Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention are related to apparatus and methods for acoustically monitoring the performance of a medical device disposed within the body of a patient. According to one embodiment of an apparatus, the apparatus includes at least one acoustic sensor and a computer system that is connected to receive information from the acoustic sensor, wherein the acoustic sensor is adapted to receive a set of acoustic information that corresponds to acoustic activity within the body of said patient. The computer system is adapted for: (A) receiving the set of acoustic information, and (B) using the set of acoustic information to calculate location information relating to a location of a source of the acoustic activity.
Abstract:
A self-inflating resuscitation system formed from a self-inflating resuscitation bag and an exhalation indicator. In particular, the self-inflating resuscitation bag provides an exhalation indicator, which may be an audio or visual indicator, or both. The exhalation indicator enables a caregiver to more accurately determine whether a patient is being ventilated, unlike prior art self-inflating resuscitation bags, and helps to detect esophageal intubation in intubated patients or gastric trapping of gas in non-intubated patients undergoing positive pressure ventilation. In general, the device may be interposed between any source of positive pressure ventilation and any airway device to monitor exhalation as an indicator of adequacy of ventilation.
Abstract:
Fetal monitoring devices directed to a maternal bladder insert having at least one sensor on the distal end to detect fetal vital signs and uterine activity, and methods for detecting fetal vital signs and uterine activity using the device. The bladder insert is preferably a catheter with an integrated electrode for detecting fetal heart rate and uterine electomyography. Furthermore, the devices transmit this data to a monitoring system for diagnosis and observation.
Abstract:
A motorized drill is mounted in the handle (18) of a Kerrison Rongeur System utilized by a surgeon to perform surgical procedures on a patient, includes mechanism for moving the bit (25) supported in a rotating drill (12) toward the fixed upstanding foot (24) mounted at the remote end of the pistol-shaped handle (42) for removing bone which is located between the upstanding foot (24) and the drill bit (25). In another embodiment, the drill (133) is removably fixed in the handle (126) and the foot (120) moves relative to the drill bit (129). In either embodiment a trigger (22 or 124) operated by the surgeon actuates the foot (24 or 120)/drill (12 or 133) and the trigger (22 or 124) is biased to maximize the space between the foot (24 or 120) and the drill bit (25 or 129). The foot shape and dimension can be modified for perfecting given surgical procedures. In one embodiment the drill motor releasing mechanism includes a pinion gear and rack (72 and 84) performing the additional function of releasing the motor (12) locked in position in the handle (18).
Abstract:
A microemulsion delivery system for water insoluble or sparingly water soluble drugs that comprise a long polymer chain surfactant component and a short fatty acid sufractant component, with the amount of each being selected to provide stable microemulsion or micellar systems.
Abstract:
An interactive mixed reality simulator is provided that includes a virtual 3D model of internal or hidden features of an object; a physical model or object being interacted with; and a tracked instrument used to interact with the physical object. The tracked instrument can be used to simulate or visualize interactions with internal features of the physical object represented by the physical model. In certain embodiments, one or more of the internal features can be present in the physical model. In another embodiment, some internal features do not have a physical presence within the physical model.
Abstract:
An interactive mixed reality simulator is provided that includes a virtual 3D model of internal or hidden features of an object; a physical model or object being interacted with; and a tracked instrument used to interact with the physical object. The tracked instrument can be used to simulate or visualize interactions with internal features of the physical object represented by the physical model. In certain embodiments, one or more of the internal features can be present in the physical model. In another embodiment, some internal features do not have a physical presence within the physical model.
Abstract:
The subject invention pertains to methods of treating mental illnesses or conditions characterized by a decreased function of NMDA receptors and/or excessively enhanced glutamate release and activity of non-NMDA receptors (AMPA and/or kainate). Specifically disclosed are methods utilizing BrPhe, or isomers of analogs thereof, for treating or preventing mental illness or conditions such as schizophrenia.
Abstract:
Described here are a novel means and device for noninvasively quantifying important blood constituents. Total hemoglobin, arterial oxygen content, hematocrit, and other parameters can all be determined quickly and easily without the need for skin puncture or lengthy laboratory analysis. The invention described here concerns the simultaneous measurement of volume changes and changes in the mass of either oxyhemoglobin, total hemoglobin, or reduced hemoglobin. The data obtained by these measurements is used to quantity the parameters of interest.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the invention provide methods and devices for improved drainage systems and tubing. In one embodiment, a context-sensitive flow interrupter is provided that inhibits or facilitates flow of fluid when engaged with a mating holder. In another embodiment, outflow is optimized through control of the pressure in gas pockets in a tube, drainage tube or assembly. In one such embodiment, gas pockets are vented to inhibit excessive back-pressure or suction on an organ, vessel or cavity being drained. In another such embodiment, loops in the tubes are avoided by using a mechanical template in the form of a groove or peg assembly to thread the slack in the drainage tube to generate a monotonic gradient. In another embodiment, such as for active drainage systems, a bypass channel is provided that allows an applied vacuum to go around an obstruction created by the collection of fluid in an undrained dependent loop.