459 results about "Patient comfort" patented technology

The present invention recognizes that optical probes function both as medical access devices and as instruments which collect complex optical data. The invention provides an optical probe accessory device which can access luminal spaces within the body of a patient without sacrificing the quality of optical data obtained. The accessory device further comprises either, singly, or in combination, selectable features or options which optimize light transmission, maximize patient comfort, and provide single-use capabilities.

A medical treatment system, such as peritoneal dialysis system, may include control and other features to enhance patient comfort and ease of use. For example, a peritoneal dialysis system may include patient line state detector for detecting whether a patient line is primed before it is to be connected to the patient. The patient line state detector can also the ability to detect whether a patient line has been properly mounted for priming. Both patient line presence/absence and fill state can be determined using an optical system, e.g., one that employs a single optical sensor.

A catheter connector for a subcutaneously placed catheter. The catheter connector can be configured for a single lumen catheter or a multiple lumen catheter. The connector facilitates precise positioning of both distal and proximal ends of a catheter, providing enhanced functionability and patient comfort.

A ureteral stent is configured for improved patient comfort and aftercare. The stent can have one or more of the following features: a distal portion with a somewhat flattened, non-circular cross-section that provides reduced irritation and elimination of urine reflux; a proximal portion with a helical coil shape that allows self-anchoring of the stent below the kidney; and a portion along the body of the stent having a coil shape that allows self-adjustment of the stent with ureteral movement.

A pressure support system and method of treating disordered breathing that optimizes the pressure delivered to the patient to treat the disordered breathing while minimizing the delivered pressure for patient comfort. The controller in the pressure support system operates as a set of prioritized control layers, wherein each control layer competes for control of the pressure generating system to implement a unique pressure control process. The pressure support system also controls the pressure provided to the patient based on the variability of the monitored data and a trend analysis of this data, including an indication the skewness of the patient's inspiratory waveform.

A medical treatment system, such as peritoneal dialysis system, may include control and other features to enhance patient comfort and ease of use. For example, a peritoneal dialysis system may include a control system that can adjust the volume of fluid infused into the peritoneal cavity to prevent the intraperitoneal fluid volume from exceeding a pre-determined amount. The control system can adjust by adding one or more therapy cycles, allowing for fill volumes during each cycle to be reduced. The control system may continue to allow the fluid to drain from the peritoneal cavity as completely as possible before starting the next therapy cycle. The control system may also adjust the dwell time of fluid within the peritoneal cavity during therapy cycles in order to complete a therapy within a scheduled time period. The cycler may also be configured to have a heater control system that monitors both the temperature of a heating tray and the temperature of a bag of dialysis fluid in order to bring the temperature of the dialysis fluid rapidly to a specified temperature, with minimal temperature overshoot.

The present invention, in an exemplary embodiment, provides a stent, which combines many of the excellent characteristics of both silicone and metal stents while eliminating the undesirable ones. In particular, it is an objective of a preferred embodiment of the present invention to provide a stent that is easily installed, yet removable. Moreover, the stent does not cause material infections and has the capacity to reduce infection. Therefore, a principal objective of a preferred embodiment in accordance with the present invention is to provide a prosthesis that is suitable for both permanent and temporary use while being easy to insert, reposition and remove. This prosthesis is also suitable for targeted delivery of antimicrobial and chemotherapeutic agents. Additionally, a principal objective in accordance with the present invention is to provide a family of stents where the relative hardness/softness of regions of the stent can differ from other regions of the stent to provide additional patient comfort and resistance to radial forces. An exemplary embodiment also provides a family of stents with novel interstice configurations that facilitate flexibility, durability and/or proper installation.

A catheter connector system for a subcutaneously placed catheter. The catheter connector system permits proximal trimming of the placed catheter, which is a procedure that provides numerous advantages over traditional methods of trimming catheter distal ends prior to implantation. The catheter connector system can be configured for a single lumen catheter or a multiple lumen catheter. The catheter connector system facilitates precise positioning of both distal and proximal ends of a catheter, providing enhanced function ability and patient comfort.

There is provided a patient support that may be adjustable in height, width, length or a combination thereof. The patient support may be useable with normal sized patients or with bariatric patients. The patient support has a variety of features to enhance operability and/or functionality, including a width adjustable caster frame, width adjustable deck portions, a width adjustable headboard and an extendible foot board to provide extra length. An enhanced lift mechanism can accommodate bariatric patients and alternative functionality in achieving deck positions improves patient comfort. Various parts of the patient support including deck panels and the footboard may be removed and replaced with ease without complicated connectors.

A method and device provide simple positioning of a TMS coil relative to a coordinate system of the patient's head while allowing flexible positioning of the patient's head. The system includes a mobile console on a wheeled base that integrates various subsystems and supports a mast that, in turn, supports a coil gantry that supports a TMS coil assembly. The coil gantry includes a balance arm with a counterbalance and a halo assembly that connects to the coil. The coil gantry supports the weight of the coil and allows free movement of the coil in all dimensions for easy placement on the patient's head. A head support and coil alignment unit includes several parts that are designed to provide maximum patient comfort and reliable coil position measurement of the patient's motor threshold (MT) location and TMS treatment location. The head support and coil alignment unit aligns the patient's head and holds the head in place relative to the coil during TMS treatment. The head support and coil alignment unit may include a side pad mounted on a bracket assembly that allows the side pad to be moved for set up on either the left or right side of the patient's head for bracing the patient's head against the coil. The head support and coil alignment unit may also include numerous guides for positioning the patient's head in a repeatable manner, including a superior oblique angle (SOA) guide including an angle indicator, an anterior/posterior (AP) guide that may be rotated through a range of superior oblique angles +/−45° from the mid-sagittal position, and a coil angle indicator. An associated touch screen allows the user to record position measurements of the respective guides.

A surgical drape for use in connection with a sterility maintenance cover has an opening that corresponds to an open window in a sterility maintenance cover to facilitate ventilation and access to a patient's head, a window that corresponds to a window in a sterility maintenance cover to enhance patient comfort and observation, and attachment means for releasably attaching the drape to a sterility maintenance cover, and one or more fenestrations to facilitate surgical access at desired locations.

A system is disclosed comprising a high pressure gases source: for example a compressor, a low cross section conduit adapted to convey gases from the compressor, and a patient interface delivering gases to the patient. The patient interface includes valve member which is substantially closed during inspiration and venting externally during expiration. The combination of the low cross section and lightweight conduit and the valve member result in increased patient comfort.

A device and method for applying light to the cornea of the eye as, for example, to promote crosslinking of collagen in the cornea for vision correction. The device may include a structure having form and size similar to a conventional contact lens. The structure may include an optically dispersive element such as a mass of an optically dispersive material that may be contained in a cavity of a reflective element. Light applied to the dispersive mass as, for example, by an optical fiber connected to the structure is dispersed in the structure and passes into the cornea. The patient may blink or close the eye during the procedure, which increases patient comfort and aids in maintaining hydration of the cornea.

A magnetic stimulation device has components for positioning a patient into a correct treatment position, and for improving patient comfort. The methods may be used for improving the effectiveness of the stimulation by setting a magnetic field generating device in appropriate position by using feedback information.