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<title>freepatentsonline.com: Surgery</title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/result.html?query_txt=ccl/600%20and%20isd/11/10/2009&amp;uspat=on</link>
<description>USPTO Class 600 Surgery</description>
<language>en-us</language>
<lastBuildDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2009 03:32:05 EST</lastBuildDate>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Implantable heart assist system and method of applying same]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7614997.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[An extracardiac pumping for supplementing the circulation of blood, including the cardiac output, in a patient without any component thereof being connected to the patient's heart, and methods of using same. One embodiment provides a vascular graft that has a first end that is sized and configured to couple to a non-primary blood vessel and a second end that is fluidly coupled to a pump to conduct blood between the pump and the non-primary blood vessel. An outflow conduit is also provided that has a first end sized and configured to be positioned within the same or different blood vessel, whether primary or non-primary, through the vascular graft. The outflow conduit is fluidly coupled to the pump to conduct blood between the pump and the patient. The vascular graft may be connected to the blood vessel subcutaneously to permit application of the extracardiac pumping system in a minimally-invasive procedure.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Endoscopic ancillary attachment devices]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7615004.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[Methods and devices are provided for attaching one or more ancillary devices to an endoscope. The ancillary device can be any device that is used in conjunction with endoscopic procedures, such as, by way of non-limiting example, an accessory channel, tube, or sleeve, an indwelling tube or feeding tube, and surgical tools such as graspers, snares, etc. The ancillary device(s) can be positioned adjacent to and along side an external surface of an insertion portion of an endoscope for inserting into a body lumen, and one or more attachment devices can be used to mate the ancillary device(s) to the endoscope at one or more attachment locations. In use, the attachment device(s) will allow the ancillary device to move in coordination with the endoscope, thus allowing the endoscope and the ancillary device(s) to be introduced and guided through a tortuous pathway. In certain exemplary embodiments, the attachment device(s) can be configured to prevent radial movement, i.e., twisting, of the ancillary device relative to the endoscope, yet allow axial sliding of the ancillary device relative to the endoscope.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Analyte sensor]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7615007.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[Systems and methods of use for continuous analyte measurement of a host's vascular system are provided. In some embodiments, a continuous glucose measurement system includes a vascular access device, a sensor and sensor electronics, the system being configured for insertion into communication with a host's circulatory system.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Radial electrode array]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7616980.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[A sensor array apparatus for monitoring medical signals includes a flexible substrate adapted to generally conform to a topography of a skin surface. The flexible substrate includes a central portion arranged about a central focal point and a plurality of finger-like projections extending radially outwardly from the central portion. At least one reference electrode is disposed on the central portion of the flexible substrate. A medical electrode is disposed on at least one of the finger-like projections, preferably, each of the finger-like projections. Connector, in electrical communication with the medical electrode, is adapted to connect to an electronic system. The flexible substrate defines at least two reference apertures for accommodating a body structure. The apertures permit the conductor to interface with the electrical system from either side of patient tissue.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Microprobe for 3D bio-imaging, method for fabricating the same and use thereof]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7616987.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[A microprobe that is capable of using an incident and reflected radiation ray for three-dimensional (3-D) bio-imaging. The microprobe comprises a hollow body closed at one end and having an aperture at an opposite end, at least one 3-D free space micromirror, at least one focusing lens, and a beam director or a beam coupler or other kind of device for beam coupling or splitting. The beam director is arranged at the aperture end of the hollow body and is adapted to direct the incident ray into the hollow body via the aperture. Within said hollow body is the at least one focusing lens and the at least one micromirror arranged respectively from the aperture, such that the distance between the focusing lens and the micromirror allows for the incident light ray to be directed onto the micromirror.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[System and method for detecting an involuntary muscle movement disorder]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7616988.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[Methods and systems are directed to evaluating a pathological condition and involve acquiring muscle movement signals, such as electromyogram (EMG) or accelerometer signals, and detecting the presence of the pathological condition. Methods and systems also provide for detecting sleep-related involuntary muscle disorders and non sleep-related involuntary muscle disorders using muscle movement signals. Drug therapy, transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation therapy, or other therapy may be delivered to treat a detected or diagnosed involuntary muscle disorder.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Medical apparatus for use with an endoscope]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7615005.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[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.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Endoscope]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7615002.