Surgery inventions 10/08

20080262286 - Specific inhibition of cpla2 enhances the efficacy of radiotherapy: A method for increasing the radiosensitivity of a target tissue in a subject is disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods includes administering a cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) antagonist to the subject, whereby the radiosensitivity of the target tissue is increased. Also disclosed are methods for suppressing tumor growth in a... Agent: Jenkins, Wilson, Taylor & Hunt, P. A.

20080262287 - System for delivery of magnetic stimulation: A system for delivering magnetic stimulation to a subject that has a magnetic stimulation coil, a power source, and a patient-positioning device is provided. The magnetic stimulation coil is movably connected to patient-positioning device for fixably positioning the magnetic stimulation coil to stimulate a region of a subject and electrically... Agent: Tips Group C/o Intellevate LLC

20080262289 - Blood pump having a passive non-contacting bearing suspension: There is provided a non-contact, passively suspended blood pump that includes (a) a housing; (b) a pump rotor within the housing, wherein the pump rotor has a first end and a second end, and an axis of rotation; (c) a first axial thrust bearing across a first axial gap, between... Agent: Ohlandt, Greeley, Ruggiero & Perle, LLP

20080262288 - Physiologic pulsatile pump: A pulsatile blood circulating pump system that is adapted for use in cardiopulmonary bypass, ventricular assist (LVAD, RVAD, BiVAD), ECMO, organ preservation, fetal cardiac bypass, cancer treatment, and various areas of circulation research, which can be controlled in such a way as to produce a desired blood flow that closely... Agent: James E. Brunton, Esq.

20080262290 - Implantable sling having bladder support: Surgical implants operative to simultaneously function as a pubovaginal sling for the treatment of incontinence and as a support member to effectuate cystocele repair. The implant comprises a first sling portion operative to be positioned beneath the urethra, per conventional pubovaginal sling surgery. The implant further includes a second bladder... Agent: Inskeep Intellectual Property Group, Inc

20080262291 - Constriction device for male organ to obviate erectile dysfunction: A constriction device (100) for a male organ (170) of a user comprising: a substantially portable base (110); at least two bands (140, 150), each comprising of an elastic central ring (141, 151) tightly adjustable onto said base; each elastic central ring (141, 151) tightly encircling male organ (170) upon... Agent: Fleit Gibbons Gutman Bongini & Bianco Pl

20080262292 - Method and device for wireless energy transmission from a magnet coil system to a working capsule: In a method and device for wireless energy transmission between a magnetic coil system, having multiple excitation coils located outside of a patient, to a working capsule located in the patient, the working capsule has at least one induction coil, and a positioning device determines the position and orientation of... Agent: Schiff Hardin, LLP Patent Department

20080262293 - Endoscopic operation assisting device: An endoscopic operation assisting device includes a first handle member and a second handle member, which are openable and closable. The first handle member includes, at the side of an opening and closing surface portion thereof, a groove forming an insertion section holding hole for holding an insertion section of... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20080262294 - Endoscopic system with disposable sheath: An endoscopic system includes a sheath having a flexible sheath body. A tip is attached to a distal end of the sheath body. A handle is attached to the proximal end of the sheath body. A steerable section may be provided in the sheath adjacent to the tip. Steering controls... Agent: Levine Bagade Han LLP

20080262295 - Methods and devices for viewing anatomic structure: Disclosed herein are various systems and methods for improving the visualization of an optical device, in particular a medical device. The device can include a lens cover that provides an offset between the distal end of an endoscope and the surrounding environment. At least a portion of the lens cover... Agent: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP

20080262296 - Endoscope system: An endoscope system (1) is provided with a flexible forceps insertion portion (i.e., a treatment tool insertion portion) (6) at whose distal end is provided a forceps distal end portion (i.e., a treatment tool distal end portion) (5) that receives forwards or backwards driving force and opens and closes to... Agent: Ostrolenk Faber Gerb & Soffen

20080262298 - In-vivo image display apparatus and receiving system: A viewer includes a display unit. The display unit has a first display area for displaying an in-vivo image obtained by a first capsule endoscope received from a first receiver, and second display areas for displaying in-vivo images obtained by second capsule endoscopes received from second receivers. The viewer displays... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20080262297 - System and method for image-based alignment of an endoscope: Systems and methods for endoscopic procedures employ a first technique to ensure initial correct alignment of an endoscope (100) with a desired target (10). A reference image (51) is then acquired from an imaging arrangement associated with the endoscope. During a subsequent stage of the procedure, tracking of the endoscope... Agent: Inskeep Intellectual Property Group, Inc

20080262299 - Electronic endoscope apparatus: An electronic endoscope apparatus includes: an electronic endoscope having a power amplifier for transmitting by radio or by cable an image pickup signal obtained from an image sensor; and a low noise amplifier for receiving the image pickup signal transmitted by radio and by cable. The apparatus further includes: a... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20080262302 - Endoluminal and transluminal surgical methods and devices: An access device adapted and configured to be inserted through a natural biological orifice, and related surgical methods are provided. The access device includes a body, a nozzle means and means for delivering a pressurized flow of fluid to the nozzle means. The body is configured and dimensioned to be... Agent: Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge LLP

20080262300 - Endoscopic system with disposable sheath: An endoscopic system includes a sheath having a flexible sheath body. A tip is attached to a distal end of the sheath body. A handle is attached to the proximal end of the sheath body. A steerable section may be provided in the sheath adjacent to the tip. Steering controls... Agent: Levine Bagade Han LLP

20080262301 - Steerable overtube: A steerable overtube is provided having an elongate shaft comprising an oversized accessory channel that is configured for the introduction and advancement of elongate medical devices having relatively large cross-sections. The distal end of the overtube shaft is bendable or deflectable in at least one direction, and is preferably includes... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20080262303 - System for detecting position of capsule endoscope in subject: A system is for detecting a position of a device. The device is swallowed, passes through a subject, and includes a magnetic field generator generating a constant magnetic field. The system also includes a position transducer. The position transducer includes a magnetic detector detecting an intensity of a magnetic field... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20080262306 - Electric bending endoscope: In the present invention, a remote control operation portion has a joystick provided therein, whose position is sensed by a potentiometer. Further, the joystick includes a gear, and engagement of the gear with a gear provided in a rotation axis of a servo motor allows the joystick to be moved... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20080262307 - Endoscope system, program and endoscope system control method: An endoscope system having a two-stage depression button provided in an operation portion of an endoscope; a first switch changing from off to on by a first stage depressing operation of the depression button and maintaining the on state after the first stage; a second switch changing from off to... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20080262304 - In-vivo sensing system device and method for real time viewing: A system, device and method for a real time viewing of an in-vivo site. The in-vivo sensing system may include, for example an in-vivo sensing device (4), a receiver/recorder (6), a workstation (50), a portable device (40) and/or a portable memory (60). The receiver/recorder, the workstation and the portable device... Agent: Pearl Cohen Zedek Latzer, LLP

20080262305 - Rotary self-advancing endoscope system, program, and method for driving rotary self-advancing endoscope system: A rotary self-advancing endoscope system which produces propulsion by rotating, with a motor, a rotating cylindrical body provided on an outer periphery side of an insertion portion main body and causes the insertion portion main body to move forward into an examinee's body, wherein the system is configured to periodically... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20080262308 - Method and system for performing continuous flow endoscopy: A fluid irrigation system comprises a small, flexible endoscope and a flexible sheath which is positioned coaxially over the endoscope. A working channel of the endoscope provides a path for introducing an irrigant fluid into a target body lumen or cavity. The irrigant and other fluids may then be removed... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP

20080262309 - Endoscope and rotary self-propelled endoscope: An endoscope of the present invention includes an insertion portion including a bending portion, an operation portion separate from the insertion portion, a bending operation wire that is inserted through the insertion portion and used for bending the bending portion in a predetermined direction with tugging in a forward/backward tugging... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20080262310 - Electric bending endoscope: In the present invention, a logical block of an FPGA is configured by a serial communication unit, a serial communication control portion, an EEPROM controller, an abnormal signal processing portion, an LED controller, an operation mode controller, a DPRAM, a clutch signal input portion, a jig substrate input output portion,... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20080262311 - Electric bending endoscope device: An electric bending endoscope device includes an endoscope with a driving unit, a control unit and an operation portion with a bending instruction portion. The operation portion includes a correction algorithm calculating portion in which the output range of instruction signal of the joystick is converted to coincide with the... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20080262314 - Apparatus and methods for measuring vibrations using spectrally-encoded endoscopy: An apparatus and method according to an exemplary embodiment of to the present invention can provide imaging information associated with at least one portion of a sample. For example, at least two first different wavelengths of at least one first electromagnetic radiation within a first wavelength range may be provided... Agent: Dorsey & Whitney LLP Intellectual Property Department

20080262313 - Electronic gastrointestinal screening: Gastrointestinal screening includes disposing a self-contained electronic capsule in a gastrointestinal tract. The electronic capsule is adapted to acquire data that is responsive to one or more physical conditions in the gastrointestinal tract and to compare the acquired data with stored threshold data to generate a discrete output relating to... Agent: Philips Intellectual Property & Standards

20080262312 - Shadowing pipe mosaicing algorithms with application to esophageal endoscopy: In connection with imaging an inner surface of a body lumen, a mosaiced image is created from discrete images or a video produced with a small camera, as the camera is moved through the lumen. In one embodiment, a tethered capsule with a scanning optical fiber provides the images, although... Agent: Law Offices Of Ronald M Anderson

20080262315 - Inspection method with endoscope: An endoscopic inspection method includes staining step and super magnified observation step. In the staining step, a distal end surface of a distal end portion of an endoscope which includes a distal end opening of a channel and a first lens that forms a super high-power observation optical system is... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20080262316 - Light source apparatus and endoscope provided with light source apparatus: A light source apparatus of the present invention comprises a semiconductor light emitting device which emits light, a wavelength converting member which receives the light emitted by the semiconductor light emitting device and emits light of a wavelength longer than that of the original light, and a wavelength selecting member... Agent: Hogan & Hartson L.L.P.

20080262317 - Light-source driver for portable endoscope: A light-source driver for a light-source unit detachable from an endoscope body of a portable endoscope is provided. The light-source driver includes a first switch, a pilot lamp, a warning lamp, a second switch, and a light-switching block. The first switch switches its status between the On-state and Off-state in... Agent: Greenblum & Bernstein, P.L.C

20080262318 - Minimally open interbody access retraction device and surgical method: Devices, systems and methods for minimally open orthopedic spine surgery are disclosed. A first flexible screw-based retractor is designed to be coupled to each pedicle screw inserted into adjacent vertebral bodies. A retractor system is provided in which a first retractor blade is mounted to one of the screws and... Agent: Carter, Deluca, Farrell & Schmidt, LLP

20080262319 - Device for measuring brain parameters: A device (1) is used for measuring brain parameters. This device has a catheter sensor unit (2) which can be implanted distally in a minimally-invasive manner in the parenchyma and/or the ventricles, guided through the cranial bone (4). The sensor unit (2) can be fixed proximally to the cranial bone.... Agent: Browdy And Neimark, P.l.l.c. 624 Ninth Street, Nw

20080262320 - System for monitoring a physical parameter of a subject: A system for monitoring a physical parameter of a subject includes a sensor, a transmitter, a repeater, and a base station. The sensor is located within the body of the subject and is operable to sense a physical parameter of the subject. The transmitter is electrically connected to the sensor,... Agent: Quarles & Brady LLP

20080262321 - Early detection of harmful agents: method, system and kit: A portable system for detecting agents present in a sample is disclosed. The system comprises a sensing device, having a substrate formed with a plurality of reaction chambers and a plurality of channels interconnecting at least a portion of the plurality of reaction chambers, wherein at least a portion of... Agent: Martin D. Moynihan Prtsi, Inc.

20080262322 - Indicator metrics for infection monitoring: A method for monitoring an infection in proximity to an implantable medical device includes monitoring an indicator of infection in proximity to an implanted medical device; determining whether the indicator crosses a first threshold indicative of infection for a first period of time; and issuing a first alert if the... Agent: Campbell Nelson Whipps, LLC

20080262323 - Multi-parameter infection monitoring: Methods for monitoring an infection in proximity to an implantable medical device include monitoring a first indicator of infection in proximity to a medical device implanted in a patient; monitoring a second patient parameter; and determining whether the combination of the first indicator and the second parameter are indicative of... Agent: Campbell Nelson Whipps, LLC

20080262324 - Measurement head for non-invasive blood analysis: The present invention provides an efficient approach of attaching and fixing a measurement head for a spectroscopic system to a variety of different parts of the skin of a patient. The measurement head preferably features a compact design providing a flexible handling and offering a huge variety of application areas... Agent: Philips Intellectual Property & Standards

20080262325 - Tissue profile wellness monitor: A tissue profile wellness monitor measures a physiological parameter, generates a tissue profile, defines limits and indicates when the tissue profile exceeds the defined limits. The physiological parameter is responsive to multiple wavelengths of optical radiation after attenuation by constituents of pulsatile blood flowing within a tissue site. The tissue... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20080262326 - Signal processing method and apparatus for processing a physiologic signal such as a photoplethysmography signal: A signal processing method of processing a physiologic signal, such as a Photoplethysmography Signal having at least some cardiac components and/or respirator components in the physiologic signal, the processing including the steps of: Identifying a potential cardiac and or respiratory components of a physiologic signal wherein the potential cardiac and... Agent: Blynn L. Shideler The Blk Law Group

20080262327 - Apparatus for evaluating biological function, a method for evaluating biological function, a living body probe, a living body probe mounting device, a living body probe support device and a living body probe mounting accessory: The apparatus for evaluating biological function of the present invention has living body probes 1, a behavioral information measuring part 2 and an apparatus body 3, and it utilizes near-infrared spectroscopy to evaluate biological function; apparatus body 3 has a controller 8 for calculating (based on light information from living... Agent: Jacobson Holman PLLC

20080262328 - Pulse oximetry grip sensor and method of making same: A probe for use with a pulse oximeter apparatus is disclosed, as are a fixture for and a method of making the probe. The probe includes a housing and two fiber optic bundles. The first bundle has an emitter portion at one end, and is used for conducting light from... Agent: Gregory L Bradley Medrad Inc

20080262329 - Analyte monitoring device and methods of use: An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted... Agent: Jackson & Co., LLP

20080262330 - Analyte sensors and compositions for use therein: The present invention relates to analyte sensors and compositions, membranes for use in analyte sensors. For example, an analyte sensor is provided that comprise an electrode surface comprising an enzyme; an a biocompatible analyte permeable composition comprising a nitric oxide generating agent.... Agent: Goodwin Procter LLP Patent Administrator

20080262331 - Infection monitoring: Implantable medical devices include a sensor capable of detecting an indicator of infection in proximity to the device. Sensed information regarding the indicator of infection is provided to the device for a time period of between two hours and six months after the device is implanted. A determination may be... Agent: Campbell Nelson Whipps, LLC

20080262332 - Infection monitoring: A method includes monitoring an indicator of infection in proximity to an implanted active therapy delivering medical device and providing information regarding the monitored indicator to the implanted medical device. The method further includes determining whether the information regarding the monitored indicator is indicative of infection in proximity to the... Agent: Campbell Nelson Whipps, LLC

20080262333 - Analytical method and investigation system: Metabolism diseases are evaluated by using a sensor to measure concentration of a medically significant analyte in a human or animal body fluid. The measurement data are correlated with the concentration of a medically significant analyte in body fluid over a time period of at least eight hours. An analytical... Agent: Roche Diagnostics Operations Inc.

20080262334 - Method and device for predicting physiological values: The invention relates generally to methods, systems, and devices for measuring the concentration of target analytes present in a biological system using a series of measurements obtained from a monitoring system and a Mixtures of Experts (MOE) algorithm. In one embodiment, the present invention describes a method for measuring blood... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20080262336 - Physiological signal detection module, multi-channel connector module and physiological signal detection apparatus using the same: Provided is a physiological signal detection module which has a heating member and a multi-channel connector. The heating member maintains an electrode's contact with a user skin at a constant temperature, and the multi-channel connector module for electrical connection transmits the physiological signal to an external physiological signal detection apparatus.... Agent: Blakely Sokoloff Taylor & Zafman LLP

20080262335 - Skin screw electrode: Electrodes providing excellent recording and physical stability. The present invention encompasses electrodes that include a plurality of small teeth that possess a novel design shape and orientation. The shallow and relatively long teeth preferably run parallel to the rim of the electrode that presses against the patient's skin. When the... Agent: Reed Smith LLP

20080262337 - Method and apparatus for mapping and/or ablation of cardiac tissue: An apparatus for mapping and/or ablating tissue includes a braided conductive member that may be inverted to provide a ring-shaped surface. When a distal tip of the braided conductive member is retracted within the braided conductive member, the lack of protrusion allows the ring-shaped surface to contact a tissue wall... Agent: Wolf Greenfield & Sacks, P.C.

20080262338 - Method and apparatus for electromagnetic navigation of a magnetic stimulation probe: A system and method is disclosed that can be used to track and navigate an instrument relative to a patient. The system can include an electromagnetic tracking system to track an electromagnetic stimulation probe, such as a transcranial magnetic stimulation probe. The system can, according to various embodiments, provide a... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20080262339 - Magnetic resonance imaging of amyloid plaque in the brain: Amyloid plaque in the brain of a subject is imaged in an MRI system with or without the use of a contrast agent. Contrast is achieved using a spin-echo pulse sequence that is both respiratory gated and cardiac gated to reduce motion artifacts at the very high image resolution required... Agent: Quarles & Brady LLP

20080262340 - Moving table mri: The invention relates to a MRI system and to a method for producing an image with such an system. In order to provide a MR imaging technique with a high efficient MR signal acquisition, which provides a high level of comfort to a patient, a MRI system and method are... Agent: Philips Intellectual Property & Standards

20080262341 - Active blood vessel sleeve methods and systems: Methods, apparatuses, computer program products, devices and systems are described that include accepting one or more blood vessel sleeve dimensions based on blood vessel data from an individual; and making a rapid-prototyped blood vessel sleeve at least partly based on the one or more blood vessel sleeve dimensions.... Agent: Searete LLC Clarence T. Tegreene

20080262342 - Ct-enhanced fluoroscopy: Real-time, enhanced imaging of remote areas, too minute for CT imaging, is made possible through a probe having a radiopaque tip as well as radiopaque volume markers. When deployed, the markers outline the space containing the tip such that both the tip and the volume containing the tip are viewable... Agent: Inskeep Intellectual Property Group, Inc

20080262343 - Device for detecting spatial position: The invention relates to a device for detecting spatial position, which can be attached via a mounting device to a surgical instrument, which has a longitudinal axis, wherein the mounting device has a through opening, which is penetrated by the instrument, wherein the mounting device is mounted so as to... Agent: Lackenbach Siegel, LLP

20080262345 - Image registration of multiple medical imaging modalities using a multiple degree-of-freedom-encoded fiducial device: Disclosed is a system and method for registering images from two medical imaging modalities in a six-degree-of-freedom coordinate space, for the purpose of providing real time registered imagery for optimization of medical procedures. The system and method uses fiducial that is visible to the first imager and in a fixed... Agent: Mckenna Long & Aldridge LLP

20080262344 - Relative value summary perfusion map: Disclosed is a system and method for diagnosing a perfusion condition in the human brain. The process used includes measuring parameter values at a location of interest in one hemisphere and determining relative differences between those measured values against values measured at a substantially symmetrically opposite location in the other... Agent: Lathrop & Gage Lc

20080262346 - Method and apparatus for blood vessel parameter determinations: An apparatus and method for the determination of the flow, the coronary reserve and relative coronary reserve of a specific coronary artery. The apparatus and method employ a three-dimensional model (50) providing the volume of a segment of the artery at a plurality of points in time, and disclose various... Agent: Ladas & Parry

20080262347 - Method and apparatus for monitoring integrity of an implanted device: A system for detecting the integrity of a previously implanted prosthetic device may include a detector including a sensor configured to detect signals from the implant and securing means for securing the sensor in a sensing position relative to the implantable device. The system also may include a power source... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20080262348 - Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and control method thereof: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus generates volume data by performing three-dimensional scan of a three-dimensional region with an ultrasonic wave. An input unit sets or changes at least one of a plurality of correlated scan conditions for the three-dimensional scan. A determination unit determines the other scan conditions of the plurality... Agent: Oblon, Spivak, Mcclelland Maier & Neustadt, P.C.

