177results about How to "Minimize discomfort" patented technology

The invention relates to analyte monitoring / drug (pharmaceutical agent) delivery device. The invention is suited for monitoring various blood constituents such as glucose. The device has a housing that at least partially encloses a plurality of microneedles disposed on a carrier and an electronics portion. Each microneedle is in fluid communication with a corresponding microchannel. Each microneedle is individually addressable. That is, each microneedle can be extended and retracted individually via an actuator. The electronics portion includes a processor and associated circuitry (e.g., memory, supporting electronics and the like), a motor or the like, a sensor, a power supply (e.g., battery) and optionally an interface. In general, the processor controls the operation of the device and is data communication with the actuator, motor, sensor and interface. The invention provides for autonomous operation, that is, without intervention of the user. The invention can optionally provide for calibration without intervention of the user. The invention can also provide for semi-continuous monitoring for day and night time. The invention can provide for up to four, or more, weeks of operation. The invention can provide for a device that is relative small in size, and therefore unobtrusive. The invention can also provide for device with remote control and interactive electronics. The invention may be also used for the delivery of various pharmaceutical agents including high potency drugs to minimize patient intervention and minimize discomfort.

The invention relates to analyte monitoring / drug (pharmaceutical agent) delivery device. The invention is suited for monitoring various blood constituents such as glucose. The device has a housing that at least partially encloses a plurality of microneedles disposed on a carrier and an electronics portion. Each microneedle is in fluid communication with a corresponding microchannel. Each microneedle is individually addressable. That is, each microneedle can be extended and retracted individually via an actuator. The electronics portion includes a processor and associated circuitry (e.g., memory, supporting electronics and the like), a motor or the like, a sensor, a power supply (e.g., battery) and optionally an interface. In general, the processor controls the operation of the device and is data communication with the actuator, motor, sensor and interface. The invention provides for autonomous operation, that is, without intervention of the user. The invention can optionally provide for calibration without intervention of the user. The invention can also provide for semi-continuous monitoring for day and night time. The invention can provide for up to four, or more, weeks of operation. The invention can provide for a device that is relative small in size, and therefore unobtrusive. The invention can also provide for device with remote control and interactive electronics. The invention may be also used for the delivery of various pharmaceutical agents including high potency drugs to minimize patient intervention and minimize discomfort.

A nasal cannula apparatus is provided for use by patients desiring a comfortable arrangement. The nasal cannula apparatus is particularly suited for long-term oxygen users, for extended wear in both standing, resting and supine positions. The nasal cannula apparatus has headgear and retainers for holding the gas supply tubes, which are adjustable to allow fast and easy adjustment to size. The headgear and retainers allow the cannula tubes to be held in a position which prevents skin discomfort and irritation, and which promotes healing of such irritation, injuries and sores.

A system and method is disclosed for the provision of assisted breathing by the delivery of a controlled pressurized airflow to the pulmonary airway of a user with breathing disorders. The system comprises a source of compressed respiratory gas, a user nasal interface unit including at least one Venturi device and a thin flexible tubing connecting between the source of high pressure gas and the Venturi device. The system and method provide a regulated and controlled flow of air to the user in accordance with the user needs. The invention further discloses a novel small light-weight nasal user interface for replacing prior art breathing masks.

An improved nasal cannula for isolating, monitoring and measuring the content of a patients exhaled gases. The cannula includes an integral connector that is attached to the wall of a hollow nare to create a gas-tight interface. The other end of the connector is attached to tubing that forms an integral seal with the cannula port to create a continuous, gas-tight flow channel that is separated from the hollow cannula body. The integral connector provides a direct, isolated flow channel that eliminates the undesirable dead space in which exhaled gases from a patient can be entrapped and stagnate, resulting in cross contamination.

