Surgery inventions 05/07

20070123746 - Devices for minimally invasive pelvic surgery: Systems and methods employing a sling delivery assembly having a sling delivery device couplable to a sling assembly to deliver an implant through a transobturator incision point are disclosed. Successful coupling between the sling delivery device and the sling assembly can be verified through changes in an optical or electrical... Agent: Fish & NeaveIPGroup Ropes & Gray LLP

20070123747 - Method and apparatus for temporarily immobilizing a local area of tissue: The invention is a method and apparatus for performing beating heart surgery, in which a single articulating arm supports multiple suction pods. Once the suction pods are applied to the heart surface, tightening a cable fixes the arm in place. Then, the suction pods may be spread apart from each... Agent: James R. Keogh Medtronic, Inc.

20070123748 - Robot for minimally invasive interventions: The present invention relates to a miniature robotic device to be introduced, in the case of the heart, into the pericardium through a port, attach itself to the epicardial surface, and then, under the direct control of the user or physician, travel to the desired location for diagnosis or treatment.... Agent: Weingarten, Schurgin, Gagnebin & Lebovici LLP

20070123749 - Endoscope device: An endoscope device is proposed for dealing with an erroneous operation of a surgeon. An endoscope device has an endoscope and a processor, wherein the endoscope has a switch unit and the processor has a CPU and an operating panel. In the event that the CPU of the processor detects... Agent: Thomas Spinelli Scully, Scott, Murphy & Presser

20070123750 - Catheter apparatus and methods of using same: A catheter apparatus includes a catheter having an electroactive polymer inside. The electroactive polymer is configured to control either or both shape and/or direction of the catheter in a vessel as the electroactive polymer is electrically activated. The apparatus further includes a computer which may be denoted as a “control... Agent: General Electric Company Global Research

20070123751 - Endoscope with brightness adjustment function: An electronic endoscope has a video-scope with an image sensor, a light source that radiates illuminating-light on an object, and a brightness adjuster that maintains a brightness of an object image at a proper brightness on the basis of an amount of illuminating-light. The electronic endoscope has a brightness state... Agent: Greenblum & Bernstein, P.L.C

20070123752 - Ceramic fiber optic taper housing for medical devices: A system for transmitting the light required for a medical device is disclosed generally comprising an endoscope body, a light guide for transmitting light from a light source to the instrument body, where the light guide includes a bundle of optical fibers having a tapered portion, and a ceramic housing... Agent: St. Onge Steward Johnston & Reens, LLC

20070123753 - Surgical retractor with removable scissor arms: A retractor having interchangeable or replaceable blades facilitates the expansion of a surgical site below an incision in the skin, and establishes a work-through surgical space. The retractor includes a frame connected to two collar arms, a pair of blades connected to the collar arms, a sheath for encompassing the... Agent: Lerner, David, Littenberg, Krumholz & Mentlik

20070123757 - Neuropsychological assessment platform (npap) and method: A computerized system designed as a professional tool to administer psychological and neuropsychological tests to human subjects using multimedia technology to present and collect audiovisual and graphomotor response data, and continuously accumulate normative and clinical data in a centralized database that is remotely accessible via the internet. A set of... Agent: David Aker

20070123754 - Non-encumbering, substantially continuous patient daily activity data measurement for indication of patient condition change for access by remote caregiver: An apparatus in one example comprises a user wearable, non-encumbering, movement sensor and an analyzer. The user wearable, non-encumbering, movement sensor substantially continuously measures daily-activity data of a patient. The analyzer makes a determination from the daily-activity data of the patient that a change in condition of the patient has... Agent: General Electric Company Global Research

20070123755 - System and method for repetitive interval clinical evaluations: A healthcare tool allows a patient to record daily parameters associated with the patient's clinical status, for example, body weight for congestive heart failure patients. A graph may be created showing the parameters on a control chart. The parameters are statistically analyzed against a control range, and when a parameter... Agent: HulseyIPIntellectual Property Lawyers, P.C.

20070123756 - Vital information measuring device: A vital information measuring device includes: a flexible substrate including a functioning part which is mounted thereon; and an outer member for covering the flexible substrate. The functioning part has: a sensor section for sequentially measuring a parameter relating to certain vital information on a subject; a circuit section for... Agent: Sidley Austin LLP

20070123758 - Determination of sleep quality for neurological disorders: A device determines values for one or more metrics that indicate the quality of a patient's sleep based on sensed physiological parameter values. Sleep efficiency, sleep latency, and time spent in deeper sleep states are example sleep quality metrics for which values may be determined. The sleep quality metric values... Agent: Shumaker & Sieffert, P. A.

20070123759 - 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.

20070123760 - Signal transmitter and control circuit for a physiological variable: For detecting and processing a physiological variable, a signal transmitter has devices for processing, using, and/or providing signals, which are generated from measurement values of the physiological variable. In accordance with a sequence control approach, the measurement values are acquired from the detection of electromagnetic waves of different wavelengths. Before... Agent: Friedrich Kueffner

20070123761 - Extended focal region measuring apparatus and method: A method and apparatus for measuring an apparent depth of a section of an animal body are disclosed. Light is focused concurrently to an extended focal region comprising a plurality or continuum of measurement locations. Light reflected by a refractive index interface coincident with one of the plurality of measurement... Agent: Barry W Chapin Chapin Intellectual Property Law

20070123762 - Non-invasive spectroscopy of mammalian tissues: In the spectrometric device of this invention the objective lens and diffraction grating are replaced with a spectral imaging apparatus on electrically switchable color filter technology. The spectrometric device includes wavelength filter means as the spectral imaging apparatus for transmitting or reflecting wavelengths of light, light intensity sensor means arranged... Agent: Harrington & Smith, PC

20070123763 - Optical sensor including disposable and reusable elements: An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a noninvasive optical sensor or probe including disposable and reusable components. The assembly of the disposable and reusable components is straightforward, along with the disassembly thereof. During application to a measurement site, the assembled sensor is advantageously secured together while the componentry is... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20070123764 - Systems and methods for assessing tissue contact: Systems and methods are disclosed for assessing tissue contact, e.g., for mapping tissue ablation or other procedures. An exemplary tissue contact sensing system comprises a flexible tip device. At least one piezoelectric sensor is housed within the flexible tip device. The at least one piezoelectric sensor is responsive to contact... Agent: Sjm/afd - Trenner

20070123765 - Modular multichannel microelectrode array and methods of making same: Some embodiments of the invention comprise a customizable multichannel microelectrode array with a modular planar microfabricated electrode array attached to a carrier and a high density of recording and/or stimulation electrode sites disposed thereon. Novel methods of making and using same are also disclosed.... Agent: Rader, Fishman & Grauer PLLC

20070123766 - Microelectrode systems for neuro-stimulation and neuro-sensing and microchip packaging and related methods: Microelectrode assemblies and related methods are disclosed for bio-stimulating and/or bio-sensing a target tissue. The assemblies can include a two-side substrate, an array of microelectrodes, each of the microelectrodes including a nano-wire embedded within the substrate and extending from a proximal end to a distal end and through the substrate,... Agent: Mcdermott Will & Emery LLP

20070123767 - Intraocular pressure sensor and method of use: A method for measuring an intraocular pressure within an eye has several steps. An intraocular pressure sensor that is adapted to be implanted intrasclerally is provided. An incision is cut through a scleral layer of the eye. The scleral layer is lifted with a grasping tool. The intraocular pressure sensor... Agent: Law Offices Of Eric Karich

20070123768 - Ophthalmic instruments, systems and methods especially adapted for conducting simultaneous tonometry and pachymetry measurements: Ophthalmic instruments, systems and methods enable tonometry and pachymetry measurements to be conducted simultaneously. As such, a patient's intraocular pressure (IOP) corrected for corneal thickness may be determined accurately by a single corneal applanation. Preferably, the ophthalmic instruments have a reference surface at a distal end of the instrument, an... Agent: Nixon & Vanderhye, PC

20070123769 - Tonometer-pachymeter apparatus for measurement of intraocular pressure: An apparatus for determining intraocular pressure includes a transducer assembly containing an applanation tonometer for the determination of a cornea applanation pressure and an ultrasonic pachymeter to determine the thickness of the cornea at the site of applanation. The assembly has a tip end which includes an applanation surface and... Agent: Drinker Biddle & Reath Attn: Intellectual Property Group

20070123772 - Medication compliance system and associated methods: A system for monitoring medication compliance in a patient includes an electronic pill that includes a drug-transporting device and an antenna positioned on a surface of the drug-transporting device. A detector is positionable external a gastrointestinal tract of a patient for detecting a presence of the antenna in the patient... Agent: Jacqueline E. Hartt, Ph.d Allen, Dyer, Doppelt, Milbrath & Gilchrist, P.A.

