1528 results about "Treatment period" patented technology

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for sterilizing articles using an ozone-containing gas, where condensation of water from the sterilization atmosphere during the sterilization process is substantially prevented. The inventive sterilization method includes providing a sterilization chamber and placing an article into the sterilization chamber. The sterilization chamber is sealed prior to equalizing the temperature of the article and the atmosphere in the sterilization chamber. A vacuum is applied to achieve a preselected vacuum pressure in the sterilization chamber. Once the vacuum pressure is set, water vapour is supplied to the sterilization chamber. Ozone-containing gas is then supplied to the sterilization chamber and the sterilization chamber remains sealed for a preselected treatment period, where the sterilization chamber remains sealed throughout the whole process. Finally, vacuum in the sterilization chamber is released.

Apparatus and method for stimulating neuromuscular tissue in the stomach. The neuromuscular stimulator stimulates the neuromuscular tissue by applying current-controlled electrical pulses. A voltage sensor detects the voltage across the neuromuscular tissue to determine if the voltage meets a predetermined voltage threshold. A control circuit adjusts the current-controlled pulse if the voltage is found to meet the voltage threshold, such that the voltage does not exceed the voltage threshold. A voltage-controlled pulse may also be applied to the tissue. A current sensor would then detect whether the current on the neuromuscular tissue meets a predetermined current threshold, and a control circuit adjusts the voltage controlled pulse such that the current does not exceed the current threshold. A real time clock may be provided which supplies data corresponding to the time of day during the treatment period. A programmable calendar stores parameters of the stimulating pulse, wherein the parameters have a reference to the time of day.

A pressure support system and method in which a gas flow generating system provides a continuous flow of breathing gas at selectable pressure levels. A patient circuit and interface communicate the continuous flow of breathing gas to the airway of a patient. A controller causes the gas flow generating system to provide the continuous flow of breathing gas to the patient at a first pressure level P1 in an initial therapy session. Thereafter, the pressure level of the continuous flow of breathing gas is increased from the first pressure level P1 to a final pressure level P2 over a first predetermined number D of days. More specifically, in one embodiment, the pressure level is incrementally increased by a predetermined incremental amount DELTAp after n therapy sessions taking place on separate days over this first predetermined number D of days. As a result, the current therapy pressure in each therapy session that takes place on separate days following the initial therapy session is incrementally and automatically increased.

The invention provides biodegradable implants for treating sinusitis. The biodegradable implants have a size, shape, density, viscosity, and / or mucoadhesiveness that prevents them from being substantially cleared by the mucociliary lining of the sinuses during the intended treatment period. The biodegradable implants include a sustained release therapeutic, e.g., an antibiotic, a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, or both. The biodegradable implants may take various forms, such as rods, pellets, beads, strips, or microparticles, and may be delivered into a sinus in various pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.

The invention provides biodegradable implants for treating sinusitis. The biodegradable implants have a size, shape, density, viscosity, and / or mucoadhesiveness that prevents them from being substantially cleared by the mucociliary lining of the sinuses during the intended treatment period. The biodegradable implants include a sustained release therapeutic, e.g., an antibiotic, a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, or both. The biodegradable implants may take various forms, such as rods, pellets, beads, strips, or microparticles, and may be delivered into a sinus in various pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.

A method for individualized management of diabetes in insulin-dependent patients provides a period of evaluation as the patient adheres to a structured pattern of eating, sleeping, and physical activity. Glucose is monitored with a continuous glucose monitoring system, insulin doses are metered, carbohydrate consumption is quantified, and glucose, carbohydrate, and insulin data are collected and analyzed. Insulin dosage is adjusted in three steps: (1) an insulin dosage is estimated from conventional formulas, (2) adjustments are made according to the patient's clinical specifics, and (3) further insulin dose adjustments are made according to glucose data obtained during the evaluation period. By the end of the evaluation period, substantially normal glucose values are achieved, and quantitative relationships from data are calculated that are then applied to determine insulin dosages for an ensuing period of therapy. By this method, diabetic patients achieve a near normal glycemic profile, and without significant occurrence of hypoglycemic episodes.

The present invention concerns an orthodontic appliance for accelerating the tooth aligning effect and shortening the treatment period, and has an object to provide an appliance which can bring about higher aligning effect than usual ways by giving vibration to tooth to be aligned to activate bone remodeling of the targeted tooth and the alveolar bone and enhance the shift of the tooth. This appliance includes a vibrating element and a dental mouthpiece having the vibrating element built therein. The provision of the vibrating element in the dental mouthpiece facilitates the application of vibration and handling, and continues the treatment safely even at home. The inner shape of the dental mouthpiece serves aligning treatment as well as acceleration of the effect.

