Surgery inventions 12/06

20060293553 - Three section pig for radio-pharmaceuticals: A radio-pharmaceutical pig for transporting a syringe containing a radio-pharmaceutical includes a first cylindrical member having a first tungsten body defining a first cavity therein A second cylindrical member has a second tungsten body defining a second cavity therethrough and is capable of engagement with the first cylindrical member so... Agent: Bryan W. Bockhop, Esq.

20060293552 - Tungsten pig for radio-pharmaceuticals: A radio-pharmaceutical transport system includes a pig and a disposable plastic insert. Together, the pig and the disposable plastic insert provide a mechanism for transporting a syringe containing a dose of a radio-pharmaceutical composition. The pig includes a tungsten cylinder that defines an elongated cavity therein that is substantially coaxial... Agent: Bryan W. Bockhop, Esq.

20060293555 - Illuminated ivs tunneling device: A tunneling device is provided to assist in passing a suture or tape into a body. The tunneling device includes an outer assembly and an inner member or stylet, having a light transmissive distal tip, positioned within the outer assembly. The outer assembly is provided with a light port or... Agent: United States Surgical, A Division Of Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20060293554 - Surgical introducer apparatus and methods of use: Certain embodiments of the disclosure provide a surgical instrument and its methods of use. In particular embodiments, the surgical instrument includes first and second arcuate arms, a coupling section connecting the first and second arms, and a material mounting section. In certain embodiments, the second arm is telescopingly mounted in... Agent: Klarquist Sparkman, LLP

20060293558 - Colonoscopy video processing for quality metrics determination: A computer-based method that allows automated measurement of a number of metrics that likely reflect the quality of a colonoscopic procedure. The method is based on analysis of a digitized video file created during colonoscopy, and produces information regarding insertion time, withdrawal time, images at the time of maximal intubation,... Agent: Faegre & Benson LLP Patent Docketing

20060293556 - Endoscope with remote control module or camera: An endoscope with image-capture device remote from the probe is disclosed. The endoscope assembly has a probe, an illumination source such as one or more LEDs, and an image capture device located remotely from the probe such that the user does not have to bear the weight of the image... Agent: Trexler, Bushnell, Giangiorgi, Blackstone & Marr, Ltd.

20060293557 - Methods and apparati for surgical navigation and visualization with microscope (\"micro dex-ray\"): An improved system and method for macroscopic and microscopic surgical navigation and visualization are presented. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention an integrated system can include a computer which has stored three dimensional representations of a patient's internal anatomy, a display, a probe and an operation microscope. In exemplary... Agent: Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP

20060293559 - Disposable scope cleaner and method of using same: A disposable scope cleaning device and method of use are provided that allow obstructions on a distal viewing end of a medical scope encountered during an invasive medical procedure to be mechanically and fluidically removed in vivo. To achieve mechanical scrubbing and cleaning, the distal viewing end of the medical... Agent: Law Office Of Peter G. Korytnyk. PLLC

20060293560 - Minimally invasive surgical stabilization devices and methods: The various embodiments of the present inventions provide stabilization devices and methods for use of the stabilization devices with minimally invasive gynecological procedures such as methods of preventing pregnancy by inserting intrafallopian contraceptive devices into the fallopian tubes... Agent: Blakely Sokoloff Taylor & Zafman

20060293561 - System and methods for intervertebral disc surgery: This invention pertains to a surgical system for removing a damaged intervertebral disc and replacing it with a support system.... Agent: Lathrop & Gage Lc

20060293562 - Endoscope and endoscopic system: An endoscope of the present invention includes an insert section inserted in a subject body, an operation section provided at a base end of the insert section, a control process section provided in the operation section, for controlling an image pickup section for capturing a subject body image and a... Agent: Thomas Spinelli Scully, Scott, Murphy & Presser

20060293563 - Robotic endoscope with wireless interface: An endoscope apparatus and method of operating the same. The endoscope apparatus comprises an endoscope portion and a control and display unit. The endoscope portion preferably comprises: (i) a sensor disposed at a distal end of the endoscope portion and providing endoscope data; (ii) one or more electronically controlled actuators... Agent: Mayer & Williams PC

20060293564 - Endoscope, endoscope system, and filter unit: An endoscope includes an insertion portion; a channel member that has one opening at a distal portion of the insertion portion and other opening at a portion other than the distal portion; an exterior member opening that communicatively connects an interior of the endoscope to outside; and a filter that... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20060293565 - Endoscope: A container body includes an illumination section and an image pickup section. A tube body is integrally provided to the container body. A distal end of a hollow duct line provided in the tube body penetrates the container body to have an opening on an outer surface of the container... Agent: Thomas Spinelli Scully, Scott, Murphy & Presser

20060293566 - Pediatric liver retractor: A pediatric liver retractor with a supporting shaft configured traversing a pediatric abdominal wall. A hook portion terminating in an insertion tip is configured generally in a U-shape, with a hook aperture and a hook depth, which along with the insertion tip, are configured and dimensioned for supporting and retracting... Agent: Winston & Strawn LLP Patent Department

20060293567 - Universal vaginal speculum with disconnectable blades: A vaginal speculum having a handle portion and a set of blade pairs some of which can be removably attached to the distal end of the handle and others can be slidingly inserted through the proximal end of the handle. Both pairs of the blades have snapping engagement with one... Agent: Alexander Shkolnik

20060293568 - Collapsible surgical tool bar: A surgical tool support that includes a first elongated portion and a second elongated portion in supportive association with the first elongated portion and extending therefrom at a first angle of less than 180°. The second elongated portion is configured for adjustably and fixably being secured to a base member... Agent: Winston & Strawn LLP Patent Department

20060293569 - Surgical tool holder: A surgical tool holder that includes a base portion, an incremental retraction portion, and an attachment portion. The base portion is configured for releasably mounting to a first surgical tool support in a fixed association. The incremental retraction portion includes a drawing mechanism configured for operably engaging and incrementally drawing... Agent: Winston & Strawn LLP Patent Department

20060293571 - Distributed architecture for remote patient monitoring and caring: The present invention provides a system and method for remote patient monitoring and caring, wherein the system has a distributed architecture. The system comprises sensors for measuring real-time physiological parameters, such as ECG and SpO2, from patients. The system also comprises a monitoring terminal for monitoring these parameters. A local... Agent: Stainbrook & Stainbrook, LLP

20060293570 - Methods and apparatus for remotely enabling personal independence: Methods and apparatus for in-residence care are disclosed. The methods and apparatus enable a remote care provider to configure a home with a home controller and a plurality of medical and non-medical sensors based on the results of a periodic assessment survey. The remote care provider may also download software... Agent: James F. Goedken Bell, Boyd & Lloyd LLC

20060293572 - System and method for delivering medical examination, treatment and assistance over a network: A method for delivering medical examination, diagnosis, and treatment services to a patient over a network includes providing a call center enabling any of a plurality of health care practitioner terminals to be in audiovisual communication over the network with any of a plurality of patient terminals. A call initiated... Agent: Bromberg & Sunstein LLP

20060293573 - System and method for prioritizing medical conditions: A system for ordering and prioritizing multiple health disorders for automated remote patient care is presented. A database maintains information for an individual patient by organizing monitoring sets in a database, and measures relating to patient information previously recorded and derived on a substantially continuous basis into a monitoring set... Agent: Cascadia Intellctual Property

20060293574 - Separating oximeter signal components based on color: A component of interest of an oximeter detector signal is distinguished from an interfering component based on a color difference between the components. The component of interest may be a pulsatile signal component, a baseline signal component such as a respiratory signal, or an artifact signal. The color difference between... Agent: Marsh, Fischmann & Breyfogle LLP

20060293575 - System for prefiltering a plethysmographic signal: A detector signal in a pulse oximeter is prefiltered, prior to processing so as to determine a physiological parameter value, so as to reduce the effects of artifact in the signal. An exemplary prefilter multiplies signal amplitude values by a quantitude that is inversely proportional to a substantially current amplitude... Agent: Marsh, Fischmann & Breyfogle LLP

20060293576 - Protrudent analyte sensor: The methods and apparatus for detecting an analyte in blood are useful for detecting an analyte in tissue of a subject. The apparatus comprises a sensor, which comprises an elongated conductive material having a protrudent end, the protrudent end comprising an electrode that detects the presence of an analyte; a... Agent: Gates & Cooper LLP Howard Hughes Center

20060293577 - Glucose monitoring kit: A glucose monitoring kit for storing, carrying and using a blood glucose monitoring system, which includes a meter, a container for storing test strips and at least one sampler, is configured with case having two halves pivotal relative to one another, and a retention system. The retention system includes a... Agent: Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP

20060293578 - Brian machine interface device: A distributed real-time wireless neural interface including a reader and an array of distinct recording devices. The reader outputs and receives radio-frequency signals. The array of distinct recording devices include a wireless section and a sensor section. The wireless section includes an rf power converter, an antenna, a regulator, and... Agent: Dunlap, Codding & Rogers P.C.

