9273results about How to "Reduce pressure" patented technology

An embodiment of an ear sensor assembly comprises an emitter pad and a detector pad. A clip is configured to removably retain each of the pads. The clip has an open position for placement on an ear tissue site and a closed position for securing the pads to opposite sides of the site. The assembly includes a sensor connector adapted to electrically communicate with a host instrument. A sensor cable has a first end terminating at the pads and a second end terminating at the sensor connector and provides electrical communications between the pads and the connector. In one embodiment, one or more silicone lenses or removable adhesive tabs aid in relieving patient discomfort and pressure necrosis.

Devices and methods for treating a damaged intervertebral disc to reduce or eliminate associated back pain. Dynamic bias devices and reinforcement devices are disclosed, which may be used individually or in combination, to eliminate nerve impingement associated with the damaged disc, and/or to reinforce the damaged disc, while permitting relative movement of the vertebrae adjacent the damaged disc.

Devices, systems and methods for compressing, cutting, incising, reconfiguring, remodeling, attaching, repositioning, supporting, dislocating or altering the composition of tissues or anatomical structures to alter their positional or force relationship to other tissues or anatomical structures. In some applications, the invention may be used to used to improve patency or fluid flow through a body lumen or cavity (e.g., to limit constriction of the urethra by an enlarged prostate gland).

Lung volume reduction is performed in a minimally invasive manner by isolating a lung tissue segment, optionally reducing gas flow obstructions within the segment, and aspirating the segment to cause the segment to at least partially collapse. Further optionally, external pressure may be applied on the segment to assist in complete collapse. Reduction of gas flow obstructions may be achieved in a variety of ways, including over inflation of the lung, introduction of mucolytic or dilation agents, application of vibrational energy, induction of absorption atelectasis, or the like. Optionally, diagnostic procedures on the isolated lung segment may be performed, typically using the same isolation/access catheter.

The invention relates to a medical probe signal generator. More particularly, it relates to a medical probe signal generator architecture. The present invention further relates to a medical probe signal generator having an automatic probe type detector, a user interface and operational parameter settings automatically configured according to a type of medical probe connected to the generator.

Apparatus and methods for treating a target tissue by delivering a fluid at a defined temperature to a patient's body. An apparatus of the invention includes a fluid delivery unit for delivering fluid in at least close proximity to the target tissue, an aspiration unit for withdrawing the fluid, and a fluid source unit for providing the fluid at the defined temperature. A method of the invention includes forming a void in at least close proximity to the target tissue, and circulating a preheated fluid through the void, wherein the target tissue undergoes adjustment from body temperature to a treatment temperature due to heat exchange between the fluid and the target tissue.

Devices, systems and methods by which the blood pressure, nervous system activity, and neurohornonal activity may be selectively and controllably reduced by activating baroreceptors. A baroreceptor activation device is positioned near a baroreceptor, preferably in the carotid sinus. The baroreceptor activation device may utilize electrodes to activate the baroreceptors. The electrodes may be adapted for connection to the carotid arteries at or near the carotid sinus, and may be designed to minimize extraneous tissue stimulation.

First and second gate insulating films are formed so as to cover at least the upper corner of first and second fin-shaped semiconductor regions. The radius of curvature r1′ of the upper corner of the first fin-shaped semiconductor region located outside the first gate insulating film is greater than the radius of curvature r1 of the upper corner of the first fin-shaped semiconductor region located under the first gate insulating film and is less than or equal to 2×r1. The radius of curvature r2′ of the upper corner of the second fin-shaped semiconductor region located outside the second gate insulating film is greater than the radius of curvature r2 of the upper corner of the second fin-shaped semiconductor region located under the second gate insulating film and is less than or equal to 2×r2.

