摘要:
Systems and methods monitor and enable the use of a medical instrument that is configured to be operated in a prescribed manner. The systems and methods employ a use register sized and configured to be carried by the medical instrument, which comprises a memory field for recording a start date and time at an instance of first operation of the medical instrument. The systems and methods also employ a use monitoring controller, which is adapted and configured to be coupled to the use register. The use monitoring controller includes a start validation function that compares the start date and time to a present real date and time and provides a start validation output based upon the comparison. The use monitoring controller also includes an enablement function that enables operation of the medical instrument only if the start validation output meets prescribed criteria.
摘要:
Systems and methods apply ultrasound energy to achieve vasodilation and/or to increase tissue perfusion without causing substantial deep tissue heating.
摘要:
An applicator for delivering ultrasound energy that comprises an ultrasound transducer adapted and configured to be electrically coupled to an ultrasound generator. A housing carries the ultrasound transducer for use. An element supports the transducer within the housing. The element includes an elastic material having a hardness of about 30 Shore A to about 100 Shore A.
摘要:
Systems and methods deliver ultrasound energy to an ultrasound transducer having an impedance subject to variations. The systems and methods electrically couple an ultrasound generator to the ultrasound transducer to deliver ultrasound energy.
摘要:
Systems and methods apply ultrasound energy to the thoracic cavity. The systems and methods make use of an ultrasound energy applicator comprising an ultrasound transducer carried by a housing to generate ultrasound energy at a prescribed fundamental therapeutic frequency laying within a range of fundamental therapeutic frequencies not exceeding about 500 kHz. An ultrasonic coupling region is carried by the housing. The coupling region is adapted, in use, to contact skin. The coupling region is also sized to transcutaneously conduct ultrasound energy in a diverging beam that substantially covers an entire heart. The applicator can also include an assembly worn on the thorax, which stabilizes placement of the housing on the thorax during transcutaneous conduction of ultrasound energy.
摘要:
Balloon dilatation catheter adapted to be utilized in connection with a guiding catheter and a guide wire. The catheter comprises a flexible elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities and having a lumen extending therethrough. An inflatable balloon is mounted on the distal extremity of the tubular member. The interior of the inflatable balloon is in communication with the lumen. A sleeve extends through the balloon and extends rearwardly from the balloon and alongside the lumen. The sleeve has a guidewire lumen extending therethrough. The guidewire lumen is adapted to receive a guide wire extending therethrough and extending rearwardly of the flexible elongate element into a region adjacent the proximal extremity of the proximal elongate element. The sleeve has a slit extending longitudinally of the same from the proximal extremity of the sleeve to a region adjacent the balloon permitting the guide wire to be removed therethrough.
摘要:
Apparatus and methods for creating tissue necrosis include an energy delivery apparatus that can be positioned adjacent a target treatment site such as a vessel without direct contact with the treatment site tissue. Collimated energy is then directed to the vessel to create necrotic regions in the tissue. Exemplary use in renal vessels creates necrotic regions in adjacent nerves which can alleviate hypertension in a patient.
摘要:
Methods and apparatus are provided for loading therapeutic materials into brachytherapy needles. The apparatus comprises a loading tube with a lumen and two transverse slots, and radioactive seed and spacer cartridges slidably received within the transverse slots. The apparatus may be used in conjunction with a standard brachytherapy plunger and needle coupled to, respectively, the proximal and distal ends of the loading tube. The plunger dislodges seeds and spacers from the cartridge chambers to load the needle with a predetermined packing arrangement.