20060293579 - Apparatus for angiographic x-ray photography: The invention relates to an X-ray imaging device for visualizing the blood flow in a coronary vascular tree of a patient. According to the invention a first set (1) of X-ray projection images of the vascular tree is recorded during various phases of the heart cycle with simultaneous recording of... Agent: Philips Intellectual Property & Standards

20060293580 - Combined mr/pet system: A combined magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and positron emission tomography (PET) system is provided. In one embodiment, a system is provided comprising a radiofrequency (RF) antenna and an RF screen spaced apart from one another to create an RF field reflux zone. The RF screen comprises a plurality of openings,... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione

20060293581 - Marker device for x-ray, ultrasound and mr imaging: An imaging marker comprised of glass and iron-containing aluminum microspheres in a gel matrix which shows uniformly good contrast with MR, US and X-Ray imaging. The marker is small and can be easily introduced into tissue through a 12-gauge biopsy needle. The concentration of glass microspheres and the size dictate... Agent: Mark A. Litman & Associates, P.A.

20060293582 - Method and system of acquiring images with a medical imaging device: Methods and systems of acquiring images with a medical imaging device are provided. The method includes tracking a region of interest (ROI) location through a tracking system. Further, the method includes acquiring a first image of an object with the medical imaging device. In addition, the method includes indicating a... Agent: Mcandrews Held & Malloy, Ltd

20060293583 - Method for automatic anatomy-specific treatment planning protocols based on historical integration of previously accepted plans: A method of automatically optimizing an inverse treatment plan by referencing data from accepted plan libraries.... Agent: Accuray/blakely

20060293584 - Nidus position specifying system and radiation examination apparatus: An X-ray CT image of a low spatial resolution image is acquired by employing a PET-X-ray CT examination apparatus. Also, a PET image is acquired by employing the PET-X-ray CT examination apparatus. Furthermore, an X-ray CT image of a high spatial resolution image is acquired by employing another X-ray CT... Agent: Dickstein Shapiro LLP

20060293585 - Mehtod for cardiac magnetic resonance imaging: The invention relates to a method for cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. The method comprises the steps of monitoring the ECG of a patient and detecting the occurrence of R-waves (RI, R2, R3) in the ECG, acquiring a plurality of phase encoded MR signals (a1-3, b1-3, c1-3, d1-3, e1-3) per cardiac... Agent: Philips Intellectual Property & Standards

20060293588 - Method and medical imaging apparatus for planning an image acquisition based on a previously-generated reference image: In a method and device for planning an examination of an examination subject in an imaging diagnosis device, a reference image is selected, and an image of the examination subject is to be made that corresponds to the reference image. A workflow protocol is determined with which the reference image... Agent: Schiff Hardin, LLP Patent Department

20060293587 - Nuclear magnetic resonance method for body composition analysis: A method is disclosed for analyzing composition of a body part from nuclear magnetic resonance measurements made on the body part. The method includes exciting a predetermined sequence of nuclear magnetic resonance phenomena in the body part and measuring nuclear magnetic resonance signals from the body part. At least a... Agent: Richard A. Fagin

20060293586 - System and method to perform parallel imaging: A system and method to perform parallel MR imaging are disclosed. The system comprises an MR imaging machine and a probe having at least two MR RF reception coils. Each coil of the probe is operationally connected to a separate receiver channel of the MR imaging machine. The MR imaging... Agent: Hahn Loeser & Parks, LLP

20060293590 - Assembly, system, and method for optimizing image quality: An assembly, system, and method particularly adapted for a magnetic resonator apparatus in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning system. Provided is a restraining assembly supportable by the supporting assembly and including at least a system that is selectively operable for positioning and restraining at least a portion of the... Agent: Ibm Corporation RochesterIPLaw Dept. 917

20060293589 - System, method and apparatus for surgical patient table: A patient table includes a cradle for slidably receiving a board carrying a patient, a cradle supporting member for slidably receiving the cradle, a locker for preventing the board from sliding off the cradle, and a stopper for preventing the cradle from sliding off the cradle supporting member. A method... Agent: Cantor Colburn, LLP

20060293591 - Implantable medical device with mri and gradient field induced capture detection methods: An implantable medical device is provided having a telemetry circuit antenna; a lead having an elongated body for carrying a conductor extending from a proximal connector to a distal electrode; a circuit for measuring voltage induced on the telemetry circuit antenna and generating an antenna voltage signal corresponding to the... Agent: Medtronic, Inc.

20060293593 - Position tracking using quasi-dc magnetic fields: A method for tracking a position of a sensor includes generating a periodic magnetic field in a vicinity of the sensor, the field having a positive polarity phase and a negative polarity phase with respective constant positive and negative amplitudes. First and second field measurement signals are produced responsively to... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20060293592 - System and method for controlling a medical imaging device: A system and method for controlling a medical imaging device is provided. The system includes a medical imaging device. The system further includes a medical instrument. Further, the system includes a navigation subsystem that is configured to track the medical instrument. Furthermore, the system includes a control subsystem that communicates... Agent: Mcandrews Held & Malloy, Ltd

20060293594 - Device for carrying out intravascular examinations: The invention relates to a device for carrying out intravascular examinations, with which image data generated by an intravascular imaging device and electrocardiography signals measured by an electrocardiography device are displayed by means of a device for simultaneously displaying in subareas of a monitor.... Agent: Siemens Corporation Intellectual Property Department

20060293597 - Apparatus and method for imaging objects with wavefields: A transmission wave field imaging method, comprising the transmission of an incident wave field into an object, the incident wave field propagating into the object and, at least, partially scattering. Also includes the measuring of a wave field transmitted, at least in part, through an object to obtain a measured... Agent: Garron M. Hobson

20060293595 - System and method for ultrasound pulse shaping and output power adjustment using multiple drive pulses: The present invention provides a system and method for ultrasound pulse shaping and output power adjustment using multiple drive pulses. The multiple drive pulses are width modulated to provide the required output signal power and wave-shape characteristics. Using multiple width-modulated pulses provides control over power output that is capable of... Agent: Philips Intellectual Property & Standards

20060293596 - Ultrasonic spatial compounding with multiple simultaneous beam transmission: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system and method are described in which spatially compounded images are produced by transmitting ultrasound beams in different directions during a common transmit-receive interval. Echoes are received from the different beam directions and are beamformed by a multiline beamformer to produce differently steered beams of coherent... Agent: Philips Medical Systems Philips Intellectual Property & Standards

20060293598 - Motion-tracking improvements for hifu ultrasound therapy: High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for medically treating tumors is automatically administered under robotic control in dosage intervals that alternate with ultrasonic imaging intervals. The HIFU transmitter is re-aimed for each dosage to compensate for motion of the tumor due to heart beats and other events.... Agent: Philips Intellectual Property & Standards

20060293599 - Method and apparatus for diagnosing neovascularized tissues: A method for detecting neovascularized tissue includes placing a tissue in the path of a light beam, measuring a polarization shift of the light beam, and detecting neovascularized tissue if the measured polarization shift corresponds to a polarization shift of a neovascularized tissue. An apparatus for detecting neovascularized tissue includes... Agent: Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.