Systems and methods are provided for applying a high frequency voltage in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid to create a relatively low-temperature plasma for ablation of tissue adjacent to, or in contact with, the plasma. In one embodiment, an electrosurgical probe or catheter is positioned adjacent the target site so that one or more active electrode(s) are brought into contact with, or close proximity to, a target tissue in the presence of electrically conductive fluid. High frequency voltage is then applied between the electrode terminal(s) and one or more return electrode(s) to generate a plasma adjacent to the active electrode(s), and to volumetrically remove or ablate at least a portion of the target tissue. The high frequency voltage generates electric fields around the active electrode(s) with sufficient energy to ionize the conductive fluid adjacent to the active electrode(s). Within the ionized gas or plasma, free electrons are accelerated, and electron-atoms collisions liberate more electrons, and the process cascades until the plasma contains sufficient energy to break apart the tissue molecules, causing molecular dissociation and ablation of the target tissue.

A composite membrane and method for making the same, comprising a porous support and a polyamide surface. The subject membrane provides improved flux and/or rejection rates. The subject membrane is further capable of operating at lower operating pressures. The subject method includes reacting a polyfunctional amine with a polyfunctional acyl halide to form a polyamide. The method includes the step of contacting a complexing agent with the polyfunctional acyl halide prior substantial reaction between the polyfunctional acyl halide and a polyfunctional amine. The subject process is easily adapted to commercial scale manufacturing processes and is particularly suited for making nanofiltration and reverse osmosis composite membranes.

Higher overall etch rate and throughput for atomic layer removal (ALR) is achieved. The reaction is a self-limiting process, thus limiting the total amount of material that may be etched per cycle. By pumping down the process station between reacting operations, the reaction is partially “reset.” A higher overall etch rate is achieved by a multiple exposure with pump down ALR process.

The invention concerns integration of hydroprocessing and steam cracking. A feed comprising crude or resid-containing fraction thereof is severely hydrotreated and passed to a steam cracker to obtain an olefins product.

A method of determining relative neuro-muscular response onset value thresholds for a plurality of spinal nerves, comprising: depolarizing a portion of the patient's cauda equina; and measuring the current intensity level at which a neuro-muscular response to the depolarization of the cauda equina is detected in each of the plurality of spinal nerves. A method for detecting the presence of a nerve adjacent the distal end of at least one probe, comprising: determining relative neuro-muscular response onset values for a plurality of spinal nerves; emitting a stimulus pulse from a probe or surgical tool; detecting neuro-muscular responses to the stimulus pulse in each of the plurality of spinal nerves; and concluding that the electrode disposed on the distal end of the at least one probe is positioned adjacent to a first spinal nerve when the neuro-muscular response detected in the first spinal nerve is detected as a current intensity level less than or equal to a corresponding neuro-muscular response onset value of the first spinal nerve.

A wound treatment appliance is provided for treating all or a portion of a wound. In some embodiments, the appliance comprises a cover or a flexible overlay that covers all or a portion of the wound for purposes of applying a reduced pressure to the covered portion of the wound. In other embodiments, the wound treatment appliance also includes a vacuum system to supply reduced pressure to the site of the wound in the volume under the cover or in the area under the flexible overlay. Methods are provided for using various embodiments of the invention.

A surgical fastener for securing a prosthetic device to tissue includes a first leg having a distal end, a proximal end, and a first insertion tip at the distal end of the first leg, and a second leg including a distal end, a proximal end, and a second insertion tip at the distal end of the second leg. A bridge connects the proximal ends of the first and second legs for forming a closed end of the surgical fastener. The first insertion tip has a first insertion tool seating surface, and the second insertion tip has a second insertion tool seating surface. The first insertion tool seating surface is closer to the distal end of the first leg than the proximal end of the first leg, and the second insertion tool seating surface is closer to the distal end of the second leg than the proximal end of the second leg. The first and second legs extend along respective longitudinal axes, and the first and second insertion tips are skewed outwardly relative to the respective longitudinal axes.

Detachable wearable electronic eyeglasses and head mounted gear with a plurality of electronic functions and interchangeable electronic function, and a wearable computer with optimal weight distribution and stretchable arms.