device within a patient, the kit comprising an elongated outer sheath forming an inner lumen with a distal opening, the outer sheath sized to traverse a vasculature of the patient, and an elongated inner sheath with an enlarged distal portion, wherein the enlarged distal portion is configured to substantially fill the inner lumen and close-off the distal opening of the outer sheath. The enlarged distal portion is slidable relative to the outer sheath. The inner sheath further includes a tether with a helical element that is remotely controllable from a proximal end of the inner sheath to release the implantable medical device from a distal portion of the outer sheath. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253346 | PASS-THROUGH IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE DELIVERY CATHETER WITH REMOVEABLE DISTAL TIP - In one example, this disclosure is directed to a kit for intravascular implantation of an implantable medical device, the kit comprising an outer sheath, the outer sheath sized to traverse a vasculature of the patient, and an elongated inner sheath with a tapered distal end. The inner sheath is slidable within the inner lumen of the outer sheath and is selectably removable from the inner lumen of the outer sheath by sliding the inner sheath out of the proximal opening of the outer sheath. The kit includes an elongated deployment receptacle including a deployment bay slidable within the inner lumen of the outer sheath when the inner sheath is not within the inner lumen of the outer sheath. The deployment bay carries an implantable medical device through the inner lumen of the outer sheath and facilitates deployment of the implantable medical device from the distal end of the outer sheath. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253347 | TETHERED IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE DEPLOYMENT - In one example, this disclosure is directed to a kit for intravascular implantation of an implantable medical device within a patient comprising an elongated outer sheath forming an inner lumen with a distal opening, the outer sheath sized to traverse a vasculature of the patient, and an elongated inner sheath with a stopper. The inner sheath further includes a tether configured to form a loop on a distal side of the stopper, the loop being configured to engage a looped element of the implantable medical device to couple the implantable medical device to the inner sheath. The stopper is slidable relative to the outer sheath. The tether is configured to release the looped element of the implantable medical device from the inner sheath by opening the tether loop when a portion of the stopper is located distally relative to the distal opening of the outer sheath. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253348 | REAL TIME CLINICAL DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM HAVING LINKED REFERENCES - A clinical decision support system for patient treatment having a monitoring device operably coupled to a patient. The monitoring device outputs a monitoring signal in response to a measured parameter of the patient. A controller receives the monitoring signal and outputs a display signal. The controller further compiles clinical documentation relating to the patient based on the monitoring signal and outputs a documentation signal related thereto. A display device then receives the display signal and the documentation signal and displays the same in connection with various indicia thereby displaying both the monitored signal and associated clinical documentation. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253349 | AUTOMATED ANALYSIS OF COMPLEX FRACTIONATED ELECTROGRAMS - A method for mapping abnormal electrical activity, including obtaining electrical signal data from respective locations in a heart of a living subject, and automatically analyzing the signal data to identify complex fractionated electrograms (CFEs) therein. The method further includes analyzing the CFEs so as to identify reentry locations comprised in the respective locations, and displaying information derived from the identification in relation to a map of the heart. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253350 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RECOGNIZING SENSED CARDIAC EVENTS USING DIFFERENT ELECTRODE CONFIGURATIONS - A system senses a cardiac signal for diagnostic and/or therapy control purposes using a first set of electrodes and switches to a different second set of electrodes for recognizing cardiac events in the cardiac signal. In various embodiments, the cardiac signal sensed using the second set of electrodes is compared to the cardiac signal sensed using the first set of electrodes, and the cardiac events in the cardiac signal are each recognized using an outcome of the comparison. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253351 | MONITORING VARIATION PATTERNS IN PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS ASSOCIATED WITH MYOCARDIAL INSTABILITY - A method of analyzing myocardial instability includes obtaining a physiological parameter representative of myocardial behavior over a set of cardiac cycles and determining reversal points in the physiological parameter over the set of cardiac cycles. The method also includes identifying myocardial instability based on the reversal points in the physiological parameter. A reversal point may correspond to a value of the physiological parameter, during a current cardiac cycle, that exceeds or is less than the values of the physiological parameter during prior and subsequent cardiac cycles. Optionally, the method includes calculating differences between values of the physiological parameter for consecutive cardiac cycles and detecting the reversal points when a current difference exceeds or is less than differences for prior and subsequent cardiac cycles. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253352 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING A POTENTIAL LEAD FAILURE IN AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A method for detecting potential failures by an implantable medical lead is disclosed. The method includes sensing first, second and third signals between at least first and second combinations of electrodes, on the lead; determining whether at least one of the first, second and third signals is representative of a potential failure in the lead and identifies a failure and the electrode associated with the failure based on which of the first, second and third sensed signals is representative of the potential failure. Optionally, when the first and second sensed signals are both representative of the potential failure, the method further includes determining whether the first and second sensed signals are correlated with one another. When the first and second sensed signals are correlated, the method declares an electrode common to both of the first and second combinations to be associated with the failure. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253353 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETECTING EPILEPSY SEIZURE - An apparatus for detecting an epilepsy seizure, includes: a graph generating unit configured to generate an orthogonal graph where values of heart beat intervals are sequentially plotted while a heart beat interval at an arbitrary timing is set as a first coordinate and a next heart beat interval is set as a second coordinate; and a seizure detecting unit configured to detect the epilepsy seizure based on: a change of a distribution of a group of the plotted values in a first direction perpendicular to a straight line passing an origin and a point where the first and second coordinates are equal to each other; and a change of a distribution of the group of the plotted values in a second direction parallel to the straight line. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253354 | REMOTE HEALTH MONITORING SYSTEM - A data collection system collects and stores physiological data from an ambulatory patient at a high resolution and/or a high data rate (“more detailed data”) and sends a low-resolution and/or downsampled version of the data (“less detailed data”) to a remote server via a wireless network. The server automatically analyzes the less detailed data to detect an anomaly, such as an arrhythmia. A two-tiered analysis scheme is used, where the first tier is more sensitive and less specific than the second tier. If the more sensitive analysis detects or suspects the anomaly, the server signals the data collector to send more detailed data that corresponds to a time period associated with the anomaly. The more specific second tier analyses the more detailed data to verify the anomaly. The server may also store the received data and make it available to a user, such as via a graphical or tabular display. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253355 | REMOTE HEALTH MONITORING SYSTEM - A data collection system collects and stores physiological data from an ambulatory patient at a high resolution and/or a high data rate (“more detailed data”) and sends a low-resolution and/or downsampled version of the data (“less detailed data”) to a remote server via a wireless network. The server automatically analyzes the less detailed data to detect an anomaly, such as an arrhythmia. A two-tiered analysis scheme is used, where the first tier is more sensitive and less specific than the second tier. If the more sensitive analysis detects or suspects the anomaly, the server signals the data collector to send more detailed data that corresponds to a time period associated with the anomaly. The more specific second tier analyses the more detailed data to verify the anomaly. The server may also store the received data and make it available to a user, such as via a graphical or tabular display. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253356 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING ATRIAL ARRHYTHMIA BY FAR-FIELD SENSING - In a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter/defibrillator, cardiac arrhythmias are detected to determine necessary therapeutic action. Cardiac signal information is sensed from far field electrodes implanted in a patient. The sensed cardiac signal information is then amplified and filtered. Parameters such as rate, QRS pulse width, cardiac QRS slew rate, amplitude and stability measures of these parameters from the filtered cardiac signal information are measured, processed and integrated to determine if the cardioverter/defibrillator needs to initiate therapeutic action. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253357 | SYSTEM AND METHODS OF ACOUSTICAL SCREENING FOR OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA DURING WAKEFULNESS - A system and methods using tracheal sound intensity variations to screen patients suspected of obstructive sleep apnea during wakefulness. The system includes a mechanism positioning the patient and a sound input device attached to a recording device to receive breathing sound signals. A signal conditioning component amplifies and filters the breathing sound signals, and an analog to digital component digitizes the signals. A detecting component detects onsets of respiratory phases, and a separating component separates inspiratory sound signals and expiratory sound signals from the breathing sound signals. A segmenting component segments the inspiratory and expiratory phase signals into a short duration of overlapping windows, and a collection characteristic extraction component obtains characteristics from each window. A calculation component performs statistical analysis to reduce the number of significant characteristics and classify the patient as OSA or non-OSA and predicts severity of the OSA as one of mild, moderate and severe. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253358 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REMOTE COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS OF VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPONENTS IN BREATH - A tool for telemedicine including an improved breath collection system of human breath to facilitate the analysis of volatile organic components (VOCs) contained in human breath in which breath tests can be performed at remote sites for rapid detection of different diseases. The system can include a standoff breath collection device including an arcuate structure for concentration and analysis of volatile organic components (VOCs) at the point-of-use that avoids the use of mouthpieces found in conventional breath collection apparatuses. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253359 | METHOD FOR CONTINUOUS AND NON-INVASIVE DETERMINATION OF EFFECTIVE LUNG VOLUME AND CARDIAC OUTPUT - In a method for continuous and non-invasive determination of the effective lung volume, the cardiac output, and/or the carbon dioxide content of venous blood of a subject during a sequence of respiratory cycles, the inspiratory and expiratory flow, and the carbon dioxide content of at least the expiration gas are measured. In each respiratory cycle, a first parameter related to the subject's fraction of alveolar carbon dioxide, a second parameter related to the carbon dioxide content of the subject's arterial blood, and a third parameter related to the subject's carbon dioxide elimination are determined based on the measured inspiratory flow, expiratory flow and carbon dioxide content. The effective lung volume, the cardiac output, and/or the carbon dioxide content of venous blood of the subject is determined based on the correlation of the first, second and third parameters. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253360 | INTEGRATED ANALYSIS DEVICE FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY DETECTING EBCS AND VOCS IN HUMAN EXHALED BREATH - The present invention discloses an integrated analysis device for simultaneously detecting exhaled breath condensates (EBCs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in human exhaled breath. The device comprises a module for sampling, separating and enriching a detected object, an EBCs detection module and a combined VOCs detection module. The module for sampling, separating and enriching a detected object is connected with the EBCs detection module via a syringe pump for sample injection. The module for sampling, separating and enriching a detected object is connected with the combined VOCs detection module by a capillary separation column. In the present invention, it is achieved that EBCs and VOCs in human exhaled breath are simultaneously sampled, separated and condensed; the heavy metal ions, cell factors, etc. in the collected EBCs are detected with a light addressable potentiometric sensor (LAPS); the condensed VOCs can be quantitatively detected by the combined VOCs detection module with a high sensitivity; and a heating rod and a platinum resistor can be conveniently replaced because a separated outlet heating piece is designed in the combined VOCs detection module. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253361 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BREATH TESTING - A breath sampling device includes a main housing having an input chamber, a first output chamber, and a second output chamber integrally formed therein where the input chamber and the first output chamber are coupled via a first port and the input chamber and the second output chamber are coupled via a second port, and a self-sealing apparatus within the second output chamber configured to seal at least an exhaust port of the second output chamber when a predetermined amount of initial waste air fills the second output chamber. The main housing can be configured to redirect a portion of air blown therethrough towards the output chamber via the first port when the self-sealing apparatus at least seals the exhaust port. Other embodiments are disclosed. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253362 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING AND DISPLAYING PHYSIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS - A system and method is used for determining from EEG signals the lack of awareness and the depth of anesthesia of a patient to whom an anesthetic agent is being administered. In particular, a log-log representation of the EEG power spectrum of a current patient is compared to another log-log spectrum of a patient in a known condition. By comparison the awareness or depth of anesthesia of the current patient can be determined. The reference spectrum can be an average spectrum of many patients or a previously acquired spectrum of the current patient, or any other spectrum that can be statistically correlated with the current patient's spectrum. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253363 | MONITORING OR PREDICTING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MONITORING OR PREDICTING - A monitoring or predicting system to detect the onset of a neurological episode, the system comprising: a neurological electrical input, the input being a digital representation of a neurologically derived signal; a converter to convert the digital signal into a digital data string; a pattern analyser to identify recurring patterns in the digital data string; and a monitor to measure a pattern-derived parameter, wherein an output from the monitor gives an indication of the onset or occasion of a neuronal activity in dependence on the pattern-derived parameter. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253364 | NEURAL MONITORING SYSTEM - A neural monitoring system for detecting an induced response of a muscle to a stimulus provided within an intracorporeal treatment area of a human subject includes a mechanical sensor configured to be placed in mechanical communication with the muscle and to generate a mechanomyography output signal corresponding to a sensed mechanical movement of the muscle, and a receiver in communication with the mechanical sensor. The receiver is configured to: receive the mechanomyography output signal from the mechanical sensor; compute a time derivative of the sensed muscle movement from the mechanomyography output signal; compare the computed time derivative to a threshold; and indicate that the sensed mechanical movement of the muscle was induced by the provided intracorporeal stimulus if the computed time derivative exceeds the threshold. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253365 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TREATMENT OF PAIN WITH BODY IMPEDANCE ANALYZER - A patient treatment unit and method analyzes and treats pain in tissues by applying an electrical pulse train to the affected tissue. The impedance of the affected tissue is measured, and the measured impedance is correlated to a level of pain in the patient. The pulse train is further applied in response to the measured impedance to reduce the patient's pain. The patient treatment unit includes a probe stimulus generator that outputs the pulse train. The treatment unit also includes a pair of probes for contacting the patient's body and receiving the pulse train. The pulse has improved shaping based on isolation of high voltage from a low voltage control. The unit further includes a body impedance analysis circuit that senses voltage and current via the probes when the probes are contacting the patient and observe the impedance. A monitor is electrically coupled to the body impedance analysis circuit and provides an indication of the measured impedance indicative of the patient's level of pain in real-time. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253366 | CORE BODY TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICE - The present invention relates to a device and method for measuring core body temperature. The device utilizes a wire-bound thermistor passing through an adjustable memory foam such that the thermistor is exposed. The adjustable feature of the memory foam permits it to slide back and forth along the wire. The thermistor, having a resistance which varies with temperature, is inserted into the aural canal of the ear of a person, or the nostril of a person, in such a way that the thermistor does not come into contact with the wall of the aural canal or ear, or the wall of the nostril, thereby ensuring comfort to the person whose core body temperature is to be measured. The memory foam permits the device to seal out ambient air during the measurement thereby ensuring an accurate temperature measurement. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253367 | APPARATUS FOR HEALTH CORRELATION ASSESSMENT - An apparatus, system and method for performing a health correlation assessment based upon results an eye contrast sensitivity measurement test of a person. The health correlation assessment yields a predictive and probabilistic measure of the likelihood of the person appropriately assigned to a particular clinical health classification. Such an eye contrast sensitivity measurement can be used to identify people who are likely to be within a pre-Alzheimer's disease state or within Alzheimer's disease state of health and identify those who should seek further clinical and/or other types of testing to ascertain their actual health status and to determine an appropriate course of medical treatment. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253368 | PORTABLE LAPAROSCOPE SYSTEM - A portable laparoscope is disclosed. In implementations, the portable laparoscope includes a housing and an elongated tube coupled to the housing. A lighting source and a camera are disposed proximate to an end of the elongated tube opposite the housing. The camera is configured to capture an image in a viewing area that is illuminated by light provided by the lighting source. The portable laparoscope includes an image display apparatus configured to display the images acquired by the camera and/or to transmit the images to a remote display device. The housing may be configured to hold and position an insufflator. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253369 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CLEANING NOISY GENETIC DATA FROM TARGET INDIVIDUALS USING GENETIC DATA FROM GENETICALLY RELATED INDIVIDUALS - A system and method for determining the genetic data for one or a small set of cells, or from fragmentary DNA, where a limited quantity of genetic data is available, are disclosed. Genetic data for the target individual is acquired and amplified using known methods, and poorly measured base pairs, missing alleles and missing regions are reconstructed using expected similarities between the target genome and the genome of genetically related subjects. