Abstract: A system comprising a biometric monitoring device including a housing including a platform to receive at least one foot of the user, a body weight sensor to generate body weight data, processing circuitry to calculate user weight data which corresponds to the user's weight, using the body weight data, and communication circuitry to: (a) receive user identification data which identifies the user or a portable activity monitoring device, and (b) transmit the user weight data to data storage associated with the user identification data. The system further includes the portable activity monitoring device including a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the user's body, a sensor to generate sensor data, and communication circuitry to receive physiologic data which is based on the user weight data, and processing circuitry to calculate activity data using the sensor data and physiologic data.

Abstract: A diagnostic system includes a plurality of semiconductor diodes, a multiplexer, and one or more waveguide structures to form an output beam. A lens system communicates some of the output beam onto a part of a user's body comprising blood to perform a measurement. A software application is capable of generating data based at least in part on the measurement, and it operates on a control system that may have a touch-screen, a proximity sensor, and a wireless transceiver to transmit wireless data over a wireless link. A host comprises a digital file, control logic at the host to process at least the portion of the wireless data to generate a status of the user, a memory storage device for recording the status, and an output for communicating at least a portion of the status or associated information over a communication link to one or more remote display output devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for storing and recalling metrics associated with physiological signals. It may be determined that the value of a monitored physiological metric corresponds to a stored value. In such cases, a patient monitor may determine that a calibration is not desired. In some cases, a patient monitor may recall calibration parameters associated with the stored value if it determined that the stored value corresponds to the monitored metric value.

Abstract: A method for identifying cardiac dysrhythmia behavior may include acquiring pulse volume wave data from a sensor associated with a patient, and calculating metrics associated with peaks detected therein. The metrics may include differences in amplitudes of successive pulse volume peaks and differences in the times of occurrence of successive pulse volume peaks. A dispersion analysis of the time differences, obtained during a defined time window, may result in one or more time difference dispersion metrics. Amplitude differences may be compared to an amplitude baseline, and time differences may be compared to a time baseline. Cardiac dysrhythmia behavior may be identified by a combination of an amplitude difference outside of the amplitude baseline, a corresponding time difference outside of the time baseline, and the values of one or more time difference dispersion metrics.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a system for measuring blood pressure. The system may include a pressure sensing guidewire including a pressure sensor and a first optical fiber extending proximally from the pressure sensor. The system may also include an optical connector cable including a distal connector capable of being coupled to the guidewire. The optical connector cable may include a second optical fiber that is capable of optically communicating with the first optical fiber. A coupler may be disposed within the distal connector and disposed between the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber.

Abstract: A device for monitoring health information. The device comprises a material capable of being worn on a person's body, an optical generator, an optical sensor, a processor, and an interface for communicating with an external device. The device may also include two EKG sensors. The device non-invasively monitors a variety of health characteristics and transmits the health data to a base station such as a smartphone. The base station includes a software application that can display, store, and analyze the user's health data. The user may review his health information on the base station's display. In an alternative embodiment, the base station transmits the health data to a secure remote server. The user may review his health information on a website associated with the remote server.

Abstract: Optical sensor devices, image processing devices, methods and computer readable code computer-readable storage media for detecting biophysical parameters, chemical concentrations, chemical saturations, vital signs and physiological information such as a malignant condition are provided. In some embodiments, the optical sensor includes an array of photodetectors, where each photodetector is configured to detect a spectrum of light. In some embodiments, the image processing device receives a live still or video electronic image, or alternatively, the electronic image is provided from an electronic storage media. Exemplary physiological parameters include but are not limited to a pulse rate, a biophysical or physiological property of skin, a cardiovascular property, a property related to an organ such as the liver or the kidneys, and a temperature fluctuation.

Abstract: A patient monitoring system may provide photoacoustic sensing based on an indicator dilution to determine one or more physiological parameters of a subject. The system may detect an acoustic pressure signal, which may include one or more thermo-dilution responses, one or more hemo-dilution responses, or a combination thereof, using one or more sensor units. The system may use multiple light sources and/or detectors to diagnose and/or improve signal to noise ratio, distinguish between arterial and venous signals, prevent under-sampling, and separate the effects of hemo-dilution and thermo-dilution.

