Abstract: Microwave ablation applicators and methods for manufacturing the microwave ablation applicators are disclosed. A microwave ablation applicator includes a feed-line segment, a step-down segment, and a radiator base segment. The feed-line segment includes a first inner conductor, a first dielectric disposed on the first inner conductor, and a first outer conductor disposed on the first dielectric. The step-down segment includes a second inner conductor, a second dielectric disposed on the second inner conductor, and a second outer conductor disposed on the second dielectric. The radiator base segment includes a third inner conductor disposed on the third inner conductor, a third outer conductor disposed on the proximal end of the third dielectric so as to form a feed gap at a distal end of the radiator base segment, a balun dielectric disposed on the third outer conductor, and a balun outer conductor disposed on the balun dielectric.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for providing feedback for a steerable medical device assembly for deflecting a device, the assembly comprising a control handle comprising an actuation mechanism. The assembly additionally comprises a device coupled to the control handle and operable to be deflected upon actuation of the actuation mechanism, and a feedback mechanism for providing an indication of the deflection of the device, wherein the feedback mechanism is associated with the actuation mechanism for deflecting the device.

Abstract: In one aspect, an obesity treatment device includes multiple inflatable space-filling compartments and a valve system for introducing fluid into each compartment, where the device forms, upon filing the compartments, to a curved shape conforming to a natural three-dimensional kidney shape of the stomach. In one aspect, a method for deploying a gastric balloon structure in a gastric cavity includes determining dimensions of the gastric cavity in a feeding state, selecting a fill volume for each of a number of isolated chambers of the balloon structure, and filling each chamber while the balloon structure is in the gastric cavity. In one aspect, a system for treating obesity includes a means for conforming a flexible, space-filling structure to a natural kidney shape of the gastric cavity, a means for maintaining at least two isolated inflatable regions of the flexible, space-filling structure, and a means for introducing fluid into each inflatable region.

Abstract: A method may include positioning a catheter, including at least one electrode, within an esophagus such that the electrode is proximate to at least one sympathetic ganglion. The methods may further include recruiting the sympathetic ganglion via an electrical signal, monitoring the recruitment of the sympathetic ganglion, and, based on the monitoring the recruitment of the sympathetic ganglion, adjusting the electrical signal from the at least one electrode.

Abstract: A virtual reality encounter system is described. A first surrogate supporting at least one first camera that captures image data from a first physical location and a second surrogate supporting at least one second camera that captures second image data from the first physical location. Aliasing substitution processing has a computing system including a processor receive the first image data and detect an image of the second surrogate in the first image data and replace the image data of the second surrogate in the first physical location, with image data of a user in the first physical location to form a transformed image that substitutes the image data of the user for the image data of the second surrogate.

Abstract: A stimulation electrode assembly configured to be positioned relative to a patient for an operative procedure is disclosed. An evoked stimulation response may be sensed by a sensor near a portion of a subject. The evoked response may be sensed by an electrode and determined with a monitoring system. The evoked response may additionally and/or alternatively be sensed with a motion sensor. A position sensor may be provided to measure or determine whether the sensor has moved during a procedure.

Abstract: A flexible frame comprising an electrically conductive hollow cylindrical metallic tube having a plurality of cuts along the longitudinal axis to form a plurality of conductive wires. The wires are equally spaced apart circumferentially along the longitudinal axis of the tube by a gap to electrically isolate the wires. A first electrode is mounted around the circumference of the frame along the longitudinal axis and attached to a first wire of the plurality of wires. A second electrode is mounted around the circumference of the flexible frame along the longitudinal axis at a predetermined distance from the first electrode and attached to a second wire. A non-conductive thermoplastic layer may be secured to the outer surface of the flexible frame between the first and second electrodes to form an insulation layer between the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: A virtual encounter system includes a mannequin coupled to a camera for receiving a video image. The camera sends the video image to a communications network. The virtual encounter system also includes a processor for overlaying a virtual environment over one or more portions of the video image to form a virtual scene and a set of goggles to render the virtual scene.

