Abstract: In a pulse wave signal processor, a first filter attenuates a frequency component in an acquired pulse wave signal or in a differentiated pulse wave signal, and the attenuated frequency component is more than or equal to a first frequency. A second filter attenuates a frequency component in the acquired pulse wave signal, and the attenuated frequency component is less than the first frequency and more than or equal to a second frequency. A characteristic-point extractor extracts a characteristic point that exists in each single pulse of the pulse wave signal filtered by the second filter, and a signal separator partitioning the pulse wave signal or the differentiated signal filtered by the first filter into sections such that each section includes one of the extracted characteristic points. The partitioned sections are overlapped such that the characteristic points are coincident with each other, and arithmetically averaged.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to improve durability and operability of a forceps manipulator, as well as to facilitate roll motions of the forceps manipulator. In the forceps manipulator, a flexible shaft 34 is connected to a rotating joint unit 26 for transmitting a driving force from a vane motor 40 to the rotating joint unit 26 through throughholes 18a, 22a of machined springs 18b, 22b which respectively constitute flexible first and second joints 18, 22.

Abstract: An implantable medical device system includes a pacemaker and an extravascular implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). The pacemaker is configured to acquire a cardiac electrical signal, determine RR intervals from the cardiac electrical signal, apply ventricular tachycardia detection criteria solely to the RR intervals, detect ventricular tachycardia (VT) when the detection criteria are met; and deliver anti-tachycardia pacing in response to detecting the VT before the extravascular ICD delivers a shock therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a saliency-based apparatus and methods for visual prostheses. A saliency-based component processes video data output by a digital signal processor before the video data are input to the retinal stimulator. In a saliency-based method, an intensity stream is extracted from an input image, feature maps based on the intensity stream are developed, plural most salient regions of the input image are detected and one of the regions is selected as a highest saliency region.

Abstract: A surgery robot according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a position transformation unit having at least one portion which can be introduced into the body, wherein the position transformation unit is formed into a plurality of joints so as to be capable of positional transformation; a surgery unit which is coupled to the position transformation unit and the position of which is transformed along with the position transformation of the position transformation unit, wherein a surgery section is mounted on one portion of the distal end thereof for performing surgery on an affected area; and a driving unit which generates a driving force for the positional transformation of the position transformation unit, wherein the driving unit may have a driving section and a driving transmission section which adjusts the position of one of the joints with respect to another of the joints.

Abstract: A system (10) and method to identify motion artifacts. Measurements of a physiological parameter of an associated patient are received from a probe (12) positioned on or proximate to the associated patient. Further, measurements of acceleration are received from an accelerometer (26) positioned on, proximate to, or integrated with the probe (12). Measurements of the physiological parameter are labeled based on the measured acceleration, such as being with or without motion.

Abstract: A device for selectively grasping a part of a separate elongated body extending through the device, includes at least three partially mobile jaw members defining between them a through hole of variable diameter depending on their mutual relative positioning, supporting and driving elements to which the jaw members are mounted and which are adapted to provide a coordinated motion to the members around the elongated body situated in the variable through hole, resulting in a closing or opening of the through hole. The jaw members have an elongated shape with two opposed ends and the supporting and driving elements include a circular or annular support body to which a first end of each jaw member is connected and a mobile annular driving body to which a second opposed end of each jaw member is connected.

Abstract: An electrostimulator implant is percutaneously advanceable into tissue of a limb of a subject. The implant comprises (i) an intracorporeal sensor, configured to detect a factor indicative of local blood supply in the tissue of the limb; (ii) an electrode disposed at an outer surface of the implant; (iii) an antenna, configured to wirelessly receive power; and (iv) circuitry, powered by the received power, and configured to drive the electrode to apply a bloodflow-increasing current to the tissue at least in part responsively to the detected factor. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A system for treating a patient comprises a stimulator for stimulating brain tissue, a controller for setting stimulation parameters and a diagnostic tool for measuring patient parameters and producing diagnostic data. The stimulation parameters comprise test stimulation parameters and treatment stimulation parameters. The stimulator delivers test stimulation energy to the brain tissue based on at least one test stimulation parameter and delivers treatment stimulation energy to the brain tissue based on at least one treatment stimulation parameter. One or more treatment stimulator parameters are determined based on the diagnostic data produced by the diagnostic tool The system is constructed and arranged to treat a neurological disease or a neurological disorder. Methods of treating a neurological disease or neurological disorder are also provided.

Abstract: A system and associated method is disclosed for determining whether a signal is ambiguous. The system comprises a plurality of electrodes configured to be located proximate tissue of a patient. A display apparatus comprises a graphical user interface configured to present information to a user. A computing apparatus is coupled to the electrode apparatus. The computing apparatus is configured to calculate a first derivative of a signal acquired from the electrodes, determine a first minimum from the first derivative, determine a second minimum from the second derivative and a second index within a window, calculate a ratio of the first and second derivatives, calculate a difference between a first and second index. In response to determining the ratio and the difference between the first and second index, the display apparatus displays whether the signal is ambiguous.

Abstract: A non-invasive, transcutaneous electrical device stimulates nerves using unpulsed, constant direct current. The device uses a constant, unpulsed direct electric current of low constant voltage and power through air core uninsulated wire coil electrodes. The device includes a switch to open or close the circuit, a fuse that serves as the automatic overload trip voltage level, and two wire coil electrodes of uninsulated wire. The coil electrodes are positioned on the forehead directly superior to the eyes proximal to the supraorbital and supratrochlear nerves and apply a direct current transcutaneously to the forehead.

