Abstract: Devices and methods for determining fluid flow resistance at a targeted location in a bodily fluid vessel by monitoring changes in pressure gradients across the location while fluid flow is being manipulated by introducing infusate into the target area at different rates.

Abstract: A catheter device for placing a sensor device comprises a shaft and a coupling device, arranged at the shaft, for coupling the catheter device to the sensor device comprising at least one bracket element. The coupling device comprises a coupling element and a locking element adjustable with respect to the coupling element, wherein the coupling element comprises at least one engagement section with which the at least one bracket element of the sensor device can be brought in engagement, wherein the locking element is designed, in a coupled position, to block the at least one bracket element at the at least one engagement section, and is adjustable with respect to the coupling element so as to release the at least one bracket element for detachment from the at least one engagement section.

Abstract: A non-invasive and convenient method and apparatus for approximation of left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP) can be used in both hospital/clinic environments and nursing home or home environments. The method and apparatus use non-invasive sensors and a new “cardiac triangle” computational method to obtain an approximation of LVEDP. The computational method uses hemodynamic and electrocardiogram (ECG) waveforms as input, which can be collected by a portable device or devices.

Abstract: Optical fiber filters and uses thereof are presented. In typical implementations, there is provided a FBG taking deleterious light out of a fiber core without reflecting it into the fiber core. It also allows the unhindered transmission of useful light at a wavelength outside of the spectral band covered by the deleterious light. The filter couples the incoming deleterious light to cladding modes propagating in the opposite direction without coupling the incoming useful light to core or cladding modes propagating in the opposite direction. The filter may for example be useful as a Raman or ASE filter in a laser cavity of other optical devices.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for visually depicting a vessel and evaluating treatment options are disclosed. The methods can include introducing instruments into the vessel of a patient and obtaining proximal and distal pressure measurements of a stenosis of the vessel, calculating a pressure ratio based on the obtained proximal and distal pressure measurements, applying a correlation factor to the calculated pressure ratio to produce a predicted diagnostic pressure ratio, and displaying the predicted diagnostic pressure ratio to a user.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray irradiation element, an X-ray detection element, an X-ray image generation element, and an image processing analysis element. The image processing analysis element reflects the analysis point on each frame based on a respective relative location between a characteristic point 10 of the X-ray image consisting of a plurality of frames. In addition, an image analysis element analyzes the time-course variation of the blood flow in the blood vessel of the heart based on the variation of the pixel value at the analysis point of each frame of the X-ray image.

Abstract: A medical information processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry acquires a first index value obtained based on fluid analysis that is performed based on an image including a blood vessel of a subject, the first index value being related to blood flow at each of positions in the blood vessel. The processing circuitry acquires external information including a second index value related to blood flow at each of the positions in the blood vessel. The processing circuitry changes one of an arrangement direction of index values in a first graph and an arrangement direction of index values in a second graph in accordance with the other one of the arrangement directions. The processing circuitry displays the first graph and the second graph on a display unit such that the arrangement directions of the index values match each other.

Abstract: A measurement chamber that is essentially dome shaped and has a base area with a membrane and has at least two connection points fora fluid flow. The measurement chamber has two outer webs opposite each other, one of the webs engaging a clamping edge of a coupling element.

Abstract: A system for measuring disturbances, which is intended to be worn by a user, the system including at least one bioelectric measurement element; an analogue-to-digital conversion device electrically connected to the at least one bioelectric measurement element; and at least one conductive track electrically connected to a ground of the system by use of a resistor and an input of the analogue-to-digital conversion device. Also, a garment including at least one system for measuring disturbances.

Abstract: A blood measurement device having high bending rigidity and having excellent propulsion properties and rotational force transmission properties in a blood vessel.

Abstract: Systems for determining fractional flow reserve are disclosed. An example system may include a pressure sensing guidewire for measuring a first pressure, a second pressure sensing medical device for measuring a second pressure, and a processor coupled to the pressure sensing guidewire and coupled to the second pressure sensing medical device. The processor may be designed to generate a plot of the magnitude of the second pressure over time, identify one or more time intervals of the plot that have a slope less than zero, determine a mean of the second pressure, and calculate the ratio of the first pressure to the second pressure when (a) the second pressure is less than or equal to the mean of the second pressure and (b) during the one or more time intervals when the slope of the plot is less than zero.

