Abstract: A method of measuring a tissue parameter such as proteoglycan content and other relevant tissue parameters, e.g. tissue pH, in a tissue or an organ of a subject includes generating first and second frequency magnetic resonance data using T1? scans at different frequencies, wherein the frequencies are symmetric. The method also includes combining the first frequency magnetic resonance data and the second frequency magnetic resonance data to remove a number of contributions from a number of relaxation mechanisms other than chemical exchange, thereby obtaining chemical exchange-specific magnetic resonance data indicative of the tissue parameter in the tissue or the organ. The chemical exchange-specific magnetic resonance data may be used to measure the proteoglycan content in the tissue or organ.

Abstract: Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to identifying and profiling muscle patterns. In one embodiment, a method includes acquiring image data associated with a selected muscle or group of muscles of one or more subjects and determining, based on the image data, muscle volume of the selected muscle or group of muscles. The method also includes calculating, based on the muscle volume and the height and mass of the one or more subjects, a height-mass normalized muscle volume for the selected muscle or group of muscles, and determining a deviation of the height-mass normalized muscle volume of the selected muscle or group of muscles from a mean value of muscle volume associated with a corresponding reference muscle or reference group of muscles. The method also includes identifying, based on the deviation, a muscle abnormality or absence of a muscle abnormality in the selected muscle or group of muscles.

Abstract: A wearable sensor belt used as a reference frame for determining a location of an in-vivo device in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the belt including N magnetic field generating coils and M magnetic field sensors configured for dynamic calibration of the belt's geometry in order to accommodate for dynamic changes in the shape and/or size of the belt from one subject to another, and for dynamic changes in the shape and/or size of the belt as a result of changes in a subject's posture. A method for localizing an in-vivo device swallowed by a subject using a sensor belt is also described.

Abstract: Guidewires and methods useable in conjunction with image guidance systems to facilitate performance of diagnostic or therapeutic tasks at locations within the bodies of human or animal subjects.

Abstract: A mobile device case for functional connection and physical attachment to a mobile device, the mobile device case comprises an application adapted to run in the mobile device and a cradle configured for removable attachment with the mobile device, the cradle comprising a controller capable of functional connection with the application, where the cradle is adapted to protect the mobile device while attached to the mobile device and the cradle is adapted to functionally pair with the application to create at least a portion of a mesh network.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea by first performing an assessment of the patient that involves observing the patient's upper airway during a tongue protrusion maneuver. The assessment may, for example, be done using endoscopy to observe the upper airway while the patient is awake in the supine position. An adequate response of the upper airway during the tongue protrusion maneuver is indicative of likely therapeutic success with hypoglossal nerve stimulation, and may be used for making clinical decisions. The principles of the present invention may be applied to other therapeutic interventions for OSA involving the upper airway.

Abstract: An intraoral three-dimensional measuring method, comprising: acquiring, with a handy scanner, wide range three-dimensional measurement information on a three-dimensional shape measured on a wide range in a desirable measurement range in an intraoral space; acquiring, with the handy scanner, a plurality of pieces of narrow range three-dimensional measurement information each on a three-dimensional shape measured on a narrow range narrower than the wide range in the measurement range; and locating, with a controller, the plurality of pieces of narrow range three-dimensional measurement information based on the wide range three-dimensional measurement information by use of, as a synthesis reference, intra-measurement range position information common to the wide range three-dimensional measurement information and each of the plurality of pieces of narrow range three-dimensional measurement information, and creating synthetic three-dimensional information on the measurement range.

Abstract: A wearable device, including a fastening device for fastening the wearable device to a user and a housing coupled to the fastening device. The housing includes a graphical display including a tactile user interface, a locationing system, communication circuitry, a sensor and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to obtain a location of the wearable device, transmit the location to a server, and receive guidance information from the server based on the location. The processing circuitry is also configured to determine a recommendation corresponding to the guidance information and output the recommendation. The processing circuitry is further configured to obtain a measured value of a physiological parameter via the sensor, determine a comparison between the measured value and a predetermined threshold, generate a feedback based upon the comparison, and output the feedback.

Abstract: A portable electronic apparatus includes an input section that receives an input of an operation from a user, a sensor that performs detection related to physical activity of the user, a display section that displays data by using an output from the sensor, and a processing section that maintains a display object item of data displayed on the display section to be a predetermined item and changes a display object period of the data displayed on the display section to a period (differing period) whose length is different from a length of a predetermined period in a case where the input section receives an input of a first operation when the data in the predetermined period regarding the predetermined item is displayed on the display section.

