Abstract: An image processing device includes an image acquisition section that acquires a captured image that includes an image of an object, the captured image being an image captured by an imaging section, a distance information acquisition section that acquires distance information based on the distance from the imaging section to the object when the imaging section captured the captured image, an irregularity information acquisition section that acquires extracted irregularity information from the acquired distance information, the extracted irregularity information being information that represents irregular parts extracted from the object, and an enhancement section that performs an enhancement process on an enhancement target, the enhancement target being an irregular part that is represented by the extracted irregularity information and agrees with characteristics specified by known characteristic information, the known characteristic information being information that represents known characteristics relating

Abstract: An endoscopic microinstrument may include a substantially rigid body having first and second ends, a channel between the first and second ends; a substantially rigid end portion movably coupled to the body and having first and second ends; a tool located at the first end of the end portion and including first and second anvils; first and second handles coupled to the body, at least one of the handles further coupled to the tool and configured to control actuation of at least one of the first and second anvils; a camera coupled to, and situated to a side of, the substantially rigid end portion, the camera configured to obtain images of a region-of-interest; and an end portion controller coupled to the body and configured angulate and/or rotate the substantially rigid end portion relative to the substantially rigid body.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an observation optical system that allows a magnified observation close to a subject, and illumination optical systems. In a close observation, ITM is a maximum brightness within an observation view field angle, and ITC is a center brightness. In a normal observation IWC is a center brightness, and IWS is a brightness at a position of 80% of a maximum view angle. The following is satisfied: 0.3<ITC/ITM<0.45 0.15<IWS/IWC<0.25 0.3<fLfT/?LIH<0.6 where fL is a focal length of each of the entire illumination optical systems, fT is a focal length of the entire observation optical system in a maximum magnification, ?L is an outer diameter of a lens that is farthest on an object side of each illumination optical system, and IH is a maximum image height of the observation optical system.

Abstract: Positioning precision between an image-acquisition device and an objective lens is enhanced by suppressing manufacturing errors. Provided is an endoscope image-acquisition unit equipped with an objective-lens-unit frame that holds an objective lens and an image-acquisition-device holding frame that is fitted to the objective-lens-unit frame and that holds an image-acquisition device, wherein the objective-lens-unit frame and the image-acquisition-device holding frame are attached and secured to each other by means of thermosetting resin that is applied to fitting portions therebetween and in which polar-molecule materials are mixed, and one of the objective-lens-unit frame and the image-acquisition-device holding frame, whichever one is positioned outside at the fitting portions, is formed of a material that allows microwaves to pass therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kit and method for the storage and transportation of medical equipment, in particular endoscopes. A method of storing medical equipment, using a kit comprising a bag made from a flexible plastics material, a first closure device for securing the bag closed and a second closure device for securing the bag closed, comprises: a) placing an item of medical equipment in a first, clean state within the bag; b) securing the bag closed with the first closure device; c) removing the first closure device; d) removing the medical equipment from the bag for use; e) placing said used medical equipment, in a second, dirty state, in the bag; and f) securing the bag closed with the second closure device, such that the bag is sealed to retain moisture within the bag.

Abstract: Devices for joining an endoscope with a system for cleaning a colon or other body lumen are presented. Embodiments include variable placement of distal portions of suction components with respect to the endoscope, multiple suction tubes and/or suction portals, and devices for protecting colon walls from suction damage.

Abstract: A blocked end portion of a cylinder is provided closer to a distal end side in a direction of insertion of the piston into the cylinder than a minimum diameter portion. The blocked end portion includes a minimum diameter uniform portion which has the same inside diameter as the minimum diameter portion and a partial diameter increased portion which has an inside diameter that is increased as compared to the inside diameter of the minimum diameter portion.

