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: Methods and devices are disclosed that, in various embodiments and permutations and combinations of inventions, diagnose and treat Pulmonary Embolism or associated symptoms. In one series of embodiments, the invention consists of methods and devices for identifying patients whose Pulmonary Embolism or associated symptoms are caused or exacerbated, at least in part, by blockages of one or more of the patient's internal pulmonary veins. In some instances, stenoses or other flow limiting structures or lesions in the patient's affected veins are identified. Further, in some instances the nature of such lesions and whether there is a significant disruption of blood pressure, or both, is ascertained. In some embodiments, methods and devices for applying one or more therapies to the blockages in the patient's pulmonary veins are provided.

Abstract: PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED: A finger arterial elasticity measuring program, a finger arterial elasticity measuring device and a finger arterial elasticity measuring method are provided for making it possible to measure an elasticity index of a finger artery in accordance with a pulse wave of a finger artery without measuring a blood pressure in evaluating the elasticity of the finger artery related to the degree of arterial sclerosis in an easy and least expensive manner.

Abstract: A method for dynamic cerebral autoregulation (CA) assessment includes acquiring a blood pressure (BP) signal having a first oscillatory pattern from a first individual, acquiring a blood flow velocity (BFV) signal having a second oscillatory pattern from the first individual, decomposing the BP signal into a first group of intrinsic mode functions (IMFs), decomposing the BFV signal into a second group of IMFs, determining dominant oscillatory frequencies in the first group of IMFs, automatically selecting a first characteristic IMF from the first group of IMFs that has its associated dominant oscillatory frequency in a predetermined frequency range, automatically selecting a second characteristic IMF from the second group of IMFs, calculating a time sequence of instantaneous phase difference between the first characteristic IMF and the second characteristic IMF, computing an average of the instantaneous phase difference in the time sequence, and identifying a pathological condition in the first individual.

Abstract: The invention as disclosed is a non-contact method and apparatus for continuously monitoring a physiological event in a human or animal, such as blood pressure, which involves utilizing a laser-based interferometer system in combination with a laser tracking system and a signal processor to produce a waveform that is representative of a continuous physiological event such as blood pressure or respiration in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for optical measurement of a parameter related to motion of light-scattering particles within a fluid by manipulating analog electrical signals. In some embodiments, first and second analog signals are respectively obtained from first and second photodetectors respectively located at first and second locations. A technique is disclosed for boosting a fraction of an analog electrical signal attributable to light scattering fluctuations and/or to stochastic effects and/or to speckle measurements and/or to DLS measurements. According to this technique, a hybrid analog signal or a difference analog signals is obtained from the first and second analog signals, and is analyzed. Exemplary fluids include but are not limited to biological fluids (e.g. blood plasma). Teachings disclosed herein may be employed in vitro or in vivo.

Abstract: A system is described that continuously measures a patient's blood pressure over a length of time. The system features a sensor assembly featuring a flexible cable configured to wrap around a portion of a patient's arm. The flexible cable features a back surface that includes at least two electrodes that are positioned to contact the patient's skin to generate electrical signals. It additionally features an optical sensor that includes at least one light source and at least one photodetector. These components form an optical sensor that is configured to generate an optical signal by detecting optical radiation emitted by the at least one light source and reflected from a blood vessel underneath the patient's skin.

Abstract: An optimized elastic modulus reconstruction procedure can estimate the nonlinear elastic properties of vascular wall from intramural strain and pulse wave velocity (PWV) measurements. A noninvasive free-hand ultrasound scanning procedure is used to apply external force, comparable to the force in measuring a subject's blood pressure, to achieve higher strains by equalizing the internal arterial baseline pressure. PWV is estimated at the same location where intramural strain is measured. The reconstructed elastic modulus is optimized and the arterial elastic modulus can be determined and monitored using a simple dual elastic modulus reconstruction procedure.

Abstract: A method for determining an arteriovascular condition of a subject having an arterial blood flow is shown. The method involves determining a temporal progression of an instantaneous blood flow condition of the arterial blood flow as well as deriving a slew rate of the temporal progression during an increase of the temporal progression. In addition, an arteriovascular condition indicator device is shown, which comprises: an input for receiving an input signal representing an instantaneous arterial blood flow condition of a subject and a slew rate monitor connected to the input. A corresponding control device for providing an activation signal is also shown. The control device comprises a maximum detector connected to the slew rate monitor. A method for stimulation of arteriogenesis is also shown, wherein a temporal progression of an instantaneous blood flow condition is monitored, a slew rate of the temporal progression is derived, and the maximum of the slew rate is determined.

