69results about How to "Minimal discomfort" patented technology

One or more implantable system control units (SCU) apply one or more stimulating drugs and / or electrical pulses to one or more predetermined areas affecting circulatory perfusion. The SCU preferably includes a programmable memory for storing data and / or control parameters, and preferably uses a power source / storage device, such as a rechargeable battery. If necessary, periodic recharging of such a power source / storage device is accomplished, for example, by inductive coupling with an external appliance. The SCU provides a means of stimulating a nerve(s) or other tissue with electrical and / or infusion pulses when desired, without the need for external appliances during the stimulation session. When necessary, external appliances are used for the transmission of data to and / or from the SCU(s) and / or for the transmission of power. In a preferred embodiment, the system is capable of open- and closed-loop operation. In closed-loop operation, at least one SCU includes a sensor, and the sensed condition is used to adjust electrical and / or drug stimulation parameters.

An analyte test device is constructed as an integrated, single-use, disposable cartridge which can be releasably installed into a compatible analyte test monitor. In use, the device can be used in conjunction with the monitor to lance the skin of a patient to create a blood sample, express the blood sample from the wound site using vacuum forces and calculate the concentration of a particular analyte in the expressed blood sample. In one embodiment, the device includes a base which includes a top surface and a bottom surface. The base is also shaped to define an aperture which extends transversely through its top and bottom surfaces. An electrochemical test sensor is affixed to the base in such a manner so that a vacuum path is at least partially defined between the base and the test sensor, the vacuum path being in fluid communication with the aperture. A cover is affixed to the top surface of the base over the aperture, the cover comprising a flexible dome-shaped member and a lancet coupled to the member, the lancet being orientated such that its longitudinal axis extends at an approximate right angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the test sensor. The bottom surface of the base is shaped to include a skin receiving surface which at least partially defines the aperture in the base, the skin receiving surface having a steep inward contour to distend the skin of the patient when pressed thereagainst.

The invention provides a monitoring device featuring: 1) a housing having a first surface; 2) a sensor pad, positioned on the first surface, that includes a first LED emitting red light, a second LED emitting infrared light, and a photodetector; 3) a data-processing circuit that analyzes a signal from the photodetector to generate a blood pressure value; and 4) means for transmitting the blood pressure value to an external device.

The invention provides a system for measuring blood pressure from a patient that includes: 1) an optical module featuring systems for measuring signals from the patient, serial communication, and power management; 2) an external computing device configured to attach to the optical module, supply power to the optical module, and receive information from the optical module through the system for serial communication; and 3) an algorithm, operating on the external computing device, that processes information received through the system for serial communication to determine the patient's blood pressure.

A system and method for applying electrical stimulation or drug infusion to nervous tissue of a patient to treat epilepsy, movement disorders, and other indications uses at least one implantable system control unit (SCU) (110), including an implantable signal / pulse generator (IPG) and one or more electrodes (152, 152′). The IPG is implanted in the mastoid area (143) of the skull (140) and communicates with at least one external appliance (230), such as a Behind-the-Ear (BTE) unit (100). In a preferred embodiment, the system is capable of open- and closed-loop operation. In closed-loop operation, at least one SCU includes a sensor, and the sensed condition is used to adjust stimulation parameters.

A lancet for acquiring a blood sample includes a unitary member which is hollow along at least a portion of its length. Preferably, the unitary member is in the form of a seamless cylindrical tube which is constructed out of a rigid and durable material, such as stainless steel. During the lancet manufacturing process, a series of individual grinding processes are performed on one end of the unitary member to yield a lancet which includes a plurality of skin-penetrable tips. In one embodiment, one end of the unitary member is subjected to a pair of single angle planar grinds to yield a lancet which includes a pair of sharpened tips. In another embodiment, one end of the unitary member is subjected to four compound angle planar grinds to yield a lancet which includes a pair of sharpened tips. In another embodiment, one end of the unitary member is subjected to three single angle planar grinds to yield a lancet which includes three equidistantly spaced sharpened tips.