Abstract: A catheter system includes an elongated tube structure configured for insertion into a luminal space, such as the vasculature, of a body. The catheter is conductive and configured to conduct electrical signals. The catheter includes one or more power and data coupling devices configured to send and receive power and/or data signals, such as from an underlying guidewire disposed within a lumen of the catheter. One or more sensors are coupled to a distal section of the catheter and are electrically connected to the one or more power and data coupling devices.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for the positioning of an electrode of an implantable medical lead includes a housing and an electrode subassembly. The housing includes a proximal end for connecting to the lead and a distal end. The housing defines a housing lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The housing lumen includes internal screw threads extending along at least a portion of the housing lumen. The electrode subassembly is disposed at least partially within the housing lumen. The electrode subassembly includes a needle electrode and a coupler. The needle electrode is disposed coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the housing lumen. The coupler is disposed at a proximal end of the needle electrode. The coupler includes external screw threads engaged with the internal screw threads of the housing lumen such that rotation of the coupler moves the needle electrode along the longitudinal axis of the housing lumen.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided an X-ray diagnostic apparatus which comprises an X-ray generation unit configured to irradiate an object with X-rays; an X-ray detection unit configured to detect X-rays applied by the X-ray generation unit and transmitted through the object; an image generation unit configured to generate an X-ray image based on X-rays detected by the X-ray detection unit; a recording unit configured to record pressure data acquired by using a pressure sensor provided on a guide wire; a measurement position setting unit configured to set a measurement position for a pressure by the pressure sensor using the X-ray image; and a display unit configured to display the X-ray image almost in real time and superimpose and display the measurement position set by the measurement position setting unit.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein determine metrics of cardiac performance via a mechanical circulatory support device and use the cardiac performance to calibrate, control and deliver mechanical circulatory support for the heart. The systems include a controller configured to operate the device, receive inputs indicative of device operating conditions and hemodynamic parameters, and determine vascular performance, including vascular resistance and compliance, and native cardiac output. The systems and methods operate by using the mechanical circulatory support device (e.g., a heart pump) to introduce controlled perturbations of the vascular system and, in response, determine heart parameters such as stroke volume, vascular resistance and compliance, left ventricular end diastolic pressure, and ultimately determine native cardiac output.

Abstract: A catheter, such as a fractional flow reserve catheter, includes an elongate shaft having a proximal end optionally coupled to a handle or luer fitting and a distal end having a distal opening. A pressure sensing wire extends to the distal portion of the elongate shaft to be coupled to a pressure sensor mounted on the distal end for measuring a pressure of a fluid within lumen of vessel. The pressure sensor wire is disposed within a pocket formed adjacent to the pressure sensor thereby minimizing the profile of the catheter. Bending or flexing stress or strain experienced by a pressure sensor mounted to a fractional flow reserve catheter when tracking the catheter through the vasculature creates a distortion of the sensor resulting in an incorrect pressure reading or bend error. In order to isolate the sensor from bending or flexing stress and strain, the sensor is mounted so that the sensor is spaced apart from the elongate shaft of the catheter.

Abstract: An example system for detecting leakage around an occlusive implant disposed in the left atrial appendage includes an elongate shaft having a port disposed at a distal end region thereof and a first sensor disposed adjacent the elongate shaft. The elongate shaft is configured to be positioned adjacent the occlusive implant such that the first sensor is positioned on a first side of the occlusive implant and the port is positioned on a second side of the occlusive implant. Further, the first sensor is configured to measure a first parameter and the first parameter is utilized to determine a fluid leak between the occlusive implant and a tissue wall defining the left atrial appendage.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a catheter, an introducer having a first member and a second member, a locking mechanism coupled to a distal end of the first member and configured to couple the introducer to a peripheral intravenous line, and an actuator coupled to the catheter. The actuator is configured to move from a first configuration, in which the catheter is disposed within the introducer, toward a second configuration to move the second member to a distal position relative to the first member. A portion of a guide of the second member being distal to the first member when the second member is in the distal position. The actuator is configured to move relative to the second member to be placed in the second configuration when the second member is in its distal position such that the catheter is disposed within and extending past an end of the peripheral intravenous line.

Abstract: Methods for computing hemodynamic quantities include: (a) acquiring angiography data from a patient; (b) calculating a flow and/or calculating a change in pressure in a blood vessel of the patient based on the angiography data; and (c) computing the hemodynamic quantity based on the flow and/or the change in pressure. Systems for computing hemodynamic quantities and computer readable storage media are described.