Abstract: An observation apparatus including a light source that irradiates a subject with illumination light and special light that acts on a specific region of the subject; and a processor comprising hardware, wherein the processor is configured to implement: a return-light-image generating portion that generates a return-light image based on captured return light coming from the subject due to irradiation with the illumination light; a special-light-image generating portion that generates a special-light image based on captured signal light coming from the subject due to irradiation with the special light; an extraction portion that extracts the specific region from the special-light image; and an enhancement processing portion that performs enhancement processing, which is based on return-light image information, on the return-light image, in a region corresponding to the extracted specific region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dental instruments having video capabilities. Specifically, the present invention relates to a dental instrument having a video camera for viewing a user's or patient's mouth when utilizing the dental instrument. More specifically, the dental instrument provides video output to a wireless device, such as a smart phone, tablet computer or other like computer. Methods of using the same are further provided.

Abstract: The teachings provided herein are directed to a methods and devices for treating a hemorrhoid in a subject in a manner that produces substantially less post-procedural pain in the subject, the method minimizing or avoiding a removing or a necrosis of a rectal tissue fold.

Abstract: Methods and devices for retracting tissue in a surgical procedure to allow access to the surgical site. Retractor systems and methods that comprise a retractor frame comprising rotatable arms and a linearly translatable arm, the rotatable arms and the linearly translatable arm each coupled to blades that can angulate.

Abstract: A system for preliminary diagnosis of ocular diseases is proposed, in which from capturing a plurality of images of the eyes of a person, a final image, corrected by processing the images by a computer application, is obtained. The already mentioned application calculates the percentage of the colors composing the pupillary reflex of each eye, and compares the results with previous reference pictures obtained from normal cases and clinical cases of ocular diseases.

Abstract: An eye image and video capture system (100) that includes at least one user interface from which a user may select one of a plurality of regions of an eye to image, each of the plurality of regions preferably having at least one correlated preset value for the light control components of the optics assembly and/or at least one correlated preset value for controlling the camera. A method associated with the eye image and video capture system. A slit lamp data to detection system in which the slit lamp (200) preferably has a movable component that preferably has a direct relation to desired data. The slit lamp data detection system may be a slit lamp magnification data detection system for detecting magnification data. The slit lamp data detection system may be a slit lamp position data detection system for detecting position data that indicates which eye is being examined.

Abstract: A method for measuring the geometric parameters of the eye. These measurements, known by the term biometrics, are particularly significant for the calculation of intraocular lenses after previous refractive cornea surgery. OCT images and other images are recorded simultaneously, the intensity of the reflected light generated during the OCT image recordings being lower by a factor of 2, by a factor of 10 or by a factor of 100, than the intensity of the illumination light of the other image recordings. The solution provides a method for producing other image recordings, in addition to OCT recordings, in the form of representations of the sclera or of the fundus, or keratometric, topographic or biometric measurements, or even short image sequences, for instance, while aligning the device with the eye.

Abstract: An ophthalmic optical power measurement device can include a light source configured to direct an input beam of light into the eye of a patient. The ophthalmic optical power measurement device can also include an aperture configured to receive an output beam that consists of light from the input beam that scatters from a location on the retina of the eye and exits through the pupil of the eye. The ophthalmic optical power measurement device can also include a detector configured to receive the output beam after it has passed through the aperture. A processor can be configured to determine the size of a spot created by the output beam on the detector, and to determine the optical power of the eye based upon the size of the spot.

Abstract: Systems and method for utilizing energy harvesting techniques to power a battery-less wireless medical sensor to perform intermittent operations are disclosed. The systems may include one or more sensing components configured to generate data related to one or more physiological parameters by performing intermittent measurements on a patient. The systems and method may include wireless communication circuitry configured to wirelessly transmit the data to a monitor. The monitor may be configured to operate with the battery-less wireless medical sensor or may download required operational algorithms if needed. The intermittent measurement and transmission may be asynchronously executed. The systems and method may include a processing device configured to determine when to perform the intermittent measurement and transmit data based at least upon a power source energy level, a rate at which to perform the intermittent measurement and transmit data, a prioritization, or a triggering event.