Abstract: The invention relates to wearable electronic devices for monitoring physical activities of a person. The invention also concerns related methods and computer program products. According to the invention, a first sensor for measuring acceleration data and a second sensor for measuring heart rate data is provided. A data processing unit is configured to operate in a first mode when data is read from said first and second sensors and in a second mode when data is not read from at least one of said first and second sensors. In the first operating mode the processing unit cumulatively computes and updates a heart rate offset value based on at least one of the following data: a predetermined pulse of the person a rest, a predetermined fitness level of the person, a current recovery pulse of the person, and/or the cumulated acceleration data during the current activity. It also computes a current activity gain value based on acceleration data and heart beat rate data.

Abstract: The disclosure provides systems and methods of use pertaining to precise measurements of middle ear mechanics to aid physicians in the determination of pre-operative, intraoperative, and post-repair stiffness of the ossicular chain to assist in the diagnosis and treatment and/or repair of all types of conductive hearing loss. One embodiment provides a handheld diagnostic tool having a load cell operably coupled between a linear actuator and a rigid probe configured to rest against the ossicular chain. When the actuator displaces the load cell and the rigid probe a predetermined distance in an oscillating manner, the load cell measures a force required to displace the ossicular chain a corresponding distance. Force and displacement data is sent to a processing element, which calculates a stiffness of the ossicular chain and reports information regarding the stiffness to a display. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, device and system for providing a sensor insertion assembly including an inserter housing, an introducer including a body portion having a proximal end and a distal end and a shaft portion comprising a channel and a distal end, the shaft portion extending downwardly from an edge of the body portion, the shaft portion including a holding member disposed along a length of the channel, the holding member configured to substantially releasably retain a sensor, an on-body electronics unit, wherein the introducer is configured for insertion of the sensor through an aperture in the on-body electronics unit prior to insertion through skin and a drive mechanism included in the inserter housing and operatively coupled to the introducer, wherein the drive mechanism drives the introducer and retained sensor through the skin are provided.

Abstract: A process for calibrating a glucose sensor under sterile conditions includes providing separate, sterile, glucose-containing calibration fluids, each having a different glucose concentration, and in turn providing these fluids to a sensing zone containing a sensing probe of a glucose sensor. Each solution is typically, in turn, propelled into the sensing zone, thus flushing out used fluid already present in the sensing zone. The process provides rapid calibration of a glucose sensor in a sterile fashion and is therefore appropriate for point-of-use calibration.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include a sensor configured to store in memory indications of sensor use information and formulas or indications of formulas for determining the useful life of a sensor from the indications of sensor use information. A monitor connected to the sensor monitors sensor use and stores indications of the use on sensor memory. The monitor and/or sensor compute the useful life of the sensor from the indications of use and the formulas. When the useful life of the sensor is reached, an indication is given to replace the sensor.

Abstract: An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring the concentration of an analyte in the blood or tissue of a an animal or a human, particularly a premature infant, wherein for measuring said concentration the device comprises a means (30) comprising at least a first and a second permeability with respect to said analyte, wherein the first permeability for said analyte differs from the second permeability for the analyte. Further, the invention relates to a corresponding method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for noninvasively determining the hematocrit value of a subject. The device comprises a light source (22, 23) for emitting light onto a skin area of the subject, said light comprising first light at a first wavelength in a first wavelength range between 500 and 1000 nm and second light at a second wavelength in a second wavelength range between 1000 and 2000 nm, a reflection detector (24) for detecting light reflected from said skin area of the subject in response to light illumination by said light source, a transmission detector (25) for detecting light transmitted through said skin area of the subject in response to light illumination by said light source, a processing unit (31) for deriving plethysmography, PPG, signals for said first and second wavelengths from the light detected by said reflection detector (24) and said transmission detector (25), and an analysis unit (32) for determining the hematocrit value of the subject from said PPG signals.

Abstract: A device for the real-time in vivo detection of a number of conditions within the patient, including CTCs, circulating nucleic acids, other circulating elements, blood pressure, heart rate data, pulse oxygen concentration, serum electrolyte concentrations, blood glucose, and pH, the device having an implanted subcutaneous access port in the chest region and a catheter having a terminus in the superior vena cava, the device having microelectronic circuitry with a rechargeable energy source encased in a titanium shell, an NIR laser sealed in the titanium-enclosed circuitry platform, and NIR-specific optical fibers (nir-FO) for transmitting the NIR photons to the end of the catheter tube in the superior vena cava. Scattered NIR photons are collected through the end of a second nir-FO bundle and transmitted back to the detector and microprocessor on the portal platform.