Abstract: A blood-pressure sensor is constituted of an elastic body which is fitted to a blood-vessel outer wall, and a shape of which is deformed by force generated by pulsing motion of expansion and contraction of the blood vessel, and a plurality of nanosized particles dispersedly provided in the elastic body, and when the force is applied to the sensor in a state where the sensor is irradiated with light, the magnitude of the force is measured on the basis of intensity of scattered light from the particles or emission intensity of fluorescence from the particles, the intensity of the scattered light or emission intensity of the fluorescence corresponding to a change in distance between the particles.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque using optical coherence tomography to measure tissue optical properties, including backreflectance of heterogeneous layers, such as plaque cap, lipid pool composition and macrophage presence. Methods also include measurement of spatially and temporally dependent reflectance, measurement of multiple wavelength reflectance, low coherence interferometry, polarization and quantification of macrophage content.

Abstract: A device for use in non-invasive monitoring of a human or animal subject's bodily functions in vivo, comprises: a first optical system for identifying the center (1) of a pupil (13) of an eye of the subject, said first system comprising a first light source (2) for directing light towards the eye, first receiving means for receiving light reflected from the iris (4) of the eye, and first processing means for determining the position of the center (1) of the pupil (13) from the light reflected (3) from the iris; a second optical system comprising a second light source (14) directing light to a focussing means (15) for focussing light in the plane of the pupil (13) and for directing the focussed light onto the retina (10) of the eye, a second receiving means for receiving light reflected (17) from the retina and back through the pupil (13), and second processing means for analyzing the light reflected from the retina (10); and alignment means for aligning the second system with the center (1) of the pupil (1

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: A method for cardio-acoustic signal analysis includes receiving a signal representative of heart sounds and displaying the signal in a time-perceptual frequency-perceptual loudness domain representation. The received signal is transformed to represent a time-perceptual frequency-amplitude domain. The method further includes applying a human auditory modeling algorithm to the time-perceptual frequency-amplitude domain representation to generate the time-perceptual frequency-perceptual loudness domain representation.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing images of ex-vivo or in-vivo tissue produced by confocal microscopy, optical coherence tomography, two-photon microscopy, or ultrasound, is provided by applying to the tissue a solution or gel having an effective concentration of citric or other alpha-hydroxy acid which enhances tissue structures, such as cellular nuclei, in such images. Such concentration may be 3-20% acid, and preferably 5% acid.

Abstract: According to embodiments, systems and methods for non-invasive blood pressure monitoring are disclosed. A sensor or probe may be used to obtain a plethysmograph or photoplethysmograph (PPG) signal from a subject. From the signal, the time difference between two or more characteristic points in the signal may be computed. The time difference may correspond, for example, to the time for a pulse wave to travel a predetermined distance from the senor or probe to a reflection point and back to the sensor or probe. From this time difference, blood pressure measurements may be computed continuously or on a periodic basis.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus and method are disclosed wherein first and second light beams, each having different center wavelengths, illuminate an object. A detector and a light receiver optical system are provided that receive back-scattered light from first and second illumination devices. A processor is provided that calculates a value corresponding to the size of particles that back-scatter light of the first and second light beams that are incident onto the object, with the calculated value being independent of the concentration of the particles. The first illumination device and the second illumination device are arranged in a specified manner so that a specified condition is satisfied.

Abstract: A system, method and medical tool are presented for use in non-invasive in vivo determination of at least one desired parameter or condition of a subject having a scattering medium in a target region. The measurement system comprises an illuminating system, a detection system, and a control system. The illumination system comprises at least one light source configured for generating partially or entirely coherent light to be applied to the target region to cause a light response signal from the illuminated region. The detection system comprises at least one light detection unit configured for detecting time-dependent fluctuations of the intensity of the light response and generating data indicative of a dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurement. The control system is configured and operable to receive and analyze the data indicative of the DLS measurement to determine the at least one desired parameter or condition, and generate output data indicative thereof.

Abstract: In measurement requiring application of pressure to a tissue of a living body such as blood pressure measurement, noise due to vibration tends to occur. It is therefore difficult to accurately measure a pulse wave and a blood pressure value, and there is a problem of measuring blood pressure stably. It is also difficult to measure blood pressure in daily life activities or to measure blood pressure at predetermined intervals or continuously in a state where a tonometer is always attached. There is consequently a problem of providing a method of holding a biologic information detecting apparatus. The present invention has been achieved to solve the problems and an object of the invention is to provide an easy-to-wear biologic information detecting apparatus for stably detecting biologic information.

