Abstract: An apparatus and method that utilizes thermal dilution to detect a wide range of flow rates and/or flow status in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt systems. The use of a large cold source in combination with thermosensor pad of a particular construction provide a fluid flow analyzer with the ability to detect very low levels of CSF flow. In addition, a method for adjusting thermal dilution readings to compensate for varying shunt catheter depth is shown and for determining a steady state of the thermal dilution readings. The thermosensor pad is conformable to a patient's skin contour thereby making the apparatus and method less sensitive to ambient temperature errors and, as a result, more accurate in assessing CSF flow. Furthermore, a software error check is provided for identifying poor sensor-to-skin contact for alerting an operator to re-apply the thermosensor pad to correct, as well as a post-test check to determine if temperature data is reasonable before determining flow status or flow rate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method that utilizes thermal dilution to detect a wide range of flow rates and/or flow status in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt systems. The use of a large cold source in combination with thermosensor pad of a particular construction provide a fluid flow analyzer with the ability to detect very low levels of CSF flow. In addition, a method for adjusting thermal dilution readings to compensate for varying shunt catheter depth is shown and for determining a steady state of the thermal dilution readings. The thermosensor pad is conformable to a patient's skin contour thereby making the apparatus and method less sensitive to ambient temperature errors and, as a result, more accurate in assessing CSF flow. Furthermore, a software error check is provided for identifying poor sensor-to-skin contact for alerting an operator to re-apply the thermosensor pad to correct, as well as a post-test check to determine if temperature data is reasonable before determining flow status or flow rate.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of generating flow in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt systems by vibrating the shunt, tubing or shunt valve dome, or applying cyclical pressure to the various parts of the shunt system. A method of generating flow and method of using the apparatus in shunt patency assessment, for example, hydraulic resistance assessment, is also disclosed. The apparatus allows, in conjunction with a thermal dilution method or radionuclide method, a quick CSF shunt patency assessment based upon CSF shunt resistance and not upon CSF flow or intracranial pressure (ICP) separately. This provides a more objective measure of shunt obstruction compared to other methods. Furthermore, the apparatus can be used to enhance flow in shunts, identify partial occlusion before symptoms occur, differentiate between patent, partially-occluded and occluded shunts. The apparatus can be used to generate flow in shunts if there is a need to lower ICP or move drugs administered via an injection chamber or a shunt dome.

Abstract: A method and device for testing for the presence, absence and/or rate of flow in a shunt tubing implanted under the skin by using a measurement pad having a plurality of temperature sensors, one of which is aligned with the shunt and the other sensors being symmetrically displaced on either side of the first temperature sensor in a direction transverse to the shunt tubing. These “outer” temperature sensors act as control temperature sensors. A temperature source, e.g., a cooling agent, positioned within an insulated enclosure, is then applied at a predetermined location on the measurement pad that is insulated from the temperature sensors. The movement of this temperature “pulse” is detected by the shunt-aligned temperature sensor via the shunt tubing as the CSF carries the temperature pulse while the control sensors detect the pulse via convection through the skin. The temperature data from these sensors are provided to a CSF analyzer that determines a CSF shunt flow status or flow rate.

Abstract: A system for measuring quantitative CSF flow in shunt tubing implanted under the skin. The system includes an array of thermo-sensors clustered in three sections, cooling device, placed on the skin surface and an associated data acquisition and analysis device. Two sensor sections are placed over the shunt on the skin and measure real time temperature responses related to CSF movement. One array placed adjacent the cooling device collects data on thermal properties of skin including skin thermal conductivity, specific heat, diffusivity, perfusion, and thermal inertia. The method involves assessing thermal properties of skin and measuring CSF flow in shunt tubing. The method is useful for shunt patency assessment, CSF valve adjustment procedures and CSF flow measurements related to CSF over drainage. Alternatively, only one section of sensors need be used when determining relative CSF flow, without the need to determine thermal skin properties and by applying the cooling device continuously.

Abstract: A system for measuring quantitative CSF flow in shunt tubing implanted under the skin. The system includes an array of thermosensors clustered in three sections, cooling device, placed on the skin surface and an associated data acquisition and analysis device. Two sensor sections are placed over the shunt on the skin and measure real time temperature responses related to CSF movement. One array placed adjacent the cooling device collects data on thermal properties of skin including skin thermal condictivity, specific heat, diffusivity, perfusion, and thermal inertia. The method involves assessing thermal properties of skin and measuring CSF flow in shunt tubing. The method is useful for shunt patency assessment, CSF valve adjustment procedures and CSF flow measurements related to CSF over drainage. Alternatively, only one section of sensors need be used when determining relative CSF flow, without the need to determine thermal skin properties and by applying the cooling device continuously.

