Abstract: A multi-channel measurement device for measuring properties of human tissue, may comprise a microcontroller and first and second source/sensor complexes. The first source/sensor complex may include a first housing having a first measurement portion, a first light sensor coupled to the microcontroller and exposed to the first measurement portion, and a first plurality of light sources coupled to the microcontroller and exposed to the first measurement portion. The second source/sensor complex may include a second housing having a second measurement portion, a second light sensor coupled to the microcontroller and exposed to the second measurement portion, and a second plurality of light sources coupled to the microcontroller and exposed to the second measurement portion. The first and second source/sensor complexes are coupled to each other such that the first measurement portion is opposite the second measurement portion and human tissue may be placed between the first and second measurement portions.

Abstract: A non-invasive measurement of biological tissue reveals information about the function of that tissue. Polarized light is directed onto the tissue, stimulating the emission of fluorescence, due to one or more endogenous fluorophors in the tissue. Fluorescence anisotropy is then calculated. Such measurements of fluorescence anisotropy are then used to assess the functional status of the tissue, and to identify the existence and severity of disease states. Such assessment can be made by comparing a fluorescence anisotropy profile with a known profile of a control.

Abstract: A long-lasting, wireless, biocompatible pressure sensor device is integrated within a hydrocephalus shunt, either within the shunt's reservoir/anchor or as an inline or pigtailed connector. When integrated within a typical reservoir, the device can sit within the reservoir's hollow frustum area covered by the resilient silicone dome of the reservoir. When integrated as an inline connector, the device can sit at any point on the peritoneal catheter or ventricular catheter, including between the VP shut's valve and reservoir. The pressure sensor device includes electronics that can be powered wirelessly by a reader held to a patient's scalp, and so no battery may be required. The reader can transmit an ambient, atmospheric pressure reading from outside the skull to the implanted device so that its electronics can calculate a calibrated gauge pressure internally and then relay it to a patient's smart phone.

Abstract: A system includes a first slice and a second slice coupled to each other. Each slice includes a housing formed of an electrically-insulative material, a ceramic plate disposed at each end of the housing, and an end plate disposed over each of the ceramic plates. Each end plate is formed of a thermally-conductive material. The system also includes a backplane assembly coupled to the first slice and the second slice.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to a catheter configured to detect at least one blood gas parameter present in blood in an artery of a patient, including, but not limited to, a catheter wall forming at least one lumen configured for umbilical arterial catheterization, at least one optical fiber incorporated in the catheter wall, wherein the at least one optical fiber is configured to detected the at least one blood gas parameter.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods for recording electrical activity, such as local field potentials. The system can include a recording patch that is placed inline between an implanted neurological lead and an implantable pulse stimulator. The recording patch can include recording and amplification circuitry that detects, records, and amplifies electrical activity (also referred to as signals) from a target site. The system can be used to select over which of the lead's electrodes therapeutic stimulations are delivered.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a pH level of blood in a vessel of a patient including a flexible elongated device configured and dimensioned for insertion in the vessel of the patient. The elongated device has a tubular portion, a marker band positioned distally of the tubular portion and a pH sensor positioned within the marker band to measure the pH level of blood downstream of the blood clot and an indicator to indicate the measured pH.

Abstract: Disclosed is an NGT system, the system comprises a nasogastric tube having a diameter and length configured to pass through an esophagus such that the lumen of the NGT maintains fluid communication with a portion of the digestive tract, and a digestive tract sensor operatively associated with the NGT, the digestive tract sensor configured to sense from inside the body and transmit signals in response to one or both of conditions relating to nourishment states of the digestive tract, and positioning of the NGT.

Abstract: A lead for active implantable medical devices comprising a chip, notably for electrode multiplexing. The lead includes an insulating supporting tube interposed in a flexible elongated tube, with a central bore coaxial with the lumen of the lead. The supporting tube comprises on its surface at least one crossing conductive strip extending in the axial direction. A chip on a flexible substrate is disposed with a bent or curved conformation in a receptacle of the supporting tube isolated from the conductive strip. An electrode, e.g., for cardiac sensing/pacing, carried by the supporting tube is electrically connected to an outer conductive pad of the chip. The conductive strip is connected (i) at each end, face to face to a conductive connection, housed in the sheath, and (ii) in a central region, to an inner conductive pad of the chip.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for processing a set of multiple serially acquired magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) free induction decay (FID) frames from a multi-frame MRS acquisition series from a region of interest (ROI) in a subject, and for providing a post-processed MRS spectrum. Processing parameters are dynamically varied while measuring results to determine the optimal post-processed results. Spectral regions opposite water from chemical regions of interest are evaluated and used in at least one processing operation. Frequency shift error is estimated via spectral correlation between free induction decay (FID) frames and a reference spectrum. Multiple groups of FID frames within the acquired set are identified to different phases corresponding with a phase step cycle of the acquisition. Baseline correction is also performed via rank order filter (ROF) estimate and a polynomial fit.