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[In an endoscope having a proximal end area, a distal end area introducible into the body of a human being, a shaft extending in a longitudinal direction, and an optical device extending through the shaft in the longitudinal direction thereof and movable relative to the shaft, to enable particularly easy and safe handling of the optical device it is proposed that the optical device be fixable in axial direction relative to the shaft in a first position and in at least a second position differing from the first position.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Track for medical devices]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7615003.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[A medical apparatus and method useful for positioning one or more members within the gastro-intestinal tract is disclosed. The medical apparatus can include a track supported on a sheath sized to receive an endoscope, and a carrier slidable with respect to the track. A feeding tube accessory adapted to slidably engage the carrier is disclosed.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Device for measuring elastic properties of tissue]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7615014.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[A device for measuring elastic properties, comprising a long bar-like probe base ( 42 ) and probes ( 50 a,  50 c ) fitted to the probe base ( 42 ) driven as to be pressed against and withdrawn from a living body tissue. The probes are so formed that generally semi-spherical contact balls ( 58 ) having stress detection bases ( 56 ) are fitted to the ends of leaf strings ( 52 ) and stress detection sensors ( 60 ) are disposed on the stress detection bases ( 56 ). Light-receiving elements are fitted to the opposite side of the leaf displacement sensors ( 62 a,  62 b ). The stress sensors ( 60 ) and displacement sensors ( 62 a,  62 b ) are connected to the device body through signal lines ( 92, 94 ), respectively. The profile of the displacement of the tissue is calculated and displayed in a manner indicating correlation with stress.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Inspection apparatus using nuclear magnetic resonance]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7616981.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[There is provided an inspection apparatus using nuclear magnetic resonance which can execute multi-slice and multi-frame cardiac imaging of a heart without giving any load on a subject. An inspection apparatus using nuclear magnetic resonance has static magnetic field generation means generating a static magnetic field; magnetic field gradient generation means generating a magnetic field gradient in a first, a second and a third directions orthogonal to each other; radiofrequency magnetic field generation means generating a radiofrequency magnetic field; signal detection means detecting a nuclear magnetic resonance signal (echo) produced from a subject; arithmetic processing means performing arithmetic processing of the detected nuclear magnetic resonance signal; and control means controlling the magnetic field gradient generation means and the radiofrequency magnetic field generation means, wherein the control means executes a pulse sequence acquiring a projection to determine a similarity coefficient between the projection and a reference projection, thereby detecting respiratory motion of the subject.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Reducing discomfort caused by electrical stimulation]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7614996.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[The invention is directed to a novel method for reducing discomfort caused by transcutaneous stimulation. The novel method includes providing transcutaneous stimulation, reducing the transcutaneous stimulation at a first location, and substantially maintaining the transcutaneous stimulation at a second location. The transcutaneous stimulation may be created by electric and/or magnetic fields. The first location may be relatively proximate to the cutaneous surface and may comprise tissue, nerves and muscle. Also, the second location may be relatively deeper than the first location and include, for example, brain tissue that requires the transcutaneous stimulation for treatment purposes. The invention further may include locating a conductor on a treatment area and/or a transcutaneous stimulation device relative to the first location. In addition, the method may further include adjusting how much the transcutaneous stimulation is reduced at the first location.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Fully-implantable cardiac recovery system]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7614998.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[Apparatus ( 20 ) is provided including an inflatable bladder ( 40 ), adapted to be coupled to a blood vessel ( 22 ) of a subject ( 18 ) carrying oxygenated blood, such that an interior of the bladder ( 40 ) is in fluid communication with the blood. The apparatus also includes a piston ( 48 ) in mechanical communication with the bladder ( 40 ); a motor ( 60 ), adapted to synchronize contraction and expansion of the bladder ( 40 ) with a cardiac cycle of the subject ( 18 ) by applying a motor force to the piston ( 48 ); and a spring ( 54 ), adapted to apply a spring force to the piston ( 48 ).]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Systems, devices, and methods for minimally invasive pelvic surgery]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7614999.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[The invention, in various embodiments, provides systems, devices, and methods for treating urinary incontinence.  The invention also provides a driver and methods for advancing needles, cannulas, and other medical devices through the pubic bone. The driver may be used in connection with a driver frame assembly for proper positioning and stabilization of the driver, and with other devices for creating a cavity in the urethral floor and for positioning medical devices therein. The invention also provides simple connections for attaching a suture to a device within the cavity in the urethral floor or in the vagina, and also for attaching sutures to the pubic bone.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Tissue resection device, system, and method]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7615000.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[A resection device and method permits safe and efficient encapsulation, isolation and resection of body tissue. The device includes a sheath of flexible and severable material configured to receive the body tissue to be resectioned as it is drawn therein. The sheath may be expandable and held in an expanded condition as the body tissue to be resectioned is drawn into the sheath. Thereafter, the sheath is permitted to collapse about the body tissue to contain and constrict the body tissue. Once the body tissue to be resectioned is disposed in the sheath, the sheath is severed to resection the body tissue.