127 results about "Self-Administered" patented technology

A patient care system in which a physiological parameter of a patient is monitored while the patient self-administers analgesic. A display presents a trend of the patient's physiological parameter along with the time of self-administration of the analgesic (“PCA”—patient controlled analgesic) such that the effect of the analgesic on the physiological parameter can be seen over selectable time periods. The physiological parameter may be ETCO₂ or SpO₂ or other. Also included is a drug library having acceptable pumping parameters as well as other PCA specific data. Should the operator program a pumping parameter that is outside an acceptable range, or should the patient attempt to self-administer more analgesic than the acceptable range permits, or should a patient's physiological parameter change during infusion such that a pumping parameter becomes outside an acceptable range, an indication of such will be given and action, such as stopping the pump, will be taken.

A pain relief lollipop comprises a candy matrix comprising (a) an opioid agonist, (b) an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist different from the opioid agonist, (c) gabapentin, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and, optionally, a muscle relaxant, sedative, anxiolytic, and/or antidepressant. A patient can self-administer small amounts of the pain relief drug as needed by simply licking or sucking on the lollipop in response to his subjective experience of pain.

A system according to the present invention provides a portable, non-invasive device adapted to deliver electrical stimulation to a brain, such as to treat tinnitus. Such system is preferably a head-worn system configured to provide transcranial direct current electrical stimulation (tDCS) to a patient, where a therapy based at least partially thereon may be self-administered by the patient. tDCS is a non-invasive method of brain stimulation to treat tinnitus, or other neurological indications, that may provide significant relief. Methods according to the present invention include preferably brief sessions of anodal tDCS to assist in determining adequate electrode location and stimulus intensity by producing transient decreases in tinnitus intensity. Methods may also or alternatively include a number of sessions of cathodal tDCS at a confirmed electrode location and stimulus intensity to provide sustained tinnitus relief. Methods may also or alternatively include a number of maintenance sessions to prolong the sustained relief.

A system to help patients manage their healthcare using a comprehensive package of healthcare reminders administered by remote computing and wireless communications devices. Healthy lifestyle, preventive care, chronic condition maintenance care, medication compliance and custom reminders are set according to a schedule and delivered via email, SMS text message, IVR phone message, live voice phone or other communications methods. Participants respond to reminders with their actual progress toward achieving the goal or with data concerning their condition which is recorded and reported. Tools allow users to schedule healthcare provider appointments and receive related reminders and follow-ups, refill prescriptions and generate a variety of reports to track their own progress and condition and which can be shared with a physician. Participating physicians have direct access to patient records to monitor progress and compliance in real time and to communicate with and manage their patients. Integration of personal health records and electronic medical records systems when available permit detailed analysis to identify potential issues and recommend certain reminders to improve the overall quality and integration of care.

A digital headset system for use in audiometric testing. The headset system includes a stored calibration reference relating the exact frequency and volume response of each speaker to analog input signals. A microprocessor accesses the calibration reference to determine the required analog signal needed to produce the desired sound. An on-board digital to analog converter generates the required analog signal and transmits it to the speaker. The headset is used with software based audiometric test methods that allow the generation of an electronic user hearing profile. The user hearing profile may be used to re-program an audio emitting device to function in a customized manner. The user hearing profile may be overlaid on a partner hearing profile in order to emulate for the partner how sounds are perceived by the user. The test methods may be self-administered or administered by a healthcare professional.

Ischemia-reperfusion injury commonly results from any surgical procedure requiring stopping of blood supply to an organ followed by reperfusion such as in heart bypass, angioplasty or organ transplant. The invention discloses a method to harness the innate power of repetitive transient ischemia in protecting organs against imminent ischemia-reperfusion, or any patho-physiological insults. This method of optimal remote ischemic preconditioning (ORIP) comprises of utilizing a pair of programmable pneumatic cuffs that inflate/deflate alternately occluding blood circulation to each of the limbs for pre-defined time intervals. The apparatus delivers maximal ORIP dose in shortest possible time either as an EMS procedure during patient transportation to hospital, as elective pre-surgery treatment, or in critical care for preventing multiple-organ-dysfunction-syndrome. ORIP can be self-administered and remotely monitored by clinician especially in chronic patients for homeostasis of malfunctioning target organs. ORIP may also be deployed as adjunct in angioplasty, gene/stem cell heart repair therapies.

A system and method are disclosed which assist an employer in determining qualified candidates for positions of employment with the employer in an efficient and cost-effective manner. A preferred embodiment provides a software product that enables employers to generate a customized application program executable to interact with candidates and determine the qualified candidates for a position with the employer. More specifically, the software product receives as input from the employer a desired hiring criteria, and then generates a customized application program that utilizes the desired hiring criteria to determine the qualified candidates for the employer. Most preferably, a customized application program is generated, with which candidates may interact to effectively self-administer a qualification session for a position with the employer. In a most preferred embodiment, the generated application program may, upon determining a qualified candidate, take actions necessary to assist in further consideration of the qualified candidate. As an example, the application program may access a hiring manager's calendar, and schedule an interview for the qualified candidate at an available time. As a further example, the application program may forward information about the qualified candidate (e.g., resume, responses of the candidate to a questionnaire conducted by the application program, writing sample, letters of recommendation, etcetera) to the hiring manager via e-mail, fax, or some other method of communicating data.