Abstract: A blood pressure estimating apparatus includes: a detecting unit that detects a first parameter representing a period length being a length of a period of a heartbeat of a living body; a processing unit that determines, using the detected first parameter, a change of a volume of at least one vessel among a plurality of vessels that resiliently deform in a mathematical model with respect to time, the mathematical model expressing blood flowing in a circulatory system of the living body with fluid flowing through a flow path formed by annularly coupling the plurality of vessels, and estimates blood pressure of the blood using the determined change and the mathematical model.

Abstract: A system comprising a multi-sensor catheter for monitoring of a cardiac hemodynamic condition, e.g. heart failure, is disclosed. The multi-sensor catheter comprises multi-lumen catheter tubing comprising first and second optical pressure sensors, and their respective optical fibers and connectors. For right heart and pulmonary artery catheterization, a flow-directed multi-sensor catheter comprises a guidewire lumen, an inflatable balloon tip, and sensor locations are configured for placement of a sensor in each of the right atrium and pulmonary artery, for measurement of central venous pressure in the right atrium and a pulmonary artery pressure. An optical fiber for oximetry may be included. The outside diameter is small enough for insertion through a vein of the arm. For monitoring of a left atrial shunt, sensors of a multi-sensor catheter are configured for measuring pressures upstream and downstream of the shunt, e.g. in the left and right atria, or left atrium and coronary sinus.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the assessment and treatment of vessels, including for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). For example, some embodiments of the present disclosure are suited for identifying the available intervention technique(s) suitable to achieve a desired outcome selected or input by a user. For example, in some implementations a method comprises receiving pressure measurements obtained by one or more intravascular pressure-sensing instruments positioned within a vessel of a patient; receiving an input from a user regarding a desired pressure value for the vessel of the patient; identifying an available treatment option based on the received pressure measurements and the desired pressure value; and outputting, to a display device, a screen display including a visual representation of the available treatment option. Related devices and systems are also described.

Abstract: Interatrial shunts having incorporated physiologic sensors are provided for monitoring and treating cardiovascular syndromes, including heart failure and pulmonary hypertension, in which the one or more sensors are affixed to the shunt to measure a physiologic parameter within the interatrial shunt. The one or more sensors may be directly affixed to or within a lumenal surface of the shunt or may be disposed on a support structure in a spaced relation to the shunt lumen, the one or more sensors disposed at locations subject to little or no pannus formation or cardiac wall motion artifact.

Abstract: A system and method for characterising a narrowing in a fluid filled tube, the system comprising: a probe having a first measurement sensor to take an instantaneous measurement at different locations along the tube; a mechanism to draw the probe through the tube; a position measure to provide location data relating to the location at which a respective instantaneous measurement is taken by the first measurement sensor; a processor to calculate, from the instantaneous measurements, a characteristic of the tube at different locations along the tube.

Abstract: An implantable medical device, such as a sensor for monitoring a selected internally detectable physiological parameter of a patient, is attached to a fixation assembly that is deployable within the patient to position and orient the sensor to enable it to perform its function. The fixation assembly is formed having at least one flexible asymmetric connector where each fixation member includes a plurality of loops, wherein a first loop of the plurality of loops has a maximum pitch that is different from a maximum pitch of a second loop of the plurality of loops. The attachment of the housing and the fixation assembly includes providing a tubular member that is welded to the housing and crimped over a section of the fixation assembly.

Abstract: A blood pressure analyzing apparatus includes: a blood pressure variation determiner determining whether first blood pressure information varies a threshold or more from second blood pressure information or not, the first blood pressure information corresponding to an arbitrary beat, the second blood pressure information corresponding to a previous beat to the arbitrary beat; a blood pressure variation cause determiner determining whether a blood pressure variation is caused by the move of the wrist or by another reason than the move of the wrist, based on, wrist move information detected in a detection period of a pulse wave serving as a calculation source of the first blood pressure information, when it is determined that the first blood pressure information varies the threshold or more from the second blood pressure information; and a recording controller recording a determination result and the first blood pressure information in association with each other.

Abstract: A steering tool includes an internal tube disposed inside an external tube. The internal and external tubes are arranged for longitudinal axial movement relative to one another. A distal portion of the internal tube is fixedly joined to a distal portion of the external tube. At least one of the tubes may include, over at least some of its length, two continuous, longitudinal zones of solid material separated from each other by a longitudinal gap. At least one of the tubes may include a flexible distal portion distal to the joining zone, the flexible distal portion being more flexible than other portions of that tube.