An implant for treating rectocele and / or prolapsus of the vaginal fornix is thin and flexible and includes a support body from which there extend at least two upper suspension stabilizers disposed on either side of a sagittal plane and two lower suspension stabilizers disposed on either side of the sagittal plane. The implant may be constructed from a suitable biocompatible material such as a woven synthetic material, or a knitted material of polypropylene or polyester fibers.

A conductive electrode is attached to the clinician's finger and current pulses are applied thereto as the clinician searches for a nerve to be anesthetized by palpating in the region of the nerve. The target nerve is stimulated to indicate when the nerve is located.

The corneal reflex method is used to detect the current direction of view (VD) of a user (UE) to perform specifically selected functions on a computer. Eye vectors (EV) can be detected between the pupil center (ZP) and reflection points (RP) on the cornea (CA) that can be associated with a fixation point (FP) on a computer screen using infrared light (IRS). The association is produced as a function of the direction of view (VDF), so the relationship is detected during an initial calibration (C) by a referenced user (RE) to develop a set of reference eye vectors (EVR). A shorter self-balancing recalibration (RC) is then carried out for each subsequent user (UE). A mapping function (MF) is detected during the recalibration (RC) so that the individual eye vectors (EVU) can be converted to the reference eye vectors (EVR) by the mapping function. The recalibration (RC) can take place without the user (UE) realizing it. The method is useful in medical diagnostics, psycho-optical examinations and eye-controlled interaction with multimedia computers.

A capacitive sensor element for use with a patient monitoring system and a method for manufacturing and dispensing such sensor elements for use. Sensor elements include a flat, flexible, substrate layer that is manufactured into a roll that also includes at least two longitudinal conductive elements printed onto one side of the substrate layer material. Disclosed also is an integrated interconnect cable component for allowing the operation of dielectric shift sensor elements with a variety of control monitors associated with pressure switch based patient alarm systems. The interconnect cable component may be used for connecting a dielectric shift sensing mat with any of a variety of different pressure switch based control unit modules used with patient occupancy alarm systems. The interconnect includes an integrated driver, sensor, comparator, calibration, logic circuit; a relay activation circuit; and power supply. Various embodiments in different sleeping (bed) and sitting (chair) environments are described.

An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for facilitating intranasal administration of a medication to a patient's sphenopalatine / pterygopalatine recess. The apparatus includes a catheter having a lumen disposed therethrough, the catheter comprising an insertion end and a manipulation end, the insertion end having an intrinsic curvature with respect to a longitudinal axis of the catheter such that the insertion end of the catheter lies in a first plane and the manipulation end lies in a second plane, wherein the catheter smoothly transitions between the first plane and the second plane, the intrinsic curvature conforming to a patients nasal anatomy such that the catheter may be inserted into a sphenopalatine / pterygopalatine recess. The apparatus also includes a straightening member configured to removably engage the catheter. The straightening member straightens the intrinsic curvature such that the first plane and the second plane are aligned when the catheter is engaged by the straightening member.

An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for facilitating intranasal administration of a medication to a patient's sphenopalatine / pterygopalatine recess. The apparatus includes a catheter having a lumen disposed therethrough, the catheter comprising an insertion end and a manipulation end, the insertion end having an intrinsic curvature with respect to a longitudinal axis of the catheter such that the insertion end of the catheter lies in a first plane and the manipulation end lies in a second plane, wherein the catheter smoothly transitions between the first plane and the second plane, the intrinsic curvature conforming to a patients nasal anatomy such that the catheter may be inserted into a sphenopalatine / pterygopalatine recess. The apparatus also includes a straightening member configured to removably engage the catheter. The straightening member straightens the intrinsic curvature such that the first plane and the second plane are aligned when the catheter is engaged by the straightening member.

A capsule containing sensors for impedance and pH monitoring with wireless communication capabilities is presented. A low cost miniature microcontroller interfaces between the sensors and a wireless transmitter. Magnetic holding is proposed as an alternative to surgical affixation of the monitoring capsule. Pins provide additional support for the capsule. The capsule may be used to detect acid and non-acid reflux.

