Microfluidic technology has desirable features of small amount of sample, high sensitivity of separation and detection, low cost and low power consumption, high reaction speed and high integration. These characteristics ensured microfluidics to be applied to research and analysis at the levels of molecules, cells and tissues. This review summarized the recent patents on fabricating in vivo-like microenvironments for cell culture, sorting and detection, and the potential applications for offering a better model of the physiological condition for complex biological systems and a better analysis platform. Keywords: Biochemical analysis, cell culture, in vivo microenvironment, integration, isolation, LOC, microfluidic, sorting.
Electroencephalogram source localization (ESL) attempts to detect the sources of the brain activities by electroencephalography (EEG). ESL has been an important research area for both clinical and basic brain research such as neurology, psychiatry, and psychopharmacology since the 1950s. Current dipoles are used to model the electrical activities in the ESL. These dipoles can be determined by the artificial neural network (ANN) model instead of numerical methods. A genetic algorithm (GA) can be used to reinforce and optimize the architecture of the ANN model and increase the localization accuracy. The purpose of this study is to detect the sources of brain activities using a GA-based ANN model by reviewing recent patents and literature. EEG data was simulated and three concentric spheres (scalp, skull, brain) were used for modeling the head as a volume conductor. The preliminary results indicated that the localization accuracy was 0.01 mm. According to preliminary results, the proposed GA-based ANN model can be used to obtain the sources of equivalent current dipoles. Keywords: Artificial neural network, dipole source, EEG source imaging, genetic algorithm.
In this millennium, tissue engineering for soft tissue repair has expanded to include regenerative medicine. Researchers are tirelessly developing new ideas and methods for engineering fully functional tissue. Introduced are four major areas of soft tissue musculoskeletal research: ligament, cartilage, muscle and rotator cuff. Investigators are pursuing tissue regenerative medicine therapies to provide functionality and promote development of musculoskeletal neo-tissue. This article addresses some of the recent patents that help regenerate musculoskeletal tissues using genes, cells and scaffolds. Keywords: Soft tissue repair, ligament, cartilage, muscle, rotator cuff, scaffold, tissue engineering
Bone volume available for dental implant placement in the posterior maxilla is frequently reduced by maxillary sinus expansion and resorption of the alveolar ridge following tooth loss. Internal bone augmentation of the sinus floor is routinely performed by elevation of the maxillary sinus membrane via a lateral or transcrestal approach. The key issue in minimally invasive transcrestal techniques is the avoidance of membrane perforation in the course of osteotomy and membrane elevation. Novel devices to reduce the risk of membrane perforation have been recently developed and protected by patents. The present review presents recent sinus membrane elevation techniques (balloon-mediated elevation, hydraulic injection, gel-pressure technique) as well as new approaches to prevent sinus membrane perforation during transcrestal osteotomy (lasers, piezoelectric devices, auto-stop drills). The overview of patented designs is supplemented by an outlook on future surgical techniques and technical possibilities in transcrestal sinus floor augmentation surgery. Keywords: Autologous bone graft, atrophic jaw, balloon catheter, dental implants, surgical complication, maxillary sinus, schneiderian membrane, sinus floor elevation.
A major problem with the clinical management of fluctuating movement disorders, e.g. Parkinson’s disease (PD), is the large variability in manifestation of symptoms among patients. In this condition, frequent measurements which account for both patient-reported and objective assessments are needed in order to capture symptom fluctuations, with the purpose to optimize therapy. The main focus of this paper is to present a mobile-based system for enabling remote monitoring of PD patients from their home environment conditions. The system consists of a patient diary section for collecting patient-based self-assessments, a motor test section for collecting fine motor movements through upper limb motor tests, and a scheduler for restricting operation to a multitude of predetermined limited time intervals. The system processes and compiles time series data into different summary scores representing symptom severity. In addition, the paper presents a review of recent inventions which were filed after year 2000 in the field of telemedicine applications. The review includes a summary of systems and methods which enable remote symptom assessments of patients, not necessarily suffering from movement disorders, through repeated measurements and which take into account their subjective and/or objective health indicators. The findings conclude that there are a small number of inventions which collect subjective and objective health measures in telemedicine settings. Consequently, there is a lack of mechanisms that combine these two types of information into scores to provide a more in-depth assessment of the patient’s general health, their motor and non-motor symptom fluctuations and treatment effects. The paper also provides a discussion concerning different approaches for analyzing and combining subjective and objective measures, and handling data from longitudinal studies. Keywords: Remote patient monitoring, Parkinson’s disease, subjective, objective, telemedicine.