20070123770 - System for detecting fluid changes and sensoring devices therefor: A sensor device for detecting a change in the level of fluid within tissue of a body includes: a housing having a plurality of bridge segments, the bridge segments connecting at intersections and being arranged to circumscribe an opening defined by the housing; and a plurality of antenna elements at... Agent: Gregory L Bradley Medrad Inc

20070123771 - Three-dimensional co-registration between intravascular and angiographic data: A method and appertaining system permit a co-registration between points in a three-dimensional model of a vessel and vascular images obtained by an imaging catheter within the vessel at the respective points. The three-dimensional model is created by utilizing information from at least two external two-dimensional images produced by, e.g.,... Agent: Schiff Hardin, LLP Patent Department

20070123773 - Method and apparatus for classifying tissue using image data: Disclosed is a technique for classifying tissue based on image data. A plurality of tissue parameters are extracted from image data (e.g., magnetic resonance image data) to be classified. The parameters are preprocessed, and the tissue is classified using a classification algorithm and the preprocessed parameters. In one embodiment, the... Agent: Siemens Corporation Intellectual Property Department

20070123774 - Suction fixing device: A suction fixing device to be fixed to an organic base includes at least one low-pressure casing, at least one attachment device operative to apply a low pressure to the surface of said organic base; and a holding device operative to secure the fixing device to the organic base. The... Agent: Don W. Bulson (brainlab)

20070123775 - Method and device for monitoring infusions: A method and a device for monitoring infusions at a patient is provided with a dispensing unit (2) for the infusion solution, a labeling substance (3) supplied additionally into the infusion solution by means of a dispensing unit or a drug and with a sensor (5) responding specifically to a... Agent: Mcglew & Tuttle, PC

20070123778 - Bladder measurement: A measuring device, comprising, (a) an ultrasonic acoustic transceiver unit capable of sending and receiving acoustic signals into the body of a patient; (b) frequency modulating circuitry which drives said transceiver unit with a signal whose frequency varies with time; and (c) processing circuitry which extracts an indication of a... Agent: Wolf, Block, Schorr & Solis-cohen LLP

20070123777 - Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a transmission unit that transmits at least one ultrasonic pulse from a surface of a skin of a subject toward a blood vessel (21) thereof, a reception unit (3) that receives an ultrasonic echo reflected by the blood vessel and converts the same into an... Agent: Hamre, Schumann, Mueller & Larson P.C.

20070123776 - Ultrasonic probing device with distributed sensing elements: A probing device for insertion into a duct to determine local parameters associated with the physical structure the duct at a selected region of the duct, and in particular variations in the physical structure along a predetermined length of interest. The probing device comprises: at least one of a plurality... Agent: Pearl Cohen Zedek Latzer, LLP

20070123779 - System and method for measuring blood viscosity: A technique is provided for computing or monitoring blood viscosity. The technique includes measuring a cross sectional area of a arterial segment and a volumetric flow rate of blood flowing through the arterial segment at two or more locations, estimating a compliance transfer function from blood measurements to scale the... Agent: General Electric Company Global Research

20070123780 - Low-frequency focus ultrasound-generating device for tumor treatment using ultrasound irradiation microbubble agent: The invention relates to a low-frequency focus ultrasound-generating device and its application in clinical physical therapy to cause embolism of new blood vessels of tumor. The device comprises a hand grip, an ultrasound output, a half-ellipsoid reflector, and a water sack. The half-ellipsoid reflector is disposed on the forward end... Agent: Trask Britt

20070123782 - On-site healthcare diagnostic device: A on-site healthcare diagnostic device containing a blood pressure monitor and one or more test strip readers, such as a blood sugar or cholesterol test strip reader. The on-site device may be deployed as a special purpose unit or through accessories used in connection with a general purpose computer. In... Agent: Mehrman Law Office, P.C.

20070123781 - Surgical anastomosis leak detection system: A system for evaluating the integrity of an anastomosis includes a pressure source having a fluid conduit for insertion in the body and a sensor for measuring the rate of pressure decay of a predetermined amount of pressure supplied adjacent the anastomosis site.... Agent: Carter, Deluca, Farrell & Schmidt, LLP

20070123783 - Simplified physiological measurement device: A simplified physiological measurement device utilizes a general port to receive power from an external electronic device and to transmit the signals obtained from physiological measurements to the external electronic device for calculation and display. Thereby, the mechanisms and electronic elements of the physiological measurement device can be obviously simplified,... Agent: Rosenberg, Klein & Lee

20070123784 - Method of controlling blood pressure cuff deflation: A method of operating a non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP) monitor that includes a blood pressure cuff and a pressure transducer. The method initially inflates the blood pressure cuff to a level above systolic pressure and begins to deflate the pressure cuff using a continuous or linear deflation technique. During the... Agent: Andrus, Sceales, Starke & Sawall, LLP

20070123785 - Method and system of measuring blood circulation velocity: A system and method of measuring blood circulation velocity includes the steps of keeping a person measured by a blood oxygen saturation analytical instrument and served by a ventilator; setting an initial time point, providing a first gas to the person via the ventilator, and starting to record a blood... Agent: Hdsl

20070123786 - Portable programmer for providing patient status information: A method and apparatus concerning the retrieval and storage of status information obtained from patients having implantable medical devices (IMDs). When patients are having episodes during which symptoms are experienced relating to their medical condition, the collection of the patient's status information can be helpful to the patient's physician for... Agent: Medtronic, Inc.

20070123787 - Pulse wave data analyzing method, system, and program product: There is provided a pulse wave data analyzing method for extracting vital information out of pulse wave data concerning a living body. The method comprises a noise removal step of: detecting bottom values and peak values along a time axis in a time-series manner out of pulse wave data obtained... Agent: Sidley Austin LLP

20070123788 - Method and apparatus for post-processing of episodes detected by a medical device: A method and system for post-processing of sensing data associated with identification of a cardiac event by a medical device that includes transmitting a plurality of stored sensing data generated by the medical device to an access device, the stored sensing data including sensed atrial events and sensed ventricular events.... Agent: Medtronic, Inc.

20070123789 - Method and apparatus for post-processing of episodes detected by a medical device: A method and system for determining undersensing during post-processing of sensing data generated by a medical device that includes transmitting a plurality of stored sensing data generated by the medical device to an access device, the stored sensing data including sensed atrial events and sensed ventricular events. The access device... Agent: Medtronic, Inc.

20070123790 - Method and apparatus for post-processing of episodes detected by a medical device: A method and system of post-processing of sensing data generated by a medical device that includes transmitting a plurality of stored sensing data generated by the medical device to an access device, the stored sensing data including sensed atrial events and sensed ventricular events. The access device determines, in response... Agent: Medtronic, Inc.