Abstract: A wearable device that wirelessly automatically acquires and processes signals indicative of a condition of subject's health. The device is adapted to wirelessly transmit the processed signals and other information to a suitable analytic and/or storage device where the subject's condition can be analyzed and/or stored. The signals could be ECG signals and the condition could be the health of the subject's heart.

Abstract: A parallel biometric signal processor and a method of controlling the parallel biometric signal processor are described. The processor and corresponding method include amplifiers configured to amplify a biometric signal based on an amplifying attribute and converters configured to convert the amplified signal to a converted signal based on a converting attribute. The processor also includes preprocessors configured to preprocess the converted signal based on a preprocessing attribute, and feature extractors configured to extract a set of biometric information from an output signal of the preprocessors.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for monitoring of a body function and/or a body property of a patient having a sensor which determines measurement values with regard to the body function and/or the body property, a unit for detecting a critical condition of the respective body function and/or body property based on the measurement values, a unit for providing alert information to the patient in case a critical condition is detected, preferably optically and/or acoustically, an acknowledgement unit for acknowledging the critical condition and a transmitter for transmitting information with regard to the corresponding body function and/or body property, for example an emergency signal and/or a position information, wherein the transmitter is only activatable in the case, in which after a predefined time period from the detection of the critical condition the acknowledgement unit has not been operated.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved method, system and product to provide wireless ECG patient monitoring. Although embodiments make specific reference to monitoring electrocardiogram signal with an adherent patch, the system methods, and device herein may be applicable to any application in which physiological monitoring is used. The present invention also presents a reliable means for docking the interface while minimizing signal interference and user error. In addition, a novel means for transmitting and receiving a patient's ECG measurements is introduced which includes the use of an epidermal communication network (ECN) and an ECG enabled module for ECN communications and interface. Although embodiments make specific reference to the use of the ECN for ECG measurements, the system methods, and protocol herein may be applicable to any wearable device and/or other smart device which is ECN enabled.

Abstract: A system for wearable/man-portable electromagnetic tomographic imaging includes a wearable/man-portable boundary apparatus adapted to receive a biological object within, a position determination system, electromagnetic transmitting/receiving hardware, and a hub computer system. The electromagnetic transmitting/receiving hardware collectively generates an electromagnetic field that passes into the boundary apparatus and receives the electromagnetic field after being scattered/interferenced by the biological object within. The hub computer system performs electromagnetic tomographic imaging based on the received electromagnetic field.

Abstract: A system for wearable/man-portable electromagnetic tomographic imaging includes a wearable/man-portable boundary apparatus adapted to receive a biological object within, a position determination system, electromagnetic transmitting/receiving hardware, and a hub computer system. The electromagnetic transmitting/receiving hardware collectively generates an electromagnetic field that passes into the boundary apparatus and receives the electromagnetic field after being scattered/interferenced by the biological object within. The hub computer system performs electromagnetic tomographic imaging based on the received electromagnetic field.

Abstract: A diagnostic apparatus (20) for detecting a presence of breast cancer in a patient disposed in a testing position. The diagnostic apparatus (20) includes a housing (44) and a camera assembly (58) that is supported by the housing (44) for recording images of the breasts of the patient. A rail (76) is supported by and extends from the housing (44) and terminates at a pair of rail ends (80). A trolley (88) interconnects the camera assembly (58) and the rail (76) and is slideable along said rail (76) for providing movement of the camera assembly (58) along the rail (76) between the rail ends (80) for allowing the camera assembly (58) to consecutively record images at different positions along the rail (76) and to record images of the lymph nodes of the patient when the camera assembly (58) is disposed adjacent to the rail ends (80) in alignment with the sides of the breasts of the patient.

Abstract: A method of examining breasts of a patient in an examination room to detect for potential breast cancer includes sliding a camera assembly along a rail between a pair of rail ends on a horizontal plane between a plurality of positions. A plurality of control thermographic images and a plurality of test thermographic images are recorded during the sliding movement to allow the camera assembly to consecutively record the control and test thermographic images of breasts of the patient from each of the plurality of positions. The camera assembly is slid to first and second optimal positions that are each disposed adjacent to one of the rail ends and in alignment with first and second sides of the breasts of the patient to capture images of the lymph nodes on the sides of the breasts.

