128 results about "Self-Administered" patented technology

A patient care system in which a physiological parameter of a patient is monitored while the patient self-administers analgesic. A display presents a trend of the patient's physiological parameter along with the time of self-administration of the analgesic (“PCA”—patient controlled analgesic) such that the effect of the analgesic on the physiological parameter can be seen over selectable time periods. The physiological parameter may be ETCO2 or SpO2 or other. Also included is a drug library having acceptable pumping parameters as well as other PCA specific data. Should the operator program a pumping parameter that is outside an acceptable range, or should the patient attempt to self-administer more analgesic than the acceptable range permits, or should a patient's physiological parameter change during infusion such that a pumping parameter becomes outside an acceptable range, an indication of such will be given and action, such as stopping the pump, will be taken.

An automated cognitive test that provides screening, scoring and real time results based on comparing the test results to updated normed results. The test can be self administered. The questions are randomly chosen from a selected database. Customizable reports may be generated from the test results and used in industry.

A technique allows a web site visitor, or other user of a consumer electronics device that is remote from a hearing test server, to measure their hearing loss in an efficient and consistent way which is self-administered, and to store the measurements as a hearing profile which can be used for customizing audio products. The technique includes a method for conducting a hearing test using a computer program. The method includes establishing a communication channel between a remote device and server in a communication network. A first component of the computer program is executed on the server, and a second component of the computer program is executed at the remote device. The computer program according to the invention comprises a routine to manage interaction via an interface on the remote device, and adaptively select stimuli based upon the interaction to be produced at the remote device according to a convergent process to determine a hearing characteristic. The interaction comprises an N-alternative forced choice interaction in one embodiment. The convergent process comprises a staircase function or a maximum likelihood function in alternative embodiments of the invention.

A pain relief lollipop comprises a candy matrix comprising (a) an opioid agonist, (b) an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist different from the opioid agonist, (c) gabapentin, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and, optionally, a muscle relaxant, sedative, anxiolytic, and / or antidepressant. A patient can self-administer small amounts of the pain relief drug as needed by simply licking or sucking on the lollipop in response to his subjective experience of pain.

A computer system for performing an interactive assessment of the risk of an event, has a computer monitor to present to a user of the system a series of questions and potential responses, and a keyboard or other device to select a response to the question. The system can administer complex inverted tree type decision algorithms, in which the questions that are presented to the user, depend upon the response to the previous question, and an assessment of the risk of an event is presented to the user whenever they reach the terminus point in the decision tree. The risk assessment algorithm is data driven and a risk assessment is defined by entries in a file, which is available over a network. The system provides options so each user may view the path through the sequence of questions and answers, and interact with the risk assessment, in a manner customized for their own interactive session.

A system according to the present invention provides a portable, non-invasive device adapted to deliver electrical stimulation to a brain, such as to treat tinnitus. Such system is preferably a head-worn system configured to provide transcranial direct current electrical stimulation (tDCS) to a patient, where a therapy based at least partially thereon may be self-administered by the patient. tDCS is a non-invasive method of brain stimulation to treat tinnitus, or other neurological indications, that may provide significant relief. Methods according to the present invention include preferably brief sessions of anodal tDCS to assist in determining adequate electrode location and stimulus intensity by producing transient decreases in tinnitus intensity. Methods may also or alternatively include a number of sessions of cathodal tDCS at a confirmed electrode location and stimulus intensity to provide sustained tinnitus relief. Methods may also or alternatively include a number of maintenance sessions to prolong the sustained relief.

A system to help patients manage their healthcare using a comprehensive package of healthcare reminders administered by remote computing and wireless communications devices. Healthy lifestyle, preventive care, chronic condition maintenance care, medication compliance and custom reminders are set according to a schedule and delivered via email, SMS text message, IVR phone message, live voice phone or other communications methods. Participants respond to reminders with their actual progress toward achieving the goal or with data concerning their condition which is recorded and reported. Tools allow users to schedule healthcare provider appointments and receive related reminders and follow-ups, refill prescriptions and generate a variety of reports to track their own progress and condition and which can be shared with a physician. Participating physicians have direct access to patient records to monitor progress and compliance in real time and to communicate with and manage their patients. Integration of personal health records and electronic medical records systems when available permit detailed analysis to identify potential issues and recommend certain reminders to improve the overall quality and integration of care.