Abstract: An oximetry sensor assembly connector, and a method for making the same, is provided that includes a flexible circuit and a stiffener panel. The flexible circuit has a plurality of layers including at least one electrical trace layer and at least one electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield layer. The stiffener panel has a first side surface and a second side surface, which second side surface is opposite the first side surface. The flexible circuit includes a first segment and a second segment, and one or more of the plurality of layers are disposed within the first segment and the second segment. The flexible circuit is folded such that the first segment is contiguous with the first side surface of the stiffener panel, and the second segment is contiguous with the second side surface of the stiffener panel.

Abstract: A radial check device, system, and related methods are provided for accessing ulnar and/or radial flow and producing documentation or electronic records of such assessment.

Abstract: An apparatus for insertion of a medical device in the skin of a subject is provided.

Abstract: A safety needle blood sampling device (100) is provided with a needle (108) having a multi-sampling Luer adaptor (MSLA) mounted over an end thereof. A housing (110) sized and shaped to receive a blood sampling vial is provided so that when a vacutainer is inserted, the MSLA is compressed to puncture the septum with one of the ends of the needle. A protective shield (104) is provided to cover the needle. A helical spring (106) is provided to move the protective shield over the needle in a used position. An activator (112) is further provided that is sized and shaped to activate the shield upon insertion of the vacutainer.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a cannula assembly with a flexible cannula that can be used for blood withdrawal or delivery of fluid that utilizes a main cannula that fixed with its end in a blood vessel that uses the cannula as a passageway into the blood vessel.

Abstract: Methods for treating a patient using therapeutic renal neuromodulation and associated devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology is directed to biomarker sampling in the context of neuromodulation devices, systems, and methods. Some embodiments, for example, are directed to catheters, catheter systems, and methods for sampling biomarkers that change in response to neuromodulation. A system can include, for example, an elongated shaft and a neuromodulation and sampling assembly having a neuromodulation and a sampling element.

Abstract: When finding the driver tensed by his or her increased external focus on driving, this system provides driving assistance that enhances his or her motivation to drive by encouraging him or her to drive actively and increase his or her internal focus on driving. The driving assistance may be provided when he or she has high driving skills, when there are no traffic jams, or when he or she is in good health. Examples of specific driving assistance include giving exemplary driving instructions to the driver, providing him or her with navigation to a road with features that would entertain him or her through driving, and improving sensitivity to any change in the vehicle's state responsive to driving operations.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting and monitoring incontinence events using reactive and resistive elements comprising a reusable sensor for attachment to undergarments, with capabilities for measurement of relative and absolute quantities of urine released by the patient, and for detection of defecation events. The sensor also incorporates automated AC impedance measurement circuitry and remote monitoring and alerting capabilities.

Abstract: The bowel movement prediction device (100) includes an ultrasonic sensor (1) that detects a width of a rectum and a determiner (52) that determines a bowel movement timing based on an output of the ultrasonic sensor (1).

Abstract: The present technology relates to an information processing device, an information processing system, and a program which enable a state of pores to be understood in further detail. A photographing unit photographs skin of a person irradiated with first light of a first wavelength band or second light of a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band. A pore detecting unit detects pores in a first skin image, which is an image obtained by photographing the skin of the person irradiated with the first light. A porphyrin detecting unit detects a pore state of the skin of the person based on pixel values of a plurality of color components of each of pixels of a second skin image, which is an image obtained by photographing the skin of the person irradiated with second light.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and a device (10) for determining a hydration state of skin tissue.

Abstract: A control method causes the processor to execute: excluding one or more pieces of first vibration data from a plurality of pieces of vibration data stored in the memory, wherein the plurality of pieces of vibration data are acquired within one period, wherein vibration times associated with the one or more pieces of first vibration data are included in an operation period in which the user performed the operation with respect to the information terminal device, and wherein the operation period is specified based on the time in the log information stored in the memory; and updating the threshold value using at least one piece of vibration data in the plurality of pieces of vibration data from which the one or more pieces of first vibration data are excluded

Abstract: Devices and methods provide feedback on breathing rate, where the device comprises a sensor interface configured to receive an electrocardiogram ECG signal; an ECG analysis unit configured to obtain a breathing rate from the received ECG signal; a feedback output mechanism for providing feedback; and a feedback generator configured to obtain an optimal breathing rate in accordance with a desired outcome and one or more heart rate and/or breathing rate characteristics detected from the ECG signal. The feedback generator is further configured to control the feedback output mechanism to output feedback synchronised to the optimal breathing rate, and subsequently adapt the feedback in accordance with changes in the one or more heart rate and/or breathing rate characteristics while the feedback is being outputted. The feedback generator may be configured further to recalculate the optimal breathing rate when the user has failed to achieved the optimal breathing rate.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program for non-invasively monitoring a physiological parameter and providing biofeedback. The method, system, and computer program provide for the non-invasive detection of a physiological parameter by detecting changes in color channel values of a user in a live video feed and presenting biofeedback to the user indicating the relative position of the physiological parameter to an optimal range.