20070123791 - Identification of disease characteristics using isotope ratios in breath: Methods are disclosed for distinguishing whether an animal is experiencing a bacterial infection or a viral infection. One monitors breath taken from the animal over time to measure the relative amount of a first breath stable isotope to a second breath stable isotope therein over time. A quick change in... Agent: Quarles & Brady LLP

20070123792 - System and method for determining airway obstruction: A method and system for detecting the presence of restriction to expired airflow in humans or animals by analyzing the expired capnogram and oxygram, as well as the geometric analysis of the real-time plot of the waveform that depicts the instantaneous ratio of CO2 to O2 (the carboxygram ratio). Airway... Agent: Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC

20070123793 - Apparatus for evaluating a patient's laryngeal cough reflex and associated methods: An apparatus and method for evaluating a patient's laryngeal cough reflex function includes a nebulizer capable of being actuated to atomize a cough-inducing substance, a switch associated with the nebulizer, the switch responsive to actuation of the nebulizer, and a connection between the switch and an EMG machine to thereby... Agent: Allen, Dyer, Doppelt, Milbrath & Gilchrist P.A.

20070123794 - Biological information acquisition and presentation kit, and pupillary diameter measurement kit: The invention relates to a biological information acquisition and presentation kit that enables a general able-bodied person or subject to measure the subject's own biological or emotional index in a ready way. The kit 1 is characterized by comprising a positioning means capable of being positioned on an axial focus... Agent: Kenyon & Kenyon Suite 700

20070123795 - Device for determining acoustically evoked brain potentials: The invention relates to a device for determining acoustically evoked brain potentials in brainstem audiometry from electrodes applied to the head of a subject, where the device comprises a plurality of electrodes, i.e. at least one pickup electrode and a reference electrode, to be applied at different points of the... Agent: Dykema Gossett PLLC

20070123796 - Method and apparatus for monitoring intra ocular and intra cranial pressure: A method and apparatus for measuring acoustic energy applied to the head to detect increases in intracranial pressure. Acoustic eye patches are applied to a patient's eye or eyelid, and an ultrasonic sweep generator applies an acoustic signal across the patient's skull, the signal being swept across a predetermined range.... Agent: Whitham, Curtis & Christofferson & Cook, P.C.

20070123797 - Automated biopsy and delivery device: An automated device and method for obtaining a tissue biopsy and the delivery of a material to provide hemostatis, therapeutic agents or marker material is described that can be used in conjunction with a cutting needle biopsy device. The device has an outer casing, a power source, a drive mechanism,... Agent: Parker Intellectual Property Law Office

20070123798 - Contamination protection device and method for use: A multi-purpose contamination protection device includes a first generally tubular member defining a lumen therethrough having a distal opening, and a second generally tubular member capable of selectively assuming a first disposition in generally overlaying and proximal relationship with respect to at least a part of said first tubular member... Agent: Browdy And Neimark, P.l.l.c. 624 Ninth Street, Nw

20070123799 - Method and kit for biopsying of pancreatic tumor masses: A method and kit for biopsying of the pancreas is disclosed. The biopsy is laparoscopic with a gastroscope. The method is more economic and safer than standard procedures.... Agent: Ian C. Mcleod Ian C. Mcleod, P.C.

20070123800 - Endoscopic submucosal core biopsy device: An instrument for collecting body tissue includes a tubular cutting member having an exterior surface, a proximal end, and a distal end capable of penetrating body tissue; and a flexible cutting extension coaxially and slidably disposed around the exterior surface of the cutting member, the flexible cutting extensions having a... Agent: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP

20070123803 - Blood sensor, blood testing apparatus, and method for controlling blood testing apparatus: A blood sensor comprises a base (12), a detection part (16) disposed on the base (12), a blood collection needle (13) disposed at a front end (12a) of the base (12), a negative pressure generation part (17) for applying negative pressure to a portion of the blood collection needle (13),... Agent: Wenderoth, Lind & Ponack L.L.P.

20070123802 - Methods and apparatus for an analyte detecting device: In one embodiment according to the present invention, a device is provided comprising a cartridge having a plurality of cavities. The device may include a plurality of penetrating members at least partially contained in the cavities of the single cartridge wherein the penetrating members are slidably movable to extend outward... Agent: Heller Ehrman LLP

20070123801 - Wearable, programmable automated blood testing system: The present invention is a programmable, automated device for the measurement and analysis of blood analytes and blood parameters. The device components are combined in a single apparatus and either programmed to initiate automatic, periodic blood sampling or initiate automatic blood sampling via operator input. The device operates automatically to... Agent: Patentmetrix

20070123804 - Articulating steerable wire guide: A steerable wire guide comprises first and second members interconnected to form a unitary composite structure. The members slide relative to each other such that the leading portion of the composite structure bends in a first or second direction. The composite structure comprises a soft body portion at its distal... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20070123805 - Elongated intracorporal medical device: Alternative designs, materials and manufacturing methods for guidewires. Some embodiments pertain to a composite guidewire having proximal and distal section, and a connector adapted and configured for permanently joining the proximal section to the distal section. In some embodiments, at least one of the sections is made of a linear-elastic... Agent: Crompton, Seager & Tufte, LLC

20070123806 - Stride-monitoring device: A stride monitoring device that can be used particularly for sports applications and that includes a pair of shoes, one of which includes at least one magnetic mass, and the other includes at least a measurement device to make at least one measurement, and a processor for processing of the... Agent: Oblon, Spivak, Mcclelland, Maier & Neustadt, P.C.

20070118009 - Method for controlling the application of ionizing radiation to a body: To implement a method for controlling the application of ionizing radiation to a body, provision is made for an instrument, which can apply therapeutic radiation sources to a body, with a part of a locating system being provided to locate the position of the therapeutic radiation sources on an instrument... Agent: Siemens Corporation Intellectual Property Department

20070118010 - Methods and apparatus for intraocular brachytherapy: Methods and apparatus for intraocular brachytherapy are disclosed in which a cannula is introduced into the eye for delivery of radiation to a target tissue. Techniques for properly locating the cannula with respect to the target tissue, for protecting non-target tissue, for regulating heat generated by x-ray emitters, and for... Agent: Cook, Alex, Mcfarron, Manzo, Cummings & Mehler Ltd

20070118011 - In the ear auxiliary microphone system for behind the ear hearing prosthetic: An In The Ear (ITE) microphone improves the acoustic response of a Behind The Ear (BTE) Implantable Cochlear Stimulation (ICS) system during telephone use. An acoustic seal provided by holding a telephone earpiece against the ear provides improved coupling of low frequency (up to about 1 KHz) sound waves, sufficient... Agent: Advanced Bionics Corporation

20070118012 - Method of assembling an in-vivo imaging device: An in-vivo imaging device having a closed housing containing internal components including two optical heads located on rigid portions of a circuit board connected by a flexible portion. The housing consists of a connecting sleeve located between two domes. The in-vivo imaging device is assembled by positioning at least part... Agent: Pearl Cohen Zedek Latzer, LLP

20070118013 - Endoscope and method for repairing the same: Distal ends of the LG fiber bundles are held in a state of being inclined outwardly with respect to an insertion direction of the distal end rigid portion, an observation hole for holding the image-pickup unit is formed at the distal end rigid portion, illumination holes for holding the distal... Agent: Thomas Spinelli Scully, Scott, Murphy & Presser

20070118014 - Endoscope: An endoscope comprises a shaft with an outer tube and with an inner tube extending inside the latter, the outer and inner tubes being radially spaced apart from one another such that they form between them an axially extending channel, which provides space for receiving a light guide. An intermediate... Agent: St. Onge Steward Johnston & Reens, LLC

20070118015 - Catheter introducer system for exploration of body cavities: A self propelling catheter introducer system for exploring a body cavity is disclosed which includes a flexible tubular catheter, an everting tube and a steering section located near the distal end of the catheter that is introduced in a body cavity. The steering section is adapted for pointing the distal... Agent: Kenyon & Kenyon LLP

20070118016 - Endoskop, insbesondere duodenoskop fur die mutter-baby-cholangioskopie: An endoscope, in particular a duodenoscope, for mother-baby cholangioscopy, having a working canal that runs in or on a shaft of the endoscope and includes an outlet opening distally on the endoscope head, so that the working canal includes at least a first insertion opening, which lies in an area... Agent: St. Onge Steward Johnston & Reens, LLC