Many tissue engineering constructs comprise scaffolds with spatially homogenous properties that have uniformly seeded populations of cells. The broadly uniform morphologies of such constructs do not reflect the complexity of the tissues they are designed to emulate, limiting their application for future clinical goals. In order to begin to address this limitation, a range of technologies have been developed that are better able to replicate tissue architecture. These technologies show significant potential but are at a relatively early stage of development and a number of significant challenges need to be overcome before such techniques can be developed into effective clinical products. This review will discuss the basic principles of these technologies and the patterning applications that have been developed to date with reference to the patent literature. Consideration will also be given to potential commercialisation strategies for both patterning platforms and patterned constructs which they are used to produce.
Recently, magnetic-based theranostic nanoparticle (MBTN) systems have been studied, researched, and applied extensively to detect and treat various diseases including cancer. Theranostic nanoparticles are advantageous in that the diagnosis and treatment of a disease can be performed in a single setting using combinational strategies of targeting, imaging, and/or therapy. Of these theranostic strategies, magnetic-based systems containing magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have gained popularity because of their unique ability to be used in magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic targeting, hyperthermia, and controlled drug release. To increase their effectiveness, MNPs have been decorated with a wide variety of materials to improve their biocompatibility, carry therapeutic payloads, encapsulate/bind imaging agents, and provide functional groups for conjugation of biomolecules that provide receptor-mediated targeting of the disease. This review summarizes recent patents involving various polymer coatings, imaging agents, therapeutic agents, targeting mechanisms, and applications along with the major requirements and challenges faced in using MBTN for disease management.
This review focuses on recent innovations and patents with the aim to allow people with movement disorders to control their environment. This particularly includes different technologies for input devices to control computers and other electronic equipment used by persons with movement disorders, enabling the empowerment of this user group. The control of such devices can be the key to social inclusion and mean improved social contact with others, access of information or possibility to work. In this paper, several patents and innovations are described that enable such control, divided into the groups; Input devices in form of switches and touchscreens, Inertia and inclinometer sensors, Voice control and Gesture control. Also methods allowing monitoring and classification of physical activity, i.e. assisting to alarm in case of a fall and systems assisting in rehabilitation at home, are included, as are video games aimed to promote physical activity. Keywords: Input devices, voice control, gesture control, fall detection, review, activity monitoring, home rehabilitation, physical activity, motion detection, movement disorder, accelerometer, gyro, inertia sensors, inclinometer sensors.
Blood pressure measurement (BPM) accuracy is greatly important for adequately preventing, diagnosing, and treating many associated cardiovascular diseases. This paper presents a review of the factors determining the BPM accuracy such as the record accuracy, different artifacts, simulators, test devices, algorithmic meanings for blood pressure determination, appropriate choice of cuff and pump, data signal processing as well as novel methods and devices for accurate BPM. We represent here a discussion on BPM accuracy and various patents regarding the same problem and have found multiple patents that propose useful and ingenious decisions concerning different sides of BPM. Most presently proposed patents are worth validating and introducing into the medical practice (when not done at the time of this study). Some patents rely on their own validation studies to prove their applicability for a better BPM accuracy. Finally, completely new methods and devices are cited that allege to be more accurate and are currently in use. An intensive work is in progress with hopes of finding new methods and algorithms to overcome the drawbacks and inaccuracy of the recent BPM methods. Keywords: Accuracy of blood pressure measurement, blood pressure determination, devices for blood pressure measurement
Remote monitoring technologies provide means for low-cost, long-term, frequent and repeated assessments of patients, havingpotential to improve the quality and efficiency of care and increase treatment compliance. This thematic issue covers methodsand apparatuses aimed for remote detection and quantification of impairments related to movement disorders such as Parkinson’sdisease, tremors and related disorders. Instances of this include electronic diaries, body-attached sensors, and videobasedassessment systems to name a few. Accurate and timely symptom information has a real potential of improving patients’quality of life since some symptoms are in fact treatable although timing and individualization of treatment delivery are essential.Today assessments of motor symptoms and follow-up of treatments are primarily done by using clinical ratings based onobservations and judgments by physicians or by patient home diaries. More objective assessment methods for quantifying motorfunction can complement and enhance the physician and patient perspectives. Recent advances in micro-electro-mechanical,wireless and internet technologies are now making this option possible, along with a gradual acceptance from the medical profession.The issue contains five articles discussing recent innovations concerning different types of wearable sensors, video processing,different testing devices and related aspects on data transfer and processing. The contexts of the articles are different assome focus on a technology and some on a phenomenon to monitor. Topics about how to manage devices for symptom monitoringby input control innovations are also covered. One article focuses on the state of art and technical challenges associatedwith the hardware design of novel wearable movement sensors appropriate for biomedical applications. Another article reviewspatents of computerized gait disorder analysis with a special focus on computer vision. A third article provides a review of recentpatents focused on detection and quantification of human tremor. Another article focuses on technology with the aim toallow people with movement disorders to control their environment including input devices in form of switches and touchscreens, inertia and inclinometer sensors, voice control and gesture control. One article reviews patents concerning assessmentsof patients through repeated measurements which take into account subjective and objective health indicators.With an aging world population, there is a projected increase globally in neurological diagnoses including common movementdisorders. The number of sufferers from Parkinson’s disease will be around 10 million in 2030, which is about twice thenumber today. In combination with well-known limiting resources in society, this will lead to strong demands for efficiency inthe healthcare sector. Caregiver organizations of today are becoming increasingly more mature in adopting monitoring technologyin their practice, which opens up opportunities for technology providers. Successful adoption of adequate remote monitoringtechnologies may lead to better access to healthcare, not least for patients in developing countries.
