Abstract: A piezoelectric pump is provided with an actuator containing a piezoelectric element and a vibrating sheet; a first diaphragm, positioned opposite the actuator, with a first connecting hole provided therein; a pump chamber formed by the space between the actuator and the first diaphragm; and a second diaphragm positioned opposite the first diaphragm. The part of the second diaphragm opposite the first connecting hole is provided with an opposing wall portion that prevents a fluid that has been introduced into the pump chamber via the first connecting hole from flowing back towards a suction side via the first connecting hole.

Abstract: A retractable multi-use cardiac monitor is provided that includes a memory, and first and second sensing connectors positioned on outsides of first and second housings, respectively. The first and second sensing connectors are configured to detect electrocardiogram (ECG) signals that are stored onto the memory as ECG data. The second housing of the retractable multi-use cardiac monitor also includes a wire retractor configured to extend and retract a wire that connects the second and first housings, and that defines an interelectrode distance between the first and second sensing connectors. The retractable multi-use cardiac monitor further includes systems and methods for determining a length for the interelectrode distance that is optimum in terms of strength and fidelity of the detected ECG signals. The retractable multi-use cardiac monitor further includes a wireless radio configured to transmit a portion of the stored ECG data from the memory to a destination.

Abstract: A non-contact cardiac mapping method is disclosed that includes: (i) inserting a catheter into a heart cavity having an endocardium surface, the catheter including multiple, spatially distributed electrodes; (ii) measuring signals at the catheter electrodes in response to electrical activity in the heart cavity with the catheter spaced from the endocardium surface; and (iii) determining physiological information at multiple locations of the endocardium surface based on the measured signals and positions of the electrodes with respect to the endocardium surface. Related systems and computer programs are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to techniques and systems for training a subject to modify his or her own neuronal activity within a selected brain region.

Abstract: A system for detecting bone defects includes a dental implant contacting member, at least one electromagnetic source, at least one first magnetic field detecting device, at least one second magnetic field detecting device and a computing device. The dental implant contacting member has a magnetic body. The electromagnetic source is used to generate a variable magnetic field to vibrate the magnetic body. The first magnetic field detecting device is used to detect a magnetic field of the magnetic body and the variable magnetic field, so as to generate first detected data. The second magnetic field detecting device is used to detect the variable magnetic field, so as to generate second detected data. The computing device is used to obtain vibration data based on the difference between the first detected data and the second detected data.

Abstract: A medical magnetometer 10 comprising one or more induction coils 2 for detecting a time varying magnetic field of a region of a subject's body, such as the heart. Each coil has a maximum outer diameter of 4 to 7 cm, and a configuration such that the ratio of the coil's length to its outer diameter is at least 0.5, and the ratio of the coil's inner diameter to its outer diameter is 0.5 or less. Each induction coil 2 is coupled to a respective detection circuit comprising a low impedance pre-amplifier 3, a low pass filter 5, a notch filter 6 to remove line noise, and an averaging element 7. Each detection circuit produces an output signal 9 for use to analyse the time varying magnetic field of the region of the subject's body.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an electrophysiological analysis system which includes a plurality of electrodes, a power supply for successively applying a substantially continuous voltage ranging approximately from 1 to 5 volts and lasting from 0.1 to 5 seconds to different slotted electrode pairs, a collecting and storing device for recording the variation of a current flow in the electrode pairs to which the voltage slots are applied, a device enabling the current variations obtained by comparison between at least two current variations caused by supposed identical conditions and a device comparing data related to the current variations recorded for several electrode pairs and enabled with reference data. The system can be used for chronoamperometrically detecting pathologies, pathological areas and organ dysfunctions.

Abstract: Diagnostic apparatus includes a plurality of antennas, which are configured to be disposed at different, respective locations on a thorax of a living body so as to direct radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic waves from different, respective directions toward a heart in the body and to output RF signals responsively to the waves that are scattered from the heart. Processing circuitry is configured to process the RF signals over time so as to provide a multi-dimensional measurement of a movement of the heart.