20070118017 - In-vivo image acquiring apparatus, receiving apparatus, and in-vivo information acquiring system: An object of the present invention is to enable a receiving side to easily recognize which of imaging devices has picked up received image data. A capsule endoscope (one example of the in-vivo image acquiring apparatus) of the present invention is swallowed by a subject, and picks up images of... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20070118018 - In-vivo imaging device and optical system thereof: The present invention provides an in-vivo imaging device comprising at least one imager and an associated optical system, at least the optical system located in an optical dome of the imaging device, the optical dome having a tip, the optical system comprising an optical lens, the optical system having a... Agent: Pearl Cohen Zedek Latzer, LLP

20070118019 - Electronic endoscope: A tip portion main body provided on the tip of the insertion portion has an erecting device disposed in the vicinity of the channel tip opening, capable of changing the protruding direction of the treatment tool, a solid-state image-capturing device, an objective optical system, having a predetermined field of view... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20070118020 - Endoscope and methods of producing and repairing thereof: An endoscope includes an illumination lens which is fitted in a frame while a distal end face of the illumination lens is exposed, the frame being arranged in an insertion portion distal end, a bonded portion in an outer periphery of the illumination lens being fixed to an inner periphery... Agent: Ostrolenk Faber Gerb & Soffen

20070118021 - Anatomical cavity implant transport device and method: This invention describes a device and method for inserting a large diameter object into a blood filled, pressurized cavity in the body without applying undue trauma to the object as it passes through the device and without loosing significant amounts of blood. The invention comprises the following elements: three rigid... Agent: James L. Pokorney

20070118023 - Devices and methods for percutaneous tissue retraction and surgery: Methods and devices for performing percutaneous surgery in a patient are provided. A retractor includes a working channel formed by a first portion coupled to a second portion. The first and second portions are movable relative to one another from an unexpanded configuration to an expanded configuration to increase the... Agent: Krieg Devault LLP

20070118022 - Retractor and methods of use: Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward a retractor which may include a housing, at least one blade holder configured to be slidably coupled to the housing, and an actuator handle configured to control sliding movement of the at least one blade holder. The at least one blade holder... Agent: Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky & Popeo

20070118026 - Apparatus, system, and method for lighting control, and computer program product: A detecting unit detects a sleep state of a user. If the user is awakened halfway through his/her sleep, a control unit controls a lighting device to irradiate a light in a waveband with relatively small melatonin-production suppression effect.... Agent: Amin, Turocy & Calvin, LLP

20070118024 - Iterative vascular identification: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method for identifying vascular structure in an image including: receiving at least one image including a vascular network; identifying at least one seed point corresponding to the vascular network; identifying automatically at least a portion of the vascular network to form an... Agent: Mcandrews Held & Malloy, Ltd

20070118025 - Patient monitor: A patient monitor comprising a display means and a parameter connection unit, the parameter connection unit comprising parameter connectors for connecting cables from a patient to the patient monitor. The parameter connection unit is turnably pivoted to the display means.... Agent: General Electric Co. Global Patent Operation

20070118027 - Method for evaluating extracellular water concentration in tissue: The present disclosure provides systems, devices, and/or methods for assessing body fluid-related metrics and/or changes therein. The disclosure further provides systems, devices, and/or methods for correlating body fluid-related metrics in a particular tissue with the corresponding whole-body metric. The disclosure also provides, systems, devices, and/or methods for assessment of such... Agent: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC C/o Fletcher Yoder PC

20070118028 - Pulse wave analyzing device: A pulse wave analyzing device is provided with a performance part for performing analyzing of a pulse wave of a living body; and a mounting member for substantially integrally mounting constituent elements of the performance part. The performance part includes: a sensor section for measuring parameters relating to the pulse... Agent: Sidley Austin LLP

20070118029 - Soc-ox: This invention consists of a sock, a sending unit, a receiving unit, a sensor light, and a line that can be connected to a pulse-oximeter cord. A medical professional places the sock over a patient's foot and adjusts its position until the equipment is properly aligned. The cord from the... Agent: Galasso & Associates, Lp

20070118030 - Method and apparatus for analyte data telemetry: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and apparatuses for telemetry, more specifically, methods and apparatuses for providing telemetry in association with medical devices. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide continuous telemetry between a transmitter and a monitoring unit, for example in a medical monitoring environment.... Agent: Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, P.C. Pacwest Center, Suite 1900

20070118031 - Dual electrode with three studs for impedance cardiography: A quick-connecting dual electrode assembly for use in procedures such as impedance cardiography includes a body having a cable side and a patient side, and three eyelets arranged therein. A distal snap assembly having a distal stud (108) is secured in a first eyelet (101a) of said three eyelets (101a,... Agent: Philips Medical Systems Philips Intellectual Property & Standards

20070118032 - Emg electrode apparatus and positioning system: A system for detecting and analyzing electrical activity in the anatomy of an organism underlying an electrode array provides signals corresponding to electrical activity adjacent each electrode. Such signals are correlated to the underlying anatomy of the organism and representative outputs presented through various types of output devices. Such outputs... Agent: Walker & Jocke, L.p.a.

20070118033 - Soft tissue orientation and imaging guide systems and methods: Systems and methods for the orientation of soft tissue such as breast tissue for enhanced accuracy of imaging and/or procedures such as a biopsy or excision are disclosed. The system for orientating and maintaining the orientation of soft tissue generally includes a frame defining an opening, the frame being configured... Agent: Jung-hua Kuo Attorney At Law

20070118034 - Surgical site marker delivery system: A site marker delivery system is provided. The site mark delivery system includes an outer cannula having an open distal end. The outer cannula defines an inner lumen in which an inner cannula may be received. A marker is also positioned within the inner lumen of the outer cannula. The... Agent: Rader, Fishman & Grauer PLLC

20070118035 - Catheter tip: A catheter tip of a catheter including at least a power conductor and a data conductor for obtaining data of a subject of interest. The catheter tip may comprise a support member defining an actuator sleeve, a sensor compartment, and a seal pocket. An actuator may be disposed in the... Agent: Ge Medical System C/o Foley & Lardner LLP

20070118036 - Computation of blood pressure using different signal processing channels: A blood pressure measurement system that utilizes a non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP) monitor having a blood pressure cuff and pressure transducer. The measurement system provides a plurality of separate processing techniques that each receive a plurality of oscillometric data values from the pressure transducer. Each of the processing techniques separately... Agent: Andrus, Sceales, Starke & Sawall, LLP

20070118037 - Electronic blood pressure monitor capable of storing measurement data: In an electronic blood pressure monitor, an input of measurement condition specifying information for specifying a measurement condition at blood pressure measurement among a plurality of measurement conditions, such as an input of time information, is received. Based on the received measurement condition specifying information, at least one measurement condition... Agent: Morrison & Foerster LLP

20070118038 - Implantable device for telemetric measurement of blood pressure/temperature within the heart: A system and method for the intra corporal, measuring of blood pressure includes a substantially rigid sensor structure and an antenna structure, which are separate components. The anchor structure is used to mount the within an appropriate location in the cardiovascular system, such as in the cardiac septum. The substantially... Agent: Mcguirewoods, LLP

20070118039 - Implantable device for telemetric measurement of blood pressure/temperature within the heart: A system and method for the intra corporal, telemetric measuring of blood pressure, particularly within the heart or a great vessel, includes a substantially rigid sensor chip mounted in a holder and an antenna. The holder is anchored within an appropriate location in the cardiovascular system, such as in the... Agent: Mcguirewoods, LLP

20070118040 - Pulsimeter sensor using magnetic thin films: The present invention relates to a noninvasive medical pulsimeter sensor using magnetic thin films. By forming a pulse-sensing part array with magnetic sensors such as GMR devices, MTJ devices and the likes, over the skin-contacting part which consists of a magnetic material, the present invention increases the integrity of sensors,... Agent: Casella & Hespos

20070118041 - Apparatus and method of heart function analysis: A heart function analysis apparatus adapted to analyze a motion of a heart by using time-series image data representing an image of the heart. The heart function analysis apparatus includes a strain-value acquisition unit configured to acquire time-series strain values in thickness of a heart muscle from the time-series image... Agent: Amin, Turocy & Calvin, LLP