A patient-treatment system and related method provide relief from, and treatment for, muscle spasticity disorders, Willis-Ekbom disease, contracture, sleep onset insomnia, sleep maintenance insomnia, rheumatoid arthritis, and other similar disorders by applying controlled heat, and optionally muscle monitoring / stimulation, to one or more parts of a patient's body.

A drug delivery device (500), including a body (504) having a needle opening (508) and a reservoir (164, 176) disposed therein for containing a medicament, and an injection needle (152) for penetrating the skin of a patient, the needle (152) providing a path for the medicament between the reservoir (164, 176) and the patient, and selectively protruding from the body (504) through the needle opening (508). The device (500) also includes safety means (576, 548, 552, 532, 512) for automatically retracting the needle (152) within the body (504) and covering the needle opening (508) upon removal of the device (500) from the patient.

A system and method for introducing one or more stimulating drugs and / or applying electrical stimulation to the brain to treat mood and / or anxiety disorders uses an implantable system control unit (SCU), specifically an implantable signal / pulse generator (IPG) or microstimulator with one or more electrodes in the case of electrical stimulation, and an implantable pump with one or more catheters in the case of drug infusion. In cases requiring both electrical and drug stimulation, one or more SCUs are used. Alternatively and preferably, when needed, an SCU provides both electrical stimulation and one or more stimulating drugs. In a preferred embodiment, the system is capable of open- and closed-loop operation. In closed-loop operation, at least one SCU includes a sensor, and the sensed condition is used to adjust stimulation parameters.

A capacitive sensor element for use with a patient monitoring system and a method for manufacturing and dispensing such sensor elements for use. The sensor elements include a flat, flexible, substrate layer that is manufactured into a roll that also includes at least two longitudinal conductive elements printed or layered onto one side of the substrate layer material. Individual capacitive sensor elements comprising a section of the substrate material with corresponding sections of the conductive elements may be separated from the manufactured roll by tearing along perforations across the width of the substrate layer material. Once an individual capacitive sensor element has been separated from the roll for use, one end of the element is folded over to align pairs of connector apertures positioned through the conductive elements and the associated substrate layer. Dual snap electrical connectors are positioned over and through the apertures to provide the necessary electrical connections between the capacitive sensor and the instrumentation of the patient monitoring system. The present invention further includes a method of manufacturing the roll of capacitive sensor elements according to the structures described above and providing such rolled elements in a dispenser configuration for use in facilities utilizing the patient monitoring systems.Disclosed is an integrated interconnect cable component for allowing the operation of dielectric shift sensor elements with a variety of control monitors associated with pressure switch based patient alarm systems. The interconnect cable component may be used for connecting a dielectric shift sensing mat (associated with a patient monitoring system) with any of a variety of different pressure switch based control unit module as utilized in conjunction with patient occupancy alarm systems. The interconnect component includes an integrated driver, sensor, comparator, calibration, logic circuit; a relay activation circuit; and a power supply (battery). The cabled component takes the dielectric shift measured across the contacts for a sensor mat and drives a relay activation circuit accordingly. The relay activation circuit in turn provides the on / off switch condition that the existing pressure switch monitor circuit expects to see at the connection cable.

A minimal pain microneedle based transdermal drug delivery device and method. The device has a clamshell configuration, where the top part of the clamshell holds one or more chambers configured to store liquid drugs, and also configured to store one or more spring operated plungers, and at least one microneedle. The top portion of the device is attached to the bottom portion of the device by a combination hinge and a moveable shutter mechanism. In its shut position, the shutter mechanism prevents the plungers from moving, and the open shutter position releases the plunger. When the user applies the bottom of the device to the user's skin and presses on the top portion with enough force to overcome a detent mechanism, the top portion pivots against the bottom portion forcing the microneedle through an aperture and into the skin painlessly. Pressing on the shutter mechanism then results in drug self-administration.