20060293600 - Blood pressure measuring apparatus: Adaptive attachments used in combination with a blood pressure cuff enable various blood pressure measurements to be taken in a hospital or other setting having various single and/or dual lumen manual or electronic blood pressure measuring equipment with a single, patient-worn cuff.... Agent: Wall Marjama & Bilinski

20060293601 - Mode detection and safety monitoring in blood pressure measurement: A method is provided for blood pressure measurement by means of an inflatable cuff (50) applied to a limb of a vertebrate and pneumatically coupled to a first port (112A) and a second port (112B) of a blood pressure measurement apparatus (100). A pump (160) coupled to the second port... Agent: Wall Marjama & Bilinski

20060293602 - Sleep management device: A short sleep/nap management apparatus and method are disclosed. The apparatus has sensor means (35) to detect one or more physiological parameters associated with a transition in sleep stages (13-19) from wakefulness (13), processing means (37, 39, 33) to process the parameters to determine when the transition is reached and... Agent: Intellectual Property Law Group LLP

20060293604 - Evaluating a patient condition using autonomic balance information in implatable cardiac devices: Systems and methods for evaluating a patient condition using autonomic balance information involve providing an implantable cardiac device that acquires a cardiac waveform from a patient. One or more characteristics associated with autonomic balance of the patient are detected and used to evaluate a patient condition, such as sleep onset,... Agent: Crawford Maunu PLLC Suite 390

20060293603 - Medical system with a multi-dot electrode, where the sub-signals are combined into a synthetic reference: Medical system for detecting heart events including an electrode lead provided with a multi-dot electrode unit that comprises at least three dot electrodes, said multi-dot electrode unit is adapted to be used for intra-corporal sensing of heart signals. The heart signals sensed by each of the dot electrodes am applied... Agent: Schiff Hardin, LLP Patent Department

20060293605 - Scg point pick process device and method: A seismocardiograph using multiple accelerometer sensors to identify cardiac valve opening and closing times. A methodology for selecting event times is also disclosed.... Agent: The Estee Lauder Cos, Inc

20060293606 - Personal authentication using heart sound waveform and/or breathing waveform pattern: We provide quite a novel personal authentication system using heart sound waveform and/or breathing waveform pattern which promptly judges personal authentication of a person to be authenticated with a very high degree of accuracy. The personal authentication system is comprised of a waveform detection means which detects a heart sound... Agent: Armstrong, Kratz, Quintos, Hanson & Brooks, LLP

20060293607 - Remote control of implantable device through medical implant communication service band: A system and method for communicating data and signals through the Medical Implant Communication Service Band using a repeater or base station in the proximity to an implantable device within a patient is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the device is capable for early detection and monitoring of congestive heart... Agent: Wong, Cabello, Lutsch, Rutherford & Brucculeri, L.L.P.

20060293608 - Device for and method of predicting a user's sleep state: A device and a method for waking a user in a desired sleep state. The device may predict an occurrence when the user will be in the desired sleep state, such as light sleep, and wake the user during that predicted occurrence. In one embodiment, a user may set a... Agent: Wolf Greenfield & Sacks, PC

20060293609 - Sensitivity and specificity of pulmonary edema detection when using transthoracic impedance: This patent document discusses, among other things, systems, devices, and methods for enhancing detection of pulmonary edema using, in addition to thoracic impedance, one or a combination of: physiologic information about a subject, at least one statistical parameter, a user-programmable detection level, at least one parameter associated with a previous... Agent: Schwegman, Lundberg, Woessner & Kluth, P.A.

20060293610 - Pressure generating unit: The invention relates to a pressure generating unit, in particular a pressure generating arranged in the hand piece of a vacuum biopsy device in the form of a sirynge (2). In said units, air intake is open by a piston when said piston (5) is in the rear position thereof... Agent: Morrison & Foerster, LLP

20060293611 - Body fluid sampling device: Body fluid sampling device comprising a sampling element having a fluid pathway (11) for receiving body fluid, at least a portion of the fluid pathway is open to the environment and further comprising a fluid receiving means (40) being spaced from the fluid pathway so that fluid in the pathway... Agent: Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, Mcnett & Henry LLP

20060293612 - Apparatus and method for treating occluded vasculature: Occluded vasculature such as occluded arterial vasculature can be recanalized using a device that is configured to penetrate an occlusion, while limiting a distance that said penetration structure can extend in order to limit inadvertent vascular damage. The device can include an elongate shaft of a guidewire and a stylet... Agent: Crompton, Seager & Tufte, LLC

20060293615 - Device and method for quantifying and extracting sensorimotor circuitry: A sensing device and a system using the same for detecting and analyzing grasping forces in a dynamic manner includes a number of finger pads for measuring fingertip forces and motions. Each finger pad is mounted at one end of a corresponding one of a plurality of arms. The arms... Agent: Jones, Tullar & Cooper, P.C.

20060293614 - Leg alignment for surgical parameter measurement in hip replacement surgery: A CAS system and method for measuring surgical parameters during hip replacement surgery to guide an operator in inserting a hip joint implant in a femur, comprising a first trackable reference in fixed relation with the pelvis and a registration tool. A sensor apparatus tracks the first trackable reference and... Agent: Ogilvy Renault LLP

20060293613 - Method and apparatus for automated monitoring and tracking of the trajectory of patients' center of gravity movements: This application describes a revolutionary device to help prevent the development of pressure ulcers. The device works by using a small number of sensors in the wheelchair or bed to determine and track the projection of the patient's center of gravity (COP) onto the plane of the chair or bed.... Agent: Concept Development Group

20060287567 - Therapeutic magnet band: A magnet band includes: a flexible band body formed with pockets and through-holes; magnetic elements respectively retained in the pockets of the band body; a pair of belts, each of which has a connecting end portion; and a pair of connectors, each of which includes a pair of tabs secured... Agent: Mcnees, Wallace & Nurick LLC

20060287566 - Transcranial magnetic stimulation system and methods: A system and methods for transcranial magnetic stimulation, the system including a helmet, a positioning portion, a stimulator and a cooling system, are disclosed. The helmet includes a coil for deep brain magnetic stimulation. The coil has a base portion, and return portions, which may include a protruding return portion... Agent: Daniel J Swirsky

20060287568 - Single sac ventricular assist device: A ventricular assist device (VAD) for assisting either or both heart ventricles. The VAD pumps blood between an inlet and an outlet. The VAD includes a bearingless electromagnetic drive unit comprising an armature disposed between two cores, a compressible sac, valves, and a frame. The armature moves toward the sac... Agent: Nixon Peabody, LLP

20060287569 - Intra-aortic balloon catheter having a dual sensor pressure sensing system: A balloon catheter has a balloon membrane, a tip connected to the distal end of the balloon membrane and an outer tube connected to the proximal end of the balloon membrane for supplying a medium for inflating and deflating the balloon membrane. A pressure sensor, such as a fiber optic... Agent: Lerner, David, Littenberg, Krumholz & Mentlik

20060287570 - Endourethral device & method: Embodiments of adjustable length intraurethral devices intended for patients with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) are disclosed. These devices are to be placed within the human urethra and in communication with the bladder. Each device is easily adjustable to accommodate the prostatic length and sphincteric anatomy of the patient. Devices... Agent: Nawrocki, Rooney & Sivertson Suite 401, Broadway Place East

20060287571 - Transobturator methods for installing sling to treat incontinence, and related devices: Described are methods of treating urinary incontinence using a urinary sling and a tissue path that passes through the obturator foramen, along with related surgical implants, devices, systems, and kits.... Agent: Daniel Schulte Kagan Binder, PLLC

20060287572 - Flexible endoscope with longitudinal axial channels: The invention relates to an endoscope having a bendable guide element, by means of which a tool can be securely guided and simultaneously steered outward into a broad operating area at the head of the endoscope.... Agent: St. Onge Steward Johnston & Reens, LLC