Abstract: Provided is a body composition measurement device capable of accurately acquiring visceral fat quantity-related information as body composition-related information of a human body. A body composition measurement device has a current supply electrode pair and a voltage measurement electrode pair which are in contact with the abdomen of a subject, a compensating resistor unit, a current generation unit, a voltage detection unit, and a calculation unit. The voltage detection unit detects a voltage that occurs at a human-body-mimic resistor in order to measure a resistance value of the compensating resistor unit. The voltage detection unit detects a voltage that occurs at the voltage measurement electrode pair as a result of current that is generated by the current generation unit and that is supplied to the abdomen of the subject via the current supply electrode pair.

Abstract: A device (100) for measuring the amount of water in a subject's body includes a main body part (110) formed in a linear shape and an insertion part (120) extending in a curved shape from one end of the main body part (100). The insertion part (120) includes a tip side insertion part (120-2) having a tip surface (122) to which a sensor unit (121) is fixed and a base end side insertion part (120-1), wherein the sensor unit (121) is brought into contact with a body surface of a subject through a slide mechanism. A protective member (651) liquid-tightly covers the slide mechanism between the tip side insertion part (120-2) and a base end side insertion part (120-1). The protective member (651) smoothly connects the outer peripheral surface of the tip side insertion part (120-2) and the outer peripheral surface of the base end side insertion part (120-1).

Abstract: An apparatus that includes a partial power source including a first material and a second material, the partial power source configured to generate, upon contact with a conducting medium, a potential difference between the first material and the second material to provide power to a control device, and generate, using the first material and the second material, a current flow within the conducting medium, the current flow including information encoded based on a variable conductance between the first material and the second material.

Abstract: An endoscopic apparatus including a probe which is introduced into, for example, the intestinal tract of a living organism and which operates therein, adapted to perform one or more functions. In one embodiment, the probe communicates wirelessly with a portable electronic device outside the organism, the portable device which acts to relay data between the probe and a remote networked entity. In one variant, the probe includes an accelerometer to, for example, wake the probe up from a sleep mode when the organism is awake or ambulatory.

Abstract: A method for dynamic investigation of a subject lung, the method comprising the steps of: (i) imparting an oscillation to the lung at one or more forcing frequencies so as to elicit a lung response, (ii) sensing the response of the lung simultaneously with the imparting of the oscillation to elicit a lung response, (iii) choosing at least one parameter used in the sensing to define the lung motion associated with the lung response, (iv) comparing one of the chosen parameters at each forcing frequency with the response at the forcing frequency in at least one region of the lung, and (v) recording the comparison of step (iv).

Abstract: Measurement device (1) for measuring the exhale capacity of a patient, includes a main body (2) with a through hole (3) with a blowing device (17) which has a rotation device (20) which is put in rotary motion through blowing, with a rotary speed depending on the intensity of the blowing, and the rotation of which is sensed by an optical sensor (6). The measuring device includes a cable (11) which is connected to the main body of the measurement device, and with a free end (11b) which is arranged to be connected to an audio input of a handheld general purpose computer unit (14), and in that the measurement device is arranged to, to the handheld computer unit, continuously deliver an analogue electric signal which carries information about rotary speed or air flow. A piece of software and a method are also described.

Abstract: A monitoring device to be used in conjunction with a patient's airway. Some embodiments of the monitoring device include at least one sensor assembly configured to detect inhaled and exhaled airflow and an optional communications subassembly configured to transmit measurements to at least one external computing device. Other embodiments include at least one sensor assembly configured to detect a measurement indicating airflow from the patient's lungs and at least one processor configured to detect whether the airflow is associated with medication administration or measurement of breathing characteristics. Some embodiments include a circuit that allows patient information to be analyzed by an external computing device and/or the monitoring device to determine whether the patient's breathing has declined indicating a medical problem. Optionally, the monitoring device may include a display for displaying whether the airflow measurement indicates a good outcome, a potential concern, or a serious condition.

Abstract: A biological information measurement system includes: a plurality of electrodes; a current source connected to the plurality of electrodes to supply a current thereto; a measurement unit for measuring impedance from a potential difference between the plurality of electrodes; a detector for detecting values of specific peaks from chronological data of the impedance; an envelope generator for generating an envelope of values of the specific peaks; and an output unit for outputting information of the envelope as biological information.

