Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for determining the oxygen saturation of a region in a patient's body using photoacoustic spectroscopy techniques. One embodiment includes determining an interrogation region, or a region in a patient to be monitored, and using a photoacoustic sensor to emit modulated light in the interrogation region. The modulated light may be absorbed by different absorbers, such as oxygenated hemoglobin and deoxygenated hemoglobin, in the interrogation region. The absorbed light results in an acoustic response which is detected by the photoacoustic sensor. Based on a non-pulsatile component of the acoustic response, the regional oxygen saturation at the interrogation region is calculated.

Abstract: There is provided an optical bioinstrumentation device, with which measurement data reflect more correctly the information inside the living body with less noise even the subject moves when the information inside the living body is measured by using the light. In the present invention, the means for fixing the part other than the tips of the optical fibers for irradiation and detection on the fixing member which is to fix the tips of the optical fiber for irradiation and detection on the subject, or, the means for fixing the optical fiber is fixed on the fixing member which is to fix the end of the optical fiber on the subject, or the means for fixing the optical fiber at two or more positions on the subject.

Abstract: A sensor may be adapted to reduce signal artifacts by deflecting the effects of outside forces and sensor motion. A sensor is provided with a rigid annular structure adapted to reduce the effect of motion of a sensor emitter and/or detector. Further, a method of deflecting or minimizing outside forces and sensor motion is also provided.

Abstract: A new model based on ray tracing is developed to estimate power spectral properties in laser Doppler velocimetry of retinal vessels and to predict the effects of laser beam size and eccentricity as well as absorption of laser light by oxygenated and reduced hemoglobin. There is described the model and show that it correctly converges to the traditional rectangular shape of the Doppler shift power spectrum, given the same assumptions, and that reduced beam size and eccentric alignment cause marked alterations in this shape. The changes in the detected total power of the Doppler-shifted light due to light scattering and absorption by blood can also be quantified with this model and may be used to determine the oxygen saturation in retinal arteries and veins. The potential of this approach is that it uses direct measurements of Doppler signals originating only from moving red blood cells. The invention opens new avenues for retinal vessel oximetry.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes embodiments of a patient monitoring system and methods that include the measure and display of hemoglobin statistics, cardiac output statistic and vessel volume statistics. In an embodiment, total hemoglobin trending, cardiac output, or vessel volume is displayed over a period of time. Statistics can include frequency domain analysis, differences between measurement sites, or further calculations based on concentrations and volume of fluids added to a patient which may be unique for each patient monitored. The total trending and/or statistics can further be used to help control the treatment of a patient, such as being used to control IV administration.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sensor for monitoring the depth of consciousness of a patient. The sensor includes a plurality of light sources, light detectors, and in some embodiments, electrodes. In an embodiment, the sensor includes reusable and disposable portions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of utilizing photoplethysmography obtained from a central site and a non-central site to detect a low blood flow or low blood volume condition. Also disclosed are apparatuses and systems designed to acquire and process physiological information based on photoplethysmograpy signal information from dual sites.

Abstract: A device and method for optically measuring a substance in blood using the nail as an optical window are provided. A device for optically measuring a test substance in blood by using the nail as an optical window and correcting or eliminating fluctuation of a measurement value based on optical characteristics of the nail plate, comprising irradiation means applying light within a wavelength range for measuring absorption by the test substance to the nail of a subject, detection means detecting light diffused/reflected from or transmitted through the body of the subject, and processing means processing a signal obtained by the detection means to convert the signal into a concentration of the test substance.

Abstract: Detection of apnea/hypopnea events to calculate an apnea/hypopnea index is obtained by analysis of breathing pattern of a patient from breathing and snore sounds and a finger probe recording the SaO2 signal. A detector analyzes microphone signals to detect breath, snore and noise sounds in response to a detected drop in the SaO2 level greater than 2% and to extract and analyze the breathing sounds from a limited time period starting prior to the drop of the SaO2 signal and ending at least at the end of each drop. Separated time periods are divided phases with snore sounds and those with breathing sounds and an estimated breathing volume adjacent to a snore phase is used to estimate the airflow of the snore phase. The relative and absolute energy and duration of the sound periods is used to classify the sound periods into the three groups of breath, snore and noise.