20060287573 - Image senor for capsule type endoscope having frame puncturing function and method for processing image data thereof: An image sensor for a capsule type endoscope in which an image data is processed in frame units, the image sensor having analog and digital circuits, the image sensor includes a frame-puncturing unit for interrupting a power supply to the analog circuit at a predetermined frame among a plurality of... Agent: Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP

20060287574 - Longitudinal dilator: Apparatus and method for dilation of tissue utilize a tissue expansion device positioned on an inner cannula with an outer overlying expansive sheath that expands upon translation of the tissue expansion device therethrough. The tissue expansion device may be an olive or wedge formed near the tip of the cannula,... Agent: Fenwick & West LLP

20060287575 - Endoscope and endoscopic system: An endoscope of the present invention includes an insert section inserted in a subject body, an operation section provided on a base end side of the insert section, a grasping section provided to the operation section and formed to be substantially bilaterally symmetric to a reference line extending in a... Agent: Thomas Spinelli Scully, Scott, Murphy & Presser

20060287576 - Endoscope: An endoscope includes a slender insertion section of which the distal portion incorporates an image capturing device, and the back end of this insertion section is provided with an operating section to be gripped. A cable section is provided wherein a light guide cable for transmitting illumination light, and a... Agent: Thomas Spinelli Scully, Scott, Murphy & Presser

20060287577 - Catheter introducer system for exploration of body cavities: A catheter introducer system for endoscopy is disclosed which includes a steering section and a propulsion section located near the end of the catheter that is introduced in a body cavity, and a non-collapsible sheath defining a working channel, disposed inside the catheter, extending substantially from the proximate to the... Agent: Kenyon & Kenyon LLP

20060287578 - Plug body for endoscope: An endoscope plug body comprises a plug frame, a lid member and a plug member and shuts off an inside of a treatment instrument insertion channel from an outside. The plug frame is provided with annular projection portions, a plug body destruction portion and a plug-frame destruction operation portion. A... Agent: Thomas Spinelli Scully, Scott, Murphy & Presser

20060287579 - Endoscope accessory, endoscope system and method for mounting endoscope accessory to endoscope: An endoscope accessory, used with an endoscope including a suction conduit communicating with a suction device, an accessory insertion channel, and an operation portion at which entrances of the conduit and channel are formed, includes a tubular insertion unit to be inserted into the channel through the entrance of the... Agent: Ostrolenk Faber Gerb & Soffen

20060287580 - Capsule type endoscope and method for fabricating the same: An image sensor for a capsule type endoscope in which images are processed by a frame unit includes a control unit configured to generate a control signal to turn off a light emitting device installed out of the image sensor in every periodical frame among a plurality of frames.... Agent: Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP

20060287582 - Endoscopic system: An endoscopic system includes an endoscope and an illuminating device. The endoscope includes an elongated insertion section having a distal end and a proximal end, an operation section disposed in the proximal end of the insertion section, and a light guide inserted through the operation section and the insertion section,... Agent: Ostrolenk Faber Gerb & Soffen

20060287581 - Light source apparatus for electronic endoscope and electronic endoscope having the light source apparatus: A light source apparatus for an electronic endoscope includes a light source; a rotary shutter including a pair of aperture controlling rotary plates; a first planetary gear mechanism including a first internal tooth gear, a first sun gear rotated with one aperture controlling rotary plate, and a first planet gear... Agent: Greenblum & Bernstein, P.L.C

20060287583 - Surgical access instruments for use with delicate tissues: One or more surgical instruments provide access to delicate tissue, such as brain tissue or breast tissue, through a transcutaneous incision, for a variety of reasons, such as to access a surgical site for providing a working channel for accessing delicate tissue by surgical instruments, to provide access to insert... Agent: Alfred M. Walker

20060287584 - Surgical retractor extensions: A surgical retractor apparatus having one or more independent, removable extension members adapted to be mounted at the distal end of the retractor, or between the blades of a spreadable retractor, after the retractor has been positioned in the patient, such that a significant portion of the extension member extends... Agent: Rogers Towers, P.A.

20060287585 - Method for testing peritoneum function and a peritoneal dialysis planning apparatus: The present invention is a peritoneal function testing method characterized by using a ratio MTACun/MTACc calculated using MTACun and MTACc as an index for a peritoneal function test, where MTACun is an overall mass transfer-area coefficient for urea nitrogen and MTACc is an overall mass transfer-area coefficient for creatinine. The... Agent: Wenderoth, Lind & Ponack, L.L.P.

20060287586 - Patient monitor: A system for medically monitoring a plurality of patients, includes a plurality of medical monitors, each monitor having at least two medical sensors for sensing medical data of a patient, a display for displaying sensed medical data, a wireless transceiver, and processor for processing the sensed medical data and for... Agent: Ratnerprestia

20060287587 - Signal processing method, and pulse photometer using the method: A pulse photometer adapted to observe a pulse wave of a living body is disclosed. A light emitter is adapted to irradiate the living body with a first light beam having a first wavelength and a second light beam having a second wavelength which is different from the first wavelength.... Agent: Sughrue Mion, PLLC

20060287588 - Signal processing method, and pulse photometer using the method: A pulse photometer adapted to observe a pulse wave of a living body is disclosed. A light emitter is adapted to irradiate the living body with a first light beam having a first wavelength and a second light beam having a second wavelength which is different from the first wavelength.... Agent: Sughrue Mion, PLLC

20060287589 - Digital photoplethysmographic signal sensor: A photoplethysmographic sensor and related method for use with a photoplethysmographic instrument such as a pulse oximeter are provided. In accordance with the present invention, the detector output signal from the sensor is digitized prior to communication from the sensor to the instrument and the sensor operates independent of the... Agent: Marsh, Fischmann & Breyfogle LLP

20060287590 - Noninvasive vital sign measurement device: A blood monitoring device comprising a body having a proximal and distal transducers spaced apart and connected to both device drivers and recognition and analysis devices. A power source is connected to both device drivers and the recognition and analysis devices. The device driver is also connected to the recognition... Agent: Barnes & Thornburg LLP

20060287591 - Sensor system as well as an arrangement and method for monitoring a constituent and in particular glucose in body tissue: The invention generally relates to a sensor system. In particular to a sensor for glucose monitoring The invention also also relates to an arrangement and a method for monitoring a constituents and in particular glucose in body tissue using a sensor system.... Agent: Roche Diagnostics Corporations Inc.

20060287592 - Catheter with contractable mapping assembly: The invention is directed to a mapping catheter useful for mapping tubular regions in and around the heart. The catheter comprises an elongated tubular catheter body. A mapping assembly is provided at the distal end of the catheter body. The mapping assembly comprises a tubular structure comprising a pre-formed generally... Agent: Christie, Parker & Hale, LLP

20060287593 - System and method providing communication in a medical imaging system: Systems and methods providing a communication system for a medical imaging system are provided. The communication system includes a plurality of user interfaces within the medical imaging system for receiving user inputs. The communication system further includes at least one router for controlling communications of the plurality of user interfaces... Agent: Patrick W. Rasche (12553 - 1000)

20060287594 - Method and device for improved ecg triggering: The invention relates to a method and a device for improved imaging by means of ECG triggering. A first trigger time A and a second trigger time B, as well as a threshold value for the heart rate variability is determined with the method according to the invention. The heart... Agent: Siemens Corporation Intellectual Property Department

20060287595 - Medical system for inserting a catheter into a vessel: The invention relates to a medical system for introducing a catheter into a vessel, preferably a blood vessel of a patient, having at least a computer and control unit, a means for creating a transparent general view of the position of the vessel, a catheter with a reversible inflatable balloon... Agent: Siemens Corporation Intellectual Property Department

20060287596 - Apparatus and method for imaging objects with wavefields: A transmission wave field imaging method, comprising the transmission of an incident wave field into an object, the incident wave field propagating into the object and, at least, partially scattering. Also includes the measuring of a wave field transmitted, at least in part, through an object to obtain a measured... Agent: Thorpe North & Western, LLP.