Disclosed herein is an improved eyelid care appliance and method of using such appliance for preventing and treating blepharitis and mammalian meibomian gland dysfunction caused by gland obstruction. The method and apparatus of the invention enable restoration and maintenance of eyelid hygiene and the natural flow of secretions from the meibomian glands. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus comprises an oscillating spongehead affixed to the distal end of the eyelid care appliance that is equipped with a video camera, near field communications link, and a display, thereby enabling a user to “fly” the spongehead onto an eyelid margin for self-administered cleaning of the user's eyelid margins. The spongehead can be impregnated with topical pharmacologic or cleansing agents to better facilitate cleaning and therapeutic efficacy.

The invention relates to methods for treating a patient suffering from acute coronary syndrome, but who is not suffering from a Q-wave myocardial infarction, comprising administration of a therapeutically effective amount of an exendin-4 molecule. The exendin-4 can be self-administered, and can be administered in one or more doses, as needed, on an intermittent or continuous basis, to optimize metabolism in cardiac tissue and to prevent cardiac damage associated with ischemia.

Systems and methods are described for treating un-met medical needs in migraine and related conditions such as cluster headache. Included are treatments that are both rapid onset and long acting, which include sustained release formulations, and combination products. Also included are treatments for multiple symptoms of migraine, especially headache and nausea and vomiting. Systems that are self contained, portable, prefilled, and simple to self administer at the onset of a migraine attack are disclosed, and preferably include a needle-free injector and a high viscosity formulation, to eliminate such issues as fear of self administration with needles, and needle stick and cross contamination.

A digital headset system for use in audiometric testing. The headset system includes a stored calibration reference relating the exact frequency and volume response of each speaker to analog input signals. A microprocessor accesses the calibration reference to determine the required analog signal needed to produce the desired sound. An on-board digital to analog converter generates the required analog signal and transmits it to the speaker. The headset is used with software based audiometric test methods that allow the generation of an electronic user hearing profile. The user hearing profile may be used to re-program an audio emitting device to function in a customized manner. The user hearing profile may be overlaid on a partner hearing profile in order to emulate for the partner how sounds are perceived by the user. The test methods may be self-administered or administered by a healthcare professional.

Ischemia-reperfusion injury commonly results from any surgical procedure requiring stopping of blood supply to an organ followed by reperfusion such as in heart bypass, angioplasty or organ transplant. The invention discloses a method to harness the innate power of repetitive transient ischemia in protecting organs against imminent ischemia-reperfusion, or any patho-physiological insults. This method of optimal remote ischemic preconditioning (ORIP) comprises of utilizing a pair of programmable pneumatic cuffs that inflate / deflate alternately occluding blood circulation to each of the limbs for pre-defined time intervals. The apparatus delivers maximal ORIP dose in shortest possible time either as an EMS procedure during patient transportation to hospital, as elective pre-surgery treatment, or in critical care for preventing multiple-organ-dysfunction-syndrome. ORIP can be self-administered and remotely monitored by clinician especially in chronic patients for homeostasis of malfunctioning target organs. ORIP may also be deployed as adjunct in angioplasty, gene / stem cell heart repair therapies.

An improved method (process) and medicinal composition is provided to treat herpes, pseudomonas, hepatitis, staph (staphylococci) and other infectious diseases The inexpensive medicinal composition can be self-administered and maintained for a prescribed time. The attractive medicinal composition can comprise a quaternary ammonium salt surfactant, a skin protectant and an alcohol. The quaternary ammonium salt surfactant can comprise benzalkonium halide, preferably benzalkonium chloride. The skin protectant can comprise Allantoin. The alcohol can serve as a pain reliever and can comprise benzyl alcohol. The medicinal composition can also include other compounds, additives, herbal extracts and / or carriers.

Novel vision monitoring, screening, and testing tools and help-seeking enablers that may be used individually as or in combination with other vision monitoring and screening testing systems that improves patients' ability to recognize the onset and progression of visual changes over time. Patients' ability to identify acute or chronic visual conditions on their own may drive earlier help-seeking behavior by the patient, enable earlier clinical diagnosis by an eye care specialist, and therefore resulting in earlier treatment and reduced likelihood of severe vision loss.