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Precurved gastric band]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7615001.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[A low pressure, high volume gastric band includes a balloon shaped and dimensioned to circumscribe the stomach at a predetermined location and a belt extending about the balloon. The gastric band is precurved extend about the stomach and the balloon exhibits 360 degree coverage about the stomach.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Electronic endoscope battery section]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7615006.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[A battery section of an electronic endoscope is provided with an EEPROM. The EEPROM stores charging time and the number of charging of batteries, necessary for calculating remaining power of the batteries, and customized information for assigning functions to first, second and third switches of an operation section. A remaining-power calculator calculates the remaining power of the batteries based on a relation between discharge voltage and discharge time of the batteries as well as on the charging time and the number of charging of the batteries read out from the EEPROM. A function assignment circuit assigns the functions to the first, second and third switches in accordance with the customized information read out from the EEPROM.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Processing and displaying breast ultrasound information]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7615008.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[Displaying breast ultrasound information on an interactive user interface is described, the user interface being useful in adjunctive ultrasound mammography environments and/or ultrasound-only mammography environments. Bilateral comparison is facilitated by a pairwise display of thick-slice images corresponding to analogous slab-like subvolumes in the left and right breasts. Coronal thick-slice imaging and convenient navigation on and among coronal thick-slice images is described. In one preferred embodiment, a nipple marker is displayed the coronal thick-slice image representing a projection of a nipple location thereupon. A convenient breast icon is also displayed including a cursor position indicator variably disposed thereon in a manner that reflects a relative position between the cursor and the nipple marker. Preferably, the breast icon is configured to at least roughly resemble a clock face, the center of the clock face representing the nipple marker location. Bookmark-centric and CAD-marker-centric navigation within and among thick-slice images is also described.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[System and method for optical data transmission in ultrasound imaging]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7615009.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[A system and method for optical transmission of ultrasound data signals from a probe to an image processing system is provided. By using a silicon-based optical modulator to encode ultrasound data signals onto an optical signal, an optical transmission link between the ultrasound probe and the image processing system can achieve a high signal to noise ratio with a lower power input.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Method and apparatus for measuring blood volume, and vital sign monitor using the same]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7615011.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[A first member is adapted to measure an electrocardiogram of a patient. A second member is adapted to measure a peripheral pulse wave of the patient. A first calculator calculates a pulse wave propagation time (PWTT) and a heart rate (HR) of the patient based on the electrocardiogram and the peripheral pulse wave. A second calculator calculates a cardiac output (CO) of the patient with an equation of CO=(αK·PWTT+βK)·HR, where α, β and K are coefficients inherent to the patient.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Broadband acoustic sensor for an implantable medical device]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7615012.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[An implantable medical device (IMD) is adapted for detecting acoustic chest sounds. The IMD includes a pulse generator having a compartment, the compartment defining an isolated cavity bounded by a back wall. A diaphragm is disposed over and encloses the cavity. An acoustic sensor adapted to sense chest sounds and generate a signal is disposed between the diaphragm and the back wall. The IMD also includes a control circuit disposed within the pulse generator. The circuit is operatively coupled to the acoustic sensor and is adapted to receive the signal.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Method and apparatus for 3-D imaging of internal light sources]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7616985.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[The present invention provides systems and methods for obtaining a three-dimensional (3D) representation of one or more light sources inside a sample, such as a mammal. Mammalian tissue is a turbid medium, meaning that photons are both absorbed and scattered as they propagate through tissue. In the case where scattering is large compared with absorption, such as red to near-infrared light passing through tissue, the transport of light within the sample is described by diffusion theory. Using imaging data and computer-implemented photon diffusion models, embodiments of the present invention produce a 3D representation of the light sources inside a sample, such as a 3D location, size, and brightness of such light sources.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Modification of the normalized difference method for real-time optical tomography]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7616984.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[Computation-saving techniques and stability-adding techniques provide for fast, accurate reconstructions of a time series of images involving large-scale 3D problems, such as real-time image recovery in an optical tomography imaging system. A system equation for a target medium ( 116 ) such as tissue is solved using a Normalized Difference Method (NDM) ( 250 ). Because of the inherent stability of the NDM solutions, a weight matrix (W) of the system equation can be provided for a given point in a time series ( 220 ), then reused without recalculation at subsequent points. Further savings are achieved by decomposing W using singular value decomposition or direct matrix decomposition, transforming it to reduce its dimensions, and/or scaling it to achieve a more stable numerical solution. Values of measured energy ( 112 ) emerging from the target medium are back-substituted into the system equation for the different points to obtain the target medium properties.