Abstract: A method of assessing a lung compartment of a patient may involve: advancing a diagnostic catheter into a lung airway leading to a first sub-compartment of the lung compartment; inflating an occluding member disposed on the diagnostic catheter to form a seal with a wall of the airway and thus isolate the first sub-compartment; introducing a diagnostic gas into the first sub-compartment; and recording a perfusion value of the diagnostic gas within the first sub-compartment.

Abstract: A method for optimized selection of a bicycle saddle from a population of different bicycle saddles includes the steps of providing a database composed of a set of physical elements corresponding to the population of different saddles, subdividing the set into a plurality of subsets according to predetermined geometrical and/or functional characteristics, collecting a plurality of anatomical parameters of a user to obtain corresponding data, and selecting one of the subsets having corresponding optimized characteristics according to the data. The geometrical and/or functional characteristics are selected from the group that includes the maximum plan width, the presence and dimension of holes and/or superficial hollows, and the plan shape of the saddles. The parameters are collected on the user in an upright position and with the legs stretched. A system for anthropometric determination of one or more optimized bicycle saddles.

Abstract: In an evaluation process, a first muscle strength (i.e., muscle potential) of a first muscle responsible for a dorsiflexing action of the ankle joint of a leg manipulating an accelerator pedal is acquired using a first muscle potential sensor. A second muscle strength (i.e., muscle potential) of a second muscle responsible for a plantarflexing action of the ankle joint of the leg manipulating the accelerator pedal is acquired using a second muscle potential sensor. Then, on the basis of time-series variation of each of the muscle potentials acquired using the first and second muscle potential sensors, a synchronous activity level is calculated as an evaluation index. When the difference between the evaluation index and an evaluation standard pre-determined is not less than a prescribed value, it is evaluated that an occupant of a vehicle feels stress as a result of manipulating an in-vehicle information apparatus while driving the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for assessing an intervertebral disc space comprises an elongated catheter with proximal and distal ends and an expandable body attached to the distal end of the elongated catheter. The expandable body includes proximal and distal end portions. The system further comprises a securing mechanism encircling at least one of the proximal or distal end portions of the expandable body to tighten the expandable body against the elongated catheter.

Abstract: A smart phone is used to accomplish measurement of a wound surface area, when at least one flat marker device, which is a predefined reference, is placed near the wound and photographed by a smart phone.

Abstract: A movement estimation device according to an embodiment includes an acceleration detection unit, an acceleration intensity detection unit, a direction change detection unit, and a determination unit. The acceleration detection unit detects acceleration based on an output from an acceleration sensor configured to detect acceleration in two or more axis directions, and outputs an acceleration signal. The acceleration intensity detection unit detects an intensity of acceleration from the acceleration signal. The direction change detection unit detects a change in each axis direction of the acceleration sensor with respect to a direction of gravitational acceleration by a band-pass filter that passes a predetermined frequency range.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products for retrieving mental images of faces from the human brain. An exemplary embodiment includes a method for retrieving mental images of faces from a human brain, the method including generating an image on a screen, measuring brain activity data from a brain scanner, varying characteristics of the image on the screen, detecting changes in the brain activity data measured from the brain scanner, and generating a final image on the screen, the final image being related to a subjectively described mental image.

Abstract: A sensor system is disclosed. The system comprises: a solid substrate having a front side and a back side, a sensing assembly formed on the front side and being configured to provide electrochemical sensing, a plurality of electrical contacts, formed on the back side and being in electrical communication with the sensing assembly via a plurality of interconnects passing through the substrate and extending at least from the front side to the back side, and a mounting member configured for mounting the back side onto a tip of a movable device.