20080262349 - Ultrasonic cancer treatment enhancer and cell killer: There is provided an ultrasonic cancer treatment enhancer and cell killer that can significantly improve the effect of treating cancer by ultrasonic irradiation while ensuring a high level of safety. The ultrasonic cancer treatment enhancer and cell killer comprise metal semiconductor particles and can be activated upon ultrasonic irradiation to... Agent: Carrier Blackman And Associates

20080262350 - Ultrasound apparatus and method to treat an ischemic stroke: An apparatus and a method are disclosed to treat a patient sustaining cerebral ischemia or an ischemic stroke in the brain. The method supplies an ultrasound emitting device 100 comprising a plurality of ultrasound transducers (180) and emitting first ultrasound energy by the ultrasound emitting device, where that first ultrasound... Agent: Dale F. Regelman

20080262352 - Clutter suppression in ultrasonic imaging systems: A method for ultrasonic imaging includes transmitting ultrasonic radiation toward a target and receiving the ultrasonic radiation reflected from a region of the target. A main reflected signal and an auxiliary reflected signal are defined. The reflected signals have different respective main and auxiliary beam patterns. A difference between the... Agent: Fleit Gibbons Gutman Bongini & Bianco Pl

20080262353 - Method and apparatus for fast volume rendering of 3d ultrasound image: The invention provides a method and apparatus for fast volume rendering of 3D ultrasound image, comprising a dividing step, a calculating step, a determining step, a morphological closing operation step and a filling step, wherein each flat grid can be entirely filled by obtaining gray-scale values for all pixels inside... Agent: Mindray C/o Stoel Rives LLP

20080262351 - Microbeamforming transducer architecture: A method for ultrasound imaging utilizes microbeamforming within a transducer probe in electrical communication with a base ultrasound system. The transducer elements are arranged in sub-arrays or subsets, and the transducer includes a cross-point/summation switch in communication with each sub-array, and the base ultrasound system. In the microbeamforming operation, the... Agent: Philips Intellectual Property & Standards

20080262354 - Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and method of generating ultrasonic image: The invention provides an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that scans an object to be examined into which contrast medium bubbles are injected with ultrasonic waves to acquire an ultrasonic image of the object. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an image data generating unit that generates a plurality of image data indicating... Agent: Oblon, Spivak, Mcclelland Maier & Neustadt, P.C.

20080262355 - Method and apparatus for fast 3d ultrasound imaging: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for fast 3D ultrasound imaging. The method comprises data acquisition, desired data selection, data smoothing, table construction, ray casting, table look-up, ray synthesis and final result output. The apparatus comprises an acquisition module, a selection module, a smoothing module, a construction module,... Agent: Mindray C/o Stoel Rives LLP

20080262356 - Systems and methods for ultrasound imaging using an inertial reference unit: Systems and methods for ultrasound imaging using an inertial reference unit are disclosed. In one embodiment, an ultrasound imaging system includes an ultrasound unit configured to ultrasonically scan at least one plane within a region of interest in a subject and generate imaging information from the scan. An inertial reference... Agent: Black Lowe & Graham, PLLC

20080262358 - Thermally enhanced piezoelectric element: A system and method for removing unwanted heat generated by a piezoelectric element of an ultrasound transducer. Some implementations have high thermal conductivity (HTC) material placed adjacent to the piezoelectric element. The HTC material can be thermally coupled to one or more heat sinks. Use of HTC material in conjunction... Agent: Davis Wright Tremaine, LLP/seattle

20080262357 - Transmit/receive circuitry for ultrasound systems: A transceiver for use in an ultrasound system is provided. The transceiver is configured to operate in a transmit mode and a receive mode. The transceiver comprises a high voltage switch, a low voltage switch and a resistor coupled to the high voltage switch and the low voltage switch.... Agent: General Electric Company Global Research

20080262359 - System and method providing intracoronary laser speckle imaging for the detection of vulnerable plaque: Apparatus and method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be provided for analyzing tissue. For example, the apparatus can include at least one first arrangement configured to illuminate at least one anatomical structure with at least one of at least one electro-magnetic radiation. The apparatus can... Agent: Dorsey & Whitney LLP Intellectual Property Department

20080262360 - Using respiration distress manifestations for heart failure detection: Systems and methods for diagnosing one or more respiration distress manifestations by implantably recognizing their occurrence and evaluating information about the same to provide an indication of present or impending worsening heart failure are discussed. Using information produced by an implantable respiration sensor circuit and an implantable physiological sensor circuit,... Agent: Schwegman, Lundberg & Woessner, P.A.

20080262361 - System and method for calibrating cardiac pressure measurements derived from signals detected by an implantable medical device: Various techniques are provided for calibrating and estimating left atrial pressure (LAP) using an implantable medical device, based on impedance, admittance or conductance parameters measured within a patient. In one example, default conversion factors are exploited for converting the measured parameters to estimates of LAP. The default conversion factors are... Agent: Pacesetter, Inc.

20080262362 - Non-invasive blood pressure determination method: A method for estimating systolic and diastolic pressure is disclosed herein. The method includes obtaining a predetermined type of blood pressure data from a patient, and providing previously acquired blood pressure data obtained from a plurality of different subjects. The method also includes implementing the previously acquired blood pressure data... Agent: Peter Vogel Ge Healthcare

20080262363 - Mobile hemodynamic and electrophysiological interface to physiological monitors and method of use: Certain embodiments provide systems and methods for patient monitoring using a mobile workstation and one or more patient monitors. Certain embodiments include selecting a patient monitor via a mobile physiological monitoring workstation; acquiring physiological data from the patient monitor; and displaying the physiological data at the mobile physiological monitoring workstation.... Agent: Mcandrews Held & Malloy, Ltd

20080262364 - Monitoring apparatus for monitoring a user's heart rate and/or heart rate variation; wristwatch comprising such a monitoring apparatus: Monitoring apparatus (4) for monitoring a user's heart rate and/or heart rate variation, the apparatus comprising: a capacitor (22) which is position able on or near a body part of a person, for example a person's limb, for example an arm (3), such that an electrical capacitance of the capacitor... Agent: Philips Intellectual Property & Standards

20080262365 - Detection and/or monitoring of diastolic heart failure: In an implantable medical device for detecting and/or monitoring the progression of diastolic heart failure (DHF), and a corresponding method, a parameter is measured that is indicative of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and a variable is also measured that is indicative of the workload of the patient, and a... Agent: Schiff Hardin, LLP Patent Department

20080262366 - Qt-interval measurement in the electrocardiogram: A method and apparatus for measuring the QT interval of an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal is provided wherein the end of the T wave is identified from ECG data. The end of the T wave is defined as the first time of intersection at which an upright T wave of a... Agent: Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti PC

20080262367 - General diagnostic and real-time applications of discrete hermite functions to digital data: The present invention relates to general diagnostic and real-time applications of discrete Hermite functions to digital data. More specifically, the invention relates to methods and systems for the application of dilated discrete digital Hermite functions (DDHF) to biomedical data, for example, to extract features from digital signals, including but not... Agent: Roetzel And Andress

20080262368 - Heart sound tracking system and method: A system and method provide heart sound tracking, including an input circuit, configured to receive heart sound information, and a heart sound recognition circuit. The heart sound recognition circuit can be coupled to the input circuit and can be configured to recognize, within a particular heart sound of a particular... Agent: Schwegman, Lundberg & Woessner, P.A.

20080262369 - Capnographic sampling catheter: The present invention seeks to provide a system for analyzing the exhaled breath of a subject, including a gas analyzer, sensitive to at least one component of the exhaled breath and a gas sampling catheter having a first end and a second end, the first end being in fluid flow... Agent: Empk & Shiloh, LLP C/o Landon Ip, Inc.

20080262370 - Gas sensor: A method of determining the respiratory function of a subject is disclosed, the method comprising measuring the concentration of water vapour in the gas stream exhaled by the subject, and from the measured water vapour concentration determining the respiratory function of the subject. Mathematical techniques for analyzing the data obtained... Agent: Nixon & Vanderhye, PC

20080262371 - Method for adaptive complex wavelet based filtering of eeg signals: A method for adaptive filtering of EEG signals in the wavelet domain using a nearly shift-invariant complex wavelet transform. EEG signal data is segmented into a set of K “trials” or “light averages” of M-frames of data each. These trials are overlapped by a number of frames P, where P<M.... Agent: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP

20080262373 - Automated polysomnographic assessment for rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder: Methods and systems for diagnosing or assessing rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD). Muscle tone or activity variance during rapid eye movement (REM) and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep intervals of a polysomnogram are compared. A threshold based on the NREM data is used to identify a subject-specific threshold... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20080262372 - Medical device adapted to the monitoring of muscle behaviour in patients: t

20080262375 - Apparatus for measuring tissue samples electrical impedance: Apparatus for measuring the electrical impedance of a tissue sample comprises a probe and a sheath comprising an elongated tubular body having one closed end and one open end providing an internal cavity. The sheath is composed of a material which when contacted with a tissue sample is capable of... Agent: Kirton And Mcconkie

20080262374 - Event triggered infection monitoring: Implantable medical devices include a sensor module capable of detecting an indicator of infection in proximity to the device. The sensor module is activated following a detection of an event associated with the device, such as, for example, refill of an implantable infusion device or implantation. The sensor module is... Agent: Campbell Nelson Whipps, LLC

20080262376 - Wireless sensor system for monitoring skin condition using the body as communication conduit: Devices and methods for measuring a local skin parameter or the presence or concentration of an analyte present in a biological medium are disclosed. A monitoring system comprising disposable sensor components and a network component for the collection of sensor information and for relaying this information for remote access and... Agent: D. Bommi Bommannan

20080262380 - Baseline acquisition for infection monitoring: A method includes obtaining a baseline value for an indicator of infection in proximity to an implantable medical device and monitoring the indicator of infection in proximity to the device. The method further includes determining whether the monitored indicator is indicative of infection in proximity to the device. The determination... Agent: Campbell Nelson Whipps, LLC

20080262378 - Implantable therapy delivery system having multiple temperature sensors: A system includes an implantable medical device and an implantable therapy delivery element. The device includes a housing, electronics disposed in the housing, and a first temperature sensor operably coupled to the electronics and located in proximity to the housing. The element has a proximal end portion configured to be... Agent: Campbell Nelson Whipps, LLC

20080262381 - Infant sid monitor based on accelerometer: Techniques, devices and systems that monitor the orientation and breathing of an infant and wirelessly communicate the orientation/breathing data to a caregiver through a wireless interface to request intervention if an unsafe situation is detected.... Agent: Fish & Richardson, PC

20080262379 - Refined infection monitoring: A method for monitoring infection in proximity to an implanted medical device includes monitoring an indicator of infection in proximity to the device and determining whether a value associated the indicator of infection crosses a first threshold indicative of infection. The method further includes detecting an event associated with the... Agent: Campbell Nelson Whipps, LLC

20080262377 - Respiratory system for inducing therapeutic hypothermia: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling a patient's body temperature and in particular for inducing therapeutic hypothermia. Various embodiments of the system are described. The system includes: a source of breathing gas, which may be in the form of a compressed breathing gas mixture; a heat... Agent: Shay Glenn LLP

20080262382 - Method and apparatus for acoustical outer ear characterization: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for characterizing acoustical properties of an outer ear 130, the method comprising the steps of: transmitting a first acoustic signal 125 towards the outer ear 130, receiving a second acoustic signal 150 from the outer ear 130, and characterizing acoustical properties... Agent: Philips Intellectual Property & Standards

20080262383 - Needle assembly with separable handle: A needle assembly comprising an outer cannula having a restraining element, an inner rod capable of being removably inserted into a hollow cross-section of the outer cannula, a handle having a flexible restraining member with a restraining nub and a protruding element whereby a force applied to the protruding element... Agent: John J. Brooks, Iii

20080262384 - Method and devices for screening cervical cancer: The present invention provides multi-parameter analysis methods for determining the presence or absence of pre-cancerous or cancerous cells in a cervical sample and for screening cervical abnormality in a cervical sample. The invention also provides an apparatus and automated methods for screening cervical abnormality in a sample. The invention further... Agent: Grossman, Tucker, Perreault & Pfleger, PLLC

20080262386 - Analytical system for detecting an analyte in a body fluid and disposable integrated puncturing and analyzing element: An analytical system for detecting an analyte in a body fluid comprises a disposable integrated puncturing and analyzing element and a reusable analytical system. The integrated puncturing and analyzing element includes a puncturing element having a tip for generating a puncture wound in a body part and an elongated flat... Agent: Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, Mcnett & Henry LLP

20080262385 - Backflow preventing structure of a blood sampler, luer adapter, blood sampling needle and blood sampling holder: A backflow preventing structure of a blood sampler capable of preventing backflow of blood positively without causing a significant increase in the number of components and cost. The backflow preventing structure of a blood sampler comprises a hub (3) as a tubular body having an internal channel (3a) extending from... Agent: Sughrue Mion, PLLC

20080262387 - Puncturing system: The invention relates to a puncturing system for generating a puncture wound for obtaining a sample of a body fluid, comprising a press-on part to be pressed onto a body part in which a puncture wound is to be generated, a triggering means, by the actuation of which a user... Agent: Bose Mckinney & Evans LLP

20080262388 - Puncturing system for collecting body fluid sample: The invention relates to a microsampler puncturing system for collecting a body fluid from a body part, comprising a sample collection unit having a piercing element, and a puncturing instrument having a drive, by which a sample collection unit is movable on a movement path for piercing the piercing element... Agent: Baker & Daniels LLP / Roche

20080262389 - Monitoring conditions of a patient's urinary system: A monitoring system and method are presented for use in monitoring a condition of a patient's urinary system. The monitoring system comprises an acoustic assembly comprising at least one acoustic receiver adapted for continuously receiving acoustic signals during a patient's urination and generating data indicative thereof. The monitoring system also... Agent: Oliff & Berridge, PLC

20080262390 - Fiducials for placement of tissue closures: Fiducial markings are placed on a patient to identify surgical parameters such as locations for an incision or a surgical closure.... Agent: Searete LLC Clarence T. Tegreene

20080262391 - Instrument for measuring the mechanical properties of vocal tissues: The present invention provides an instrument and method for measuring the viscoelastic properties of vocal tissues. A contact tip is attached to the tissue of interest and the linearly oscillated. Some of the linear oscillation results in the application of shear force to the tissue. A position sensor and a... Agent: Quarles & Brady LLP

20080262392 - Calibration techniques for activity sensing devices: Improved techniques and systems to calibrate an electronic device that is providing activity sensing are disclosed. The activity being sensed can, for example, correspond to walking or running by a user. In one embodiment, calibration can be performed by a portable electronic device so that activity data it receives from... Agent: Beyer Law Group LLP/apple Inc.

20080262286 - Specific inhibition of cpla2 enhances the efficacy of radiotherapy: A method for increasing the radiosensitivity of a target tissue in a subject is disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods includes administering a cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) antagonist to the subject, whereby the radiosensitivity of the target tissue is increased. Also disclosed are methods for suppressing tumor growth in a... Agent: Jenkins, Wilson, Taylor & Hunt, P. A.

20080262287 - System for delivery of magnetic stimulation: A system for delivering magnetic stimulation to a subject that has a magnetic stimulation coil, a power source, and a patient-positioning device is provided. The magnetic stimulation coil is movably connected to patient-positioning device for fixably positioning the magnetic stimulation coil to stimulate a region of a subject and electrically... Agent: Tips Group C/o Intellevate LLC

20080262289 - Blood pump having a passive non-contacting bearing suspension: There is provided a non-contact, passively suspended blood pump that includes (a) a housing; (b) a pump rotor within the housing, wherein the pump rotor has a first end and a second end, and an axis of rotation; (c) a first axial thrust bearing across a first axial gap, between... Agent: Ohlandt, Greeley, Ruggiero & Perle, LLP

20080262288 - Physiologic pulsatile pump: A pulsatile blood circulating pump system that is adapted for use in cardiopulmonary bypass, ventricular assist (LVAD, RVAD, BiVAD), ECMO, organ preservation, fetal cardiac bypass, cancer treatment, and various areas of circulation research, which can be controlled in such a way as to produce a desired blood flow that closely... Agent: James E. Brunton, Esq.

20080262290 - Implantable sling having bladder support: Surgical implants operative to simultaneously function as a pubovaginal sling for the treatment of incontinence and as a support member to effectuate cystocele repair. The implant comprises a first sling portion operative to be positioned beneath the urethra, per conventional pubovaginal sling surgery. The implant further includes a second bladder... Agent: Inskeep Intellectual Property Group, Inc

20080262291 - Constriction device for male organ to obviate erectile dysfunction: A constriction device (100) for a male organ (170) of a user comprising: a substantially portable base (110); at least two bands (140, 150), each comprising of an elastic central ring (141, 151) tightly adjustable onto said base; each elastic central ring (141, 151) tightly encircling male organ (170) upon... Agent: Fleit Gibbons Gutman Bongini & Bianco Pl

20080262292 - Method and device for wireless energy transmission from a magnet coil system to a working capsule: In a method and device for wireless energy transmission between a magnetic coil system, having multiple excitation coils located outside of a patient, to a working capsule located in the patient, the working capsule has at least one induction coil, and a positioning device determines the position and orientation of... Agent: Schiff Hardin, LLP Patent Department

20080262293 - Endoscopic operation assisting device: An endoscopic operation assisting device includes a first handle member and a second handle member, which are openable and closable. The first handle member includes, at the side of an opening and closing surface portion thereof, a groove forming an insertion section holding hole for holding an insertion section of... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20080262294 - Endoscopic system with disposable sheath: An endoscopic system includes a sheath having a flexible sheath body. A tip is attached to a distal end of the sheath body. A handle is attached to the proximal end of the sheath body. A steerable section may be provided in the sheath adjacent to the tip. Steering controls... Agent: Levine Bagade Han LLP

20080262295 - Methods and devices for viewing anatomic structure: Disclosed herein are various systems and methods for improving the visualization of an optical device, in particular a medical device. The device can include a lens cover that provides an offset between the distal end of an endoscope and the surrounding environment. At least a portion of the lens cover... Agent: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP

20080262296 - Endoscope system: An endoscope system (1) is provided with a flexible forceps insertion portion (i.e., a treatment tool insertion portion) (6) at whose distal end is provided a forceps distal end portion (i.e., a treatment tool distal end portion) (5) that receives forwards or backwards driving force and opens and closes to... Agent: Ostrolenk Faber Gerb & Soffen

20080262298 - In-vivo image display apparatus and receiving system: A viewer includes a display unit. The display unit has a first display area for displaying an in-vivo image obtained by a first capsule endoscope received from a first receiver, and second display areas for displaying in-vivo images obtained by second capsule endoscopes received from second receivers. The viewer displays... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20080262297 - System and method for image-based alignment of an endoscope: Systems and methods for endoscopic procedures employ a first technique to ensure initial correct alignment of an endoscope (100) with a desired target (10). A reference image (51) is then acquired from an imaging arrangement associated with the endoscope. During a subsequent stage of the procedure, tracking of the endoscope... Agent: Inskeep Intellectual Property Group, Inc

20080262299 - Electronic endoscope apparatus: An electronic endoscope apparatus includes: an electronic endoscope having a power amplifier for transmitting by radio or by cable an image pickup signal obtained from an image sensor; and a low noise amplifier for receiving the image pickup signal transmitted by radio and by cable. The apparatus further includes: a... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20080262302 - Endoluminal and transluminal surgical methods and devices: An access device adapted and configured to be inserted through a natural biological orifice, and related surgical methods are provided. The access device includes a body, a nozzle means and means for delivering a pressurized flow of fluid to the nozzle means. The body is configured and dimensioned to be... Agent: Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge LLP

20080262300 - Endoscopic system with disposable sheath: An endoscopic system includes a sheath having a flexible sheath body. A tip is attached to a distal end of the sheath body. A handle is attached to the proximal end of the sheath body. A steerable section may be provided in the sheath adjacent to the tip. Steering controls... Agent: Levine Bagade Han LLP

20080262301 - Steerable overtube: A steerable overtube is provided having an elongate shaft comprising an oversized accessory channel that is configured for the introduction and advancement of elongate medical devices having relatively large cross-sections. The distal end of the overtube shaft is bendable or deflectable in at least one direction, and is preferably includes... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20080262303 - System for detecting position of capsule endoscope in subject: A system is for detecting a position of a device. The device is swallowed, passes through a subject, and includes a magnetic field generator generating a constant magnetic field. The system also includes a position transducer. The position transducer includes a magnetic detector detecting an intensity of a magnetic field... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20080262306 - Electric bending endoscope: In the present invention, a remote control operation portion has a joystick provided therein, whose position is sensed by a potentiometer. Further, the joystick includes a gear, and engagement of the gear with a gear provided in a rotation axis of a servo motor allows the joystick to be moved... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20080262307 - Endoscope system, program and endoscope system control method: An endoscope system having a two-stage depression button provided in an operation portion of an endoscope; a first switch changing from off to on by a first stage depressing operation of the depression button and maintaining the on state after the first stage; a second switch changing from off to... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20080262304 - In-vivo sensing system device and method for real time viewing: A system, device and method for a real time viewing of an in-vivo site. The in-vivo sensing system may include, for example an in-vivo sensing device (4), a receiver/recorder (6), a workstation (50), a portable device (40) and/or a portable memory (60). The receiver/recorder, the workstation and the portable device... Agent: Pearl Cohen Zedek Latzer, LLP