Abstract: Technologies generally applicable to detecting skin conditions are disclosed. A computer graphics scanning apparatus may be configured to capture skin image data, and use the captured skin image data to calculate a subsurface transfer function for the skin, which may identify subsurface properties of the skin. The identified subsurface properties may be correlated to one or more skin conditions for medical and/or cosmetic treatment diagnosis.

Abstract: A biometric information processing device includes a main case that is designed to be worn on a body of a user. The main case includes a battery unit that provides power to a pulse sensor, a processing unit that determines a biometric information of the user based on information from the pulse sensor, a display unit that displays at least one of the biometric information and a calorie expenditure information spent by the user, and a rotation stop unit that is formed in unison with the main case and is disposed at a 6 o'clock side of the main case, and has an electrical circuit to send an electrical signal to the processing unit.

Abstract: A cloud-based physiological monitoring system has a sensor in communications with a living being so as to generate a data stream generally responsive to a physiological condition of the living being. A monitor receives the data stream from the sensor and transmits the data stream to a cloud server. The cloud server processes the data stream so as to derive physiological parameters having values responsive to the physiological condition. The cloud server derives a medical index based upon a combination of the physiological parameters. The cloud server communicates the medical index to the monitor, which displays the medical index.

Abstract: A patient support system includes a patient support apparatus, a camera, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive image data from the camera and to determine at least one of pulmonary and circulatory characteristics of a patient supported on the patient support apparatus.

Abstract: A physiological monitoring system may determine an equalized physiological signal. The system may receive a light signal that includes undesired signal features associated with a channel response. The system may equalize the light signal to mitigate the undesired signal features. The equalization may be performed on an analog signal or a digital signal. The equalization may include, for example, applying an inverse response of the channel response, such that undesired signal features are mitigated while signal features associated with a subject are retained. The equalization may be implemented with, for example, a finite impulse response filter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring changes in the intra-thoracic pressure of a patient due to the patient's respiratory activity or volumetric changes in the extra-thoracic arterial circulatory system due to cardiac function based on the changes in pressure in the patient's extra-thoracic arterial circulatory system as measured by a plethysmography sensor, such as an photoplethysmograph. A frequency spectrum is generated for the plethysmograph signal and the frequencies of interest is isolated from the frequency spectrum by setting appropriate cutoff frequencies for the frequency spectrum. This isolated frequency is used to filter the plethysmograph signal to provide a signal indicative of the patient's respiratory activity or cardiac function.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device includes a pressure sensing guidewire. The pressure sensing guidewire may include a tubular member having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion may have a plurality of slots formed therein. The distal portion may have a first wall thickness along a first region and a second wall thickness different from the first wall thickness along a second region. A pressure sensor may be disposed within the distal portion of the tubular member.

Abstract: A probe detachably connected to an optical measurement apparatus includes: a fiber that emits light by the optical measurement apparatus, and outputs reflected light and/or scattered light from an object to be measured; a covering member that covers a side face of the fiber; a cap that covers a distal end of the probe; a standard object that is provided on a surface of the cap facing the distal end of the fiber and that is used in calibration measurement by light emitted from the distal end of the fiber; an adhesive member that adheres the cap to the distal end of the probe and is made of an adhesive material; a heat-generating portion that generates heat to be applied to the adhesive member; and a thermal conduction portion that conducts heat that decreases the adhesive strength of the adhesive material with respect to the covering member.

Abstract: A system and method to determine pulse transit time using a handheld device. The method includes generating an electrocardiogram (EKG) for a user of the handheld device. Two portions of the user's body are in contact with two contact points of the handheld device. The method also includes de-noising the EKG to identify a start time when a blood pulse leaves a heart of the user. The method further includes de-noising a plurality of video images of the user to identify a pressure wave indicating an arterial site and a time when the pressure wave appears. Additionally, the method includes determining the PTT based on the de-noised EKG and the de-noised video images.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for obtaining fractional flow reserve in the presence of a catheter. In a method of determining a fractional flow reserve in the presence of a catheter, the method comprises the steps of obtaining measurements of an inner luminal organ diameter proximal to, at, and distal to a stenosis and a length of the stenosis, obtaining a pressure drop measurement at the stenosis, calculating a volumetric flow of fluid through the inner luminal organ at the stenosis, and determining a stenotic pressure drop at the stenosis corresponding to dimensions of the guidewire as a function of the calculated volumetric flow of fluid through the inner luminal organ at the stenosis, wherein the stenotic pressure drop is indicative of a fractional flow reserve at or near the stenosis.