Abstract: A catheter has a distal section that includes a spring member having at least a slot, a rib and a spine for biasing the distal section for deflection within a single plane. Depending on the plurality and orientation of slot(s), rib(s) and spine(s)s, the distal section can allow for deflection in two opposing directions while allowing only limited deflection in perpendicular directions to maintain torquability, axial loading capabilities, and side force performance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method for displacing a lumen within a patient in-vivo during a surgical procedure. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to displacement control wires used in a heart ablation procedure for biasing a patient body portion, e.g., a wall of an esophagus away from or closer to the heart to prevent damage to the esophagus as a result of the heart ablation. The control wire is constructed from a shape memory material such as nitinol. The nitinol material is constructed and arranged to be substantially straight when cooled for insertion. Thereafter, when inserted into the body, the nitinol material takes on a curved orientation (preformed) as it is heated to body temperature. Rotation of the control wire allows the esophagus to be displaced as desired for the procedure.

Abstract: A stimulation probe device including a first electrode, a stimulation module, a control module and a physical layer module. The stimulation module is configured to (i) wirelessly receive a payload signal from a console interface module or a nerve integrity monitoring device, and (ii) supply a voltage or an amount of current to the first electrode to stimulate a nerve or a muscle in a patient. The control module is configured to generate a parameter signal indicating the voltage or the amount of current supplied to the electrode. The physical layer module is configured to (i) upconvert the parameter signal to a first radio frequency signal, and (ii) wirelessly transmit the first radio frequency signal from the stimulation probe to the console interface module or the nerve integrity monitoring device.

Abstract: A treatment method includes an indwelling step of indwelling a medical appliance in a trachea T of a patient, the medical appliance having a plurality of types of metals disposed side by side on a side surface of a pipe body, and the medical appliance generates a current between adjacent metals out of the plurality of types of metals when in contact with a foreign substance or saliva having flown into the trachea.

Abstract: A virtual reality encounter system is described. A first surrogate supporting at least one first camera that captures image data from a first physical location and a second surrogate supporting at least one second camera that captures second image data from the first physical location. Aliasing substitution processing has a computing system including a processor receive the first image data and detect an image of the second surrogate in the first image data and replace the image data of the second surrogate in the first physical location, with image data of a user in the first physical location to form a transformed image that substitutes the image data of the user for the image data of the second surrogate.

Abstract: A system for assessing an intervertebral disc space comprises an elongated catheter with proximal and distal ends and an expandable body carried at the distal end of the elongated catheter. The expandable body includes a distal cap portion. The system further includes a mandrel extending through the elongated catheter and the expandable body and attached to the distal cap portion. The mandrel is movable within the elongated catheter and the expandable body to reposition the distal cap portion relative to the distal end of the elongated catheter while the expandable body is positioned within the intervertebral disc space.

Abstract: A medical device for treating an airway of a patient. The medical device may include an elongate tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. The medical device may also include a plurality of conductive elements disposed on a surface of the elongate tubular member. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of conductive elements may be disposed distally of another of the plurality of conductive elements. In addition, each of the plurality of conductive elements may be electrically coupled to a surface of the lumen. The medical device may also include a piston movably disposed within the lumen. The piston may include a distal portion configured to make electrical contact with one or more of the plurality of conductive elements.

Abstract: Sensor arrangement for sensing activity in a nerve or muscle, the sensor arrangement being arranged to be secured to an insertion member for insertion into a body cavity, the sensor arrangement (2) comprising a support for supporting one or more sensing elements, the support comprising a first zone (10a) and a second zone (10b) spaced apart longitudinally from the first zone, where each of the first and second zones are arranged to be secured to the insertion member to define a fixed spacing therebetween, wherein a plurality of strips (16) comprising one or more sensing elements bridge at least part of the spacing between the first and second zones, the strips being moveable laterally relative to the longitudinal length of the support.

Abstract: A disposable cover sleeve serves is used to cover an electronic or optical medical device used for patient examination and/or treatment. The cover sleeve provides an environmental barrier for the medical device during patient examination to prevent environmental cross-contamination of different patients examined with the same medical device. The cover sleeve has an integrated device activation means such as a flexible contact bridge. The device activation means has an open and closed position. The open position is not in physical, electronic or magnetic contact with the control electronics of the medical device; whereas, the closed position closes a field or circuit between a first and second contact to selectively actuate or provide input to the control electronics that communicate with the radiation source.