Abstract: Control logic, device and method including same configured to receive a measured carbon dioxide (CO2) related parameter of a patient, to obtain a patient specific baseline for said CO2 related parameter, the patient specific baseline determined based on a characteristic of the patient; to compute a deviation of the measured CO2 related parameter from the patient specific baseline; and to trigger an alarm when the deviation crosses a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting a tissue property. The system comprises a first unit positioned outside a patient body and a second unit positioned inside the patient's body. The first unit includes a first housing, and a magnetic field source supported by the first housing. The second unit includes a second housing, a pressure sensor supported by the second housing, a localization module supported by the second housing, a controller, and a power source. The pressure sensor is configured to detect an indentation force applied to the tissue, and the second unit is configured to wirelessly transmit the indentation force data and localization data to a computer to generate a volumetric stiffness map for the tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor element for detecting at least one analyte in a body fluid or in a body tissue, particularly for determining at least one metabolite concentration in a body fluid. The sensor element comprises an implantable, one-piece shaped body, which comprises a sensor end and a coupling end. The shaped body comprises, in the area of the sensor end, at least one sensor area, which comprises at least one sensor material. The sensor material changes at least one optically measurable property in the presence of the analyte. The shaped body also has at least one optically transparent coupling part, which is designed to transmit electromagnetic radiation in at least one spectral range between the sensor area and the coupling end. In the sensor area, the shaped body has at least one optically transparent matrix material, and the analyte can at least partially diffuse through the matrix material to the sensor material. The sensor material is embedded in the matrix material.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for calibrating a caloric assay. For example, caloric calibration devices and methods for using caloric calibration devices to calibrate a caloric test are provided.

Abstract: A system for detecting tumor margins includes a topical protease-specific, fluorescence imaging probe that is activatable by enzymatic activation to produce a visually differentiated signal upon topical application to a targeted cancer cell that secretes an enzyme that activates the protease-specific, fluorescence imaging probe, an applicator for topically administering the imaging probe to the cancer cell; and an imaging device to detect activation of the imaging probe administered to the cancer cell.

Abstract: A system for imaging an abnormal cell and or diseased tissue after topical application of a near infrared protease-specific probe is disclosed. The system includes a protease-specific near infrared (NIRF) imaging probe, means for topically administering the protease-specific probe to a diseased tissue and an imaging device capable of detecting the interaction between the protease-specific NIRF imaging probe and the diseased tissue. A method and surgical procedure are also disclosed.

Abstract: An endocapsule has a measurement chamber therein containing a sensor that detects at least one metabolic product of a specific bacterium in a hollow organ of a human or animal gastrointestinal tract. The endocapsule is introduced into the hollow organ wherein detection of the at least one metabolic product takes place.

Abstract: A physiological parameter system has one or more parameter inputs responsive to one or more physiological sensors. The physiological parameter system may also have quality indicators relating to confidence in the parameter inputs. A processor is adapted to combine the parameter inputs, quality indicators and predetermined limits for the parameters inputs and quality indicators so as to generate alarm outputs or control outputs or both.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide detector including a sensor component, where the sensor component has a colorimetric indicator salt of a colorimetric pH indicator and a lipophilic phosphonium quaternary cation, a transparent polymer vehicle or a plasticizer not being in a mixture with the colorimetric indicator salt; and a porous memory, a porous polymer membrane in one instance, the colorimetric indicator salt being deposited on a surface of the porous polymer membrane; the colorimetric indicator salt deposited on the porous polymer membrane does not include a transparent polymer vehicle or a plasticizer, and carbon dioxide detection systems using the detector.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring augmented osmotic pressure in a reference cavity is provided, in which the device comprise a substrate frame (4) attached to a support structure (1) in which a plurality of transducer devices (2) are buried. An array of osmotic membranes (3) is integrated by the support structure and which acts to facilitate a trans-membrane pressure gradient as a function of the osmotic pressure change in a sealed cavity (7). The sealed cavity is formed by rigid substrate materials (5,6) in which the membranes, support structure and transducer devices only will be subject to induced stress in response to augmented osmotic pressure and thereby generate a pressure induced signal change observed from the transducer devices. The transducer devices may be arranged as piezoresistive elements, as micromechanical switches, as variable capacitive elements or as an optical light source and detector.