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[System for monitoring the physiologic parameters of patients with congestive heart failure]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7615010.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[A telemetric sensing system for monitoring physiological parameters for diagnosis and treatment of congestive heart failure in a patient. This system includes one or more implantable sensing devices implanted in a cavity of the patient's cardiovascular system, and a non-implantable reader unit. The implantable sensing device has an inductor and at least one sensor with an option of having electronic components, as well as a mechanism for anchoring the device inside the patient's body. The external readout device has at least one inductor coil with a telemetric device that provides for at least one of electromagnetic telecommunication and wireless powering of the sensing device. This wireless system provides a means for effective monitoring, management and tailoring of treatments for patients suffering from congestive heart failure as well as many other diseases.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Methods and devices for cutting and collecting soft tissue]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7615013.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[Devices and methods for collecting or cutting and collecting a specimen from a mass of tissue within a patient. The device may include a specimen collection assembly including a flexible membrane that isolates collected specimen from the surrounding tissue. The collection device may also include structures that draw the collected specimen toward the shaft and/or otherwise ease the insertion and retraction of the device and the collected specimen from the patient through a small incision.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Endolumenal gastric ring with suspended impeding member]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7615064.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[An implantable device including a supporting member, such as a ring, or series of rings, and an impeding member that is used to adjust the effective area of the created orifice after implantation. The rings may hold pleats of gastric tissue in place around their circumference to create a reinforced constriction within an organ. The rings may be attached to one another with folds or pleats of tissue held between them. If the organ is a stomach, the constriction is positioned such that a chamber of a predetermined volume is created proximal to the constriction, leaving a narrow opening or stoma to the remainder of the stomach's volume distal to the constriction. At least one of the rings is adapted to have an impeding member that may be endoscopically adjusted in order to alter the size of the effective orifice area of the opening or outlet. The occluding member may be a ball suspended by a suspension line connected to opposing sides of the supporting member.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Articulating mechanism for remote manipulation of a surgical or diagnostic tool]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7615066.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[The invention provides an articulating mechanism useful, for example, for remote manipulation of various surgical instruments and diagnostic tools within, or to, regions of the body. Movement of segments at the proximal end of the mechanism results in a corresponding, relative movement of segments at the distal end of the mechanism. The proximal and distal segments are connected by a set of cables in such a fashion that each proximal segment forms a discrete pair with a distal segment. This configuration allows each segment pair to move independently of one another and also permits the articulating mechanism to undergo complex movements and adopt complex configurations.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Determination and application of location and angular orientation of a pill transmitter within a body]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7616982.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[A mobile pill transmitter system that moves through or adjacent to one or more organs in an animal's body and that provides signals from which the pill's present location and/or present angular orientation can be determined. The system also provides signals from which the present roll angle of the pill, about a selected axis, can be determined. When the location coordinates and the roll angle of the pill are within selected ranges, an aperture on the pill container releases a selected chemical into or onto the body. Optionally, the pill as it moves also provides a sequence of visually perceptible images; the times for image formation may correspond to times at which the pill transmitter system location or image satisfies one or at least four different criteria.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Methods for programming a neural prosthesis]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7617000.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[Methods and apparatuses for programming a neural prosthesis (e.g., a hearing prosthesis), and for fitting a speech processor and implantable cochlear stimulator by programming the speech processor are disclosed. A preferred method and apparatus for fitting a neural prosthesis to a sensorineural-impaired user includes the steps of presenting one or more neural stimuli to the user through the neural prosthesis for a user response to the one or more neural stimuli with each neural stimulus having an associated icon displayed by a user interface, obtaining the user response by monitoring user selection of the associated icon subjectively corresponding to a selected neural stimulus, and adjusting the neural prosthesis so that the user is enabled to optimally detect the neural stimuli.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Device for guiding a magnetic element]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7616983.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[A device for guiding a magnetic element has magnet holders that can be pivoted about vertical axes from an operating position to a rest position, such that a patient to be examined can be examined using imaging devices, having X-ray radiation sources and X-ray detectors respectively attached to C-arms.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Flashback blood collection needle]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7615033.