Abstract: A system for assessing an intervertebral disc space comprises an elongated catheter with proximal and distal ends and an expandable body carried at the distal end of the elongated catheter. The expandable body includes a distal cap portion. The system further includes a mandrel extending through the elongated catheter and the expandable body and attached to the distal cap portion. The mandrel is movable within the elongated catheter and the expandable body to reposition the distal cap portion relative to the distal end of the elongated catheter while the expandable body is positioned within the intervertebral disc space.

Abstract: An elongate medical device may comprise an elongate tubular body, an electrode, and a trace. The elongate tubular body may comprise a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, the body defining a longitudinal axis. The electrode may comprise electrically-conductive ink extending circumferentially about a portion of the distal end portion. The trace may comprise electrically-conductive ink, electrically coupled with the electrode, extending proximally from the electrode.

Abstract: Concepts presented herein include an apparatus for monitoring EMG signals of a patient's laryngeal muscles. The apparatus includes an endobronchial tube having an exterior surface and two lumens for providing ventilation. Conductive ink electrodes are formed on the exterior surface of the endobronchial tube. The conductive ink electrodes are configured to receive the EMG signals from the laryngeal muscles when the endotracheal tube is placed in a trachea of the patient. At least one conductor is coupled to the conductive ink electrodes and is configured to carry the EMG signals received by the conductive ink electrodes to a processing apparatus.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods to determine volume reflux. In an exemplary embodiment of a device of the present disclosure, the device comprises an elongated body having a sufficient length so that a distal end of the elongated body can extend to a gastroesophageal junction of a person while a proximal end of the device, or a connector coupled thereto, is present at or distal to a throat of the person relative to the gastroesophageal junction, and a plurality of least ten electrodes positioned at known distances from one another along the elongated body, wherein two or more of the plurality of electrodes can excite an electric field, detect within the electric field, or excite and detect within the electric field, wherein the device is configured to obtain gastric/reflux bolus data at or near the gastroesophageal junction.

Abstract: An endoscopic capsule has a biocompatible capsule housing that contains at least one sensor device for acquiring medical data. The sensor is arranged on an outer surface of the housing, and has a first electrode produced of an acid-resistant noble metal, and a second electrode produced of silver. An electrical voltage is applied between the first and second electrodes, and a change in an electrical variable is measured between the first and second electrodes when ammonia is present. The endoscopic capsule allows screening of gastric acid and the tissue of the stomach lining for Helicobacter pylori in a manner that is gentle for the patient.

Abstract: A gastroscope has an insertion tube with a distal end, at which a sensor is located. The sensor has a first electrode produced of an acid-resistant noble metal, and a second electrode produced of silver. An electrical voltage is applied between the first and second electrodes, and a change in an electrical variable is measured between the first and second electrodes, when ammonia is present. The gastroscope allows screening of gastric acid and the tissue of the stomach lining for Helicobacter pylori in a manner that is gentle for the patient.

Abstract: A nerve monitoring device, including a cannula, a sensor for monitoring a nerve, and an optional support element, can be inserted into an anatomic space. The cannula, sensor and/or support element can automatically conform to and match the geometry of the anatomic space, which can enhance desired contact between the sensor and anatomic features, such as muscles, nerves or tissue in the space in an atraumatic manner. The sensor, cannula and/or support element can include one or more strips or other elements that convert from a retracted mode to an expanded mode in which the strips or elements expand, enlarge or otherwise move to match the geometry of the space and place the sensors in precise monitoring proximity relative to the target muscles, nerves or tissues. An exemplary application of the device is in the field of laryngeal monitoring, however, the device is well suited for other applications.