Abstract: A flexible pad for measuring systolic ankle blood pressure comprises two or more pairs of light emitting diodes and photo detectors. The pairs are disposed in parallel. The detectors are adapted for detecting light emitted by the respective diode into tissue and reflected from there. The pad further comprises conductor means for providing power to the light emitting diodes from a power source and means selected from conducting means and wireless means for putting the detectors in communication with electronic equipment for detector signal analysis. Also disclosed is the combination of the pad and an inflatable cuff, and a method for measuring systolic ankle blood pressure.

Abstract: A method for treating patients after a myocardial infarction which includes pacing therapy is disclosed. A cardiac rhythm management device is configured to deliver pre-excitation pacing to one or more sites in proximity to an infarcted region of the ventricular myocardium. Such pacing acts to minimize the remodeling process to which the heart is especially vulnerable immediately after a myocardial infarction.

Abstract: A method for identifying artifacts occurring during a measurement of the concentration of an analyte in a biological sample by means of an apparatus that employs temperature-controlled optical probes, introduces electromagnetic radiation into tissue, and collects and detects radiation emitted at a distance from the point at which the electromagnetic radiation is introduced. The values of intensity of radiation emitted at different wavelengths, at different distances between the light introduction site(s) and the light collection site(s), and at different temperatures are collected and used in the method to generate a relationship between these values and the concentration of an analyte in the tissue or the disease state of a patient. The method involves the use of an algorithm that identifies artifacts in the data resulting from motion of the patient and allows the rejection of data sets that contain these artifacts.

Abstract: A digital pressure gauge comprises a power supply, an input button unit, a pressure sensor, a display unit, a warning unit, and a control unit. The control unit counts the number of operations and/or operation duration of the digital pressure gauge and generates an alarm through the display unit and the warning unit when the counted number of operations and/or operation duration of the digital pressure gauge exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: An arteriosclerosis detection system including an electrocardiographic signal detection device, an eyeground image detection device for detecting an eyeground image in synchronization with an electrocardiographic signal detected by the detection device. The arteriosclerosis detection system further includes an eyeground vein constriction detection device for detecting the constriction of an eyeground vein in the vicinity of a site at which the eyeground vein and an eyeground artery cross each other. The constriction is detected based on the detected eyeground image in synchronization with the electrocardiographic signal. The arteriosclerosis detection system detects the eyeground image by executing an algorithm of software, which provides an eyeground image synchronized with an electrocardiographic signal by obtaining a stationary eyeground image synchronized with an arbitrary electrocardiographic signal from an animated eyeground image.

Abstract: The system includes an array of transducers that simultaneously senses multiple intralumenal pressures, a data acquisition module that acquires and stores samples of the measured pressures, software routines for signal analysis, a software module for multi-dimensional data display presentations, and a software module to perform pattern recognition on the acquired data set to identify potential maladies that may be indicated by the analysis. The transduction elements are cylindrical segments that deform according to the circumferential pressures encountered. Distributing a quantity of these sensor segments at desired locations along a flexible support structure and providing a flexible sheath over the entire length forms the sensor array. Measuring the sensor deformation provides an electrical analog of the pressure causing the deformation. Acquiring these measurements in a suitable data acquisition and processing unit, including a display, printing, and plotting capability, completes the hardware elements.

Abstract: A time-varying modulating signal is used as a plethysmography signal, rather than a time-varying detected optical power. The time-varying detected optical power is used (e.g., in a feedback loop) to adjust the source intensity. Light is transmitted from a light source, wherein an intensity of the transmitted light is based on a light control signal. A portion of the light transmitted from the light source is received at a light detector, the portion having an associated detected light intensity. A feedback signal is produced based the portion of light received at the light detector, the feedback signal indicative of the detected light intensity. The feedback signal is compared to a reference signal to produce a comparison signal. The light control signal is then adjusted based on the comparison signal, wherein at least one of the comparison signal and the light control signal is representative of volume changes in blood vessels.

Abstract: An ocular blood-flow meter includes an optical system for applying measuring light to a blood vessel of a subject eye, and for receiving light scattered by the blood vessel of the subject eye. A mechanism is provided for changing a direction in which the measuring light is applied and a direction in which the scattered light is received so as to enable a plurality of measurements in different directions. A controller performs the plurality of measurements in the different directions by using the optical system and the mechanism so as to obtain information concerning a blood flow. An output device provides a received-light signal obtained by the optical system or the information concerning the blood flow. An input device enables an operator to select a re-measurement operation in a desired direction from the different directions and to instruct the selected re-measurement operation.