A method and apparatus are disclosed for determining a negative pressure generated by a suction pump of a topical negative pressure (TNP) system. The method includes the steps of disconnecting a drive voltage from a pump of the TNP system, determining an EMF generated by a free-wheeling element of the pump, selecting a new drive voltage for the pump and reconnecting the new drive voltage to the pump.

An instrument for precisely cutting tissue to controlled dimensions (length, width, depth, and shape) is provided for the removal of tissue specimens from remote sites in the body of a patient, such as from the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, or vascular structures, or any tissue surface or soft tissue of the body. The instrument has a housing and a substantially flexible shaft extending from the housing to a distal end. The distal end of the instrument has an open cavity into which tissue is receivable. Suction can be communicated along the shaft to the distal end for distribution across the cavity utilizing a manifold having a grated tissue engaging surface with opening(s) for applying the suction, thereby pulling tissue adjacent to the distal end into the cavity against the tissue engaging surface of the manifold. One or more hollow needles are extendable from the housing through the shaft into the cavity to enable infusion of fluid, such as saline or a hemostatic agent, into the tissue. A blade in the distal end is extendable through the cavity over the manifold and across the opening to cut the tissue held by suction and stabilized by the needles in the cavity. The shape and depth of the tissue removed by the cuts is in accordance with the contour of the tissue engaging surface and the size and shape of the cavity at the distal end. The tissue so removed by the instrument may be for therapeutic intervention and / or represent a tissue specimen for biopsy suitable of diagnostic evaluation. The tissue edges in the patient's body left after cutting with this instrument readily avail themselves to apposition for enhanced healing.

A method and apparatus for stimulating a muscle of a subject are provided. The apparatus comprises a signal generator for generating an electrical pulse signal of a frequency and a current amplitude for inducing contractions in the muscle, and an electrode apparatus for applying the signal to nerves associated with the muscle to be stimulated or adjacent the muscle of the subject for stimulating the muscle. The frequency and current amplitude of the electrical pulse signal are selected so as to maximize the bulk of the muscle being subjected to the contractions so as to generate a shivering phenomenon therein.

A composition for promoting the formation of clots in blood comprises a binder and a zeolite disposed in the binder, the zeolite having an adjusted calcium content. A method of forming a blood-clotting composition comprises the steps of providing a zeolite, combining the zeolite with a binder, and adjusting a calcium content of the zeolite to have an amount of calcium such that upon application of the composition to a wound, a heat of hydration is reduced and thereby heat transferred to the wound is reduced. A method of clotting blood flowing from a wound comprises the steps of applying a zeolite to the wound and maintaining the zeolite in contact with the wound for a predetermined amount of time. The zeolite preferably has an adjusted calcium content and is capable of producing a controllable blood clotting effect on the wound.

A combination cushion, carry device, and garment apparatus for use as a protective weather resistant garment, blanket, pillow, seat cushion, and transport device. The apparatus has, among other elements, a planar member, a hood, a right sleeve, a left sleeve, a waistband retainer, a carrying system, and a pouch. The sleeves are attached to the apparatus with sleeve attachment devices that allow for a broad range of motion while minimizing the loss of coverage associated with traditional ponchos. The entire apparatus may be folded, rolled, or bunched, for storage and transport in the pouch. The carrying system is attached to the planar member and serves dual functions. The carrying system acts both as a convenient adjustable method of carrying the apparatus during transport and as a method of adjustably securing the apparatus to the body when worn as a garment.

A flexible membrane is situated within a rigid or semi-rigid cap. The edge of the cap wall is adhesively fixed to the tissue surrounding the stoma. The interior of the cap is pressurized to press the membrane to seal the stoma against the discharge of solid and semi-solid waste. Gas escapes through a vent with a filter element. The cap can be pressurized by an external pump or an integral pump member situated on top of the cap. A relief valve prevents over pressurization. A collection pouch can be provided as part of a device. The device can be removably mounted on a standard two-piece faceplate.

