74335results about "Surgery" patented technology

A system and method for monitoring vital signs and capturing data from a patient remotely using radiotelemetry techniques. The system is characterized by a cordless, disposable sensor band with sensors form measuring full waveform ECG, full waveform respiration, skin temperature, and motion, and transmission circuitry for the detection and transmission of vital signs data of the patient. A small signal transfer unit that can either be worn by the patient, e.g., on his or her belt, or positioned nearby receives data from the sensor band, which it then forwards by e.g., radio transmission to a base station that can be located up to 60 meters away. The base station receives data transmissions from the signal transfer unit and is designed to connect to conventional phone lines for transferring the collected data to a remote monitoring station. The base station may also capture additional clinical data, such as blood pressure data, and to perform data checks. Patient safety is enhanced by the ability of the base station to compare clinical data, e.g., ECG, against given profiles and to mark events when appropriate or when the base station is programmed to do so. Such events are indicated to the physician and could be indicated to the patient by reverse transmission to the signal transfer unit. A remote monitoring station allows the presentation and review of data (including events) forwarded by the sensor band. ECG analysis software and a user-friendly graphical user interface are provided to remotely analyze the transmitted data and to permit system maintenance and upkeep. The system of the invention has useful application to the collection of patient clinical data during drug trials and medical testing for regulatory approvals as well as management of patients with chronic diseases.

A prosthetic valve assembly for use in replacing a deficient native valve comprises a replacement valve supported on an expandable valve support. If desired, one or more anchor may be used. The valve support, which entirely supports the valve annulus, valve leaflets, and valve commissure points, is configured to be collapsible for transluminal delivery and expandable to contact the anatomical annulus of the native valve when the assembly is properly positioned. The anchor engages the lumen wall when expanded and prevents substantial migration of the valve assembly when positioned in place. The prosthetic valve assembly is compressible about a catheter, and restrained from expanding by an outer sheath. The catheter may be inserted inside a lumen within the body, such as the femoral artery, and delivered to a desired location, such as the heart. When the outer sheath is retracted, the prosthetic valve assembly expands to an expanded position such that the valve and valve support expand within the deficient native valve, and the anchor engages the lumen wall.

The invention relates to a deformable endoscope that has one or more light / image transmission passages and in which at least one additional instrument is provided, wherein the unit of endoscope and additional instrument has a non-round cross-section along a longitudinal section (insertion section) to be inserted into a human or animal body orifice. The light / image transmission passage or the plurality of light / image transmission passages form—in particular together with at least one work passage—a closed unit (fiberscope part) which can be separated from the additional instrument. The fiberscope part and the additional instrument can be displaced relatively relative to one another along their longitudinal directions. A holding unit is provided for the holding and / or guiding of the fiberscope part and the additional instrument relative to one another.

A medical instrument sterilization method is disclosed, which characterizes in following process: pending medical instrument for sterilization treatment being placed in a closed container, then being vacuum pumped, the vacuum pressure of the container being controlled between 1 Pa to 1500 Pa, air and / or oxygen and / or inert gases are charged to closed container and the vacuum pressure being between 1 Pa to 1500 Pa, microwave is fed, the favorable power of which should make the gas charged into the container to generate ionization, the microwave be cut after the sterilization, then air being charged to release vacuum to finish the whole process.

A valve prosthesis which is especially useful in the case of aortic stenosis and capable of resisting the powerful recoil force and to stand the forceful balloon inflation performed to deploy the valve and to embed it in the aortic annulus, comprises a collapsible valvular structure and an expandable frame on which said valvular structure is mounted. The valvular structure is composed of physiologically compatible valvular tissue that is sufficiently supple and resistant to allow the valvular structure to be deformed from a closed state to an opened state. The valvular tissue forms a continuous surface and is provided with strut members that create stiffened zones which induce the valvular structure to follow a patterned movement in its expansion to its opened state and in its turning back to its closed state.

A telemetry system and method for providing spatial positioning information from within a patient's body are disclosed. The system includes at least one implantable telemetry unit which includes (a) at least one first transducer being for converting a power signal received from outside the body, into electrical power for powering the at least one implantable telemetry unit; (b) at least one second transducer being for receiving a positioning field signal being received from outside the body; and (c) at least one third transducer being for transmitting a locating signal transmittable outside the body in response to the positioning field signal.