20070118042 - Method and apparatus for impedance signal localizations from implanted devices: Method and apparatus for monitoring a plurality of physiological factors contributing to physiological conditions of a heart, that determines a first impedance, corresponding to the plurality of physiological factors, across a plurality of vectors, and a second impedance, corresponding to the plurality of physiological factors, across the plurality of vectors... Agent: Li Wang

20070118043 - Algorithms for computing heart rate and movement speed of a user from sensor data: Aspects of the invention use music to influence a person's performance in a physical workout. A computing device receives and analyzes data indicating current physiology and movement of the user in order to provide a music piece that will influence the user to speed up, slow down, or maintain current... Agent: Christensen, O'connor, Johnson, Kindness, PLLC

20070118044 - Method and device for identifying; measuring and analyzing abnormal neurological responses: The objective of the invention is a method and a device for identifying, measuring and analyzing abnormal neurological responses. In the method in accordance with the invention neurological diseases, pain, fatigue, power producing ability and/or activeness and/or symptoms connected with those are estimated by measuring signals produced by muscles and... Agent: Harrington & Smith, PC

20070118045 - Iontophoresis challenge for monitoring cardiovascular status: Methods and apparatus are provided for determining individual vascular responses by employing iontophoresis to deliver vasoactive compounds to local area and determining resultant changes in blood flow by measuring changes in skin temperature as a correlate of local blood flow. The invention further provides methods and apparatus for assessing vascular... Agent: Wong, Cabello, Lutsch, Rutherford & Brucculeri, L.L.P.

20070118046 - Reflexometry and hormone function: A method including measuring time periods in which a reflex point of a subject is struck and a reflex response is observed. A method including determining a resting metabolic rate of a subject by applying the Kail-Waters equation. An apparatus including a striking instrument capable of delivering a kinetic energy... Agent: Blakely Sokoloff Taylor & Zafman

20070118047 - Automated stimulus artifact removal for nerve conduction studies: A method for the automated removal of a stimulus artifact from an electrophysiological signal waveform, wherein the novel method comprises: providing a model of the stimulus artifact that is physically derived and is based on known properties of the electrophysiological signal waveform acquisition hardware and stimulator; and filtering the stimulus... Agent: Mark J. Pandiscio Pandiscio & Pandiscio, P.C.

20070118049 - Biopsy system: A biopsy system for retrieving biopsy tissue samples from different regions of the body is disclosed. The biopsy system includes a single use loading unit having a trocar assembly and a knife assembly. A trocar driver is operably connected to the trocar assembly and is actuable to move a trocar... Agent: United States Surgical, A Division Of Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20070118048 - Remote thumbwheel for a surgical biopsy device: The present application is directed to an image-guided, vacuum assisted, percutaneous, coring, cable driven breast biopsy instrument which may be conveniently mounted to an x-ray machine wherein the biopsy instrument incorporates a rotation knob at the proximal end of the instrument to manually rotate the distal end of the probe,... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20070118050 - Bone graft harvest device: A bone harvesting tool includes an elongate hollow collection cannula with a lumen for receiving harvested bone tissue. Holes are formed through the collection cannula to permit visual observation of the volume of bone tissue that has been collected. Cutting blades are mounted to the distal end of the collection... Agent: Casella & Hespos

20070118051 - Method and system for withdrawing body fluid: A system and method for carrying out the withdrawal of body fluid with as little body fluid as possible visible to the user at the end of the process. The present invention provides a pressure piece for exerting pressure on a body part. The pressure piece is moved relative to... Agent: Bose Mckinney & Evans LLP

20070118053 - Identifiable wire guide: A wire guide includes identification features for distinguishing between other introduced wire guides. The wire guide includes a main body having a proximal portion. An identification section is formed at the proximal portion and includes a marker for identifying the wire guide. Preferably, the marker is a surface that can... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20070118052 - Wire guide having distal coupling tip: A coupling wire guide generally includes a main body defined by a first wire wound around a safety wire. A first loop is defined by an enlarged revolution of the first wire within a distal portion of the main body. The first loop is sized to receive a previously introduced... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20070118054 - Methods and systems for monitoring patients for clinical episodes: Methods and systems for monitoring vital signs for the prediction and treatment of physiological ailments are provided. The methods and systems may be applied to the monitoring of a broad range of physiological ailments or “episodes,” including, but not limited to, asthma, hypoglycemia, coughing, edema, sleep apnea, labor, and REM... Agent: Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti PC

20070118055 - Systems and methods for facilitating surgical procedures involving custom medical implants: Systems and methods for planning surgical procedures involving custom medical implants that can involve the selection, design and/or creation of custom medical implants and/or the selection, modification, and/or design of custom surgical procedures related to those implants. Certain embodiments allow implants to be selected, designed, created, or otherwise customized and... Agent: Chief Patent Counsel Smith & Nephew, Inc.

20070118056 - Posture detector calibration and use: Calibrating a posture detector for a patient's body involves measuring outputs of one or more sensors disposed in relation to the patient's body while the patient assumes a plurality of positions. A transfer matrix is formed having coefficients corresponding to the measured outputs. The transfer matrix defines a relationship between... Agent: Hollingsworth & Funk, LLC

20070112244 - Methods and devices for improving cardiac function in hearts: Various methods and devices are disclosed for improving cardiac function in hearts having zones of infarcted (akinetic) and aneurysmal (dyskinetic) tissue regions. The methods and devices reduce the radius of curvature in walls of the heart proximal infarcted and aneurysmal regions to reduce wall stress and improve pumping efficiency. The... Agent: Mh2 Technology Law Group

20070112245 - Method and apparatus to relax a patient to minimize the administration of anesthesia, facilitate successful surgery, and shorten recovery time: A musical method and apparatus for minimizing the amount of anesthetic required during surgery and for shortening the recovery time after surgery.... Agent: Tod R Nissle

20070112247 - Endoscope: An endoscope that has an insertion portion that is inserted into an interior of an object and an image pickup device that is provided in the insertion portion, and that observes the interior of the object via the image pickup device, includes: a first LED unit that is provided in... Agent: Ostrolenk Faber Gerb & Soffen

20070112246 - Tubular member and endoscopic instrument: This tubular member of the present invention is formed like a tube, and is connected to an end of a sheath. The tubular member comprises: a main body portion; a sheath receiving portion which is disposed at at least one end of the main body portion, and which is engaged... Agent: Ostrolenk Faber Gerb & Soffen

20070112248 - Drill unit with camera: A drill unit equipped with a camera, a body of which has a camera hole at the center, and two holes formed to the left and right side of the camera hole 4 including a discharge hole 2 for discharging air and water to the drilled portion, and a suction... Agent: Venable LLP

20070112249 - Endoscope: An endoscope of the present invention includes, a swing table operating portion configured to operate an instrument swing table on a user's side, and a control mechanism configured to control swinging of the instrument swing table so that, when operating the swing table operating portion at a constant speed, a... Agent: Thomas Spinelli Scully, Scott, Murphy & Presser

20070112251 - Apparatuses and methods for delivering one or more deliverables into a body: Apparatuses and methods for delivering one or more deliverables into a body are provided. In some embodiments, apparatuses for delivering one or more deliverables into a body are provided, the apparatuses comprising: a sheath; an endoscope having a distal portion and a proximal portion and including a microfiberoptic disposed at... Agent: Rodman Rodman

20070112250 - Insertion support tool for medical instrument and insertion method for medical instrument: An insertion support tool which is detachably attached to a large-intestine endoscope including an elongated inserting portion which is inserted into a lumen is provided, and an external sheath which is extendable and contractible in an inserting direction of the inserting portion and a cover member which is arranged outside... Agent: Ostrolenk Faber Gerb & Soffen

20070112252 - Anatomical visualization system: An improved anatomical visualization system which is adapted to augment a standard video endoscopic system with a coordinated computer model visualization system so as to enhance a physician's understanding of the patient's interior anatomical structure.... Agent: Mark J. Pandiscio Pandiscio & Pandiscio, P.C.