A system and method are disclosed which assist an employer in determining qualified candidates for positions of employment with the employer in an efficient and cost-effective manner. A preferred embodiment provides a software product that enables employers to generate a customized application program executable to interact with candidates and determine the qualified candidates for a position with the employer. More specifically, the software product receives as input from the employer a desired hiring criteria, and then generates a customized application program that utilizes the desired hiring criteria to determine the qualified candidates for the employer. Most preferably, a customized application program is generated, with which candidates may interact to effectively self-administer a qualification session for a position with the employer. In a most preferred embodiment, the generated application program may, upon determining a qualified candidate, take actions necessary to assist in further consideration of the qualified candidate. As an example, the application program may access a hiring manager's calendar, and schedule an interview for the qualified candidate at an available time. As a further example, the application program may forward information about the qualified candidate (e.g., resume, responses of the candidate to a questionnaire conducted by the application program, writing sample, letters of recommendation, etcetera) to the hiring manager via e-mail, fax, or some other method of communicating data.

An ultrasonic breast examination system suitable for use by unskilled users, comprising a patient positioning platform with a patient positioning image sensor, and a moveable ultrasonic transducer guidance device. The transducer guidance device can be a fluid filled container with a flexible side or bottom, and a mechanism to automatically move an ultrasonic transducer over the breast. The system will be controlled by at least one microprocessor, associated software, and an optional touch sensitive display screen. The system may use an image sensor to properly position the patient so that the transducer guidance device may be properly positioned proximate to the patient's breast. The touch sensitive display screen is designed to allow the system to be directly operated by an unskilled patient. The system will often be connected to a network, such as the Internet, so that remote operators may interpret breast ultrasound images and optionally control the system.

An apparatus for performing soft-tissue manipulation of a user's spinal discs, and other back, neck and glutei soft-tissues includes a rigid or semi-rigid working member having at least one operational side surface for engaging contact with target soft-tissues and to which are secured a pair of straps. The operational side surface is provided with design form features configured to produce a therapeutic effect on the target soft-tissues when in contact therewith, and which may include recesses, projections or other protuberances. The working member and straps have an overall longitudinal length selected to enable the apparatus to be positioned partially encircling a user's body with the straps secured to a support. The length enables the user to stand or sit in a rearward inclined position, leaning backwardly to effect relative bearing contact between the target soft-tissues and the operational surface of the working member.

The embodiment described herein are related nanoemulsions comprising botulinum toxins. In one embodiment, the nanoemulsions are prepared by high pressure microfluidization and comprise a particle size distribution exclusively between 10 and 300 nm. The nanoemulsions contemplated by the present invention are useful for the cosmetic and medical treatment of muscular contracture states. For example, botulinum toxin may relax facial muscles such that skin wrinkles become smoother and less noticeable. Further, the present invention contemplates a cosmetic formulation that may be self-administered, for example, in the privacy of one's home and without medical supervision.

An injection device that self-administers a painless vaccine injections. The injection device (10) can be secured to the patient's skin via a separable base portion (12) of the housing of the device, which can be separated from the device when removing the housing and syringe assemblies for disposal. The injection device can provide a method for substantial amount of time performing the injection procedure, that is relatively simple and inexpensive to perform and operate, and that provides a relatively high degree of safety for both the medical personnel and for the patient. The injection device is configured for easy handling, and is manually-powered by the use of the hand or fingers of the medical technician. The device can also comprise a plurality of vaccine syringes at the same time with a single device.

Dialysis systems and methods are described which can include a number of features. The dialysis systems described can be to provide dialysis therapy to a patient in the comfort of their own home. The dialysis system can be configured to prepare purified water from a tap water source in real-time that is used for creating a dialysate solution. The dialysis systems described also include features that make it easy for a patient to self-administer therapy. For example, the dialysis systems include disposable cartridge and patient tubing sets that are easily installed on the dialysis system and automatically align the tubing set, sensors, venous drip chamber, and other features with the corresponding components on the dialysis system. Methods of use are also provided, including automated priming sequences, blood return sequences, and dynamic balancing methods for controlling a rate of fluid transfer during different types of dialysis, including hemodialysis, ultrafiltration, and hemodiafiltration.