Abstract: A disposable, zero-heat-flux, deep tissue temperature probe is constructed using a support assembly with multiple sections folded together or separated into strata during assembly of the probe. The sections support elements of the probe, including thermal sensors and a thermal resistor between the thermal sensors. Optionally, one of the sections supports a heater.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein for remotely determining blood pressure in a mammalian subject. A method for remotely determining blood pressure in a mammalian subject is disclosed that includes emitting multiple radiation pulses to one or more locations on a skin surface of the mammalian subject; and determining the blood pressure in the subject based on a calculation of timing of one or more heartbeats relative to timing of a first blood pressure pulse and timing of a second blood pressure pulse.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to an apparatus for monitoring patient orientation. A reusable sensor is configured to detect inclination angles of an anterior region of the patient. An elongated disposable attachment device is configured for removable attachment to both the sensor and the patient's anterior region such that the direction of elongation of the attachment device extends along the patient's sternum. The attachment device includes a sensor attachment portion configured for removable attachment to the sensor such that the sensor is prevented from direct contact with the patient, and a patient attachment portion configured for removable attachment to the patient's anterior region.

Abstract: A centerline extraction unit extracts at least two coronary artery centerline structures from at least two images respectively corresponding to at least two cardiac phases concerning a heart, an interpolation processing unit interpolates coronary artery centerline structures concerning other cardiac phases from the at least two extracted coronary artery centerline structures to generate coronary artery centerline structures respectively corresponding to a plurality of cardiac phases throughout one heartbeat of the heart, and a displacement distribution calculation unit calculates a plurality of displacement distributions between the respective cardiac phases from a plurality of coronary artery centerline structures throughout the one heartbeat.

Abstract: A cardiopulmonary function evaluating apparatus includes: an electrocardiogram measuring unit which is configured to measure an electrocardiogram of a subject; a photoplethysmogram detecting unit which is configured to detect a photoplethysmogram of the subject; a heart rate calculating unit which is configured to calculate a heart rate (HR) of the subject based on the electrocardiogram; a PWTT calculating unit which is configured to calculate a pulse wave transmission time (PWTT) of the subject based on the electrocardiogram and the photoplethysmogram; an SV calculating unit which is configured to calculate a stroke volume (SV) of the subject based on the heart rate and the pulse wave transmission time; and an outputting unit which is configured to output a state related to the stroke volume of the subject based on the stroke volume that is calculated by the SV calculating unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to medicine, in particular, to vascular and endovascular surgery. The objective of the invention is to measure pressure and to administer drugs to an aneurysm in a blood vessel after implantation of a stent-graft. The device for measurement of pressure and for administration of drugs is made of a shape memory material, in the form of a hollow tube with side apertures.

Abstract: A portable, cuffless instrument and system for providing rapid measurements of vital signs of a patient undergoing trauma from illness or injury comprising a portable instrument connectable via contact sensors to the patient to produce a vital sign data set including blood pressure, pulse, blood oxygen saturation, and body temperature. The instrument preferably includes wireless communication capability in a network and system including a remote server, database, and processing capability to provide access to electronic medical records, to analyze the vital signs data, report preliminary diagnoses to a care giver, including listing chronologically vital sign data for trends.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1) and method for obtaining vital sign information of a living being (2). The proposed device (1) comprises a detection unit (3) for receiving light (4) in at least one wavelength interval reflected from at least a region of interest (20) of a living being (2) and for generating an input signal (5) from the received light (4), a processing unit (6) for processing the input signal (5) and deriving vital sign information (7) of said living being from said input signal (5) by use of remote photoplethysmography, and an illumination unit (8) for illuminating at least said region of interest (20) during illumination intervals with light, wherein said light during said illumination intervals is optimized for deriving vital sign information from an input signal generated by use of remote photoplethysmography from received light reflected from said region of interest.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a first data acquisition unit, a second data acquisition unit and an image data generating unit. The first data acquisition unit acquires first data from a slice to be a target after a first delay time from a reference of a first heart rate in synchronized with an electrocardiogram. The second data acquisition unit acquires second data from the slice after a second delay time from a reference of a second heart rate which is different from the first heart rate. The image data generating unit generates image data with image reconstruction processing using the first data and the second data.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a system and method for determining the time it takes for an arterial pulse pressure wave to transit between a proximal and a distal point of a patient's body. In one embodiment, a signal is received from each of a first and second device worn circumferentially around a proximal and a distal region, respectively. The devices are worn on an area of exposed skin. Each of the devices comprises at least one emitter/detector pair fixed to an inner side of each device and has at least one detector paired to at least one illuminator. Each detector has at least one sensor that is sensitive to a wavelength band of light emitted by its illuminator. Each device generates signals that are proportional to an intensity of light emitted by an illuminator. The signals are analyzed to determine arterial pulse wave transit time between the proximal and distal regions.