20080262305 - Rotary self-advancing endoscope system, program, and method for driving rotary self-advancing endoscope system: A rotary self-advancing endoscope system which produces propulsion by rotating, with a motor, a rotating cylindrical body provided on an outer periphery side of an insertion portion main body and causes the insertion portion main body to move forward into an examinee's body, wherein the system is configured to periodically... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20080262308 - Method and system for performing continuous flow endoscopy: A fluid irrigation system comprises a small, flexible endoscope and a flexible sheath which is positioned coaxially over the endoscope. A working channel of the endoscope provides a path for introducing an irrigant fluid into a target body lumen or cavity. The irrigant and other fluids may then be removed... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP

20080262309 - Endoscope and rotary self-propelled endoscope: An endoscope of the present invention includes an insertion portion including a bending portion, an operation portion separate from the insertion portion, a bending operation wire that is inserted through the insertion portion and used for bending the bending portion in a predetermined direction with tugging in a forward/backward tugging... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20080262310 - Electric bending endoscope: In the present invention, a logical block of an FPGA is configured by a serial communication unit, a serial communication control portion, an EEPROM controller, an abnormal signal processing portion, an LED controller, an operation mode controller, a DPRAM, a clutch signal input portion, a jig substrate input output portion,... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20080262311 - Electric bending endoscope device: An electric bending endoscope device includes an endoscope with a driving unit, a control unit and an operation portion with a bending instruction portion. The operation portion includes a correction algorithm calculating portion in which the output range of instruction signal of the joystick is converted to coincide with the... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20080262314 - Apparatus and methods for measuring vibrations using spectrally-encoded endoscopy: An apparatus and method according to an exemplary embodiment of to the present invention can provide imaging information associated with at least one portion of a sample. For example, at least two first different wavelengths of at least one first electromagnetic radiation within a first wavelength range may be provided... Agent: Dorsey & Whitney LLP Intellectual Property Department

20080262313 - Electronic gastrointestinal screening: Gastrointestinal screening includes disposing a self-contained electronic capsule in a gastrointestinal tract. The electronic capsule is adapted to acquire data that is responsive to one or more physical conditions in the gastrointestinal tract and to compare the acquired data with stored threshold data to generate a discrete output relating to... Agent: Philips Intellectual Property & Standards

20080262312 - Shadowing pipe mosaicing algorithms with application to esophageal endoscopy: In connection with imaging an inner surface of a body lumen, a mosaiced image is created from discrete images or a video produced with a small camera, as the camera is moved through the lumen. In one embodiment, a tethered capsule with a scanning optical fiber provides the images, although... Agent: Law Offices Of Ronald M Anderson

20080262315 - Inspection method with endoscope: An endoscopic inspection method includes staining step and super magnified observation step. In the staining step, a distal end surface of a distal end portion of an endoscope which includes a distal end opening of a channel and a first lens that forms a super high-power observation optical system is... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20080262316 - Light source apparatus and endoscope provided with light source apparatus: A light source apparatus of the present invention comprises a semiconductor light emitting device which emits light, a wavelength converting member which receives the light emitted by the semiconductor light emitting device and emits light of a wavelength longer than that of the original light, and a wavelength selecting member... Agent: Hogan & Hartson L.L.P.

20080262317 - Light-source driver for portable endoscope: A light-source driver for a light-source unit detachable from an endoscope body of a portable endoscope is provided. The light-source driver includes a first switch, a pilot lamp, a warning lamp, a second switch, and a light-switching block. The first switch switches its status between the On-state and Off-state in... Agent: Greenblum & Bernstein, P.L.C

20080262318 - Minimally open interbody access retraction device and surgical method: Devices, systems and methods for minimally open orthopedic spine surgery are disclosed. A first flexible screw-based retractor is designed to be coupled to each pedicle screw inserted into adjacent vertebral bodies. A retractor system is provided in which a first retractor blade is mounted to one of the screws and... Agent: Carter, Deluca, Farrell & Schmidt, LLP

20080262319 - Device for measuring brain parameters: A device (1) is used for measuring brain parameters. This device has a catheter sensor unit (2) which can be implanted distally in a minimally-invasive manner in the parenchyma and/or the ventricles, guided through the cranial bone (4). The sensor unit (2) can be fixed proximally to the cranial bone.... Agent: Browdy And Neimark, P.l.l.c. 624 Ninth Street, Nw

20080262320 - System for monitoring a physical parameter of a subject: A system for monitoring a physical parameter of a subject includes a sensor, a transmitter, a repeater, and a base station. The sensor is located within the body of the subject and is operable to sense a physical parameter of the subject. The transmitter is electrically connected to the sensor,... Agent: Quarles & Brady LLP

20080262321 - Early detection of harmful agents: method, system and kit: A portable system for detecting agents present in a sample is disclosed. The system comprises a sensing device, having a substrate formed with a plurality of reaction chambers and a plurality of channels interconnecting at least a portion of the plurality of reaction chambers, wherein at least a portion of... Agent: Martin D. Moynihan Prtsi, Inc.

20080262322 - Indicator metrics for infection monitoring: A method for monitoring an infection in proximity to an implantable medical device includes monitoring an indicator of infection in proximity to an implanted medical device; determining whether the indicator crosses a first threshold indicative of infection for a first period of time; and issuing a first alert if the... Agent: Campbell Nelson Whipps, LLC

20080262323 - Multi-parameter infection monitoring: Methods for monitoring an infection in proximity to an implantable medical device include monitoring a first indicator of infection in proximity to a medical device implanted in a patient; monitoring a second patient parameter; and determining whether the combination of the first indicator and the second parameter are indicative of... Agent: Campbell Nelson Whipps, LLC

20080262324 - Measurement head for non-invasive blood analysis: The present invention provides an efficient approach of attaching and fixing a measurement head for a spectroscopic system to a variety of different parts of the skin of a patient. The measurement head preferably features a compact design providing a flexible handling and offering a huge variety of application areas... Agent: Philips Intellectual Property & Standards

20080262325 - Tissue profile wellness monitor: A tissue profile wellness monitor measures a physiological parameter, generates a tissue profile, defines limits and indicates when the tissue profile exceeds the defined limits. The physiological parameter is responsive to multiple wavelengths of optical radiation after attenuation by constituents of pulsatile blood flowing within a tissue site. The tissue... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20080262326 - Signal processing method and apparatus for processing a physiologic signal such as a photoplethysmography signal: A signal processing method of processing a physiologic signal, such as a Photoplethysmography Signal having at least some cardiac components and/or respirator components in the physiologic signal, the processing including the steps of: Identifying a potential cardiac and or respiratory components of a physiologic signal wherein the potential cardiac and... Agent: Blynn L. Shideler The Blk Law Group

20080262327 - Apparatus for evaluating biological function, a method for evaluating biological function, a living body probe, a living body probe mounting device, a living body probe support device and a living body probe mounting accessory: The apparatus for evaluating biological function of the present invention has living body probes 1, a behavioral information measuring part 2 and an apparatus body 3, and it utilizes near-infrared spectroscopy to evaluate biological function; apparatus body 3 has a controller 8 for calculating (based on light information from living... Agent: Jacobson Holman PLLC

20080262328 - Pulse oximetry grip sensor and method of making same: A probe for use with a pulse oximeter apparatus is disclosed, as are a fixture for and a method of making the probe. The probe includes a housing and two fiber optic bundles. The first bundle has an emitter portion at one end, and is used for conducting light from... Agent: Gregory L Bradley Medrad Inc

20080262329 - Analyte monitoring device and methods of use: An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted... Agent: Jackson & Co., LLP

20080262330 - Analyte sensors and compositions for use therein: The present invention relates to analyte sensors and compositions, membranes for use in analyte sensors. For example, an analyte sensor is provided that comprise an electrode surface comprising an enzyme; an a biocompatible analyte permeable composition comprising a nitric oxide generating agent.... Agent: Goodwin Procter LLP Patent Administrator

20080262331 - Infection monitoring: Implantable medical devices include a sensor capable of detecting an indicator of infection in proximity to the device. Sensed information regarding the indicator of infection is provided to the device for a time period of between two hours and six months after the device is implanted. A determination may be... Agent: Campbell Nelson Whipps, LLC

20080262332 - Infection monitoring: A method includes monitoring an indicator of infection in proximity to an implanted active therapy delivering medical device and providing information regarding the monitored indicator to the implanted medical device. The method further includes determining whether the information regarding the monitored indicator is indicative of infection in proximity to the... Agent: Campbell Nelson Whipps, LLC

20080262333 - Analytical method and investigation system: Metabolism diseases are evaluated by using a sensor to measure concentration of a medically significant analyte in a human or animal body fluid. The measurement data are correlated with the concentration of a medically significant analyte in body fluid over a time period of at least eight hours. An analytical... Agent: Roche Diagnostics Operations Inc.

20080262334 - Method and device for predicting physiological values: The invention relates generally to methods, systems, and devices for measuring the concentration of target analytes present in a biological system using a series of measurements obtained from a monitoring system and a Mixtures of Experts (MOE) algorithm. In one embodiment, the present invention describes a method for measuring blood... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20080262336 - Physiological signal detection module, multi-channel connector module and physiological signal detection apparatus using the same: Provided is a physiological signal detection module which has a heating member and a multi-channel connector. The heating member maintains an electrode's contact with a user skin at a constant temperature, and the multi-channel connector module for electrical connection transmits the physiological signal to an external physiological signal detection apparatus.... Agent: Blakely Sokoloff Taylor & Zafman LLP

20080262335 - Skin screw electrode: Electrodes providing excellent recording and physical stability. The present invention encompasses electrodes that include a plurality of small teeth that possess a novel design shape and orientation. The shallow and relatively long teeth preferably run parallel to the rim of the electrode that presses against the patient's skin. When the... Agent: Reed Smith LLP

20080262337 - Method and apparatus for mapping and/or ablation of cardiac tissue: An apparatus for mapping and/or ablating tissue includes a braided conductive member that may be inverted to provide a ring-shaped surface. When a distal tip of the braided conductive member is retracted within the braided conductive member, the lack of protrusion allows the ring-shaped surface to contact a tissue wall... Agent: Wolf Greenfield & Sacks, P.C.

20080262338 - Method and apparatus for electromagnetic navigation of a magnetic stimulation probe: A system and method is disclosed that can be used to track and navigate an instrument relative to a patient. The system can include an electromagnetic tracking system to track an electromagnetic stimulation probe, such as a transcranial magnetic stimulation probe. The system can, according to various embodiments, provide a... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20080262339 - Magnetic resonance imaging of amyloid plaque in the brain: Amyloid plaque in the brain of a subject is imaged in an MRI system with or without the use of a contrast agent. Contrast is achieved using a spin-echo pulse sequence that is both respiratory gated and cardiac gated to reduce motion artifacts at the very high image resolution required... Agent: Quarles & Brady LLP

20080262340 - Moving table mri: The invention relates to a MRI system and to a method for producing an image with such an system. In order to provide a MR imaging technique with a high efficient MR signal acquisition, which provides a high level of comfort to a patient, a MRI system and method are... Agent: Philips Intellectual Property & Standards

20080262341 - Active blood vessel sleeve methods and systems: Methods, apparatuses, computer program products, devices and systems are described that include accepting one or more blood vessel sleeve dimensions based on blood vessel data from an individual; and making a rapid-prototyped blood vessel sleeve at least partly based on the one or more blood vessel sleeve dimensions.... Agent: Searete LLC Clarence T. Tegreene

20080262342 - Ct-enhanced fluoroscopy: Real-time, enhanced imaging of remote areas, too minute for CT imaging, is made possible through a probe having a radiopaque tip as well as radiopaque volume markers. When deployed, the markers outline the space containing the tip such that both the tip and the volume containing the tip are viewable... Agent: Inskeep Intellectual Property Group, Inc

20080262343 - Device for detecting spatial position: The invention relates to a device for detecting spatial position, which can be attached via a mounting device to a surgical instrument, which has a longitudinal axis, wherein the mounting device has a through opening, which is penetrated by the instrument, wherein the mounting device is mounted so as to... Agent: Lackenbach Siegel, LLP

20080262345 - Image registration of multiple medical imaging modalities using a multiple degree-of-freedom-encoded fiducial device: Disclosed is a system and method for registering images from two medical imaging modalities in a six-degree-of-freedom coordinate space, for the purpose of providing real time registered imagery for optimization of medical procedures. The system and method uses fiducial that is visible to the first imager and in a fixed... Agent: Mckenna Long & Aldridge LLP

20080262344 - Relative value summary perfusion map: Disclosed is a system and method for diagnosing a perfusion condition in the human brain. The process used includes measuring parameter values at a location of interest in one hemisphere and determining relative differences between those measured values against values measured at a substantially symmetrically opposite location in the other... Agent: Lathrop & Gage Lc

20080262346 - Method and apparatus for blood vessel parameter determinations: An apparatus and method for the determination of the flow, the coronary reserve and relative coronary reserve of a specific coronary artery. The apparatus and method employ a three-dimensional model (50) providing the volume of a segment of the artery at a plurality of points in time, and disclose various... Agent: Ladas & Parry

20080262347 - Method and apparatus for monitoring integrity of an implanted device: A system for detecting the integrity of a previously implanted prosthetic device may include a detector including a sensor configured to detect signals from the implant and securing means for securing the sensor in a sensing position relative to the implantable device. The system also may include a power source... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20080262348 - Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and control method thereof: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus generates volume data by performing three-dimensional scan of a three-dimensional region with an ultrasonic wave. An input unit sets or changes at least one of a plurality of correlated scan conditions for the three-dimensional scan. A determination unit determines the other scan conditions of the plurality... Agent: Oblon, Spivak, Mcclelland Maier & Neustadt, P.C.

20080262349 - Ultrasonic cancer treatment enhancer and cell killer: There is provided an ultrasonic cancer treatment enhancer and cell killer that can significantly improve the effect of treating cancer by ultrasonic irradiation while ensuring a high level of safety. The ultrasonic cancer treatment enhancer and cell killer comprise metal semiconductor particles and can be activated upon ultrasonic irradiation to... Agent: Carrier Blackman And Associates

20080262350 - Ultrasound apparatus and method to treat an ischemic stroke: An apparatus and a method are disclosed to treat a patient sustaining cerebral ischemia or an ischemic stroke in the brain. The method supplies an ultrasound emitting device 100 comprising a plurality of ultrasound transducers (180) and emitting first ultrasound energy by the ultrasound emitting device, where that first ultrasound... Agent: Dale F. Regelman

20080262352 - Clutter suppression in ultrasonic imaging systems: A method for ultrasonic imaging includes transmitting ultrasonic radiation toward a target and receiving the ultrasonic radiation reflected from a region of the target. A main reflected signal and an auxiliary reflected signal are defined. The reflected signals have different respective main and auxiliary beam patterns. A difference between the... Agent: Fleit Gibbons Gutman Bongini & Bianco Pl

20080262353 - Method and apparatus for fast volume rendering of 3d ultrasound image: The invention provides a method and apparatus for fast volume rendering of 3D ultrasound image, comprising a dividing step, a calculating step, a determining step, a morphological closing operation step and a filling step, wherein each flat grid can be entirely filled by obtaining gray-scale values for all pixels inside... Agent: Mindray C/o Stoel Rives LLP

20080262351 - Microbeamforming transducer architecture: A method for ultrasound imaging utilizes microbeamforming within a transducer probe in electrical communication with a base ultrasound system. The transducer elements are arranged in sub-arrays or subsets, and the transducer includes a cross-point/summation switch in communication with each sub-array, and the base ultrasound system. In the microbeamforming operation, the... Agent: Philips Intellectual Property & Standards

20080262354 - Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and method of generating ultrasonic image: The invention provides an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that scans an object to be examined into which contrast medium bubbles are injected with ultrasonic waves to acquire an ultrasonic image of the object. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an image data generating unit that generates a plurality of image data indicating... Agent: Oblon, Spivak, Mcclelland Maier & Neustadt, P.C.

20080262355 - Method and apparatus for fast 3d ultrasound imaging: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for fast 3D ultrasound imaging. The method comprises data acquisition, desired data selection, data smoothing, table construction, ray casting, table look-up, ray synthesis and final result output. The apparatus comprises an acquisition module, a selection module, a smoothing module, a construction module,... Agent: Mindray C/o Stoel Rives LLP

20080262356 - Systems and methods for ultrasound imaging using an inertial reference unit: Systems and methods for ultrasound imaging using an inertial reference unit are disclosed. In one embodiment, an ultrasound imaging system includes an ultrasound unit configured to ultrasonically scan at least one plane within a region of interest in a subject and generate imaging information from the scan. An inertial reference... Agent: Black Lowe & Graham, PLLC

20080262358 - Thermally enhanced piezoelectric element: A system and method for removing unwanted heat generated by a piezoelectric element of an ultrasound transducer. Some implementations have high thermal conductivity (HTC) material placed adjacent to the piezoelectric element. The HTC material can be thermally coupled to one or more heat sinks. Use of HTC material in conjunction... Agent: Davis Wright Tremaine, LLP/seattle

20080262357 - Transmit/receive circuitry for ultrasound systems: A transceiver for use in an ultrasound system is provided. The transceiver is configured to operate in a transmit mode and a receive mode. The transceiver comprises a high voltage switch, a low voltage switch and a resistor coupled to the high voltage switch and the low voltage switch.... Agent: General Electric Company Global Research

20080262359 - System and method providing intracoronary laser speckle imaging for the detection of vulnerable plaque: Apparatus and method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be provided for analyzing tissue. For example, the apparatus can include at least one first arrangement configured to illuminate at least one anatomical structure with at least one of at least one electro-magnetic radiation. The apparatus can... Agent: Dorsey & Whitney LLP Intellectual Property Department

20080262360 - Using respiration distress manifestations for heart failure detection: Systems and methods for diagnosing one or more respiration distress manifestations by implantably recognizing their occurrence and evaluating information about the same to provide an indication of present or impending worsening heart failure are discussed. Using information produced by an implantable respiration sensor circuit and an implantable physiological sensor circuit,... Agent: Schwegman, Lundberg & Woessner, P.A.

20080262361 - System and method for calibrating cardiac pressure measurements derived from signals detected by an implantable medical device: Various techniques are provided for calibrating and estimating left atrial pressure (LAP) using an implantable medical device, based on impedance, admittance or conductance parameters measured within a patient. In one example, default conversion factors are exploited for converting the measured parameters to estimates of LAP. The default conversion factors are... Agent: Pacesetter, Inc.

20080262362 - Non-invasive blood pressure determination method: A method for estimating systolic and diastolic pressure is disclosed herein. The method includes obtaining a predetermined type of blood pressure data from a patient, and providing previously acquired blood pressure data obtained from a plurality of different subjects. The method also includes implementing the previously acquired blood pressure data... Agent: Peter Vogel Ge Healthcare

20080262363 - Mobile hemodynamic and electrophysiological interface to physiological monitors and method of use: Certain embodiments provide systems and methods for patient monitoring using a mobile workstation and one or more patient monitors. Certain embodiments include selecting a patient monitor via a mobile physiological monitoring workstation; acquiring physiological data from the patient monitor; and displaying the physiological data at the mobile physiological monitoring workstation.... Agent: Mcandrews Held & Malloy, Ltd

20080262364 - Monitoring apparatus for monitoring a user's heart rate and/or heart rate variation; wristwatch comprising such a monitoring apparatus: Monitoring apparatus (4) for monitoring a user's heart rate and/or heart rate variation, the apparatus comprising: a capacitor (22) which is position able on or near a body part of a person, for example a person's limb, for example an arm (3), such that an electrical capacitance of the capacitor... Agent: Philips Intellectual Property & Standards

20080262365 - Detection and/or monitoring of diastolic heart failure: In an implantable medical device for detecting and/or monitoring the progression of diastolic heart failure (DHF), and a corresponding method, a parameter is measured that is indicative of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and a variable is also measured that is indicative of the workload of the patient, and a... Agent: Schiff Hardin, LLP Patent Department

20080262366 - Qt-interval measurement in the electrocardiogram: A method and apparatus for measuring the QT interval of an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal is provided wherein the end of the T wave is identified from ECG data. The end of the T wave is defined as the first time of intersection at which an upright T wave of a... Agent: Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti PC

20080262367 - General diagnostic and real-time applications of discrete hermite functions to digital data: The present invention relates to general diagnostic and real-time applications of discrete Hermite functions to digital data. More specifically, the invention relates to methods and systems for the application of dilated discrete digital Hermite functions (DDHF) to biomedical data, for example, to extract features from digital signals, including but not... Agent: Roetzel And Andress

20080262368 - Heart sound tracking system and method: A system and method provide heart sound tracking, including an input circuit, configured to receive heart sound information, and a heart sound recognition circuit. The heart sound recognition circuit can be coupled to the input circuit and can be configured to recognize, within a particular heart sound of a particular... Agent: Schwegman, Lundberg & Woessner, P.A.

