Abstract: A sensor device for monitoring bioelectric data from a human body includes a flexible dielectric substrate, a plurality of sensors (electrodes) distributed on the substrate for sensing the bioelectric data, and an electrically conductive network distributed on the substrate connecting the sensors to a terminal portion of the substrate. Integrated flexible joints permit a certain amount of elasticity in and allow relative movement between at least two of the sensors when the sensor device is placed onto the human body.

Abstract: A system for connecting remote equipment to a sensor device having a connector coupled to at least two terminals located on different portions of the sensor device. The portions of the sensor device may be an anterior portion and a posterior portion with each having at least one terminal. In turn, the terminals are nested on top of one another and at least one terminal is electrically accessible through a window region of the other portion. Further, the terminals are alignable with each other and with a connector by alignment indicators, which may provide a visual alignment indication for the terminals as well as a mechanical alignment of the connector with the sensor device.

Abstract: A sensor device for monitoring bioelectric data from a human body includes a flexible dielectric substrate, a plurality of sensors (electrodes) distributed on the substrate for sensing the bioelectric data, and an electrically conductive network distributed on the substrate connecting the sensors to a terminal portion of the substrate. Integrated flexible joints permit a certain amount of elasticity in and allow relative movement between at least two of the sensors when the sensor device is placed onto the human body.

Abstract: A system for connecting remote equipment to a sensor device having a connector coupled to at least two terminals located on different portions of the sensor device. The portions of the sensor device may be an anterior portion and a posterior portion with each having at least one terminal. In turn, the terminals are nested on top of one another and at least one terminal is electrically accessible through a window region of the other portion. Further, the terminals are alignable with each other and with a connector by alignment indicators, which may provide a visual alignment indication for the terminals as well as a mechanical alignment of the connector with the sensor device.

Abstract: A system and method to acquire 3D ultrasound-based images during the end-systole and end-diastole time points of a cardiac cycle to allow determination of the change and percentage change in left ventricle volume at the time points.

Abstract: A system which includes at least one ultrasound data collection device which is programmable to carry out a specific ultrasound procedure on a selected part of a human body of a patient. The resulting ultrasound data is transmitted via a local server at the site of the data collection device to the internet and from there to a web database server which processes the raw ultrasound data to produce medical result information, including ultrasound images, which is then sent to a skilled technician, who accepts the results, rejects or edits them. Accepted medical results are transmitted back to the medical practitioner, while edited medical results are reprocessed, the results of which are transmitted to the medical practitioner.

Abstract: A system which includes at least one ultrasound data collection device which is programmable to carry out a specific ultrasound procedure on a selected part of a human body of a patient. The resulting ultrasound data is transmitted via a local server at the site of the data collection device to the internet and from there to a web database server which processes the raw ultrasound data and provides application-specific information, such as a three-dimensional model, which can be used for diagnostic interpretation of the body part imaged by the ultrasound suitable for use in the treatment of the patient.

Abstract: A data collection device obtains three-dimensional ultrasound scan information of a portion of the abdominal aorta. A plurality of transducer elements are arranged to provide overlapping coverage. The data collection device is first positioned over the aorta by an operator; a one-dimensional scan with a Doppler sound generator operating on the blood flow is used to verify proper initial positioning of the device. Three-dimensional scan information is then obtained and converted from plane coordinates into spherical coordinates such that the resulting converted scan line planes are perpendicular to the aorta. The information in each converted scan line plane is then processed to determine the boundaries of the aorta, from which diameter information is then calculated. Diameter measurements over a given region of the aorta can be used to determine and monitor an aneurysm in the aorta.

Abstract: The system includes a function for generating a plurality of ultrasound scan planes, each separated by a selected angle, to produce a scan cone having an ultrasound scan cone boundary for scanning the bladder, or other organ. The amount, if any, of the scanned bladder which extends beyond the ultrasound scan cone boundary is then determined, as well as the percentage of the bladder within an inner cone boundary relative to that within the ultrasound cone boundary. A signal is provided, specifically illumination of one of four orthogonal arrows in a display, indicating the direction that the transducer should be moved in order to more accurately center the bladder within the ultrasound scan cone boundary. Re-aiming of the transducer is considered necessary when the ratio of the percentages is less than 70%, while if the percentage ratio is greater than 70%, aiming is optional.