A device for promoting the healing of a topical stress crack in a predetermined skin portion of the body. The device comprising a first means engageable with a skin portion of the body for drawing such stress crack together. A screen member disposed intermediate with the skin crack and first means for maintaining closure of such skin crack. A medical adhesive engageable with a screen member as a means for sealing the stress crack together.

Disclosed is a medical device that operates as a supporting splint for the limbs and other body parts necessary for the treatment of a variety of medical and surgical conditions. Said device is an inflatable, flexible, lightweight water-resistant splint whose measure of rigidity is easily controlled by the fitter or user. According to the present invention there are several embodiments of the splint, each suited to fit a different body part such as the limbs, torso, chest, pelvis, and neck. Said device, which is constructed of inflatable tubes, is made of two nylon layers welded together and coated with polyurethane. The tubes may be inflated by any means of supplying air pressure. The present invention is especially designed to allow normal blood circulation to the treated body part, provide ventilation to the area, enable easy inspection of an injury, and allow partial movement of the treated part.

A soft contact debridement tip for use with hand-held wound debridement devices. The soft contact debridement tip of the present invention provides concurrent irrigation and suction to the area to be debrided. The soft contact debridement tip includes a foam end having an opening for providing irrigation and suction to the area to be debrided. Advantageously, the foam end of the present invention facilitates the removal of excess fluid at the debridement site, and at the same time alleviates pain and discomfort associated with wound debridement. The soft contact tip of the present invention is adapted for single use, and is easily attached and detached from a hand-held debridement device.

A system and method are disclosed for the provision of assisted breathing by the delivery of a controlled pressurized Airflow to the pulmonary airway of a user with breathing disorders. The system comprises a source of compressed respiratory gas (112), a user interface unit (115) including at least one Venturi device (120) and a thin flexible tubing (116) connecting between the source of high pressure gas (112) and the Venturi device. The system and method provide a regulated and controlled flow of air to the user (105) in accordance with the user needs. The invention further discloses a novel small light-weight user interface for replacing prior art breathing masks.

Disclosed is a pain relief composition comprising an effective amount of a nerve inhibiting component, including capsaicin, a capsaicinoid or a capsaicin analogue, which numbs or inhibits the nerve endings that signal pain, in combination with at least one of the following: an effective amount of an inflammation control component which is designed to reduce immediate pain and discourage future pain in the joints and muscles; an effective amount of a cooling component; an effective amount of a heat minimizing or blocking component; an effective amount of a circulation increasing component which effectuates better penetration of the actives to the skin and nerves; and an effective amount of a soothing and anti-inflammatory complex for the joints and / or muscles comprising Glucosamine sulfate or HCl, Zingiber officiniale (Ginger Root) extract, Methyl sulfonylmethane (MSM), Polygonum cuspidatum (Mexican Bamboo) extract, Aloe barbadensis leaf, and Salix alba (white willow) bark extract. Additionally, the composition includes an encapsulation or entrapment system for a timed release delivery.

Implants (20, 22) and methods of making the implants for treating bodily defects or remodeling tissue. The implants have a low density and open pores (49) which may permit tissue ingrowth.

A system and method are disclosed for the provision of assisted breathing by the delivery of a controlled pressurized airflow to the pulmonary airway of a user with breathing disorders. The system comprises a source of compressed respiratory gas (112), a user interface unit (115) including at least one Venturi device (120) and a thin flexible tubing (116) connecting between the source of high pressure gas (112) and the Venturi device. The system and method provide a regulated and controlled flow of air to the user (105) in accordance with the user needs. The invention further discloses a novel small light-weight user interface for replacing prior art breathing masks.

A thermal treatment control system including an imaging device for specifying the geometry and / or location of the treatment target, a thermal energy element for applying a thermal treatment for the heating or cooling of a target tissue for therapeutic purposes, a thermal energy detecting element for detecting a measured tissue response to the thermal treatment and a feedback controller for a real-time modification of the intensity and spatial distribution of the thermal dose in order to achieve therapeutic efficacy over a minimum or reduced treatment time while satisfying treatment constraints imposed to limit damage to normal tissues.