A device (100) for delivering a medicament into a patient's body by injection into or through the patient's skin, including a main body having a top enclosure (116) and a bottom enclosure (104), a reservoir (160) disposed within the main body for containing the medicament, and an injection needle (152) for penetrating the skin of the patient, the needle (152) having a lumen and selectively communicating with the reservoir (160). The device also includes a pressurizing system (600, 140) for selectively pressurizing the reservoir (160). In a pre-activated position, the pressurizing system (600, 140) contacts and compresses the reservoir (160) to reduce the initial volume of the reservoir (160), thereby allowing for partial filling of the reservoir (160).

A device (100) for delivering a medicament into a patient's body by injection into or through the patient's skin includes a body (104, 116) having a reservoir (160) disposed therein for containing the medicament, an injection needle (152) for penetrating the skin of the patient, the needle (152) having a lumen and communicating with the reservoir (160), and a pressurizing system for pressurizing the reservoir (160). The device also includes indicator means (124) visible outside the device (100) for indicating that delivery of the medicament is substantially complete.

A drug delivery device, including a body having a reservoir disposed therein for containing a medicament, the reservoir including a flexible wall; a plunger movable within the body for causing the medicament to be expelled from the reservoir, the plunger having a contact surface that is not affixed to said flexible reservoir wall; a spring biasing the plunger toward the reservoir; and means for selectively maintaining the plunger in a pre-activated position with respect to the reservoir and, upon releasing the plunger from the pre-activated position, for guiding the plunger to move under the force of the spring such that the contact surface of the plunger contacts the flexible reservoir wall to pressurize the reservoir for delivery of the medicament to a patient.

An anchor for an implantable sensing device, a sensor unit formed by the anchor and sensing device, and a surgical procedure for implanting the sensor unit for monitoring a physiological parameter within a cavity of a living body, such as an intracranial physiological property. The anchor includes a shank portion and a head portion. The shank portion defines a distal end of the anchor and has a bore defining an opening at the distal end. The head portion defines a proximal end of the anchor and has a larger cross-sectional dimension than the shank portion. The sensor unit comprises the anchor and the sensing device placed and secured within the bore of the anchor so that a sensing element of the sensing device is exposed for sensing the physiological parameter within the cavity.

A drug delivery device (100), including a body (104, 116) having a reservoir (164, 176) disposed therein for containing a medicament and an injection needle (152) for penetrating the skin of a patient, the needle (152) providing a path for the medicament between the reservoir (164, 176) and the patient. The device (100) also includes a needle cover (114) for selectively covering the injection needle (152), an adhesive (264) for selectively adhering the device to the patient, a release liner (500) for selectively covering a patient side of the adhesive (264), and a connecting means (112, 520, 512, 508, 524) for connecting the needle cover (114) and the release liner (500) such that removal of one of the needle cover (114) and the release liner (500) from the device (100) removes the other one of the needle cover (114) and the release liner (500).

A sensor for the detection or measurement of a carbohydrate analyte in fluid comprises components of a competitive binding assay the readout of which is a detectable or measurable optical signal retained by a material that permits diffusion of the analyte but not the assay components, the assay components comprising: a carbohydrate binding molecule labelled with one of a proximity based signal generating / modulating moiety pair; and a carbohydrate analogue capable of competing with the analyte for binding to the carbohydrate binding molecule, the carbohydrate analogue being a flexible water-soluble polymer comprising: polymerized or co-polymerised residues of monomer units, the monomer unit residues bearing pendant carbohydrate or carbohydrate mimetic moieties and pendant moieties which are the other of the proximity based signal generating / modulating moiety pair.

A drug delivery device (100) includes a body (102, 116) having a reservoir (160) disposed therein for containing a medicament and an injection needle (152) for penetrating the skin of a patient, the needle (152) providing a path for the medicament between the reservoir (160) and the patient. The device (100) also includes a plunger (144) movable within the body (102, 116) for causing the medicament to be expelled from the reservoir (160), and a biasing means (140) for biasing the plunger (144) toward the reservoir (160), wherein in a pre-activated position, the biasing means (140) telescopes within itself, and upon activation, provides a force to the plunger (144) for expelling the medicament from the reservoir (160). The biasing means (140) is preferably provided in the form of a conical spring having a variable pitch.