Abstract: A catheter suitable for delivering an electric current to the body, in particular a catheter having electrodes that can be positioned independently of the main elongate shaft of the catheter. More particularly the catheters include a movable sleeve that incorporates the electrodes. A movable sleeve includes one or more electrodes and advances in the construction of the electrodes and related components is disclosed. Methods for positioning electrodes at a treatment site in the body for diagnostic or therapeutic applications, particularly electrical pharyngeal stimulation are also disclosed.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube with a tube part and a contact electrode for bearing on at least one vocal cord of a patient intubated with the tube, wherein, in order to establish and maintain a reliable contact between the vocal cords of the patient and the contact electrode throughout the duration of an operation, provision according to the invention is made for the contact electrode to have at least one conductor loop which at least approximately circumferentially surrounds the tube part in a contact region.

Abstract: A passive wireless gastroesophageal sensor includes a LC resonance circuit, two or more electrodes and a passive batteryless Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) circuit connected to the LC resonance circuit and the one or more electrodes. The electrodes are configured to measure an impedance within a gastroesophageal tract. The passive batteryless RFID circuit transmits a frequency modulated signal using the LC resonance circuit that varies between a first frequency corresponding to a non-acid reflux condition and a second frequency corresponding to an acid reflux condition based on the measured impedance in response to a signal received from a detector.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring EMG signals of a patient's laryngeal muscles includes an endotracheal tube having an exterior surface and a first location configured to be positioned at the patient's vocal folds. A first electrode is formed on the exterior surface of the endotracheal tube substantially below the first location. A second electrode is formed on the exterior surface of the endotracheal tube substantially above the first location. The first and second electrodes are configured to receive the EMG signals from the laryngeal muscles when the endotracheal tube is placed in a trachea of the patient.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for the localization of body lumen junctions and other intraluminal structure are disclosed. Various embodiments permit clinicians to identify and locate lesions and/or anatomical structures within a lumen and accurately place leads and/or devices within a lumen, through determining the intralumen conductance and/or cross-sectional area at a plurality of locations within the body lumen.

Abstract: A medical device including a probe configured to be orally inserted into a lumen extending into the thorax of the subject, a plurality of electrodes, and a control circuit. The probe includes a first electrode. The plurality of electrodes includes at least one second electrode and at least one third electrode configured to be disposed externally on the thorax of the subject on a first side of a sternum of the subject and a second side of the sternum of the subject, respectively, the second side opposite the first side. The control circuit is electrically coupled to the first electrode and the at least one second and third electrodes and configured to measure an impedance between the first electrode and each of the at least one second and third electrodes and determine a ratio of arterial blood volume relative to venous blood volume based upon the measured impedance.

Abstract: Laryngeal surface electrodes are devices designed to hold a conductive surface against the vocal cords in order to pick up small electrical signals from the muscle known as electromyographic signals. Several embodiments of a laryngeal electromyography tube include a conductive electrode surface that is painted, screen printed or otherwise applied directly onto the body of an endotracheal tube, such that the final device has no raised surfaces which can injure the vocal cords. These endotracheal tube with integral laryngeal surface electrodes can be safely used placed for prolonged, continuous monitoring during surgery, after surgery and during intensive care treatment intubation without a need to remove and replace the tube at these various stages of treatment. In one embodiment, one electrode contacts the vocal cords and a second electrode contacts the tongue.

Abstract: A neonatal feeding tube (10) includes electronics and instrumentation for monitoring a neonate and for provides nourishment to the neonate. The tube (10) includes electrodes (20) for sensing ECG signals of the neonate. Thermistors (22, 24, 28, 30) are placed at various points along the tube (10) to measure the neonate's temperature at those points. Breathing effort is measured by calculating a pressure differential at two pressure ports (32, 34). Pulse and SpO2 are measured at a fiber optic window (35). The electrodes (20), a distal electrode (64) and a light source (66) aid in helping a caregiver position the tip (12) of the tube (10) correctly in the stomach of the neonate.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube usable for intraopertive monitoring of the laryngeal nerve. The endotracheal tube includes at least one electrical contact that is movable along and about an exterior sidewall of the endotracheal tube and connected to the exterior sidewall by a connector when the electrode is placed in a position to optimize the conductivity between the nerve being monitored and the electrical contact. The electrical contact may be connected using a locking tube, tape, adhesive, etc.

