Abstract: A blood sample collection system, may include a housing, the housing including a blood collection port; and a baffle chamber; a needle formed through the housing and into the blood collection port; and a baffle formed within the baffle chamber to counteract a vacuum within a blood collection tube when pierced by the needle.

Abstract: Two biomarkers are provided for obstructive apnea. A first biomarker determines amplitude and timing of inspiratory efforts from a bioelectric signal. The respiratory rate is compared with a normal pre-detection rate, and the amplitude of the effort is compared with a normal amplitude. The obstructive apnea is likely present if a series of inspiratory efforts are above a normal amplitude and with increasing amplitude, but at a normal rate. A second biomarker determines heart rate and respiratory rate. A normal lower threshold for heartbeat interval is established, and if subthreshold events occur (short RR intervals), a commencement time for each sequence of subthreshold events is compared for a respiratory rate-normalized window. If the number of subthreshold events exceeds a minimum for the window, obstructive apnea is likely present.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing depth-resolved real-time visual feedback to a physician during cosmetic dermal filler injections with micrometer spatial resolution utilizing a noninvasive optical coherence tomography/elastography, 2D-3D virtual and real time system. This system can be automated to direct proper volumes and viscosity of the necessary injection substances. The methods and systems allow for assessment of the elasticity of the tissue before and after the injection to evaluate the efficacy of the injection, with predetermined virtual results before and matched post injection images. The elasticity assessment method preferably utilizes a focused air-pulse to induce a micrometer scale displacement in the skin and the optical coherence tomography system to image this displacement. By utilizing a model-based reconstruction method, the viscoelasticity of the tissue at a specific measurement position can be obtained and virtual and post injection real time projections can be imaged.

Abstract: An apparatus for disruption of tissue. The apparatus includes a housing; a source of pulsed laser radiation; and an optical waveguide. The optical waveguide is configured to transmit the pulsed laser radiation from the source of pulsed laser radiation, and is coupleable to the source of pulsed laser radiation at a proximal end of the optical waveguide to receive the pulsed laser radiation from the source of pulsed laser radiation. The apparatus also includes a driving mechanism coupled to the optical waveguide for controllably changing the position of the optical waveguide relative to a distal end of the housing.

Abstract: A sphygmomanometer includes: a bag-shaped sensing cuff to be worn to wrap a measurement site; a back plate disposed on the sensing cuff along a surface opposite to the measurement site; a pressing member for pressing the back plate toward the measurement site; and a blood-pressure calculating part calculating a blood pressure based on a pressure of a fluid stored in the sensing cuff. Regarding a longitudinal direction perpendicular to a circumferential direction of the measurement site to be wrapped by the sensing cuff, a surface facing the measurement site in edge potions on both sides in a width direction along the longitudinal direction of the back plate is curved in a direction away from the measurement site toward tips.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a gastrointestinal condition of a patient includes minimally invasively implanting a modular stimulator system in a patient's treatment site. The modular stimulator system comprises a microstimulator module, a small power source module and a macrostimulator module that are detachably attachable to each other. For the first phase of treatment, the microstimulator module and power source are implanted with a stimulating electrode proximate a target tissue. Electrical stimulation is provided for a short period of time and treatment efficacy is evaluated through clinical results and patient reporting. If therapy is not effective, stimulation parameters can be changed and/or the implantation site can be moved. If therapy is effective, portions of the microstimulator module and/or small power source are replaced with the macrostimulator module for long term therapy of the second phase of treatment.

Abstract: An apparatus and electronic circuitry wherein the apparatus includes a first electrode arranged to enable an output indicative of a bioelectrical signal to be provided; a second electrode; and a deformable material positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode wherein the deformable material is positioned within the apparatus such that deformation of the deformable material causes a change in charge distribution across the first electrode and second electrode to enable an output indicative of a biomechanical signal to be provided by the apparatus.

Abstract: A plasmapheresis system and a method for operating a plasmapheresis system are provided by which a volume of plasma product (i.e., anticoagulated plasma) so that that the targeted volume of pure plasma in the plasma product is determined based on donor-specific characteristics. In particular, the targeted amount of pure plasma to be collected is based on the weight, or the weight and the height, of the donor. The targeted volume of pure plasma to be collected, TVP, may be a multiple of the donor's weight. Alternatively, TVP may be a multiple of the donor's total blood volume, TBV, with the TBV of the donor being determined based on the donor's weight and height. A target volume for the plasma product to be collected, TVPP, is established, and separation of whole blood into a plasma component and a second component continues until the volume of plasma product in a collection container equals TVPP.

Abstract: A surgical robotic user input apparatus has a fiber optic cable with a handheld user input device attached at one end, and a connector attached at another end. Multiple intrinsic sensors, such as fiber Bragg grating sensors, are in the fiber optic cable. The intrinsic sensors are used to detect a pose of the handheld user input device. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A fluid pressure detection device capable of accurately detecting a pressure change of a fluid flowing inside a tube includes a substrate, a piezoelectric element formed on the top surface of the substrate, a support body which is annular and surrounds the piezoelectric element and supports the top surface of the substrate, and a lid body which is provided to close the top opening of the support body, and deforms the tube with the bottom surface of the substrate by pressing the substrate through the support body.