Abstract: System and method to determine the heartbeat of a person by a pulse measuring device. Light waves are generated in the direction of the skin by two light sources with a first wavelength (?1) which is sensitive to the pulse beat and movement of the person, and with a different second wavelength (?2) which is sensitive to movement, wherein a photodetector detects the reflected light waves. A pulse is determined based on calculation made of at least one non-coherent power spectrum on the basis of a spectral coherence function ? which takes into account the dependence between the measurement signals relating to the first wavelength and to the second wavelength by the formula SNC=(1??2)*SAA, where SAA is the average Fourier power spectrum of the signals relating to the first wavelength, and where ?2 is between 0 and 1.

Abstract: Easy to use, cost-effective methods and devices for evaluating and treating stress and thereby disorders caused or exacerbated by stress are provided. More particularly methods and devices for identifying RSA waves during respiration which provide a subject with real-time RSA wave information are provided. These methods and devices also can be used to identify drop points in RSA waves. Such methods and devices provide subjects with the ability to maintain parasympathetic outflow and thereby prevent and/or reduce levels of stress.

Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus that includes an endotracheal tube or airway device having a proximal end and a distal end and an occlusion cuff. The occlusion cuff includes a sensor for helping determine proper endotracheal or airway device placement.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus and method of optoacoustic monitoring of blood concentrations of one or more constituents by directing a flow of a patient's blood through a substantially transparent vessel to optoacoustically detect a concentration of one or more constituents. To detect constituents, pulses of laser light can be passed through the blood flow at one or more frequencies in order to generate an altered laser emission from the exposed blood, and/or induce detectable optoacoustic responses from the constituents. The detectable responses can be detected and measured by analyzing an alteration of the laser emissions and/or the frequency, slope and/or amplitude of the optoacoustic responses for different constituents in the blood.

Abstract: A glove holder is disclosed for coupling a glove to an air vent. The glove has a body defining an interior cavity. The body has an aperture for accessing the interior cavity. The air vent discharging an air flow. The air flow dries the glove. The glove holder comprises a cylinder having an intake end, an exhaust end, an interior surface, and an exterior surface. The interior surface defines an interior bore extending from the intake end to the exhaust end. The cylinder is insertable through the aperture and into the interior cavity of the body for positioning the exterior surface of the cylinder adjacent to the body of the glove. A support arm extends from a first end to a second end. The first end of the support arm is secured to the interior surface of the cylinder. The second end of the support arm is positioned within the interior bore. A clamp secures the second end of the support arm to the air vent.

Abstract: Apparatus for searching for and detecting defects on parts that are substantially inaccessible, being located behind a wall, the apparatus comprising a first endoscope for illumination in visible light and for observation, the first endoscope and pipes for feeding and spraying penetration test substances being housed together in a rod which can be passed through an orifice in the wall in order to examine a part, the apparatus further comprising a second endoscope independent of the first endoscope and the rod for illuminating in ultraviolet light and for observing the portion of the part that has been treated by the penetration test substances.

Abstract: Apparatus for searching for and detecting defects on parts that are substantially inaccessible, being located behind a wall, the apparatus comprising a first endoscope for illumination in visible light and for observation, the first endoscope and pipes for feeding and spraying penetration test substances being housed together in a rod which can be passed through an orifice in the wall in order to examine a part, the apparatus further comprising a second endoscope independent of the first endoscope and the rod for illuminating in ultraviolet light and for observing the portion of the part that has been treated by the penetration test substances.

Abstract: An embodiment of a system for analyzing a body fluid of a patient comprises a fluid transport network having a patient end configured to provide fluid communication with the body fluid in the patient and a fluid delivery point spaced from the patient end. A pump system is coupled to the fluid transport network. The pump system has an infusion mode in which the pump system is operable to pump an infusion fluid toward the patient end of the fluid transport network and a draw mode in which the pump system is operable to draw the body fluid from the patient into the fluid transport network through the patient end. At least one electrochemical test element is located near the fluid delivery point of the fluid transport network. The electrochemical test element is positioned to receive a portion of the body fluid delivered to the delivery point by the fluid transport network. An analyte detection system is configured to receive the test element and to measure at least one analyte in the portion of the body fluid.