An intramedullary lengthening device includes a housing and a distraction shaft. The intramedullary lengthening device is placed within a cavity of two bone sections (either already separated or purposely separated for insertion of the device). The distraction shaft of the intramedullary lengthening device is attached to the one of the bone sections using, for example, one or more attachment screws. The housing of the intramedullary lengthening device is attached to the second bone section using, for instance, one or more attachment screws. Over the treatment period, the bone is continually distracted, creating a new separation into which osteogenesis can occur. In one embodiment, the intramedullary lengthening device includes an actuator and an extension rod, which can be attached to one other.

A method and apparatus for determining suitable settings for a servo-ventilator to be used during sleep. Respiratory characteristics of a patient are measured during an awake learning period. With these measured characteristics, a target ventilation setting may be calculated by alternative methods. The calculated setting may then be used for enforcing a minimum ventilation during a treatment period where ventilatory support is provided with a servo-controlled ventilator.

Topical exposure of nitric oxide gas to wounds such as chronic non-healing wounds may be beneficial in promoting healing and preparing the wound bed for further treatment and recovery. Nitric oxide gas may be used to reduce the microbial infection, manage exudates secretion by reducing inflammation, upregulate expression of endogenous collagenase to locally debride the wound, and regulate the formation of collagen. High concentration of nitric oxide ranging from 160–400 ppm may be used without inducing toxicity in the healthy cells around a wound site. Exposure to the high concentration for a first treatment period reduces the microbial burden and inflammation, and increases collagenase expression to debride necrotic tissue at the wound site. After a first treatment period, a second treatment period at a lower concentration of nitric oxide, preferably ranging from 5–20 ppm may be used to restore the balance of nitric oxide and induce collagen expression aiding in the wound closure.

The invention provides biodegradable implants for treating sinusitis. The biodegradable implants have a size, shape, density, viscosity, and / or mucoadhesiveness that prevents them from being substantially cleared by the mucociliary lining of the sinuses during the intended treatment period. The biodegradable implants include a sustained release therapeutic, e.g., an antibiotic, a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, or both. The biodegradable implants may take various forms, such as rods, pellets, beads, strips, or microparticles, and may be delivered into a sinus in various pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.

An obesity treatment device comprises a filament filler material movable between a substantially straight insertion / removal configuration and an operative configuration in which the filament extends along a predetermined curve to occupy a selected volume within the stomach and a retrieval device connected to a proximal end of the filler material facilitating grasping and withdrawal of the filler material. A method of treating obesity, comprises inserting to a desired position within the GI tract a filament filler in a substantially straight configuration and moving the filler into an operative configuration in which the filler curves along a predetermined path to define a desired volume in combination with, after a predetermined treatment period has elapsed, collapsing the filler into the substantially straight configuration for trans-oral removal.

A flow loop for hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration and hemofiltration for the treatment of pathological conditions such as End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) that has a controlled compliant flow path for preparing fluids required for a hemodialysis therapy session from water. The controlled compliant flow path modifies water into any one of a solution for priming a hemodialysis system, a physiologically compatible solution for contacting blood, a physiologically compatible solution for infusion to a subject, and a solution for blood rinse back to a subject. The controlled compliant flow path has a means for selectively metering in and metering out fluid from the flow path.

Methods and apparatus for the treatment of a body cavity or lumen are described where a heated fluid and / or gas may be introduced through a catheter and into treatment area within the body contained between one or more inflatable / expandable members. The catheter may also have optional pressure sensing elements which may allow for control of the pressure within the treatment zone and also prevent the pressure from exceeding a pressure of the inflatable / expandable members to thereby contain the treatment area between these inflatable / expandable members. Optionally, a chilled or room temperature fluid such as water may then be used to rapidly terminate the treatment session.

Systems, methods, and / or apparatuses for acclimatizing a user to positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy are provided. Generally, a sub-therapeutic treatment pressure is provided initially. It may be ramped up to a full treatment pressure over the course of one or more therapy sessions. The pressure level may be ramped up based on, for example, sleep state, sleep phase, patient compliance with types of treatment (e.g. bilevel vs. CPAP, etc.), clinician input (either at the site, remotely, via pre-programmed smartcards, etc.), etc. Such techniques may be used alone or in combination.