Abstract: Laryngeal surface electrodes are devices designed to hold a conductive surface against the vocal cords in order to pick up small electrical signals from the muscle known as electromyographic signals. Several embodiments of a laryngeal electromyography tube include a conductive electrode surface that is painted, screen printed or otherwise applied directly onto the body of an endotracheal tube, such that the final device has no raised surfaces which can injure the vocal cords. These endotracheal tube with integral laryngeal surface electrodes can be safely used placed for prolonged, continuous monitoring during surgery, after surgery and during intensive care treatment intubation without a need to remove and replace the tube at these various stages of treatment. In one embodiment, one electrode contacts the vocal cords and a second electrode contacts the tongue.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with an electrode and electrode catheter using thin metallic threads or wires, for example, microwires having diameters as low as 10?6 to 10?4 meters or less. The embodiments allow for the efficient mounting of at least one electrode on a catheter, resulting in the creation of a flexible ring-microelectrode that is suitable for, amongst other things, the detection of myoelectrical activity in a patient's muscle, such as the diaphragm or other inspiratory-related muscle.

Abstract: A control unit for a ventilator is arranged to receive, from each of a number of electrode pairs on an esophageal catheter a bioelectric signal having an ECG component. The control unit has a calculating unit that determines the ECG component of each of the bioelectric signals and a position unit that determines the position of the catheter in relation to the patient's diaphragm based on a comparison the amplitudes of ECG components of the bioelectric signals.

Abstract: Laryngeal surface electrodes are devices designed to hold a conductive surface against the vocal cords in order to pick up small electrical signals from the muscle known as electromyographic signals. Several embodiments of a laryngeal electromyography tube include a conductive electrode surface that is painted, screen printed or otherwise applied directly onto the body of an endotracheal tube, such that the final device has no raised surfaces which can injure the vocal cords. These endotracheal tube with integral laryngeal surface electrodes can be safely used placed for prolonged, continuous monitoring during surgery, after surgery and during intensive care treatment intubation without a need to remove and replace the tube at these various stages of treatment. In one embodiment, one electrode contacts the vocal cords and a second electrode contacts the tongue.

Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus that includes an endotracheal tube or airway device having a proximal end and a distal end and an occlusion cuff. The occlusion cuff includes a sensor for helping determine proper endotracheal or airway device placement.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting and treating an obstructive sleep apnea event are disclosed herein. The systems and methods may use an electrical output generating ionic polymer metal composite sensor attached to a region in an airway passage in an oral cavity. The electrical output may be wirelessly transmitted as a signal for indication of an obstructive sleep apnea event. The signal may be further analyzed by a positive airway pressure system for treatment of the obstructive sleep apnea event.

Abstract: A medical device comprises: a feeding tube (70) including a feeding lumen (80) with an opening (152) at a distal end of the feeding tube and an electrical lumen (84) having access openings (120) spaced apart along the feeding tube; a set of insulated electrical conductors (82) disposed in the electrical lumen, the set of insulated electrical conductors having electrically exposed portions (132, 132a, 132b) proximate to the access openings; and electrodes (72, 73, 74, 75, 78, 79, 140) comprising electrically conductive material portions (140) disposed in the access openings and electrically contacting the proximate electrically exposed portions of the set of insulated electrical conductors disposed in the electrical lumen. The electrodes include at least one upper or proximal electrode (74, 75, 78, 79) disposed above an expected patient heart electrical centerline (CL) and at least one lower or distal electrode (72, 73) disposed below the expected patient heart electrical centerline.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes an insulative carrier and at least one conductive component. The at least one conductive component includes an electrode portion disposed on a first side of the carrier and at least one tab extending away from the electrode portion, through the carrier to a second side of the carrier. The electrode portion of the at least one component includes an outward facing contact surface and an inward facing surface, the inward facing surface being disposed opposite the contact surface and against a surface of the first side of the carrier. The electrode assembly further includes a joint coupling a flexible elongate conductor to the tab of the at least one component on the second side of the carrier, and an insulative layer extending over the joint and the tab and the conductor, the insulative layer being bonded to the second side of the carrier.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a feeding tube in particular for total parental nutrition and/or medicine dosing. The feeding tube functionality is combined with internal monitoring of vital functions, such as ECG, PH, etc. The position of the electrodes is essential for measuring the optimal signal. In the present application the optimal position is determined by measuring the inversion point of the ECG signal. During insertion of the catheter or modified feeding tube the ECG signal is continuously monitored. Via an acoustic signal the strength of the signal is notable. This enables the nursing staff a simple control of the insertion process.