Abstract: A biological optical measuring instrument comprising a measuring probe (101) for collecting light from a plurality of portions of a subject (214) transmitted through the subject (214) by means of an optical fiber (108) by guiding light emitted from a light source (102) by an optical fiber (107), and irradiating the light to the subject (214) so as to create a living body transmitted light intensity image of the subject (214) from the transmitted and collected light. The measuring probe (101) further comprises optical fiber fixing members (201, 210, 211) for fixing the optical fibers (107, 108) at a predetermined interval and support members (202, 204, 205) for rockably supporting the optical fiber fixing members. Thus, it is possible to provide a technique of performing living body optical measurement while the living body lies in lateral decubitus.

Abstract: A capnograph which performs an analysis of the breath waveforms measured by the carbon dioxide sensor, interprets the results of this analysis, and outputs to the operator diagnostic information about the respiratory status of the patient, or about the adequacy of the breathing support provided to the patient. The instrument compares a number of parameters characteristic of the waveforms of the patient's breath with an internal library of the values of those parameters expected from normal waveforms stored in its memory. These parameters may either relate to specific features of the waveform in the time domain, or may characterize spectral components of the waveform in the frequency domain. The capnographic waveform analysis may be combined with further non-invasive measurements in order to provide an indication of the deviation of the value of EtCO2 from PaCO2.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of magnetic resonance imaging of regional blood oxygenation which comprises administering into the vasculature of a vascularized human or non-human animal subject a T2 blood pool contrast agent, detecting a magnetic resonance signal from at least part of the vasculature of said subject into which said contrast agent distributes, and manipulating said signal to generate an indication of the partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) in at least part of said vasculature.

Abstract: An anchoring device and a delivery method thereof can effectively provide a means for securing an implant to a wall of an internal organ within a patient in a variety of clinical applications. In one embodiment, an anchoring device used to retain a cardiac pressure measurement device is provided. The device is implanted in the body by deforming it to a small cross section profile, sliding it through a low profile delivery device and ejecting from the delivery device at a targeted site. The anchoring mechanism, when ejected from the delivery device, reverts back to pre-formed configuration and engages opposite sides of an organ wall, thereby anchoring the implant in the organ wall.

Abstract: The invention comprises methods for noninvasively monitoring physiological characteristics of a patient's blood. Determinations of blood constituent concentrations may be made by comparing absorbance of radiation at varying parameters, such as path length and blood pressure. Preferably, changes in pressure are effected by changing the height of the probes relative to the patient's heart. Determinations of blood pH may be made by comparing absorbance of the blood at different wavelengths. The temperature of the blood, and thus of the patient's core, may also be accurately determined. Further, cardiac output characteristics and blood pressures may be noninvasively determined using the methods of the invention.

Abstract: A tonometric device for use in hollow viscus tonometry and remote sensing of patient fluid parameters is disclosed in combination with a secondary apparatus, such as a urinary catheter, a nasogastric sump apparatus, or a feeding tube, for example. The device is capable of monitoring certain critical fluid properties of interest, such as oxygen gases and carbon dioxide gases in the wall tissue itself of the patient's organ, rather than monitoring such properties in a lumen of the organ. A walled sampling chamber, which is preferably an inflated balloon member, is provided on an elongated tube, with provisions for positioning the sampling chamber in direct contact with a wall portion of the patient's internal organ.

Abstract: An implantable medical device having an hermetically sealed enclosure housing electrical and electronic circuitry and a battery for powering such circuitry is connected to an intracranial lead or pigtail which measures or senses intracranial physiologic signals such as intracranial fluid pressure and/or temperature. The implantable medical device is preferably implanted subcutaneously beneath a patient's skin and telemeters stored data or real-time-sensed data to an external device which may be configured to combine barometric pressure data with intracranial pressure data to derive intracranial gage pressure. The implantable medical device and its associated lead reduce the risk of intracranial infections.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high efficiency external counterpulsation apparatus having accurate and reliable timing of inflation and deflation and reduced temperature of the pressurized gas, such that the gas flow temperature of the balloons is near to room temperature. The external counterpulsation apparatus also has a new gas distribution device and devices for monitoring the blood pressure and oxygen levels in the blood of a patient for improving safety. The present invention further provides a method for controlling the external counterpulsation apparatus.