Abstract: A physiological function detecting earphone includes an earphone body, an earplug mounted at one side of the earphone body and defining a window, a light processing module including a light sensing module towards the window, and a signal processing module. A detecting method includes steps: the participant inserts the earplug in the ear canal thereof; the light sensing module senses the changes of light emitted through the window and then reflected by the wall of the ear canal; the light processing module processes the reflected light of changes to get PPG signals; the signal processing module receives and processes the PPG signals to get physiological information of the participant. The window opened in the earplug can gather the light in a narrow area of the ear canal so that reduces effect of manufacturing material on transmittance of light and improves accuracy of the PPG signals and the physiological information.

Abstract: A plethysmography (“PPG”) measurement system may include at least one source of PPG radiation and at least one auxiliary sensor for detection of PPG radiation. The radiation source emits a portion of the PPG radiation toward a subject and another portion along an optical path for direct communication between the PPG radiation source and the auxiliary sensor. The auxiliary sensor may develop a profile against which measurements from primary PPG sensors, which receive light returning from the subject, may be compared. From this comparison, new PPG signals may be generated that exhibit lower noise than the PPG signals output by PPG sensors. These noise mitigation techniques may be used advantageously by a PPG system to generate more accurate measurements and also to reduce power consumption by the radiation sources.

Abstract: A heart monitoring sensor having a printed circuit board with a depressed inner area, which, together with a flexible bulb extending from a perimeter for the depressed area, forms a sealed cavity. A sensor, such as a pressure sensor, is mounted within the sealed cavity. The bulb is releasably attached to the exterior of an animal near a heart pulse-detection point, and pressure changes within the cavity from the animal's heart pulse are sensed by the pressure sensor. The sensor output is provided outside the heart monitor by wired or wireless connection. In a particular embodiment, the sensor may be an active ranging sensor, and may range off of a reflective inner surface of the bulb. The active ranging sensor may be sonar, light reflective, (such as lidar), or Doppler. For a horse, the preferred location is in a natural depression underneath the horse's tail near the horse's dock.

Abstract: A fiberoptic waveguide connectable to an optical receiver, and a plurality of electro-optical elements optically coupled to the waveguide. The electro-optical elements each have a first electrode with a first polarity, and a second electrode with a second polarity. A light-emitting diode is linked to the first electrode and configured for illuminating the waveguide responsively to an electrical potential between the first electrode and the second electrode at a respective wavelength. The waveguide may be incorporated into a catheter for insertion into a subject, such as a cardiac catheter.

Abstract: A catheter includes a tip electrode with a shell and a support member to provide a plenum chamber. The support member is formed with a U-shaped passage for a safety line to wrap around and secure the support member (with the shell affixed thereto) to the catheter. Additional passages are formed in the support member to accommodate components such as irrigation tubing, lead wires and a thermocouple wire pair. A method of manufacture provides distal installation and/or anchoring of the safety line, lead wire and thermocouple wire pair in the support member prior to sealing the support member and mounting the shell.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for pre-screening an opioid-addicted patient to determine the patient's tolerance for a therapeutic dose of noribogaine.