Abstract: A method and system of supplying rodents, such as mice, to medical researchers pre-installs and/or embeds physiologic sensors onto or within the rodents prior to selling the modified rodents to the researchers. The specialty skills, such as small animal surgical and anesthesia skills and sensor placement and testing, are centralized in one organization rather than being spread about a collection of researchers. The subjects with preinstalled, pre-tested hardware, are sold to the researcher as needed. Communication hardware and software will be supplied for the user to convert their desktop computer into a wireless monitoring station. Additionally an external pulse oximeter for small rodents, such as mice, provides measurements on a hand or foot of the rodent with a sensor configured to avoid shunting around the rodent appendage, and configured for high heart rates (200-900 beats per minutes) of the subjects.

Abstract: A device for detecting at least one vital parameter of a person in a vehicle is described, having: an optoelectronic sensor arrangement for detecting the at least one vital parameter by means of light remission, wherein the optoelectronic sensor arrangement has at least one light source and a light-sensitive element, and wherein the first light source and the light-sensitive element are arranged in a finger bed of an operating element of the vehicle, and wherein the finger bed is implemented to integrate a fingertip of the person flush in a sensor area of the finger bed in which the first light source and the light sensitive element are arranged.

Abstract: A substrate is filled with a reagent that presents a stable free radical character, and that is capable of producing a visible reaction in the presence of at least one free radical scavenger analyte of the skin.

Abstract: A full body plethysmographic chamber includes a noninvasive photoplethysmographic sensor within the chamber. The noninvasive photoplethysmographic sensor is for mobile animals such as small rodents, namely rats and mice in the full body plethysmographic chamber and is useful in a laboratory research environment. The noninvasive photoplethysmographic sensor may be a neck clip or collar which provides an easily affixed attachment mechanism. The neck location will provide significant blood flow under all conditions and also offers inherent bite resistance to the sensor platform. The system of the present invention provides a commutator for the sensor wires for allowing untwisting of the system wires.

Abstract: A device for measuring the capillary refill time and blood oxygenation includes light sources and a light detector. The device also includes an actuator for applying pressure to a selected portion of the body of the patient, such as the nail bed of a finger or toe of the patient, to cause the removal of blood from the nail bed when actuated. A timer commences a time interval with a deactuation of the actuator. The deactuation relieves the pressure applied by the actuator to the body portion of the patient and allows blood to return to the portion. The timing interval is terminated by a reduction in the amount of light received by the light detector as a result of the restoration of blood to the body portion. The time interval so determined comprises an indication of the capillary refill time of the patient.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to determining a likelihood of possible retinopathy of prematurity and alerting a caregiver of such likelihood. According to certain embodiments, an apparatus for displaying an indication of a risk of retinopathy of prematurity in a patient may include a processing unit. The processing unit is configured to determine whether an oxygen saturation history of the patient places the patient at risk of developing retinopathy of prematurity. The apparatus may also include a display unit configured to present an indication of a risk of prematurity in the patient when the processing unit determines that the oxygen saturation history of the patient places the patient at risk of developing retinopathy of prematurity, the indication comprising at least one of a number associated with the risk, an audible alarm, or a visual alarm.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring living body information includes a light guide member for guiding a first light; a light extracting member, disposed adjacent to the light guide member, for outputting the first light guided by the light guide member to an exterior of the light guide member through contact with the light guide member; and a light coupling member, disposed adjacent to the light guide member, for coupling a second light to the light guide member through contact with the light guide member.

Abstract: Pulsed excitation light including a wavelength that can excite a fluorescent material contained in living matter is generated. The fluorescence lifetime of the fluorescent material is longer than or equal to 4.8 nanoseconds. A predetermined position in the living matter is illuminated with the pulsed excitation light. Further, light including fluorescence emitted from the fluorescent material excited by illumination with the pulsed excitation light is received. The lifetime of the fluorescence included in the received light is calculated by time-resolving the intensity of the fluorescence. Further, the oxygen concentration of the living matter is measured based on the lifetime.

