The United States of America As Represented by the Department of Health

Johns Hopkins University

Leonard R Proctor

Joseph L Abita

Raymond G Byrnes

Rollin C Dix

Werner A Metz

The present invention provides automated control of aural irrigation by utilizing a process controller in connection with an irrigation supply unit and irrigation delivery unit. Sensors situated in the irrigation supply unit and irrigation delivery unit provide data feedback to the process controller enabling essentially instantaneous and precise control of operational parameters. In addition, data customized to individual patients as well as historical data for use in analysis is stored in and processed by the control processor to increase the accuracy and utility of the aural irrigation system. Further, patient response data (e.g., from an ENG sensor) is also input to the process controller, thereby enabling extremely fast and accurate test analysis with minimal effort by the device operator.

Vestibular irrigator test system (VITS)

A caloric testing apparatus for introducing heated or cooled air, under direct visual control, into the outer ear canal of a human subject for purposes of testing inner ear balance mechanisms. The device includes a speculum for observing the ear canal during the flow of air, thereby assuring proper direction of the impinging air jet. The apparatus includes temperature-controlled liquid baths for providing hot or cold air, and has arrangements for providing suitably timed irrigation periods, adjustable so as to control the magnitudes of the caloric stimulations. Measurements can be made by the electrical recording of eye movements for accurate measurement of nystagmic response intensity.

Biphasic otoscopic air stimulator for performing clinical caloric tests

A caloric testing technique and apparatus for evaluating vestibular ear disorders by independently stimulating the left and right lateral canal receptor organs, using heated and cold air, and measuring the responses in order to obtain an indication of disordered vestibular function. Timed irrigation periods are employed, the periods being adjustable so as to control the magnitudes of the caloric stimulations, and the measurements of responses are made by the electrical recording of eye movements for accurate measurement of nystagmic response intensity.

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Baltimore, MD, United States of America

Leonard R Proctor