Abstract: Improved assemblies, systems, and methods provide a stimulation system for prosthetic or therapeutic stimulation of muscles, nerves, or central nervous system tissue, or any combination. The stimulation system includes an implantable pulse generator and a lead sized and configured to be implanted subcutaneously in a tissue region. An external controller includes circuitry adapted for wireless telemetry and a charging coil for generating the radio frequency magnetic field to transcutaneously recharge a rechargeable battery in the pulse generator. Using wireless telemetry, the pulse generator is adapted to transmit status information back to the external controller to allow the external controller to automatically adjust up or down the magnitude of the radio frequency magnetic field and/or to instruct a user to reposition the charging coil, the status information adapted to allow optimal recharging of the pulse generator rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A wearable resuscitation system is used for resuscitating a patient. The system comprises at least two defibrillation electrodes adapted to be worn by the patient for extended periods of time; circuitry for monitoring the an ECG of the patient; at least one processor configured for analyzing the ECG of the patient, and determining whether electrical therapy should be delivered to the at least two defibrillation electrodes; circuitry for providing defibrillation pulses to the at least two defibrillation electrodes; and circuitry for providing resuscitation prompts, wherein at least the circuitry for monitoring the ECG, the processor configured for analyzing the ECG, and the circuitry for providing resuscitation prompts are contained in one or more devices adapted to be worn by the patient.

Abstract: A visual prosthesis in the form of a retinal implant, which is distinguished by the least possible space requirement inside the eye, is achieved by a visual prosthesis having an intraocular implant and an extraocular implant, which supplies the intraocular implant with energy and controls it. Virtually all the electronic components, which do not necessarily need to be accommodated with the intraocular implant inside the eye, can be arranged outside the eyeball, for example on the sclera. In this way, the space requirement of the stimulation system inside the eye is reduced and the operative intervention for implanting the stimulation system inside the eye is kept as small as possible. A bidirectional inductive interface between an extracorporeal part of the visual prosthesis and an intracorporeal part, including the intraocular and extraocular implants, via which a current supply and bidirectional data transmission can be carried out is provided.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method includes acquiring electronic data indicative of a property of a mammal without making physical contact with the mammal. The method also includes extracting digital information indicative of a physiological characteristic of the mammal from the electronic data indicative of the property of the mammal. The method further includes choosing from an electronically accessible treatment database a neuromodulation treatment regimen for administration to the mammal in response to the information indicative of a physiological characteristic of the mammal. The method also includes electronically initiating an administration of the chosen neuromodulation treatment regimen to a nervous system component of the mammal.

Abstract: In various examples, an apparatus includes an apparatus configured for implantation within a body of a patient. The apparatus, in some examples, includes a housing. At least one antenna extends from the housing, the antenna being flexible such that the antenna conforms to the body of the patient. In some examples, the apparatus includes at least three electrodes, wherein at least a first electrode is disposed on the antenna and at least a second electrode is disposed on the housing. The at least three electrodes are disposed in a non-linear configuration, allowing for differential processing of signals recorded by the at least three electrodes.

Abstract: A one-piece electrical contact ring for use in a lead receptacle of an implantable medical device includes (i) a tubular body defining a cavity extending through the body and (ii) a plurality of resiliently deflectable elements extending from the tubular body into the cavity. The deflectable elements have a lead contacting portion configured to contact the lead when received by the cavity. The lead contacting portions of the deflectable elements in a relaxed state are located in a plane that intersects the tubular body and are configured to deflect along the plane towards the tubular body as the lead is inserted in the contact ring. The contact ring may further include a plurality of stops, each configured to (i) engage a stop portion of the elements when the elements are sufficiently outwardly deflected and (ii) inhibit further outward deflection of the elements when the stops engage the stop portions.

Abstract: A programming system for selecting an electrode configuration for use in a medical electrical stimulator coupled to an electrode array. A programmer is configured for providing a set of electrode configurations for the electrode array, automatically testing a first portion of the set of electrode configurations in a first order, allowing the selection of one or more of the tested electrode configurations, determining whether a suitable number of electrode configurations from among the first portion have been selected within a predefined interval, and automatically testing a second portion of the set of electrode configurations in a second order if the suitable number of electrode configurations from among the first portion are not selected within the predefined interval. The programmer may further allow the selection of the tested electrode configurations, and adjusting parameters during the testing, wherein the adjusting is controllably shared in parallel between a clinician and a patient.

Abstract: A medical apparatus is disclosed, at least a portion of which is configured for implantation in an animal. The medical apparatus includes a communication module configured to receive communications originating external to the animal. The medical apparatus also includes a threat assessment module configured to ascertain a malware threat characteristic of a communication received by the communication module. The medical apparatus further includes a threat mitigation module configured to implement a mitigation measure responsive to the ascertained malware threat characteristic of the received communication.

Abstract: A medical lead screening connector includes a housing, a plurality of electrical contacts disposed within the housing, where each lead receptor channel includes at least two lead receptor contacts, and a cover hingedly attached to the housing. The cover includes a protrusion that is arranged and configured to register with one of the lead receptor channels and contacts a lead body received in the lead receptor channel when the cover is in a closed position.