Abstract: A measurement probe includes a fiber configured to propagate light to irradiate a target to be measured and receive scattered light returned from the target to be measured, an immersion adjustment mechanism configured to communicate outside of the measurement probe with inside of the measurement probe and adjust entrance of liquid from the outside into the measurement probe, and an alteration mechanism configured to alter the fiber by the liquid that has entered into the measurement probe.

Abstract: Provided are a photo-acoustic imaging apparatus and a method of displaying a photo-acoustic image by the photo-acoustic imaging apparatus. The method of displaying a photo-acoustic image by a photo-acoustic imaging apparatus includes: obtaining a first reception signal, which converts a first acoustic wave generated as light having a first wavelength is absorbed by a subject, and a second reception signal, which converts a second acoustic wave generated as light having a second wavelength is absorbed by the subject; determining a first correction coefficient for the first reception signal and a second correction coefficient for the second reception signal based on a ratio between a size of the first reception signal and that of the second reception signal; and displaying a photo-acoustic image which is corrected based on the first and second correction coefficients.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has acoustic transducers; and an image processing unit which calculates intensity of acoustic waves irradiated from regions inside a subject respectively by processing received signals, which are output from the acoustic transducers, by a Fourier-domain method. The image processing unit includes: a coefficient memory which stores coefficients computed in advance, the coefficient being a value determined only by a position of the acoustic transducer, position of the region and a time of receipt of the acoustic wave; a multiplier unit which multiplies the received signal of the acoustic transducer by the corresponding coefficient; and a voxel memory which accumulates multiplication results of the multiplier unit for each region.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for non-invasively assessing one or more parameters associated with fluidic systems such as the circulatory system of a living organism. In a first aspect, an improved method of continuously measuring pressure from a compressible vessel is disclosed, wherein a substantially optimal level of compression for the vessel is achieved and maintained using perturbations (e.g., modulation) of the compression level of the vessel. In one exemplary embodiment, the modulation is conducted according to a pseudo-random binary sequence (PBRS). In a second aspect, an improved apparatus for determining the blood pressure of a living subject is disclosed, the apparatus generally comprising a pressure sensor and associated processor with a computer program defining a plurality of operating states related to the sensed pressure data. Methods for pressure waveform correction and reacquisition, as well as treatment using the present invention, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for monitoring and sensing stress situations of a human, such as a baby, and in some embodiments informing parents or other caretakers of such situations.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating a vascular endothelial function include a first cuff wrapped around one of right and left upper or lower limbs of a subject, a second cuff wrapped around the one of the right and left upper or lower limbs, a third cuff which is to be wrapped around another one of the right and left upper or lower limbs, a cuff pressure controller which controls pressures that are applied to the first cuff, the second cuff and the third cuff, respectively, a cuff pressure detector which detects cuff pressures in the second cuff and the third cuff, a pulse wave detector which detects respective pulse waves at the second cuff and the third cuff from outputs of the pressure sensors.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasably engaging an implantable medical device during delivery includes an elongate, tubular body having an open distal end a plurality of deflectable jaw members extending distally from the distal end of the body and terminating in distal tip portions, and an actuating member slidably disposed within the body and including a distal end portion operable to prevent inward deflection of the jaw members when positioned proximate the distal tip portions. The jaw members are adapted to releasably engage an engagement feature of the implantable medical device.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system for determining cardiovascular information for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of the patient's heart, and create a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of the patient's heart based on the patient-specific data. The at least one computer system may be further configured to create a physics-based model relating to a blood flow characteristic of the patient's heart and determine a fractional flow reserve within the patient's heart based on the three-dimensional model and the physics-based model.

Abstract: A system for determining a life threatening condition of a human may include at least one mobility sensor couplable to a human body and configured to measure mobility parameters of said human body; at least one physiological sensor couplable to a human body and configured to measure physiological parameters of said human body; at least one environmental sensor configured to measure environmental parameters indicative of an environment of said human body; and a computer processor configured to apply a decision function configured to determine a predefined life endangering condition of said human body, based on said measured mobility, physiological, and environmental parameters, and statistical relationship therebetween.