Abstract: A portable blood pressure measuring apparatus and a method therefor are provided. In the portable blood pressure measuring apparatus, a blood pressure measurer measures a wrist or finger blood pressure being an arterial pressure at a wrist or a finger, a Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) measurer measures a PWV, a controller controls compensation of the wrist or finger blood pressure using the PWV so that the wrist or finger blood pressure corresponds to a brachial blood pressure, and a display displays the compensated wrist or finger blood pressure.

Abstract: In a method for intermittently occluding the coronary sinus, in which the coronary sinus is occluded using an occlusion device, the fluid pressure in the occluded coronary sinus is continuously measured and stored, the fluid pressure curve is determined as a function of time, and the occlusion of the coronary sinus is triggered and/or released as a function of at least one characteristic value derived from the measured pressure values. The pressure increase and/or pressure decrease per time unit each occurring at a heart beat are used as characteristic values.

Abstract: Method and system for evaluating arterial pressure waves, vascular properties, as well as for diagnostic, physiological and pharmacological testing using various combinations of the following data acquisition and processing steps (some of the steps are optional): 1. Perturbing arterial pressure from its steady state. 2. Measuring the dynamics of at least one parameter related to the passage of arterial pressure waves along blood vessels. 3. Characterizing the magnitude and functional relation of changes in parameters described above in relation to changes in blood pressure during its displacement from and/or return to the steady state. 4. Classifying (comparing) the individual functional relation described above with a databank of parameters/functional relations for different states of vasomotor activity.

Abstract: An intravascular sensor system including an array of pressure and/or temperature sensors for detecting pressure and/temperature. In one example, the sensors are interrogated with an optical catheter. In this example, the swept source is able to acquire both image and pressure/temperature data of a patient's vessel or artery. In another example, the intravascular pressure sensor system has a sheath embedded with pressure sensors in the sheath wall. Other examples include the process of making and using the intravascular pressure sensor system.

Abstract: Systolic blood pressure of a subject is determined by application of monotonic changing pressure conditions over a region of an organ of the subject, simultaneous illumination of a tissue in the pressurized organ with light and measurement of optical data indicative of passage of the light through the tissue and of pressure data indicative of the pressure being applied over said region of said organ. At least one pulsatile and at least one baseline component are determined from the measured optical data and changes are then identified in each of the components, said changes indicative that the pressure applied over the organ is smaller than systolic blood pressure of the subject. The systolic blood pressure of the subject may be determined as a maximal applied pressure at which at least one of the changes in the pulsatile component and the changes in the baseline component started to appear.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for predicting the viability of a body tissue in a patient. The system comprises a computing device, and a first pressure measuring device for measuring local perfusion pressure in the body tissue of the patient. This measuring device is connected to the computing device. A second pressure measuring device is provided for measuring the systemic perfusion pressure of the patient, said second pressure measuring device being connected to the computing device. A feedback indicator is connected to the computing device and is adapted to indicate the viability of the tissue calculated by the computing device on the basis of the measured local and systemic perfusion pressures. The invention also includes a method of predicting the viability of the body tissue and to the first pressure measuring device.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for obtaining fractional flow reserve in the presence of a catheter. In a method of determining a fractional flow reserve in the presence of a catheter, the method comprises the steps of obtaining measurements of an inner luminal organ diameter proximal to, at, and distal to a stenosis and a length of the stenosis, obtaining a pressure drop measurement at the stenosis, calculating a volumetric flow of fluid through the inner luminal organ at the stenosis, and determining a stenotic pressure drop at the stenosis corresponding to dimensions of the guidewire as a function of the calculated volumetric flow of fluid through the inner luminal organ at the stenosis, wherein the stenotic pressure drop is indicative of a fractional flow reserve at or near the stenosis.