Abstract: A planar pressure transducer is disclosed which is useful for interposing between living tissue and a medical device that applies pressure to the tissue in order to estimate the pressure applied to a selected area of the tissue. The planar pressure transducer comprises a pair of opposed plates between which the proximal ends of optical fibers and a deformable polymer structure are disposed. When the plates are subjected to a pressure acting normally to the plane of the plates an optical signal is obtained via the distal ends of the fibers and related to the pressure acting on the plates.

Abstract: A blood pressure can be obtained by supplying an external pressure to a portion of an artery. The external pressure is preferably between the systolic and diastolic pressure. An event which occurs at least once a cycle can then be identified. This event can be, for example, a peak in the arterial compliance that occurs at a transmural pressure approximately equal to zero. A pair of signals, one that is an arterial volume-indicating signal, and one that is an arterial pressure-indicating signal can be used to identify this event. Alternately, a small signal high-frequency exciter component can be placed upon the pressure or volume of the artery and detected to determine the time that the transmural pressure is equal to zero.

Abstract: When a wave is noninvasively inputted through a surface of a living body to be reflected by a body fluid flowing through the living body, and the state of blood and the like is analyzed on the basis of the motion and the position to obtain circulation information in order to evaluate the health state, the circulation information can be accurately measured irrespective of the degree of strain of a blood vessel of a part to be measured in the living body. In a circulation dynamics measuring apparatus having a circulation sensor portion for transmitting/receiving a wave to/from the inside of the living body through a surface of the living body, and a processing portion for calculating a circulation dynamics from the received wave, the circulation sensor portion has a portion for measuring a blood pressure and a portion for measuring a blood flow rate, and information concerned with viscosity of blood is calculated by the processing portion.

Abstract: The heart failure (HF) status of a patient is determined based on the morphology of a signal representative of arterial pulse pressure. The signal can be a plethysmography signal that is produced by a implantable sensor or a non-implanted sensor. The signal can be produced by a chronically implantable sensor. In one embodiment, a time derivative signal is produced based on a signal representative of arterial pulse pressure. The time derivation signal can be used to determine maximum and minium peaks of,the signal representative of arterial pulse pressure. Alternatively, HF status can be assessed directly from the time derivative signal.

Abstract: The heart failure (HF) status of a patient is determined based on the frequency characteristics of a signal representative of arterial pulse pressure. The signal can be a plethysmography signal that is produced by a implantable sensor or a non-implanted sensor. The signal can be produced by a chronically implantable sensor.

Abstract: A blood pressure sensor includes a source of photo-radiation, such as an array of laser diodes. The sensor also includes a two-dimensional, flexible reflective surface. The reflective surface is nominally positioned relative to the radiation source such that the radiation travels in a direction normal to the reflective surface. The reflective surface is placed adjacent to the location on the patient where the blood pressure data is to be acquired. Radiation from the source is reflected off of the reflective surface onto a two-dimensional array of photo-detectors. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure fluctuations in the patient are translated into deflections of the patient's skin. These deflections cause corresponding deflections in the two dimensional reflective surface. The associated movement of said flexible reflective surface due to blood pulsation causes scattering patterns from said reflective surface to be detected by the two dimensional array of photo-detectors.

Abstract: A portable ultrasound palpation device for measuring the Young's modulus and the thickness of a soft tissue layer includes a hand-holdable palpation probe having an ultrasonic transceiver connected in series with a load cell. During a test, the probe is placed on the tissue surface with a bony substratum. As the operator manually loads and unloads the probe on the tissue surface, a program embedded in a microprocessor module continuously causes the ultrasound emitter to emit ultrasound pulses into the soft tissue. The ultrasound echo signal reflected from the bony interface is received and its flight time is used by the program to calculate the original thickness and the deformation of the soft tissue. The corresponding load applied to the tissue is continuously recorded by the load cell, its driver, and amplifier module, and the data collection module.

Abstract: The invention relates to a resonance based pressure transducer system, insertable into a living body for the in vivo measurement of pressure. It comprises a pressure sensor (2) having a mechanical resonator (16), the resonance frequency of which is pressure dependent; and a source of ultrasonic energy (4). The sensor (2) is mechanically coupled to said source (4) of ultrasonic energy, and the sensor and the source of ultrasonic energy are provided on a common, elongated member (6) at the distal end thereof. A system for pressure measurement comprises an AC power supply, a resonance based pressure transducer system, and a control unit for controlling the supply mode of the AC power, and for analyzing a resonance signal emitted from the resonance based pressure transducer system.