Gait disturbance is an important symptom of Parkinson’s disease (PD). This paper presents a review of patents reported in the area of computerized gait disorder analysis. The feasibility of marker- ...
Intervertebral discs allow the spine to transfer loads and motion in the upper body. They redistribute compressive loads, resist rotational and shear forces, and at the same time impart various motions in each of the spinal vertebral segments. Pain and disability result from degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, and injuries from trauma. Reduced movement and pain are associated with these conditions and may result in collapse, spontaneous or post-traumatic tears, and additional transferred pressure on surrounding nerves. A shift in the mechanical axis of the load may also occur, causing irritation and pain as well as abnormal bone growth. When non-surgical methods are ineffective at treating these disorders, surgical alternatives include fusion, considered to be gold standard, and disc replacement. Disc replacement is proposed in the literature to provide higher joint mobility, shorter surgery time, shorter recovery time and potentially, a decreased occurrence of adjacent level degeneration, though long term outcomes are not available at this time. Many disc replacement devices are patented and available for the cervical and lumbar spine as well as of the replacement of the nucleus. This paper classifies the devices into the following: a) cervical devices (23 devices), b) lumbar devices (29 devices), and c) nucleus replacement (20 devices) and summarizes the device characteristics, materials used, their design features, and regulatory status. A limited amount of biomechanics and outcome results are also reported for select few cases.
Compared with the traditional method of measuring the blood pressure, the cuff-less blood pressure measuring method can detect the blood pressure continuously in a comfortable way, in order to provide an adequate basis of clinical diagnosis and has great significance to clinical and medical research. Some reported non-invasive continuous blood pressure measurements are presented in this review paper comprising illustrations and comparisons of the characteristic of the patents based on different methods, such as arterial tonometry method, vascular unloading technique method, pulse wave transit time method and others. This review also presents the characteristics and application of some related products. The challenge and the prospective of non-invasive continuous blood pressure measurement techniques are also analyzed. Finally, to conclude, non-invasive continuous blood pressure measurement is becoming the future development trend of blood pressure measurement, however, the accuracy of measurement also needs to be improved. Keywords: Arterial tonometry, non-invasive continuous blood pressure measurement, pulse wave transit time, vascular unloading technique.
This article provides a brief review of recent patents focused on detection and quantification of human tremor. Tremor is the most common type of involuntary movement. The paper provides a discussion of recent patent publications that include disclosure directed to methods, apparatuses or systems for objective detection and quantification of tremor. Our patent search strategy reveals that over 63% of the patent publications in the technical field of body monitoring have occurred in the last 10 years, and the last 3 years account for 30% of the statutory protection effort. Despite the significant developments in this area, no single instrument or methodology has become accepted as a gold standard for quantifying tremor or dominated most applications. The results of the search and review reveal that patent applications published in the last 3 years are not directed specifically to novel methods for detection and quantification of tremor. All instruments currently available and disclosed in recent patents present some disadvantages, and the best instrument depends on the application requirements to determine the tradeoffs between cost, precision, duration, portability, and ease of use. No dominant design has emerged. New instruments are continuing to be developed and it is expected that statutory protection in this technical field will continue to expand. Keywords: Actigraphers, activity monitoring, detection of tremor, inertial measurement units (IMUs), inertial sensors, orientation measurement unit (OMUs), movement sensors, motion capture, movement disorders, robust wireless data transfer, tremor, tremor detection, tremor quantification, wearable sensors.