Abstract: A non-invasive method for determining and characterizing the presence of damage or abnormalities resulting from or concomitant with systemic hypertension in subject. This method is comprised of the acquisition of ocular image(s) and subsequent evaluation, classification and/or interpretation of these image(s). The ocular image(s) may be acquired by photography. Evaluation, classification, and/or interpretation may be automated or involve the active participation of a human. The ocular images may be classified into either a normal or clinical group or compared to an algorithm of hypertensive symptoms. The ocular images may, additionally, be processed and have the pertinent characteristics extracted to make the classification more exact.

Abstract: An OCT system and method with integrated pressure measurement. In one embodiment, the system includes an interferometer; a wavelength swept laser; a source arm in communication with the wavelength swept laser; a reference arm in communication with a reference reflector; a first photoreceiver having a signal output; a detector arm in communication with the first photoreceiver, a probe interface; a sample arm in communication with a first optical connector of the probe interface; an acquisition and display system comprising: an A/D converter having a signal input in communication with the first photoreceiver signal output and a signal output; a processor system in communication with the A/D converter signal output; and a display in communication with the processor system; and a probe comprising a pressure sensor and configured for connection to the first optical connector of the probe interface, wherein the pressure transducer comprises an optical pressure transducer.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are provided for analyzing relative compliance in the peripheral vasculature that generally involve generating a plethysmograph (PG) signal, generating one or more pressure waveforms and comparing the pressure waveform(s) relative to the PG signal to determine compliance indexes associated particular regions of the vasculature. A relative compliance ratio may also be determined by comparing arterial and venous relative compliance indexes. Apparatus, systems and methods are also provided for analyzing a PG waveform that generally involve generating a plethysmograph (PG) signal and comparing amplitude modulation of the PG signal relative to baseline modulation of the PG signal to estimate a relationship between left ventricular end diastolic pressure and stroke volume. The estimated relationship may account for a phase offset for the time between when changes in venous return affect left ventricular end diastolic pressure and stroke volume.

Abstract: A method and system perform physiological monitoring. The system includes a first light source and a plurality of optical waveguide couplers, each of the plurality of optical waveguide couplers being arranged at a different predetermined spatial location on an ocular insert to be placed on an eye. The system also includes a plurality of optical waveguides. Each optical waveguide carries light from a second light source to a respective one of the plurality of optical waveguide couplers and carries a received signal from the respective one of the plurality of optical waveguide couplers. A processor receives the received signal from each of the plurality of optical waveguides and monitors a parameter based on the received signal.

Abstract: A method and system perform physiological monitoring. The system includes a first light source and a plurality of optical waveguide couplers, each of the plurality of optical waveguide couplers being arranged at a different predetermined spatial location on an ocular insert to be placed on an eye. The system also includes a plurality of optical waveguides. Each optical waveguide carries light from a second light source to a respective one of the plurality of optical waveguide couplers and carries a received signal from the respective one of the plurality of optical waveguide couplers. A processor receives the received signal from each of the plurality of optical waveguides and monitors a parameter based on the received signal.

Abstract: The present document describes a pressure guidewire comprising: a shaft tube with a proximal section; a middle section extending from the proximal section of the shaft tube, the middle section having greater flexibility than the proximal section; an inner hypotube installed substantially within the middle section for optimal mechanical properties; a pressure sensor with a communication means routed through the middle section and the proximal section; and a sensor housing for receiving the pressure sensor. There are also described methods for joining the inner hypotube to the shaft tube.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a system and method for determining a subject of interest's arterial pulse transit time from time-varying source signals generated from video images. In one embodiment, a video imaging system is used to capture a time-varying source signal of a proximal and distal region of a subject of interest. The image frames are processed to isolate localized areas of a proximal and distal region of exposed skin of the subject. A time-series signal for each of the proximal and distal regions is extracted from the source video images. A phase angle is computed with respect to frequency for each of the time-series signals to produce respective phase v/s frequency curves for each region. Slopes within a selected cardiac frequency range are extracted from each of the phase curves and a difference is computed between the two slopes to obtain an arterial pulse transit time for the subject.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device includes a pressure sensing guidewire. The pressure sensing guidewire may include a shaft having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a distal tip portion. The distal portion may have a plurality of slots formed therein. A pressure sensor may be disposed within the distal portion of the shaft.

