40th week of 2012 patent applcation highlights part 64 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20120253099 | DRUG DELIVERY - A method and apparatus ( | 2012-10-04 |
20120253100 | BRACED BRACHYTHERAPY NEEDLE - Braces to reduce bending of a brachytherapy needle during insertion into a patient, as well as methods of using the needle braces and kits useful therefor. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253101 | HANDHELD CELL EXCITATION TERMINAL CAPABLE OF DYNAMIC OPTIMIZATION OF THERAPEUTIC EFFECT AND REMOTE THERAPEUTIC SYSTEM - A cell excitation terminal and a therapeutic system using customized electromagnetic (EM) waves varying dynamically with time for excitation include one or more EM wave generators, each of the EM wave generators is connected to a central processing unit (CPU), and the CPU controls, according to a signal detected by a human body status detection device, the EM wave generator to send EM waves corresponding to a detected subject. The therapeutic system can perform remote management. A remote server optimizes and updates therapeutic waveforms of a patient constantly according to a therapeutic effect of the patient, thereby improving the therapeutic effect constantly. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253102 | EXTERNAL MAGNETIC FORCE FOR TARGETED CELL DELIVERY WITH ENHANCED CELL RETENTION - Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for the improved delivery of cells to a target tissue. In some embodiments, the compositions comprise stem cells, in particular cardiac stem cells, and the target tissue is damaged or diseased cardiac tissue. In several embodiments, the methods, in combination with the compositions, yield enhanced delivery, retention, and/or engraftment of the cells into the target tissue, thereby inducing improved functional recovery. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253103 | CENTRIFUGAL BLOOD PUMPS WITH REVERSE FLOW WASHOUT - Blood pumps used as heart assist devices are commonly powered by an external battery and control system. If the external power is interrupted, such as by damaging an external cable, patients will have backflow across the pump. If the flow is too high, they may decompensate and die. If the backflow is relatively low, patients can survive until power is restored, but their blood pump must be sufficiently washed to prevent thrombus. Centrifugal blood pumps have been designed for good pumping performance, low blood damage, and avoidance of thrombus when they are running. The present invention recognizes the need to also provide enough washing to prevent thrombus when the pump power is turned off. The invention provides centrifugal pumps with triple or quadruple volute designs, or with axial flow impellers on the same shaft as the centrifugal pump impeller to help drive the rotor in reverse and enhance washing even with relatively low backflow. Also, in the preferred embodiment the centrifugal rotor is supported by low friction mechanical blood immersed bearings, to avoid contact of the rotor with the housing that creates small poorly washed crevices where thrombus can form. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253104 | HEARING PROSTHESIS WITH A PIEZOELECTRIC ACTUATOR - A hearing prosthesis including an actuator. The actuator includes a material that deforms in response to an electrical signal and that is adapted to, upon implantation in a recipient, transmit vibrations representative of a sound signal to an organ of the recipient, wherein the material is at least partially exposed to at least one of body tissue and fluid of the recipient. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253105 | METHOD OF ANCHORING AN ACOUSTIC ELEMENT IN A BONE OF THE CRANIOMAXILLOFACIAL REGION AND ACOUSTIC ELEMENT - An acoustic element is implanted in a human bone of the craniomaxillofacial region with the aid of at least one anchor element including a material having thermoplastic properties, wherein for implantation of the acoustic element an opening is provided in the bone, the anchor element is positioned in the bone and energy is transmitted into the material having thermoplastic properties for at least partly liquefying the material and making it penetrate the bone tissue in the opening and on re-solidification to constitute a positive fit connection between the anchor element and the bone tissue. Depending on the design of the anchor element and/or on the relative dimensions of the opening and the anchor element it is possible to achieve an anchorage which either transmits sound between the acoustic element and the bone tissue or does not do so. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253106 | IMPLANTS, TOOLS, AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF PELVIC CONDITIONS - Described are various embodiments of surgical procedures, systems, implants, devices, tools, and methods, useful for treating pelvic conditions in a male or female, the pelvic conditions including incontinence (various forms such as fecal incontinence, stress urinary incontinence, urge incontinence, mixed incontinence, etc.), vaginal prolapse (including various forms such as enterocele, cystocele, rectocele, apical or vault prolapse, uterine descent, etc.), and other conditions caused by muscle and ligament weakness, the devices and tools including devices and tools for anchoring an implant to supportive tissue and adjusting the implant. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253107 | IMPLANTS, TOOLS, AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF PELVIC CONDITIONS - Described are various embodiments of surgical procedures, systems, implants, devices, tools, and methods, useful for treating pelvic conditions in a male or female, the pelvic conditions including incontinence (various forms such as fecal incontinence, stress urinary incontinence, urge incontinence, mixed incontinence, etc.), vaginal prolapse (including various forms such as enterocele, cystocele, rectocele, apical or vault prolapse, uterine descent, etc.), and other conditions caused by muscle and ligament weakness, the devices and tools including devices and tools for anchoring an implant to supportive tissue and adjusting the implant. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253108 | IMPLANTS, TOOLS, AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF PELVIC CONDITIONS - Described are various embodiments of surgical procedures, systems, implants, devices, tools, and methods, useful for treating pelvic conditions in a male or female, the pelvic conditions including incontinence (various forms such as fecal incontinence, stress urinary incontinence, urge incontinence, mixed incontinence, etc.), vaginal prolapse (including various forms such as enterocele, cystocele, rectocele, apical or vault prolapse, uterine descent, etc.), and other conditions caused by muscle and ligament weakness, the devices and tools including devices and tools for anchoring an implant to supportive tissue and adjusting the implant. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253109 | IMPLANTS, TOOLS, AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF PELVIC CONDITIONS - Described are various embodiments of surgical procedures, systems, implants, devices, tools, and methods, useful for treating pelvic conditions in a male or female, the pelvic conditions including incontinence (various forms such as fecal incontinence, stress urinary incontinence, urge incontinence, mixed incontinence, etc.), vaginal prolapse (including various forms such as enterocele, cystocele, rectocele, apical or vault prolapse, uterine descent, etc.), and other conditions caused by muscle and ligament weakness, the devices and tools including devices and tools for anchoring an implant to supportive tissue and adjusting the implant. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253110 | Adjustable Tissue Support Member - A tissue support system including an implantable tissue support member is described. The tissue support member includes a tissue support portion, a first arm having a first end joined to a first end of the tissue support portion, a second arm having a first end joined to a second end of the tissue support portion, the second arm defining a lumen, a first tissue anchor fixed to a second end of the first arm, a second tissue anchor slidably positioned over the second arm, and a locking member disposed in the lumen of the second arm between the second tissue anchor and a second end of the second arm. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253111 | ORGAN RETRACTOR - A medical device of the present invention includes one or more anchors and an elongated member. Advantageously, the elongated member may be coupled to the anchors. The elongated member and anchors are configured to generate a force on a mesentery. The force is sufficient to retract a bowel of the patient into an upper portion of an abdominal cavity of the patient. When the patient is in a slightly angled position, the weight of the medical device pulls the mesentery into the upper abdomen. Since the bowel is connected to the mesentery, the device also indirectly pulls up the bowel. In some implementations of the device, a slight angle may be unnecessary. In others, the device may also inversely retract the mesentery and attached organs into the lower abdomen to facilitate surgical access to the upper abdomen. In some implementations of the device, a slight angle may be unnecessary. