303 results about "Clinical settings" patented technology

A plurality of co-operative and complementary software programs are implemented in a web-enabled high speed computer system to remotely monitor, manage and modify the operational and functional parameters of a plurality of implanted medical devices (IMDs). The system utilizes virtual electrophysiologist module (VEM), chronic monitoring module (CMM) and prescription program module (PPM) programs to effect specific therapeutic and diagnostic methods for managing the IMDs, remotely on a conditions and real-time basis. The modules enable remote and continuous monitoring, management and maintenance of the IMDs by identifying critical medical events, determining optimal clinical settings and upgrading performance parameters based on prescriptive data. The modules are implemented in a data center having high-speed computers operating in a web-enabled environment. The modules and the IMDs communicate through wireless communications system via a programmer or an interface medical unit (IMD).

A dialysis device for operation in multiple modes and for maintaining a known gradient of potassium ion or other electrolyte between the blood of a patient and a dialysate fluid is described. The dialysis device is capable of being used for hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, and the dialysis device is capable of operation with a dialysate purification unit outside of a clinical setting or with a supply of water that can be supplied in a clinical setting. The dialysis device has a composition sensor containing a potassium-sensitive electrode for measuring a potassium ion concentration in one or more of the patient's blood and the dialysate fluid and an infusate pump operated to adjust a potassium ion concentration in the dialysate fluid based at least in part on data from the composition sensor.

An efficient method for the microfabrication of electronic devices which have been adapted for the analyses of biologically significant analyte species is described. The techniques of the present invention allow for close control over the dimensional features of the various components and layers established on a suitable substrate. Such control extends to those parts of the devices which incorporate the biological components which enable these devices to function as biological sensors. The materials and methods disclosed herein thus provide an effective means for the mass production of uniform wholly microfabricated biosensors. Various embodiments of the devices themselves are described herein which are especially suited for real time analyses of biological samples in a clinical setting. In particular, the present invention describes assays which can be performed using certain ligand / ligand receptor-based biosensor embodiments. The present invention also discloses a novel method for the electrochemical detection of particular analyte species of biological and physiological significance using an substrate / label signal generating pair which produces a change in the concentration of electroactive species selected from the group consisting of dioxygen and hydrogen peroxide.

A method and an apparatus for estimating a geometric thickness of a breast in mammography / tomosynthesis or in other x-ray procedures, by imaging markers that are in the path of x-rays passing through the imaged object. The markings can be selected to be visible or to be invisible when the composite markings / breast image is viewed in clinical settings. If desired, the contribution of the markers to the image can be removed through further processing. The resulting information can be used determining the geometric thickness of the body being x-rayed and thus setting imaging parameters that are thickness-related, and for other purposes. The method and apparatus also have application in other types of x-ray imaging.

The present invention is directed to the identification of predictive markers that can be used to determine whether patients with cancer are clinically responsive or non-responsive to a therapeutic regimen prior to treatment. In particular, the present invention is directed to the use of certain individual and / or combinations of predictive markers, wherein the expression of the predictive markers correlates with responsiveness or non-responsiveness to a therapeutic regimen. Thus, by examining the expression levels of individual predictive markers and / or predictive markers comprising a marker set, it is possible to determine whether a therapeutic agent, or combination of agents, will be most likely to reduce the growth rate of tumors in a clinical setting.

Apparatus and method for using a cooled fluid to be introduced into the lungs as a heat exchange which as a result of the circulatory system of the body, lowers the temperature of the brain as well as the temper of the body in general. In instances where cardiopulmonary arrest occurs and CPR is delayed due to the clinical setting in which the arrest takes place, the rapid induction of brain hypothermia by liquid pulmonary lavage secures valuable time for the subsequent application of CPR techniques. The method can be used on any elective hypothermic surgery.