Abstract: A miniature, low power electronic pressure sensor with a first, oil-filled chamber to protect its microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) pressure sensitive membrane and a second chamber filled with saline or body fluids connected by tube into an organ in the body, such as an eyeball, that needs pressure sensing, is described. The tube carries pressure from a sensitive area within the organ to the electronic pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may communicate wirelessly with external readers and pass data to a server or other computer. Running alongside the tube is another tube for draining and pressure relief. The tubes, or cannulas, can share an opening into the organ in order to minimize the number of holes needed. The tubes may be molded into a single oval cross section, combined coaxially, or share a lumen for a portion that enters the wall of an organ so as to promote healing.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for visually depicting a vessel and evaluating treatment options are disclosed. In some instances, a method of evaluating a vessel of a patient includes moving a second instrument longitudinally through a vessel of the patient from a first position to a second position while maintaining a first instrument in a fixed longitudinal position with respect to the vessel; obtaining pressure measurements from the first and second instruments while the second instrument is moved longitudinally through the vessel; visually depicting the vessel on a display based on the obtained pressure measurements; and modifying the visual depiction of the vessel to simulate one or more treatment options. Systems for performing such methods are also provided.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a sealed package and a method of forming the package are disclosed. The package can include a housing extending along a housing axis between a first end and a second end, and an electronic device disposed within the housing that includes a device contact. The package can also include an external contact hermetically sealed to the housing at the first end of the housing, and a conductive member electrically connected to the external contact and the device contact such that the conductive member electrically connects the electronic device to the external contact. The conductive member is compressed between the external contact and the device contact.

Abstract: Systems and methods for epicardial electrophysiology and other procedures are provided in which the location of an access needle may be inferred according to the detection of different pressure frequencies in separate organs, or different locations, in the body of a subject. Methods may include inserting a needle including a first sensor into a body of a subject, and receiving pressure frequency information from the first sensor. A second sensor may be included with the access needle to provide image data and/or cardiac waveform information of the subject.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for use with a tributary vessel of a subject that supplies a vein of the subject. Blood within the tributary vessel is mechanically isolated into a compartment that is separated from blood within the vein. Blood flow from the tributary vessel to the vein is controlled by pumping blood from the compartment to the vein. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for determination of cardiac output or EPBF of a mechanically ventilated subject. The method comprises the steps of introducing a change in the effective ventilation of the subject, measuring expiratory flow and CO2 during a sequence of analyzed breaths during which the effective ventilation of the subject varies, and determining the cardiac output or EPBF of the subject using the flow and CO2 measurements. The method further comprises the steps of measuring also a relative variation in cardiac output or EPBF during the sequence of analyzed breaths, and using the relative variation in the determination of cardiac output or EPBF.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for diagnosing and treating deep vein thrombosis and other conditions associated with occluded or constricted vessels. According to certain aspects, methods of the invention involve inserting a sensing device into a vessel having a thrombus therein, assessing, with the sensing device, one or more functional parameters within the vessel, determining an interventional therapy for treating the thrombus based on the assessing step; and performing the interventional therapy.

Abstract: Systems and methods for epicardial electrophysiology and other procedures are provided in which the location of an access needle may be inferred according to the detection of different pressure frequencies in separate organs, or different locations, in the body of a subject. Methods may include inserting a needle including a first sensor into a body of a subject, and receiving pressure frequency information from the first sensor. A second sensor may be used to provide cardiac waveform information of the subject. A current location of the needle may be distinguished from another location based on an algorithm including the pressure frequency information and the cardiac waveform information.

Abstract: An implantable vital sign sensor including a housing including a first portion, the first portion defining a first open end, a second open end opposite the first end, and a lumen there through, the first portion being sized to be implanted substantially entirely within the blood vessel wall of the patient. A sensor module configured to measure a blood vessel blood pressure waveform is included, the sensor module having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion being insertable within the lumen and the proximal portion extending outward from the first open end.