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253112 | CARDIAC SUPPORT DEVICE DELIVERY TOOL WITH RELEASE MECHANISM - An apparatus for placing a cardiac support device (CSD) on a heart. The apparatus includes a body, a deployment mechanism on the body for supporting the CSD in an open position for placement on the heart, and a release mechanism coupled to the deployment mechanism for releasably mounting the CSD to the deployment mechanism. The release mechanism includes a release element for releasably engaging the CSD, and a release actuator coupled to the release element for actuating the release element to release the CSD. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253113 | Devices, Systems, and Methods for Removing Empyema from a Pleural Cavity - Pleural empyema removal devices are provided and enable the removal of empyema from the pleural cavity of a human or veterinary patient. The pleural empyema removal devices may be coupled with one or more additional devices, such as suction source, gas source, light source and/or camera source, and monitor. The devices and systems including the devices facilitate the removal of empyema from the pleural cavity of a patient while providing protections from damage to untargeted tissues. The devices, systems, and methods can be used in the treatment process to treat pleural empyema resulting from pleural effusions and infections stemming from various illnesses and disorders, such as pneumonia. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253114 | OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGICAL TREATMENT DEVICE AND METHOD - A sinusitis treatment device includes: a flexible first elongated body to be guided into an accessory; an imaging unit which is provided on the first elongated long body, for obtaining an image on the front side of a distal end of the first elongated body; a flexible second elongated body having a lumen in which the first elongated body is inserted; an expansive body which is provided on the second elongated body and which has an effective expansive section capable of radial expansive deformation within a natural ostium located between a nasal cavity and an accessory nasal cavity to push open a stenosed part of the natural ostium; and a positioning unit which is provided on the second elongated body, for positioning the effective expansive section of the second elongated long body moved along the first elongated body relative to the first elongated body. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253115 | ENDOSCOPIC SYSTEM - An endoscopic system comprises an endoscope having a fibreoptic cable bundle, an elongate insertion member for insertion into a patient and an operating port. Endoscopic tools, such as cytology brushes, may be inserted into the port. A piece of absorbent material is attached to a cytology brush which acts as a scaffold for the membrane allowing its controlled placement on internal body surfaces after it is inserted into the patient via the port and elongate insertion member. The material absorbs neat fluid from inside the patient. The cytology brush and SAM material are removed and the fluid extracted from the material. The SAM material is discarded, however the cytology brush may be reused on the same patient. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253116 | System and Method for Performing Surgical Procedures with a Modular Surgical System - A surgical system is provided including a reusable handle assembly having a controller and a reusable cannula assembly configured to be operatively connected to and steerable by the reusable handle assembly. Additionally, the surgical system includes a plurality of surgical instruments configured to be inserted through the reusable handle assembly and configured to advance a length of the reusable cannula assembly, such that the plurality of surgical instruments are engaged with at least one trigger mechanism of the reusable handle assembly. The handle assembly, the cannula assembly, and the plurality of surgical instruments are modular components configured to be releasably or removably coupled or interconnected to each other. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253117 | DRAINAGE TUBE INSERTION TOOL - A drainage tube insertion tool for use in an endoscope, comprising:
| 2012-10-04 |
20120253118 | Bronchoscope Adapter And Method - A bronchoscope adapter is configured for one hand operation by providing a slide lock that is captured within a housing and a retaining nut that can be operated with a single finger or thumb. Rotation of the retaining nut is eased by isolating rotational force from a compression block with a spacer ring. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253119 | Bronchoscope Adapter And Method - A bronchoscope adapter is configured for one hand operation by providing a slide lock that is captured within a housing and a retaining nut that can be operated with a single finger or thumb. Rotation of the retaining nut is eased by isolating rotational force from a compression block with a spacer ring. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253120 | ENDOSCOPIC DELIVERY OF MEDICAL DEVICES - The invention is directed to an endoscopic assembly having an endoscope, particularly a flexible hysteroscope and an outer sheath disposed about a length of the shaft of the hysteroscope which has an expandable member such as an inflatable balloon for sealing the assembly within a body lumen or cavity. Specifically, the endoscope assembly is configured for delivery of an occlusive contraceptive member to the patient's fallopian tube. The invention is also directed to an endoscope having a driving member for movement of a medical device within the working lumen of an endoscope. In one embodiment the driving member is a friction wheel which engages an elongated medical device disposed within the working channel of the endoscope to effect longitudinal movement of the medical device. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253121 | ELECTRONIC ENDOSCOPE - A distal portion of an electronic endoscope is formed with a cutaway portion and a distal end surface. The distal portion is provided with side-viewing and front-viewing capturing optical systems. The side-viewing capturing optical system has a side-viewing objective lens, a prism with a half mirror surface, and a varifocal lens. Light incident on the half-mirror surface from the side-viewing objective lens is reflected to be incident on a CCD through the varifocal lens. Moving the varifocal lens allows the side-viewing capturing optical system to switch from normal observation to magnifying observation and vice versa. In the magnifying observation, a best focus position resides on an extension, of an outer circumferential surface of the distal portion, facing the cutaway portion. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253122 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM AND CALIBRATION METHOD - An endoscope system includes an illumination apparatus for applying imaging light to body tissue in a tube of a body cavity. An electronic endoscope images the body tissue illuminated with the imaging light, and outputs a blue image signal of blue and a green image signal of green. A signal processing device detects specific body tissue (such as blood vessels) in the body tissue according to the blue and green image signals. A calibration device refers to a reference ratio predetermined according to a reflectivity of the body tissue in relation to the blue and green, and calibrates the blue and green image signals to set a ratio between the blue and green image signals equal to the reference ratio. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253123 | OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGICAL TREATMENT DEVICE AND METHOD - An otorhinolaryngological treatment device includes: a flexible elongated body to be introduced into an accessory nasal cavity through a nasal cavity; an expansion body which is provided on the elongated body and has an effective expansive section capable of radial expansive deformation within a natural ostium between the nasal cavity and the accessory nasal cavity to thereby force open a stenosed part of the natural ostium; and imaging unit for obtaining an image on the front side of a distal end of the elongated body, which is provided integrally with the elongated body on the distal side of the elongated body relative to the expansion body. The treatment device enables easy positioning (aligning) of the expansion body inside the nasal cavity, without need for radioscopy. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253124 | ENDOSCOPE AIR-SUPPLY SYSTEM - An endoscope air-supply system comprising: a gas supply device which supplies predetermined gas to a lumen of a subject through an air-supply duct; a pressure measurement device which measures pressure in the lumen and which is connected through a duct for pressure measurement communicating with the lumen; a flushing device which supplies gas for flushing to the duct for pressure measurement; and an instruction device which instructs the pressure measurement device to perform pressure measurement and which instructs the flushing device to supply the gas for flushing in synchronism with the pressure measurement by the pressure measurement device. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253125 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR BIOFILM REMOVAL, INCLUDING A BIOFILM REMOVAL ENDOSCOPE FOR USE THEREWITH - Systems and methods of removing bacterial biofilm from a target site using a biofilm removal endoscope. The endoscope has an insertion portion including an imaging channel terminating at a viewing window and an irrigation channel terminating at a nozzle. The imaging and irrigation channels are permanently affixed relative to one another. The insertion portion is inserted into the patient, with a working end thereof being disposed proximate the target site. The target site is imaged and a flow of fluid is dispensed via the nozzle to mechanically remove bacterial biofilm from the target site. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253126 | STOPPER AND ENDOSCOPE - A flange is formed in a ferrule. A forceps stopper has a fixing member engaging with the flange and a stopper body that holds the fixing member. The fixing member has detachable first and second pieces. The stopper body has a fixing member accommodation hole that accommodates the fixing member in a combined state. The stopper body has a fixing member holding portion that holds the fixing member that is accommodated in the fixing member accommodation hole. The fixing member holding portion has an annular contact portion that comes into contact with the fixing member and a connection portion that connects the outer periphery of the annular contact portion to the opening peripheral edge portion of the fixing member accommodation hole. When the stopper body is pulled, the connection portion is broken, so that the holding of the fixing member using the fixing member holding portion is released. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253127 | PLUG DEVICE AND ENDOSCOPE - A portion of an outer periphery of a plug body of a forceps plug is cut out to form an arm having a shape along the circumferential direction of an outer peripheral surface of an opening. A tip portion of the arm is formed with a boss that protrudes toward the opening. An outer peripheral surface of the opening tip portion is formed with a cam groove for a forceps plug that guides the boss. The cam groove for a forceps plug is constituted by a cam groove for attachment that guides the boss | 2012-10-04 |
20120253128 | PLUG BODY AND ENDOSCOPE - A forceps plug includes a tubular plug main body, and a tubular fixing member rotatably held on the outer periphery of the plug main body. The inner peripheral surface of the fixing member is provided with a pair engaging claws. A ratchet mechanism that allows the fixing member to move to an incorporated location, an attachment position, a fixed position, and a removal position in order, but stops further movement to a position where the fixing member has moved once is provided between the inner peripheral surface of the plug main body and the outer peripheral surface of the fixing member. Since the fixing member of the used forceps plug removed from a opening is stopped from being to the fixed position by the ratchet mechanism, the fixing member cannot be fixed to the opening. Reuse of the used forceps plug can be made impossible without being accompanied by destruction. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253129 | ENDOSCOPE AND LIGHTING OPTICAL DEVICE THEREFOR - A lighting optical device is disposed in a distal portion of an endoscope, and illuminates a target with light transmitted through a light guide. An optical element has an incident surface facing the light guide, an outer circumferential portion having light reflection function, and a convex exit surface. In a lens mounting hole formed in the distal portion, a lens is housed in front of and at a predetermined distance away from the optical element fixed in a lens barrel. An outer diameter of the lens is greater than that of the optical element. To allow light rays, coming out of a peripheral portion of the exit surface of the optical element and traveling parallel with an optical axis, to be incident on the lens, a diameter of a space between the optical element and the lens is greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the optical element. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253130 | ENDOSCOPE HAVING EXTRA-FINE DIAMETER - Disclosed is an endoscope having an extra-fine diameter capable of improving strength and durability of outer and/or inner tube constituting an insertion portion of the endoscope while maintaining good insertion performance and operability, capable of easily and precisely locating lenses when various kinds of lenses are arranged. As such outer and/or inner tube constituting the insertion portion of the endoscope having an extra-fine diameter, a specific electrocast tube formed by a predetermined manufacturing method is used. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253131 | Articulating Surgical Access System For Laparoscopic Surgery - A surgical system includes one or more arms defining a passageway therethrough. The arm includes a proximal portion configured for positioning externally of a patient's body and a distal portion configured for positioning within an internal body cavity. The distal portion includes first and second articulatable segments spaced apart from one another and capable of independent articulation between a substantially straight configuration and an articulated configuration. A first articulation assembly is coupled to the proximal portion of the one arm and is transitionable between a first state and a second state for articulating the first articulatable segment between the substantially straight configuration and the articulated configuration. A second articulation assembly is coupled to the proximal portion of the arm and is configured to move between a plurality of positions for articulating the second articulatable segment between the substantially straight configuration and the articulated configuration. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253132 | Gear Driven Triangulation - A surgical access port and method for achieving triangulation is disclosed, the surgical access port comprising a housing and an articulation structure. The housing is comprised of a cylindrical member having proximal and distal ends, and defining a longitudinal axis. The articulation structure is comprised of at least two lumens, each of the at least two tubular members disposed in a respective lumen, at least two rotating members disposed along each of the at least two tubular members, an actuating member, and a rigid member connecting each rotating member to each tubular member. The tubular members are configured to receive instruments for use in minimally invasive procedures. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253133 | Single Incision Deployable Platform - A surgical triangulation device and method of use is disclosed. The surgical triangulation device includes an elongate member, the elongate member defining a longitudinal axis and being adapted for insertion through a surgical access portal. The surgical triangulation device also includes a platform pivotably attached near a distal end of the elongate member, the platform defining a plurality of lumens and a central opening therethrough. The platform has a first position, where a first end of the platform is positioned proximate to the elongate member and a second end of the platform extends distally past a distal end of the elongate member, and a second position, where the platform is nearly orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253134 | SURGICAL ACCESS ASSEMBLY WITH SLEEVE AND ADJUSTABLE FASTENER - A surgical access assembly and method of use is disclosed, including an access member, a tissue engaging member, a sleeve extending from a portion of the membrane, and a fastening member to couple the access member and the sleeve. The access member includes proximal and distal ends, at least one lumen disposed therethrough, and defines a longitudinal axis. The tissue engaging member includes a membrane having proximal and distal ends with opposing openings, and a passage therethrough for receiving the access member. A length of the tissue engaging member may be selectively adjustable by a user so as to provide a retraction force. The sleeve extends proximally from a portion of the membrane. The sleeve has a proximal end and a distal end with opposing openings, the distal end of the sleeve defined by a portion of the membrane. A fastening member couples the access member and the sleeve. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253135 | CONFIGURED AND SIZED CANNULA - A dilator retractor and the dilators that are used for minimally invasive spinal surgery or other surgery are configured to accommodate the anatomical structure of the patient as by configuring the cross sectional area in an elliptical shape, or by forming a funnel configuration with the wider end at the proximate end. In some embodiments the distal end is contoured to also accommodate the anatomical structure of the patient so that a cylindrically shaped, funnel shaped, ovoid shaped dilator retractor can be sloped or tunneled to accommodate the bone structure of the patient or provide access for implants. The dilator retractor is made with different lengths to accommodate the depth of the cavity formed by the dilators. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253136 | ACCESS PORT AND FLEXIBLE SLEEVE WITH ATTACHED CORD - A surgical apparatus for positioning within a tissue tract accessing an underlying body cavity is adapted to receive a portal member inserted therein. The surgical apparatus includes a flexible sleeve and a cord attached to one end of the sleeve. The cord is configured to secure the portal member within the surgical apparatus such that the surgical apparatus forms a sealing relation with the portal member. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253137 | SURGICAL ILLUMINATION SYSTEM - A surgical illumination system, according to the present disclosure may include one or more illumination elements mounted on or in a collar body or surgical retractor pin that may also include control electronics. The surgical illumination system affords controllable direct illumination of a deep cavity surgical site and may be moved independent of any surgeon or surgical instrument. The collar body or pin provides heat conductivity to remove heat generated by the illumination elements. The collar body is adapted for engagement of Steinman style surgical retractor pins and to afford optimal heat transfer to the retractor pin. Energy for the illumination elements may be provided by batteries or other suitable source through a cable or wireless link. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253138 | METHOD FOR ELECTRONIC ADJUSTMENT OF ILLUMINANCE OF SURGICAL LAMP - The present invention provides a method of controlling a light output of a surgical lamp used for illuminating a surgical site. The surgical lamp includes a housing that defines an internal cavity. A light source is disposed within the internal cavity of the housing. The light source produces a light path and a light field at a surgical site that is remote from the housing. The method comprises providing a voltage sensitive device along the light path, the voltage sensitive device having light transmissive properties that change in response to a biasing voltage applied thereto, and applying a biasing voltage to the voltage sensitive device to achieve a desired light intensity at the surgical site. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253139 | PERSONALIZED MEDICAL CONTENT RECOMMENDATION - Method, system, and computer program product for personalized medical content recommendation are provided. The method may include: having a patient medical profile; having a concept or relationship relating to the patient medical profile; obtaining medical content relevant to the concept or relationship; determining a score of the concept or relationship to the patient medical profile; enhancing the score with a context score based on the values of attributes of the concept or relationship in the patient medical profile; enhancing the score with an additional knowledge score based on knowledge of the concept or relationship additional to the medical content; recommending medical content with respect to a patient medical profile based on the enhanced scores. The method may also include providing an explanation of a medical content recommendation based on a matching concept or relationship, including generating one or more explanation sentences based on the context score, and generating one or more explanation sentences based on the additional knowledge score. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253140 | Systems And Methods For Autonomic Nervous System Monitoring - Methods and systems are disclosed for determining physiological information about a patient's autonomic nervous system based on at least one physiological signal measured from the patient and at least one known characteristic of a patient's respiration. Respiration protocol may be provided to guide characteristics of the patient's respiration. The physiological signal measured from the patient may be transformed using a wavelet transform to create a transformed signal, and a scalogram may be generated based at least in part on the transformed signal. A metric that may indicate information about the patient's autonomic nervous system may be determined from the scalogram and the known characteristic of the patient's respiration. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253141 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PASSIVE PHOTOPLETHYSMOGRAPH SENSING - Systems and methods are provided for passive photoplethysmograph sensing. A patient monitoring system may provide active sensing, passive sensing, or both. In some cases, a patient monitor may determine whether to provide passive or active sensing. Passive photoplethysmograph sensing may be used to determine physiological information such as pulse rate, respiration rate, or other information. Passive photoplethysmograph sensing may allow for reduced power consumption relative to active sensing. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253142 | MONITORING, PREDICTING AND TREATING CLINICAL EPISODES - Apparatus and methods are described including a motion sensor ( | 2012-10-04 |
20120253143 | METHOD OF MEASURING A SKIN AGENT TRANSFERRED TO SKIN - A method for measuring an amount of a skin agent transferred from an absorbent structure to an area of skin. An absorbent structure that includes a skin agent is provided and is applied to an area of skin. A portion of the skin agent transfers from the absorbent article to the area of skin. The absorbent article is removed and an extracting medium comprising an extraction component that does not irritate the skin is placed in the area of skin from which the absorbent structure was removed. The extracting medium is removed and the amount of skin agent extracted by the extracting medium is measured. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253144 | SENSOR - An embeddable sensor includes a sensor body, a detector housed in the sensor body, and a retaining mechanism mounted on a side surface of the sensor body. The retaining mechanism includes at least one projection on the side surface of the sensor body. The projection is of a V shape which is progressively wider and higher from a distal end toward a proximal end of the sensor body. The projection is made of a material whose hardness is lowered upon elapse of a certain period of time within a living body. When the embeddable sensor is inserted in the living body, the projection retains the embeddable sensor within the living body. Upon elapse of the certain period of time within the living body, the projection loses its capability to retain the embeddable sensor within the living body. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253145 | Systems and Methods for Transcutaneously Implanting Medical Devices - Systems and methods for transcutaneously implanting medical devices, such as in vivo analyte sensors, are provided. The systems and methods involve the use of introducers or inserters made of shape memory alloy (SMA) materials which are transitionable from one operative state or configuration to another operative state or configuration, wherein the transition from state to state enables the transcutaneous implantation and/or transcutaneous explantation of the medical device. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253146 | Optical Instrument With Audio Band Frequency Response - A system and method for determining physiological parameters of a patient based on light transmitted through the patient. A light drive signal may be generated by an audio codec in a processor and utilized to generate the light transmitted through the patient. Additionally, the processor may calculate physiological parameters of the patient based on digital data signals converted in the audio codec that are indicative of absorption of light in the patient. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253147 | CALIBRATION METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT AND SENSOR FOR NON-INVASIVELY MEASURING BLOOD CHARACTERISTICS OF A SUBJECT - A calibration method for an apparatus for non-invasively monitoring blood characteristics of a subject is disclosed. The apparatus is provided with a computational model representing a relationship between in-vivo measurement signals obtained from the subject and the blood characteristics. The providing includes employing at least one tissue property variable in the computational model, in which the at least one tissue property variable is indicative of absorption and scattering characteristics of the subject's tissue. An arrangement for determining blood characteristics of a subject and a sensor for the arrangement are also disclosed. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253148 | FLEXIBLE BANDAGE EAR SENSOR - The present disclosure relates to sensors for use on a patient's ear. The sensors as provided may be disposable and configured to be retained on an ear with a biasing mechanism. In particular embodiments, the biasing mechanism is a sliding clip that is configured to bias a first portion and a second portion of a sensor body towards one another. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253149 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR NON-INVASIVE PHOTOMETRIC BLOOD CONSTITUENT DIAGNOSIS - A non-invasive method and apparatus utilizing a single wavelength (800 nm, isobestic) for the instantaneous, reflective, non-pulsatile spatially resolved reflectance system, apparatus and mathematics that allows for the correct determination of critical photo-optical parameters in vivo. Transcutaneous blood constituent (analyte or drug level) measurements can be determined in real-time. The “closed-form” nature of the mathematics allows for immediate calculations and real-time display of Hematocrit and other pertinent blood values in a variety of handheld or other like devices. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253150 | MULTI-STREAM SENSOR FOR NONINVASIVE MEASUREMENT OF BLOOD CONSTITUENTS - The present disclosure relates to a sensor having a set of photodetectors that are arranged at various locations to enable the measurement of blood glucose. The photodetectors are arranged across multiple locations. For example, the detector may comprise multiple photodetector arrays that are arranged to have a sufficient difference in mean path length to allow for noise cancellation and noise reduction. Walls may be used in the detector to separate individual photodetectors and prevent mixing of detected optical radiation between the different locations on the measurement site. A window may also be employed to facilitate the passing of optical radiation at various wavelengths for measuring glucose in the tissue. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253151 | Multiple Wavelength Pulse Oximetry With Sensor Redundancy - Systems and method are provided that enable a spectrophotometric system to obtain reasonably reliable measurements even in situations when some of the emitters included in a sensor system have become inoperable. In certain embodiments, the spectrophotometric system may include two or more light emitters. The light emitters may be used to derive measurements suitable for pulse oximetry, hemometry, and/or aquametry. The failure of one or more of the emitters may still allow for the derivation of certain measurements by using the emitters that remain in an operational state. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253152 | Y-SHAPED EAR SENSOR WITH STRAIN RELIEF - The present disclosure relates to sensors for use on a patient's ear. The sensors as provided may be Y-shaped and configured to be retained on an ear with the forks of the Y-shape positioned below the main branch of the Y. In particular embodiments, the Y-shaped sensors may be affixed to the patient at locations on the head or neck to relieve strain and reduce the effects of motion on the optical components of the sensor. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253153 | MULTIPLEXED PHOTODETECTOR ARRAY FOR OPTICAL MEDICAL SENSORS - The present disclosure relates generally to medical devices and, more particularly, to optical medical sensors used for sensing physiological characteristics of a patient. In one embodiment, a system includes a physiological sensor having a photodetector array with a plurality of photodetectors configured to receive light from patient tissue. The physiological sensor also includes a multiplexor configured select and output a signal from the photodetector array. The physiological sensor may also include a signal analyzer configured to determine the signal quality for each of the output signals of the photodetector array and select an output signal, based on the signal quality determination, for the calculation of a physiological parameter of the patient. In another embodiment, a system includes a pulse oximetry sensor having a multiplexed array of photodetectors configured to receive light from patient tissue. The system also includes a pulse oximetry monitor having a multiplexor driver to control the multiplexed array of photodetectors as well as a processor configured to control the multiplexor driver and receive the output signals from the array of photodetectors. The processor is also configured to determine the signal quality of each of the output signals from the array of photodetectors, select an output signal based on the signal quality determination, and use the selected signal to calculate a physiological parameter of a patient. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253154 | BIOMETRIC IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM USING PULSE WAVEFORM - A method and system for biometric identity confirmation is based on the pulse wave of a subject. During an initial enrollment mode, pulse wave data for a known subject are used to generate subject characterization data for the known subject. During a subsequent operational mode, pulse wave data for a test subject are analyzed using the subject characterization data to confirm whether the identity of the test subject matches the known subject. The subject characterization data can be a probability density in a phase space in which at least two quasi-periodic variables based on the pulse wave (e.g., blood pressure and volume time-series data) are correlated. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253155 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DEMODULATING SIGNALS IN A PULSE OXIMETRY SYSTEM - A method and an apparatus measure blood oxygenation in a subject. A light source is activated to cause a first emission at a first wavelength and a second emission at a second wavelength. A detector detects a composite signal indicative of an attenuation of the first and second wavelengths by tissue of a patient. The composite signal is demodulated into a first intensity signal and a second intensity signal. Blood oxygenation in the subject is determined from the first and second intensity signals. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253156 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING PHOTOPLETHYMOGRAPH SIGNALS - The disclosure relates to the field a method of and apparatus for processing a photoplethysmograph signal to support the analysis of photoplethysmograph signals in clinical scenarios. A derivative of a photoplethysmograph signal acquired over a time period is calculated. The derivative of the acquired photoplethysmograph signal with respect to time is analyzed and displayed in an x-y diagram as a function of the acquired photoplethysmograph signal or vice versa. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253157 | BLOOD INFORMATION MEASURING METHOD AND APPARATUS - In a special mode, a superficial wavelength set having plural types of narrow band light in a blue wavelength band of 400 to 500 nm is chosen. The plural types of narrow band light are successively applied to an internal body portion. A CCD captures images of the internal body portion under the narrow band light. A blood information calculation section calculates an oxygen saturation level of hemoglobin in a blood vessel based on an image signal. A comparison section compares the calculated oxygen saturation level with a predetermined threshold value. When the oxygen saturation level is less than the threshold value, a hypoxic region detection signal is outputted to a wavelength set switching section. The wavelength set switching section switches from the superficial wavelength set to a middle wavelength set and to a deep wavelength set, so the oxygen saturation levels at middle and deep depths are measured. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253158 | BLOOD INFORMATION MEASURING METHOD AND APPARATUS - In a special mode, a superficial layer wavelength set, a middle layer wavelength set, and a deep layer wavelength set are selected successively. Each wavelength set is composed of 3 different types of narrowband light applied successively to an internal body portion. A wavelength set table specifies the number of repetitions of each wavelength set. A controller controls a wavelength band switching element to apply every type of the narrowband light of each wavelength set, and to apply each wavelength set for the number of repetitions specified by the wavelength set table. A CCD captures images of the internal body portion under illumination of the narrowband light of the respective wavelength sets. A blood information calculation section calculates oxygen saturation levels of hemoglobin in blood vessels in the superficial, middle, and deep layers based on image signals, respectively. This provides information on cancer progression. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253159 | MOLDABLE EAR SENSOR - The present disclosure relates to sensors for use on a patient's ear. The sensors as provided may include a moldable member, such as a putty. The moldable member may be molded in place to affix the optical components of the sensor to a patient's ear tissue. For example, the moldable member may be sculpted around a curvature of a patient's earlobe. In particular embodiments, the moldable member may be activated, e.g., hardened, by exposure to particular temperatures or by exposure to light. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253160 | Methods and Reagents for in Vivo Imaging of Cancel Cell Lines - Provided is reagents and methods for non-invasive in vivo imaging wherein the reagents comprise targeted carrier molecules conjugated to a NIB reporter molecule. In one aspect the targeted carrier molecule is an antibody, or fragment thereof that has specificity for an antigen in a living body, animal or human. In one embodiment the antibodes are anti-cancer/tumor marker antibodies, organ specific antibodies, tissue specific antibodies, cell type specific antibodies, cell surface specific antibodies, anti-viral antibodies, anti-bacterial antibodies and anti-pathogenic antibodies. The NIP reporter molecules are any fluorescent reporter molecule compatible with in vivo imaging and generally having an excitation wavelength of at least 580 nm. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253161 | IMPEDANCE BASED ANATOMY GENERATION - Methods and systems for the determination and representation of anatomy anatomical information are disclosed herein. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253162 | BIOMEDICAL ELECTRODE - An electrode and electrodes for a biomedical system is provided. The electrode includes a backing pad with top and bottom surfaces. A conductive element is attached to the bottom surface of the backing pad, and a conductive gel layer covers at least part of the bottom surface of the conductive element. A bonding layer is disposed at least in part between the conductive element and the conductive gel layer. The electrode can include a leadwire with a stripped end length, and at least a portion of the stripped end length is disposed between the conductive element and at least one of the bonding layer and the conductive gel layer. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253163 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR POSITIONING A SENSOR - Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to sensor designs or shapes configured to facilitate placement of sensor electrodes and, thus, proper positioning of the sensors on patients. According to certain embodiments, a sensor may include a substrate that includes multiple electrodes, where a first electrode is configured to be placed on a patient's temple and a second electrode is configured to be placed on a patient's forehead directly above a patient's eyebrow. The sensor may include a particular shape and a fixed distance between the first and second electrodes to facilitate proper angling and positioning of the first and second electrodes as well as the other electrodes (e.g., third and fourth electrodes). Other embodiments may include a method for positioning the sensor on the patient, including a monitor with help screens. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253164 | ELECTRODE SYSTEM FOR CRANIAL NERVE STIMULATION - An electrode system for cranial nerve stimulation includes a support coupling part for coupling a support. The support coupling part has a stimulating electrode insertion part formed to couple a stimulating electrode at the bottom thereof. The electrode system further includes an electrode holder formed to couple to a connecting wire for supplying electricity to the stimulating electrode, and an anchor having an electrode holder insertion part formed with a hollow part into which the electrode holder coupled to the connecting wire is inserted, and fixed to the skull of a subject. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253165 | INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE DETECTING DEVICE AND DETECTING METHOD THEREOF - An intraocular pressure detecting device includes an image capturing unit, a processor, and a pressure detection unit. The image capturing unit, coupled to the image capturing unit, is capable of acquiring an eye image. According to the eye image, the processor can determine an intraocular pressure detection area. After the pressure detection unit detects the intraocular pressure detection area, the intraocular pressure is calculated by the processor of the intraocular pressure detecting device. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253166 | CANAL TYPE MINI-APPARATUSES INSERTABLE IN EARS FOR DIAGNOSING AND CURING DISEASES - Provided is a canal type mini-apparatus insertable in an ear for diagnosing a disease. The canal type mini-apparatus includes a canal body and a protrusion body. The canal body is insertable in an ear and includes a bio-data detection unit at an end thereof The bio-data detection unit is configured to detect biological data from an inside of the ear for diagnosing a disease. The protrusion body is disposed at the other end of the canal body and including a data transceiving unit. The data transceiving unit is configured to control the bio-data detection unit and transmit/receive a signal to/from an analyzing device. When the canal type mini-apparatus is inserted in the ear, at least a portion of the protrusion body protrudes outward from the ear. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253167 | FORCE MEASUREMENT FOR LARGE BEND ANGLES OF CATHETER - A method for calibrating a force measuring probe comprises providing a probe having an insertion tube with a distal tip, a joint comprising a resilient member, a joint sensor in conjunction with a processor coupled to the probe wherein the processor has a memory of an axial displacement threshold for the joint stored therein; applying force to the distal tip; measuring the displacement and deflection of the distal tip; correlating the measured displacement and deflection of the distal tip to the applied force and storing the correlation in the memory until reaching the axial displacement threshold; applying force greater than the axial displacement threshold to the distal tip to define a new force value; measuring the position of the distal tip in a plane transverse to the direction of force exerted on the distal tip; correlating the measured position of the distal tip in the plane transverse to the direction of force to the new force value and storing the correlation in the memory until reaching a pre-established upper limit for the new force value. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253168 | Method and apparatus for producing and detecting non-local effects of substances - A method and apparatus are disclosed which produce and detect quantum entanglement and non-local effects of substances on responsive targets such as biological systems. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of providing two parts of a quantum-entangled medium, applying one part to a biological system such as a human, contacting the other part with a desired substance such as a medication or substance encoded with a message, and detecting change of a biological parameter with a detecting device, whereby a non-local effect of the substance on the said biological system is produced and detected for a beneficial purpose. Also described are a number of implementations. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253169 | REAL TIME, INTERACTIVE VOLUMETRIC MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING - A method of producing volume renderings from magnetic resonance image data in real time with user interactivity. The method comprises collecting raw magnetic resonance image (MRI) data representative of shapes within an image volume; transferring the raw MRI data to a computer; and continuously producing volume renderings from the raw MRI data in real time with respect to the act of collecting raw MRI data representative of shapes within the image volume. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253170 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING MEDICAL IMAGE OF BODY ORGAN BY USING 3-D MODEL - A method of generating an image of an organ includes generating a three-dimensional (3-D) model of at least one organ of a patient based on a medical image of the at least one organ; generating a plurality of matched images by matching a plurality of images showing a change of a shape of the at least one organ due to a body activity of the patient to the 3-D model of the at least one organ; selecting one of the plurality of matched images based on a current body condition of the patient; and outputting the selected matched image. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253171 | INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, IMAGING SYSTEM, INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD, AND PROGRAM CAUSING COMPUTER TO EXECUTE INFORMATION PROCESSING - An information processing apparatus includes a first acquisition unit configured to acquire a plurality of positions, in a three-dimensional image of a subject, obtained based on a sternum of the subject, a second acquisition unit configured to acquire a plurality of positions, in the subject, obtained based on the sternum of the subject, and a calculation unit configured to calculate a correspondence relationship in position between the subject and the three-dimensional image based on the plurality of positions acquired by the first acquisition unit and the plurality of positions acquired by the second acquisition unit. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253172 | Radiation therapy system with high frequency shielding - A radiation therapy system is proposed. The system has a magnetic resonance imaging device with a first and second magnetic coil units distanced from one another by a gap. The coil units interact to generate a magnetic field propagating along a longitudinal axis. The system has a linear accelerator arranged at a radial distance from the longitudinal axis in the gap or in the radial extension of the gap. The system also has a high frequency shielding arrangement with a first and second high frequency shielding cabins arranged adjacent to the first and second magnetic coil units respectively and high frequency sealed connected to one another with a tubular high frequency shielding unit arranged along the longitudinal axis within the first and second magnetic coil units. A high frequency shielding concept is independent of an embodiment of the magnetic system of the imaging device and is universally applicable. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253173 | IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, ULTRASONIC PHOTOGRAPHING SYSTEM, IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD THEREFOR, AND STORAGE MEDIUM STORING PROGRAM - An image processing apparatus includes an ultrasonic image obtaining unit configured to obtain an ultrasonic image by capturing a subject by ultrasound, a generation unit configured to generate a corresponding cross-sectional surface which corresponds to an image capturing cross-sectional surface of the ultrasonic image, which is parallel to a reference direction, and which includes a position specified in advance from a three-dimensional image of the subject, and a cross-sectional image obtaining unit configured to obtain a cross-sectional image of the three-dimensional image from the generated corresponding cross-sectional surface. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253174 | IMAGE RECORDING DEVICE FOR THE SIMULTANEOUS RECORDING OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGE DATA AND NUCLEAR MEDICAL IMAGE DATA - An image recording device is disclosed for the simultaneous recording of magnetic resonance image data and nuclear medical image data, in particular PET image data. In at least one embodiment, the image recording device includes a nuclear medical detector arrangement integrated into a magnetic resonance device, wherein a fluorescence detector arrangement including an optical system and designed for fluorescence imaging is also integrated into the magnetic resonance device. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253175 | System and Method for Imbedded, High-Spatial Resolution, Fluoroscopic Tracking of Multi-Station, Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Angiography - A method of producing a series of vasculature images over an extended field of view (FOV) larger than an FOV of an MRI system includes acquiring initial time-resolved image data from the vasculature and, during the acquiring process, reconstructing, in substantially real-time, a series of three-dimensional (3D) tracking images of the initial portion of the vasculature illustrating a current position of a contrast bolus in the vasculature as the contrast bolus passes through the initial portion of the vasculature. Based on a current position of the contrast bolus, the subject is moved to a subsequent imaging station to acquire subsequent time-resolved image data and reconstruct subsequent 3D tracking images of subsequent portions of the vasculature. This process is repeated and then an image is assembled that extends over the extended FOV using the initial time-resolved image data and the subsequent time-resolved image data. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253176 | Systems and Methods for Debulking Visceral Fat - Systems and methods for debulking visceral fat within a subject, include: providing a focused ultrasound transducer configured to focus ultrasonic power at a focal spot; positioning the focused ultrasound transducer with respect to the subject so that the focused ultrasound transducer is enabled to transfer ultrasonic power into the subject; locating the focal spot of the focused ultrasound transducer with respect to at least one target region containing visceral fat within the subject; and debulking visceral fat within the target region by applying ultrasonic energy from the focused ultrasound transducer with sufficient power to cause the death of visceral fat tissue within the target region. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253177 | Radiation Containing Seeds and Method for High Visibility Magnetic Imaging - A radioactive seed and method for making a radioactive seed with selective magnetic imaging characteristics are provided. The seed includes a housing which may include a metal shell for at least partially enclosing a radioactive material. The shell encloses a rod having a nickel layer with a phosphorous content, wherein the phosphorous content includes a level of phosphorous sufficient, when the seed is implanted in tissue, to provide a magnetic resonance image of the seed while substantially eliminating gross artifacts in the magnetic resonance image. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253178 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRIGGERING AN IMAGING PROCESS BASED ON NON-PERIODICITY IN BREATHING - A method of triggering an imaging process includes obtaining breathing signals, analyzing the breathing signals to identify a non-periodicity in a subject's breathing, and generating a signal to cause an imaging process to begin in response to the identified non-periodicity. A computer product having a set of instructions stored in a non-transitory medium, wherein an execution of the instructions causes a method to be performed, the method includes obtaining breathing signals, analyzing the breathing signals to identify a non-periodicity in a subject's breathing, and generating a signal to cause an imaging process to begin in response to the identified non-periodicity. A system for triggering an imaging process includes a processor that is configured for obtaining breathing signals, analyzing the breathing signals to identify a non-periodicity in a subject's breathing, and generating a signal to cause an imaging process to begin in response to the identified non-periodicity. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253179 | MULTIPLE CONTRAST AGENT INJECTION FOR IMAGING - MRI based molecular imaging is strongly supported by the accurate quantification of contrast agents. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, contrast agent is applied on the basis of a multiple injection application scheme, during which changes in relaxation rate are determined. This may provide for an accurate determination of rumor vascularity via MRI relaxometry. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253180 | COMBINED ULTRASOUND AND PHOTOACOUSTIC IMAGING OF METAL OBJECTS - Methods of combined ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging are provided. In some embodiments, the methods may be used to determine the location or positioning of a metal object in a sample. In other embodiments, the methods may be used to determine the composition of a sample surrounding a metal object. Other methods are also provided. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253181 | ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS AND CONTROLLING METHOD - An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes: a scan controlling unit that exercises control to perform a first scanning process by transmitting an ultrasound wave in a first direction and a second scanning process by transmitting an ultrasound wave in each of a plurality of directions; an image generating unit that generates a first ultrasound image and second ultrasound images from the first and the second scanning processes, respectively; an image generation controlling unit that has a needle image generated, based on an analysis result on the brightness distribution of each member of a group of images based on the first ultrasound image and the second ultrasound images or an analysis result on the brightness distribution of each of the second ultrasound images; an image synthesizing unit that generates a synthesized image from the first ultrasound image and the needle image; and a display controlling unit that displays the synthesized image. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253182 | IMAGING-GUIDED ANESTHETIC INJECTION METHOD - Systems for injecting fluids and/or other materials into a targeted anatomical location, in particular, an intra-articular space, include a handpiece assembly having a proximal end and a distal end, a needle extending from the distal end of the handpiece assembly, a fluid delivery module comprising a cassette and a fluid transfer device. A conduit is generally configured to place the fluid delivery module in fluid communication with the handpiece assembly. Medications, formulations and/or other fluids or materials contained within vials that are secured to the fluid delivery module can be selectively delivered into an anatomy through a needle located at the distal end of the handpiece assembly. In some embodiments, ultrasound or other imaging technologies can be used to locate a joint or other targeted anatomical location. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253183 | IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, OPHTHALMIC APPARATUS, AND OPHTHALMIC SYSTEM - To reduce confirmation time by an examiner to increase the diagnosis efficiency, a medical system including a medical apparatus that acquires a tomographic image of an object to be examined using combined light generated by combining return light from the object to be examined to which measuring light is emitted and reference light corresponding to the measuring light includes a display control unit configured to control a display unit to sequentially display the tomographic images in the predetermined region on the display unit, and a changing unit configured to change a display time period for the tomographic images displayed in the predetermined region based on the number of the tomographic images to be displayed. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253184 | IMAGING APPARATUS FOR DIAGNOSIS AND DISPLAY METHOD - An imaging apparatus for diagnosis comprises a display unit configured to display a longitudinal-sectional image in a first display area, and display a cross-sectional image corresponding to an arbitrary position in an axial direction in the longitudinal-sectional image in a second display area; a signal processing unit divides the second display area into at least two individual areas in case of accepting an instruction to the effect that a predetermined operation is executed with respect to the first display area; and the signal processing unit displays indicators in the first display area, wherein in a case in which the second display area is divided into at least two individual areas, cross-sectional images corresponding to the axial direction position are displayed by at least two indicators in respective individual areas. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253185 | OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHIC IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - An optical coherent tomographic image forming apparatus includes: a first switch for instructing rotation of the optical deflection unit at a first speed; a second switch for instructing rotation of the optical deflection unit at a second speed which is higher than the first speed; and a driving controller which drives the optical deflection unit rotationally at the first speed in case of detecting instruction operation of the first switch and which changes the rotation speed of the optical deflection unit to the second speed, in case of detecting instruction operation of the second switch, under the condition that the optical deflection unit rotates at the first speed when the second switch is instructionally operated. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253186 | OCCLUSION-CROSSING DEVICES, IMAGING, AND ATHERECTOMY DEVICES - The present invention relates to: ( | 2012-10-04 |