Apparatus and methods for endoscope assemblies having working channels with reduced bending and stretching resistance are disclosed. In one embodiment, an endoscope assembly includes a sheath having a body portion adapted to at least partially encapsulate an endoscopic insertion tube, and a working channel attached to the body portion and extending along at least a portion of the body portion. The working channel includes a component for reducing the resistance of the assembly to bending and stretching. In alternate aspects, the working channel may include a cut, a gap, a sliding portion, or an expansion section. Endoscope assemblies having a working channel in accordance with the invention advantageously reduce the articulation and stretching resistance of the assembly during articulation of the endoscope assembly. Also, because the axial forces (tension and compression) within the working channel are reduced, the working channel can be fabricated out of a relatively hard, inelastic material, thereby reducing the friction within the working channel and improving the physician's ability to perform a medical procedure.

A method is provided for tracking an object, including positioning a radio frequency (RF) driver to radiate an RF driving field toward the object, and fixing to the object a wireless transponder that includes a power coil and at least one sensor coil. The method also includes receiving the RF driving field using the power coil and storing electrical energy derived therefrom. A plurality of field generators are driven to generate electromagnetic fields at respective frequencies in a vicinity of the object that induce a voltage drop across the at least one sensor coil. A digital output signal is generated at the wireless transponder indicative of the voltage drop across the sensor coil, and the generation of the digital output signal is powered using the stored electrical energy. The digital output signal is transmitted from the wireless transponder using the power coil, and the transmission of the digital output signal is powered using the stored electrical energy. The digital output signal is received and processed to determine coordinates of the object.

Devices and methods for detachably engaging an insertion section of an endoscope and selectively articulating an endoscopic surgical access channel are provided. A device comprises an articulating main body having a stationary first body, an articulatable second body, and coupler having a mounting member and an articulation link member configured to articulatively couple the second body to the first body. The stationary first body has a distal end, a proximal end, and a first longitudinal axis. The articulatable second body has a proximal opening and a distal opening defining an accessory channel member passageway, the distal opening having a second longitudinal axis oriented toward a space exterior to the first body distal end, wherein the second body longitudinal axis is capable of articulating relative to the first body longitudinal axis. The devices and methods, as taught herein, provide control over the position and / or orientation of a diagnostic, monitoring, scope, sewing device, cutting device, suturing device, forceps, grabbing device, instrument, or other tool within the visual field beyond the distal opening of the endoscope.

An electronic system includes a reader and a remotely powered and remotely interrogated sensor transponder. The sensor transponder includes a coil or an antenna, a switched reactance circuit, a processor, and a sensor. The sensor transponder receives power radiated from the reader to the coil or antenna. The sensor uses the power for sensing. The sensor transponder is capable of processing sensor data in the processor and transmitting the sensor data to the reader using the switched reactance circuit. In one embodiment, the receiver coil or antenna is part of a resonant tank circuit which includes an impedance matching circuit. The impedance matching circuit is connected to the receiver coil or antenna to provide greater current to the sensor or other power-using device than would be available to the sensor or other power-using device if the sensor or other power-using device were connected between the first and second end. The impedance matching circuit can be two or more taps to the coil or antenna.

A two-component fluid dispenser which can accurately mix two liquids of varying viscosity and then precisely deliver the mixture formed in discrete amounts. The mixture of the two components is delivered from a single delivery tube in a manner such that none of the mixture remains within the delivery tube at the completion of each mixing and delivery cycle. In one form of the apparatus, the single delivery tube of the apparatus is operably coupled with conventional hypodermic syringes of various sizes so that different fluids can be mixed in different ratios.

An identification type instrument assembly detachably connected to a main body of a medical apparatus for use in diagnosis and treatment. The instrument assembly is provided with identification signal output means for actively outputting unique self-identification signals prepared in advance under a predetermined procedure, and the connected instrument assembly can be specified in the main body by the identification signals outputted from the identification signal output means when the instrument assembly is connected to the main body.

A biointerface membrane for an implantable device including a nonresorbable solid portion with a plurality of interconnected cavities therein adapted to support tissue ingrowth in vivo, and a bioactive agent incorporated into the biointerface membrane and adapted to modify the tissue response is provided. The bioactive agents can be chosen to induce vascularization and / or prevent barrier cell layer formation in vivo, and are advantageous when used with implantable devices wherein solutes are transported across the device-tissue interface.

A guide system for use with an endoscope, and a method of use is disclosed. The guide system can include a track, in the form of a rail, and a mating member for engaging the rail. The guide system can also include an accessory, such as an accessory guide tube through which a medical instrument can be carried external of the endoscope. An end cap can be provided to support the track relative to the distal end of the endoscope.

A bendable portion, which is arranged at the distal end of an insertion tube of an endoscope, comprises a plurality of tube segments, each of said tube segments having connecting means that cooperate with the connecting means of the adjacent tube segment, as well as control wires that can control the bending of the bendable portion. The respective connecting means of a tube segment are provided such that they axially protrude from the faces of the tube segment and are located within the mantle of the tube segment and such that they do not exceed the thickness of the mantle. The connecting means, which are provided on the respective faces of adjacent tube segments and which are located opposite each other, complement each other in the manner of a hinge-type connection.