Abstract: An apparatus for acquiring and outputting data relating to a physiological condition of a subject, the apparatus including: a sensor device including an accelerometer provided in a tube for insertion into an esophagus of said subject, the sensor device for detecting, converting and transmitting digital signals corresponding to analog ballistocardiograph signals; and a computer including a processor in communication with the sensor device, the computer for receiving the digital signals from the sensor device and generating and outputting a report relating to the physiological condition of the subject.

Abstract: A garment adapted for monitoring a user's heart rate includes material, a transmitter, one or more electrodes, and a power source. The transmitter, electrodes, and power source are integrated with the material. The electrodes and power source are operatively coupled to the transmitter, and the electrodes are responsive to the user's heart rate. The garment is adapted for being worn, washed, and discarded with the electrodes, transmitter, and power source integrated therewith. A method of monitoring heart rate includes integrating a transmitter, electrodes, and power source with a garment, coupling the electrodes operatively to the transmitter, coupling the power source operatively to the transmitter, and adapting the garment for being worn, washed, and discarded with the transmitter, electrodes, and power source integrated therewith.

Abstract: Described are an electrode and electrode catheter using thin metallic threads or wires, for example, microwires having diameters as low as 10?6 to 10?4 meters or less. The embodiments allow for the efficient mounting of at least one electrode on a catheter, resulting in the creation of a flexible ring-microelectrode that is suitable for, amongst other things, the detection of myoelectrical activity in a patient's muscle, such as the diaphragm or other inspiratory-related muscle.

Abstract: The present invention provides method and system for data communication in the human body and a sensor therefor. The method and system transmit information through the human body to a receiver located outside the human body using low current and voltage polarity, so that they cause no damage to the human body and achieve low power consumption and better receiving sensitivity. In addition, the sensor contains a CMOS image sensor on which all circuits are integrated without radio transmitter and antenna, so that it achieves a low-priced and small-sized capsule type endoscope.

Abstract: An esophageal catheter comprises an insertion element (1) able to be inserted into a patient's esophagus and having a distal end (2) and a sheath (3) containing the cables (7) for connection to at least two temperature sensors (4) fitted along the element (1) in the vicinity of the distal end, the sensors being mounted in predetermined positions relative to one or more positioning elements (5, 6) defining a temperature detection zone (8).

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for determining the position of an esophageal catheter that is inserted into the esophagus of a patient, the catheter having a number of electrodes, muscular activity of the diaphragm is stimulated by applying a stimulus signal that produces a myoelectrical signal in the diaphragm having a well-defined peak at a specific point in time. The myoelectrical signal is detected by respective pairs of electrodes of said catheter, and the electrode pair or pairs that detected the signal having the highest amplitude at the specific point in time is identified. If this electrode pair or these electrode pairs that detected the signal with highest amplitude are not located approximately at the middle of the catheter, an indication is emitted that the position of the catheter should be adjusted.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring EMG signals of a patient's laryngeal muscles includes an endotracheal tube having an exterior surface and a first location configured to be positioned at the patient's vocal folds. A first electrode is formed on the exterior surface of the endotracheal tube substantially below the first location. A second electrode is formed on the exterior surface of the endotracheal tube substantially above the first location. The first and second electrodes are configured to receive the EMG signals from the laryngeal muscles when the endotracheal tube is placed in a trachea of the patient.

Abstract: An electrode surface coating and method for manufacturing the electrode surface coating comprising a conductive substrate; a surface coating of platinum having a rough configuration and an increase in the surface area of 5 times to 500 times of the corresponding surface area resulting from the basic geometric shape of the electrode. A method for electroplating an electrode surface with platinum coating having a rough surface, comprising electroplating the surface of a conductive substrate at a rate such that the metal particles form on the conductive substrate faster than necessary to form shiny platinum and slower than necessary to form platinum black.