20060287597 - Stent having an integral ultrasonic emitter for preventing restenosis following a stent procedure: A system and method that minimizes plaque accumulation on a stent and thereby restenosis that could require a subsequent invasive medical procedure following stent implantation. The stent, essentially an expandable wire mesh tube comprised of a plurality of integral lattice portions, configured for expansion within a blood vessel of a... Agent: Alfred E. Mann Foundation For Scientific Research

20060287598 - System of implantable ultrasonic emitters for preventing restenosis following a stent procedure: A system and method that minimizes plaque accumulation on a stent and thereby restenosis that could require a subsequent invasive medical procedure following implantation of the stent in a patient. A plurality of electrically-powered, biocompatible devices, implantable via injection, are positioned within the patient proximate to the stent and under... Agent: Alfred E. Mann Foundation For Scientific Research

20060287599 - Pulsed ultrasonic device and method: This invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for generating profiled pulses of ultrasonic frequency vibratory energy at a distal surface of an ultrasonic applicator of an ultrasonic surgical instrument for application to tissues of a patient, including the providing of a profiled pulse signal with a first profile... Agent: Merchant & Gould PC

20060287600 - Multiparameter whole blood monitor and method: The present invention provides an apparatus and methods for continuous intravascular measurement of whole blood concentration, blood pressure, and pulse pressure. The intravascular catheter incorporates a sensor to measure whole blood sound velocity, attenuation, backscatter amplitude, and blood flow velocity and also incorporates existing technologies for multiple physiologic measurements of... Agent: Barnes & Thornburg LLP

20060287601 - Noninvasive blood pressure monitoring system: The preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a single microprocessor-based interface that connects between a noninvasive blood pressure (NIBP) sensor and an invasive blood pressure (IBP) monitor or module. The interface effectively emulates an IBP transducer in such a way that the IBP monitor sees the interface as if... Agent: Proskauer Rose LLP Patent Department

20060287602 - Implantable wireless sensor for in vivo pressure measurement: A sensor suitable for in vivo implantation has a capacitive circuit and a three-dimensional inductor coil connected to the capacitive circuit to form an LC circuit. The LC circuit is hermetically encapsulated within an electrically insulating housing. An electrical characteristic of the LC circuit is responsive to a change in... Agent: John S. Pratt, Esq Kilpatrick Stockton, LLP

20060287603 - System for automated measurement of skin perfusion pressure: An automatic skin perfusion measuring system including instrumentation that automatically analyzes perfusion measurements to identify motion artifact and SPP values and a sensor placement device is provided. The instrumentation is configured to ignore motion artifact. Perfusion measurements are designated as SPP values if various criteria are met. SPP value criteria... Agent: Oppenheimer Wolff & Donnelly LLP

20060287604 - Method of determining cardiac indicators: Methods for determining indicators of left ventricular diastolic function are disclosed. The indicators may include the left ventricular isovolumetric relaxation time and the negative slope of a left atrial “V” wave.... Agent: Hodgson Russ LLP

20060287605 - Heart rate variability analyzing device: The invention discloses an heart rate variability (HRV) analyzing device, which integrates the ECG signal measuring and processing technology and combines the HRV analyzing functions. The device adopts sensing electrodes disposed thereon or external sensing electrodes to record a subject's ECG signals. After being amplified, filtered and analog-to-digital converted, the... Agent: Nikolai & Mersereau, P.A.

20060287606 - Method for detecting heart rate and systems thereof: A method for detecting heart rate, the method including the steps of: receiving (100) a heart activity signal at an input of a Q-filter processor that includes at least a first and a second Q-filter; removing noise (300) from the heart activity signal using the Q-filter processor to generate a... Agent: Motorola, Inc.

20060287607 - Multi-dimensional dynamical analysis: Techniques for investigating dynamical behavior of complex systems for monitoring, diagnosing, and predicting future behavior and trends are presented. A method includes generating a multi-dimensional representation for each signal acquired from corresponding channels of a multi-dimensional system, and generating dynamical profiles for each channel in accordance with one of multiple... Agent: Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney PC

20060287608 - Electromyograph for the detection of electromyographic signals on moving subjects: An apparatus for the detection of electromyographic signals in a moving subject includes signal sensors (S) and movement sensors (F) applied to the subject, each including elements (1) for the analogical picking-up of signals, an amplifier (A) of the detected analogical signals, an analogical/digital converter (A/D) of the amplified signals,... Agent: Young & Thompson

20060287609 - Methods and systems for automatically identifying whether a neural recording signal includes a neural response signal: Methods of automatically identifying whether a neural recording signal includes a neural response signal include fitting an artifact model to a neural recording signal to produce a fitted artifact model signal, determining a strength-of-response (SOR) metric that describes a distance of the neural recording signal from the fitted artifact model... Agent: Steven L. Nichols Rader, Fishman & Graver PLLC

20060287610 - Sampler: Sampler for self-sampling of samples from a body cavity, such as cervical samples. Optimum accessibility of the cervix is achieved through the fact that the sampler comprises a rigid plastic tube which is rounded at the front side. As a result, during its introduction by the user, the sampler can... Agent: The Webb Law Firm, P.C.

20060287611 - Administration of therapeutic or diagnostic agents using interlabial pad: A diagnostic agent is delivered intravaginally or to the interlabial space by positioning an interlabial device, such as an absorbent pad, between the labia. The pad is retained between the labia to deliver an active agent, or allow a reaction with a diagnostic agent. Alternatively, the pad is applied after... Agent: Klarquist Sparkman, LLP

20060287613 - Device, method and system for digitizing position and orientation information of hip joint implant components: A device for digitizing a center of rotation of a hip joint implant component with respect to a bone element in computer-assisted surgery. The device comprises a detectable member trackable for position and orientation by a computer-assisted surgery system. A body is connected to the detectable member in a known... Agent: Ogilvy Renault LLP

20060287612 - Method for simulating musculoskeletal strains on a patient: The invention relates to a method and a device for simulating musculoskeletal strains on a patient. Individual musculoskeletal parameters of the patient are determined first, particularly by automatically measuring anthropometric parameters and/or the position and/or alignment of joints, especially also gait-related data such that individual musculoskeletal strains are automatically determined... Agent: The Webb Law Firm, P.C.

20060287614 - Testing therapy efficacy with extremity and/or joint attachments: A method of measuring a change in neurological and/or muscular performance of a subject may include attaching an attachment to a subject. The subject may then be directed to perform a motion. A first force imposed by the subject on the attachment and/or a first motion of the attachment is... Agent: Foley Hoag, LLP Patent Group, World Trade Center West

20060281962 - Implantable heart assist system and method of applying same: An extracardiac pumping system and method for using it supplement the circulation of blood, including the cardiac output, in a patient without any component thereof being connected to the patient's heart. A battery powered pump may be implanted subcutaneously and attached to an inflow conduit fluidly coupled to a patient's... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20060281963 - Implantable hearing aid transducer interface: An implantable hearing aid transducer interface disposable between an implantable transducer and a mounting apparatus and having at least a portion that is displaceable in response to a predeterminable range of transducer movement. According to one aspect of the invention, the predeterminable range of transducer movement includes movement in response... Agent: Marsh, Fischmann & Breyfogle LLP

20060281964 - Apparatus and method for inserting an adjustable implantable genitourinary device: An implantable medical device and method for adjustably restricting a selected body lumen such as a urethra or ureter of a patient to treat urinary incontinence or ureteral reflux. The device includes an adjustable element and a tubular elongate body, where the adjustable element includes a chamber and the tubular... Agent: Schwegman, Lundberg, Woessner & Kluth, P.A.