20120253187 | MAMMOGRAPHY INSTALLATION - A mammography installation or a mammography system allows x-ray projections of the breasts for at least one | 2012-10-04 |
20120253188 | REDUCING RISK OF COMPLICATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH TISSUE ABLATION - Methods and systems are described that reduce risks of hematologic, metabolic, and renal complications in a mammal, such as a human, undergoing tissue ablation. One such method includes inserting a probe into a mammal and ablating abnormal tissue in the mammal by emitting a first amount of energy from the probe. In some embodiments, after emitting the first amount of energy, a method can include denaturing proteins released from cells in the abnormal tissue by emitting a second amount of energy from at least one of the first probe or a second probe inserted into the mammal. Furthermore, some embodiments can be implemented such that during or after the emitting the energy from a probe, a composition is administered to the mammal in an effective amount to denature proteins released from cells in the abnormal tissue. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253189 | CAVITY-FILLING BIOPSY SITE MARKERS - The invention provides materials, devices and methods for marking biopsy sites for a limited time. The biopsy-marking materials are ultrasound-detectable bio-resorbable powders, with powder particles typically between about 20 microns and about 800 microns in maximum dimension, more preferably between about 300 microns and about 500 microns. The powders may be formed of polymeric materials containing cavities sized between about 10 microns and about 500 microns, and may also contain binding agents, anesthetic agents, hemostatic agents, and radiopaque markers. Devices for delivering the powders include tubes configured to contain the powders and to fit within a biopsy cannula, the powders being ejected by action of a syringe. Systems may include a tube containing powder, and a syringe containing sterile saline. The tube may be configured to fit within a biopsy cannula such as a Mammotome® or SenoCor 360™ cannula. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253190 | CONTRAST-ENHANCED ULTRASOUND ASSESSMENT OF LIVER BLOOD FLOW FOR MONITORING LIVER THERAPY - A method for assessing a liver includes acquiring image information including contrast-enhanced ultrasound images of the liver. A location of the main hepatic artery (MHA) and a location of the main portal vein (MPV) of the liver are identified in at least one of the contrast-enhanced ultrasound images of the liver. Time-intensity information corresponding to perfusion of a contrast agent in the MHA and the MPV is obtained. A biomarker index value (BW) which is a function of the time-intensity information corresponding to the perfusion of contrast agent in the MHA and the time-intensity information corresponding to the perfusion of contrast agent in the MPV is determined. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253191 | PORPHYRIN NANOVESICLES - The application relates to a nanovesicle comprising a bilayer of at least 15 mol % porphyrin-phospholipid conjugate, wherein the conjugate comprises a porphyrin, porphyrin derivative or porphyrin analog covalently attached to the phospholipid side chain. The nanovesicle can be used for photothermal therapy, photoacoustic imaging, and fluorescence imaging. The application also discloses a method of preparing the said nanovesicle. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253192 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CHEMICAL ABLATION - Thermochemical ablation techniques may provide ablation of bodily tissue using chemical reaction energy. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253193 | CATHETER WITH VARIABLE STIFFNESS - Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include an elongate inner member having a guidewire lumen extending therethrough. An outer member may be disposed about the inner member. An inflation lumen may be formed between the inner member and the outer member. The medical device may be configured to have a first stiffness when the inflation lumen is free of inflation media and a second stiffness different from the first stiffness when inflation media is disposed within the inflation lumen. In addition, the inner member may include a collapsible region that is configured to deflect radially inward when inflation media is disposed within the inflation lumen. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253194 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ULTRASOUND IMAGING - A first ultrasound pulse is applied to biological tissue to create shear waves in the biological tissue, a focused ultrasound pulse is transmitted into the biological tissue, one or more ultrasound signals is received from the biological tissue, and shear waves are detected in the biological tissue based on the received one or more ultrasound signals. At least one shear wave propagation property associated with the detected shear waves is determined, and the determined at least one propagation property is displayed. Ultrasound beam steering is used to improve measurement accuracy. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253195 | ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS, ELASTIC IMAGE STORAGE/REPRODUCTION METHOD, AND ELASTIC IMAGE STORAGE/REPRODUCTION PROGRAM - An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention includes: an ultrasonic probe which transmits and receives an ultrasonic wave to and from an object; a phasing addition means that generates RF signal frame data of a sectional part of the object on the basis of a reflected echo signal measured by the ultrasonic probe; a displacement measurement means that generates displacement frame data by measuring displacement of tissue of the sectional part on the basis of a pair of RF signal frame data items acquired at different times; an elastic information calculation means that generates elastic frame data by calculating elastic information, which indicates hardness or softness of tissue of the sectional part, on the basis of the generated displacement frame data; an elastic image configuration means that generates an elastic image on the basis of the elastic frame data; an image display device which displays the elastic image; and a memory in which the elastic image is stored. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253196 | ULTRASOUND EXAMINATION APPARATUS AND ULTRASOUND EXAMINATION METHOD - The ultrasound examination apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is an ultrasound examination apparatus for observing an inside of a body of a living subject and includes: a transmitting probe that transmits ultrasonic waves to an inside of an examination target which is a part of the living subject; a receiving probe that detects microscopic displacement on a surface of the examination target without contact with the examination target, to detect reflected ultrasonic waves which are the to ultrasonic waves reflected from the inside of the examination target; | 2012-10-04 |
20120253197 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FLUSHING BUBBLES FROM A CATHETER OF AN INTRAVASCULAR ULTRASOUND IMAGING SYSTEM - An intravascular ultrasound imaging system includes a catheter that is insertable into a patient blood vessel. A flushing assembly is in fluid communication with a lumen of the catheter. The flushing assembly flushes air bubbles formed in acoustically-favorable medium in the catheter lumen in response to an event other than a user-initiated flushing prompt. The flushing assembly includes a reservoir containing acoustically-favorable medium for input into the catheter lumen, and a pump coupled to the reservoir. The pump pumps the acoustically-favorable medium from the reservoir to the catheter lumen. A connector is in fluid communication with the reservoir. The connector is coupleable with the catheter lumen. A controller is coupled to the pump. The controller is configured and arranged for controlling operation of the pump. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253198 | ULTRASOUND IMAGING APPARATUS - Ultrasound imaging apparatus including a two-dimensional array of plural transducer elements distributed two-dimensionally and transmits and receives ultrasonic waves while scanning an area to be imaged to create an ultrasound three-dimensional image. Transducer elements are divided into plural element blocks including a first element block of which a size in a second direction of an arrangement surface of the two-dimensional array is larger than a size in a first direction of the surface, and a second element block of which a size in the first direction is larger than a size in the second direction. Each of the element blocks is divided into a predetermined number of groups to form a transmit beam and plural receive beams in the area to be imaged. Further included is a selecting means for making transmit/receive channels of the transducer elements grouped to be one channel in each of the groups. | 2012-10-04 |