Abstract: A method and device for testing for the presence, absence and/or rate of flow in a shunt tubing implanted under the skin by using a measurement pad having a plurality of temperature sensors, one of which is aligned with the shunt and the other sensors being symmetrically displaced on either side of the first temperature sensor in a direction transverse to the shunt tubing. These “outer” temperature sensors act as control temperature sensors. A temperature source, e.g., a cooling agent, positioned within an insulated enclosure, is then applied at a predetermined location on the measurement pad that is insulated from the temperature sensors. The movement of this temperature “pulse” is detected by the shunt-aligned temperature sensor via the shunt tubing as the CSF carries the temperature pulse while the control sensors detect the pulse via convection through the skin. The temperature data from these sensors are provided to a CSF analyzer that determines a CSF shunt flow status or flow rate.

Abstract: A system and method for non-invasively detecting intracranial pressure (ICP) of a living being by detecting impedance mismatches between carotid arteries and cerebral vessels via a reflection of the carotid pressure waveform using a pressure sensor positioned against the palpable carotid artery, as well as analyzing the reflection and comparing the analysis with known cerebral vasculature data, to calculate ICP non-invasively. A remote blood pressure waveform can also be used to compensate for blood system impedance.

Abstract: A method and device for testing for the presence, absence and/or rate of flow in a shunt tubing implanted under the skin by using a measurement pad having a plurality of temperature sensors, one of which is aligned with the shunt and the other sensors being symmetrically displaced on either side of the first temperature sensor in a direction transverse to the shunt tubing. These “outer” temperature sensors act as control temperature sensors. A temperature source, e.g., a cooling agent, positioned within an insulated enclosure, is then applied at a predetermined location on the measurement pad that is insulated from the temperature sensors. The movement of this temperature “pulse” is detected by the shunt-aligned temperature sensor via the shunt tubing as the CSF carries the temperature pulse while the control sensors detect the pulse via convection through the skin. The temperature data from these sensors are provided to a CSF analyzer that determines a CSF shunt flow status or flow rate.

Abstract: A system for measuring quantitative CSF flow in shunt tubing implanted under the skin. The system includes an array of thermosensors clustered in three sections, cooling device, placed on the skin surface and an associated data acquisition and analysis device. Two sensor sections are placed over the shunt on the skin and measure real time temperature responses related to CSF movement. One array placed adjacent the cooling device collects data on thermal properties of skin including skin thermal condictivity, specific heat, diffusivity, perfusion, and thermal inertia. The method involves assessing thermal properties of skin and measuring CSF flow in shunt tubing. The method is useful for shunt patency assessment, CSF valve adjustment procedures and CSF flow measurements related to CSF over drainage. Alternatively, only one section of sensors need be used when determining relative CSF flow, without the need to determine thermal skin properties and by applying the cooling device continuously.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of generating flow in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt systems by vibrating the shunt, tubing or shunt valve dome, or applying cyclical pressure to the various parts of the shunt system. A method of generating flow and method of using the apparatus in shunt patency assessment, for example, hydraulic resistance assessment, is also disclosed. The apparatus allows, in conjunction with a thermal dilution method or radionuclide method, a quick CSF shunt patency assessment based upon CSF shunt resistance and not upon CSF flow or intracranial pressure (ICP) separately. This provides a more objective measure of shunt obstruction compared to other methods. Furthermore, the apparatus can be used to enhance flow in shunts, identify partial occlusion before symptoms occur, differentiate between patent, partially-occluded and occluded shunts. The apparatus can be used to generate flow in shunts if there is a need to lower ICP or move drugs administered via an injection chamber or a shunt dome.

Abstract: A hearing aid is enclosed in a gas-impermeable or substantially gas-impermeable package to prevent inadvertent activation of the hearing aid during transport. The package may include a housing having a groove that substantially conforms to at least a portion of the shape of the hearing aid to snugly hold the hearing aid. The groove may be substantially open adjacent a switch on the hearing aid. A securing member, such as a strap, may be used to immobilize the switch relative to the housing.