Abstract: A method for classification of ECG beats into normal and different categories of abnormal beats. The method comprises the following steps, performed on a computing platform: a. performing a training phase comprising taking as an input one or more ECG beats that are pre-classified into the different categories, with each ECG beat decomposed into multiple features and defining membership functions for each beat category for each feature; b.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a high frequency (HF) electrogram signal including (a) providing at least one electrogram signal from an electrode located within a subject's body, (b) measuring the electrogram signal at a high frequency during a specific segment of a cardiac cycle, generating a HF electrogram signal, and (c) having a computer measure at least one time-varying parameter of the HF electrogram signal. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward an asynchrony index that is related to data of a subject's heart. The asynchrony index includes intra-ventricular or inter-ventricular electrical asynchrony data. The intra-ventricular or inter-ventricular electrical asynchrony data can be specific to a certain subject, and indicative of a different conditions specific to that subject.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. A method of mapping electrical activity of a heart may comprise sensing a plurality of signals with a plurality of electrodes positioned within the heart. The method may further comprise separating the plurality of signals into a first group of signals and a second group of signals, and generating a data set that includes at least one known data point and one or more unknown data points. In some examples, the at least one known data point is generated based on the first group of signals.

Abstract: A system for processing electrocardiograph signals includes an interface and a processor. The interface provides a first electrocardiograph signal and a second electrocardiograph signal from an electrocardiograph to the processor. The processor receives the electrocardiograph signals, processes the first electrocardiograph signal to identify a feature of the signal, and processes the second electrocardiograph signal to identify energy over time (e.g., at various time instances), and identifies a first time instance of interest based on the feature.

Abstract: Example headsets and methods for gathering electroencephalographic signals are disclosed herein. An example headset disclosed herein includes a cap to be worn on a head of a person and a first electrode carried by the cap. The first electrode holder defines a first opening therethrough. The example headset includes a first electrode that insertable into the first opening. The first electrode has a first length and is adjustable in the first opening to a first plurality of discrete positions having different depths of insertion relative to the first opening. The first electrode is to engage the head of the person when inserted a sufficient depth into the first opening. The example headset also includes a second electrode that is interchangeable with the first electrode and insertable into the first opening.

Abstract: A device for performing EEG which consists of an elastic head strap, electrodes, and a wireless transmitter. The wireless transmitter, which displays indicators of electrode impedance, is secured to a patient using a docking station attached to the head strap at the crown of a subject's head and is placed into electrical communication with the electrodes using conductive thread sewn into the head strap. A simplified user interface comprising graphical elements improves the detection of brain wave patterns.

Abstract: A method of internal MRI employing at least one active internal MRI detector located within a sample of interest. The method includes applying an MRI pulse sequence to the sample of interest. The MRI pulse sequence includes spatial encoding projections. The method further includes receiving MRI signals at the active internal MRI detector and reconstructing at least one MRI image from the MRI signals using an error minimizing algorithm. The MRI pulse sequence provides an increase in an acquisition speed when reconstructing the at least one MRI image by sparsely under-sampling an image k-space in at least one dimension.

Abstract: A gas sampling device includes a connector configured to connect to a gas analyzing monitor. The gas sampling device further includes a first portion connected to the connector comprising a flexible tube for transmitting gas. The gas sampling device further includes a second portion connected to the first portion that includes a wand. The wand is configured for transmitting gas and is more rigid than the first portion. The gas sampling device further includes a rounded tip connected to the second portion. The rounded tip and second portion are configured to be inserted into a lung and transmit gas from inside the lung to the gas analyzing monitor.

Abstract: A massage measurement apparatus includes a sheet member attachable to a skin of a body, and a measurement unit that measures a pressure distribution on the sheet member, wherein the sheet member has an indication that indicates an area of the skin, to which the sheet member is to be attached, and wherein the measurement unit measures the pressure distribution with reference to one or more positions on the body in a state in which the sheet member is attached to the skin.