Abstract: A health status modulator analyzes frequencies emitted by a person to select and implement improvement frequencies at the person. The health status modulator detects frequency information generated at the person, for example a voice sample or a vibrational frequency, and determines which significant frequencies exist within that sample. The modulator could then seek to modify the person's state my implementing alternative frequencies that reinforce detected ideal frequencies, introduce missing ideal frequencies, or counter and eliminate negative frequencies.

Abstract: A resuscitation system for use by a rescuer for resuscitating a patient, comprising at least two high-voltage defibrillation electrodes, a first electrical unit comprising circuitry for providing resuscitation prompts to the rescuer, a second electrical unit separate from the first unit and comprising circuitry for providing defibrillation pulses to the electrodes, and circuitry for providing at least one electrical connection between the first and second units.

Abstract: A method for making a polymer with a porous layer from a solid piece of polymer is disclosed. In various embodiments, the method includes heating a surface of a solid piece of polymer to a processing temperature and holding the processing temperature while displacing a porogen layer through the surface of the polymer to create a matrix layer of the solid polymer body comprising the polymer and the porogen layer. In at least one embodiment, the method also includes removing at least a portion of the layer of porogen from the matrix layer to create a porous layer of the solid piece of polymer.

Abstract: An electrocardiography (ECG) scanner module, a multi-contact connector thereof, an ECG scanner thereof and smart clothes using the same are provided. The multi-contact connector includes a base, a fitting portion and several first conductive portions. The base is disposed on a wearable carrier having several conductive wires. The fitting portion is disposed on the base and surrounds a receiving portion. The first conductive portions are annularly disposed on an inner periphery surface of the receiving portion, and each first conductive portion connects to the corresponding conductive wire. The ECG scanner includes several second conductive portions, and an end of each second conductive portion is projected from an outer periphery surface of the ECG scanner. When the multi-contact connector connects to the ECG scanner, each second conductive portion provides a radial force for connecting to the corresponding first conductive portion.

Abstract: An implantable pressure sensor device and devices incorporating an implantable pressure sensor are disclosed. The implantable pressure sensor may include a housing with a deflectable wall, and may be incorporated into a housing of an implantable medical device such as an implantable pulse generator. The pressure sensor may monitor respiration by measuring the deflection of the deflectable wall caused by expansion of the thoracic wall or ribcage.

Abstract: The present application provides a portable biometric monitor (10) comprising a biometric sensor, wherein the housing of said portable biometric monitor is connected to a strap for attaching the portable biometric monitor to a user, the strap comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the strap comprises spacer elements (12, 13, 14, 15) having a first end and a second end, the strap being connected from its two sides at the first end and from its two sides at the second end to two sides at the first end of the housing and to two sides at the second end of the housing via pivots (16, 17, 18, 19) connected to said spacer elements to allow pivoted movement of the housing, wherein the distance of the pivot locations between the first end of the housing and the second end of the housing is in the range of 10-30 mm.

Abstract: A method of atrial rotational activity pattern (RAP) source detection is provided which includes detecting, via a plurality of sensors, electro-cardiogram (ECG) signals over time, each ECG signal detected via one of the plurality of sensors and indicating electrical activity of a heart. The method also includes determining, for each of the plurality of ECG signals, one or more local activation times (LATs) each indicating a time of activation of a corresponding ECG signal. The method further includes detecting whether one or more RAP source areas of activation in the heart is indicated based on the detected ECG signals and the one or more local LATs. Mapping information of the detected RAP source areas of activation in the heart is also generated for providing one or more maps.

Abstract: A system and method of determining regions of interest for heart ablation using fractionation. The method can comprise detecting, via sensors, electro-cardiogram (ECG) signals, each ECG signal detected via one of the sensors and indicating electrical activity of a heart, determining, for each of the ECG signals, activation times (LATs) each indicating a time of activation of a corresponding ECG signal, generating, based on the determined LATs of each of the ECG signals, one or more driver maps and one or more perpetuator maps, each representing the electrical activity of the heart, deriving parameters from the driver and perpetuator maps, using at least fractionation, processing and combining the derived parameters into driver evidence and perpetuator evidence, and determining the regions of interest for heart ablation in accordance with the fractionation used to derive the driver evidence and the perpetuator evidence.