20080262369 - Capnographic sampling catheter: The present invention seeks to provide a system for analyzing the exhaled breath of a subject, including a gas analyzer, sensitive to at least one component of the exhaled breath and a gas sampling catheter having a first end and a second end, the first end being in fluid flow... Agent: Empk & Shiloh, LLP C/o Landon Ip, Inc.

20080262370 - Gas sensor: A method of determining the respiratory function of a subject is disclosed, the method comprising measuring the concentration of water vapour in the gas stream exhaled by the subject, and from the measured water vapour concentration determining the respiratory function of the subject. Mathematical techniques for analyzing the data obtained... Agent: Nixon & Vanderhye, PC

20080262371 - Method for adaptive complex wavelet based filtering of eeg signals: A method for adaptive filtering of EEG signals in the wavelet domain using a nearly shift-invariant complex wavelet transform. EEG signal data is segmented into a set of K “trials” or “light averages” of M-frames of data each. These trials are overlapped by a number of frames P, where P<M.... Agent: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP

20080262373 - Automated polysomnographic assessment for rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder: Methods and systems for diagnosing or assessing rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD). Muscle tone or activity variance during rapid eye movement (REM) and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep intervals of a polysomnogram are compared. A threshold based on the NREM data is used to identify a subject-specific threshold... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20080262372 - Medical device adapted to the monitoring of muscle behaviour in patients: t

20080262375 - Apparatus for measuring tissue samples electrical impedance: Apparatus for measuring the electrical impedance of a tissue sample comprises a probe and a sheath comprising an elongated tubular body having one closed end and one open end providing an internal cavity. The sheath is composed of a material which when contacted with a tissue sample is capable of... Agent: Kirton And Mcconkie

20080262374 - Event triggered infection monitoring: Implantable medical devices include a sensor module capable of detecting an indicator of infection in proximity to the device. The sensor module is activated following a detection of an event associated with the device, such as, for example, refill of an implantable infusion device or implantation. The sensor module is... Agent: Campbell Nelson Whipps, LLC

20080262376 - Wireless sensor system for monitoring skin condition using the body as communication conduit: Devices and methods for measuring a local skin parameter or the presence or concentration of an analyte present in a biological medium are disclosed. A monitoring system comprising disposable sensor components and a network component for the collection of sensor information and for relaying this information for remote access and... Agent: D. Bommi Bommannan

20080262380 - Baseline acquisition for infection monitoring: A method includes obtaining a baseline value for an indicator of infection in proximity to an implantable medical device and monitoring the indicator of infection in proximity to the device. The method further includes determining whether the monitored indicator is indicative of infection in proximity to the device. The determination... Agent: Campbell Nelson Whipps, LLC

20080262378 - Implantable therapy delivery system having multiple temperature sensors: A system includes an implantable medical device and an implantable therapy delivery element. The device includes a housing, electronics disposed in the housing, and a first temperature sensor operably coupled to the electronics and located in proximity to the housing. The element has a proximal end portion configured to be... Agent: Campbell Nelson Whipps, LLC

20080262381 - Infant sid monitor based on accelerometer: Techniques, devices and systems that monitor the orientation and breathing of an infant and wirelessly communicate the orientation/breathing data to a caregiver through a wireless interface to request intervention if an unsafe situation is detected.... Agent: Fish & Richardson, PC

20080262379 - Refined infection monitoring: A method for monitoring infection in proximity to an implanted medical device includes monitoring an indicator of infection in proximity to the device and determining whether a value associated the indicator of infection crosses a first threshold indicative of infection. The method further includes detecting an event associated with the... Agent: Campbell Nelson Whipps, LLC

20080262377 - Respiratory system for inducing therapeutic hypothermia: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling a patient's body temperature and in particular for inducing therapeutic hypothermia. Various embodiments of the system are described. The system includes: a source of breathing gas, which may be in the form of a compressed breathing gas mixture; a heat... Agent: Shay Glenn LLP

20080262382 - Method and apparatus for acoustical outer ear characterization: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for characterizing acoustical properties of an outer ear 130, the method comprising the steps of: transmitting a first acoustic signal 125 towards the outer ear 130, receiving a second acoustic signal 150 from the outer ear 130, and characterizing acoustical properties... Agent: Philips Intellectual Property & Standards

20080262383 - Needle assembly with separable handle: A needle assembly comprising an outer cannula having a restraining element, an inner rod capable of being removably inserted into a hollow cross-section of the outer cannula, a handle having a flexible restraining member with a restraining nub and a protruding element whereby a force applied to the protruding element... Agent: John J. Brooks, Iii

20080262384 - Method and devices for screening cervical cancer: The present invention provides multi-parameter analysis methods for determining the presence or absence of pre-cancerous or cancerous cells in a cervical sample and for screening cervical abnormality in a cervical sample. The invention also provides an apparatus and automated methods for screening cervical abnormality in a sample. The invention further... Agent: Grossman, Tucker, Perreault & Pfleger, PLLC

20080262386 - Analytical system for detecting an analyte in a body fluid and disposable integrated puncturing and analyzing element: An analytical system for detecting an analyte in a body fluid comprises a disposable integrated puncturing and analyzing element and a reusable analytical system. The integrated puncturing and analyzing element includes a puncturing element having a tip for generating a puncture wound in a body part and an elongated flat... Agent: Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, Mcnett & Henry LLP

20080262385 - Backflow preventing structure of a blood sampler, luer adapter, blood sampling needle and blood sampling holder: A backflow preventing structure of a blood sampler capable of preventing backflow of blood positively without causing a significant increase in the number of components and cost. The backflow preventing structure of a blood sampler comprises a hub (3) as a tubular body having an internal channel (3a) extending from... Agent: Sughrue Mion, PLLC

20080262387 - Puncturing system: The invention relates to a puncturing system for generating a puncture wound for obtaining a sample of a body fluid, comprising a press-on part to be pressed onto a body part in which a puncture wound is to be generated, a triggering means, by the actuation of which a user... Agent: Bose Mckinney & Evans LLP

20080262388 - Puncturing system for collecting body fluid sample: The invention relates to a microsampler puncturing system for collecting a body fluid from a body part, comprising a sample collection unit having a piercing element, and a puncturing instrument having a drive, by which a sample collection unit is movable on a movement path for piercing the piercing element... Agent: Baker & Daniels LLP / Roche

20080262389 - Monitoring conditions of a patient's urinary system: A monitoring system and method are presented for use in monitoring a condition of a patient's urinary system. The monitoring system comprises an acoustic assembly comprising at least one acoustic receiver adapted for continuously receiving acoustic signals during a patient's urination and generating data indicative thereof. The monitoring system also... Agent: Oliff & Berridge, PLC

20080262390 - Fiducials for placement of tissue closures: Fiducial markings are placed on a patient to identify surgical parameters such as locations for an incision or a surgical closure.... Agent: Searete LLC Clarence T. Tegreene

20080262391 - Instrument for measuring the mechanical properties of vocal tissues: The present invention provides an instrument and method for measuring the viscoelastic properties of vocal tissues. A contact tip is attached to the tissue of interest and the linearly oscillated. Some of the linear oscillation results in the application of shear force to the tissue. A position sensor and a... Agent: Quarles & Brady LLP

20080262392 - Calibration techniques for activity sensing devices: Improved techniques and systems to calibrate an electronic device that is providing activity sensing are disclosed. The activity being sensed can, for example, correspond to walking or running by a user. In one embodiment, calibration can be performed by a portable electronic device so that activity data it receives from... Agent: Beyer Law Group LLP/apple Inc.

20080255403 - Magnetic nanoparticle therapies: Various compositions, methods, and devices are provided that use fluorescent nanoparticles, which can function as markers, indicators, and light sources. The fluorescent nanoparticles can be formed from a fluorophore core surrounded by a biocompatible shell, such as a silica shell. In one embodiment, the fluorescent nanoparticles can be delivered to... Agent: Ethicon Endo-surgery/nutter, Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20080255404 - Medical device and using method thereof: Disclosed herein is a medical device including: a positioning catheter to be inserted into a blood vessel in the vicinity of an affected region; a treatment catheter to be inserted to reach the affected region; and attracting means provided at respective predetermined positions of both the catheters to apply a... Agent: Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney PC

20080255405 - Fluid pressure generating means: A fluid pressure generating means (10) for a heart assist device having blood pumping means. The pressure generating means (10) includes a housing (11), defining an interior volume (18), and having a substantially rigid first housing portion (12), a substantially rigid second housing portion (14), a flexible third housing portion... Agent: Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, LLPIPProsecution Department

20080255406 - Implantable auditory stimulation systems having a transducer and a transduction medium: Systems and methods for improving sound perception in a subject equipped with an implantable vibratory unit comprising a transducer and a transduction medium in which the transducer is disposed within or against the transduction medium. The transducer is configured to impart vibrations to a vibratory structure of a subject's ear... Agent: Casimir Jones, S.c.

20080255407 - Bi-directional system for dissecting and harvesting vessels: A method and apparatus for bi-directionally dissecting and harvesting a vessel includes a dissector device that is at least temporarily secured to a harvester device.... Agent: Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Corporation Attn: Gael Diane Tisack

20080255408 - Systems and methods of promoting endothelialization of a hybrid lower limb artery bypass vascular graft in a mammal: Hybrid synthetic grafts and embodiments of systems and methods for producing hybrid vascular grafts that can yield implantable grafts that combine synthetic grafts with living cells. Embodiments of systems can include a pressure/flow loop subsystem having an external flow loop system coupled to a specimen holder, where the pressure/flow loop... Agent: Rene A. Vazquez Williams Mullen

20080255410 - Capsule endoscope and manufacturing method thereof: A fitting section at which a cylindrical cover is fitted into a transparent cover, the cylindrical cover containing therein a CCD imager, and the transparent cover making visible light from a subject incident on the CCD imager, and being formed of a member transmitting laser light, is irradiated with laser... Agent: Ostrolenk Faber Gerb & Soffen

20080255409 - Process to improve the profitability of tests or treatments with endoscopy capsules: In a method for improving profitability of a medical procedure supervised through a medical facility, the medical procedure including ingestion of an endoscopy capsule by a patient of the medical facility, the endoscopy capsule is retrieved after being naturally voided by the patient after the endoscopy capsule traverses the gastrointestinal... Agent: Schiff Hardin, LLP Patent Department

20080255412 - Endoscopic barrel with connector: An endoscopic assembly for an endoscope is disclosed. The assembly comprises a ligator barrel having proximal and distal portions. The proximal portion has a seat and a receiving wall extending to a proximal end. The receiving wall has a first threaded portion formed thereon. The assembly further comprises a connector... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20080255411 - Tool for endoscope and endoscope system: An endoscope system includes a light source, a scope, a detector, an adjuster, and a tool. The light source emits illuminating light to illuminate a subject. The scope transmits the illuminating light for emission from the end of the scope. The detector detects the luminance and/or chromaticity of an entering... Agent: Greenblum & Bernstein, P.L.C

20080255413 - Powered surgical instrument: A surgical instrument including a housing, an endoscopic portion, a shaft portion and an end effector is disclosed. The endoscopic portion extends distally from the housing and defines a longitudinal axis. The shaft portion is selectively connectable to a distal end of the endoscopic portion. The end effector is selectively... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20080255415 - Endoscope processor: An endoscope processor comprising a touch-panel input unit, a mechanical switch unit, and a controller, is provided. The endoscope processor controls an endoscope system. The touch-panel input unit comprises a touch-panel monitor. A command to carry out a function of the endoscope system is input via a command-input display displayed... Agent: Greenblum & Bernstein, P.L.C

20080255414 - Fluorescent nanoparticle scope: Various compositions, methods, and devices are provided that use fluorescent nanoparticles to function as markers, indicators, and light sources. In one embodiment, an endoscopic adaptor is provided for viewing fluorescent nanoparticles. The adaptor can be configured to removably mate to a portion of an endoscope, such as an eyepiece, and... Agent: Ethicon Endo-surgery/nutter, Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20080255416 - Endoscope with miniature imaging arrangement: A miniature endoscope with an imaging arrangement associated with its distal tip portion includes an image sensor chip with a two-dimensional array of light-sensitive pixels and a lens arrangement deployed for focusing light from a field of view onto the image sensor chip so as to generate an image of... Agent: Dr. Mark Friedman Ltd. C/o Bill Polkinghorn

20080255417 - Method for reducing the friction of a medico-technical rubber tube: There are described a method for reducing the friction of a medico-technical rubber tube, according to which first a tube is produced of rubber and is then after-treated by annealing and/or washing, as well as an endoscope.... Agent: Standley Law Group LLP

20080255418 - Powered surgical instrument: A surgical instrument including a housing, an endoscopic portion, a drive gear, a drive motor, a shift motor and an end effector is disclosed. The endoscopic portion extends distally from the housing and defines a longitudinal axis. The drive gear is disposed at least partially within the housing and is... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20080255419 - Methods and devices for reducing reflection-illuminated artifacts: The present disclosure is generally directed towards methods and devices for reducing or eliminating reflection-illuminated artifacts. The methods and devices in several embodiments can include providing a transparent lens cover with a blocking member for reflecting or absorbing internally-reflected light. The lens cover can be attached at the distal end... Agent: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP

20080255420 - Surgical instrument: A surgical instrument having an instrument shaft having proximal and distal ends, a tool disposed from the distal end of the instrument shaft, a control handle coupled from the proximal end of the instrument shaft, a distal motion member for coupling the distal end of the instrument shaft to the... Agent: David M. Driscoll, Esq.

20080255421 - Articulating tool with improved tension member system: The invention provides surgical or diagnostic tools and associated methods that offer improved user control for operating remotely within regions of the body, and improved methods of assembling the tools. In some embodiments these tools include a proximally-located actuator for the operation of a distal end effector, as well as... Agent: Shay Glenn LLP

20080255422 - Medical device: A medical instrument which is inserted into a body cavity includes: an insertion part which has a bending part capable of bending in a predetermined range; a plurality of joint rings which are provided in the bending part and are connected to each other in the axial direction of the... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20080255423 - Medical device: A medical instrument for performing a medical procedure within a body cavity includes: an insertion part which is inserted into the body cavity and has a bending part capable of bending in a predetermined range; a manipulating part which manipulates the bending part; a wire which connects the bending part... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20080255424 - Endoscopes including distal chamber and related methods of use: Embodiments of the invention include an endoscope including a distal chamber and related methods of use, for example, with an endoscopic instrument.... Agent: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP

20080255425 - Nanoparticle treated medical devices: Various compositions, methods, and devices are provided that use fluorescent nanoparticles, which can function as markers, indicators, and light sources. The fluorescent nanoparticles can be formed from a fluorophore core surrounded by a biocompatible shell, such as a silica shell. In one embodiment, the fluorescent nanoparticles can be delivered to... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20080255426 - Autofluorescence endoscope system and light-source unit: An autofluorescence endoscope system including first and second exciting light sources, an exciting-light cut-off filter, an imaging device, a light-source controller, and an imaging device driver, is provided. The first and second exciting light sources emit first and second exciting light, respectively. The wavelengths of the first and second exciting... Agent: Greenblum & Bernstein, P.L.C

20080255427 - ligation apparatus and a ligation member: Provided is a grasper including an introduction tube that is capable of being inserted into a body cavity; an operational elongate body that is inserted into the introduction tube so as to advance and retract; and a clip that is attached to a distal end portion of the introduction tube... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20080255430 - Portable device with biometric sensor arrangement: The present invention is directed to a biometric sensor system 100 for measuring one or more physical or behavioral characteristic of a user, which system comprises: an information presenting unit 20 provided with a first sound presenting unit 22 and a second sound presenting unit 24 for operatively presenting sounds... Agent: Harrity Snyder, L.L.P.

20080255429 - Simulated secondary gain model with continuous feedback to diagnostic testing parameters and interpretation in a medical legal setting: The invention generally relates to compositions and methods for the use of a simulated secondary gain model for use in medical legal setting where there is dispute about the validity of a medical patient's injuries. This model is used to ascertain the false positive rate of a given diagnostic test... Agent: Christopher J. Centeno, M.d.

20080255428 - Systems and methods for active listening/observing and event detection: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of monitoring an environment comprising: monitoring at least one data stream wherein the data stream is a data stream in the environment; detecting a specified event from the data stream; and triggering a response to the specified event. Embodiments of the present... Agent: Mcandrews Held & Malloy, Ltd

20080255431 - Early detection and warning of harmful agents: A method of detecting the presence of harmful agents in the environment is disclosed. The method comprises: providing a plurality of portable agent detectors, placing the detectors on vectors in the environment, connecting the detectors over a communication network, and, upon detection of an agent by a first detector, signaling... Agent: Martin D. Moynihan Prtsi

20080255433 - Optoacoustic monitoring of multiple parameters: An optoacoustic technique for absolute, accurate, continuous, and real-time measurement of a variety of important diagnostic variables is disclosed, where the variables include: (1) noninvasive measurements of circulating blood volume (BV) and cardiac output (CO); (2) calculation from the measured variables of cardiac index (CI) and systemic oxygen delivery (DO2);... Agent: Robert W Strozier, P.l.l.c

20080255432 - Patient monitor with user-defined monitored parameters: In a medical monitoring system (10), one or more biometric monitors (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 66) collect data of a plurality of monitored biometric parameters. An expression evaluator (72) evaluates a user-defined expression incorporating one or more of the monitored biometric parameters to generate data for a user-defined... Agent: Philips Intellectual Property & Standards

20080255434 - Method and apparatus for providing data processing and control in medical communication system: Methods and apparatus for providing data processing and control for use in a medical communication system are provided.... Agent: Jackson & Co., LLP

20080255435 - Low noise oximetry cable including conductive cords: In an embodiment, one or more conductive cable cords are twisted with the sensitive signal carrying cables. The cords may advantageously comprise dummy wires, or very flexible hollow cables without an inner conductor. As the conductive cords do not carry and inner conductor, the conductive cords are individually flexible and... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20080255436 - Method for enhancing pulse oximery calculations in the presence of correlated artifacts: A method for determining a physiological parameter in the presence of correlated artifact, including obtaining two digital waveforms, x and y, the waveforms being representative of the absorption of two wavelengths of electromagnetic energy received from a blood-perfused tissue, and where each of the waveforms has a component corresponding to... Agent: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC Attn:IPLegal

20080255437 - Method and apparatus for providing data processing and control in medical communication system: Methods and apparatus for providing data processing and control for use in a medical communication system are provided.... Agent: Jackson & Co., LLP

20080255438 - System for monitoring physiological characteristics: Apparatuses and methods for medical monitoring physiological characteristic values such as blood glucose levels for the treatment of diabetes, are presented. The apparatuses and methods provide for preventing any negative consequence in the operation of a monitor and/or infusion device as a result of disorientation that may occur from waking... Agent: Gates & Cooper LLP Howard Hughes Center

20080255441 - Add-on for invasive probe: An invasive probe assembly including an invasive probe having a surface area and a tool carrier removably mounted on the invasive probe, including a substrate having an area smaller than 25% of the surface area of the probe and at least one tool mounted on the substrate. The layout of... Agent: Martin D. Moynihan Prtsi

20080255440 - Method of forming a sterilized sensor package and a sterilized sensor package: A sensor package is provided comprising an implantable sensor having an electrode area and an electric contact area, the package comprising a shielding packaging enclosing at least the electrode area of the sensor while exposing the electric contact area. The sensor package fascilitates handling of the implantable sensor and provides... Agent: Novo Nordisk, Inc. Intellectual Property Department

20080255439 - Microfabricated neural probes and methods of making same: An embodiment of the invention provides a neural probe (100) containing a plurality of nanoscale recording electrodes. The recording electrodes have a width of 1 micron or less and a distance between adjacent recording electrodes is 10 microns or less. Another embodiment of the invention provides a neural probe comprising... Agent: Foley And Lardner LLP Suite 500

20080255442 - Registration system and method: Methods and systems for registering the position of a body part of a patient with a computer aided surgery system are described. A computer implemented method includes determining the position of a plurality of points of the body part, fitting the points to a representation of the body part, determining... Agent: Philip S. Johnson, Esq. Johnson & Johnson

20080255443 - Hybrid imaging method to monitor medical device delivery and patient support for use in the method: This invention discloses a method and apparatus to deliver medical devices to targeted locations within human tissues using imaging data. The method enables the target location to be obtained from one imaging system, followed by the use of a second imaging system to verify the final position of the device.... Agent: Quarles & Brady LLP

20080255444 - Novel needle driver for magnetic resonance elastography: The present invention is directed toward an acoustic, piezoelectric, electric, electro-mechanical or pneumatically driven surface drum driver, in mechanical engagement with a biopsy or acupuncture needle device and a method for its use for diagnosis of small e.g. 100 microns, tumors via the production of magnetic resonance elastographic images (MRE),... Agent: Mchale & Slavin, P.A.