Abstract: To control information obtained from inside of a living body with higher precision as compared to that in the conventional technology by controlling a ratio of intensities of light, directed to a trial body, in a plurality of wavelength ranges different in peak wavelength from each other, a measurement error included in information obtained from the living body can be controlled by changing a ratio of intensity of the light in the first wavelength range against that of the light in the second wavelength range. When intensity of irradiated light is limited from the viewpoint of safety to the trial subject, keeping a ratio of the light irradiated to the trial body in the first wavelength range against that of the light in the second wavelength range under a prespecified value and also changing the ratio of irradiated light intensities under the prespecified value.

Abstract: A method for use and an improved oximeter sensor substrate that is conforming to the shape of the patient's forehead. In one embodiment, the present invention is an oximeter sensor, having a substrate with a shape similar to a shape of at least a portion of a patient's forehead and including a section adapted to substantially fit over a portion of a forehead of a patient; an emitter disposed on the substrate at a position located on the section; and a detector disposed on the substrate at a distance from the emitter. In one embodiment, the substrate includes a hat that holds the emitter and the detector in a spaced-part manner against the patient's forehead.

Abstract: A living body information signal processing system (100) combining organically a living body optical measurement apparatus and a brain wave measurement apparatus, the living body optical measurement apparatus (300) in which inspection light of from visible to near infrared is irradiated on a head portion of a subject (140) and the penetration light is received and which measures an optical characteristic variation induced by a brain activity inside the head portion as a living body optical signal and the brain wave measurement apparatus (400) which measures an electrical characteristic variation induced by a brain activity inside the head portion of the subject as a brain wave signal, is provided with a probe device (50) used for both apparatus; and a living body information signal processing and displaying device (200) which displays the living body optical signal corresponding to respective measurement positions from the living body optical measurement apparatus and the brain wave signal corresponding to re

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for controlling and/or regulating a training and/or rehabilitation unit, the device comprising at least one training and/or rehabilitation unit, a sensor unit having a sensor for determining oxygen concentration and for determining carbon dioxide concentration, a control unit for the sensors, a microcontroller in the control unit for controlling the heating power of heating elements of the sensors, depending on breath flow volume, for maintaining constant sensor temperatures, and a resistance and/or braking arrangement of the training and/or rehabilitation unit that can be controlled and/or regulated based on the breath gas composition determined by the sensor unit. Said device can be used to increase endurance, preferably by means of altitude training.

Abstract: Forehead oximetry sensor devices and methods for determining physiological parameters using forehead oximetry sensors. One method includes placing an oximetry sensor on the forehead of a patient, such that the sensor is placed on the lower forehead region, above the eyebrow with the sensor optics placed lateral of the iris and proximal the temple; and operating the pulse oximeter to obtain the physiological parameter. In one aspect, the method also includes providing and placing a headband over the oximetry sensor, or alternately, the sensor is a headband-integrated sensor. The headband has an elastic segment sized to fit around the patient's head. The headband also includes a non-elastic segment that is smaller than and attached with the elastic segment. The non-elastic segment is sized to span a portion of the elastic segment when the elastic segment is stretched. In addition, the non-elastic segment is larger than the portion of the elastic segment it spans when the elastic segment is not stretched.

Abstract: A patient monitor has multiple sensors adapted to attach to tissue sites of a living subject. The sensors generate sensor signals that are responsive to at least two wavelengths of optical radiation after attenuation by pulsatile blood within the tissue sites. Multiple data channels and associated quality parameters are derived from the sensor signals. A processor is configured to operate on the channels according to the quality parameters so as to provide a robust oxygen status measurement.

Abstract: A patient monitor has multiple sensors adapted to attach to tissue sites of a living subject. The sensors generate sensor signals that are responsive to at least two wavelengths of optical radiation after attenuation by pulsatile blood within the tissue sites. A patient monitor uses the signals to determine if there is a heart abnormality.