Abstract: A physiological monitor for measuring a pulsatile motion signal (MoCG) that is delayed from, but at the same rate as, the heartbeat of a user. In one embodiment, the system includes a housing configured to be worn on the body of a user; at least one MoCG sensor, within the housing, that measures a pulsatile motion signal (MoCG) that is delayed from, but at the same rate as, the heartbeat of the user; and at least one data processor that calculates, solely based on an output of the at least one MoCG sensor, at least one of (i) heart rate (HR) and activity level for the user, and (ii) respiratory rate (RR), stroke volume (SV), and cardiac output (CO) for the user. In another embodiment, the at least one data processor is within the housing.

Abstract: A cardiovascular flow system includes: a cardiovascular model system, a pump system in fluid connection with the cardiovascular model system, and an ECG simulator in communicative connection with the pump system. The ECG simulator system is adapted to create and transmit a simulated ECG signal. The ECG simulator system uses a signal received from the pump system to adjust the simulated ECG signal transmitted from the ECG simulator system. The cardiovascular flow system further includes an injection port adapted to be placed in fluid connection with an injector to inject at least one fluid into the system.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a method of collecting light reflected from a subject and analyzing the light to monitor time-varying physiological parameters of the subject. Other embodiments relate to a system including collection optics to receive light reflected from a subject, filters to filter the light around a number of wavelengths, image capture zones to receive filtered light from the filters and to generate data to represent the filtered light and an image and signal processing system to monitor time-varying physiological parameters of the subject indicated by the data.

Abstract: A vital sign measurement device includes a sensor fixation device, a sensor frame, an optical sensing system, and an output unit. The sensor fixation device is adapted to be placed against an anatomical location of a subject. The optical sensing system includes an optical waveguide, an optical source device to supply optical energy to the optical waveguide, and an optical detector to detect an amount of optical energy exiting the optical waveguide. The optical sensing system is adapted to sense an arterial pulse from the compression or flexing of at least a portion of the optical waveguide resulting in reduction of the amount of light exiting the optical waveguide. The output unit is configured to receive a signal indicative of the amount of light exiting the optical waveguide and to generate a measure of the vital sign based at least in part on the received signal.

Abstract: A vessel pulse wave measurement system performs vessel pulse wave measurement using an optical probe circuit provided with an optical probe including a light emitting element and a light receiving element, a drive circuit, and a detection circuit. A measurement device directly and synchronously feeds back an electrical signal from the optical probe to the drive circuit as a drive signal to generate a self-oscillation signal from the detection circuit, and measures the self-oscillation signal as a vessel pulse wave signal. A controller controls an operating point of at least one of the detection circuit and the drive circuit such that the self-oscillation signal substantially reaches a maximum level thereof.

Abstract: A system and method is described to map the renal artery prior to an ablation in order to a-priori identify the location of the sympathetic nerves. In specific embodiments, the nerve modulating energy may be electrical or optical.

Abstract: A patient monitoring system can display one or more configurable health monitors on a configurable user interface. The health indicators are configured to display a physiological signal from a patient. The patient monitoring system can calculate ranges of values for the health indicator that correspond to a status of the patient. The health indicators can display different outputs based on the value of the physiological signal.

Abstract: The systems, devices, and methods described herein provide for the estimation and monitoring of cerebrovascular system properties and intracranial pressure (ICP) from one or more measurements or measured signals. These measured signals may include central or peripheral arterial blood pressure (ABP), and cerebral blood flow (CBF) or cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV). The measured signals may be acquired noninvasively or minimally-invasively. The measured signals may be used to estimate parameters and variables of a computational model that is representative of the physiological relationships among the cerebral flows and pressures. The computational model may include at least one resistive element, at least one compliance element, and a representation of ICP.

Abstract: A vital sign measurement device includes an optical sensing system and an output unit. The optical sensing system includes an optical source, an optical refractor, and an optical detector. The optical sensing system is placed against the anatomical location of the subject to sense movement corresponding to an arterial pulse. The optical sensing system can sense an arterial pulse from the movement, bending, or compression of at least one portion of the optical sensing system relative to other portions of the optical sensing system resulting in a change in an optical signal received by the optical detector. The output unit generates a measure of a vital sign.

