Abstract: A wearable device for a noninvasive measurement of a user's body temperature can include a housing, a first substrate coupled to the housing and having an opening, a second substrate coupled to the first substrate and configured to secure to skin of a user, a mounting frame enclosed by the housing and the first substrate, a circuit board secured by the mounting frame, a temperature sensor coupled to the circuit board and configured to determine a body temperature of the user, and a thermally conductive probe. The thermally conductive probe is secured by the mounting frame and positioned proximate to the first temperature sensor. The thermally conductive probe extends at least partially through the opening in the first substrate and transmits a thermal energy from a portion of the user's skin to the first temperature sensor.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed herein for monitoring physiological data of subjects urinating or defecating into an excretion collection device, including systems, devices, and methods for monitoring temperature of objects (e.g., urine or feces) received through the opening of the excretion collection device. In some embodiments, systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein include a temperature sensor that can generate a temperature profile associated with a urination or defecation event, and determine a core body temperature of a subject based on the temperature profile.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a system and method for a programmable medical wire that can be preprogrammed, and controlled and reshaped upon command. The system can include a power supply, a controller, and a multilayered wire assembly. The wire assembly includes a core conductor, actuator conductors coupled to the core conductor, selective conductors formed adjacent the core conductor and the actuator conductors, and a protective biocompatible shield around the layers. The selective conductors can be energized to activate the actuator conductors and cause the actuator conductors to bend or twist in a preprogrammed manner. By selectively controlling the direction of movement of the actuator conductors, the wire assembly can be remotely guided through body passageways to the target. Auxiliary equipment such as sensors, micro cameras, detectors, cutters, and other equipment can also be coupled to the wire assembly, and controlled and communicated with through one or more of the selective conductors.

Abstract: Breath sensor calibration methods and apparatus are described herein where a breath sensor device may generally comprise a sampling unit having a housing configured to receive a sample breath from a user and a sensor positioned within the housing. A processor in electrical communication with the sensor may be configured to determine a dissipation time when the sensor is exposed to a near-constant concentration level of CO detected from the breath sample down to an ambient level of CO detected. The processor may also be configured to calculate a time constant based on the dissipation time and a reduction from the near-constant concentration level to the ambient level. Furthermore, the processor may also be configured to apply the time constant to a transient response of the sensor to account for drift in calibrating the sensor.

Abstract: A heart valve sizer and sizer cover are provided for determining the size of a heart valve annulus. The valve sizer can include a handle, a shaft extending distally from the handle, a sizing element coupled to the distal end of the shaft, the sizing element being movable between a first retracted position and a second expanded position, and a sizer cover. The sizer cover can be formed from a continuous sheet of material configured to surround at least a portion of the sizing element of the heart valve sizer so as to guard against entanglement of the sizing element with structures of a human heart.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for providing a standardized pressure value representing a transient pressure event within a region of interest within a living body. An air-charged catheter is configured to record pressure data representing the region of interest. A measurement assembly includes a parameter calculation component configured to calculate at least a peak pressure representing the transient pressure event and a time to peak pressure, representing the time necessary to reach the peak pressure, from the recorded pressure data. A standardization component is configured to calculate the standardized pressure value as a function of the peak pressure and the time to peak pressure. A user interface is configured to display at least the standardized pressure value at an associated display.

Abstract: A pulse diagnostic device and a system of pulse diagnosis are provided. The pulse diagnostic device includes a cuff and a main monitor. The cuff includes a tube and an air bag arranged with an air path interface. A gas medium is received in the air bag. The tube is connected to the air path interface. The main monitor includes a pressure sensor and a controller. The tube extends to reach the main monitor and is connected to the pressure sensor, and the pressure sensor further connects to the controller. When the pulse diagnostic device is working, the cuff contacts an artery, the pressure sensor senses a pressure of the gas medium in the tube. The pressure sensor transmits the pressure of the gas medium to the controller. The controller obtains the pulse information and the blood pressure information based on the pressure of the gas medium.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method includes: generating a displacement signal indicative of a distension of a surface of a skin; determining a temperature of the skin using a temperature sensor; during a calibration time interval, collecting a plurality of distension values from the displacement signal, the plurality of distension values associated with a respective plurality of temperature values determined using the temperature sensor, the plurality of temperature values being indicative of a temperature change of the skin; determining compensation coefficients associated with the plurality of temperature values; and after the calibration time interval, collecting a first distension value from the displacement signal, determining a first temperature value using the temperature sensor, and determining a blood pressure based on the first distension value, the first temperature value, and the determined compensation coefficients.

Abstract: Some implementations of the disclosure describe a blood pressure measurement apparatus and method that enable continuous, non-invasive blood pressure measurement using sound and ultrasound transducers. In one implementation, a blood pressure measurement device includes: a first transducer configured to emit multiple soundwaves having multiple frequencies, the soundwaves configured to cause a blood vessel of a subject to vibrate; a second transducer configured to capture one or more ultrasound images of the blood vessel; and a processing device configured to: determine, based on the one or more ultrasound images, a wall thickness, a radius, and a resonant frequency of the blood vessel; and calculate, based on the wall thickness, the radius, and the resonant frequency, a blood pressure of the subject.

Abstract: Disclosed are steerable needles having a shaft that can be controllably buckled, a steering head positioned at a distal end of the shaft, a transmission for controlling the orientation of the steering head, and a base at the end of the shaft, the base optionally comprising a controller for controlling the transmission. Also disclosed are methods of using the disclosed steerable needles.