Abstract: A blood pressure measuring system includes: a sphygmomanometer which is configured to invasively measure a blood pressure value of a subject; a calibrating section which is configured to calibrate a measurement reference value of the blood pressure value; a first atmospheric pressure sensor which is adapted to be attached to the subject; a second atmospheric pressure sensor which is fixed to a predetermined position; a difference acquiring section which is configured to acquire a difference between a first atmospheric pressure value detected by the first atmospheric pressure sensor, and a second atmospheric pressure value detected by the second atmospheric pressure sensor; and a determining section which, based on the difference, is configured to determine whether a calibration of the measurement reference value is necessary or not.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for continuously determining blood pressure in a non-invasive manner using a photoplethysmographic system which has at least one light source and at least one light detector that is arranged with a mount on a body part containing an artery. According to the invention, a device is provided with which the contact pressure of the mount on the body part can be adjusted and/or changed depending on the mean blood pressure.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a wearable fitness monitoring device including a motion sensor and a photoplethysmographic (PPG) sensor. The PPG sensor includes (i) a periodic light source, (ii) a photo detector, and (iii) circuitry determining a user's heart rate from an output of the photo detector. Some embodiments provide methods for operating a heart rate monitor of a wearable fitness monitoring device to measure one or more characteristics of a heartbeat waveform. Some embodiments provide methods for operating the wearable fitness monitoring device in a low power state when the device determines that the device is not worn by a user. Some embodiments provide methods for operating the wearable fitness monitoring device in a normal power state when the device determines that the device is worn by a user. Some embodiments provide methods for using response characteristics of the user's skin to adjust a gain and/or light emission intensity of the heart rate monitor.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a wearable fitness monitoring device including a motion sensor and a photoplethysmographic (PPG) sensor. The PPG sensor includes (i) a periodic light source, (ii) a photo detector, and (iii) circuitry determining a user's heart rate from an output of the photo detector. Some embodiments provide methods for operating a heart rate monitor of a wearable fitness monitoring device to measure one or more characteristics of a heartbeat waveform. Some embodiments provide methods for operating the wearable fitness monitoring device in a low power state when the device determines that the device is not worn by a user. Some embodiments provide methods for operating the wearable fitness monitoring device in a normal power state when the device determines that the device is worn by a user.

Abstract: The implantable electrode system of the preferred embodiments includes a conductor, an interconnect coupled to the conductor, an insulator that insulates the interconnect, and an anchor that overlaps a peripheral edge of the electrode layer. The anchor is mechanically interlocked with the insulator. This structure is particularly useful with the electrode layer being a neural interface that is configured to provide either a recording and stimulating function.

Abstract: A skin-contact electrode for registering a biomedical vital parameter includes a component assemblage comprising an outer edge, a first component and a second component. The first component has a planer design and comprises an electrically conductive material having a first component rigidity. The second component comprises an electrically insulating material having a second rigidity. The first component rigidity is greater than the second component rigidity. The outer edge is only formed by the second component.

Abstract: Techniques for determining whether a patient will respond to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) include identifying a plurality of consecutive cardiac beats within a cardiac electrogram of the patient and, for each of the consecutive cardiac beats, measuring a repolarization interval. The techniques also include determining a variability of the measured repolarization intervals. The variability of the measured repolarization intervals indicates whether the patient will respond to CRT. For example, a variability lower than a predetermined threshold may indicate that the patient is a CRT responder, while a variability greater than the predetermined threshold may indicate that the patient is a CRT non-responder.

Abstract: A diatrophic, bio-physiological interface is self-contained with onboard intensification, filtering, and signal processing and is wirelessly enabled (idio-electrode), with multiple sensory system for bio-physiological measurements, described herein utilizes spatially resolved potential profiles from a cluster of mini electrodes to form constituent sets comprising mini sensorial electrodes. The sets of sub electrodes containing the clusters are jointly optimized to attain measurable gradient of some diagnostic value. The present invention provides a distinct lead-free single electrode that is rotationally invariant with onboard Digital Signal Processor for arrhythmia detection, source encoding, and passive and active wireless transmission.

