Abstract:
An embodiment of a disaster response system is disclosed that includes a communication and monitoring environment (CME). The CME includes an incident command infrastructure, and a communication infrastructure configured to exchange data with the incident command infrastructure. The communication infrastructure includes a network comprising a plurality of sensor assemblies that are configured to wirelessly communicate with the communication infrastructure. The sensor assemblies are configured to acquire data that includes at least one of environmental conditions, motion, position, chemical detection, and medical information. One or more of the sensors are configured to aggregate data from a subset of the plurality of sensors. The CME is configured to detect an incident based on at least the data acquired by the sensor assemblies.
Abstract:
Devices and methods for tissue lesion assessment and/or creation based on dielectric properties are disclosed. In some embodiments, one or more probing frequencies are delivered via electrodes including an electrode in proximity to a tissue (for example, myocardial tissue). Measured dielectric properties (such as impedance properties), optionally together with other known and/or estimated tissue characteristics, are used to determine the lesion state of the tissue. In some embodiments, a developing lesion state is monitored during treatment formation of a lesion (for example, ablation of heart tissue to alter electrical transmission characteristics).
Abstract:
An embodiment of a disaster response system is disclosed that includes a communication and monitoring environment (CME). The CME includes an incident command infrastructure, and a communication infrastructure configured to exchange data with the incident command infrastructure. The communication infrastructure includes a network comprising a plurality of sensor assemblies that are configured to wirelessly communicate with the communication infrastructure. The sensor assemblies are configured to acquire data that includes at least one of environmental conditions, motion, position, chemical detection, and medical information. One or more of the sensors are configured to aggregate data from a subset of the plurality of sensors. The CME is configured to detect an incident based on at least the data acquired by the sensor assemblies.
Abstract:
An imaging system, including a capsule, configured to enter an esophagus of a patient, having an ultrasonic transducer configured to image tissue of the patient. The system further includes an applicator tube configured to enter the esophagus, the tube being attachable to the capsule for positioning the capsule within the esophagus, and being detachable from the capsule after positioning of the capsule so as to permit the tube to be withdrawn from the esophagus while the capsule remains in position in the esophagus.
Abstract:
The invention relates generally to systems, devices and methods for global disaster response, more particularly to the rapid detection, qualified assessment and monitoring of disasters and electronic triage of victims, communication, alert and evacuation systems, provision of suitable modular sensing or medical aid solutions, and their rapid deployment via delivery platforms such as disaster messaging formats and resources on client mobile phone applications or physically via remote operated vehicles (unmanned aerial sea or land systems) or targeted air delivery.
Abstract:
A method for treating atrial fibrillation in a heart of a patient includes placing an ultrasonic catheter in a first chamber of the heart; acquiring two-dimensional ultrasonic images of a second chamber of the heart and at least a portion of surrounding structures of the second chamber using the ultrasonic catheter placed in the first chamber; reconstructing a three-dimensional ultrasonic image based on the two-dimensional ultrasonic images; displaying the reconstructed three-dimensional ultrasonic image; identifying at least one key landmark on the reconstructed three-dimensional ultrasonic image; marking the least one key landmark on the reconstructed three-dimensional ultrasonic image; penetrating the septum for accessing the second chamber of the heart while using the marked at least one key landmark for guidance; positioning a sheath through the penetrated septum and within the second chamber of the heart; inserting an ablation catheter through the sheath and into the second chamber of the heart; and ablating a portion of the second chamber of the heart using the ablation catheter while under observation with the ultrasound catheter located in the first chamber of the heart.
Abstract:
A reliable endocardial map is obtained by constructing a matrix relationship between a small number of endocardial points and a large number of external receiving points using a multi-electrode chest panel. Inversion of the matrix yields information allowing the endocardial map to be constructed. Subsequent maps are obtained noninvasively using the multi-electrode chest panel, applying new electrical signals to the matrix relationship, and again inverting the matrix to generate new endocardial electrical maps.
Abstract:
Cardiac tissue ablation is carried out by defining first regions containing first locations including ganglionated plexi in a heart of a living subject, and inserting a probe into the heart. The method is further carried out by detecting electrical activity in the heart via electrodes on the distal portion of the probe, defining second regions having second locations, wherein the electrical activity exhibits a dominant frequency that is higher than a predefined threshold, defining third regions having third locations, wherein the electrical activity exhibits complex fractionated atrial electrograms, constructing an electroanatomical map of the heart that defines intersections of the first regions and at least one of the second regions and the third regions, selecting ablation sites within the intersections, and ablating cardiac tissue at the ablation sites.
Abstract:
A device for enhancing visualization of an esophagus when imaged by a visualization system includes a structure including material that is clearly visible when imaged by the visualization system. The structure is arranged, when inserted into the esophagus, to expand so as to conform to an inner surface of the esophagus in order to enhance a visualization quality of the surface when imaged by the visualization system. A cord attached to the structure is arranged to extend out of the esophagus so as to assist a removal of the device from the esophagus.
Abstract:
A method for performing a procedure at the fossa ovalis in the septal wall of the heart includes the steps of providing a sheath having a body wherein the body has a lumen extending therethrough and an open end at a distal end of the body. The body also has at least one electrode at the distal end of the body. The fossa ovalis in the septal wall is identified by using the at least one electrode of the sheath.