Abstract:
Systems and methods are provided for performing an intraoperative assessment of brain function based on input that is obtained using a touch panel device, in response to a task, and in the presence of an intervention that is applied to a selected region of the brain. The intervention may be stimulation of the selected region of the brain, such as direct cortical stimulation. In some embodiments, a measure is determined based on the input received from the touch panel. The measure may be a performance measure, related to the performance of the task, and/or a functional measure, associated with an inferred function of the selected region of the brain. In some embodiments, an image of the brain that is registered to an intraoperative reference frame may be annotated or otherwise modified within the selected region based on the measure.
Abstract:
A device for management of an open abdomen includes a belt having first and second end portions. The belt is positionable to extend partially around a patient's torso in a taut configuration with the end portions positioned on opposed sides of an incision in the patient's abdomen. A first connector is at the first end portion and a second connector is at the second end portion. The connectors are positionable adjacent each other on the opposed sides of the incision. At least one cinching device is connected to and extends between the connectors. The cinching device is positionable to extend over the incision when the connectors are positioned adjacent each other on opposed sides of the incision. The cinching device is adjustable to cinch the end portions towards each other to hold the incision in an at least partially closed position.
Abstract:
A ventilatory assist system and method are disclosed. The system comprises a tube for connection to a patient's airway, inspiratory and expiratory tube lumens connected to the tube, an inspiratory air source connected to the inspiration tube lumen, and a controller of air pressure in the expiratory tube lumen. The pressure controller is responsive to a physiological breathing signal representative of patient's inspiratory effort to allow air flow through the expiratory tube lumen during a patient's expiration phase, partially restricting the air flow through the expiratory tube lumen to a minimum air flow during a patient's inspiration phase. During both respiratory phases, a unidirectional air flow is produced through the inspiratory and expiratory tube lumens to prevent air expired by the patient from being breathed again. The physiological breathing signal allows synchronization of the ventilatory assist with breathing efforts of the patient.
Abstract:
A method and device for determining a level of ventilatory assist to be delivered to a patient by a mechanical ventilator in response to a measure of a patient's neural respiratory drive multiplied by an amplification factor, wherein an existing predicted ventilatory assist pressure is calculated and an existing resulting pressure delivered to the patient by the mechanical ventilator is measured. The amplification factor is changed from an existing amplification factor to a new amplification factor, a new predicted ventilatory assist pressure is calculated using the new amplification factor, and a new resulting pressure delivered to the patient by the mechanical ventilator after the amplification factor has been changed is measured. The new and existing predicted ventilatory assist pressures are compared to determine an anticipated change in pressure that will be delivered to the patient, and the new and existing resulting pressures are compared to determine an actual change in pressure delivered to the patient by the mechanical ventilator. The anticipated and actual changes in pressure are compared and a decision to increase, maintain or decrease the amplification factor is delivered in response to the comparison between the anticipated change and the actual change in pressure.
Abstract:
A device for providing ventilatory assist to a patient is disclosed. The device comprises a manifold having an inspiratory port to receive an inspiratory flow from an inspiratory supply line, an interface port connectable to an external end of an endotracheal tube inserted in a patient's trachea and an expiratory port configured to receive an expiratory flow from the endotracheal tube via the interface port. An inspiratory lumen has a distal end insertable in the endotracheal tube. A cross-section of the inspiratory lumen is smaller than that of the endotracheal tube to allow gas flowing in the endotracheal tube. The inspiratory flow is directed to the inspiratory lumen, or to the endotracheal tube, or at once to the inspiratory lumen and to the endotracheal tube. A ventilatory assist system and method using the device are also disclosed.