Abstract: One method for measuring variability between direct heartbeat data and indirect heartbeat data includes: receiving first heartbeat data from an electrocardiogram over a period of time; receiving second heartbeat data from an indirect measure of heartbeat data over at least a portion of the period of time; calculating, by a computing device, a difference between the first heartbeat data and the second heartbeat data; and comparing the difference to determine a variation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus (100) for detecting magnetic particles in a field of view (28), which apparatus comprises selection means, drive means, receiving means for acquiring detection signals, and reconstruction means (152) for reconstructing an image of the field of view (28) from detection signals.

Abstract: A bio impedance measurement apparatus includes a current applicator configured to provide, to terminals contacting a body, a current based on a first control signal, and a modulator configured to modulate a voltage generated as the current flows through the body, based on a second control signal. The apparatus further includes an amplifier configured to amplify the modulated voltage, and a demodulator configured to demodulate the amplified voltage based on a third control signal.

Abstract: An animal handling system for use in a magnetic resonance device (MRD) device, including: a first elongated enclosure having a proximal end, a distal open end and a first geometry, and a second elongated enclosure having a proximal end, a distal open end and a second geometry. The first geometry comprises a first cross-sectional area that is larger than a second cross-sectional area of the second geometry. The first elongated enclosure is inserted into a first input port of the MRD device and the second elongated enclosure is inserted in a second input port of the MRD device diametrically opposite to first input port. The first elongated enclosure and the second elongated enclosure are inserted into the respective input ports, the second elongated enclosure slides into the first elongated enclosure through the open distal end of the first elongated enclosure.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus to determine a suitable table position for an examination step in a magnetic resonance (MR) apparatus, the patient table is moved to a first table position and a first measurement volume is selected. Adjustment measurements to adjust components of the MR apparatus to the first measurement volume are implemented and the measurement results are stored. A second measurement volume is selected. The difference between an optimal table position for the second examination step and the first table position is calculated. MR data are acquired from the second measurement volume at the optimal table position for the second examination step if the difference exceeds a defined threshold, and at the first table position with the first adjustment parameters if the difference does not exceed the threshold.

Abstract: A probe includes an insertion tube, a magnetic field sensor, a dummy load mounted adjacent to the magnetic field sensor, and a braid. The braid includes multiple braid wires that traverse a length of the insertion tube. A first pair of the braid wires is connected across the magnetic field sensor, and a second pair of the braid wires is connected across the dummy load.

Abstract: A low back pressure mouthpiece for accurate detection of exhaled nitric oxide (NO) includes a conduit for receiving the exhaled breath from the subject. An oxidizing filter for sample conditioning, wherein the conduit and oxidizing filter operate to produce a back pressure of less than 4 cm H2O; and a device for measuring the level of one or more components of the received exhaled breath.

Abstract: A measuring device with a measuring tape and a one-piece handle. The handle includes a main body with a fixed reference, an anchor portion with a movable reference and a resilient element. The measuring tape is secured to the anchor portion. The resilient element allows the anchor portion to move with respect to the main body when the measuring tape is under the tension. The resilient element is configured so that the movable reference comes into alignment with the fixed reference when the measuring tape is under proper tension. The fixed reference may also provide a reference from which to take measurements. The resilient element may include a pair of nonlinear segments that straighten under tension. The main body may include a pair of fixed references disposed on opposite sides of the measuring tape, and the anchor portion may include a pair of corresponding movable references.