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, incomplete genetic data is acquired from embryonic cells, fetal cells, or cell-free fetal DNA isolated from the mother's blood, and the incomplete genetic data is reconstructed using the more complete genetic data from a larger sample diploid cells from one or both parents, with or without genetic data from haploid cells from one or both parents, and/or genetic data taken from other related individuals. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253370 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR PERFORMING PROCEDURES ON A BREAST - A needle is used to mark a tissue area of interest. The needle may have one or more indicators which indicate selected angular orientations relative to the needle. The indicators may also be coupled to anchors which are deployed in the tissue to anchor the needle in the tissue. The needle may be positioned to guide an excisional device to remove tissue. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253371 | Surgical Instrument for Deep Tissue and/or Cell Sampling - A tissue and/or cell sampling device for biopsies having a catheter sized for translation through a lumen on an instrument such as a bronchoscope. An aspiration needle engaged to a control member through the catheter is controllable to remove a core of tissue from a sampling location. Forceps or a brush are translatably engaged within the axial core of the needle and are translatable from the tip of the needle to take tissue and/or cell samples. The device is employable to allow the surgeon to use either sampling device independently, or sequently to allow deep tissue and/or cell samples to be retrieved from the distal end of the core tissue sample retrieved by the needle. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253372 | Cervical Cell Tissue Self-Sampling Device - A device, a kit, and a method of use thereof, for self-administration and collection of cervical cell tissue samples such as for Pap smear testing. The device comprises an insertion tube, within which is carried a movable cervical aligning tool with an aligning probe, and a cellular sampling tool with a cellular adhesion surface. The aligning probe and cellular adhesion surface can be selectively movable relative to the insertion tube to improve accuracy of the testing and user safety. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253373 | Single-use lancet sensor assembly and meter - A single-use lancet cartridge for inserting into a multi-use lancet driver assembly of a meter housing includes an elongated lancet housing with an open end, a lancet within the lancet housing and movable between a retracted and resting orientation to a piercing orientation through the open end, and a re-use prevention component that is a rotated drive wing incorporated within the lancet cartridge and oriented to cooperatively engage with a driver piston of the multi-use lancet driver assembly only one time thereby preventing the lancet from being moved into a piercing orientation a second time. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253374 | GUIDE WIRE WITH CORE HAVING WELDED WIRE SEGMENTS - An intravascular guide wire having two core materials joined together without the use of a connector tube or sleeve, the core materials being stainless steel and psuedoelastic metal alloy, nitinol. The core materials are joined to each other through an intermediate transition piece made essentially of nickel, which is welded on either side to the two core materials. In a multi-segment intravascular guide wire, discrete, high modulus and medium modulus core portions of different materials are welded to a shapeable, low modulus distal core portion made of a third material having a flattened, shapeable section at a most distal end that is not welded to but made from the distal core portion, so the flattened, shapeable section can be deformed to create a steerable tip. Processes such as simultaneous resistance and friction welding can be used to join the core portions. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253375 | Automated Method Of Detecting Neuromuscular Performance And Comparative Measurement Of Health Factors - The invention described here enables the real-time, low-cost, non-invasive measurement of neuromuscular performance for numerous healthcare and screening applications including assessing maladaptation prediction via a screening session as well as provision the application of correlated and corrected measurements of force displacement. The tests to be performed and subsequently measured are dynamically determined and administered using a computer guided and prompted process to acquire and process a subject's performance including predicting future injury. The system as well is adaptive and allows the introduction of new tests, or streamlining and combination of performance tests based on acquired data across the universe of screening platforms. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253376 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PREVENTING VAGINAL LACERATIONS DURING CHILDBIRTH - A vaginal dilation device is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the vaginal dilation device is that it is configured to dilate vaginal tissue during labor to prevent tissue damage. Another feature of the vaginal dilation device is that it can be manually controlled to dilate vaginal tissue, or can be automatically controlled to dilate vaginal tissue. In some embodiments, the vaginal dilation device is configured to measure a force applied by the device to tissue. In other embodiments, the vaginal dilation device is configured to apply a constant force to tissue. In other embodiments, the vaginal dilation device is configured to expand at a constant rate. Methods associated with use of the vaginal dilation device are also provided. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253377 | APPARATUS FOR DETECTING A STRENGTH OF LIPS-CLOSING AND METHOD THEREOF - An apparatus for detecting a strength of lips-closing is applied for training and evaluation during treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), according to the strength of the lips-closing of the user, the clinical staff and the patients are able to evaluate the severity of lips-closing impairment. It can also be used as training tool with which the effect can be monitored before, during, and after rehabilitation courses. The apparatus includes an air bag, a pressure sensing unit and a micro-controller module. The user puts the air bag, which is able to be pumped air in or out, between the lips. The pressure sensing unit is connected to the air bag for detecting a pressure formed by the lips of the user forcing the air bag, to generate a signal. The micro-controller module is electrically connected to the pressure sensing unit for converting the signal into the strength of lips-closing. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253378 | USER INTERFACE RELATED TO A SURGICAL PROVISIONAL - Systems and methods for presenting force information related to a provisional is disclosed. A user interface may be provided for presenting objects on a display related to a knee joint, the user interface including a representation of an area of the knee joint for presentment on the display and a force center indicator for presentment on the display. The user interface providing an indication of when a position of the force center indicator corresponds to a desired position of the force center indicator. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253379 | NONINVASIVE DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM - A method for diagnosing a joint condition includes in one embodiment: creating a 3d model of the patient specific bone; registering the patient's bone with the bone model; tracking the motion of the patient specific bone through a range of motion; selecting a database including empirical mathematical descriptions of the motion of a plurality actual bones through ranges of motion; and comparing the motion of the patient specific bone to the database. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253380 | COLLECTING POSTURE INFORMATION TO EVALUATE THERAPY - A medical device delivers a therapy to a patient. Posture events are identified, e.g., a posture of the patient is periodically determined and/or posture transitions by the patient are identified, and each determined posture event is associated with a current therapy parameter set. A value of at least one posture metric is determined for each of a plurality of therapy parameter sets based on the posture events associated with that therapy parameter set. A list of the therapy parameter sets is presented to a user, such as a clinician, for evaluation of the relative efficacy of the therapy parameter sets. The list may be ordered according to the one or more posture metric values to aid in evaluation of the therapy parameter sets. Where values are determined for a plurality of posture metrics, the list may be ordered according to the one of the posture metrics selected by the user. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253381 | ENERGETIC MODULATION OF NERVES - A system for treatment includes a focused ultrasound energy source for placement outside a patient, wherein the focused ultrasound energy source is configured to deliver ultrasound energy towards a blood vessel with a surrounding nerve that is a part of an autonomic nervous system inside the patient, and wherein the focused ultrasound energy source is configured to deliver the ultrasound energy from outside the patient to the nerve located inside the patient to treat the nerve. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253382 | TARGETED ENZYMATIC DEGRADATION OF QUORUM-SENSING PEPTIDES - Methods and compositions for the treatment of biofilms and/or the inhibition of biofilm formation. In one embodiment, a biofilm is treated and/or biofilm formation is inhibited by a method comprising contacting a biofilm or a surface with a bifunctional ligand comprising a quorum-sensing-peptide-binding region and a protease-binding region, whereby the biofilm is treated and/or biofilm formation on the surface is inhibited. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253383 | GRADIENT SEQUENTIAL THERMAL COMPRESSION THERAPY APPARATUS AND SYSTEM - A method for providing a combined DVT and sequential gradient and targeted compression therapy to a patient is provided. The method includes providing a control unit configured to condition heat transfer fluid and to selectively provide a compressed gas, providing a thermal sequential gradient compression device that is mountable to a select portion of the patient, and programming the control unit to supply heat transfer fluid to the thermal compression device and to supply compressed gas to the thermal compression device. | 2013-09-26 |
20130253384 | SYSTEMS FOR AFFECTING SUBCUTANEOUS LIPID-RICH CELLS, SYSTEMS FOR REMOVING HEAT FROM SUBCUTANEOUS LIPID-RICH CELLS, AND SYSTEMS FOR REDUCING SUBCUTANEOUS LIPID-RICH CELLS - The present invention relates to methods for use in the selective disruption of lipid-rich cells by controlled cooling. The present invention further relates to a device for use in carrying out the methods for selective disruption of lipid-rich cells by controlled cooling. | 2013-09-26 |