Abstract: A pressure-sensing device includes a device frame, a flexible membrane, a pressure sensor, and device electronics. The device frame includes a base surface that rests on a supporting structure and a frame attachment region located opposite to the base surface such that the frame attachment region is raised from the supporting structure when the base surface is resting on the supporting structure. The device frame also includes a seating surface. The flexible membrane is attached to the frame attachment region such that the device frame and the flexible membrane enclose a pressure chamber. The seating surface extends outward around the flexible membrane and the flexible membrane protrudes above the seating surface. The pressure sensor is configured to generate a pressure signal. The device electronics are configured to determine the pressure in the pressure chamber based on the pressure signal.

Abstract: A method for in-vivo monitoring of a target internal volume of a mammal that includes: (a) placing the target internal volume proximal to a three-dimensional magnetic field generator; (b) generating first, second, and third magnetic field gradients along respective first, second, and third axes that are mutually orthogonal; (c) measuring first, second, and third magnetic fields with a three-dimensional magnetic sensor disposed in an ingestible capsule, the ingestible capsule disposed in the target internal volume; (d) with a controller in electrical communication with the three-dimensional magnetic sensor, generating a magnetic sensor output signal that encodes a measurement of the first, second, and third magnetic fields; (e) broadcasting the magnetic sensor output signal from an antenna disposed in the ingestible capsule, and (f) receiving the magnetic sensor output signal with a receiver. The received magnetic field data can be used to determine the three-dimensional position of the ingestible capsule.

Abstract: Methods and devices monitor oxygen saturation levels in tissue. According to one aspect of the invention, a device is a sensor panel comprising a flexible substrate and a plurality of oximeter sensor units coupled to the substrate. In another aspect of the invention, the device is a sensor panel comprising a flexible substrate and a plurality of oximeter sensor units and a plurality of pressure sensors coupled to the substrate. Embodiments of the invention can be used to simultaneously measure oxygen saturation levels in many locations of a large tissue. Embodiments of the invention can be applied in diagnosing a medical condition involving a large tissue area where the oxygen saturation level is unstable.

Abstract: Many treatments of skin cancer need an accurate assessment of the margins of the tumor. Spectrally-encoded optical polarization imaging improves upon the demarcation of skin cancer such as keratinocytic carcinomas. When the clinician can outline the clinical boundary of each lesion, surgery and other treatments can be more efficient and effective. Optical images of the lesions are acquired at various wavelengths, then spectrally-encoded. Spectral-encoding of the images minimizes the impact of background pigmentation and vascularization so that the tumor can be accurately visualized.

Abstract: An implantable device for controlling electrical conditions of body tissue. A feedback sense electrode and a compensation electrode are positioned proximal to the tissue to make electrical contact with the tissue. A feedback amplifier is referenced to ground, and takes as an input a feedback signal from the feedback sense electrode. The output of the feedback amplifier is connected to the compensation electrode. The feedback amplifier thus drives the neural tissue via the compensation electrode in a feedback arrangement which seeks to drive the feedback signal to ground, or other desired electrical value.

Abstract: A method of determining a baseline impedance value for a first electrode in a plurality of electrodes located on a medical device for tissue contact detection includes measuring an impedance value of the first electrode generated in response to a drive signal to the first electrode. The method further includes assigning a baseline impedance value to the first electrode based on impedance values measured in a predetermined time interval and determining a confidence value associated with the baseline impedance value. The method further includes utilizing the baseline impedance value in determining contact status of the first electrode when the confidence value is at or above a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A circadian health system (CHS) provides for improving the health of Alzheimer's patients and other persons by controlling their exposure to circadian lighting. Circadian sensor devices (CSDs) are distributed in a living space, e.g., at about eye-level positions on respective walls of room. Each CSD includes a spectral sensor for measuring the intensity of light at various wavelength bands. Captured spectra can be compared to circadian light signatures so that the sources of circadian light can be identified. The identifications then allow predetermined high-resolution, e.g., 5 nm, spectra in the circadian wavelengths of 450-500 nm to be determined. The spectra can then be used to control circadian lighting to provide prescribed doses of circadian stimulus.

Abstract: A medical system recommends a posture of a subject during a medical procedure. The medical system includes a processor and an output device. The processor determines suitable postures of the subject during the medical procedure based on at least one of subject information, including information on a posture of the subject obtained upon a predetermined movement by the subject and information on the procedure. The output device presents one or more of the suitable postures determined by the processor as recommended postures.

Abstract: A minimally invasive dilation device includes a plurality of rigid arms radially arrayed about a center and a dilating member positioned between the arms. A stylus may occupy the center. An outer flexible sleeve may be circumferentially secured to the arms, lying within or without the plurality of arms. An inner mesh may surround the stylus and dilating member. The device may be introduced into tissue toward a targeted area, while in a closed configuration. The dilating member may be a balloon, wherein upon inflation of the balloon, the arms are pushed radially outward, expanding the device and dilating the surrounding tissue. The dilating member may be a tube, wherein upon insertion of the tube, the arms are pushed radially outward. A cannula may be inserted inside the plurality of arms to keep the arms in an open configuration, and the dilating member may be withdrawn, providing an open passageway through the device to the targeted area. The device may be used with a neural monitoring system.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for estimating a target component, the apparatus including a temperature controller configured to modulate temperature of an object, a measurer configured to measure a spectrum for each temperature of the object that changes based on the modulation, and a processor configured to obtain effective optical pathlength vectors corresponding to a temperature change based on the spectrum for each temperature of the object, obtain a representative effective optical pathlength based on the obtained effective optical pathlength vectors, and obtain a target component estimation model based on the obtained representative effective optical pathlength.