20080255445 - Planning method and system for free-form implant modification: A method for planning a bone implant ascertains a condition of a bone to be treated, and identifies a dysfunctional part of the bone. A free-form area then can be ascertained and registered, wherein the free-form area lies below the dysfunctional part. A control data set then is produced that... Agent: Don W. Bulson (brai)

20080255446 - System and method of integrating electromagnetic microsensors in guidewires: A system and method of integrating electromagnetic microsensors into interventional endovascular devices such as guidewires for tracking guidewires within vessels of the body with the use of a surgical navigation system.... Agent: Peter Vogel Ge Healthcare

20080255447 - Diagnostic catheter: A diagnostic catheter having both a guidewire lumen and at least one contrast lumen is disclosed. In one embodiment, the contrast lumens allow the user to deliver contrast to a target area within the patient without removing the guidewire. Preferably, a plurality of contrast exit ports are included along the... Agent: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation

20080255448 - User interface system and method for creating and managing ultrasound measurement-based calculations in ultrasound imaging system: An ultrasound imaging system (10) includes a display (16) for displaying an ultrasound image and an analysis package operatively connected to the image display. The analysis package provides a user the ability to manage an ultrasound measurement-based calculation. The analysis package facilitates the management of the measurement-based calculation by displaying... Agent: Philips Medical Systems Philips Intellectual Property & Standards

20080255449 - Ablation devices and methods with ultrasonic imaging: Ablation apparatus such as a catheter (10) carrying an ultrasonic ablation device (20) including an ablation transducer (42) and a balloon reflector structure (22, 24) for directing ultrasonic energy from the ablation transducer into a ring-like ablation region (A) is provided with an imaging ultrasonic transducer (86) mounted on an... Agent: Lerner, David, Littenberg, Krumholz & Mentlik

20080255450 - Handpiece for ultrasonic electro-medical apparatuses: The proposed handpiece (1) for ultrasonic electro-medical apparatuses includes a grip, which carries an operating tip for treatment on a patient and which consists of two portions, having electric and hydraulic connections. The two portions are removably screw-coupled.... Agent: William J. Sapone Coleman Sudol Sapone P.C.

20080255451 - Low power ultrasound system: A low power ultrasound system for use in sonography applications, including vascular imaging, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the low power ultrasound system comprises a base unit that includes an image processor and a display. An ultrasound probe is operably connected to the base unit. The probe includes a head... Agent: Rutan & Tucker, LLP.

20080255452 - Methods and apparatus for performing enhanced ultrasound diagnostic breast imaging: A method for performing enhanced ultrasound diagnostic breast imaging includes using first and second compression plates (62,64) configured for receiving and compressing a breast between the same. The breast extends from a chest wall (118) of a patient at a proximate end to a nipple at a distal end. Portions... Agent: Philips Intellectual Property & Standards

20080255453 - Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes: a first ultrasonic probe; a first transmitting/receiving device which drives the first ultrasonic probe to perform scan with an ultrasonic beam; an ultrasonic image generating device which generates an ultrasonic image, based on a signal obtained by the first transmitting/receiving device; an image displaying device... Agent: Patrick W. Rasche Armstrong Teasdale LLP

20080255454 - System of forming ultrasound image and method of forming scan line data: There are provided an ultrasound imaging system and a method of forming a plurality of scan lines and frames by using receiving signals provided by transducers in a probe. Main scan lines, which are selected among the scan lines and supplement scan lines determined with the others, are assigned to... Agent: Oblon, Spivak, Mcclelland Maier & Neustadt, P.C.

20080255455 - Probe holder for portable diagnostic ultrasound system: An ultrasound probe holder for use with a portable ultrasound system comprises a probe holder that is configured to have first and second interconnection portions. The first interconnection portion is configured to interconnect with a three-dimensional (3D) object. A second opening is formed in the second interconnection portion, and is... Agent: Dean D. Small The Small Patent Law Group LLP

20080255456 - Ultrasound probe having a transducer array with multiple radii of curvature: The present invention relates to an ultrasound probe used in an ultrasound system. The ultrasound probe includes a body and a transmission/reception unit mounted on the body and having at least one partially curved array transducer operable to reciprocally convert ultrasound signals and electric signals. The curved array transducer may... Agent: Oblon, Spivak, Mcclelland Maier & Neustadt, P.C.

20080255462 - Light stick: Described herein is a device used to perform medical examinations. The device includes at least one sidewall and at least one end, wherein the sidewall at least partially defines both a chemical housing and a handle portion. The chemical housing preferably includes a light source disposed therein. A reflective layer... Agent: Jeffer, Mangels, Butler & Marmaro, LLP

20080255457 - Method for evaluating relative oxygen saturation in body tissues: A new method was discovered to analyze continuous spectral curves to determine relative hemoglobin oxygen saturation, using spectral curves collected from a continuous range of wavelengths from about 530 nm to about 584 nm, including spectra from transmitted or reflected light. Using isosbestic points and curve areas, a relative saturation... Agent: Patent Department Taylor, Porter, Brooks & Phillips, L.l.p

20080255460 - Nanoparticle tissue based identification and illumination: Various compositions, methods, and devices are provided that use fluorescent nanoparticles to function as markers, indicators, and/or light sources. In an exemplary embodiment, the fluorescent nanoparticles are biocompatible, and more preferably they can be formed from a fluorophore core surrounded by a biocompatible shell, such as a silica shell. In... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20080255461 - Real-time optical monitoring system and method for thermal therapy treatment: Multiple site information of light intensity is obtained by application of a multiple-fibre probe in a real-time optical monitoring system. The multiple-fibre probe includes a plurality of optical fibres distributed along the length of the probe. Each optical fibre may be is switchable between the mode for transmitting optical signal... Agent: Mark A. Litman & Associates, P.A. York Business Center

20080255459 - Sentinel node identification using fluorescent nanoparticles: Various compositions, methods, and devices are provided that use fluorescent nanoparticles, which can function as markers, indicators, and light sources. The fluorescent nanoparticles can be formed from a fluorophore core surrounded by a biocompatible shell, such as a silica shell. In one embodiment, the fluorescent nanoparticles can be delivered to... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20080255458 - System and method using fluorescence to examine within a patient's anatomy: A system for examining an area of a patient's anatomy that comprises a probe capable of fluorescing, and a scanning beam assembly that scans the probe with a beam of excitation radiation and detects the probe's fluorescence. The scanning beam assembly including a radiation source capable of emitting one or... Agent: Mark P. Levy Thompson Hine LLP

20080255463 - Method of obtaining an estimation of a person's aortic blood pressure: A method of obtaining an estimation of a person's aortic systolic blood pressure, which method comprises non-invasively measuring the person's brachial systolic blood pressure, non-invasively measuring the person's brachial diastolic blood pressure, obtaining the person's radial augmentation index by measuring the person's radial pulse waveform, and obtaining the estimation of... Agent: Iandioro & Teska

20080255464 - System and method for diagnosing and treating long qt syndrome: A system for diagnosing Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) derives a QT/QS2 ratio from an electrical systole (QT) and a mechanical systole (QS2) to detect a prolonged QT interval in a patient's cardiac cycle. A processor acquires the systoles from a microphone and chest electrodes, calculates the QT/QS2 ratio, and outputs... Agent: J. Rick Tache, Esq. Snell & Wilmer L.L.P.

20080255465 - Heart-function information display including color-range scalogram content: A method employing electronic processing for presenting a heart-function informational display including the steps of (a) gathering, over a selected time interval, a person's ECG and heart-sound signals, (b) electronically sampling and digitizing such gathered signals, and (c) electronically processing those signals to create a scalogram wherein colors which lie... Agent: Robert D. Varitz, P.C.

20080255466 - Method for determining haemodynamic parameters: A method for determining haemodynamic parameters from patient pressure signals wherein receiving patient pressure signals from a measurement receiver to which vessel pressures measured in the body of a patient are supplied; selecting and determining a patient pressure signal as reference pressure signal from the patient pressure signals sent from... Agent: Christie, Parker & Hale, LLP

20080255467 - Method and system for detecting breathing tube occlusion: A method for identifying an occlusion in a breathing tube of a ventilator system is disclosed herein. The method includes obtaining data related to a respiratory signal, transferring the data to a processor, and implementing the processor to evaluate the data in a manner adapted to automatically identify the presence... Agent: Peter Vogel Ge Healthcare

20080255468 - Systems and methods for non-invasive physiological monitoring of non-human animals: This invention provides monitoring garments for non-invasively monitoring physiological parameters in un-restrained and/or restrained animals, such as monkeys, rabbits, dogs, horses, and the like. The invention also includes methods and systems for collecting and processing monitoring data and methods for recognizing apneas and other respiratory events, periods of restfulness and... Agent: Winston & Strawn LLP Patent Department

20080255469 - Method for monitoring the depth of anesthesia: A method for monitoring the depth of anesthesia is provided for detecting the conscious state of one being anesthetized in order to facilitate an anesthesiologist to predict exactly the dosage of an anesthetic required. At first, an original electroencephalogram (EEG) is taken from one being tested. Then, the original electroencephalogram... Agent: Wpat, PC Intellectual Property Attorneys

20080255470 - Contact sensor and sheath exit sensor: A system and method is provided that allows for determining the local impedance of one or more electrodes of an electrode catheter. Such local impedance may be utilized to identify the relative position of an electrode catheter to a sheath of a guiding introducer. In another arrangement, local impedance of... Agent: St. Jude Medial, Atrial Fibrillation Div., Inc.

20080255471 - Method and apparatus for determining vascular health conditions: The present invention relates to assessing and measuring vascular and endothelial function. A vasostimulant is provided to a patient to stimulate hemodynamic activity in a selected extremity and vascular function is assessed by monitoring a change in a blood flow, skin temperature and/or blood oxygen content at the selected extremity... Agent: Wong, Cabello, Lutsch, Rutherford & Brucculeri, L.L.P.

20080255472 - Ovulation-prediction devices with image processing system: An ovulation-prediction device with an image processing system containing a transmissive test platen for placing saliva samples and a miniature camera for capturing the image of saliva sample at dried state for analyzing the increase of salt content for predicting ovulation. An image processing method with an algorithm described for... Agent: Youti Kuo

20080255473 - Systems, methods, and devices for sampling bodily fluid: A fluid sampling system is disclosed comprising a fluid drawing device and a fluid sampling device. In one embodiment, the fluid sampling device comprises a base portion having a canula, a handle, and a ridge extending around at least a portion of an outer surface; and a top portion having... Agent: Workman Nydegger

20080255474 - Tear meniscus test device and its manufacturing method: A tear meniscus test device 1 includes a body part 2 having a elongated shape, which comprises a synthetic resin material or a synthetic rubber material, wherein a groove 3 is formed along the length direction of the elongated shape, and a water absorbing member 4 arranged in the groove... Agent: Hammer & Associates, P.C.

20080255475 - Guidewire-assisted catheter placement system: A catheter assembly for providing precise placement of a catheter distal end at a desired location within the patient vasculature is disclosed. In one embodiment, the catheter assembly comprises a catheter including an elongate body that defines a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. A guidewire... Agent: Rutan & Tucker, LLP.

20080255476 - Methods and devices for treating obesity: Methods and devices for treating obesity are provided. The consumption of calorie dense, lipid rich, or fatty foods is discouraged through the modulation of a subjects gallbladder function or output. Disclosed are devices and methods for delivering devices within the gallbladder and associated ducts and vasculature; other methods involve implanting... Agent: Tom Boyajian

20080255477 - Method of neuromusculoskeletal proprioceptive re-education and development of a living body and apparatus therefor: In combination, vertically percussive vibration and non-symmetrical forces are applied to a patient. The non-symmetrical forces may be generated by a variety of unevenly applied weights that are supported at appropriate body locations in a manner that upsets normal body load symmetry. The non-symmetrical forces in combination with vertically percussive... Agent: Albert W. Watkins

20080249349 - System for influencing of a biological cellular structure: This invention relates to a system for influencing of a biological cellular structure, for instance, to generate a therapeutic effect in a human or animal body, making use of a combination of light energy and magnetic energy, said system being provided with at least one light source (2), (8), a... Agent: James C. Wray

20080249350 - Inductive heating of tissues using alternating magnetic fields and uses thereof: The present invention improves the cosmetic appearance of skin by controllably heating a superficial layer of skin thereby inducing acute tissue contraction or shrinkage and a wound response leading to the production of biomolecules, all of which result in improved cosmesis. The invention incorporates a source of radiofrequency electrical energy... Agent: Benjamin Aaron Adler Adler & Associates

20080249351 - Implantable hearing aid transducer with advanceable actuator to faciliate coupling with the auditory system: A hearing aid transducer that includes an actuator advanceable relative to the transducer to couple with a middle ear component. In one aspect of the invention, the actuator is a separate structure from the transducer that is insertable into an aperture defined between a first and second end of the... Agent: Marsh, Fischmann & Breyfogle LLP

20080249352 - Hybrid carotid bypass grafts and systems and methods for producing or modifying the same: Hybrid synthetic grafts and embodiments of systems and methods for producing hybrid vascular grafts that can yield implantable grafts that combine synthetic grafts with living cells. Embodiments of systems include a pressure/flow system having an external flow loop system for generating a flow loop, a specimen having a region arranged... Agent: Rene A. Vazquez Williams Mullen

20080249353 - Training device for the muscles of the pelvic floor: The invention relates to a training device, for the muscles of the pelvic floor in women, comprising a flexible main body (1), for introduction into the vagina and which has a compression piece (1) with a spherical working surface (2). According to the invention, an substantial improvement in the training... Agent: Dykema Gossett PLLC

20080249354 - Endoscope treatment tool: The endoscope treatment tool 1 has a distal end member 3 which is installed in an endoscope. A connection member 4 is attached to the distal end member 3 in a freely rotatable manner. In the connection member 4, a portion which is supported by a cap 12 of the... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20080249355 - Video endoscopic device with detachable control circuit: An endoscopic device including a control circuit that is detachably connectable to a handle, where the control circuit functions and is compatible with a wide variety of displays. The handle of the endoscopic device is provided with a connector to transmit image data from a distal end to the detachable... Agent: St. Onge Steward Johnston & Reens, LLC

20080249357 - Endoscopic apparatus having an outer rail: An endoscope apparatus for endoscopic treatment is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an endoscopic insertion tube comprising an outer surface including an outer rail formed longitudinally thereon and extending along a portion of the insertion tube. The outer rail has a predetermined shape. The insertion tube comprises an inner channel formed... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20080249356 - Therapeutic method and endoscopic system that use overtube: With a first endoscope inserted through an overtube, the overtube is orally inserted into an object being examined, and a distal end portion of an insertion tube of the first endoscope is made to advance, within the object, from a jejunum via a jejunum-to-jejunum anastomosed portion and a jejunum-anastomosed bent... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20080249358 - Therapeutic method and therapeutic system that use overtube with balloons: An overtube comprises a flexible tubular portion in which an insertion channel is formed. An endoscope is inserted through the insertion channel. A plurality of balloons are loaded at plural positions on an outer surface of the flexible tubular portion. Specially, the balloons are expanded and shrunk selectively every use... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20080249359 - Endoscopy system: An endoscopy system has an endo-robot that is navigable within an anatomical lumen of a patient by interacting with a magnetic field generated by an extracorporeal magnet system. The patient lies on a patient bed that is movable in one or more directions and/or orientations, and an obstacle detects objects... Agent: Schiff Hardin, LLP Patent Department

20080249361 - Ultrasound endoscope system and control method of ultrasound endoscope system: In the present invention, an ultrasound observation apparatus includes an information reposition portion; the information reposition portion is a storage portion for storing various state information in an endoscope processor inputted from a keyboard and is configured to include a memory controller and a data memory portion. Moreover, the keyboard... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20080249360 - Medical wireless capsule-type endoscope system: A medical wireless capsule-type endoscope system comprises a swallowable wireless endscope capsule (100A) and a portable image recording device (100B). The wireless endoscope capsule (100A) includes an image sensor (5), the first microprocessor (6) for transforming the image information into a compressed JPEG format, the first RF transceiver module (9)... Agent: Collen Ip

20080249362 - Endoscope system with a disposal sheath: The purpose of this invention is absolute elimination of medical cross-infection by endoscopy. It offers an endoscope system with a disposal sheath. The disposal sheath via anterior end cap connects the capsule which covers the outside of the endoscope and the disposal channel which sheathe in the endoscope channel and... Agent: Jacobson Holman PLLC

20080249363 - Electric connector for endoscope, endoscope, and method for assembling electric connector: The present invention provides an electric connector for an endoscope, an endoscope, and a method for assembling an electric connector which make it possible to simplify work operations such as operation checks and repairs of the endoscope, as well as to reduce the time for the work operations. An endoscope... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20080249364 - Endoscopic instrument: An endoscopic instrument having a flexibly designed tube shank is provided in which the tube shank is formed of several tube sections connected to one another in an articulated manner. Two adjacent tube sections are respectively connected to one another, in additional to the articulated connection (6), via at least... Agent: Panitch Schwarze Belisario & Nadel LLP

20080249365 - Endoscope and endoscopic system: An endoscope includes an insertion portion having a bending portion, a base portion connected to the insertion portion, an operation wire extending from the bending portion toward the base portion, a drive source unit which is provided in the base portion, and a drive force transmission unit which is connected... Agent: Ostrolenk Faber Gerb & Soffen

20080249366 - System for use in performing a medical procedure and introducer device suitable for use in said system: A system for performing a medical procedure and an introducer device suitable for use in the system. The system may be used, for example, to examine and/or to treat the uterus. According to one embodiment, the system includes an introducer, a morcellator, a flexible hysteroscope, and a fluid-containing syringe. The... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20080249367 - Endoscope objective lens and endoscope: s

20080249368 - Endoscope apparatus: When illumination light in an ultraviolet region and a visible light region is emitted from a light source lamp, a light quantity of the illumination light is adjusted by a first diaphragm mechanism and a second diaphragm mechanism, and sequentially irradiated to an observation target via a rotating filter. At... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20080249369 - Compact scanning fiber device: Scanning fiber devices are disclosed. In one aspect, a scanning fiber device may include an actuator tube. The scanning fiber device may also include a cantilevered free end portion of an optical fiber. The cantilevered free end portion of the optical fiber may have an attached end that is coupled... Agent: Blakely Sokoloff Taylor & Zafman LLP

20080249370 - Video blade laryngoscope: A laryngoscope including a control circuit that is detachably connectable to a handle, where the control circuit functions and is compatible with a wide variety of displays. The laryngoscope may optionally be used in either the video mode where the user views a display presenting image data of the area... Agent: St. Onge Steward Johnston & Reens, LLC

20080249371 - Hand assisted laparoscopic seal assembly with detachable attachment ring: A seal assembly for permitting hand assisted laparoscopic procedures includes a seal cap having a central access opening allowing access to a body cavity as desired. The seal cap is provided with a housing in which a seal is positioned. The seal cap also includes an attachment ring that is... Agent: Welsh & Flaxman LLC

20080249372 - Retractor: The retractor system for use in spinal surgery and other types of surgical procedures that is a simple and efficient solution for minimally invasive access to thoracolumbar spine is disclosed. The fully customizable design allows the surgeon to independently angle the retractor blades and expand the retractor in both cephalad-caudal... Agent: Rimas Lukas Vertiflex, Inc.

