Abstract:
An instrument for treating tissue during a medical procedure includes a hand-held portion (502, 1204) and a working portion (202). The hand-held portion is manually supported and moved by a user and the working portion is movably coupled to the hand-held portion. A tracking device (114) is attached to the hand-held portion for tracking the instrument. The tracking device is in communication with a control system (120), which is used to keep the working portion within or outside of a boundary (106). A plurality of actuators are operatively coupled to the working portion. The control system instructs the actuators to move the working portion relative to the hand-held portion during the medical procedure in order to maintain a desired relationship between the working portion and the boundary.
Abstract:
A powered surgical tool (30) with a housing (32) that contains a power generating unit (34) such as a motor. A control module (40) is disposed in a shell that is mounted in the housing. The control module contains a plurality of polyimide energized active seals (79) for protecting internal components from the effects of sterilization. Also internal to the control module shell is a plurality of inner (77) and outer (76) stops, a plurality of O-rings, and a lid (60). Control module is sealed by inserting a fastener (55) through a lid opening and into a module shell post (57). O-rings (61,62) disposed between the lid and the shell also protect internal components from the effects of sterilization. Sensors (162, 168) secured to a mount internal the control module regulate the actuation of the power generating unit.
Abstract:
A transport apparatus includes a base, a sling, a support frame mounted to the base. The support frame extends over the base and is configured to move from a first position spaced above the base at a first height wherein the support frame may be extended over and proximate a support surface for engaging the sling when placed on the support surface to a second position spaced above a second height greater than the first height once engaged with the sling wherein when the support frame and the sling are raised to the second position the sling is raised above the support surface so that a person supported on the sling may be lifted off the support surface with the sling and moved away from the support surface by the base. Further, the sling may be rotatably mounted to the support frame to facilitate reorientation of the person.
Abstract:
A monitoring system includes a camera adapted to capture images and output signals representative of the images. The camera may include one or more depth sensors that detect distances between the depth sensor and objects positioned within the field of view of the one or more cameras. A computer device processes the image signals and or depth signals from cameras and determines any one or more of the following: (a) whether a patient care protocol has been properly followed; (b) what condition a patient is in; (c) whether an infection control protocol has been properly followed; and (d) whether steps have been taken to reduce the risk of a patient from falling. Alerts may be issued if any conditions of importance are detected.
Abstract:
A patient support for a patient includes an inflatable mattress. The inflatable mattress has at least one inflatable bladder. The bladder comprises a top panel formed from a different material than its side wall panel or panels.
Abstract:
A patient transfer device includes a mat, with an upper side and a gas permeable lower side. The mat includes a chamber between its upper and lower sides, which is operable to be in fluid communication with an air source such that when air flows into the mat, the air will flow into the chamber and through the gas permeable lower side to form an air film between the mat and a surface on which the mat is supported at its lower side. In addition, the lower side of the mat is substantially planar when the mat is inflated. A system for controlling the inflation of the mat may be used that automatically adjusts for the inflation of the mat during patient transfer.
Abstract:
A transport apparatus includes a movable base, a sling, and a support frame mounted to the base. The frame extends over the base and is configured to move from a position spaced above the base at a first height wherein the frame may be extended over and proximate a support surface for engaging the sling when placed on the surface to another position spaced at a height greater than the first height after engagement with the sling. The sling is adapted to be engaged by the frame, which provides lateral support to the sling, wherein when the frame and sling are raised to the greater height the sling is raised above the surface so that a person supported on the sling may be lifted off the surface with the sling and the frame and supported in a stabilized sitting position so that the person can moved away from the surface.
Abstract:
A patient support includes a cover and a compressible layer that includes air flow passages extending laterally, longitudinally, and transversely through the layer. The cover envelopes the compressible layer and forms a patient support surface thereon and further is adapted to be liquid impermeable, yet allow moisture vapor flow through the cover into the compressible layer and also allow moisture vapor flow out of the cover at a location other than the interface between a patient's body and patient support surface so that together the cover and the compressible layer will wick away moisture from the patient's body at the interface at the patient support surface and direct the moisture vapor to the location other than the interface at the patient support surface.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for accomplishing systemic delivery of minimally-soluble bioactive agents such as, but not limited to, proteins of the TGF-ß superfamily via a peripheral mode of administration. According to the invention, an exemplary bioactive agent is BMP-7. The invention further provides for minimally-invasive systemic treatment of skeletal disorders such as osteoporosis as well as minimally-invasive systemic treatment of injured or diseased non-mineralized tissues and organs such kidneys. Practice of the invention eliminates adverse side effects at the peripheral site of intravenous administration of the bioactive agent.
Abstract:
An external endoscope light source system includes light emitting diodes for providing a light output to an endoscope. The light is provided to a fiber optic cable for transmission to the endoscope. A fiber optic receives a portion of the light output and provides the output to a color sensor for sensing color values. The color values are provided to a controller that adjusts power to the various LEDs to provide a white light output. Instead of a color sensor in the light source, the light source can receive a white balance signal from a video camera provided for an endoscope. The white balance signal varies intensity of light output from each of the LEDs to obtain a white light output. The camera also provides shutter speed of a camera image sensor to the light source. The shutter speed is used to pulse or modulate the light output only when the shutter of the camera is open. By modulating the light output by the light source, the amount of heat generated by the light source is minimized.