Abstract: The system includes a function for generating a plurality of ultrasound scan planes, each separated by a selected angle, to produce a scan cone having an ultrasound scan cone boundary for scanning the bladder, or other organ. The amount, if any, of the scanned bladder which extends beyond the ultrasound scan cone boundary is then determined, as well as the percentage of the bladder within an inner cone boundary relative to that within the ultrasound cone boundary. A signal is provided, specifically illumination of one of four orthogonal arrows in a display, indicating the direction that the transducer should be moved in order to more accurately center the bladder within the ultrasound scan cone boundary. Re-aiming of the transducer is considered necessary when the ratio of the percentages is less than 70%, while if the percentage ratio is greater than 70%, aiming is optional.

Abstract: The system includes a bladder volume device which determines the volume of urine in the bladder on a non-invasive basis, such as by ultrasound. The device then compares the volume determination, which is made on a regular basis, against previously obtained cystometry information for the patient, which comprises a graph which correlates bladder pressure, specifically detrusor pressure, against volume of urine in the bladder. The graph is used by the system to produce a surrogate bladder pressure for each volume determination made. The system then provides an indication of the surrogate bladder pressure so that the patient can determine when catheterization is desirable.

Abstract: A data collection device obtains three-dimensional ultrasound scan information of a portion of the abdominal aorta. A plurality of transducer elements are arranged to provide overlapping coverage. The data collection device is first positioned over the aorta by an operator; a one-dimensional scan with a Doppler sound generator operating on the blood flow is used to verify proper initial positioning of the device. Three-dimensional scan information is then obtained and converted from plane coordinates into spherical coordinates such that the resulting converted scan line planes are perpendicular to the aorta. The information in each converted scan line plane is then processed to determine the boundaries of the aorta, from which diameter information is then calculated. Diameter measurements over a given region of the aorta can be used to determine and monitor an aneurysm in the aorta.

Abstract: A system which includes at least one ultrasound data collection device which is programmable to carry out a specific ultrasound procedure on a selected part of a human body of a patient. The resulting ultrasound data is transmitted via a local server at the site of the data collection device to the internet and from there to a web database server which processes the raw ultrasound data and provides application-specific information, such as a three-dimensional model, which can be used for diagnostic interpretation of the body part imaged by the ultrasound suitable for use in the treatment of the patient.

Abstract: The system includes a bladder volume device which determines the volume of urine in the bladder on a non-invasive basis, such as by ultrasound. The device then compares the volume determination, which is made on a regular basis, against previously obtained cystometry information for the patient, which comprises a graph which correlates bladder pressure, specifically detrusor pressure, against volume of urine in the bladder. The graph is used by the system to produce a surrogate bladder pressure for each volume determination made. The system then provides an indication of the surrogate bladder pressure so that the patient can determine when catheterization is desirable.

Abstract: A system which includes at least one ultrasound data collection device which is programmable to carry out a specific ultrasound procedure. The resulting ultrasound data is transmitted via a local server to the internet and from there to a web database server which processes the raw ultrasound data and provides application-specific information, such as a three-dimensional model, which can be used for diagnostic interpretation of the body part imaged by the ultrasound.

Abstract: The system includes an ultrasound apparatus which provides successive images of a bladder during the voiding process, the images being approximately one second long so as to provide an accurate picture of the action of the bladder during voiding. The images are then processed to form a substantially continuous moving image, i.e. a video or motion picture. The video covers approximately five minutes so as to capture the entire voiding event. The system is initiated typically by the user by pressing a button or other implement on the ultrasound apparatus which is carried by a belt or on a garment adjacent the abdomen of the user. Several processing techniques are used to compensate for any movement of the user or the device during the voiding process so as to provide a coherent and continuous moving image of the bladder during the voiding process.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a single-use compartment assembly which includes a reservoir for blood and a needle element by which blood is obtained from the user. A vacuum system is actuated which draws blood through the needle element into the blood reservoir. An ultrasound signal is directed through the reservoir. There is no return ultrasound signal until there is sufficient blood in the reservoir. When the blood reaches a given level, it contacts a clotting agent present in the reservoir to begin the clotting process. The ultrasound signals are transmitted and return until clotting has been completed, as determined by a pre-established increase in the two-way propagation time relative to unclotted blood. The prothrombin time is then calculated and compared with an acceptable range.

Abstract: A pulse Doppler system for determining blood flow velocity in a blood vessel in a body, in particular the carotid artery. A sample region covering a section of the artery is investigated, using two spaced transmitters, one with a frequency of 3 MHz and the other with a frequency of 4.5 MHz. The received echo beams are then processed to determine the component blood velocities for each frequency. The two component values are then resolved into a true blood flow velocity for the sample region. That information is used to produce a color-coded velocity map of the artery, which may be conveniently displayed to the operator.