20060281966 - Aneurysm treatment system and method: An external aneurysm support scaffold is implanted around an exterior surface of an aneurysm and prevents substantial dilation or progression of the AAA. Minimally invasive delivery is used via port-access, i.e. for aortic aneurysms along the back, abdomen, or thorax, to a location externally adjacent the aneurysm, such as via... Agent: John P. O'banion O'banion & Ritchey LLP

20060281965 - Peripheral seal for a ventricular partitioning device: This invention is directed to a partitioning device for separating a patient's heart chamber into a productive portion and a non-productive portion which is suitable for treating patients with heart disease, particularly congestive heart failure. The partitioning device has a reinforced membrane with outwardly biased members to help seal the... Agent: Edward J. Lynch / Duane Morris LLP One Market

20060281967 - Prosthetic safeguard for support implants: The present invention relates to a prosthetic openwork knit for the treatment of urinary incontinence and/or prolapse, based on an arrangement of yarns of a biocompatible polymer comprising at least one first sheet defining a first chain structure, in which knit said arrangement of yams further comprises at least two... Agent: Oliff & Berridge, PLC

20060281968 - System, including method and apparatus for percutaneous endovascular treatment of functional mitral valve insufficiency: Among the four heart valves, the mitral is the most frequently affected by disease resulting in defective valve opening (stenosis) or incomplete closure (insufficiency). Most often this is due to distortion of the valve apparatus secondary to rheumatic or degenerative disease. These lesions, called “organic” require open heart surgery. In... Agent: Gabor L. Szekeres

20060281969 - System and method for operation without touch by operators: Techniques to control computing systems without the physical touches by operators are disclosed. According to one aspect of the techniques, a non-touch operation system comprises a display unit for displaying operating objects, a capture unit for capturing images of an operator, an image processing unit, a line of sight analysis... Agent: Silicon Valley Patent Agency

20060281970 - Attachment apparatus for coupling with an endoscope: An endoscopic apparatus shaped and dimensioned for passage through an orifice in the body includes a scope attachment member coupled to an endoscopic instrument, and a connection member attaching the scope attachment member to the endoscopic instrument. The connection member has an insertion orientation sized for passage through the orifice... Agent: Welsh & Flaxman LLC

20060281971 - Method and apparatus for minimally invasive surgery using endoscopes: A method and apparatus for presenting three-dimensional data to a physician is provided to facilitate the flexible navigation of an endoscope and surgical instruments with respect to anatomical structures. In accordance with a first embodiment a first set of data corresponding to a three dimensional model of a patient's anatomy... Agent: Siemens Corporation Intellectual Property Department

20060281972 - Remote inspection device: A remote inspection device is provided for inspecting visually obscured locations. The device is generally comprised of a imager housing and a display housing disposed on opposite ends of a modular, flexible cable. An imaging device is embedded in the end of the cylindrical imager housing, such that the imaging... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20060281973 - Endoscope: An endoscope including an inserted portion, which is adapted to be inserted into an organ, having a distal portion with a distal surface, a liquid outlet, which is formed in the distal portion, and is adapted to eject liquid therefrom toward an object located in vicinity to the distal portion,... Agent: Greenblum & Bernstein, P.L.C

20060281974 - Rod lens: A rod lens comprises a tubular body having a first end, a second end, a length and a diameter, a first optically transparent closing element, tightly sealing the first end of the tubular body, a second optical transparent closing element, tightly sealing the second end of the body. The rod... Agent: St. Onge Steward Johnston & Reens, LLC

20060281978 - Automated system and method for determining drug testing: An automated system and method for determining drug testing. The system enters a participant or subject into the system who is to be monitored during a probationary or other program for alcohol or drug abuse offenders. The system provides a watch for the participant to wear and record sleep pattern... Agent: Knechtel, Demeur & Samlan

20060281977 - Diagnostic and treatment planning calculator: Methods and apparatus are provided to help medical personnel receives and input a first interface that receives patient-specific information, a second interface that displays a plurality of treatment options, a processor that executes software that projects clinical outcomes for at least first and second ones of the treatment options as... Agent: Robert D. Fish Rutan & Tucker LLP

20060281975 - Home health care interacting instrument: The integration of physical monitors (e.g. electronic stethoscope, sphygmomanometer etc.) with the earphone or microphone and the usage of communications equipments (e.g. cellular, PDA or computer etc.) let the medical personals evaluate the patient's condition immediately on line; the patient can make use of various physical monitors to check himself/herself... Agent: Hdsl

20060281976 - Method for exercise tolerance measurement: An exercise tolerance measurement method for sufferers of chronic obstructive airway disease is established with the aid of a wireless transmission system and the Internet. The exercise tolerance measurement method provides sufferers of chronic obstructive airway disease with personal homely rehabilitation exercises and real-time on-line diagnosis policy according to the... Agent: Alan D. Kamrath Nikolai & Mersereau, P.A.

20060281980 - Apparatus and method for determining a physiological condition: An apparatus for detecting a physiological condition in a person, comprising input means for receiving at least two physiological parameters, processing means for determining, from the received physiological parameters, a result signal indicative of the presence or onset of said physiological condition, and output means for generating an output indicative... Agent: Novo Nordisk, Inc. Patent Department

20060281979 - Sensing device for sensing emergency situation having acceleration sensor and method thereof: A sensing device for sensing an emergence situation having an acceleration sensor and a method thereof are provided. The sensing device includes acceleration sensing means, blood pressure/pulse sensing means, comparing means, communication means, and a controller. The accelerating sensing means senses acceleration generated due to movement of the body and... Agent: St. Onge Steward Johnston & Reens, LLC

20060281981 - Apparatus, method, and medium of measuring skin hydration using mobile terminal: An apparatus, method, and medium of measuring skin hydration using a mobile terminal such as a cell phone are provided. The apparatus for measuring skin hydration, which is included in a mobile terminal, includes: a voltage applying unit which receives a power from a power source included in the mobile... Agent: Staas & Halsey LLP

20060281982 - Method and apparatus for the non-invasive sensing of glucose in a human subject: An apparatus for a non-invasive sensing of biological analytes in a sample includes an optics system having at least one radiation source and at least one radiation detector; a measurement system operatively coupled to the optics system; a control/processing system operatively coupled to the measurement system and having an embedded... Agent: The Webb Law Firm, P.C.

20060281983 - Physiological monitor: A patient monitor has multiple sensors adapted to attach to tissue sites of a living subject. The sensors generate sensor signals that are responsive to at least two wavelengths of optical radiation after attenuation by pulsatile blood within the tissue sites. A patient monitor uses the sensor signals to determine... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20060281984 - Forehead sensor placement: Forehead oximetry sensor devices and methods for determining physiological parameters using forehead oximetry sensors. One method includes placing an oximetry sensor on the forehead of a patient, such that the sensor is placed on the lower forehead region, above the eyebrow with the sensor optics placed lateral of the iris... Agent: Fletcher Yoder (tyco International, Ltd.)

20060281985 - Use of multiple data points and filtering in an analyte sensor: Embodiments of the present invention improve the accuracy of measurements and/or in vivo calibrations of a biosensor by (1) using more than one sensor signal value and/or more than one directly sampled and measured value, such as a capillary blood glucose value, and/or by (2) delaying the acquisition of a... Agent: Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, P.C. Pacwest Center, Suite 1900

20060281986 - Apparatus and methods useful for monitoring intraocular pressure: Apparatus useful in sensing intraocular pressure are provided. The apparatus generally include a rigid tube defining a hollow through space sized and adapted to allow a flexible catheter of a pressure sensor or transducer used to sense IOP to pass in or in fluid communication with the hollow through space.... Agent: Stephen Donovan Allergan, Inc.

20060281987 - Systems, devices, and methods for bundle segmentation in diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging: Certain exemplary embodiments can comprise a method that can comprise automatically causing a representation of body tissue to be rendered. The representation of the body tissue can comprise a plurality of voxels located in an interior region of the body tissue. Each of the plurality of voxels can have a... Agent: Siemens Corporation Intellectual Property Department

20060281988 - Process for locating a medical instrument with a microcoil: The invention relates to an MR process for locating a medical instrument with microcoil attached thereto in the examination volume of an MR device. The microcoil is part of a resonant circuit matched to the resonant frequency of the MR device and having no external controls. According to the invention... Agent: Philips Intellectual Property & Standards

20060281990 - User interfaces and navigation methods for vascular navigation: A method of controlling a remote navigation system that remotely orients the distal end of the medical device in order to navigate a medical device through a body lumen includes displaying an endoluminal image of the portion of the body lumen through which the device is being navigated, including an... Agent: Bryan K. Wheelock

20060281989 - Voice controlled user interface for remote navigation systems: A method of controlling a remote navigation system that remotely orients the distal end of the medical device in order to navigate a medical device through a body lumen, the method comprising: displaying an exterior image of the body lumen; superimposing an indicator of the current position of the medical... Agent: Bryan K. Wheelock

20060281991 - Fiducial marker holder system for surgery: A fiducial marker holder apparatus (20, 120, 220) includes a maxillary holding device (50) and an open-ended frame (30, 130, 230). The maxillary holding device (50) is configured to be temporarily secured to only a maxillary-region of a patient. The open-ended frame (30, 130, 230) has first and second arms... Agent: Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld L.L.P.