Abstract: A method for use and an improved oximeter sensor substrate that is conforming to the shape of the patient's forehead. In one embodiment, the present invention is an oximeter sensor, having a substrate with a shape similar to a shape of at least a portion of a patient's forehead and including a section adapted to substantially fit over a portion of a forehead of a patient; an emitter disposed on the substrate at a position located on the section; and a detector disposed on the substrate at a distance from the emitter. In one embodiment, the substrate includes a hat that holds the emitter and the detector in a spaced-part manner against the patient's forehead.

Abstract: A method for use and an improved oximeter sensor substrate that is conforming to the shape of the patient's forehead. In one embodiment, the present invention is an oximeter sensor, having a substrate with a shape similar to a shape of at least a portion of a patient's forehead and including a section adapted to substantially fit over a portion of a forehead of a patient; an emitter disposed on the substrate at a position located on the section; and a detector disposed on the substrate at a distance from the emitter. In one embodiment, the substrate includes a hat that holds the emitter and the detector in a spaced-part manner against the patient's forehead.

Abstract: Forehead oximetry sensor devices and methods for determining physiological parameters using forehead oximetry sensors. One method includes placing an oximetry sensor on the forehead of a patient, such that the sensor is placed on the lower forehead region, above the eyebrow with the sensor optics placed lateral of the iris and proximal the temple; and operating the pulse oximeter to obtain the physiological parameter. In one aspect, the method also includes providing and placing a headband over the oximetry sensor, or alternately, the sensor is a headband-integrated sensor. The headband has an elastic segment sized to fit around the patient's head. The headband also includes a non-elastic segment that is smaller than and attached with the elastic segment. The non-elastic segment is sized to span a portion of the elastic segment when the elastic segment is stretched. In addition, the non-elastic segment is larger than the portion of the elastic segment it spans when the elastic segment is not stretched.

Abstract: In general, the invention features methods for identifying therapeutic interventions for functional illnesses, e.g., neuropathic pain or depression, and methods for identifying markers for functional illnesses by employing an acute painful stimulus or other stimulus for a functional illness and measuring levels of CNS activity.

Abstract: The invention provides a chest-based oximeter (1) for measuring oxygen saturation of haemoglobin in blood of the chest of a subject, comprising at least one radiation source (5,7) adapted to emit radiation onto the chest, at least one radiation detector (9) adapted to detect radiation reflected from the chest, and a pressure device (11) adapted to apply pressure to the oximeter to connect the oximeter to the chest.

Abstract: A method for use and an improved oximeter sensor substrate that is conforming to the shape of the patient's forehead. In one embodiment, the present invention is an oximeter sensor, having a substrate with a shape similar to a shape of at least a portion of a patient's forehead and including a section adapted to substantially fit over a portion of a forehead of a patient; an emitter disposed on the substrate at a position located on the section; and a detector disposed on the substrate at a distance from the emitter. In one embodiment, the substrate includes a hat that holds the emitter and the detector in a spaced-part manner against the patient's forehead.

Abstract: A method for use and an improved oximeter sensor substrate that is conforming to the shape of the patient's forehead. In one embodiment, the present invention is an oximeter sensor, having a substrate with a shape similar to a shape of at least a portion of a patient's forehead and including a section adapted to substantially fit over a portion of a forehead of a patient; an emitter disposed on the substrate at a position located on the section; and a detector disposed on the substrate at a distance from the emitter. In one embodiment, the substrate includes a hat that holds the emitter and the detector in a spaced-part manner against the patient's forehead.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a hat-based or headband sensor assembly may include thin or flexible optical sensing components, such as optical fibers or ultra thin emitters or detectors. In embodiments, the sensor assembly may be a hat-based sensor that includes a gripping region, for example on the inside of the hat band, to help secure the hat to a patient's head.