20070112253 - Endoscope light source unit: An endoscope light source unit including a light source, for making illumination light incident on a light guide of an endoscope which is disconnectably connected to the endoscope light source unit, the endoscope light source unit includes an aperture device including aperture openings of different opening ratios which are selectively... Agent: Greenblum & Bernstein, P.L.C

20070112254 - Optical instrument: An optical instrument has an outer shank (15) with a viewing window (31) arranged near the free shank end and a handle part (1) at the other end of the outer shank. An opto-electrical a transducer (26) is rotatably arranged within the outer shank, and is attached on an inner... Agent: Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld L.L.P.

20070112255 - Electric bending endoscope: An electric bending endoscope includes a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of a motor as a state value indicating the driving state of a bending drive unit. A bending control device comprises: a temperature detection unit that receives the data of the temperature detected by the temperature sensor; a... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20070112256 - Switch-type imaging fiber apparatus and branch-type imaging fiber apparatus: A switch-type imaging fiber apparatus and a branch-type imaging fiber apparatus are provided. Light emitted from a laser light source is made incident on an opening of an IF (image fiber) guided by a GM (galvanometer), output from an optical system provided at a leading end portion of the IF,... Agent: Venable LLP

20070112257 - Laryngoscope: A laryngoscope has a laryngoscope spatula, a handle, and an illumination device for illuminating the oral and pharyngeal cavity, the illumination device having at least a first light-radiating element, which is arranged on the laryngoscope spatula and, when operating, radiates a cone of light with an angle of beam spread.... Agent: St. Onge Steward Johnston & Reens, LLC

20070112258 - Standardization methods for correcting spectral differences across multiple spectroscopic instruments: The invention relates to systems and methods for measuring properties of samples with standardized spectroscopic systems. The methods can include (i) measuring, with a first spectroscopic system, spectra of at least three different reference targets; (ii) calibrating the first spectroscopic system; (iii) measuring, with the first spectroscopic system, a spectrum... Agent: Fish & Richardson PC

20070112259 - Vital information measuring device: A vital information measuring device includes: a first light emitter for outputting light having a first wavelength; a second light emitter for outputting light having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength; a light detector for detecting the light outputted from the first light emitter and the light outputted... Agent: Sidley Austin LLP

20070112260 - Manual and automatic probe calibration: Embodiments of the present disclosure include an optical probe capable of communicating identification information to a patient monitor in addition to signals indicative of intensities of light after attenuation by body tissue. The identification information may indicate operating wavelengths of light sources, indicate a type of probe, such as, for... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20070112261 - Automobile glucose sensor monitoring system and method for using the same: An automobile monitoring system is for monitoring patient body characteristics. The automobile monitoring system includes at least one sensor to monitor at least one patient body characteristic, at least one transmitter operatively coupled to the at least one sensor to communicate sensor data, at least one monitor operatively coupled to... Agent: Medtronic Minimed Inc.

20070112262 - Electrode holder, headwear, and wire jacket adapted for use in sleep apnea testing: An electrode holder is adapted for cooperating with a strap applied to a body part of a patient to hold a surface electrode to the skin. The electrode holder includes a base and a post projecting from the base. The post is adapted for extending through the strap and into... Agent: Schwartz Law Firm, P.C. Southpark Towers

20070112263 - Optically powered and optically data-transmitting wireless intraocular pressure sensor device: An optically powered and optically data-transmitting wireless intraocular pressure sensor device for detecting excessive intraocular pressure above a predetermined threshold pressure, comprising a pressure switch that is sized and configured to be placed in an eye, wherein said pressure switch is activated when the intraocular pressure is higher than the... Agent: Fish & NeaveIPGroup Ropes & Gray LLP

20070112264 - Delay-compensated calculation of tissue blood flow: Methods for computing perfusion parameters are described. The methods are typically used to analyze magnetic resonance (MR) and other image data and to calculate tissue perfusion parameters such as blood flow in the brain or in tissues in other organs such as the heart. The methods employ a block-circulant matrix... Agent: Fish & Richardson PC

20070112265 - Fluid injection system providing visual stimuli: A fluid injection system includes an injector comprising a drive mechanism and an illumination device, a fluid container operably associated with the drive mechanism, and a control device operably associated with the drive mechanism. The control device comprises a computer screen having at least one element affiliated with the illumination... Agent: Gregory L Bradley Medrad Inc

20070112268 - Sheath for use with an ultrasound element: A system for delivering ultrasound energy to a treatment section in a vessel is disclosed. The system includes a sheath with a utility lumen and an energy delivery section at least partially constructed from a material which transmits ultrasound energy. The system also includes a drug delivery member having a... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20070112266 - Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus: An ultrasonograph comprising a probe (10) for transmitting/receiving an ultrasonic wave to/from a subject, a transmitting section (12) for supplying a drive signal to the probe (10), a receiving section (12) for receiving a reflection echo signal outputted from the probe (10), image constructing sections (17, 19, 21) for reconstructing... Agent: Antonelli, Terry, Stout & Kraus, LLP

20070112267 - Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprises a displacement measuring section (109) for measuring the displacement of an organism tissue of a subject (100) according to a reflection echo signal received correspondingly when an ultrasonic wave is transmitted from a probe (101) to the subject (100), an elastic image creating section for... Agent: Cooper & Dunham, LLP

20070112269 - Clutter filtering with small ensemble lengths in ultrasound imaging: An ultrasound imaging system comprising: a probe (10) with an array of transducer elements (12) for acquiring ultrasound data of a body, including moving tissue and fluid flow; a beamforming system (10, 12, 14, 16) for emitting and receiving ultrasound beams in said body, which uses, for each transmission beam,... Agent: Philips Medical Systems Philips Intellectual Property & Standards

20070112270 - Ultrasonic imaging apparatus: An ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes an ultrasonic probe (2) for receiving and transmitting ultrasonic waves from/to an object (1), ultrasound image structuring means (6) for generating an ultrasound image from a reflected echo signal received by the ultrasonic probe, elastic image structuring means (7) for... Agent: Antonelli, Terry, Stout & Kraus, LLP

20070112271 - Ultrasonic probe: There is provided an ultrasonic probe that can transmit and receive ultrasonic waves with high sensitivity and can drive an ultrasonic transducing part smoothly at high speed. The ultrasonic probe according to the present invention includes: an ultrasonic transducing part 101 for transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave; an outer... Agent: Hamre, Schumann, Mueller & Larson P.C.

20070112272 - Ultrasonic probe with a needle clip and method of using same: A compact ultrasound needle guidance system and method of use is described. The needle guidance system has components to adjustably target a needle's destination in the plane of a two-dimensional ultrasound image before insertion of a needle into a patient. Needle movement is tracked using a position detector that provides... Agent: Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney PC

20070112273 - Measurement system and method for use in determining the patient's condition: A measurement system and method are presented for use in detecting a predetermined condition of a patient's ear indicative of a certain disease such as SOM and SOM. The system comprises an optical measuring unit and a control unit connectable to the output of the measuring unit. The optical measuring... Agent: Browdy And Neimark, P.l.l.c. 624 Ninth Street, Nw

20070112274 - Wireless communication system for pressure monitoring: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a wireless communication system for use with a blood pressure monitor system. The wireless communication system includes a portable unit that connects to a typical pressure transducer and a monitor interface unit that connects to a typical vital signs monitor. The portable unit... Agent: Inskeep Intellectual Property Group, Inc

20070112275 - Medical intervention indicator methods and systems: An approach for improving the chances of survival of an individual who has received a trauma including, for example, hemorrhage or blunt injury, by providing more relevant information regarding the individual to first responders including at least one of heart rate variability index value, a baroreflex sensitivity value, and a... Agent: Office Of The Staff Judge Advocate U.s. Army Medical Research And Materiel Command

20070112276 - Differentiating arrhythmic events having different origins: Methods, systems, and computer program products differentiate between arrhythmic events having different origins. An implantable medical device detects the arrhythmic events. At least one method involves receiving electrograms representing arrhythmic events and sorting the arrhythmic events into groups based on similarities between the electrograms and/or differences between the electrograms. The... Agent: Schwegman, Lundberg, Woessner & Kluth, P.A.