A biopsy device is provided for obtaining a tissue sample, such as a breast tissue biopsy sample. The biopsy device includes a disposable probe assembly with an outer cannula having a distal piercing tip, a cutter lumen, and a cutter tube that rotates and translates past a side aperture in the outer cannula to sever a tissue sample. The biopsy device also includes a reusable handpiece with an integral motor and power source to make a convenient, untethered control for use with ultrasonic imaging. The reusable handpiece incorporates a probe oscillation mode to assist when inserting the distal piercing tip into tissue. An integral vacuum motor assists prolapsing tissue for effective severing as well as facilitating withdrawal of the tissue samples and bodily fluids from the biopsy site into a detachable, self-contained canister for transporting the separated biopsy samples and fluid for pathology assessment, avoiding biohazards in a clinical setting.

A dialysis device for operation in multiple modes and for maintaining a known gradient of potassium ion or other electrolyte between the blood of a patient and a dialysate fluid is described. The dialysis device is capable of being used for hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, and the dialysis device is capable of operation with a dialysate purification unit outside of a clinical setting or with a supply of water that can be supplied in a clinical setting. The dialysis device has a composition sensor containing a potassium-sensitive electrode for measuring a potassium ion concentration in one or more of the patient's blood and the dialysate fluid and an infusate pump operated to adjust a potassium ion concentration in the dialysate fluid based at least in part on data from the composition sensor.

A portable pain treatment unit includes: a first pulse generator configured to deliver pulses in a frequency range typical for interferential treatment; a second pulse generator configured to deliver pulses in the frequency range for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) treatment; electrodes operatively connected with the first and second pulse generators that are configured for application to a treatment area; and a power source operatively connected to the first and second pulse generators. A device of this configuration enables the patient to receive either IF or TENS treatment at a location of his / her choosing rather than being forced to receive IF treatment in a clinical setting.

A portable pain treatment unit includes: a first pulse generator configured to deliver pulses in a frequency range typical for interferential treatment; a second pulse generator configured to deliver pulses in the frequency range for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) treatment; electrodes operatively connected with the first and second pulse generators that are configured for application to a treatment area; and a power source operatively connected to the first and second pulse generators. A device of this configuration enables the patient to receive either IF or TENS treatment at a location of his / her choosing rather than being forced to receive IF treatment in a clinical setting.

Compositions and methods comprising proteins that bind specifically to adalimumab are disclosed herein. Adalimumab is a monoclonal antibody specific for the cytokine TNF-α and was developed to treat TNF-α mediated inflammatory diseases. In one aspect of the instant invention, the binding proteins are antibodies directed toward adalimumab. These antibodies, including binding fragments thereof, can be used in a clinical setting as well as for research and development. For example, these anti-adalimumab antibodies can be employed to neutralize adalimumab.

An implantable neurostimulator for treating disorders such as epilepsy, pain, movement disorders and depression includes a detection subsystem capable of detecting a physiological condition and a therapy subsystem capable of providing a course of therapy in response to the condition. The therapy subsystem includes an auto-adjust module for automatically adjusting one or more parameters of the therapy so that the therapy subsystem can provide an adjusted parameter to the patient and solicit the patient's feedback concerning the adjustment without requiring the presence of, or immediate involvement with, a clinician or physician. The patient feedback can be analyzed by computer, clinician or a combination of both to determine an optimal range of parameters for subsequent courses of therapy. In this manner, information useful in tuning the neurostimulator therapy parameters to optimize them for individual patient can be acquired automatically outside of the traditional clinical setting, saving time and minimizing patient fatigue that otherwise would be experience in marathon, in-clinic tuning sessions. The auto-adjust module also can be configured to prompt the patient to provide feedback even when parameters are not being adjusted, so as to acquire information for a baseline or about any placebo effect when the patient is otherwise expecting changes to the therapy to be made.

A system and a method is disclosed for consistently and verifiably optimizing computed tomography (CT) radiation dose in the clinical setting. Mathematical models allow for estimation of patient size, image noise, size-specific radiation dose, and image quality targets based on digital image data and radiologists preferences. A prediction model estimates the scanner's tube current modulation and predicts image noise and size-specific radiation dose over a range of patient sizes. An optimization model calculates specific scanner settings needed to attain target image quality at the minimum radiation dose possible. An automated system processes the image and dose data according to the mathematical models and stores and displays the information, enabling verification and ongoing monitoring of consistent dose optimization.