Abstract: A probe for a medical device with source and detector sensors is used to monitor or measure, or both, oxygen saturation levels in a tissue. In various specific implementations, the probe has at least two sources and at least one detector, at least one source and at least two detectors, and at least two sources and at least four detectors. A source of the probe is connected to at least one radiation source, which is external to the probe. A detector of the probe is connected to a photodetector, which is external to the probe.

Abstract: A physiological sensor includes a light source in optical communication with a light detector. A controller is in communication with the light detector via a connector. A booster circuit is in communication with the light detector and the connector. The booster circuit may be configured to buffer signals generated by the light detector and reduce an input capacitance on either the controller or terminals of the connector. In various embodiments, the booster circuit may be disposed on the connector for a reusable cable or a disposable sensor pad.

Abstract: An apparatus for spectroscopic evaluation of a subject's body fluids may be used at the interstitial region adjacent to or in between a subject's extremities using a spectroscopic probe. The spectroscopic probe may possess one or more of the movements such as rotational, translational, and/or vertical freedom necessary for the probe to contact the subject's tissue at a consistent angle and pressure while accommodating the different size of the subject's extremities, and may be housed in a device optimized for attaining reproducible blood flow to the region of the subject that is measured, and for minimizing the effects of the housing pulling, stretching, pressing, compressing the subject's skin. A pressure sensor may be used to ensure that measurements are taken at an optimal pressure. A touch sensor may be used to activate a system and/or to ensure flushness.

Abstract: A biological information measuring apparatus includes a plurality of light emission sections, a plurality of light detection sections, and a control section. Each light emission section injects, into a living organism, a spectrum-modulated light beam having a specific wavelength. The control section acquires a spread code sequence employed by each of the light emission sections for spread spectrum modulation, and supplies the spread code sequence to the light detection sections. By use of the spread code sequence, each light detection section selectively receives a specific reflected light beam having the spread code sequence, which is selected from among the light beams which have been emitted from the light emission sections and reflected in the living organism. Subsequently, each light detection section despreads an electrical signal corresponding to the thus-received reflected light beam, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the intensity of the reflected light beam.

Abstract: A near infrared spectrophotometric sensor for non-invasive monitoring of blood oxygenation levels in a subject's spinal cord tissue and spinal cord blood vessels is provided. The sensor includes at least one light source and at least one light detector. The light source is operative to emit near infrared light signals of a plurality of different wavelengths. The light detector is operative to sense light signals emitted from the light source and passed through the subject's spinal tissue, and to produce a sensor signal representative of the sensed light signals The light source is separated from the light detector by a distance representative of a distance from a first vertebrae structure of a human spine to a second vertebrae structure of the human spine, to permit alignment of the light source and detector with the first and second vertebrae structure.

Abstract: In a measuring probe, the distal ends of an irradiation optical fiber and a detection optical fiber on the subject side are held by a holder portion which is to be mounted on a subject. The optical fibers are led out from the side surface of the holder portion. Further, the optical fibers are bent in the holder portion so that the distal ends of the optical fibers are directed towards the subject when the holder portion is mounted on the subject.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a device and method for securing a sensor to a wearer's head. According to embodiments, a headcovering, such as a stocking cap, includes an integral headband. The headband may have a generally inelastic segment capable of being placed about the wearer's head and a generally elastic portion capable of fastening the headband in a secure fashion. The headband may include an indicator that facilitates the determination of whether the headband has been fastened at an appropriate tension about the wearer's head. The headband may also include dimensional markings to facilitate the measurement of the circumference of the wearer's head.

Abstract: According to embodiments, a headcovering hat-based, and/or headband sensor assembly may provide an output to indicate when the sensor experiences abnormal forces or pressure. The sensor assembly may include features to increase the pressure against the tissue to allow the sensor to contact the tissue with sufficient force to obtain accurate measurement, but not so much force as to cause any discomfort for a patient.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for assessing the viability of tissue such as flap tissue are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for assessing the viability of flap tissue includes obtaining an oxygen saturation level associated with a first location on the flap tissue, determining whether the oxygen saturation level is less than a first level, and identifying the first location as having a poor blood supply if the oxygen saturation level is less than the first level.