Abstract: A device for performing at least one medical function on a user is proposed. The device has at least one medical functional element that is designed to perform the medical function. The medical function is selected from a diagnostic, a therapeutic and a surgical function. The device has at least one evaluation and control part that comprises at least one actuation component for controlling the medical function. The evaluation and control part has at least one casing and at least one battery receptacle. The battery receptacle comprises at least one electrical energy reservoir, more particularly at least one battery. The battery receptacle is designed to be opened irreversibly by the user for removing the energy reservoir.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein may include an adapter which is capable of converting signals from an oximeter sensor such that the signals are readable by an oximeter monitor. In an embodiment, the adapter is capable of converting signals relating to calibration information from the oximeter sensor. The calibration information may relate to wavelengths of light emitting diodes within the oximeter sensor. In a specific embodiment, the adapter will convert wavelength calibration information in a first form relating to data values stored in a digital memory chip to a second form relating to a resistance value of an expected resistor within the oximeter sensor.

Abstract: A lancet magazine for use in a lancing aid is described comprising a plurality of lancets each having a lancet body at the proximal end of the lancet and a lancet tip at the distal end of the lancet, where the proximal end of the lancet points in the direction of the proximal end of the housing of the lancet magazine and the distal end of the lancet is aligned in the direction of the distal end of the housing and the lancets in the unused state are completely surrounded by the housing. Furthermore, an extension unit is movably connected to the housing in such a manner that the housing can be extended by movement of the extension unit in the direction of the distal end of the housing such that the lancet is prevented from emerging from the lancet magazine.

Abstract: According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a probe sized for insertion into a uterus, the device comprising at least one ultrasound element adapted to emit ultrasonic energy, the ultrasound element disposed on a distal end of the device; at least one ultrasound receiver adapted to receive ultrasound energy, the ultrasound receiver disposed on a distal end of the device; and circuitry adapted to automatically estimate a thickness of a uterine wall according to the received ultrasound energy. According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a method of treating an inner wall of a uterus comprising automatically measuring a thickness of a uterine wall according to ultrasound energy emitted from inside the uterus; and providing an output of the thickness.

Abstract: Method, systems, and products are provided for sleep study. Embodiments include receiving, by a sleep study module, one or more biometric values capable of indicating the existence of a sleep disorder, the biometric values derived from information regarding the sleep of a patient sensed by one or more sensors of an earpiece worn within an ear of a sleeping patient; and recording, by the sleep study module, the plurality of biometric values for evaluation of the patient's sleep.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for administering a sleep disorder are provided. Embodiments include receiving, in a sleep administration module through one or more sensors of an earpiece worn within an ear of a sleeping patient, information regarding the sleep of the patient; deriving, by the sleep administration module from the information regarding the sleep of the patient, one or more biometric values capable of indicating the existence of a sleep disorder; and determining, by the sleep administration module, whether the one or more biometric values indicate that the sleeping patient is presently experiencing a sleep disorder.

Abstract: Automated methods provide hypopnea detection for determining a hypopnea event and/or a severity of a hypopnea event. In some embodiments, a calculated short-term variance of a measured respiratory flow signal are compared to first and second proportions of a calculated long-term variance of the measured flow signal. A detection of the hypopnea may be indicated if the first measure falls below and does not exceed a range of the first and second proportions during a first time period. In some embodiments, a hypopnea severity measure is determined by automated measuring of an area bounded by first and second crossings of a short-term measure of ventilation and a proportion of a long-term measure. The detection methodologies may be implemented for data analysis by a specific purpose computer, a detection device that measures a respiratory airflow or a respiratory treatment apparatus that provides a respiratory treatment regime based on the detected hypopneas.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for determining sleep disorder appliance compliance. Embodiments include receiving, in a sleep disorder compliance module through one or more sensors of an earpiece worn within an ear of a sleeping patient, information regarding the sleep of the patient; deriving, by the sleep disorder compliance module from the information regarding the sleep of the patient, one or more biometric values capable of indicating whether the patient is using a sleep disorder appliance; and determining, by the sleep disorder compliance module, whether the one or more biometric values indicate that the sleeping patient is presently using the sleep disorder appliance.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an integrated device for breast disease diagnosis and treatment, which includes a control host system, and a thermalgraphy subsystem, an ultrasoudimaging subsystem and a phonophoresis subsystem respectively in communication connection with the control host system. A display terminal is electrically connected to the control host system, and the control host system further has an intelligent interpretation expert system.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for monitoring the extravascular lung water status of a patient. For example, an acoustic diagnostic device is provided that includes a housing configured to be worn by a patient and including a patient contact surface configured to contact the patient's skin of the patient's thorax; an acoustic transducer for transmitting acoustic energy via the patient contact surface into the patient's thorax and receiving reflected acoustic energy from the patient's thorax; and one or more processors coupled to the acoustic transducer for analyzing the reflected acoustic energy to provide an indication of extravascular lung water status of the patient.