20080249373 - Surgical hand access apparatus: A surgical access apparatus includes a liner base and an access housing for positioning outside the body. The liner base includes an inner member adapted for insertion through an opening within body tissue for positioning within the body; a sleeve member connected to the inner member and dimensioned to extend... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20080249374 - Method and apparatus to enable multiple methods of clinical order input into a healthcare it application: The present invention relates to a system for facilitating the input of clinical orders into a healthcare application. This system can provide a variety of ways for a user to interface with the system and a variety of ways to facilitate data input into an order form. The system can... Agent: Mcandrews Held & Malloy, Ltd

20080249375 - Arrangement and method for evaluating operational effectiveness of implantable medical electrode leads for different lead placements: In a method and an arrangement for evaluating operational effectiveness of an implantable medical device for different lead placements associated with the medical device, a measuring unit records signals that are characteristic of cardiac activity at respectively different lead positions, and these signals are stored. A processor accesses the stored... Agent: Schiff Hardin, LLP Patent Department

20080249376 - Distributed patient monitoring system: A distributed patient monitoring system for visually monitoring patients and patient parameters using portable processing devices in different remote locations includes a monitoring processor. The monitoring processor is responsive to user initiated commands from multiple different portable processing devices in different remote locations and includes an input processor and a... Agent: Siemens Corporation Intellectual Property Department

20080249379 - Integrated heart monitoring device and method of using same: A device for monitoring the heart of a patient including a housing, a computing device, an optical sensor adapted to provide signals to the computing device indicative of a distance from the optical sensor to a vessel carrying blood, as well a diameter of the vessel, a Doppler sensor adapted... Agent: Baker & Daniels LLP

20080249377 - Medical apparatus: A medical apparatus (1) comprises a user interface (30), a number of sensors (16,27,21,22,29) and a control system (18) programmed for displaying on the user interface screen (31) a number of indicia (37), each relating to a corresponding parameter and comprising an indicium border (45) delimiting an indicium selection area... Agent: Pearne & Gordon LLP

20080249378 - System for monitoring a number of different parameters of a patient in a bed: In order to provide a simple and reliable monitoring technique for a number of different parameters of a patient in a bed (2), a system (1) is provided, said system (1) comprising: at least one first sensor device (25) adapted to measure a first force component acting in a first... Agent: Philips Intellectual Property & Standards

20080249380 - Protection mechanism for spectroscopic analysis of biological tissue: The present invention provides a protection mechanism for a spectroscopic analysis system being adapted to determine a property of a biological structure in a volume of interest of a patient. The spectroscopic system preferably makes use of high power radiation, and provides a protection mechanism for preventing an accidental exposure... Agent: Philips Intellectual Property & Standards

20080249381 - Combined apparatus for measuring the blood glucose level from an ocular fluid: A combined apparatus for measuring the blood glucose level from an ocular fluid comprises a hand-held fluorescence photometer (D1) for determining the glucose level of the ocular fluid and a device (D2) for the amperometric or photometric determination of the blood glucose level. The fluorescence photometer (D1) comprises: first irradiating... Agent: Foley And Lardner LLP Suite 500

20080249382 - Blood pressure monitoring apparatus and method: The blood pressure monitoring apparatus and method are disclosed that can monitor a blood pressure of a subject using an electrocardiogram signal, a pulse wave signal and a body characteristic information of the subject, wherein the electrocardiogram signal and the pulse wave signal of the subject are monitored to remove... Agent: Fish & Richardson P.C.

20080249383 - Analyte sensing device having one or more sensing electrodes: Embodiments of the present invention provide an analyte sensing device having one or more sensing electrodes. In embodiments, each sensing electrode may serve as an anode, a cathode, or a combination of an anode and cathode. In embodiments, there may be any suitable number of electrodes. Related analyte sensor insertion... Agent: Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, P.C. Pacwest Center, Suite 1900

20080249385 - Isolated intravenous analyte monitoring system: A continuous intravenous analyte monitoring system includes an amperometric biosensor detecting an analyte concentration in the blood, a controller receiving a signal from the biosensor and computing the concentration, and an isolation device isolating the biosensor from EMI. A CPU may be coupled to the controller via the isolation device... Agent: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation

20080249384 - System and method for estimating the glucose concentration in blood: This application relates to glucose monitoring systems for continuously measuring the glucose concentration in a patients blood. The system is adapted to communicate with one or more sensors (10, 20) for transcutaneous insertion into a patient and for producing sensor signals related to the glucose concentration. The system comprises an... Agent: Novo Nordisk, Inc. Intellectual Property Department

20080249387 - Enhanced monitor compliance: A monitoring system that enables enhanced compliance with a bio-sign monitor includes a method of transferring data to a consumer device, such as a cell phone or MP3 player and incorporating information related to the bio-sign data into the normal communication channel used by the consumer device. The combination of... Agent: Josh Hogan

20080249386 - Systems, methods, and computer program product for improved management of medical procedures for patients on medical protocols: Techniques are described for improved monitoring and control of a patient's physiologic status, such as blood glucose control according to a protocol for use in a patient care unit, such as an intensive care unit. Instructions to medical staff are adapted to factor in variations in responses to protocol recommendations.... Agent: Priest & Goldstein PLLC

20080249388 - Systems and methods for cooling of intravenous fluid and monitoring of in vivo characteristics: Intravenous sensor systems and methods for determining in vivo characteristics are disclosed, as well as systems for cooling bags of intravenous fluid. The intravenous sensor systems include a probe configured for placement in a peripheral vein. The probe includes one or more sensors for obtaining sensed information, such as body... Agent: Lathrop & Gage Lc

20080249389 - Electrode lead set for measuring physiologic information: An electrode lead set is provided for electrical connection to a body. The electrode lead set includes a flexible substrate core extending between a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion includes a plurality of branch end portions that are each configured to hold an... Agent: Marguerite E. Gerstner Tyco Electronics Corporation

20080249390 - Electrode lead set for measuring physiologic information: An electrode lead set is provided for electrical connection to a body. The electrode lead set includes a flexible ribbonized cable core extending between a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion includes a plurality of branch end portions that are each configured to hold... Agent: Marguerite E. Gerstner Tyco Electronics Corporation

20080249392 - Catheter with ablation needle and mapping assembly: The invention is directed to a catheter that creates enhanced lesions using a needle electrode and can simultaneously map electrical activity at a plurality of points using an enhanced mapping assembly. The catheter comprises an elongated catheter body having at least one lumen extending longitudinally therethrough. A needle control handle... Agent: Christie, Parker & Hale, LLP

20080249391 - Chronic in-vivo neurotransmitter sensor: Carbon-coated ceramic based electrode arrays having a ceramic substrate patterned with multiple recording sites are provided. Potentiostat devices having said carbon-coated ceramic based electrodes, and methods of use, are also provided. Certain embodiments of the present inventive articles, devices, and methods are especially suited for detection and/or measurement of electroactive... Agent: Drinker Biddle & Reath Attn: Intellectual Property Group

20080249393 - Method and apparatus for enhancement and quality improvement of analyte measurement signals: While measuring analytes in an object, movements between the object and a device that is taking the measurement may adversely effect the accuracy of the measurements. A probe that engages an object includes a sticky surface that comes into contact with the object to alleviate the relative movement between the... Agent: Smith Frohwein Tempel Greenlee Blaha, LLC

20080249394 - Method for improved rotational alignment in joint arthroplasty: A method for improved rotational alignment of the bones in joint surgery is described. The method involves the tracking of the relative motion of a third bone in with respect to the movement of the first and second bone. In one aspect of the invention, the motion of the patella... Agent: D. Bommi Bommannan

20080249395 - Method and apparatus for controlling catheter positioning and orientation: A method and apparatus for detecting position and orientation of catheter distal magnetic element end while moving in a patient's heart is described. The apparatus includes magnetic sensors for to detect the magnetic field of a generated by the catheter tip. Each sensor transmits the field magnitude and direction to... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20080249396 - Method and apparatus for determining indications helping the diagnosis of orthopedical diseases: m

20080249397 - Apparatus and method for targeting a body tissue: An apparatus for targeting a desired target site on a body tissue that separates a first body cavity from a second body cavity of a patient includes a catheter having a longitudinally extending catheter lumen and adapted to provide access to the first body cavity. A framing member has a... Agent: Tarolli, Sundheim, Covell & Tummino L.L.P.

20080249399 - Endovascular treatment apparatus and method: An endovascular sheath device for use with a thermal treatment apparatus is provided. The device includes a longitudinal tube which is designed to receive a thermal treatment device and is designed to be inserted into a blood vessel. An ultrasonically visible reinforcement element is disposed along the length of the... Agent: Afs / Angiodynamics

20080249398 - Hybrid source containing multi-radionuclides for use in radiation therapy: A hybrid multi-radionuclide sealed source for use in brachytherapy comprising a plurality of radionuclides is disclosed. The differing decay rates of the radionuclides in the hybrid multi-radionuclide sealed source combine a large initial dose of radiation followed by an extended dose of radiation contained within the single source. The sealed... Agent: Carlton Fields, P.A. Attn:IPDept.

20080249400 - Intraoperative imaging of hepatobiliary structures: The invention provides methods for visualizing hepatobiliary structures, or lesions in a liver, intraoperatively by use of fluorescent dyes.... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP

20080249404 - Gastric therapy system and method for suturing gastric wall: This gastric therapy system includes a loop-forming member that forms a loop along a lesser-curvature-line and a greater-curvature-line in a stomach; a guide member that introduces the loop-forming member into the stomach; and a therapy section that cerclages a part of the gastric wall after looping the loop-forming member.... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20080249401 - Remote ultrasonic diagnostic subject-side apparatus, remote ultrasonic diagnostic examiner-side apparatus and remote ultrasonic diagnostic system: A subject-side apparatus 10A is provided with a cine memory 15 for sequentially storing an ultrasonic signal that is received by an ultrasonic wave transmission/reception portion 12 per each frame. Every time after freezing when moving a pointer for designating a frame to be reproduced in a hospital-side apparatus 20A,... Agent: Hamre, Schumann, Mueller & Larson P.C.

20080249402 - System or synchronised playback of video image clips: The present invention relates to an ultrasound image review system which synchronises, for simultaneous display, two or more ultrasound image clips (A, B, C) captured in respect of, for example, the cardiac region of a patient. Each clip (A, B, C) is divided into frame sets (200, 300, 400), wherein... Agent: Philips Intellectual Property & Standards

20080249403 - Tracker holder assembly: Provided herein are devices and methods for mounting variously configured medical imaging probes to a tracker assembly for imaging applications. In one aspect, a tracker assembly provides multiple degrees of freedom for positioning a probe relative to a patient and/or maintaining a probe in a desired location for imaging purposes.... Agent: Marsh, Fischmann & Breyfogle LLP

20080249405 - Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus control method: A living tissue region determining unit of a gain correction data generating section determines a diagnostic living tissue region on the basis of an S/N and a dispersion value of ultrasound data collected from each of a plurality of slice sections in a gain correction scan mode intended for the... Agent: Oblon, Spivak, Mcclelland Maier & Neustadt, P.C.

20080249406 - Ultrasound diagnostic apparatus: In a transportable ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, a body to which a display unit on which an ultrasound image is displayed is integrated and an operation panel are connected by a connecting member. The body and the operation panel are supported by a body supporting stub and an operation panel supporting... Agent: Westerman, Hattori, Daniels & Adrian, LLP

20080249407 - User interface system and method for creating, organizing and setting-up ultrasound imaging protocols: An ultrasound imaging system includes a display for displaying an ultrasound image and an analysis package operatively connected to the image display. The analysis package provides a user the ability to manage an ultrasound imaging protocol. The analysis package facilitates the management of the imaging protocol by displaying for the... Agent: Philips Medical Systems Philips Intellectual Property & Standards

20080249408 - Methods, systems and computer program products for ultrasound shear wave velocity estimation and shear modulus reconstruction: Methods for determining a mechanical parameter of a sample include detecting shear waves that have been generated in the sample by an applied shear wave source. A time of peak displacement of the shear waves for a plurality of sample positions is determined. At least one mechanical parameter of the... Agent: Myers Bigel Sibley & Sajovec

20080249409 - Method of using a combination imaging and therapy transducer to dissolve blood clots: A combined ultrasound imaging and therapy transducer includes a linear array of imaging transducer elements. First and second linear arrays of therapy transducer elements extend longitudinally along respective first and second sides of the imaging transducer elements and are canted inwardly toward each other. The imaging and therapy transducer is... Agent: Philips Intellectual Property & Standards

20080249410 - Ultrasound observation system and ultrasound observation method therefor: An ultrasound observation apparatus according to the present invention has a transmitting and receiving section, an ultrasound signal processing section, a CPU, a main memory, two compact flash memories™, a vide signal outputting section, an output image generating section, a device I/F section, a keyboard I/F section, and a timing... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20080249411 - Ultrasound system and method of forming an ultrasound image: The present invention is directed to an ultrasound system and a method of forming an ultrasound image. The ultrasound system includes a signal processing unit, a processor, an input unit and a blood flow angle computation unit. The signal processing unit may form ultrasound image signals based on ultrasound echo... Agent: Oblon, Spivak, Mcclelland Maier & Neustadt, P.C.

20080249412 - Preoperative and intra-operative lens hardness measurement by ultrasound: The present disclosure provides methods, systems, techniques and apparatus related to an instrumentation used to classify tissue before and/or during removal. The tissue can include any hard tissue/soft tissue interface, such as a cataract within a lens. Before an operation, an ultrasound image can be provided that gives a full... Agent: Mcdermott Will & Emery LLP

20080249413 - Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and ultrasonic diagnostic method: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, that generates image data of a C-mode image of an examination-target portion based on volume data generated through an ultrasonic scan of an object and for displaying the C-mode image, has a curved C-mode surface generating unit and a curved C-mode image generating unit. The curved... Agent: Oblon, Spivak, Mcclelland Maier & Neustadt, P.C.

20080249414 - System and method to measure cardiac ejection fraction: A system and method to acquire 3D ultrasound-based images during the end-systole and end-diastole time points of a cardiac cycle to allow determination of the change and percentage change in left ventricle volume at the time points.... Agent: Black Lowe & Graham, PLLC

20080249415 - Ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus, breast imaging system, and breast imaging method: A compression paddle of a mammographic diagnosis apparatus is provided with an opening portion which allows an ultrasonic probe to be fitted therein and slide. This apparatus performs ultrasonic scanning on a breast compressed/fixed to the compression paddle, and reconstructs a compressed breast image by using the obtained ultrasonic image... Agent: Oblon, Spivak, Mcclelland Maier & Neustadt, P.C.

20080249416 - Treatment instrument system: A treatment instrument system according to the present invention includes: an endoscope having a treatment instrument channel; an ultrasound probe inserted through the treatment instrument channel of the endoscope; an ultrasound observing apparatus having a blood flow display function and a distance measuring function; a treatment instrument having, at a... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20080249417 - Non-linear ultrasonic diagnostic imaging using intermodulation product signals: An ultrasonic imaging system transmits waveforms containing first and second major frequency components which are intermodulated by passage through a nonlinear medium or interaction with a contrast agent microbubble to produce a difference frequency component. In an illustrated embodiment the second major frequency is twice the frequency of the first... Agent: Philips Medical Systems Philips Intellectual Property & Standards

20080249418 - Ultrasound diagnosis system including a motor driving multiplane ultrasound probe and image data acquiring method: An ultrasound diagnosis system including a motor driving multi-plane ultrasound probe for acquiring image data at a voluntary scanning plane in a body of a patient is provided. The data acquisition is performed by driving rotation of a plurality of transducers arranged in a head portion of the probe toward... Agent: Oblon, Spivak, Mcclelland Maier & Neustadt, P.C.

20080249419 - Time-of-flight triangulation based methods of device spatial registration for multiple-transducer therapeutic ultrasound systems: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a therapeutic ultrasound device spatial registration method and apparatus. The method enables locating a tissue target and surrounding tissue structures affecting the available acoustic beam paths to the target, relative to each individual therapeutic and diagnostic (e.g., imaging) transducer, in a device comprising a plurality... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20080249421 - Contact pressure sensing apparatus for use with exercise equipment sensors: Contact pressure sensing apparatus for use with exercise equipment sensors are described. An example apparatus includes a sensor to detect a physiological condition of a user of an exercise device through physical contact with the user and a pressure sensor to detect a contact pressure applied by the user to... Agent: Hanley, Flight & Zimmerman, LLC

20080249420 - Vascular catheter device and related methods of using the same: A catheter device fur diagnostic vascular treatment and/or therapeutic vascular treatment of a subject's vasculature having a blunt, atraumatic (non-traumatic) distal tip and orifice edge to the catheter. This will eliminate or mitigate catastrophic complications caused by contemporary catheters such as vascular dissection, thrombosis, distal embolization and vessel occlusion. The... Agent: Robert J Decker

20080249422 - Method and system for improving physiologic status and health via assessment of the dynamic respiratory arterial pressure wave using plethysmographic technique: The present invention specifies a method and system for assessing the dynamic respiratory arterial pressure wave using plethysmographic sensing techniques. The dynamic respiratory arterial pressure wave is measured and plotted for purposes of diagnosis and or remedial biofeedback.... Agent: Withrow & Terranova, P.l.l.c.

20080249423 - Method, system and program product for analyzing pulse wave data: A pulse wave data analyzing method includes successively detecting bottom and top peak values of pulse wave data along a time axis, calculating successive bottom-to-top amplitude values along the time axis, and comparing first and second peak-to-peak amplitude values occurring in succession along the time axis. If the ratio of... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione

20080249424 - Non-contact cardiac mapping, including moving catheter and multi-beat integration: A non-contact cardiac mapping method is disclosed that includes: (i) inserting a catheter into a heart cavity having an endocardium surface, the catheter including multiple, spatially distributed electrodes; (ii) measuring signals at the catheter electrodes in response to electrical activity in the heart cavity with the catheter spaced from the... Agent: Fish & Richardson PC

20080249425 - Method and apparatus for defining cardiac time intervals: A method and apparatus for defining cardiac time intervals using the pre-systolic diastolic filling period and the proceeding systolic period. The diastolic period can begin at the end of the T wave and terminate at the onset of the proceeding Q wave as defined in electrocardiograph signals. The systolic period... Agent: Merchant & Gould PC

20080249426 - Palm type electrocardiograph: The present invention provides a palm type electrocardiograph having a case, in which a push button is provided at the front side thereof, a USB port is installed along a lateral side thereof, and two metal holes are assembled at the back thereof. A conductive sticker is also designed with... Agent: Bacon & Thomas, PLLC

20080249427 - Monitoring device and method: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for providing information relating to disturbances and/or disease pattern based on a patient's breathing parameters. Preferably, the apparatus has multiple functionalities and provides information relating to different disturbances and/or disease patterns. In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus... Agent: Nixon & Vanderhye, PC

20080249428 - Method and device for determining the location of snoring: The treatment of snoring related sleep disorders require the knowledge of the location of origin of snoring in a patient. A method and device are provided for the determination of a location of origin of a primary vibration signal generated by snoring in an upper airway of a patient. At... Agent: Borden Ladner Gervais LLP Anne Kinsman

20080249429 - Spirometers: A portable hand-held spirometer apparatus is described. A main casing has a pair of opposed arms extending to one side thereof. A flow head component unit has a channel through which air may be blown, with formations in the channel imparting a rotary movement to air blown through the channel.... Agent: Breiner & Breiner, L.L.C.

20080249431 - Burst suppression monitor for induced coma: Methods and systems for monitoring subjects, analyzing EEG data, and maintaining subjects at desired sedation states.... Agent: Quine Intellectual Property Law Group, P.C.

20080249430 - System and method for pain detection and computation of a pain quantification index: A method of detecting pain in a subject, comprises the steps of generating brain wave data based on brain wave activity of the subject and comparing the brain wave data to reference data to generate result data, the reference data corresponding to at least one of (i) population normative data... Agent: Fay Kaplun & Marcin, LLP

20080249432 - Diagnosis of disease by determination of elctrical network properties of a body part: A system and method for detecting and diagnosing disease states in a body part is described. The method is based on a set of electrical impedance measurements taken on the surface of a body part and a representation of the body part in the form of a network of impedances... Agent: Bereskin And Parr

20080249433 - Thoracic impedance detection with blood resistivity compensation: This document discusses, among other things, a cardiac rhythm management device or other implantable medical device that uses thoracic impedance to determine how much fluid is present in the thorax, such as for detecting or predicting congestive heart failure, pulmonary edema, pleural effusion, hypotension, or the like. The thoracic fluid... Agent: Schwegman, Lundberg & Woessner/bsc-crm

20080249434 - Device and method for transporting and handling tissue: A device and method and provided for tissue handling, while maintaining the in-vivo tissue orientation. The device includes a structure, configured for receiving and holding a tissue specimen, wherein the tissue specimen includes tissue positional references; and device positional references, associated with the structure, for fixing the orientation of the... Agent: Martin D Moynihan Prtsi Inc

20080249435 - Test element and test system for examining a body fluid: The invention relates to a test element as a single-use article for examining a body fluid, comprising a lancing member that can be inserted into a body part, a collecting area configured thereon for body fluid obtained by the lancing and at least one light guide for an optical measurement... Agent: Bose Mckinney & Evans LLP

20080249436 - Dynaflex: Utilizing the technology and methods disclosed, the characteristics of flexibility and rigidity for intralumenal devices, including coaxial two piece devices such as stylet and needle sets, can be adapted by the physician or device manufacturer according to the type of procedure, the patient size and unique anatomical challenges of a... Agent: Mcquaide Blasko

20080242914 - Method and apparatus for treatment planning using implanted radioactive seeds: A pre-computed sensitivity function providing ex ante assessment of optimal placement of a single radioactive seed, is used for sequential placement of multiple radioactive seeds. The location of each successive seed may also be constrained by an exclusion function omitting areas in the target receiving a pre-defined dose from the... Agent: Boyle Fredrickson S.c.