20060281992 - Bladder function monitoring methods, apparatuses, media and signals: Bladder function monitoring methods, apparatuses, media and signals are disclosed. A method includes receiving signals from an electromagnetic radiation detector, the signals representing electromagnetic radiation detected from the bladder during irradiance of the bladder with electromagnetic radiation, and further includes storing data indicative of bladder function, in response to the... Agent: Bozicevic, Field & Francis LLP

20060281993 - Measurement method of time varying events in a target body and a method for displaying measurement data of different parameters of a target in which time dependent events occur: A measurement method of time varying events in a target body, including the steps of (a) providing time dependent measurements signals of parameters of the time varying events in the target body, (b) providing ecographic M-mode image data whose spatial direction is along scan-lines or along a line or curve... Agent: Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, Mcnett & Henry LLP

20060281994 - Method of judging degree of hair damage: The present invention relates to a method of noninvasively and quantitatively evaluating a degree of a hair damage, specifically the degree of a hair damage caused by a permanent treatment and/or the degree of a damage caused by an oxidation treatment. The degree of a damage of a hair, whose... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20060281995 - Blood rheology measuring apparatus: A blood rheology measuring apparatus has a measuring portion for measuring a flow velocity of the blood flowing in a blood vessel of a person in a mode of a Doppler shift signal by transmitting and receiving a wave to and from a surface of the person's skin. An information... Agent: Bruce L. Adams, Esq.

20060281997 - Arrhythmogenic risk management tools and methods of use: Novel approaches to identifying and managing cardiac arrhymogenic risks associated with prolongation and/or dispersion of ventricular repolarization, torsadogenic risks and QT prolongation risks.... Agent: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP

20060281996 - Method of electrocardiogram (ecg) anaylysis and device thereof: An analysis method of electrocardiogram (ECG) and the device thereof are provided. The method diagnoses a subject by non-invasive method to see whether the subject is at high risk of high mountain disease (HMD). The ECG analysis method comprises: first, detecting the ECG of the subject; transforming the ECG to... Agent: J C Patents, Inc.

20060281998 - Method and apparatus for rate-dependent morphology-based cardiac arrhythmia classification: An implantable medical device includes a tachyarrhythmia detection and classification system that classifies tachyarrhythmias based on a morphological analysis of template and arrhythmic waveforms. The morphological analysis takes effect of heart rate on the morphological characteristics of the template and arrhythmic waveforms into consideration. Correlation between morphological features of the... Agent: Schwegman, Lundberg, Woessner & Kluth, P.A.

20060281999 - Method and apparatus for cardiac arrhythmia classification using sample entropy: An implantable medical device includes an arrhythmia detection and classification system that classifies an arrhythmia episode based on an irregularity parameter and/or a complexity parameter. The arrhythmia episode is detected from a cardiac signal. The irregularity parameter is indicative of the degree of cycle length irregularity of the cardiac signal... Agent: Schwegman, Lundberg, Woessner & Kluth, P.A.

20060282000 - Ischemia detection using a heart sound sensor: A system comprising an implantable medical device (IMD) includes an implantable heart sound sensor to produce an electrical signal representative of at least one heart sound. The heart sound is associated with mechanical activity of a patient's heart. Additionally, the IMD includes a heart sound sensor interface circuit coupled to... Agent: Schwegman, Lundberg, Woessner & Kluth, P.A.

20060282001 - Physiologic sensor apparatus: An apparatus for sensing at least one physiological parameter of a patient and transmitting data related to the sensed physiological parameter to an external device. The apparatus comprises a detecting portion comprising at least one sensor interconnected with a connector, an acquisition portion comprising a connector interface configured to receive... Agent: Goudreau Gage Dubuc

20060282003 - Breath biofeedback system and method: A breath biofeedback method and system for encouraging a subject to modify respiration. The system includes a thoracic volume input module measuring thoracic volume data of the subject and a pattern module providing target breathing patterns in communication with a display generator. The display generator producing display information representing a... Agent: Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC

20060282002 - Respiratory testing system: A respiratory testing system comprises a fluid chamber enclosing a fluid medium and having a flexible membrane deflectable by the application of a respiratory gas flow, a pressure sensor configured to sense a pressure variation of the fluid medium in response to a deflection of the flexible membrane, and a... Agent: Baker & Mckenzie LLP

20060282004 - Neurophysiological central auditory processing evaluation system and method: A system and method of central auditory processing testing and evaluation provides for identifying clinically relevant neural synchrony in the auditory brainstem pathway. The system or method finds use as a tool to evaluate auditory processing disorders, and hence, potential auditory system and/or learning disabilities. The system or method may... Agent: Marshall, Gerstein & Borun LLP

20060282005 - Abdominal impedance-based body composition measuring apparatus: Disclosed is an abdominal impedance-based body composition measuring apparatus, which comprises abdominal impedance measurement means for measuring an abdominal impedance, abdominal size estimation means for estimating an abdominal size, and body composition estimation means for estimating an index of body composition, based on the measured abdominal impedance and the estimated... Agent: Mcdermott Will & Emery LLP

20060282006 - Body fat scale having transparent electrodes: A body composition or body fat scale having a rigid, visible light transmissive platform for supporting a user standing on the scale, a plurality of support assemblies for supporting the platform above a surface, the support assemblies providing at least one sensor for measuring a weight of the user; at... Agent: Plevy & Howard, P.C.

20060282007 - Apparatus and method for attaching biosignal measurement sensor to subject: An apparatus for attaching a biosignal measurement sensor to a subject including a housing having an open space at one side, an installation portion installed in the open space, on which the biosignal measurement sensor is installed, a plurality of detection electrodes installed at an open side of the housing... Agent: Sughrue Mion, PLLC

20060282008 - System and method for vision examination utilizing fault detection: A system and method for performing a vision examination includes displaying a series of visual stimuli for observation by a patient and detecting the patient's visual evoked potentials in response to the visual stimuli. Electrical signals representative of the visual evoked potentials for each stimulus of each series of visual... Agent: Matthew J. Gryzlo

20060282009 - Device for measuring physical properties of the tympanic membrane: Device for measuring physical properties of the tympanic membrane (TM), comprising an elongated probe (12) with a distal end (15) for inspection of the ear, wherein a plurality of optical fibres is arranged in said elongated probe. The plurality of fibres includes either a first set of fibres (21) for... Agent: Intellectual Property Group Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.

20060282010 - Oral device: An oral device for use with a person in which at least one non-toxic gas pulse is delivered to a predetermined location in the mouth via a device conduit. The oral device may be provided as a kit with at least one device for measuring the subject's responses and representing... Agent: Ralph A. Dowell Of Dowell & Dowell P.C.

20060282011 - Elliptical biopsy guide: An elliptical biopsy guide comprises a platform and a pair of wings extending from the platform. Each of the wings terminates in a respective curved member. The platform defines a plane, and comprises beveled aperture edges defining an aperture. Each of the aperture edges has a generally elliptical curvature. Each... Agent: Frost Brown Todd, LLC

20060282012 - Multiple biopsy apparatus and related method of use: An endoluminal biopsy device is provided with a proximal actuation mechanism attached to a distal sampler by at least one elongate member. The distal sampler includes a distal inner portion defining a plurality of chambers, each configured to receive a tissue sample, and a distal outer portion defining a cutting... Agent: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP

20060282013 - Analyte-taking device: An analyte-taking device includes a tube provided at one end with an analyte-taking element; a plug inside the tube; and at least one liquid contained in an inside space of the tube separated from the analyte-taking element by the plug. The plug can be arranged, in use, to be expelled... Agent: C. Irvin Mcclelland Oblon, Spivak, Mcclelland, Maier & Neustadt, P.C.