Abstract: An intra-aortic balloon catheter having a fiberoptic pressure sensor embedded in the tip.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for deriving diastolic blood pressure (DP) from systolic blood pressure (SP) and mean blood pressure (MP), especially useful in infants. A pulse oximeter is used to measure systolic blood pressure (SP) and an oscillametric blood pressure cuff is used to measure mean blood pressure (MP). Diastolic blood pressure is then derived from the formula: DP = ( MP × K ) - SP C where K is a constant of 2.94±0.04 and C is a constant of 2.06±0.04.

Abstract: In a self-service health parameter measuring apparatus and method, a person's elbow is placed at a spatial reference point, and means surrounding a user's forearm locate an infrared body fat apparatus measurement point at a substantially fixed distance from the spatial reference point. Motor drive means adjustably tighten or loosen a cuff around an upper arm so that measurements on each user are made at substantially the same pressure of the measuring apparatus against a forearm irrespective of the size of the arm. In a preferred form, the preselected measurement pressure is achieved by inflating the cuff to a maximum level, and allowing deflation. Measurement is made when a lower, second preselected level is reached. Blood pressure is also measured in connection with the inflation and deflation operation. Further health parameters may be measured.

Abstract: An apparatus for ophthalmologic examination includes an illuminating system for applying measuring light onto a measured area at least including a blood current in the fundus to an eye to be examined, a measuring system for measuring the blood current condition of the funds of the eye from a received light signal obtained by receiving the reflected beam of light of the measuring light on the measured area, a pulsation detecting system for detecting the pulsation of a blood current in the measured area, and a signal processing system for determining a trigger point for a predetermined operation on the basis of the detection by the pulsation detecting system.

Abstract: Arterial blood pressure of a subject is determined by detecting the EKG for the subject and selecting a fiducial point on the EKG during a pulse. Apparatus is provided for monitoring blood volume versus time at a selected location on the subject's body such as a fingertip. A time difference between the occurrence of the selected fiducial point on the EKG and a selected change in blood in volume at the selected body location is determined. This time difference depends on the arrival time of the pulse at the distal location in addition to the shape of the blood volume versus time curve. Heart rate is determined from the EKG. The arterial pressure is computed from pulse arrival time, volumetric wave shape and instantaneous heart rate for each pulse. It is preferred that the fiducial point on the EKG be an R-wave. A suitable method for determining change in blood volume utilizes photoplethysmography. Methods are disclosed for determining diastolic pressure, systolic and mean arterial pressure.

Abstract: A monitor for determining a patient's physiological parameter includes a calibration device configured to provide a calibration signal representative of the patient's physiological parameter. An exciter is positioned over a blood vessel of the patient for inducing a transmitted exciter waveform into the patient. A noninvasive sensor is positioned over the blood vessel, where the noninvasive sensor is configured to sense a hemoparameter and to generate a noninvasive sensor signal representative of the hemoparameter containing a component of a physiological parameter waveform and a component of a received exciter waveform. In this context, a hemoparameter is defined as any physiological parameter related to vessel blood such as pressure, flow, volume, velocity, blood vessel wall motion, blood vessel wall position and other related parameters. A processor is configured to determine a relationship between a property of the received exciter waveform and a property of the physiological parameter.

Abstract: A pulse monitor is provided which has a pulse monitor unit supported on a wrist band over the carpal tunnel, with a infra-red optical sensor which picks up the flow of blood therein. The detected blood flow is transmitted by a radio frequency transmitter to a display unit also supported on the wrist of the user, which processes the data signal and displays a pulse. Alternate embodiments provide for separate wrist bands supporting the pulse detector and the display unit, and for a combined detector and display unit, as well as multiple optical sensors.

Abstract: A monitor for determining a patient's physiological parameter includes a calibration device configured to provide a calibration signal representative of the patient's physiological parameter. An exciter is positioned over a blood vessel of the patient for inducing a transmitted exciter waveform into the patient. A noninvasive sensor is positioned over the blood vessel, where the noninvasive sensor is configured to sense a hemoparameter and to generate a noninvasive sensor signal representative of the hemoparameter containing a component of a physiological parameter waveform and a component of a received exciter waveform. In this context, a hemoparameter is defined as any physiological parameter related to vessel blood such as pressure, flow, volume, velocity, blood vessel wall motion, blood vessel wall position and other related parameters. A processor is configured to determine a relationship between a property of the received exciter waveform and a property of the physiological parameter.

Abstract: The multi-purpose sensor includes a pair of arms, light-emitting device and light-receiving device that are fitted in an end portion of the arms, respectively, and electrodes that are made of an electrically conductive elastic material and which are bonded to end portion of the arms, respectively.