A guide system for use with an endoscope, and a method of use is disclosed. The guide system can include a track, in the form of a rail, and a mating member for engaging the rail. The guide system can also include an accessory, such as an accessory guide tube through which a medical instrument can be carried external of the endoscope. An end cap can be provided to support the track relative to the distal end of the endoscope.

An infusion system for infusing a liquid into a body includes an external infusion device and a remote commander. The external infusion device includes a housing, a receiver, a processor and an indication device. The receiver is coupled to the housing and for receiving remotely generated commands. The processor is coupled to the housing and the receiver to receive remotely generated commands and to control the external infusion device in accordance with the commands. The indication device indicates when a command has been received and indicates when the command is being utilized to control the external infusion device so that the external infusion device is capable of being concealed from view when being remotely commanded. The remote commander includes a commander housing, a keypad for transmitting commands, and a transmitter for transmitting commands to the receiver of the external infusion device.

A video endoscope system includes a reusable control cabinet and an endoscope that is connectable thereto. The endoscope may be used with a single patient and then disposed. The endoscope includes an illumination mechanism, an image sensor, and an elongate shaft having one or more lumens located therein. An articulation joint at the distal end of the endoscope allows the distal end to be oriented by the actuators in the control cabinet or actuators in a control handle of the endoscope. Fluidics, electrical, navigation, image, display and data entry controls are integrated into the system along with other accessories.

A bicomposite material based on collagen is prepared which has two closely bound layers and is biocompatible, non-toxic, hemostatic and biodegradable in less than a month, and can be used in surgery to achieve hemostasis and prevent post-surgical adhesion. To prepare the material, a solution of collagen or gelatin, which may contain glycerine and a hydrophilic additive such as polyethylene glycol or a polysaccharide, is poured onto an inert support to form a layer 30 .mu.m to less than 100 .mu.m thick. Then a polymeric porous fibrous layer is applied during gelling of the collagen or gelatin, and the resultant material is dried. The polymeric porous fibrous layer may be made of collagen or a polysaccharide, and have a density of not more than 75 mg / cm.sup.2, a pore size from 30 .mu.m to 300 .mu.m and a thickness of 0.2 cm to 1.5 cm.

The present invention was made in the light of the foregoing backgrounds, and an object thereof is to provide a forceps channel add-on device for an endoscope, provided on an outer periphery of an insertion portion of the endoscope. The forceps channel add-on device for an endoscope is an external forceps channel device for an endoscope, which is capable of providing two forceps channels or more without controlling the luminous intensity and the field of view of the endoscope, capable of extracting a substance larger than the bore diameter of the forceps channel multiple times while using the endoscope in a state of not being drawn out, without imposing a heavy burden on a patient, and also capable of performing examination after an operation as to whether complications are incurred after the evulsion, whether there is any other affected part overlooked, and so forth. An external forceps channel device for an endoscope, provided with an external forceps channel which is capable of being repeatedly inserted and extracted in a way of being guided by a guide provided on an endoscope separately and independently therefrom along an outside of an insertion portion of the endoscope while using the endoscope without drawing it out, the endoscope incorporating an air supply path, a light source, a CCD camera, and a forceps channel and including the insertion portion and an maneuvering portion, characterized in that provided is the external forceps channel capable of repeatedly extracting a foreign substance larger than a bore diameter of the incorporated forceps channel in a way of being guided by the guide along the outside of the endoscope, together with the whole external forceps channel itself in a state where the foreign substance is grasped by forceps inserted through the external forceps channel, and that provided is the external forceps channel capable of being repeatedly inserted in a way of being guided by the guide along the outside of the endoscope in a state where the endoscope is not drawn out.

A surgical power tool system including a cordless powered surgical tool, a battery for energizing the tool and a charger for charging the battery. The battery includes a memory. When the battery is attached to the tool, a processor integral with the tool writes data to the memory regarding the operation of the tool. When the battery is attached to the charger, the data are read out the battery memory. These data are then evaluated to determine the operational state of the tool.

A biocompatible tissue repair stimulating implant or "scaffold" device is used to repair tissue injuries, particularly injuries to ligaments, tendons, and nerves. Such implants are especially useful in methods that involve surgical procedures to repair injuries to ligament, tendon, and nerve tissue in the hand and foot. The repair procedures may be conducted with implants that contain a biological component that assists in healing or tissue repair.