A method and system affects the mental state of a user through cognitive or attention training by providing or displaying a first auditory or visual stimulus to a user, manipulating one or more features of the stimulus to provide or display a second auditory or visual image stimulus, and repeating the steps of manipulating features of the auditory or visual image stimulus to provide or display one or more additional auditory or visual image stimuli to the user. An electronic / computing device receives input from the user, such as EEG signal information, indicating the user's mental state which is evaluated to determine a mood of the user. In response to improvement in the user's mood, the user is rewarded with an additional selected auditory or visual image stimulus. Further, based on improvements in the user's mood, the manipulation of features and provision or display of the stimuli may be adjusted.

The embodiment described herein are related nanoemulsions comprising botulinum toxins. In one embodiment, the nanoemulsions are prepared by high pressure microfluidization and comprise a particle size distribution exclusively between 10 and 300 nm. The nanoemulsions contemplated by the present invention are useful for the cosmetic and medical treatment of muscular contracture states. For example, botulinum toxin may relax facial muscles such that skin wrinkles become smoother and less noticeable. Further, the present invention contemplates a cosmetic formulation that may be self-administered, for example, in the privacy of one's home and without medical supervision.

A self-improvement system utilizes psychometric testing and personal development methodologies in a computer-based system that is configured to provide a self-administered, automated self-improvement process. The system is configured to encourage a user to set goals and provides the user with tools to develop skills that are necessary for the realization of those goals. The system also substantively monitors the progress of a users development of those skills by utilizing user inputs received during the process and determining whether the user's views have changed as a result of the development process.

A patient controlled liquid drug administration device is provided that enables either or both of a continuous flow of a liquid drug, as well as successive, large-volume boluses thereof, to be self-administered to and by a patient while avoiding bolus refill during bolus delivery or after bolus delivery but before an intake stroke of the pump occurs. The device includes an elongated housing having an axial cavity extending through it with a reciprocating pump mounted at a bottom end thereof. The pump defines a closed internal reservoir and includes a first wall, or seat, that is fixed in the cavity, and a second, flexible wall that is axially movable in the cavity in relation to the fixed wall between reservoir-full and reservoir-empty positions. The pump includes an inlet port that is connectable to a source of a pressurized liquid drug by an inlet conduit, and an outlet port subcutaneously connectable to the patient by an outlet conduit, both conduits extending out the bottom end of the housing. An outlet clamp is mounted in the cavity to move between a closed position constricting the outlet conduit of the pump, thereby preventing the flow of the liquid drug through the outlet conduit, and an open position. An inlet clamp is mounted in the cavity to move between a closed position constricting the inlet conduit and thereby preventing the flow of liquid through it, and an open position disengaged from the inlet conduit, thereby allowing the flow of liquid through it.

The embodiment described herein are related nanoemulsions comprising botulinum toxins. In one embodiment, the nanoemulsions are prepared by high pressure microfluidization and comprise a particle size distribution exclusively between 10 and 300 nm. The nanoemulsions contemplated by the present invention are useful for the cosmetic and medical treatment of muscular contracture states. For example, botulinum toxin may relax facial muscles such that skin wrinkles become smoother and less noticeable. Further, the present invention contemplates a cosmetic formulation that may be self-administered, for example, in the privacy of one's home and without medical supervision.

A system and method are provided for capturing hearing characteristics from self-administered hearing tests or from professionally administered hearing tests, including loudness tolerance levels as at different sound frequencies, as an individualized audiological profile for automatically enhancing audio to complement and address as closely as possible an individual's hearing deficits. The user may self-administer a hearing test on a convenient personal apparatus, such as a smartphone. The system includes the ability for capturing an environment profile. The user's hearing is protected against harm in the enhanced audio setting while being provided with the option of an "enhanced hearing" experience. The invention is useful for any individual seeking an enhanced hearing experience, whether having hearing within normal range or hearing that is impaired. Thus the system is useful as a hearing aid.

A self-administering massage device which provides a user the ability to massage and engage a variety of muscle groups without external aid. The device includes a track, a carriage, a locking mechanism, an interchangeable massage head, a first coupling link, a lockable hinge joint, a first quick lock-and-release mechanism. The track allows the interchangeable massage head to be positioned to a variety of height. The carriage is slidably engaged with the track and supports the interchangeable massage head. The locking mechanism is mechanically integrated into the slidable engagement of the carriage and the track in order to secure the carriage at the selected height. The interchangeable massage head is the component which applies the massage pressure. The lockable hinge joint and the coupling link removably couple the interchangeable massage head to the carriage. The lockable hinge joint allows for the interchangeable massage head to be positioned at an angled orientation.