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[A needle assembly includes a transparent or translucent housing with a fluid inlet end, a fluid outlet end, a flashback chamber and a venting mechanism therebetween. Substantially axially aligned inlet and outlet cannulas extend from the housing and communicate with the chamber. A sealable sleeve covers the external end of the outlet cannula. Relative volumes of the cannulas, the chamber and the sleeve are selected to provide rapid reliable flashback indicative of venous entry with an internal vent plug over the outlet of the flashback chamber to inhibit leakage of blood from the needle on withdrawal from the patient.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Optical coupler for rotating catheter]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7616321.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[An optical coupler for coupling to a rotating catheter has a housing with a rotatable distal face and a stationary proximal face. The distal face has an eccentric port and a central port. A lens is disposed inside the housing to intercept a rotating collection beam emerging from the eccentric port and to re-direct the collection beam to a focus proximal to the lens as the collection beam rotates. A beam re-director disposed between the lens and the distal face is oriented to direct a delivery beam toward the central port.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Optical fiber scanner for performing multimodal optical imaging]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7616986.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[An optical fiber scanner is used for multiphoton excitation imaging, optical coherence tomography, or for confocal imaging in which transverse scans are carried out at a plurality of successively different depths within tissue. The optical fiber scanner is implemented as a scanning endoscope using a cantilevered optical fiber that is driven into resonance or near resonance by an actuator. The actuator is energized with drive signals that cause the optical fiber to scan in a desired pattern at successively different depths as the depth of the focal point is changed. Various techniques can be employed for depth focus tracking at a rate that is much slower than the transverse scanning carried out by the vibrating optical fiber. The optical fiber scanner can be used for confocal imaging, multiphoton fluorescence imaging, nonlinear harmonic generation imaging, or in an OCT system that includes a phase or frequency modulator and delay line.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Vascular guidewire control apparatus]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7615032.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[A controller for use with a guidewire, such as a vascular guidewire, provides a mechanism for gripping and applying a torque to the guidewire without the need to thread the guidewire axially through the controller and at a location close to a point of access of the guidewire. In one embodiment, the controller includes a side-access, multi-part assembly including a collett or other gripping element that applies a uniform radially inward force on the guidewire. In another embodiment, for use with guidewires having active electrically controllable elements, the controller integrally or removably incorporates a switch or other mechanism to initiate an energized state. The controller thereby permits, among other advantages, ergonomic, single-handed control of an electronically steerable guidewire, including axially displacing, torquing and steering the guidewire.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[System and method for dynamic control of ultrasonic magnetostrictive dental scaler]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7614878.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[A magnetostrictive ultrasonic dental scaler is disclosed. The magnetostrictive device comprises an oscillator adapted to provide electrical energy including a current and a voltage signal, a handpiece having a tool tip which vibrates in response to the electrical energy supplied to the handpiece and a control circuit. The control circuit includes a phase detector adapted to detect phase between current and voltage signals and to generate a phase detection signal as a function of the phase. The control circuit also includes a digital signal processor operatively connected to the phase detector. The digital signal processor adapted to process the phase detection signal through a digital loop filter to generate an error signal. The control circuit further includes a voltage controlled oscillator operatively connected to the digital signal processor, wherein the error signal outputs a voltage to operate the voltage controlled oscillator which in response thereto adjusts at least one of frequency and amplitude of vibrations of the tool tip.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Apparatus and method for noninvasively monitoring for the presence of alcohol or substances of abuse in controlled environments]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7616123.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[The present invention relates generally to non-invasive methods and apparatuses for determining analyte properties of a subject and identity characteristics of a subject. Embodiments of the present invention provide analyte property determination and identity determination or verification from the same spectroscopic information, making unauthorized use or misleading results less likely that in systems that include separate analyte and identity determinations. The invention can be used to control and monitor individuals accessing controlled environments.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Systems and methods for correcting optical reflectance measurements]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7616303.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[We disclose measurement systems and methods for measuring analytes in target regions of samples that also include features overlying the target regions. The systems include: (a) a light source; (b) a detection system; (c) a set of at least first, second, and third light ports which transmit light from the light source to a sample and receive and direct light reflected from the sample to the detection system, generating a first set of data including information corresponding to both an internal target within the sample and features overlying the internal target, and a second set of data including information corresponding to features overlying the internal target; and (d) a processor configured to remove information characteristic of the overlying features from the first set of data using the first and second sets of data to produce corrected information representing the internal target.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Method and system for motion compensation in a temporal sequence of images]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7616836.