20080242915 - Systems, methods and apparatus for infusion of radiopharmaceuticals: Systems, apparatus and methods are provided through which an injector system automates a process of injecting an individual dose from a multiple dose of a radiotracer material. In some embodiments, the injector system includes a first dose calibrator system that receives a multidose vial of a radiotracer, a second dose... Agent: Ramirez & Smith

20080242916 - Eecp device and an image system comprising the same: The present invention discloses a non-invasive rigid-support enhanced external counterpulsation device (RS-EECP) providing a precise onset of a blood flow characterized by a sharp-wave front, useful for out-patient treatment of arterial insufficiency states, especially angina; said RS-EECP comprising a timing means and a plurality of pressing cuffs; said timing means... Agent: Fleit Gibbons Gutman Bongini & Bianco Pl

20080242917 - Delivery and deployment device for surgical web: A device (10) for delivery and deployment of an elongate web into a patient, the device comprising a generally elongate carrier member (20) adapted to be inserted into a body cavity or tissue of a patient, the carrier member having a proximal end (23) and a distal end (21), and... Agent: Stinson Morrison Hecker LLP Attn: Patent Group

20080242918 - Incontinence treatment device: A device and method for treatment of urinary and fecal incontinence. At least one electrode is implanted in a pelvic muscle of a patient. A control unit receives signals indicative of abdominal stress in the patient and responsive thereto applies an electrical waveform to the electrode which stimulates the muscle... Agent: Ams Research Corporation

20080242919 - Conception cap and related methods: A conception cap includes a dome having a collapsible sidewall, an annular rim, and three or more, gripping flanges along the inner surface of the rim. The gripping flanges may effectively position and secure the cap over the cervix for the concentration of semen on the cervical os to effect... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20080242922 - Hybrid hemodialysis access grafts or a hybrid femoral artery bypass graft and systems and methods for producing or modifying the same: Hybrid synthetic grafts and embodiments of systems and methods for producing hybrid vascular grafts that can yield implantable grafts that combine synthetic grafts with living cells. Embodiments of systems can include a pressure/flow loop subsystem having an external flow loop system coupled to a specimen holder, where the pressure/flow loop... Agent: Rene A. Vazquez Williams Mullen

20080242920 - Method of conditioning a hybrid synthetic tubular structure to yield a functional human hybrid coronary bypass graft: A method of yielding a functional human hybrid coronary bypass graft is provided. The method includes conditioning a hybrid synthetic tubular structure having stem cells and/or endothelial cells on at least one surface to yield the functional human hybrid coronary bypass graft. Specifically, the method includes placing the hybrid synthetic... Agent: Rene A. Vazquez Williams Mullen

20080242923 - Systems and methods of coating a hybrid hemodialysis access graft or a hybrid femoral artery bypass graft in a mammal: Hybrid synthetic grafts and embodiments of systems and methods for producing hybrid vascular grafts that can yield implantable grafts that combine synthetic grafts with living cells. Embodiments of systems can include a pressure/flow loop subsystem having an external flow loop system coupled to a specimen holder, where the pressure/flow loop... Agent: Rene A. Vazquez Williams Mullen

20080242921 - Systems and methods of promoting engraftment of a hybrid hemodialysis access graft or a hybrid femoral artery bypass graft in a mammal: Hybrid synthetic grafts and embodiments of systems and methods for producing hybrid vascular grafts that can yield implantable grafts that combine synthetic grafts with living cells. Embodiments of systems can include a pressure/flow loop subsystem having an external flow loop system coupled to a specimen holder, where the pressure/flow loop... Agent: Rene A. Vazquez Williams Mullen

20080242924 - Endoscopic treatment tool: An endoscopic treatment tool configured to be inserted in an endoscopic-treatment-tool inserting channel, comprises: a flexible cord; an operation portion provided at a tip end of the flexible cord; an operating wire, inserted in the flexible cord, that operates the operation portion; and an operating section, provided at a base... Agent: Birch Stewart Kolasch & Birch

20080242925 - Treatment tool for endoscope: A treatment tool for an endoscope including: an insertion section inserted from a mouth ring provided at the base-end portion of a channel of the endoscope to the inside of the channel; an operation section provided at the base end of the insertion section; a rigid guide member having a... Agent: Ostrolenk Faber Gerb & Soffen

20080242926 - Capsule endoscope, capsule endoscopic system, and endoscope control methood: A capsule endoscope system includes a capsule endoscope and a receiver. The capsule endoscope has plural image pickup units for endoscopic imaging by passing a gastrointestinal tract in a body. The receiver for wireless communication with the capsule endoscope receives and stores image data from the capsule endoscope. The receiver... Agent: Sughrue Mion, PLLC

20080242927 - Cooling apparatus for endoscope and endoscope system: The endoscope cooling device is to cool an insertion portion having an observation portion at the distal end. The device is provided with an inner sheath into which the distal end portion of the insertion portion including the observation portion is inserted to form a first flow path of a... Agent: Ostrolenk Faber Gerb & Soffen

20080242928 - In vivo observation device: This in vivo observation device is equipped with a capsular casing that is taken orally into the body, and an observation device provided within said casing which observes the inside of the body through an observation wall surface of said casing; and, is provided with a contact auxiliary device that... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20080242929 - Automatic insertion electronic endoscope apparatus and control program for the same: The invention is an automatic insertion electronic endoscope apparatus that includes: drive systems including motors and motor control unit for automatically inserting an insertion portion of an endoscope; a first control unit for controlling the drive systems; an image pickup unit including an image pickup device provided in a distal... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20080242930 - Securable cannula and method: A medical device suitable for introducing a medical instrument into a patient includes an outer cannula and at least one arm connected to the cannula toward a proximal portion of the at least one arm. The at least one arm is deployable between a closed position and an open position.... Agent: Renner Otto Boisselle & Sklar, LLP

20080242931 - Capsule endoscopic system and operation control method of capsule endoscope: A receiver of capsule endoscopic system downloads diagnostic information of a patient obtained by a past diagnosis from a data storage of work station. A data analyzer of the receiver compares the diagnostic information and present information obtained by use of a capsule endoscope during endoscopy. A CPU produces a... Agent: Sughrue Mion, PLLC

20080242932 - Endoscopic securing system: An endoscopic securing system for use with a cap member disposed on the distal end of an endoscope, the securing system including a tether and a safety coupling. The safety coupling is attached around the body of an endoscope and is coupled to the cap member by the tether to... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20080242933 - Endoscopic treatment tool and suturing method using the same: An endoscopic treatment tool according to the present invention is an endoscopic treatment tool which is inserted into hollow organs via the mouth, nose, anus, or other natural orifice of the patient and performs suturing treatment within the hollow organs or abdominal cavities, includes: a hollow organ lining support which... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20080242934 - Endoscopic suction device for mucosectomy: An endoscopic suction device of an endoscope for mucosectomy is disclosed. The device comprises a connecting base having an open end attachable to the distal end of the endoscope. The device further comprises a distal tip extending from the connecting base and having a closed distal end. The distal tip... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20080242935 - Endoscope: An endoscope incorporates an objective optical system and an image sensor at its distal end and has light guides around the objective optical system. In this case, when a direction parallel to the major side of an imaging region of the image sensor is taken as a lateral direction, exit... Agent: Kenyon & Kenyon LLP

20080242936 - Electronic endoscope apparatus: An electronic endoscope apparatus comprises: an intermediate member attached to a first cable of an electronic endoscope; a connector connected to a light source portion or to a processor portion; a second cable extending from the intermediate member and connecting to the connector; and a flexible outer-sheath for the second... Agent: Birch Stewart Kolasch & Birch

20080242937 - Bone retractor tool: An improved bone retractor tool includes a pair of arms pivotably connected to one in a pliers-like configuration and a pair of tissue engagement plates each having forward and rearward portions, each of the pair of tissue engagement plates mounted on the upper end of one of the pair of... Agent: Adam H. Jacobs Law Offices Of Adam H. Jacobs

20080242938 - Speculum blade covers: A disposable speculum blade cover includes a longitudinal body including a proximal end portion spaced from a distal end portion, where the body includes a first wall and an opposing second wall, and the first and second walls coupled to opposing sides of the body to define a pocket configured... Agent: Dicke, Billig & Czaja

20080242939 - Retractor system for internal in-situ assembly during laparoscopic surgery: A method of laparoscopic (or robotic) surgery, using a hand-port, comprising providing a trocar port operably disposed within a first abdominal incision opening of a patient, providing a hand-port operably disposed within a second abdominal incision opening, introducing an elongate positioner dimensioned to extend through the trocar, introducing a spatulate... Agent: Ip Focus Law Group, Ltd

20080242940 - Method of manipulating tissue: Devices and methods for moving tissue and/or moving the devices relative to the tissue during a surgical procedure are disclosed. The devices and methods disclosed herein can be used in conventional, open surgical procedures, or in minimally invasive surgical procedures, such as laparoscopic and endoscopic procedures. In one aspect, the... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20080242941 - Apparatus for oral examination: The present invention relates to an accessory apparatus for use with conventional tongue depressors. The apparatus comprises a platform, a lens/guard piece wherein said lens/guard has a diameter larger than an average adult's open mouth, and a hinge unit for attachment of said lens/guard to said platform. The apparatus may... Agent: Law Office Of Michael N. Cohen, P.C.

20080242953 - Apparatus, method and software for developing electronic documentation of imaging modalities, other radiological findings and physical examinations: A system for guiding a user's physical examination of a patient and for generating a transcript. The system comprises: a screen requesting patient identification information, wherein the patient identification information excludes a patient name and further requesting patient medical history information; a screen requesting vital signs information; a screen requesting... Agent: Beusse Wolter Sanks Mora & Maire, P. A.

20080242949 - Computational user-health testing: Methods, apparatuses, computer program products, devices and systems are described that carry out implementing in at least one device at least one user-health test function that is structurally distinct from at least one application whose primary function is different from symptom detection, the at least one application being operable on... Agent: Searete LLC Clarence T. Tegreene

20080242950 - Computational user-health testing: Methods, apparatuses, computer program products, devices and systems are described that carry out detecting user data from an interaction between a user and at least one device-implemented application whose primary function is different from symptom detection; mapping the user data from the interaction between the user and the at least... Agent: Searete LLC

20080242947 - Configuring software for effective health monitoring or the like: A system, method, computer program product, and carrier are described for obtaining an indication of an activity status change of an application program and causing a movement of data distillation code relating to physiology-indicative data in response to the indication of the activity status change of the application program; or... Agent: Searete LLC Clarence T. Tegreene

20080242948 - Effective low-profile health monitoring or the like: A system, method, computer program product, and carrier are described for obtaining data from occupational or leisure intercommunication at least between a device and a user or receiving health-status-indicative data surreptitiously captured from an interaction between a device and a user; and applying one or more data extraction criteria to... Agent: Searete LLC Clarence T. Tegreene

20080242951 - Effective low-profile health monitoring or the like: Systems, methods, computer program products, and media are described for obtaining data from occupational or leisure intercommunication at least between a device and a user and signaling a data distillation indicating a health status change of the user at least partly based on the data from the occupational or leisure... Agent: Searete LLC Clarence T. Tegreene

20080242952 - Effective response protocols for health monitoring or the like: Systems, methods, computer program products, and media are described for obtaining data from occupational or leisure intercommunication at least between a device and a user and signaling a data distillation indicating a health status change of the user at least partly based on the data from the occupational or leisure... Agent: Searete LLC Clarence T. Tegreene

20080242945 - Facility management system: The invention provides systems and methods for a acquiring, manipulating, and monitoring data associated with one or more assisted living facilities. The invention includes utilizing one or more monitoring devices to gather data regarding at least one assisted living facility. The data is then transmitted across a network and saved... Agent: Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, LLP

20080242942 - Fetal movement calculator: e

20080242954 - Image presentation apparatus, image presentation method and program: An image presentation apparatus is provided that includes a display section that sequentially displays a plurality of images, a biosignal acquisition section that acquires a signal value of a biosignal indicating a biological response of an observer watching the image displayed on the display section, and a display controlling section... Agent: Sughrue Mion, PLLC

20080242946 - Method and apparatus for transporting images: A portable image transport device and corresponding techniques for image transport are disclosed. The portable image transport device accommodates an automatic initiation of image transport when the device is in a designated location by automatically recognizing the location condition and then engaging in communication with a medical device having an... Agent: Rader Fishman & Grauer PLLC

20080242944 - Method and system for facilitating error free scan administration: A method and system for facilitating error free scan is disclosed herein. The system for preventing wrong scan administration to a patient comprises: an identifier associated with a patient for identifying at least one patient parameter. The patient parameter may be configured to indicate patient information such as pregnancy or... Agent: Peter Vogel Ge Healthcare

20080242943 - System and method of patient monitoring and detection of medical events: A system of patient health condition monitoring includes a device configured to measure a health parameter of a patient and a computer. The computer is programmed to receive an input based on the measured health parameter, determine a first moving average value for a first period of time based on... Agent: General Electric Company Global Research

20080242957 - Automated infant massager: An automated infant massager has a base for supporting the infant and a plurality of first movable massage elements structured to underlie a portion of the infant. At least one motor is employed for effecting reciprocating movement of the first movable massage element. A plurality of second movable massage elements... Agent: Arnold B. Silverman Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC

20080242956 - Method and apparatus for measuring autonomic-nervous index and apparatus for detecting biological information: A detection-rate calculating unit calculates a detection rate representing a ratio of number of interval data representing a time interval of one cycle of a waveform of at least one of a pulse and a heart rate, generated within a predetermined reference time to a sum of the number of... Agent: Oblon, Spivak, Mcclelland Maier & Neustadt, P.C.

20080242955 - Reliability in determination of clinical state of a subject: The invention relates to the determination of a diagnostic index indicative of the clinical state, especially nociceptive state, of a subject. In order to improve the quality of the determination process, desired input signals derived from the subject are monitored and the quality of the process is improved based on... Agent: Andrus, Sceales, Starke & Sawall, LLP

20080242959 - Fingertip oximeter and a method for observing a measurement result thereon: There is provided a fingertip oximeter that has a plurality of display modes which are presented sequentially in a circulating way, allowing users to easily observe a measurement result from any of surrounding directions. The present invention makes users to be able to observe a measurement result of the fingertip... Agent: Seyfarth Shaw LLP

20080242958 - Multiple wavelength optical sensor: A multiple wavelength optical sensor has an emitter configured to radiate light having a plurality of wavelengths into a tissue site. The emitter comprises a plurality of LEDs configured in an array and connected within an electrical grid. A detector is configured to receive the light after absorption by pulsatile... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20080242960 - Spatially resolved oxymetry: In optical tomography, a calibration of the data may be necessary for image reconstruction. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the object of interest is used for calibration, wherein the image data is acquired during a highly oxygenated phase of the object of interest and wherein the... Agent: Philips Intellectual Property & Standards

20080242961 - Transcutaneous analyte sensor: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host.... Agent: Knobbe, Martens, Olsen & Bear, LLP

20080242962 - System for in-vitro measurement of an analyte concentration: The analyte concentration, such as glucose, in a human or animal body is measured with an implantable sensor that generates measurement signals. The measurement signals are compressed through statistical techniques to produced compressed measurement data that can is easier to process and communicate. A base station carries the implantable sensor... Agent: Roche Diagnostics Operations Inc.

20080242963 - System, tools, devices and a program for diabetes care: A method for diabetes care, the method (which also may be referred to as, involve or incorporate at least one of a tool, device or program) allowing for the characterization of the relevance of errors of parameters affecting glucose concentration on a postprandial glucose concentration outcome for a person with... Agent: Dorsey & Whitney LLP

20080242964 - Medical lead delivery device: The medical lead delivery device combines features of a guidewire and a stylet in order to more easily and quickly deliver a lead to or through the coronary vein of a patient's heart. The medical lead delivery device includes an elongated body, a controller, a first and second spring, and... Agent: Medtronic, Inc.

20080242965 - Reflective non-contact ocular pulse analyzer for clinical diagnosis of eye and cerebrovascular disease: An instrument has been designed to study the pulsatile motion of the eye by analysis of a beam of light reflected from the corneal surface. A laser light beam probe of small spot size and low divergence strikes the cornea apex and the reflected movement is recorded by a sensor.... Agent: John L. Norris

20080242966 - Air pulse discharging device for noncontact type tonometer and noncontact type tonometer having the same: An air pulse discharging device for a noncontact type tonometer, which includes: a cylinder; a piston arranged reciprocatably in the cylinder and which compresses air in a compression space; a nozzle which discharges the compressed air to an examined eye; at least one opening provided on the piston and which... Agent: Dickstein Shapiro LLP

20080242969 - Apparatus and method for determining an optimized path traversal for radiation treatment delivery system: An apparatus and method for determining optimized path traversal in a radiation delivery system is described. In one embodiment, determining an optimized path traversal in a radiation delivery system involves providing a plurality of spatial nodes used in a treatment plan, where each of the plurality of spatial nodes represents... Agent: Blakely Sokoloff Taylor & Zafman LLP

20080242971 - Image system for supporting the navigation of interventional tools: The invention relates to an image system and a method for supporting the navigation of interventional tools when performing imaging controlled minimally invasive interventions within the body of a patient in a predetermined intervention plane, which serves to improve the precision and reliability of interventional accesses that are required for... Agent: Siemens Corporation Intellectual Property Department

20080242970 - Load apparatus: An oscillation arm moves in a seesaw fashion about an oscillation axis which is supported by a support rod and which serves as a fulcrum. A rotation arm and a pressurizer are provided on one end of the oscillation arm. One end of the rotation arm is rotatably attached to... Agent: Westerman, Hattori, Daniels & Adrian, LLP

20080242967 - Medical imaging and therapy utilizing a scanned beam system operating at multiple wavelengths: An apparatus, for medically treating a patient, includes a scanned beam system including a radiation beam source assembly, a scanner, and a controller. The assembly is adapted to emit a radiation beam (such as, without limitation, a laser beam) at different wavelengths. The controller is operatively connected to the assembly... Agent: Thompson Hine L.L.P. Intellectual Property Group

20080242968 - Sequential image acquisition with updating method and system: In accordance with embodiments of the present, a method for acquiring an image is provided. The method comprises acquiring initial image data, identifying one or more regions of interest in at least one of the initial image data or in a first image generated from the initial image data. The... Agent: General Electric Company (pcpi) C/o Fletcher Yoder

20080242972 - Method for accelerating data acquisition in dynamic magnetic resonance measurements (mrt) using parallel imaging: reconstruction of missing data points (FP) of the acquisition scheme using a set of coil weighting factors (CW, <CW>) and using N+1-dimensional reconstruction kernels (RK, RK′ RK″) is characterized in that reconstruction of the missing data points (FP) is performed using a single reconstruction geometry, wherein each reconstruction kernel comprises... Agent: Kohler Schmid Moebus

20080242973 - Heart imaging with adaptive inversion time: In a method for acquisition of magnetic resonance images of the heart, MR signals of the heart are acquired using an imaging sequence, wherein the magnetization is inverted by an RF inversion pulse before the acquisition of the MR signals; and of the heart activity is detected, and the point... Agent: Schiff Hardin, LLP Patent Department

20080242974 - Method and apparatus to hyperpolarize materials for enhanced mr techniques: A system for polarizing a material to be used in techniques employing magnetic resonance (MR) is provided. The polarizer system includes a cooling chamber having a cryogenic refrigerant therein for use in polarizing a substance. A sorption pump is connected to the cooling chamber to reduce a pressure therein to... Agent: General Electric Company Global Research

20080242975 - Device and method for locating a cannula that is inserted into a body: A light pointer (16) is mounted on the proximal end of a cannula (10) by use of an adapter (14) for positioning the cannula (10) that is inserted into a body by use of an ultrasonic head. The light pointer (16) emits a light beam (18) in a direction axially... Agent: Akerman Senterfitt

20080242976 - Electric field tomography: Methods for evaluating motion of a tissue, such as of a cardiac location, e.g., heart wall, via continuous field tomography are provided. In the subject methods, a continuous field (e.g., an electrical, mechanical, electromechanical, or other field) sensing element is stably associated with the tissue location. A property of the... Agent: Bozicevic, Field & Francis LLP (proteus Biomedical, Inc)

20080242977 - Systems, methods and apparatus for longitudinal/temporal analysis of plaque lesions: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some embodiments detection of a change in characteristics of plaque in a longitudinal exam is automated for the purpose of assessing change in disease due to therapy, patient behavior modifications or follow-up. In some embodiments, diagnosis and treatment of arterial lesions... Agent: Ramirez & Smith

20080242978 - Method and apparatus for registering a physical space to image space: A method and apparatus for registering physical space to image space is disclosed. The system allows for determining fiducial markers as pixels or voxels in image data. The system can correlate and register the determined fiducial points with fiducial markers in physical space.... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20080242979 - Combined x-ray detector and ultrasound imager: An imaging system is disclosed that includes a first imaging panel and a second imaging panel disposed about an imaging volume. The imaging panels may be configured to image the entire imaging volume and may include panels using any form of acoustic or electromagnetic energy such as ultrasound panels, optical... Agent: General Electric Company (pcpi) C/o Fletcher Yoder

20080242980 - Imaging device and method: A device (1) for use in imaging a subject using both light and gamma rays emanating from the subject, the device including: a first sensor means (2) responsive to light received thereby from the subject to generate first signals (6) for use in forming a first image (10) of the... Agent: Intellectual Property Group Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.