The invention relates to of medicine and medicine equipment and concerns techniques and means for medicinal action with electromagnetic fields to living tissues. A method provides a stimulating effect of an electromagnetic field to metabolic processes in tissues of an organism, that result in positive shifts of a functional state of regulatory systems. On a contactless electromagnetic action to members of a vascular system, biomechanical, bioelectrical and bioresonant processes in the vascular system control the tone of a vascular wall with a high degree of selectivity. The method and device allow to reduce treatment periods, post-operative and other types of rehabilitation due to a deep contactless interaction of biological tissues of a patient, provided by sensor fields of the organism at an information level, with low-frequency electromagnetic fields that are created by the inventive device with special bioadequate parameters relative to dynamic (that is, time and shape parameters), amplitude and geometric-spatial properties. The inventive device consists of a specialized biosynchronized generator of low-frequency electrical signals that arrive at an electromagnetic inductor converting the electrical signals into electromagnetic fields having given electromagnetic properties determined as a result of fundamental theoretical studies and experiments.

In certain example embodiments, an air delivery system includes a controllable flow generator operable to generate a supply of pressurized breathable gas to be provided to a patient for treatment and a pulse oximeter. In certain example embodiments, the pulse oximeter is configured to determine, for example, a measure of patient effort during a treatment period and provide a patient effort signal for input to control operation of the flow generator. Oximeter plethysmogram data may be used, for example, to determine estimated breath phase; sleep structure information; autonomic improvement in response to therapy; information relating to relative breathing effort, breathing frequency, and / or breathing phase; vasoconstrictive response, etc. Such data may be useful in diagnostic systems.

Apparatus and method for stimulating neuromuscular tissue in the stomach. The neuromuscular stimulator stimulates the neuromuscular tissue by applying current-controlled electrical pulses. A voltage sensor detects the voltage across the neuromuscular tissue to determine if the voltage meets a predetermined voltage threshold. A control circuit adjusts the current-controlled pulse if the voltage is found to meet the voltage threshold, such that the voltage does not exceed the voltage threshold. A voltage-controlled pulse may also be applied to the tissue. A current sensor would then detect whether the current on the neuromuscular tissue meets a predetermined current threshold, and a control circuit adjusts the voltage-controlled pulse such that the current does not exceed the current threshold. A real time clock may be provided which supplies data corresponding to the time of day during the treatment period. A programmable calendar stores parameters of the stimulating pulse, wherein the parameters have a reference to the time of day.

A breathing assistance apparatus and method of controlling a breathing assistance apparatus is disclosed. Particularly, the breathing assistance apparatus is controlled such that it has a drying cycle to enable drying of the tubing that supplies gases to a user and prevent the harbouring of pathogens within the tube. The drying cycle is preferably operated automatically by internal controllers in the apparatus. However, it may be manually activated by pressing a button on the apparatus. The drying cycle is preferably activated at the end of a user's treatment session.

The disclosed method and apparatus employ ultrasound beams to monitor the tissue type composition of body tissue that is to be treated and the temperature at each body tissue type or layer in real time. Additionally, the disclosed method and apparatus also provides ultrasound-based thermo-control of an aesthetic body treatment session.

Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve to treat or prevent disorders in a patient. The methods comprise transmitting impulses of energy to the vagus nerve according to a treatment paradigm that includes single doses of 30 seconds to 5 minutes of continuous stimulation. The treatment paradigm further comprises one or more daily treatment sessions that each include one or more doses for prophylactic or acute treatment of the patient's condition. Vagus nerve stimulation is used to modulate the release of inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain, such as GABA, norepinephrine, and / or serotonin.

An improved cold / compress therapy for the treatment of muscle, tissue, tendon, or cartilage injury or damage. The ICE Power Pack consists of a plurality of hollow vessels filled with water or aqueous solutions or colloids that can be solidified in a conventional domestic or commercial freezer. The encapsulated water or aqueous solutions or colloids rely on the high latent heat of fusion as they undergo a phase change providing an extended therapeutic period in a medically safe temperature zone. The vessels are sandwiched between flexible insulating and non-insulating layers that serve as compresses.

An anti-wrinkle skin treating composition comprises a pressure sensitive matrix patch having dissolved in the adhesive a mixture of antioxidants in the form of a Vitamins C ester and Vitamin E. Also preferably dissolved in the adhesive are glycerine and a polydiorganosiloxane adhesion-adjusting agent. Optionally dissolved in the adhesive is also one or more members selected from the group consisting of moisturizing agents, skin collagen synthesis promoting agents and exfoliating agents. When applied to a wrinkled skin area the composition acts to diminish fine wrinkles and improves the overall thickness, elasticity, firmness and smoothness of the skin. The modified adhesive properties of the patch are sufficient to maintain the patch in place on the skin for the recommended treatment period while allowing the patch to be readily removed without causing skin irritation or leaving adhesive residue on the skin.