The present invention provides a non-rigid retractor for providing access to a surgical site, such as a patient's spine, during a surgical process. When used in spinal surgery, the non-rigid retractor allows a surgeon to operate on one or more spinal levels. The non-rigid retractor includes at least one flexible strap anchored at a first end to the spine or other internal body part at the surgical site. The body of the at least one flexible strap extends from a skin incision and is anchored at a second location external to the body to retract skin and muscle from the surgical site, allowing adequate visualization of the surgical site and providing access for implants and surgical instruments to pass through the retractor and into the surgical site.

The present invention is a more durable expanded material that enables thinner wall thicknesses and a more flexible reinforcement suitable for stenting. The present invention is especially useful in the construction of grafts, stents, and stent-grafts which are used, for example, in repairing or replacing blood vessels that are narrowed or occluded by disease, aneurismal blood vessels, or other medical treatments. The inventive material and configurations allow expansion or contraction in size or adjustment in size in an incremental manner so that the optimum size, shape, and fit with other objects can be obtained. The present invention is also optionally capable of more accurately delivering one or more active ingredients such as drugs over longer periods of time. The present invention optionally includes surface modifications and additives that increase the surface adhesion of active ingredients, coatings, or combinations thereof. Finally, the present invention optionally includes growing cells on the inventive material so that the expanded material, reinforcement, or combinations thereof are useful, for example, in producing lab-grown blood vessels or organs.

An endoscope includes a slender insertion section of which the distal portion incorporates an image capturing device, and the back end of this insertion section is provided with an operating section to be gripped. A cable section is provided wherein a light guide cable for transmitting illumination light, and a signal cable connected to the image capturing device are integrally or separately extended from the operating section, and the connector of the edge portion of the cable section is freely detachably mounted to each of a light source device and a signal processing device. A mounting / detaching portion for freely detachably connecting a first unit serving as an insertion section side and a second unit serving as a cable section side is provided around between the distal end of the operating section and the proximal end thereof.

A core sampling biopsy device is compatible with use in a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) environment by being driven by either a pneumatic rotary motor or a piezoelectric drive motor. The core sampling biopsy device obtains a tissue sample, such as a breast tissue biopsy sample, for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. The biopsy device may include an outer cannula having a distal piercing tip, a cutter lumen, a side tissue port communicating with the cutter lumen, and at least one fluid passageway disposed distally of the side tissue port. The inner cutter may be advanced in the cutter lumen past the side tissue port to sever a tissue sample. A cutter drive assembly maintains a fixed gear ratio relationship between a cutter rotation speed and translation speed of the inner cutter regardless of the density of the tissue encountered to yield consistent sample size.

An ultrasonic surgical apparatus comprises an ultrasonic transducer for generating vibration in response to a drive signal to be given, and a treatment device having a probe to which the vibration is transferred from the ultrasonic transducer to effect treatment with the vibration. This device further comprises a signal generator for generating an AC signal for driving the ultrasonic transducer, and a modulator for modulating the AC signal generated by the signal generator to produce a drive signal to be given to the ultrasonic transducer.

A method of administering a drug whereby a fine drug powder can be accurately administered to a target site (in particular, a target site in the body cavity) via fluidization and spraying with a gas by using a micro tube. Concerning the administration mode, in particular, the drug alone or a biopolymer is administered or the biopolymer is employed as a carrier in the above method. More specifically speaking, a method of administering a fine drug powder which comprises finely milling one or more types fine particles of the drug and / or the biopolymer, blending them each other, fluidizing the blend with a gas, then transporting the fluidized matter in a micro tube by the gas stream and spraying the fine drug powder from the tip of the micro tube toward the target site. Further, an administration method which comprises concentrically providing a capillary tube in the micro tube, supplying an aqueous solution of the drug and / or the biopolymer from the capillary tube into the gas stream and then mixing it with other fine particles of the drug and / or the biopolymer under transportation by the gas.

Apparatus and methods for endoscope assemblies having working channels with reduced bending and stretching resistance are disclosed. In one embodiment, an endoscope assembly includes a sheath having a body portion adapted to at least partially encapsulate an endoscopic insertion tube, and a working channel attached to the body portion and extending along at least a portion of the body portion. The working channel includes a component for reducing the resistance of the assembly to bending and stretching. In alternate aspects, the working channel may include a cut, a gap, a sliding portion, or an expansion section. Endoscope assemblies having a working channel in accordance with the invention advantageously reduce the articulation and stretching resistance of the assembly during articulation of the endoscope assembly. Also, because the axial forces (tension and compression) within the working channel are reduced, the working channel can be fabricated out of a relatively hard, inelastic material, thereby reducing the friction within the working channel and improving the physician's ability to perform a medical procedure.