20070112277 - Apparatus and method for the measurement and monitoring of bioelectric signal patterns: A wireless apparatus and method for the measurement and monitoring of bioelectric signal patterns associated with EEG, EOG and EMG readings is provided. The apparatus is comprised of at least one measurement device employing the use of three bioelectric sensing electrodes, wherein at least one of the electrodes is configured... Agent: Patent Docket Administrator Lowenstein Sandler P.C.

20070112278 - Measurement of eeg reactivity: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for assessing the reactivity observable in a certain physiological signal, especially the EEG signal, of a comatose subject. In order to obtain an objective and a reliable measure of the reactivity automatically and without the presence of a trained EEG specialist, a... Agent: Andrus, Sceales, Starke & Sawall, LLP

20070112279 - System and method for performing a hearing screening: A hearing screening system for testing hearing abilities of a patient includes an otoacoustic emission (OAE) module operable to perform OAE tests, a tympanometry (tymp) module operable to perform tymp tests, and at least one probe in communication with at least one of the OAE and tymp modules. The probe... Agent: Mcandrews Held & Malloy, Ltd

20070112280 - Placental-blood extraction device: A placental-blood extraction device comprising at least one extraction needle (10, 11) for piercing the vein of the umbilical cord and/or of the placenta, and a collection vessel (20) connected to said at least one needle (10, 11) via at least one tube (40), the device further comprising suction means... Agent: Sughrue Mion, PLLC

20070112281 - Cap with revolving body for a dermal tissue lancing device: A cap for a dermal tissue lancing device includes a retainer and a ring-shaped cap body. The retainer has a proximal end configured for engagement with the dermal tissue lancing device, a distal end with a cap body engagement feature and an opening. The ring-shaped cap body has a distal... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20070112282 - Composite medical device with markers: Medical devices and methods of manufacturing medical devices. The medical devices include an elongate member having a proximal portion and a distal portion and a connector assembly disposed adjacent the elongated member to connect the proximal and distal portions, the connector assembly including a radiopaque marker.... Agent: Crompton, Seager & Tufte, LLC

20070112283 - Biological information pressure sensor and biological information pressure detector: A biological information pressure sensor having a planer shape disposed on an elastic support element for supporting a human body, for detecting an external force due to one or both of a load variation caused by the human body and vibration generated by the human body. The sensor includes a... Agent: Oblon, Spivak, Mcclelland, Maier & Neustadt, P.C.

20070112284 - Multi-mode pelvic exercise probe: A perineometer exercise probe for home or clinical use assesses the strength of pelvic floor muscles and provides audible, visual and tactile biofeedback signals as training aids during pelvic exercises. The exercise probe is selectively operable in a passive reaction mode, in which audible, visual and tactile biofeedback signals proportional... Agent: Dennis T. Griggs

20070112285 - Sensor device for gait enhancement: A foot sensor device and method for gait enhancement, the device including: (a) a sensor unit having a casing, the sensor unit for disposing within a shoe of a user, the sensor unit for sensing a parameter associated with a gait event; (b) an electronic communication unit, electrically associated with... Agent: Dr. Mark M. Friedman C/o Bill Polkinghorn - Discovery Dispatch

20070112286 - Device to measure acceleration and deceleration of hip rotation: Hip rotation measuring device with an accelerometer, a micro-controller, a printed circuit board, a memory chip, a power supply such as batteries, an on-off switch, a start-stop recording switch, an acceleration direction switch an audible sound generator, a readout display such as an LCD display, standard support electronics such as... Agent: Robert Prichard

20070112287 - System and method for detecting deviations in nominal gait patterns: A monitoring device having a system and method for detecting deviations in nominal gait patterns is provided. The monitoring device is configured for at least partial insertion within an auditory canal of an individual. The system employed in the monitoring device is comprised of at least an accelerometer configured for... Agent: Patent Docket Administrator Lowenstein Sandler P.C.

20070106108 - Brachytherapy apparatus and methods for using them: Apparatus for delivering brachytherapy to a target tissue region includes an elongate body including a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a tissue tract and carrying a plurality of elongate members including pathways for receiving a source of radiation. The elongate members are movable between collapsed and... Agent: VistaIPLaw Group LLP

20070106109 - Device for stone therapy and sexual stimulation: A rock, stone, semi-precious crystal, or mineral stone material(s) shaped and formed to be used to provide and improve sexual stimulation to a user. The rock, stone, semi-precious crystal, or mineral stone sexual stimulation tool is of a sufficient weight and size to reproduce the weight and sensation of a... Agent: Rossi, Kimms & Mcdowell LLP.

20070106110 - Sexercise ball: A Sexual Stimulated Apparatus attached to A Rubber handle Exercise Ball that is mounted..... Agent: Ronald A. Clark

20070106111 - Apparatus and method for frame acquisition rate control in an in-vivo imaging device: An in-vivo imaging system and a method for operation. The system may include an in-vivo imaging device having a light source and an imager, and a processor to process a control signal produced based on two or more images captured by the imager and to use the control signal to... Agent: Pearl Cohen Zedek Latzer, LLP

20070106112 - Device, system and method for in-vivo imaging of a body lumen: An in vivo device, system and a method for imaging a body lumen, typically liquid filled body lumen. The in vivo device may have a specific gravity of about 1 or a volume to weight ratio that enables it to float. The in vivo device may include a sensor, for... Agent: Pearl Cohen Zedek Latzer, LLP

20070106113 - Combination endoscopic operative delivery system: An endoscope for performing minimally invasive surgery includes along a portion of its length a means such as a groove for slidingly engaging with a corresponding means such as a tongue in a second endoscope and guiding the second endoscope into the patient. Multiple endoscope may be connected together and... Agent: 24ip Law Group Usa, PLLC

20070106114 - Endoscope-shape monitoring system: An endoscope-shape monitoring system is provided that is used to grasp a shape of a flexible insertion portion. The endoscope-shape monitoring system includes a position detecting system, a bending determinator, and a bendable-portion-shape reproducing processor. The position detecting system detects positions of both ends of a bendable portion of the... Agent: Greenblum & Bernstein, P.L.C

20070106115 - Endoscope-shape monitoring system: An endoscope shape monitoring system that is used to grasp a shape of a flexible insertion portion is provided that includes a position detector and a determining processor. The position detector detects a plurality of positions of the insertion portion along the central axis of the insertion portion at predetermined... Agent: Greenblum & Bernstein, P.L.C

20070106116 - Endoscope-shape monitoring system: An endoscope shape monitoring system that is used to grasp a shape of a flexible insertion portion is provided. The endoscope shape monitoring system includes a plurality of coils. The coils are used as a magnetic sensor. The coils are disposed on a flexible portion of the insertion portion. The... Agent: Greenblum & Bernstein, P.L.C

20070106117 - Intubation assistance apparatus: An intubation assistance apparatus includes a main body having a proximal end portion; an intubation assistance instrument having an elongated insertion section for insertion into a target site or its vicinity of a patient from a mouth cavity of the patient, the inserting section being formed with a tube guide... Agent: Greenblum & Bernstein, P.L.C

20070106118 - Endoscope insertion unit, endoscope and endoscope system: The present invention is an endoscope system comprising an endoscope provided with a distal end inserted into a subject body and a proximal end having a site capable of being held by a physician and provided with an endoscope insertion unit having a first flexible portion arranged on the distal... Agent: Thomas Spinelli Scully, Scott, Murphy & Presser

20070106119 - Endoscope: An endoscope includes an insertion portion formed in an elongated cylindrical shape; and a cylindrical shaped image pickup adaptor, the pickup adaptor comprising, an electric device arranged on the distal end side thereof, and a proximal end side of the image pickup adaptor being attached to and removed from the... Agent: Ostrolenk Faber Gerb & Soffen