Abstract: The systems, methods and computer program products evaluates motion data obtained from an IMU of different respective users to identify when a physical activity occurs and, what physical activity occurs using waveform template matching to corresponding user waveforms with activity signatures and optionally how well the physical activity was performed relative to a reference population or a baseline performance of the same physical activity by the user.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for monitoring, measuring and/or estimating a force applied to a body or body part of a vertebral mammal. The apparatus includes an acceleration sensor for measuring acceleration of the body or body part relative to an inertial frame of reference and for providing data indicative of the acceleration. The acceleration sensor includes at least one inertial sensor, a memory device adapted for storing the data, and a processor adapted for processing the data to evaluate a reaction force that correlates to the data. The processor may be configured to execute an algorithm for evaluating the reaction force, based on one or more correlation components such as mass, speed and/or velocity associated with the body or body part. A method of monitoring and/or estimating a force applied to a body or body part of a vertebral mammal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and a device are disclosed for the diagnosis of sensory sensitivity in medical patients, including using a multifunctional medical device which may be utilized to test patient's skin sensitivity to a variety of stimuli and conditions such as heat or temperature, vibrations, electrical shock, pressure, pain, burning sensation, and the like. In some embodiments, the medical device includes a multifunction diagnostic head providing various stimuli at its tip, such as various temperatures, vibration, electrical shock, pressure, pain, and other stimuli which is detected by human skin sensory cells. In some embodiments, a diagnostic head coupled with a computing device may be used to generate sound for hearing test. In other embodiments, each of these stimuli may be provided by a separate removable diagnostic head. In other embodiments, a removable diagnostic head may provide several, but not all, or all of the desired sensory stimuli listed above.

Abstract: In medical procedures requiring access to the stomach, such as insertion of a nasogastric tube (also known as NG tube), verification is required that the tube has indeed reached the stomach and did not find its way into another organ such as the lungs. The invention provides a simple and foolproof way of establishing that the stomach was reached. The method does not require any additional training of the medical staff. The invention can be used in conjunction with an NG tube and provides feedback to the user when the NG tube is correctly inserted in the stomach by detecting the presence of Gastric acid.

Abstract: There are provided an endoscope system processor device, an endoscope system, an operation method for an endoscope system processor device, and an operation method for an endoscope system for calculating objective diagnostic information, which is easier to understand than the oxygen saturation, based on the oxygen saturation. The endoscope system processor device includes: a receiving unit that receives an image signal obtained by imaging an observation target with an endoscope; an oxygen saturation calculation unit that calculates an oxygen saturation based on the image signal; a pixel specification unit that specifies an out-of-range pixel in which the oxygen saturation deviates from a specific range set in advance; and a diagnostic information calculation unit that calculates diagnostic information as a numerical value using information of the out-of-range pixel.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a method and apparatus for non-invasively determining the blood oxygen saturation level within a subject's tissue is provided. The method comprises the steps of: a) providing a spectrophotometric sensor operable to transmit light into the subject's tissue, and to sense the light; b) detecting light after passage through the subject's tissue using the sensor, and producing initial signal data from the light sensed; c) calibrating the sensor to that particular subject using the initial signal data, thereby accounting for the specific physical characteristics of the particular subject's tissue being sensed; and d) using the calibrated sensor to determine the blood oxygen parameter value within the subject's tissue.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for determining physiological information based on distortion factors and physiological signals. Physiological signals are received by a system. The system may receive or determine a value indicative of oxygen saturation. The distortion factors may be calculated based on the value indicative of oxygen saturation and the physiological signals. The distortion factors may be used to determine physiological information.

Abstract: The disclosure includes pulse oximetry systems and methods for determining point-by-point saturation values by encoding photoplethysmographs in the complex domain and processing the complex signals. The systems filter motion artifacts and other noise using a variety of techniques, including statistical analysis such as correlation, or phase filtering.

Abstract: A device includes a body part and a wearable part integrally attached to the body part and to be worn on a finger, and includes a light source unit and a light receiving unit that are arranged so as to oppose each other. The body part includes an electric circuit including a signal processor, a power supply unit, and a first terminal unit electrically connected to the electric circuit, and the wearable part includes at least one of the light source unit and the light receiving unit, and a second terminal unit electrically connected to the at least one of them. The first and second terminal units are mechanically in contact with and electrically connected to each other. The signal processor acquires a digital value concerning a pulse wave based on a signal output from the light receiving unit receiving light from the light source unit via the finger.