An ultrasonic breast examination system suitable for use by unskilled users, comprising a patient positioning platform with a patient positioning image sensor, and a moveable ultrasonic transducer guidance device. The transducer guidance device can be a fluid filled container with a flexible side or bottom, and a mechanism to automatically move an ultrasonic transducer over the breast. The system will be controlled by at least one microprocessor, associated software, and an optional touch sensitive display screen. The system may use an image sensor to properly position the patient so that the transducer guidance device may be properly positioned proximate to the patient's breast. The touch sensitive display screen is designed to allow the system to be directly operated by an unskilled patient. The system will often be connected to a network, such as the Internet, so that remote operators may interpret breast ultrasound images and optionally control the system.

An apparatus for performing soft-tissue manipulation of a user's spinal discs, and other back, neck and glutei soft-tissues includes a rigid or semi-rigid working member having at least one operational side surface for engaging contact with target soft-tissues and to which are secured a pair of straps. The operational side surface is provided with design form features configured to produce a therapeutic effect on the target soft-tissues when in contact therewith, and which may include recesses, projections or other protuberances. The working member and straps have an overall longitudinal length selected to enable the apparatus to be positioned partially encircling a user's body with the straps secured to a support. The length enables the user to stand or sit in a rearward inclined position, leaning backwardly to effect relative bearing contact between the target soft-tissues and the operational surface of the working member.

Dialysis systems and methods are described which can include a number of features. The dialysis systems described can be to provide dialysis therapy to a patient in the comfort of their own home. The dialysis system can be configured to prepare purified water from a tap water source in real-time that is used for creating a dialysate solution. The dialysis systems described also include features that make it easy for a patient to self-administer therapy. For example, the dialysis systems include disposable cartridge and patient tubing sets that are easily installed on the dialysis system and automatically align the tubing set, sensors, venous drip chamber, and other features with the corresponding components on the dialysis system. Methods of use are also provided, including automated priming sequences, blood return sequences, and dynamic balancing methods for controlling a rate of fluid transfer during different types of dialysis, including hemodialysis, ultrafiltration, and hemodiafiltration.

The embodiment described herein are related nanoemulsions comprising botulinum toxins. In one embodiment, the nanoemulsions are prepared by high pressure microfluidization and comprise a particle size distribution exclusively between 10 and 300 nm. The nanoemulsions contemplated by the present invention are useful for the cosmetic and medical treatment of muscular contracture states. For example, botulinum toxin may relax facial muscles such that skin wrinkles become smoother and less noticeable. Further, the present invention contemplates a cosmetic formulation that may be self-administered, for example, in the privacy of one's home and without medical supervision.

A patient controlled liquid drug administration device is provided that enables either or both of a continuous flow of a liquid drug, as well as successive, large-volume boluses thereof, to be self-administered to and by a patient while avoiding bolus refill during bolus delivery or after bolus delivery but before an intake stroke of the pump occurs. The device includes an elongated housing having an axial cavity extending through it with a reciprocating pump mounted at a bottom end thereof. The pump defines a closed internal reservoir and includes a first wall, or seat, that is fixed in the cavity, and a second, flexible wall that is axially movable in the cavity in relation to the fixed wall between reservoir-full and reservoir-empty positions. The pump includes an inlet port that is connectable to a source of a pressurized liquid drug by an inlet conduit, and an outlet port subcutaneously connectable to the patient by an outlet conduit, both conduits extending out the bottom end of the housing. An outlet clamp is mounted in the cavity to move between a closed position constricting the outlet conduit of the pump, thereby preventing the flow of the liquid drug through the outlet conduit, and an open position. An inlet clamp is mounted in the cavity to move between a closed position constricting the inlet conduit and thereby preventing the flow of liquid through it, and an open position disengaged from the inlet conduit, thereby allowing the flow of liquid through it.

A self-administering massage device which provides a user the ability to massage and engage a variety of muscle groups without external aid. The device includes a track, a carriage, a locking mechanism, an interchangeable massage head, a first coupling link, a lockable hinge joint, a first quick lock-and-release mechanism. The track allows the interchangeable massage head to be positioned to a variety of height. The carriage is slidably engaged with the track and supports the interchangeable massage head. The locking mechanism is mechanically integrated into the slidable engagement of the carriage and the track in order to secure the carriage at the selected height. The interchangeable massage head is the component which applies the massage pressure. The lockable hinge joint and the coupling link removably couple the interchangeable massage head to the carriage. The lockable hinge joint allows for the interchangeable massage head to be positioned at an angled orientation.