The present invention discloses a stereoscopic display employing polarized eyewear. The basic component of the present invention stereoscopic display is a stereopolarizer, which is a polarized screen comprising microscopic sections of mutually extinguishing polarizing filters dispersed throughout the screen. To achieve the proper resolution, the size of the microscopic polarizing filter needs to be in order of micrometer, from a few microns to a few hundred of microns. The arrangement of the microscopic polarizing filters can be alternating stripes in horizontal, vertical, or any arbitrarily direction. The microscopic polarizing filters can be arranged in alternating pattern, such as alternating square or circle. The polarizer screen can be one sheet or can be a composite sheet, comprising two distinct polarizer filter sheet laminated together. Laser drilling is used to fabricate the microscopic polarizing filters, primarily due to ease of operation and appropriate microscopic sizes. Further, laser drilling and cutting can form angle holes in the stereopolarizer, which provides optimum focus viewing for horizontal perspective display.

A method and apparatus for stimulating a muscle of a subject are provided. The apparatus comprises a signal generator for generating an electrical pulse signal of a frequency and a current amplitude for inducing contractions in the muscle, and an electrode apparatus for applying the signal to nerves associated with the muscle to be stimulated or adjacent the muscle of the subject for stimulating the muscle. The frequency and current amplitude of the electrical pulse signal are selected so as to maximize the bulk of the muscle being subjected to the contractions so as to generate a shivering phenomenon therein.

An improved exercise device in the nature of a kettlebell. The device has a frame covered by a shroud that is configured to lessen the impact of the device on the user. There are a plurality of weights that can be easily attached and detached from the frame to increase or lessen the load to the user. The weights are designed so that they can be added or taken away without altering the center of gravity of the device or the external physical shape of the device. There is also a base that holds the device while the weights are being changed and which also interacts with the device to assist in that exchange. The attaching and detaching system includes a pin that is used to affix the weights to the frame. A dual locking system assures that the pin does not inadvertently come loose during use of the device.

Disclosed herein are compositions and methods useful for the in vivo delivery bis(thiohydrazide amides), encased in a polymeric biocompatible shell.

An apparatus for controlling the movement of an animal using an integral collar and self-retracting leash apparatus. According to the invention, an elastomeric cord is attached to a strap, which is adapted to be secured around the neck of an animal. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the strap encloses the fixed end of the elastomeric cord, which is attached to an anchor located near the first end of the strap. The cord extends from the anchor in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the strap and passes around about 180° of a pulley or spool located near the second end of the strap. The cord then extends from the pulley in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the strap to an opening located near the first end of the strap. The free end of the cord passes through the opening in the strap. A handle is attached to the free end of the cord to prevent the free end from retracting through the opening into the enclosed area of the strap and to allow the user to easily grasp the cord to control the movement of the animal.

Disclosed is a pain relief composition comprising an effective amount of a nerve inhibiting component, including capsaicin, a capsaicinoid or a capsaicin analogue, which numbs or inhibits the nerve endings that signal pain, in combination with at least one of the following: an effective amount of an inflammation control component which is designed to reduce immediate pain and discourage future pain in the joints and muscles; an effective amount of a cooling component; an effective amount of a heat minimizing or blocking component; an effective amount of a circulation increasing component which effectuates better penetration of the actives to the skin and nerves; and an effective amount of a soothing and anti-inflammatory complex for the joints and / or muscles comprising Glucosamine sulfate or HCl, Zingiber officiniale (Ginger Root) extract, Methyl sulfonylmethane (MSM), Polygonum cuspidatum (Mexican Bamboo) extract, Aloe barbadensis leaf, and Salix alba (white willow) bark extract. Additionally, the composition includes an encapsulation or entrapment system for a timed release delivery.