Abstract: An optical coherence tomography system and method with integrated pressure measurement. In one embodiment the system includes an interferometer including: a wavelength swept laser; a source arm in communication with the wavelength swept laser; a reference arm in communication with a reference reflector; a first photodetector having a signal output; a detector arm in communication with the first photodetector, a probe interface; a sample arm in communication with a first optical connector of the probe interface; an acquisition and display system comprising: an A/D converter having a signal input in communication with the first photodetector signal output and a signal output; a processor system in communication with the A/D converter signal output; and a display in communication with the processor system; and a probe comprising a pressure sensor and configured for connection to the first optical connector of the probe interface, wherein the pressure transducer comprises an optical pressure transducer.

Abstract: Optical sensor devices, image processing devices, methods and computer readable code computer-readable storage media for detecting biophysical parameters, chemical concentrations, chemical saturations and blood count. In some embodiments, the image processing device receives a live still or video electronic image. Exemplary physiological parameters include but are not limited to a pulse rate, blood pressure, glucose, stroke volume of internal or external tissue (e.g. skin). A biophysical or physiological property is not limited to a cardiovascular or liver or the kidneys or to a cardiovascular disorder or to a pulmonary disorder. Exemplary chemical concentrations or saturation includes but not limited to a pH level, a glucose level, a urea nitrogen level, a CO2 concentration or saturation, or a oxygen concentration or saturation. In some embodiments the parameters are detected from a food or a beverage such as an alcohol, a dairy product, wine, a baked good, a fruit or a vegetable.

Abstract: Provided herein are implantable systems that include an implantable photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, which can be used to obtain an arterial PPG waveform. In an embodiment, a metric of a terminal portion of an arterial PPG waveform is determined, and a metric of an initial portion of the arterial PPG waveform is determined, and a surrogate of mean arterial pressure is determined based on the metric of the terminal portion and the metric of the initial portion. In another embodiment, a surrogate of diastolic pressure is determined based on a metric of a terminal portion of an arterial PPG waveform. In a further embodiment, a surrogate of cardiac afterload is determined based on a metric of a terminal portion of an arterial PPG waveform.

Abstract: A delivery system for fixation of an implant assembly having an intracorporeal device at a deployment site using an anchoring structure. This invention provides an implant assembly having an anchor for fixation within a vessel. The anchoring structure adapted to be delivered via a catheter.

Abstract: A physiological trend monitor has a sensor signal responsive to multiple wavelengths of light transmitted into a tissue site. The transmitted light is detected after attenuation by pulsatile blood flow within the tissue site. A processor has an input responsive to the sensor signal and a physiological parameter output. Features are extracted from the physiological parameter output. Criteria are applied to the features. An alarm output is generated when the criteria are satisfied.

Abstract: A vessel pulse wave measurement system performs vessel pulse wave measurement using an optical probe circuit provided with an optical probe including a light emitting element and a light receiving element, a drive circuit, and a detection circuit. A measurement device directly and synchronously feeds back an electrical signal from the optical probe to the drive circuit as a drive signal to generate a self-oscillation signal from the detection circuit, and measures the self-oscillation signal as a vessel pulse wave signal. A controller controls an operating point of at least one of the detection circuit and the drive circuit such that the self-oscillation signal substantially reaches a maximum level thereof.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for qualifying and quantifying excitation-dependent physiological information extracted from wearable sensors in the midst of interference from unwanted sources are provided. An organism is interrogated with at least one excitation energy, energy response signals from two or more distinct physiological regions are sensed, and these signals are processed to generate an extracted signal. The extracted signal is compared with a physiological model to qualify and/or quantify a physiological property. Additionally, important physiological information can be qualified and quantified by comparing the excitation wavelength-dependent response, measured via wearable sensors, with a physiological model.

Abstract: Determining an index for assessing cardiac function. In an embodiment, a method includes receiving ventricular pressure data during an invasive cardiac procedure, wherein the received pressure data includes a diastatic ventricular pressure value, a minimum ventricular pressure value, and a predefined fiducial marker pressure value. An index value is calculated by comparing a first pressure difference to a second pressure difference. The first pressure difference represents the difference between the received diastatic ventricular pressure value and the received minimum ventricular pressure value. The second pressure difference represents the difference between the received fiducial marker pressure value and the received minimum ventricular pressure value. The index value is provided to a health care provider to assess early diastolic cardiac function.