20060282014 - Flexible polymer microelectrode with fluid delivery capability and methods for making same: A flexible multi-modal microelectrode is provided that combines multi-channel fluidic and electrical interfaces for biological and other systems. Methods of making and using same are also disclosed.... Agent: Rader, Fishman & Grauer PLLC

20060282016 - Guide wire with hydrophilically coated tip: A guide wire including a lubricous distal portion and a less lubricous intermediate portion proximal of said distal portion. One guide wire provides a highly lubricous distal portion with a hydrophilic layer and a less lubricous intermediate portion with a hydrophobic layer. Another guide wire provides a lubricous distal portion... Agent: Crompton, Seager & Tufte, LLC

20060282015 - Guide-wire mounted balloon modulation device and methods of use: An apparatus for modulating the pressure of a fluid such as a gas within the expandable portion of a guide wire catheter. A preferred embodiment apparatus features a means for controllably gripping and releasing the open, proximal end of a tubular guide wire, means for introducing a fluid to a... Agent: Kensey Nash Corporation

20060282017 - Force sensor system for use in monitoring weight bearing: A force sensor system for use in monitoring weight bearing on a location. The force sensor system comprises at least one a foot force sensor, a palm force sensor, and a knee force sensor. The foot force sensor comprises a flexible insole containing a plurality of inflatable pockets that are... Agent: Michael P Dunnam Woodcock Washburn

20060282018 - Sensor and analyzer for determining physiological limitations: A sensing and analyzing device for determining when physical limits of a patient have been exceeded by the patient during exercise is provided. The device may comprise a sensing unit, analyzing unit and a warning unit. The sensing unit may be attached to critical locations on a body of the... Agent: Stetina Brunda Garred & Brucker

20060282019 - Method and apparatus for providing information related to labor progress for an obstetrics patient: A method and apparatus for evaluating labor progress during childbirth for an obstetrics patient are provided. A set of information data elements associated to an obstetrics patient are received, the set of information data elements including a cervical dilation measure and a level of descent indicator. The set of information... Agent: Ladas & Parry

20060282020 - Customizing an intervertebral implant: A method and apparatus for customizing an intervertebral implant includes the initial step of obtaining a 3D anatomy of a series of vertebrae including an abnormal vertebra in a computer. The 3D anatomy of the series is then repositioned in the computer to eliminate the deformity caused by the abnormal... Agent: Stites & Harbison PLLC

20060282022 - Feedback estimation of joint forces and joint movements: Apparatus and methods are provided for estimating joint forces and moments in human beings. A forward dynamics module determines simulated kinematic data. An error correction controller forces tracking error between the simulated kinematic data and measured (or desired) kinematic data to approach zero. The error correction controller generates a modified... Agent: Fenwick & West LLP

20060282021 - Method and system for fall detection and motion analysis: A motion analysis telemonitor system includes a wearable monitoring device that monitors the activity level and movements of a person wearing the device. The wearable monitoring device is able to determine whether the person has fallen through a model analysis technique using characteristic movements of a fall. The wearable device... Agent: Kuta Intellectual Property Law, LLC

20060282023 - Method of determining the position of the articular point of a joint: A non-invasive method for determining the articular point of a knee joint is disclosed. The method uses a surgical navigation system having stereoscopic cameras which track the positions of infrared emitting or reflecting markers attached to leg portions on either side of the knee joint. A movable marker is used... Agent: Synnestvedt & Lechner, LLP

20060276680 - Apparatuses and methods for percutaneously implanting objects in patients: Apparatuses and methods for percutaneously implanting objects, such as radioactive seeds or markers, in patients. In one embodiment, a device for percutaneously implanting an object in a patient includes a handle, a cannula projecting outwardly from the handle, and an actuator movably disposed relative to the handle. In one aspect...

20060276682 - Cannulae having a redirecting tip: A percutaneous cannula is provided that directs blood into a vessel of a patient. The cannula includes a main cannula portion and a tip portion. The tip portion directs blood-flow in a direction generally counter to the direction of flow through the lumen. The cannula is configured to prevent blood-flow...

20060276681 - Implantable heart assist system and method of applying same: An extracardiac pumping for supplementing the circulation of blood, including the cardiac output, in a patient without any component thereof being connected to the patient's heart, and methods of using same. One embodiment provides a vascular graft that has a first end that is sized and configured to couple to...

20060276683 - In-vivo method and device for improving diastolic function of the left ventricle: A method and device featuring at least one component providing a potential to kinetic converted elastic, magnetic repulsion, or, an elastic and magnetic repulsion, pushing, pulling, or, pulling and pushing, type of radially outward expansive force or pressure to an inner, outer, intermediate, and, combination thereof, wall region of the...

20060276685 - Cellular cardiomyoplasty as supportive therapy in patients with heart disease: The present invention provides a system for treating heart disease as a “bridge to recovery” using cellular cardiomyoplasty. The system is particularly useful in selecting and treating patients with damaged myocardium due coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, and ischemia. Based on various clinical criteria, a patient is...

20060276684 - Device and method for treating congestive heart failure: A method for treating congestive heart failure in a minimally invasive manner. The method employs a thoracoscopic device which is inserted through a patient's chest wall and into the beating heart. The device carries an elastic containment system which is transported through a lumen of the device and means for...

20060276686 - Endoscope and endoscope system: An objective optical system is provided at a tip end portion of an insertion portion of an endoscope. A marker capable of transmitting an electromagnetic wave is placed at a target portion in an affected area and the like. At the rear end or the tip end portion of the...

20060276687 - Ultrasonic endoscope system and electronic endoscope system: An ultrasonic endoscope system is provided with an endoscope processor for producing an endoscopic image from an image signal obtained through a CCD, and an ultrasonograph processor for producing an ultrasonographic image from an echo signal received on an ultrasonic transducer. The processors are connected to a peripheral equipment control...

20060276688 - Hemostasis flushing device: A hemostasis flushing device includes a main body having a proximal end and a distal end wherein a lumen extends between the proximal end and the distal end of the main body. A flush port is disposed between the proximal end and the distal end of the main body for...

20060276689 - Multi-fluid delivery system: A proximal connector of an endoscope shaft can be manually attached to and detached from a console, such that the connector and endoscope shaft can be provided as a single use device. An interface between the proximal connector and console can include a sliding plate moveable to operably make and...

20060276690 - Visualization system: An interface connection between a fiberscope and an ocular includes a post and a bore that form a male and female connector between the fiberscope and the ocular. The post and bore also include a helical slot and a pin that fits to secure the post within the bore. In...

20060276691 - Repairable endoscope: A rigid endoscope includes an outer housing subassembly that supports an optics subassembly. The outer housing subassembly includes concentric tubes with optical fiber for providing object illumination. The optics subassembly includes a tubular sheath sealed at both ends for carrying lenses and other optical elements. A slow-curing adhesive material fills...

20060276692 - Protective cap for arthroscopic instruments: A protective cap for use on arthroscopic instruments and sheaths disposed over arthroscopic instruments. The cap protects the distal end of the instrument from accidental damage caused by other instruments used during a surgical procedure. The portion of the cap that covers a view port on an arthroscope is transparent...

20060276693 - Video rectractor: A retractor with a video system that has a blade portion detachably secured thereto is disclosed. In one embodiment, the video system is sealed within the retractor during use so that it need not be sterilized between uses. The blade portion is either reusable, in which case only it needs...

20060276694 - Luminous optical laryngoscope comprising built-in fluid-extraction device: The invention relates to an optical light laryngoscope with a built-in fluid extraction device, of the type comprising two independent conduits. One of the aforementio