Abstract: A handheld multi-parameter measuring instrument includes: a housing having a sidewall and opposed first and second surfaces, the sidewall, the first surface and the second surface cooperatively forming a cavity; a cover attached to the sidewall and rotatably connected to the housing; the blood oxygen transducer includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit; the light emitting unit is configured to emit red light and infrared light alternately; the light receiving unit is configured to receive the red light and the infrared light emitted from the light emitting unit; the signal processing unit is received in the cavity of the housing and is configured to control the light emitting unit to emit the red light and the infrared light alternately; the signal processing unit is further configured to calculate oxygen saturation based on a signal received by the light receiving unit; the light emitting unit is located at a side of the cover attached to the housing, and the light receiving unit is located a

Abstract: A blood collection needle assembly is provided, said assembly comprises a blood collection needle with an adapter lock and an elastic blood stopper, and a tube holder, wherein the needle incorporates at least one light guide positioned within the lumen and penetrating the wall thereof via at least one aperture, said light guide is configured to receive by its proximal end an optical radiation beam from an optical radiation source, to conduct optical radiation beam throughout internal space thereof and to emit optical radiation at a distal end thereof; wherein wavelength for optical radiation is selected to be strongly absorbed by blood red cells and walls of blood vessels; and wherein an adapter lock may be manufactured from the material ranging from substantially transparent to non-transparent in regards to optical radiation produced by the optical radiation source.

Abstract: A kidney viability assessment system (KVAS) is disclosed which provides objective and reliable tests to assess the viability of transplant or donor kidneys in vivo and predict their post-transplant outcomes. KVAS includes an optical device augmented by an intelligent algorithm that can evaluate the viability or quality of the donor kidney in a real-time, non-invasive way. In particular, it includes a handheld optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging device and at least one processor configured for executing a set of instructions corresponding to an automatic image processing algorithm for quantification of kidney microstructures and functions. Handheld OCT can survey the entire surface of kidney, and the image processing algorithm automatically segments and quantifies the diameter and/or density of the kidney microstructures, blood flows, etc., and quantitative values are displayed in real-time on a display of the KVAS.

Abstract: Methods for central pain diagnosis and assessment, symptom severity prediction, and therapeutic intervention effect determination. The diagnosis and assessment method includes a statistical comparison between a subject's quantitative brain function assessment and either a database of quantitative assessments of brain functions of healthy individuals, or a database of quantitative assessments of brain functions of individuals known to have been suffering from chronic pain as a result of the abnormal brain function condition. Diagnosis and assessment may be accomplished using a neuroimaging device to sense and generate images representing central nervous system function, using a sensory stimulation device to stimulate brain activities associated with central sensitivity, and using a computing device to command the sensory stimulation device and neuroimaging device to test for the presence of central pain.

Abstract: An integrated system for injection including an injection device (10) in electronic connection with a communication device (A) is provided. The external communication device may be a handheld electronic device such as a Smartphone or a dedicated reader such as a reader capable of reading information contained on an RFID tag. The injection device includes a needle (12) and a drug delivery portion (28) enclosed within an external housing. Optionally, a plurality of sensors (16) is affixed to the surface of the needle to collect data about the injection and physical characteristics of the patient. The data may be recorded on a data capture module (36). The electronic chip may be a readable and writable electronic chip such as a nonvolatile memory chip. The injection device may further include a data transmitter (42) for sending information obtained from the data capture module to the external communications device.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining analysis information supporting a user assessing the effect of a biological agent on the treatment of a rheumatic disease. The method includes, subsequent to starting the administration of the biological agent: recording a first morphological magnetic resonance imaging record of at least one target joint using a first magnetic resonance sequence; recording a second magnetic resonance imaging record showing the blood flow through the target joint by perfusion imaging using a second magnetic resonance sequence; determining at least a first measuring parameter related to the morphology of the joint by analysis of the first magnetic resonance imaging record and at least a second measuring parameter describing the blood flow in the target joint by analysis of the second magnetic resonance imaging record; and automatic determination of the analysis information from the first and the second measuring parameter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining a continuous CSF flow rate in an implanted CSF shunt in real-time. The system/method utilize a Peltier sensor formed on a flexible pad that is placed against the patient's skin. The Peltier sensor includes a Peltier device coupled to a thermal resistor that is contact with the patient's skin over the CSF shunt location. The Peltier device is operated continuously, controlled by the Peltier temperature sensor to a predetermined temperature that is below the patient's core temperature to form a temperature differential that causes any heat generated by the skin/CSF flow to be detected by a skin temperature sensor and the Peltier temperature sensor. Upstream and downstream temperature sensors, as well as control temperature sensors, are utilized to form a zero flow rate baseline that is used to calibrate a Peltier signal that corresponds to a real-time CSF flow rate.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are described in which Intrinsic Frequency calculation (direct and/or by approximation) of a pulse pressure waveform is used make a determination of metabolic syndrome and/or insulin resistance or sensitivity. The pulse pressure waveform may be obtained non-invasively using a smartphone platform or be otherwise obtained.