Compositions and methods for the assessment of T cell receptor variable subunits. The present invention provides nucleotide sequences for the evaluation of the expression of TCRV families. These nucleotides sequences were obtained through a bioinformatic investigation of the nucleotide sequences for TCRVα and TCRVβ families. The nucleotide sequences of the present invention uniquely recognize each and every subfamily and allelic member of a particular TCRV family, while at the same time not recognizing the members of any other TCRV family. This unique expression recognition profile of the nucleotide sequences of the present invention provides great utility for the assessment of TCR families in a clinical setting, such as through polymerase chain reactions, gene chip technology, and direct electrophoretic measurement of DNA or RNA.

Life-threatening hepatotoxicity in the setting of acetaminophen overdose is due to depletion of glutathione (GSH), a vital cysteine-containing tripeptide that protects cells and organs against oxidant injury. Rapid administration of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), which provides the cysteine necessary to replenish the depleted GSH, is the standard of care for preventing injury in acetaminophen overdose. Beneficial effects of NAC treatment have also been demonstrated in respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine and infectious and other diseases. In fact, over fifty randomized placebo-controlled trials conducted in diverse clinical settings document positive responses to NAC treatment. The present invention relates to cysteine / glutathione (GSH) deficiency as a previously unrecognized clinical entity that can complicate the course of commonly encountered diseases and methods of treatment of this generalized deficiency involving administering N-acetylcysteine (NAC) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative to a subject in need thereof and monitoring the subjects appropriate glutathione blood levels as needed.

A system and related techniques generate and present a clinical workforce management interface to assign nurses, technicians, therapists and others in a hospital or other clinical setting. According to embodiments, the interface may present components including an aggregate patient population profile which lists individual patients in a unit, as well as the projected workload capacity the care for those patients represents as well as an assignment bar depicting the continuity of provider assignments for that patient over a shift, 24 hour, or other period. The workforce management interface may likewise present a counterpart provider population profile which lists available care providers in a unit, as well as their capacity ratings, skill sets, shifts or other schedule and other data characterizing available clinical stuff. According to embodiments of the invention in one regard, a charge nurse or other staff manager may visually or graphically view and manipulate the provider-to-patient assignments, for instance by dragging and dropping icons or other visual elements to perform assignments. According to embodiments of the invention in another regard, compliance monitoring functions such as maintaining mandated patient to nurse or other provider ratios may be automatically performed, and the staff manager may be alerted when those or other ratios or criteria violate limits.

Therapeutic formulations and methods for inhibiting amyloid deposition in a subject, whatever its clinical setting, are described. Therapeutic formulations and methods for preventing or treating amyloidosis and / or amyloid-related disease are also described.

A portable tomosynthesis imaging system is disclosed that includes a portable X-ray source assembly and a portable detector assembly. The source assembly may be coupled to a portable power supply and controller such that multiple projection X-ray images may be obtained at a site that is not accessible by conventional tomosynthesis imaging systems. Image data may be transmitted from the detector by wired or wireless communication. Tomosynthesis image reconstruction may be performed locally at the portable system or remotely by the transmission of raw or filtered image data from the portable system. The portable system is particularly well-suited to field deployment, such as at accident scenes, scenes of natural or other disasters, or in confined clinical settings.

A computerized Neuropsychological / NeuroCognitive and Psychomotor Performance Assessment and Rehabilitation system is designed for use on handheld computer systems. Components of the system include an executive program, test modules, interpretive and report modules, and supporting utilities. The system provides point-of-use interpretations and result reports. The system is designed for use in clinical settings, occupational medicine, and research. Medical applications include use as a diagnostic, evaluation, and treatment instrument. In industrial settings it can be used as a fitness / readiness for work assessment. The assessment and rehabilitation system also contains modules for use in forensic mental competency, mental and emotional status examinations.