20080242981 - Casing mechanism and medical imaging apparatus and ultrasound endoscope using the same: A casing mechanism according to the present invention includes a first connector fixedly mounted on a first circuit board; a second connector fixedly mounted on a second circuit board; and a stress absorbing member which absorbs stresses produced in the first connector and the second connector when the first circuit... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20080242982 - Methods and apparatus for ultrasound imaging: Blood flow information is used to reduce noise manifest in blood vessel ultrasound B-mode images. A blood flow signal is obtained by a flow detector. After wall filtering, only the flow signal power in the blood vessel lumen remains, while signal power from stationary tissue region is suppressed. The flow... Agent: Bachman & Lapointe, P.C.

20080242983 - System controller: A system controller according to the present invention communicates with a medical control device connectable to plural types of ultrasonic endoscopes. The system controller includes a plurality of operation instruction units, a communication unit, and a control unit. The plurality of operation instruction units are capable of issuing an instruction... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20080242984 - Ultrasonic attenuation materials: Improved acoustic attenuation materials and applications are provided. An improved acoustic attenuation material may include a woven layer of fibers made of porous polymers, such as porous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), that include interstitial space. An improved acoustic attenuation material may include sheets of porous polymers interleaved with layers of epoxy. The... Agent: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.

20080242985 - 3d ultrasound-based instrument for non-invasive measurement of amniotic fluid volume: A hand-held 3D ultrasound instrument is disclosed which is used to non-d invasively and automatically measure amniotic fluid volume in the uterus requiring a minimum of operator intervention. Using a 2D image-processing algorithm, the instrument gives automatic feedback to the user about where to acquire the 3D image set. The... Agent: Black Lowe & Graham, PLLC

20080242990 - Hair removal using focused high intensity acoustic energy: Hair is permanently removed from a patient's skin by transcutaneously focusing high intensity acoustic energy at a hair follicle and applying sufficient energy to destroy the follicle, whereby hair is removed and regrowth is prevented. Typically, a region of a patient's skin would be ultrasonically imaged to show the location... Agent: Shirley L. Church, Esq.

20080242987 - Method and apparatus for transducer excitation in medical ultrasound imaging: A method of transducer excitation in medical ultrasound imaging. Based on a stepped approximation of Gaussian modulated cosines, the transmit waveform provides bandlimited spectrum and low level of second order harmonics while retaining the duration of the transmitting within two carrier cycles. The waveform is constructed as a linear composition... Agent: Dla Piper US LLP

20080242989 - Ultrasonic imaging apparatus and method: An ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes: a probe section having a piezoelectric transducer array two-dimensionally arranged in rectangular form on a plane orthogonal to an emitting direction in which an ultrasonic wave is emitted; an image acquisition section which acquires B-mode image information having an imaging cross-section including a scanning direction... Agent: Patrick W. Rasche (20459) Armstrong Teasdale LLP

20080242986 - Ultrasonic observation apparatus and ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus using the same: An ultrasonic observation apparatus generates respective ultrasonic images from sound ray data obtained by a detachable electron scanning ultrasonic probe and detachable mechanical scanning ultrasonic probe and includes a coordinate transformation table for use to generate image data at pixel locations for display from the sound ray data obtained by... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20080242988 - Ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, ultrasound image processing apparatus, and ultrasound image processing method: There is provided an automatic adjustment function of the dynamic range that carries out statistic processing by the use of each brightness of image data that corresponds to a plurality of frames, automatically determines the upper limit of the dynamic range based on the brightness that corresponds to an echo... Agent: Oblon, Spivak, Mcclelland Maier & Neustadt, P.C.

20080242991 - Probe for ultrasound diagnosis and ultrasound diagnostic system using the same: The present invention relates to a probe, which is adapted to match acoustic impedances and shield undesired signals, and an ultrasound diagnostic system configured to use such a probe. The probe for conducting ultrasound diagnosis includes a transducer array for transmitting ultrasound signals to a target object and receiving the... Agent: Jones Day

20080242992 - Ultrasound imaging system and method for flow imaging using real-time spatial compounding: A method for reducing speckle in an ultrasound image includes generating a transmit scan beam from a single aperture defined on a face of a transducer element array, such that the transmit scan beam originates from the single aperture, generating a first set of ultrasound response scan beams, originating from... Agent: Philips Intellectual Property & Standards

20080242993 - Ultrasound system: The present invention is directed to an ultrasound system. The ultrasound system of the present invention includes an ultrasound diagnostic unit, a storage unit, an image acquisition unit, a pattern recognition unit, and a control unit. The ultrasound diagnostic unit forms an ultrasound image representative of a target object. The... Agent: Oblon, Spivak, Mcclelland Maier & Neustadt, P.C.

20080242995 - Automatic optimization in spectral doppler ultrasound imaging: Methods and systems for automatic optimization in spectral Doppler ultrasound imaging are provided. The value for one or more spectral Doppler parameter is optimized using numerical optimization rather than predefined sampling. Various spectral Doppler parameters are set, such as a position of the gate, gate size, transmit frequency, filter settings,... Agent: Siemens Corporation Intellectual Property Department

20080242994 - Methods and apparatus for ultrasound imaging: The maximum frequency in a Doppler spectrum is obtained and used as an aliasing detector. When aliasing occurs, frequencies greater than a frequency limit change from one frequency region to another. When aliasing is detected, a zero frequency baseline is shifted to prevent future aliasing.... Agent: Bachman & Lapointe, P.C.

20080242996 - Method and apparatus for measuring flow in multi-dimensional ultrasound: A method and system are provided for estimating velocity of flow within an ultrasound dataset. A sample volume gate is defined on a two-dimensional (2D) image. The 2D image is based on an ultrasonic dataset. Spectral Doppler velocity estimates of flow are detected within the sample volume gate in first... Agent: Dean D. Small The Small Patent Law Group LLP

20080242997 - Method and apparatus for classifying gaseous and non-gaseous objects: Ultrasonic pulse echo object classification is described. A broadband ultrasound transducer transmits a broadband ultrasound pulse towards the object and detecting an associated ultra sound echo of that pulse from the object. An ultrasound receiver receives the detected echo signal. A signal processor, coupled to the ultrasound receivers determines and... Agent: Nixon & Vanderhye, PC

20080242998 - Ultrasonic contrast imaging method and ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus: An ultrasonic contrast imaging method includes: a contrast medium destroying step of transmitting an ultrasonic wave for destroying a contrast medium in a portion close to an ultrasonic probe; and an imaging step of acquiring an ultrasonic image after destruction of the contrast medium in the portion close to the... Agent: Patrick W. Rasche Armstrong Teasdale LLP

20080242999 - Ultrasonic imaging apparatus and ultrasonic velocity optimization method: A resolution optimization unit determines an optimal sound velocity corresponding to a tissue component at each position in a scan slice, and calculates a reception delay time or the like for each reception beam from each position in the scan slice. A control processor executes delay addition processing in a... Agent: Oblon, Spivak, Mcclelland Maier & Neustadt, P.C.

20080243002 - Electrostatically driven image probe: The present invention provides an imaging probe for imaging mammalian tissues and structures using high resolution imaging, including ultrasound and optical coherence tomography. The imaging probe uses electrostatic discharge for actuating a metalized cantilever which holds the end portion of imaging assembly which emits energy in the imaging probe device... Agent: Ralph A. Dowell Of Dowell & Dowell P.C.

20080243000 - Integrated circuit for implementing high-voltage ultrasound functions: An integrated SOI circuit is provided for implementing high-voltage ultrasound functions of an ultrasound imaging system. The integrated circuit is packaged as an integrated chip. The integrated circuit is composed of silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology and integrates at least the following high-voltage ultrasound functions: gatedriver, power amplifier, transmit/receive switch. Optionally the... Agent: Philips Intellectual Property & Standards

20080243003 - Slip ring space and method for its use: An interchangeable transducer for use with an ultrasound medical system having a keyless adaptor and capable of operating in a wet environment. The interchangeable transducer has an adaptor for engaging a medical system, an ultrasound transducer and additional electronics to provide a self-contained insert for easy replacement and usage in... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP

20080243001 - Ultrasonic attentuation materials: Improved acoustic attenuation materials and applications are provided. An improved acoustic attenuation material may include a woven layer of fibers made of porous polymers, such as porous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), that include interstitial space. An improved acoustic attenuation material may include sheets of porous polymers interleaved with layers of epoxy. The... Agent: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.

20080243004 - Ultrasonic probe, method of manufacturing the same, and ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus: An ultrasonic probe in which cable wiring between transducers within the ultrasonic probe and connector terminals can be simplified. The ultrasonic probe includes: plural ultrasonic transducers for transmitting ultrasonic waves according to supplied drive signals, and receiving ultrasonic echoes to output detection signals; plural terminals provided in a connector to... Agent: Sughrue Mion, PLLC

20080243005 - Computational user-health testing: Methods, apparatuses, computer program products, devices and systems are described that carry out obtaining user-health data; selecting at least one user-health test function at least partly based on the user-health data; and applying the at least one user-health test function to at least one interaction between at least one user... Agent: Searete LLC Clarence T. Tegreene

20080243006 - Method and apparatus for continuous pulse contour cardiac output: A system and method are provided for sensing cardiac electrogram (EGM) signals and ventricular pressure signals and for using the sensed EGM and sensed pressure signals for estimating stroke volume (SV). A measure of cardiac output can be computed from the estimated SV and a heart rate determined from the... Agent: Medtronic, Inc.

20080243007 - Pulmonary artery pressure signals and methods of using: Embodiments of the invention are related to methods and systems for using a pulmonary artery pressure signal to detect and/or monitor physiological parameters, physiological status, and aspects of disorders and diseases, amongst other things. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for detecting pulmonary symptoms of a disorder. In... Agent: Pauly, Devries Smith & Deffner, L.L.C.

20080243008 - Blood pressure measuring apparatus and blood pressure measuring method: To provide a technique which makes it possible to obtain a proper pulse wave signal for high-accuracy blood pressure measurements, thereby saving the trouble of taking measurements repeatedly and reducing a physical burden imposed on the user by cuff pressure. A blood pressure measuring apparatus includes a cuff which is... Agent: Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney PC

20080243009 - Method of controlling inflation of a cuff in blood pressure determination: The present application discloses a method of calculating an initial inflation pressure during a blood pressure determination using an NIB system. The cuff provided with the system is inflated towards a default initial inflation pressure and a plurality of oscillometric pulses are obtained during inflation. A quick systolic pressure is... Agent: Peter Vogel Ge Healthcare

20080243011 - Blood pressure monitor: The blood pressure monitor 100 includes plural case members 111 to 116 that are rotatably connected with one another to form a housing unit housing a cuff. The plural case members 111 to 116 are connected with plural torque hinges 140 or plural rotation hinges 150, and rotate to be... Agent: Sughrue Mion, PLLC

20080243010 - System and method for facilitating proper cuff use during non-invasive blood pressure measurement: A non-invasive blood pressure system comprises a blood pressure cuff having an identifier and an aperture such that the identifier can be read through the aperture when the cuff is in a desired configuration. Another comprises a processor in operative communication with the cuff and configured to initiate a blood... Agent: Peter Vogel Ge Healthcare

20080243013 - Biosignal measuring equipment: A signal-to-noise ratio and measurement precision is increased in electrode units disposed on the left and right sides of a steering wheel. A plurality of electrode units is disposed in the left and right handholds of a steering wheel. The contact impedances of all the electrode units are measured. A... Agent: Posz Law Group, PLC

20080243012 - Method of compressing electrocardiogram data and electrocardiogram telemetry system using the same: In an electrocardiogram telemeter, a data acquirer is operable to acquire electrocardiogram data. A data compressor is operable to compress the electrocardiogram data with either a wavelet transform, a Huffman coding, or an arithmetic coding, thereby generating compressed electrocardiogram data adapted to be transmitted to a remote receiver which is... Agent: Sughrue-265550

20080243014 - Breathing sound analysis for detection of sleep apnea/popnea events: Apparatus for use detection of apnea includes a microphone mounted in the ear of the patient for detecting breathing sounds and a second external microphone together with an oximetric sensor. A transmitter at the patient compresses and transmits the signals to a remote location where there is provided a detector... Agent: Ade & Company Inc.

20080243015 - Visual indicating device for bad breath: The invention provides a breath testing device which includes a visual indicating agent which changes color in the presence of an odor associated with bad breath, such as sulfur and ammonia odors. An example of the visual indicating agent is 4,4′-bis(dimethylamino)-benzhydrol (Michler's hydrol or BDMB) and related dyes having a... Agent: Dority & Manning, P.A.

20080243017 - Breathing sound analysis for estimation of airlow rate: Apparatus for use detection of apnea includes a microphone mounted in the ear of the patient for detecting breathing sounds and a second external microphone together with an oximetric sensor. A transmitter at the patient compresses and transmits the signals to a remote location where there is provided a detector... Agent: Ade & Company Inc.

20080243016 - Pulmonary artery pressure signals and methods of using: Embodiments of the invention are related to methods and systems for using a pulmonary artery pressure signal to detect and/or monitor physiological parameters, physiological status, and aspects of disorders and diseases, amongst other things. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of measuring a pulmonary function parameter of a... Agent: Pauly, Devries Smith & Deffner, L.L.C.

20080243019 - Respiratory function measuring equipment and storage medium: A respiratory function measuring device comprises: a three-dimensional measuring unit that measures a chest movement and an abdomen movement of a breathing animal; a first measuring unit that measures a time T1 where a rate of volume decrease of the abdomen is maximized in an expiration; a second measuring unit... Agent: Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge LLP

20080243018 - System and method to track a respiratory cycle of a subject: A system operable to track a respiratory cycle of a subject is provided. The system includes at least a first sensor positioned on the subject, and at least a second sensor located at a reference relative to a change in position of the first sensor associated with respiration of the... Agent: Peter Vogel Ge Healthcare

20080243020 - Physiological signal collecting and monitoring device and system: A physiological signal collecting and monitoring system includes a physiological signal sensing device (10) and a computer device (48). The sensing device (10) includes a physiological signal sensing unit for detecting physiological signals from a subject, a circuit arrangement including a processor for executing a preloaded program to receive the... Agent: Volpe And Koenig, P.C.

20080243022 - Seizure prediction using brain signal telemetry: An ambulatory intrinsic brain signal processor circuit is coupled to a plurality of electrodes. The signal processor circuit can include a digital multiplexer circuit coupled to the electrodes to multiplex brain signal data from different electrodes together into a multiplexed data stream. An ambulatory transceiver circuit wirelessly communicates information to... Agent: Schwegman, Lundberg & Woessner, P.A.

20080243021 - Signal common mode cancellation for handheld low voltage testing device: An apparatus for monitoring bioelectric signals of a patient which includes a processing system and an interface for receiving external electrical signals representative of a condition of the patient. The interface is configured to convey a representation of the received external signals to the processing system, and includes a common... Agent: Polster, Lieder, Woodruff & Lucchesi

20080243024 - Detection and classification of neuromuscular late wave activity for the assessment of neuromuscular function: A method for the assessment of neuromuscular function by the detection and classification of late wave activity, comprising: (i) pre-processing an ensemble of traces so as to attenuate noise, PFI and baseline disturbances; (ii) identifying time segments of late wave activity in the ensemble of traces; (iii) classifying the time... Agent: Mark J. Pandiscio Pandiscio & Pandiscio, P.C.

20080243023 - Device for preventing bruxism: A device for preventing bruxism includes a carrier (1) which is intended for receiving in a mouth of a user and which includes at least a part of an electronic bio-feedback system. The bio-feedback system includes at least one signal sensor (2) which is sensitive to electrical muscle signals and... Agent: Young & Thompson

20080243026 - Abdominal impedance measurement apparatus: An abdominal impedance measurement apparatus includes a plurality of electrodes for measuring an abdominal impedance of a human subject, and includes an electrode supporting member for supporting the electrodes in such a manner that the electrodes protrude from the electrode supporting member. The electrode supporting member includes a plurality of... Agent: Hogan & Hartson LLPIPGroup, Columbia Square

20080243025 - Medical device: In a medical device and a method for operating the medical device, it is first determined whether a patient, at whom a medical measurement is to be made, satisfied specified criteria that will ensure comparability of the measurement results obtained from the patient. Only when the specified criteria had been... Agent: Schiff Hardin, LLP Patent Department

20080243027 - Thermal sensation determining apparatus and method, and air-conditioning control apparatus using thermal sensation determination result: A thermal sensation determining apparatus includes a skin temperature detecting unit configured to detect a skin temperature of a peripheral site of a subject's body, a variation state determining unit configured to determine a variation state of the skin temperature during a first interval to obtain a variation state determination... Agent: Charles N.j. Ruggiero, Esq. Ohlandt, Greeley, Ruggiero & Perle, L.L.P.

20080243028 - Tissue harvesting: The present disclosure relates to a tissue collection apparatus. The tissue collection apparatus comprises a housing defining an inlet and an outlet, a first filter disposed within the housing, a second filter disposed within the housing, the second filter configured to isolate tissue particles of a desired size that pass... Agent: Norman F. Hainer, Jr. Smith & Nephew, Inc.

20080243029 - Tissue harvesting: The present disclosure relates to a tissue collection apparatus including a housing defining an inlet and an outlet and a tissue scaffold suitable for disposal within the housing, the tissue scaffold configured to be loaded with the tissue under the application of an aspiration force applied through the tissue collection... Agent: Norman F. Hainer, Jr. Smith & Nephew, Inc.

20080243031 - Catheter with imaging capability acts as guidewire for cannula tools: A catheter having an imaging device on its distal end serves as a guidewire for cannula tools, enabling the tools to be advanced to a desired site in a patient's body. One exemplary embodiment of such a catheter is a scanning fiber endoscope. The images facilitate navigation through linked body... Agent: Law Offices Of Ronald M Anderson

20080243030 - Multifunction cannula tools: Different exemplary embodiments of cannula tools each perform multiple functions. Each cannula tool is able to dislodge or cut away a biopsy sample from a desired site within a patient's body, and then collect the sample. The cannula tool, which is disposed at the distal end of an elongate flexible... Agent: Law Offices Of Ronald M Anderson

20080243032 - Analytical device including sterile protection: An analytical device is provided comprising a lancet and a test element in an integrated arrangement. The lancet generally comprises a lancet needle and a protective cap wherein the lancet needle can be displaced relative to the protective cap and wherein the protective cap generally completely surrounds the tip of... Agent: Roche Diagnostics Operations Inc.

20080243033 - Method and apparatus for measuring representational motions in a medical context: Disclosed is an apparatus and corresponding method to capture individual representational motions made by a person while performing a neuropsychological test. A user of the apparatus and method may be allowed to view, edit, classify, and retrieve any captured and recorded motions made by the person. In one embodiment, a... Agent: Hamilton, Brook, Smith & Reynolds, P.C.