Methods and apparatus for the treatment of a body cavity or lumen are described where a heated fluid and / or gas may be introduced through a catheter and into treatment area within the body contained between one or more inflatable / expandable members. The catheter may also have optional pressure and temperature sensing elements which may allow for control of the pressure and temperature within the treatment zone and also prevent the pressure from exceeding a pressure of the inflatable / expandable members to thereby contain the treatment area between these inflatable / expandable members. Optionally, a chilled, room temperature, or warmed fluid such as water may then be used to rapidly terminate the treatment session.

A tissue treatment system has a radio frequency generator and a handheld treatment instrument that generates a gas plasma jet for delivering thermal energy to a tissue surface to be treated. Incorporated in the housing for the generator is a calibration device for adjusting the energy output of the generator, if necessary, at the beginning of a treatment session. The calibration device has a target element with a target surface, a transducer for sensing changes in temperature of the target element with respect to the temperature of a reference element, and an energy output adjuster for adjusting the radio frequency energy output of the generator in response to a calibration signal generated by the transducer. The generator housing has a receptacle for locating the nozzle of the handheld instrument in juxtaposition with the target element so that when a plasma burst is generated as part of a calibration sequence it is incident on the target surface. The generator output is automatically adjusted to compensate for any deviation of a calibration value, produced from the calibration signal, from a reference value. Also disclosed is a method of regenerating the reticular architecture of tissue, the method including calibrating the energy delivery of a tissue treatment system.

An intramedullary lengthening device includes a housing and a distraction shaft. The intramedullary lengthening device is placed within a cavity of two bone sections (either already separated or purposely separated for insertion of the device). The distraction shaft of the intramedullary lengthening device is attached to the one of the bone sections using, for example, one or more attachment screws. The housing of the intramedullary lengthening device is attached to the second bone section using, for instance, one or more attachment screws. Over the treatment period, the bone is continually distracted, creating a new separation into which osteogenesis can occur. In one embodiment, the intramedullary lengthening device includes an actuator and an extension rod, which can be attached to one other.

Methods are provided for using at least one novel hepatitis C (“HCV”) protease inhibitor in combination with at least one antiviral and / or immunomodulatory agent, which is different from the at least one HCV protease inhibitor, for treating a wide variety of diseases or disorders associated with hepatitis C virus by modulating the activity of HCV protease (for example HCV NS3 / NS4a serine protease) and reducing HCV viral load in a subject in a reduced treatment period. With the present invention, a hepatitis C viral load is reduced in a subject to a concentration of less than 6×10−5 HCV virions per milliliter of plasma in a time period of less than or equal to about 24 weeks. With the present invention, a hepatitis C viral production is suppressed with an effectiveness in a range of 0.7 to 0.997.

Topical exposure of nitric oxide gas to wounds such as chronic non-healing wounds may be beneficial in promoting healing of the wound and in preparing the wound bed for further treatment and recovery. Nitric oxide gas may be used, for example, to reduce the microbial infection and burden on these wounds, manage exudate secretion by reducing inflammation, upregulate expression of endogenous collagenase to locally debride the wound, and regulate the formation of collagen. High concentration of nitric oxide ranging from about 160 to 400 ppm may be used without inducing toxicity in the healthy cells around a wound site. Additionally, exposure to the high concentration for a first treatment period reduces the microbial burden and inflammation at the wound site and increase collagenase expression to debride necrotic tissue at the wound site. After a first treatment period with high concentration of nitric oxide, a second treatment period at a lower concentration of nitric oxide preferably ranging from about 5-20 ppm may to provided to restore the balance of nitric oxide and induce collagen expression to aid in the closure of the wound.

Methods of treating hepatitis C are provided comprising using a therapeutically effective amount of at least one novel hepatitis C (“HCV”) protease inhibitor or, alternatively, at least one antiviral or immuno-modulating HCV agent, which is not an HCV protease inhibitor, for a first treatment period. Subsequently, a combination of the at least one novel hepatitis C (“HCV”) protease inhibitor and the at least one antiviral or immuno-modulating HCV agent are administered in a therapeutically effective amount for a second treatment period. The methods are provided for treating a wide variety of diseases, disorders and symptoms associated with hepatitis C virus by modulating the activity of HCV protease (for example HCV NS3 / NS4a serine protease) in a subject.