Absorbable composite medical devices such as surgical meshes and braided sutures, which display two or more absorption / biodegradation and breaking strength retention profiles and exhibit unique properties in different clinical settings, are made using combinations of at least two types of yarns having distinctly different physicochemical and biological properties and incorporate in the subject construct special designs to provide a range of unique properties as clinically useful implants.

A mask assembly (30) is provided with a filter assembly (48) to filter gas exhaled by a patient during the administration of ventilatory therapy, e.g. CPAP or bi-level treatment, to reduce or eliminate the possibility of cross-infection to other patients or the physician in a clinical setting.

The invention integrates a two-stage dielectrophoretic (DEP) droplet dispensing and distribution system with particulate DEP to create a novel LOC platform capable of manipulating biological cells based on the varied dielectrophoretic signatures that distinguish cells in a population, for example, healthy from diseased cells. The two-stage DEP droplet transport system acts as the backbone of this application, providing the essential dispensing and distribution function, while particulate DEP provides the critical capability to characterize and analyze the heterogeneous biological cell populations routinely encountered in biotechnology and clinical settings.

Processes and systems for monitoring hand hygiene events (e.g., hand washing or sanitizing) are provided. In one example, a process includes receiving data associated with the initiation and completion of a hand hygiene event. The data may include image data captured by a camera included with a wearable computer device (e.g., a head mounted device or augmented reality glasses). The process may further determine a location and / or time associated with the initiation and completion of the hand hygiene event and monitor compliance and technique. A process may further include detecting a location (e.g., via a proximity beacon) of a wearable computer device and triggering a notification to initiate a hand hygiene event. Additionally, data from hand hygiene events, including compliance data, can be used to motivate or incentivize individuals to increase their compliance with hand hygiene practices (e.g., through various gamification strategies).

A topical ophthalmic composition comprised of povidone-iodine 0.01% to 10.0% combined with a steroid or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. This solution is useful in the treatment of active infections of at least one tissue of the eye (e.g., conjunctiva and cornea) from bacterial, mycobacterial, viral, fungal, or amoebic causes, as well as treatment to prevent such infections in appropriate clinical settings (e.g. corneal abrasion, postoperative prophylaxis, post-LASIK / LASEK prophylaxis). Additionally the solution is effective in the prevention of infection and inflammation in the post-operative ophthalmic patient.

The present invention provides methods for the identification and use of diagnostic markers for differential diagnosis of diseases. In a various aspects, the invention relates to methods and compositions able to determine the presence or absence of one, and preferably a plurality, of diseases that exhibit one or more similar or identical symptoms. Such methods and compositions can be used to provide assays and assay devices for use in determining the disease underlying one or more non-specific symptoms exhibited in a clinical setting.

One or more embodiments of the invention are directed to a system and method for integrating locational awareness into a subject oriented workflow system that functions within the context of a professional services environment. The system described herein may be implemented in a general purpose computer system that is configured to handle various subject contexts within the confines of a graphical user interface. The term subject as it is used here relates to the person that a professional service is being provided on or in conjunction with. For instance, in a clinical setting the subject might be a patient and the professional service provider a doctor or other medical professional. In a lawyer / client context the subject would refer to the client and the professional service provider to the lawyer or support staff.

This invention related to a clinical connectivity device coupled to a display. The clinical connectivity device comprises a user interface configured to select a display format; a controller configured to receive commands from the user interface and for controlling operation of the clinical connectivity device; and a selector coupled to the controller and an adjuster. The selector is configured to receive input signals of graphics, image, video, audio or data from devices in a clinical setting and is further configured to select a signal to be transmitted to an adjuster based on the input signal format. The adjuster is coupled to the controller and the display for matching the received signal format to the display format. The adjuster comprises a temporal combiner configured to combine synchronous and asynchronous received signals; a spatial combiner configured to place graphics, image, video or data; a scaler for geometric scaling and non-geometric scaling of graphics, image, video or data; and a rotation component configured to rotate graphics, image, video or data.