Abstract: A touch input biometric apparatus for measuring and communicating biometric data of a user which in preferred embodiments may comprise a platform configured to receive the weight of a user; a touch screen display integrated into the top surface of the platform and configured to receive touch input from a user; a first and a second BIA measurement zone comprising an electrically conductive material integrated into the top surface of the platform and configured to transfer an electrical current through the body of a user, said electrically conductive material electrically coupled to a BIA sensor configured to measure electrical impedance; and a weight sensor configured to measure the weight of the user on the platform. The apparatus may display the user's weight, estimation of percent body fat, or other biometric data on the touch screen display.

Abstract: A delivery and fixation system of an implant assembly having an intracorporeal device. The system provides for a low profile delivery system for an implant assembly having an anchor for fixation within a vessel adapted to be delivered via a catheter.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel contact sensors. The contact sensors disclosed herein include a conductive composite material formed of a polymer and a conductive filler. In one particular aspect, the composite materials can include less than about 10 wt % conductive filler. Thus, the composite material of the contact sensors can have physical characteristics essentially identical to the polymer, while being electrically conductive with the electrical resistance proportional to the load on the sensor. The sensors can provide real time dynamic contact information for joint members under conditions expected during use.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for facilitating the prognosis of degenerative disc disorder (DDD) are provided. In one aspect, intervertebral disc loss is predicted based on receiving image data comprising one or more images of the human spine; segmenting, using a processor, disc regions of said one or more images; generating, using the processor, individual biomarkers based on texture features of said segmented disc regions; generating, using the processor, a predicting intervertebral disc loss based in part on the prognostic marker generated from the individual biomarkers.

Abstract: An improved method for incentivizing wellness in employees and a device for implementing the method are provided. The wellness incentive method measures baseline wellness factors of a user while the user performs biometric testing. The baseline wellness factors are then used to calculate a wellness score and baseline incentive amount, both of which are proportional to the risk for future adverse health events. The user retakes the biometric test at a later date and current wellness factors are then measured. The current wellness factors are used to calculate a current wellness score. If the current wellness score improves, an additional incentive is provided to the user which is directly linked to the reduced risk for future adverse health events that the improvement conveys and the difficulty of the change.

Abstract: Scans of brains result in data that can be challenging to display due to its complexity, multi-dimensionality, and range. Visual representations of such data are limited due to the nature of the display, the number of possible dimensions that can be represented visually, and the capacity of our visual system to perceive and interpret visual data. This paper describes the use of sonification to interpret brain scans and use sound as a complementary tool to view, analyze, and diagnose. The sonification tool may be used as a method to augment visual brain data display.

Abstract: Tomosynthesis imaging methods, systems, and apparatus are disclosed. The systems may include a source to emit penetrating particles toward an object, a detector to acquire a series of projection images responsive to the penetrating particles, and a positioning system to position the source relative to the object and the detector. An imaging system controls the positioning apparatus, source, and detector to acquire images along a primary scan direction with offsets in a secondary scan direction. An oscillatory motion may be applied to the source to reduce focal spot blur. Tomographic volumes are constructed that are capable of exhibiting super-resolution from data representing the acquired series of projection images taking the primary scan direction and the offsets into consideration.

Abstract: A gantry control panel for positioning a patient with respect to a gantry includes at least one contour of at least a portion of a figure representing a patient to be positioned with respect to a gantry, and at least one control button positioned in association with the at least one contour or as part of the at least one contour. The at least one control button controls positioning of the patient with respect to the gantry.