Abstract: An implantable device with in vivo functionality, where the functionality of the device is negatively affected by ROS typically associated with inflammation reaction as well as chronic foreign body response as a result of tissue injury, is at least partially surrounded by a protective material, structure, and/or a coating that prevents damage to the device from any inflammation reactions. The protective material, structure, and/or coating is a biocompatible metal, preferably silver, platinum, palladium, gold, manganese, or alloys or oxides thereof that decomposes reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as hydrogen peroxide, and prevents ROS from oxidizing molecules on the surface of or within the device. The protective material, structure, and/or coating thereby prevents ROS from degrading the in vivo functionality of the implantable device.

Abstract: A method for creating brain-machine interface based on received and filtered brain signals from a subject, classifying the filtered signals to classes of brain states, detecting one brain state from the classified brain states and executing by a machine a command that corresponds to the detected state.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of extracting large scale biological, biochemical or molecular information about an index disease, biological state, or systems from imaging by correlating the imaging features associated with said disease, state or system with corresponding large scale biological data.

Abstract: A method for detecting symptomatic osteoarthritis in a human patient who is otherwise asymptomatic comprises: taking a plurality of magnetic resonance (MR) image signal features from MR sequences in a joint of the patient; submitting the MR image signal features to a classifier for performing a feature reduction for redundant or unnecessary features; calculating a signal texture index (STI) value from the remaining image features; comparing that STI value against the STI values of one group of individuals suspected of being vulnerable to developing osteoarthritis at the first point in time; and the same group of individuals years later; predicting from that comparison of STI values a likelihood of the patient developing osteoarthritis; and treating the patient accordingly.

Abstract: A method of determining target heart ablation regions is provided which includes detecting electro-cardiogram (ECG) signals each indicating an electrical activity of a heart over time and determining, for each of the ECG signals, local activation times (LATs) each indicating a time of electrical activation for an area the heart. The method also includes generating, based on the LATs, electrical activity mapping information for displaying one or more maps representing the electrical activity of the heart and alternatively, or in addition to the electrical activity mapping information, generating spatio-temporal mapping information for one or more maps representing a spatio-temporal manifestation of the conditions indicative of cardiac arrhythmia, such as atrial fibrillation (AF). The method further includes determining a region of interest (ROI) of the heart by identifying the ROI as a region exhibiting conditions indicative of cardiac arrhythmia based on the mapping information.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a partially movable radiation tomography apparatus capable of superimposing an anatomical image and a functional image without causing misalignment. The apparatus of the disclosure includes a device associated with a CT gantry having a top board, and a device associated with a PET gantry. The latter device is attachable and removable to/from the former device. This apparatus can reduce positional misalignment between the images captured by these devices. The present disclosure involves making a correction for positioning the subject images captured by the devices associated with the respective gantries with respect to each other based on a calibration image on which markers m attached to those gantries are shot. Such a configuration allows for positioning the subject images with possible misalignment between the gantries taken into account, and eventually reducing positional misalignment between the subject images captured by the devices associated with the respective gantries.

Abstract: A patient support system includes independently adjustable end columns supporting a centrally hinged, jointed or breaking patient support structure. At least one column includes a powered rotation assembly. The patient support includes at least two sections. A coordinated drive system provides for both upwardly and downwardly breaking or jointed orientations of the two sections in various inclined and tilted positions. Cable, cantilevered and pull-rod systems are included.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for identifying the location of internal anatomical features by externally marking on skin during a CAT scan comprising a flexible sheet having a plurality of intersecting lines mounted with at least one 3D structure wherein the sheet is provided in the form of a mesh comprising an x-ray opaque material.

Abstract: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is one of a series of catheter intervention procedures to deliver a prosthesis, in this case prosthetic valve, two structures, the aortic annular plane and the tip of the delivery catheter, must be are optimally visualized by the surgeon and in many instances there exists only one viewing angle for this. The preferred viewing angle being determined by obtaining angulation data for two views perpendicular to first and second planar structures, calculating normal vectors of each of the first and second planar structures using the angulation data, calculating a perpendicular unit vector using the normal vectors, and calculating angulation of the unit vector to establish the preferred viewing angle.

Abstract: A positioning and retaining system for intra-oral sensors includes a holder shaped to hold a curved intra-oral sensor, and a curved or flexible intra-oral sensor configured to be coupled to the holder.