초록 ▼

Exercise orthoses are described that include a frame, a fluid bladder held by the frame, a pressure sensor attached to the fluid bladder and a microprocessor receiving the pressure measurements. The microprocessor monitors variations in pressure and determines differences between the measured pressu

Exercise orthoses are described that include a frame, a fluid bladder held by the frame, a pressure sensor attached to the fluid bladder and a microprocessor receiving the pressure measurements. The microprocessor monitors variations in pressure and determines differences between the measured pressures and predetermined target values. The frame can be designed to support a hinge joint or at least one vertebra. Furthermore, corrective back orthoses are described that include a frame, force applicators connected to the frame to apply force to the patient's spine, a sensor that measures forces associated with the force applicators and a control unit that monitors forces measured by the sensor. The corrective back orthosis can include fluid bladders as force applicators. The control unit can include a microprocessor.

대표청구항 ▼

Exercise orthoses are described that include a frame, a fluid bladder held by the frame, a pressure sensor attached to the fluid bladder and a microprocessor receiving the pressure measurements. The microprocessor monitors variations in pressure and determines differences between the measured pressu

Exercise orthoses are described that include a frame, a fluid bladder held by the frame, a pressure sensor attached to the fluid bladder and a microprocessor receiving the pressure measurements. The microprocessor monitors variations in pressure and determines differences between the measured pressures and predetermined target values. The frame can be designed to support a hinge joint or at least one vertebra. Furthermore, corrective back orthoses are described that include a frame, force applicators connected to the frame to apply force to the patient's spine, a sensor that measures forces associated with the force applicators and a control unit that monitors forces measured by the sensor. The corrective back orthosis can include fluid bladders as force applicators. The control unit can include a microprocessor. 10. A method of performing a medical procedure, comprising: a) providing a medical device comprising a shaft having a distal end with a distal tip configured for entry into a patient's body within target tissue, a radially extendable fixation member which has a free end and which is spaced proximal from the distal tip and a cutting element; b) placing the distal end of the shaft within the patient's body, so that the distal end is disposed within target tissue; and c) extending into the target tissue the free end of at least one radially extendable fixation member from a side of the shaft so that the distal end of the shaft becomes secured within the target tissue. 11. A method for performing a tissue acquisition procedure using a tissue acquisition device having a shaft with a distal end, a proximal end, a longitudinal axis, and a cutting element, comprising: a) placing the distal end of the instrument in a patient's body, so that the distal end is disposed adjacent the target tissue; b) securing the distal end of the shaft adjacent the target tissue by extending into the target tissue at least one radially extendable and retractable member from a side of the shaft spaced proximal to the distal end, said member having a free end configured for engaging tissue; and c) actuating the cutting element to acquire one or more tissue samples of target tissue. 12. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein securing the distal end of the shaft comprises securing the distal end of the shaft effective that the device does not move relative to the target tissue during the tissue acquisition procedure. 13. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein the tissue acquisition procedure is a biopsy procedure. 14. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein the patient is transported from one location to another between steps b) and c).