Abstract: A method and device for testing for the presence, absence and/or rate of flow in a shunt tubing implanted under the skin by using a measurement pad having a plurality of temperature sensors, one of which is aligned with the shunt and the other sensors being symmetrically displaced on either side of the first temperature sensor in a direction transverse to the shunt tubing. These “outer” temperature sensors act as control temperature sensors. A temperature source, e.g., a cooling agent, positioned within an insulated enclosure, is then applied at a predetermined location on the measurement pad that is insulated from the temperature sensors. The movement of this temperature “pulse” is detected by the shunt-aligned temperature sensor via the shunt tubing as the CSF carries the temperature pulse while the control sensors detect the pulse via convection through the skin. The temperature data from these sensors are provided to a CSF analyzer that determines a CSF shunt flow status or flow rate.

Abstract: A system and method for non-invasively detecting intracranial pressure (ICP) of a living being by detecting impedance mismatches between carotid arteries and cerebral vessels via a reflection of the carotid pressure waveform using a pressure sensor positioned against the palpable carotid artery, as well as analyzing the reflection and comparing the analysis with known cerebral vasculature data, to calculate ICP non-invasively. A remote blood pressure waveform can also be used to compensate for blood system impedance.

Abstract: A disposable hearing aid insertable into an ear canal which includes a microphone which translates acoustic energy into electrical signals, signal processing circuitry which processes the electrical signals provided by the microphone, a receiver which converts the processed electrical signals into acoustic energy, and a power source permanently disposed within the hearing aid such that the source is substantially non-removeably integrated with the hearing aid.

Abstract: Methods and devices for testing for the presence, absence and/or rate of flow in a shunt tubing implanted under the skin by using a measurement pad having a plurality of temperature sensor configurations, or by using other temperature sensor arrangements, or by using a temperature sensitive material, which are positioned over, or in the vicinity of, the CSF shunt in substantially an upstream and downstream orientation. A temperature source, e.g., a cooling agent, is then applied at a predetermined location with respect to the measurement pad that is insulated from the temperature sensors, or to the temperature sensitive material. The movement of this temperature “pulse” is detected by the temperature sensors, or temperature sensitive material, via the shunt tubing as the CSF carries the temperature pulse while a control sensor detects the pulse via convection through the skin.

Abstract: A disposable-type hearing aid uses a relatively large single diaphragm or a large single diaphragm subdivided into a plurality of smaller active diaphragm areas obtained using a grate-like back support plate with ridges which contact and divide the diaphragm into the several smaller active diaphragm areas. The diaphragm and a backplate are enclosed in a metal housing and are disposed proximal and parallel to a shell-like hearing aid enclosure having sound inlets. The metal housing is closed at an end opposite the sound inlets by a printed circuit board (PCB) forming an acoustical seal for a back volume of the microphone. The PCB also carries substantially all the electronic components for the hearing aid thereon. The PCB has a ground plane in contact with the housing whereby the PCB also acts as an EMI shield. An electrical connection is formed in various ways between the back support plate and the PCB during assembly of the metal housing and components with the PCB.

Abstract: A flexible tip for a hearing aid includes a mushroom shaped tip, an inner portion having a bore and a receiver mounted within the bore. The receiver can be housing and sealed within a receiver housing. The receiver housing can include a spring having a high compliance along a longitudinal axis and transverse axis, to provide flexibility in the flexible tip. The spring can also having a high stiffness along a radial direction about the circumference of the spring to provide support of the flexible tip from radially directed loads.

Abstract: A hearing aid insertable into an ear canal includes a microphone which translates acoustic energy into electrical signals, signal processing circuitry which processes the electrical signals provided by the microphone, a receiver which converts the processed electrical signals into acoustic energy, and a power source connectable to the signal processing circuitry.

Abstract: A disposable-type hearing aid uses a relatively large single diaphragm or a large single diaphragm subdivided into a plurality of smaller active diaphragm areas obtained using a grate-like back support plate with ridges which contact and divide the diaphragm into the several smaller active diaphragm areas. The diaphragm and a backplate are enclosed in a metal housing and are disposed proximal and parallel to a shell-like hearing aid enclosure having sound inlets. The metal housing is closed at an end opposite the sound inlets by a printed circuit board (PCB) forming an acoustical seal for a back volume of the microphone. The PCB also carries substantially all the electronic components for the hearing aid thereon. The PCB has a ground plane in contact with the housing whereby the PCB also acts as an EMI shield. An electrical connection is formed in various ways between the back support plate and the PCB during assembly of the metal housing and components with the PCB.