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[A method and system for performing motion compensation in a temporal sequence of images include performing a conjugate gradient maximization of a similarity measure between two images, based on the local cross-correlation of corresponding regions to obtain a displacement field for warping one of the images. The non-singularity of the deformation is ensured by utilizing a composition of regularized gradients of the similarity measure when building the solution.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Method and system for treating stretch marks]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7615016.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[Methods and systems for treating stretch marks through deep tissue tightening with ultrasound are provided. An exemplary method and system comprise a therapeutic ultrasound system configured for providing ultrasound treatment to a shallow tissue region, such as a region comprising an epidermis, a dermis and a deep dermis. In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, a therapeutic ultrasound system can be configured to achieve depth from 0 mm to 1 cm with a conformal selective deposition of ultrasound energy without damaging an intervening tissue in the range of frequencies from 2 to 50 MHz. In addition, a therapeutic ultrasound can also be configured in combination with ultrasound imaging or imaging/monitoring capabilities, either separately configured with imaging, therapy and monitoring systems or any level of integration thereof.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Transmission for a remote catheterization system]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7615042.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[An apparatus for imparting motion from at least one of a plurality of motion sources into linear, rotary, or combined linear and rotary motion of an elongated device, the apparatus comprising a transmission for translating the motion to linear or rotary motion of the elongated device.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Mobile wireless customizable health and condition monitor]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7616110.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[The present invention relates to a healthcare monitoring system and method that detects and transmits data. The system can utilize a wearable monitor that detects a variety of data from its wearer. The data can then be transmitted over a network to a centralized location where the data may be analyzed and any appropriate action may be taken.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Method for determining relative mobility or regions of an object]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7617068.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[A method for determining a mobility of foot comprising: measuring at least a portion of a shape of the foot under a first weight load; measuring the at least the portion of the shape of the foot under a second weight load; and comparing the measurement under the first weight load to the measurement under the second weight load, thereby determining a mobility of at least the portion of the foot.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Assessment method]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7615677.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[A method of assessing the viability of a cell comprises incubating the cell in a culture medium. The culture medium includes a plurality of amino acids and the change in concentration in the medium of at least one amino acid is determined.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Method for timing control of an image sensor]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7616238.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[An imaging device having an in vivo CMOS image sensor, at least one illumination source and a controller. The controller controls the illumination source to illuminate for a first period and to be shut off for a subsequent period.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Uterine tissue monitoring device and method]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7616979.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[The invention provides a devices, methods and systems to measure and record uterine tissue environment components such as pH during the course of uterine artery occlusion. The uterus becomes ischemic due to the occlusion thereof, and its pH drops sharply within minutes of uterine artery occlusion and remains relatively low for a period of time. The return of normal pH is an indicator of return of blood to the ischemic tissue. In use, a catheter with a pH measuring tip is advanced through the patient's vaginal canal and into the patient's uterine cavity until the pH measuring active electrode on the distal end of the catheter contacts or penetrates the uterine fundus. The active electrode detects the pH and a signal representing pH is transmitted to a pH recording and monitoring device which preferably displays the pH. The signal may be transmitted through a conductor or by a radio transmitter. Components other than pH may be monitored such a pCO 2 , and pO 2 .]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Methods and apparatus for thermally-induced renal neuromodulation]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7617005.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[Methods and apparatus are provided for thermally-induced renal neuromodulation. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers. In some embodiments, parameters of the neural fibers, of non-target tissue, or of the thermal energy delivery element, may be monitored via one or more sensors for controlling the thermally-induced neuromodulation. In some embodiments, protective elements may be provided to reduce a degree of thermal damage induced in the non-target tissues.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

<item>
<title><![CDATA[Surgical suite radio frequency identification methods and systems]]></title>
<link>http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7617137.html</link>
<description><![CDATA[Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for tracking surgical items. A sensor reads RFID tags and confirms the type of surgical procedure to be performed on a patient's body. An allowable zone is determined in the patient's body that corresponds to the type of surgical procedure to be performed. When movement of a surgical item is detected outside the allowable zone in the patient's body, then an alarm is triggered to indicate the surgical item is moving towards a zone in the patient's body in which the surgical item may not be used.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
</item>

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