Abstract: Plural medical device formed from one or more layers of thin film polymer are assembled from a single polymer coupon. Initially the coupon is bonded to a rigid substrate. Force, heat and a suction are selectively applied to the coupon to ensure that it has a consistent height across its exposed surface. Once the polymer coupon is bonded the components forming the medical device are attached to the coupon and the coupon is shaped to form the individual medical devices. Shaped sections of the coupon are then lifted off the rigid backing. The lifted off sections on which the components were attached are the medical devices.

Abstract: An integrated adhesive sensor array includes an adhesive a patch, a sensor hub, and a detachable sensor pod packaged as a unit. The patch may include a docking area for the detachable sensor pod. The detachable sensor pod may include at least one sensor and may be configured to be detached from the patch and applied to various locations on a body. The detachable sensor pod may send sensor data to the sensor hub via a wired link when on the patch and via a wireless link when detached from the patch. The sensor hub receives sensor data from the detachable sensor pod and relays the data to a receiver. The sensor hub and detachable sensor pod may include indicators for communicating information. The sensor hub may include a power source for powering the sensor hub and a detachable sensor pod attached to the main sensor unit or patch.

Abstract: Disclosed is a detachable biological signal measuring pad that measures biological signals such as a pulse or body temperature. The biological signal measuring pad includes an adhesive pad main body detachably adhered to a body, a biological signal detecting electrode provided on an adhesive surface of the main body adhered to the body, and a module chip including a memory card mounted on the main body so as to be connected with the electrode and storing biological signals measured in the electrode, and provided on a surface opposite to the adhesive surface.

Abstract: A system for assessing an intervertebral disc space comprises an elongated catheter with proximal and distal ends and an expandable body carried at the distal end of the elongated catheter. The expandable body includes a distal cap portion. The system further includes a mandrel extending through the elongated catheter and the expandable body and attached to the distal cap portion. The mandrel is movable within the elongated catheter and the expandable body to reposition the distal cap portion relative to the distal end of the elongated catheter while the expandable body is positioned within the intervertebral disc space.

Abstract: An intravascular electrode device for use in neuromodulation includes an anchor expandable from a radially compressed position to a radially expanded position. A lead extends from the anchor and has at least one conductor extending through it. A flex circuit is coupled to the anchor and comprises a flexible insulative substrate, a plurality of electrodes carried by the substrate, and a plurality of conductive traces carried by the substrate, each trace electrically coupled to an electrode and a conductor. Expansion of the anchor within a blood vessel biases the electrodes into contact with the surrounding blood vessel wall. An exemplary anchor includes a first portion having expansion forces sufficient to bias the electrodes against the vessel wall for mapping and chronic stimulation, and a second portion having greater radial expansion forces sufficient to chronically engage the vessel wall once an optimal electrode location has been selected.

Abstract: There is used a medical diagnostic apparatus having a bed that supports an examinee in a prone position, and has a first opening in which an object being a part of the examinee is inserted, a measurement unit that has a second opening which is smaller than the first opening and in which the object is inserted through the first opening, a moving mechanism that moves the bed and the measurement unit relative to each other, and a shock absorbing member that is disposed between the bed and the examinee. The shock absorbing member has a portion covering a part of the first opening at least in a direction where the bed and the measurement unit move relative to each other, and is arranged such that the covering portion does not cover the second opening.