Abstract: An optical examination technique employs an optical system for in vivo non-invasive examination of breast tissue of a subject. The optical system includes an optical module, a controller and a processor. The optical module includes an array of optical input ports and optical detection ports located in a selected geometrical pattern to provide a multiplicity of photon migration paths inside the biological tissue. Each optical input port is constructed to introduce into the examined tissue visible or infrared light emitted from a light source. Each optical detection port is constructed to provide light from the tissue to a light detector. The controller is constructed and arranged to activate one or several light sources and light detectors so that the light detector detects light that has migrated over at least one of the photon migration paths.

Abstract: An optical examination technique employs an optical system for in vivo non-invasive transcranial examination of brain tissue of a subject. The optical system includes an optical module arranged for placement on the exterior of the head, a controller and a processor. The optical module includes an array of optical input ports and optical detection ports located in a selected geometrical pattern to provide a multiplicity of photon migration paths inside the biological tissue. Each optical input port is constructed to introduce into the examined tissue visible or infrared light emitted from a light source. Each optical detection port is constructed to provide light from the tissue to a light detector. The controller is constructed and arranged to activate one or several light sources and light detectors so that the light detector detects light that has migrated over at least one of the photon migration paths.

Abstract: A wrist-mounted device for measuring at least one physiological parameter of a subject. The present invention enables such a measurement to preferably be transformed into clinically useful information about the subject. Such information may then optionally be sent to medical personnel, for example at a contact and/or monitoring center, through a gateway device. The gateway device preferably communicates with the wrist-mounted device of the present invention through a wireless communication channel.

Abstract: A patient interface and method of locating the patient interface for use particularly in spectroscopy applications. The patient interface includes a concave region and first and second convex regions. A wing extends from the concave region to help locate the patient interface properly. The convex regions provide additional adhesion support, particularly when used on the thenar eminence. The patient interface may be placed in a number of locations on a patient to determine an optimum location for measurement prior to affixing the interface to the patient.

Abstract: An improved illuminator (103) for producing broadband light and delivering said light to a target (125) for measuring the color of the target which incorporates an integrated system comprising a solid-state white LED source (105) to illuminate the target with continuous, broadband illuminating light (114). After interaction with the sample, returning light (107) is either collected by a detector or a light collector such as fiber (141), or processed and analyzed by an analysis system such as color monitor (267), or both, creating a real-time integrated color sensor device or system that enables color detection, monitoring, identification, or analysis. A solid-state illuminator integrated with a color detector advantageously allows for a more compact, reduced heat producing, and more energy efficient manufacturable device, and further facilitates integration of the illuminator and detector into a microchip or lab-on-chip device or system. Methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device has various arrangements of source and detector sensors. In specific implementations, the device has at least four structures, one source and three detectors, two sources and two detectors, and other arrangement variations. In a specific implementation, between a source structure and a detector structure, there are not any other intervening sensor structures. The device may be part of a medical device that is used to monitor or measure oxygen saturation levels in a tissue.

Abstract: A probe for a medical device with source and detector sensors is used to monitor or measure, or both, oxygen saturation levels in a tissue. In various specific implementations, the probe has at least two sources and at least one detector, at least one source and at least two detectors, and at least two sources and at least four detectors. A source of the probe is connected to at least one radiation source, which is external to the probe. A detector of the probe is connected to a photodetector, which is external to the probe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a memory card for a mobile telephone, and a data-transfer method. The memory card according to the invention includes a receiver, which is able to receive information from at least one peripheral device of a wristop computer, or from a wristop computer.

Abstract: A seed point is selected inside a structure that is to be segmented in image data. An adaptive model is defined around the seed point, and a preprocessing filter is applied only within the bounding region. A presegmentation of the preprocessed result is performed, and the bounding region is expanded if necessary to accommodate the presegmentation result. An adaptive model for post-processing may be used. The model is translated, rotated and scaled to find a best fit with the pre-segmented data. Additional models can be grown based on testing performed on points on a perimeter of previous models to improve the segmentation of an object.