Successful cancer diagnosis and prognosis are significant for improving the cure rate of tumors and thus prolong the survival time of a patient. Numerous studies on in vivo and in vitro cancer detections have been pursued for quite a long time. For the early cancer screening, its final goal is to develop a precise, sensitive, rapid, less invasive, fully integrated, disposable, low-cost, and handy technique. Aiming to stimulate further researches along this important direction, the present article is dedicated to present a comprehensive review on the latest patents and technologies which might bring device prototypes into clinical practices even incubating homecare products in the near future. Some recent technical patents regarding early cancer detection with a focus on the in vitro detection (DNA, protein, and cells) were summarized. A thorough interpretation on their advantages and shortcomings were performed. Given each specific merit to the existing technologies, their integration would lead to synergistic effects which will help overcome the barriers facing many conventional methods. With future efforts through either explosive innovations on diagnosis principle or a combination between miniaturization strategy, microfluidic chip and nanotechnology, a multi-mode comprehensive detection which can better fulfill the urgent need in early cancer detection will be possible in the near future. Keywords: Cancer diagnostics, early detection, circulating tumor cell, health care, microfluidics, lab on a chip.
Bone is a living, dynamic, vascular, mineralized, connective tissue, characterized by its hardness, resistance and ability to remodel and repair itself. It provides structural support and protection for the bone and vital organs and it serves as a mineral (calcium) and blood cell reservoir for the body. Bone loss and skeletal deficiencies due to traumatic injury, abnormal development, or cancer are major problems worldwide, frequently requiring surgical intervention. Current treatments have achieved a level of success, but still have limitations. Researchers have begun to enhance current treatments and develop novel bone grafts from biological or synthetic materials. These options include the use of biocompatible polymers to mimic trabecular and cortical bone, hormones or growth factors, and bioactive ceramic glass. This patent review presents backgrounds on bone biology and structure, current treatments for damaged bone and bone defects, and new bone grafting technologies in hopes of creating an optimal bone graft substitute. Keywords: Bone, osteoblasts, osteoinductivity, bone graft, demineralizd bone matrix
Advances in micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), solid-state, wireless, and battery technologies have made possible the development of a new generation of portable, low-power, wireless, and high-capacity movement sensors with significant potential in a variety of medical applications. This article includes a review of recent patents focused on novel wearable movement sensors appropriate for biomedical applications involving motion capture, activity recognition, and objective analysis of movement disorders. The paper focuses on the technical challenges associated with the hardware design of these devices in the context of movement disorders, and the solutions disclosed in patents and patent applications. Additionally, the paper provides a discussion of future developments and the outstanding technical challenges that would need to be overcome for the widespread use of movement sensors in research and clinical settings. Our patent search revealed that a total of 958 issued patents and 664 patent applications have been published by the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) in subclass US600/595 (body monitoring). Since 2007, 34 patents were issued and 342 patent applications were published (378 patent publications) in this subclass, indicating that nearly 25% of the patented or patent pending developments in movement monitoring occurred in the last 3.5 years. Despite the significant developments in this area, none of the patent publications analyzed disclosed wearable movement sensors that overcome some of the most significant technical challenges such as the problem of wireless synchronization of sampling times among multiple sensors. Consequently, valuable intellectual property remains to be developed and claimed in future patents in this technical field.
One current approach to the development of implantable drug/protein delivery systems utilizes a technique to produce electrospun fibrous structures, which have inherently high surface area to volume ratios, high interconnectivity, and structural morphologies similar to the extracellular matrix (ECM) of native tissues. The electrospinning technique is able to incorporate bioactive molecules into the fibers of these constructs to allow controlled release of the molecules over time. Thus, many synthetic polymers, natural materials, and their composites have been widely investigated as delivery vehicles for implantable drug/protein delivery systems. Recent patents for implantable drug/protein delivery systems fabricated using electrospinning technology, especially those designed for use in wound healing applications, coatings for medical devices, and tissue engineered scaffolds are summarized here. In addition, methods of reducing or eliminating the damaging effects of the organic solvents used in traditional electrospinning on the bioactivity of the encapsulated bioactive molecules are underlined, and these include blend electrospinning, emulsion electrospinning, coaxial electrospinning, and surface immobilization. In vitro cellular interactions of these electrospun fibers and clinically relevant animal experiments focusing on in vivo biocompatibility evaluations are further required for successful clinical translation. Keywords: Electrospinning, drug delivery system, medical device, scaffold, tissue engineering