Abstract: An intraocular pressure measuring and/or monitoring system comprises an intraocular pressure measuring device (1) comprising a support (3) and a pressure sensor (2) united with the support. The support (3) is configured for placing the pressure sensor (2) in contact with an eye (8) of a user for sensing the intraocular pressure (IOP) of the eye. A portable recording device (6) is configured for communicating with the intraocular pressure measuring device (1) and for storing data received from the intraocular pressure measuring device. The system further comprises an inertial and/or environmental sensor (9).

Abstract: An magnetic resonance examination system comprises an RF arrangement with an RF antenna to acquire magnetic resonance signals from an object to be examined, and a motion sensing arrangement to detect motion information of the object. The motion sensing arrangement is provided with one or more RF antenna motion sensors mounted on the RF antenna and one or more object motion sensors to be attached to the object. In an example the motion sensors are integrated devices having motion sensitivity along three independent axes.

Abstract: A method for noise information management is provided including obtaining, via at least one physiological sensor, physiological information of a patient, and obtaining, via a noise acquisition unit, noise information corresponding to noise occurring during collection of the physiological information. The method also includes recording the physiological information on at least one physiological recording channel and recording the noise information on at least one noise recording channel at a sample rate corresponding to a rate used to record the physiological information. Also, the method includes associating the noise information with environmental information corresponding to at least one of a time or location at which the physiological information was acquired from the patient to provide a case noise profile. Further, the method includes storing the case noise profile as part of an archive containing plural case noise profiles.

Abstract: A biological signal measuring system includes: first and second optical sensors attached to first and second body portions of a subject; a first average oxygen saturation acquiring section acquiring a first average value corresponding to an average value of the first oxygen saturation corresponding to an arterial oxygen saturation in the first body portion in a predetermined time period starting at a first time; a second average oxygen saturation acquiring section acquiring a second average value corresponding to an average value of the second oxygen saturation corresponding to an arterial oxygen saturation in the second body portion in the predetermined time period starting at a second time that is different from the first time; and a difference value acquiring section acquiring a difference value, to be displayed, between the first average value and the second average value.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods to provide a patient care recommendation. The systems and methods receive patient information and a plurality of patient physiological signals that are related to a patient. The systems and methods are then operable to produce at least one derived patient signal from at least one of the plurality of patient physiological signals. The systems and methods use the patient information, at least one of the plurality of patient physiological signals, and the at least one derived patient signal to provide at least one patient care recommendation.

Abstract: At least two waveforms indicative of respiration are extracted from cardiac signals such as PPG or ECG. The extracted waveforms are converted into the frequency domain and multiplied together to form a combined frequency response function representing the frequency content of the combined respiratory waveform. Up to three peaks in the combined frequency response function are identified and averaged to provide an improved estimate of the breathing rate.

Abstract: The biological information processing system includes a basal heart rate information acquisition section that acquires basal heart rate information that represents the heart rate in a deep sleep state, a heart rate information acquisition section that acquires heart rate information, and a health condition information calculation section that calculates health condition information that represents a health condition based on relative information about the basal heart rate information and the heart rate information.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods to provide a patient care recommendation. The systems and methods receive patient information and a plurality of patient physiological signals that are related to a patient. The systems and methods are then operable to produce at least one derived patient signal from at least one of the plurality of patient physiological signals. The systems and methods use the patient information, at least one of the plurality of patient physiological signals, and the at least one derived patient signal to provide at least one patient care recommendation.

Abstract: Multimedia terminal with vital parameters monitoring, commonly used in hospitals and homes to enable access to communication networks, TV and multimedia contents to bed-ridden persons. A multichannel measurement module showing readings on the same screen, including electronic circuits and connection for probes for electrocardiograms, pulse oximeters, tensiometers, temperature sensors, etc. The main advantage of this invention is that it allows to measure, save and send vital parameters with the same multimedia device in each room, and to input values automatically and simultaneously into patients' medical histories in a cost-effective and comfortable way, without moving equipment between patients' rooms.

Abstract: A graphical user interface and methods for managing blood pressure vital sign content in an electronic anesthesia record on a multi-function gesture-sensitive device via gesture-based means. The graphical user interface and methods give an improved user interface and set of functions via novel functions unique to gesture sensitive interfaces.