20070106120 - Endoscope: An endoscope includes an insertion portion to be inserted into a subject body; an observation optical member provided in a distal end portion of the insertion portion; at least two first illumination members each of which is arranged around the observation optical member and has an axis defined by a... Agent: Ostrolenk Faber Gerb & Soffen

20070106122 - Intubation assistance apparatus: An intubation assistance apparatus includes a main body; an insertion instrument having an elongated insertion section for insertion into a trachea or its vicinity of a patient from a mouth cavity of the patient; and an imaging device for acquiring an image of an observation site at a distal end... Agent: Greenblum & Bernstein, P.L.C

20070106121 - Intubation assistance apparatus and intubation assistance used in the apparatus: An intubation assistance apparatus includes a main body and an intubation assistance instrument detachably mounted to the main body. The intubation assistance instrument has an elongated insertion section for insertion into the trachea or its vicinity of a patient from the mouth. The insertion section of the intubation assistance instrument... Agent: Greenblum & Bernstein, P.L.C

20070106123 - Minimally invasive retractor and methods of use: A device, system and method for orthopedic spine surgery using a novel screw-based retractor, disclosed herein, that allows for access to the spine through a minimally or less invasive approach. The retractor device is designed to be coupled to a pedicle screw and then to have opposed arms of the... Agent: Carter, Deluca, Farrell & Schmidt, LLP

20070106127 - Automated patient monitoring and counseling system: An automated, computerized system for vicariously and remotely monitoring the conditions of a patient, providing professional counseling, and coaching the patient into sound behavior and health-enhancing activities. A computerized central installation receives, over a public communication network, patient's vital sign measurements such as blood pressure, glucose level and pulse rate.... Agent: Charmasson, Buchaca & Leach, LLP

20070106125 - Biosensor capable of setting standard measuring values: A biosensor capable of setting standard measuring values includes a detecting unit coupled with an analog-to-digital converting unit, and the analog-to-digital converting unit is coupled to a processor, and the processor is coupled separately with a setting unit, a display unit, a data storage unit, a reminding unit, and a... Agent: Bacon & Thomas, PLLC

20070106128 - Computer assisted surgery system: The invention a computer assisted surgery system comprising a base; a telescopic mast, movable between an unextended state and an extended state, having at least first, second and third elongated portions, the third elongated portion being inserted at least partially into the second elongated portion and the second elongated portion... Agent: Plevy & Howard & Darcy P.C.

20070106130 - Detection of congestion from monitoring patient response to a recumbent position: Systems and methods obtain information that allows detection of whether a patient suffers from congestion by monitoring a response of the patient to a recumbent position of the patient's body. The patient may be monitored to determine a respiration pattern for a non-recumbent position such as standing and a respiration... Agent: Schwegman, Lundberg, Woessner & Kluth, P.A.

20070106129 - Dietary monitoring system for comprehensive patient management: A patient management system includes a device, an interactive display, a repeater unit, and a host. The device assesses at least one dietary condition of a patient. The interactive display receives patient input related to the patient's dietary conditions and communicates dietary feedback to the patient. The system may also... Agent: Schwegman, Lundberg, Woessner & Kluth/bsc-crm

20070106126 - Patient monitoring alarm escalation system and method: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a patient monitoring alarm escalation system and method. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention include an alarm detection device configured to measure physiological data received via a patient monitor, the alarm detection device configured to initiate an alarm in response to predefined measurements... Agent: Michael G. Fletcher Fletcher Yoder

20070106124 - Safety check system, method, and program, and memory medium for memorizing program therefor: A safety check system of the invention is equipped with a safety detection device attached to a body of a checked person, a server for accumulating various pieces of information, and a terminal of a checker for executing a safety check of the checked person, wherein the detection device is... Agent: Reed Smith LLP

20070106132 - Monitoring device, method and system: A monitoring device (20) and system (50) for monitoring the vital signs of a user is disclosed herein. The monitoring device (20) is preferably an article (25), an optical sensor (30) and a circuitry assembly (35). The monitoring device (20) preferably provides for the display of the following information about... Agent: Impact Sports Technologies, Inc.

20070106131 - Physiological signal monitoring apparatus for measuring physiological signals of a living subject: A health care system includes a health care provider and a physiological signal monitoring apparatus communicated with the health care provider via a network. The monitoring apparatus includes a physiological signal measuring module for measuring the physiological records of a living subject, and a transmission interface for transmitting the measured... Agent: Bruce H. Troxell Suite 1404

20070106134 - Medical sensor and technique for using the same: A sensor is provided that is appropriate for transcutaneous detection of tissue or blood constituents. A sensor for tissue constituent detection may include a gas collection chamber with a conduit to a sensing component and a conduit from the sensing component to the chamber. A sensor as provided may also... Agent: Michael G. Fletcher Fletcher Yoder

20070106133 - Monitoring of vital signs and performance levels: A monitoring device (10) for monitoring vital signs includes a housing (12). Signal input components (21) are positioned in the housing to receive an electrical signal carrying data representing at least one vital sign of a subject. Wireless communications circuitry (18) is mounted in the housing (12) and is connected... Agent: Alive Technologies Pty Ltd

20070106135 - Method and system for providing basal profile modification in analyte monitoring and management systems: Method and system for providing basal profile modification in insulin therapy for use with infusion devices includes periodically monitoring the analyte levels of a patient for a predetermined period of time in order to determine, based on the monitored analyte levels, an appropriate modification factor to be incorporated into the... Agent: Jackson & Co., LLP

20070106136 - Method and apparatus for processing signals reflecting physiological characteristics: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for processing signals reflecting a physiological characteristic by detecting the intensity of light following tissue absorption at two wavelengths and subtracting the best estimate of the desired signal from the difference between the signals. Corrected first and second intensity signals are determined by... Agent: Ralph C. Francis

20070106137 - Pulse oximetry signal correction using near infrared absorption by water: A method and system for measuring a physiological parameter, comprising collecting a first absorbance at a first wavelength, chosen to be primarily absorbed by water; collecting a second absorbance at a second wavelength, chosen to be primarily absorbed by hemoglobin; and combining the first signal and the second signal to... Agent: Fletcher Yoder (tyco International, Ltd.)

20070106138 - Intraoral apparatus for non-invasive blood and saliva monitoring & sensing: Controlled-specimen-sampling oral devices are described, implanted or inserted into an oral cavity, built onto a prosthetic tooth crown, a denture plate, braces, a dental implant, or the like. The devices are replaced as needed. The controlled specimen sampling may be passive, based on a dosage form, or electro-mechanically controlled, for... Agent: Martin D. Moynihan Prtsi, Inc.

20070106139 - Blood glucose measurement device and metabolic rate measurement device: Measurement of blood flow rate in a convenient manner has been enabled by using a simple device constitution and a simple signal processing technique. A measurement mechanism having both the function of measuring temperature of the measurement site and the function of applying a thermal load to the measurement site... Agent: Antonelli, Terry, Stout & Kraus, LLP

20070106140 - Method for use of microdialysis: The data followed the mathematical models. For cases in which the concentration of free drug in the medium outside the probe was constant or changed very slowly, the concentration calibration plots were linear. In simulated first order uptake studies, the PMD and direct donor sampling data were in nearly exact... Agent: Jean B. Mauro

20070106141 - Electrode structure for measuring electrical responses from the human body: The invention relates to an electrode structure (10) for attachment to a more extensive measuring structure (11), in order to measure electrical responses from the human body. The electrode structure (10) includes a conductive electrode (1). According to the invention, the electrode (1) is shaped to be thin in the... Agent: Birch Stewart Kolasch & Birch

20070106143 - Electrode arrays and related methods: Various embodiments of an electrode array system and related methods are disclosed. The system may include a probe assembly having a plurality of probes configured to penetrate tissue of a patient and a guide assembly having a plurality of guiding channels. Each of the guiding channels may be configured to... Agent: Leslie I. Bookoff Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow,

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