Abstract:
An antibody targeted to an antigen is brought into contact with a body component in situ. The resulting antibody/antigen complex is labeled and may be amplified. The label is then detected either in situ or ex situ.
Abstract:
This invention is a system for monitoring temperature comprising a first thermocouple temperature sensor (24) mounted to a catheter (10), the catheter (10) also having a connector with a plurality of connecting devices (38) for making the thermocouple signals available to external equipment. The connecting devices (38) are formed of a material dissimilar to at least one of the thermocouple leads such that a second thermocouple is created at the connection point. The second thermocouple produces a second temperature signal combines with the signal from the first thermocouple. A reference temperature sensor (44) is mounted to the connector (38) to sense the temperature at the connector and provide a reference temperature signal for use by a processor (66) in correcting the combined temperature signal to derive the first thermocouple signal received from the connector.
Abstract:
This invention is a phlebotomy system (10) including a needle assembly (12), a retraction assembly (16), and a cylindrical barrel (14). The needle assembly (12) includes a needle cannula (30) with a first and second ends, a needle sleeve (24) for supporting the needle cannula (30) and having a flared proximal end, and a hub (18) into which the needle sleeve (24) is inserted. The cylindrical barrel (14) is threadedly secured to the hub (18). The retraction assembly (16) includes a central plate (48) with a central opening through which the needle sleeve (24) extends. When a downward force is applied to the retraction assembly (16), the retraction assembly (16) is moved to an active position such that a locking port (64) is axially aligned with and thereby engages the needle sleeve. Hence, the locking port engages the flared proximal end of the needle sleeve (24) when the retraction (16) assembly is moved rearward and the needle cannula (30) is retracted into the barrel (14). In an alternative embodiment, the needle sleeve is threadedly engaged with the central opening of the retraction assembly and likewise results in retraction of the needle cannula into the barrel.
Abstract:
A probe (110) useful for invasively monitoring the oxygen saturation level of blood in the tissue walls of an anatomical cavity, for example in the esophagus, rectum or vaginal cavity of a human patient. The probe (110) may also be suitably employed in many veterinary applications. The probe (110) generally comprises a chassis (112) with an electrical connector extending from the proximal end of the chassis and terminating at a plug (132) configured for connection to a pulse oximeter box. The probe (110) further includes an optics assembly (126, 128) configured for either reflective or transmissive optics and configured to generate and transmit electrical signals that are indicative of the dynamic oxygen saturation level of blood in the wall tissue. In a further embodiment of the invention, the probe (110) may include a deployment device (119) attached to the chassis (112), for biasing the optics assembly (126, 128) into the tissue wall of the anatomical canal. The deployment device (118) may be, for example, a spring, a balloon or any other biasing device which urges the optics assembly into the wall tissue of the anatomical cavity. Further, the oximetry sensing assembly may be configured as part of an esophageal stethoscope having other sensing devices, for example, a temperature sensor (122), a pacing assembly (135), and an acoustic monitor (124).
Abstract:
A diagnostic protocol and kit for evaluating pituitary growth hormone (GH) secretory capability as a means to identify the etiology of GH deficiency in children and adults is disclosed. The inventive protocol includes measuring GH secretion, as determined by changes in serum, plasma, or whole blood GH concentrations following administration of the xenobiotic GH releasing hexapeptide (GHRP-6) or any of its peptidyl or non-peptidyl synthetic analogues that release GH by the same cellular mechanism as GHRP-6. The naturally occurring GH releasing compound (GHRC) or its analogues is also administered to children and adults afflicted with disorders related to GH deficiency and GH secretion is measured. After evaluating the effects of independent administration of the GH secretagogues upon changes in blood GH concentrations, the effect of the co-administered GH secretagogues on blood GH concentrations in the child or adult subject is then measured.
Abstract:
A device for localizing an object (118) in a turbid medium (111), comprising a laser (100) which is used for generating amplitude-modulated light which is conducted into a turbid media (111), and a detection unit (107) for measuring the amplitude-modulated light emanating from the turbid media. A signal processing unit (109) measures a phase and amplitude from the detector signal (115). It appears that the accuracy of the measured phase is influenced by higher harmonics present in the detector signal (115). The accuracy of the phase detection is improved by reducing the higher harmonics in the detector signal (115). This is achieved by reducing the higher harmonics in the amplitude-modulated light from the laser (100) by utilizing a two-mode laser.
Abstract:
An apparatus of and method for measuring arterial blood oxygen saturation at a particular tissue level of interest. Visible and near infrared radiation is emitted into a patient at the measurement site using two different wavelengths. Detection at two different detection sites permits rejection of oxygen saturation at undesired tissue levels.
Abstract:
A guide catheter exchange device and method of exchanging a guide catheter are disclosed. The guide catheter exchange device includes a magnetically responsive segment (34) located on a proximal end for maintaining a previously placed guide wire (36) in position across a stenosis (30) while performing a guide catheter exchange procedure.
Abstract:
The invention concerns an implantable sensor system for determining concentrations of substances in living organisms, and a method for producing the same. Said system is characterized in that the substance-recognizing surface (1, 1') of at least one sensor (2, 2') is connected to at least one microtube-like permeable and flexible capillary membrane (3, 3') which, after implantation, contacts the living organism well. The capillary membrane is filled with a substance (4) enabling the substance to be analyzed, which has passed from the exterior into the interior of the capillary membrane (3, 3'), to be transported to the substance-recognizing sensor surface (1, 1'). The capillary membrane is connected by means of a duct (11, 11') in a holder (5, 5') to at least one septum (6, 6') such that substances can be introduced into and removed from the interior of the capillary membrane through the septum by means of an injection needle. Sensors of this type can be used for continuously measuring concentrations of glucose, lactate and other substances to be analyzed in the tissue or blood vessels of humans, animals and other organisms.
Abstract:
This invention is a blood sampling apparatus operative to selectively and removably interconnect a blood sample container (12) with an extracorporeal blood conduit (14), and including a blood interface assembly adapted to securely and removably puncture both said blood conduit and said blood sample container (12); the blood interface assembly comprising an elongate housing, a needle mount (40) removably mounted in said elongated housing (30), a double pointed needle (48) fixedly adhesively mounted in said needle mount (40) in opposite directions, and a puncturable resilient sheath (58) formed over at least one portion of said needle and onto at least a portion of said needle mount.