Abstract: A medical device for detecting at least one analyte in a body fluid, a method for assembling the medical device and a method of using the medical device are disclosed. The medical device comprises: an analyte sensor having an insertable portion; an insertion cannula receiving the insertable portion of the analyte sensor; an electronics unit connected with the analyte sensor; and a housing comprising an electronics compartment receiving the electronics unit and a sensor compartment receiving the analyte sensor, the sensor compartment forming a sealed compartment receiving the insertable portion of the analyte sensor, the sealed compartment comprising detachable upper and lower caps, the lower cap configured for detachment before insertion, the insertion cannula being attached to the upper cap, wherein detaching the upper cap after insertion removes the insertion cannula, wherein the electronics compartment at least partially surrounds the sensor compartment.

Abstract: A robotic surgical tool includes a drive housing having a first end, a second end, and a lead screw extending between the first and second ends, a carriage movably mounted to the lead screw at a carriage nut secured to the carriage, and an elongate shaft extending from the carriage and extending through the first end, the shaft having an end effector arranged at a distal end thereof. Rotation of the lead screw moves the carriage and the carriage nut axially between the first and second ends and thereby moves the end effector distally or proximally.

Abstract: Illumination devices for impinging light on tissue, for example within a body cavity of a patient, to induce various biological effects are disclosed. Biological effects may include at least one of inactivating and/or inhibiting growth of one or more pathogens, upregulating a local immune response, increasing endogenous stores of nitric oxide, releasing nitric oxide from endogenous stores, and inducing an anti-inflammatory effect. Wavelengths of light are selected based on intended biological effects for one or more of targeted tissue types and targeted pathogens. Light treatments may provide multiple pathogenic biological effects, either with light of a single wavelength or with light having multiple wavelengths. Devices for light treatments are disclosed that provide light doses for inducing biological effects on various targeted pathogens and tissues with increased efficacy and reduced cytotoxicity.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating blood pressure is provided. The apparatus for estimating blood pressure may include: a bio-signal measurer configured to measure a bio-signal from a user; and a processor configured to extract one or more feature values from the bio-signal, to adjust a combination coefficient for combining the one or more feature values based on a reference value associated with vascular compliance, and to estimate blood pressure based on the adjusted combination coefficient, and the one or more feature values extracted from the bio-signal.

Abstract: A convenient self-locking blood pressure cuff facilitating one-handed use by a user taking his own blood pressure includes a cuff belt, a casing assembly, and a self-locking structure. The self-locking structure is received in the casing assembly. The self-locking structure includes a core shaft, a locking assembly, and a pressing assembly. The core shaft is slidably connected to the casing assembly. The locking assembly and the pressing assembly are wrapped around the core shaft. The locking assembly can rotate when a free end of the cuff belt moves with respect to the casing assembly. The locking assembly can further press against the cuff belt when the core shaft slides in the casing assembly. The pressing assembly presses against the locking assembly to prevent the locking assembly from rotating back.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a technique of quantitatively measuring physical properties including both viscosity and elasticity. A viscoelasticity measurement system includes a measurement apparatus, a processor, and a display apparatus. The measurement apparatus includes a movable unit continuously pressed against a measurement object, a first sensor outputting acceleration information corresponding to an acceleration of pressing-directional movement of a contact portion of the movable unit with respect to the measurement object, and a second sensor outputting reactive force information corresponding to a reactive force applied to the contact portion of the movable unit with respect to the measurement object. The processor calculates first information on an elasticity component of the measurement object and second information on a viscosity component of the measurement object based on the acceleration information and the reactive force information.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for achieving a smooth transition in the grip force when the wrist jaws transition between the position and force mode. In the position mode, the desired jaw angle is above a threshold corresponding to an angle at which both jaws are just simultaneously in contact with an object held between the jaws or, if there is no object, when the jaws begin to touch each other. A feedback loop may determine that the jaws are transitioning between the modes based on changes of the desired jaw angle. The feedback loop may analyze the commanded grip force and the measured grip force to determine whether to adjust the commanded grip force during the transition. If so, the feedback loop may adjust the commanded grip force to reduce changes in the measured grip force that is otherwise based on the desired jaw angle.

Abstract: A package for a needle assembly includes a tray defining a compartment in a first configuration for receiving the needle assembly. The tray can be reconfigured in a second configuration to form a holder configured to hold the needle assembly during fluid collection.

Abstract: Illumination devices for impinging light on tissue, for example within a body cavity of a patient, to induce various biological effects are disclosed. Biological effects may include at least one of inactivating and/or inhibiting growth of one or more pathogens, upregulating a local immune response, increasing endogenous stores of nitric oxide, releasing nitric oxide from endogenous stores, and inducing an anti-inflammatory effect. Wavelengths of light are selected based on intended biological effects for one or more of targeted tissue types and targeted pathogens. Light treatments may provide multiple pathogenic biological effects, either with light of a single wavelength or with light having multiple wavelengths. Devices for light treatments are disclosed that provide light doses for inducing biological effects on various targeted pathogens and tissues with increased efficacy and reduced cytotoxicity.

Abstract: A steering assembly of a medical device may comprise a handle having a recess and first and second wire guides disposed within the recess. At least one of the first or second wire guides may be keyed to the recess to prevent rotation of the first or second wire guide within the recess. First and second wire segments may be configured to steer a sheath coupled to the steering assembly in first and second directions. The first wire segment may pass through a first gap between the first wire guide and the second wire guide. The second wire segment may pass through a second gap between the first wire guide and the second wire guide. Neither of the first nor the second gap may occupy any overlapping space.