Abstract: A monitoring device is included in a medical system to implement a method for prediction of a rapid symptomatic drop in a subject's blood pressure, e.g. during a medical treatment such as dialysis. To this aim, a pulse shape parameter (pPS) with respect to a pulse generator of the subject is registered by means of a pressure sensor arranged in an extracorporeal blood flow circuit coupled to a cardiovascular system of the subject (P). The pressure sensor is configured to detect pressure variations in blood vessels of the subject (P). It is investigated, during measurement period, whether or not one or more of the pulse shape parameters fulfil a decision criterion. An output signal (a) is generated if the decision criterion is found to be fulfilled, to indicate a predicted rapid symptomatic blood pressure decrease in the subject (P).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting a predetermined amount of blood or other fluid using an automated sampling system is provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a medical connector for enteral applications. The medical connector includes a body portion having a distal patient access fitting and a proximal fluid delivery device fitting as well as an administration port. The administration port for administrating or extracting fluids or medicine includes a cylindrical cavity, an administration port seal having a normally-closed slit, a plunger, a plunger sleeve, and a compression member. Engaging a non-luer female tip with the administration port actuates the compression member such that the plunger pierces the normally-closed slit, causing it to open allowing fluid communication with the body portion.

Abstract: Inside a connector body (112, 114; 300) of a medical connector providing a fluid flow conduit, a one-way valve (118) is fitted directly into one end of a stop valve (116) in a manner providing a fluid tight seal between these valves. The stop valve (116) prevents fluid flowing out of the end (111; 311) of the connector body (112, 114; 300) unless a complementary end of a separate device (not shown), typically a Luer lock connector, engages the end of the connector body and opens the stop valve (116). To facilitate manufacture and assembly, the one-way valve (118) and the stop valve (116) can be formed as parts of a single piece of elastomeric material, the parts being hingedly connected so that the one-way valve part (118) can be folded over to be fitted directly into the end of the stop valve part (116). A further possibility, also applicable when only a stop valve (116) is provided, is that the connector body (300) may be formed in one piece with a folding, snap fit closure (312).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are configured to assess the severity of a blockage in a vessel and, in particular, a stenosis in a blood vessel. In some particular embodiments, the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure are configured to assess the severity of a stenosis in the coronary arteries without the administration of a hyperemic agent.

Abstract: A blood pressure correction information generating device includes: a wrist position change time period detecting section which detects a change time period when a position of a wrist of a person is changed at a degree equal to or greater than a threshold based on information according to a motion of the wrist of the person to whom a blood pressure measurement device is attached, the blood pressure measurement device including a pulse wave detecting section which detects a pulse wave, and a blood pressure information calculating section which calculates blood pressure information; and a blood pressure correction information generating section which generates blood pressure correction information for correcting the blood pressure information which is calculated after the change time period, based on first blood pressure information which is calculated before the change time period, and second blood pressure information which is calculated after the change time period.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) may be configured for deployment at a patient's atrioventricular septum in order to sense and/or pace a patient's heart. The atrioventricular septum of the patient's heart may have an atrial facing side defining part of the right atrium of the patient's heart and a ventricle facing side defining part of the left ventricle of the patient's heart. The IMD may include a first component configured to be positioned at least in part in the right atrium of the patient's heart proximate the atrioventricular septum, and a second component configured to be positioned at least in part in the left ventricle.

Abstract: A delivery system for an intracorporeal device includes a sheath defining one or more lumens shaped to receive a delivery catheter or shaft and a guidewire. The system may include a delivery shaft having a distal coupling feature adapted to releasably couple with a proximal coupling feature of the intracorporeal device. The delivery system may further include a hub through which the delivery shaft and guidewire are passed. The delivery shaft may be coupled to a feature, such as a knob, that enables manipulation of the delivery shaft to decouple the distal fixation feature from the proximal fixation feature of the intracorporeal device in order to deploy the intracorporeal device within a patient.

Abstract: A medical information processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry acquires a first index value obtained based on fluid analysis that is performed based on an image including a blood vessel of a subject, the first index value being related to blood flow at each of positions in the blood vessel. The processing circuitry acquires external information including a second index value related to blood flow at each of the positions in the blood vessel. The processing circuitry changes one of an arrangement direction of index values in a first graph and an arrangement direction of index values in a second graph in accordance with the other one of the arrangement directions. The processing circuitry displays the first graph and the second graph on a display unit such that the arrangement directions of the index values match each other.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for continuously monitoring a blood pressure measurement using a sensor connected by a hydraulic link to an arterial catheter, the method includes determining the dynamic parameters of the link, analyzing the frequency content of the incident signal, detecting one of the following situations: (a) ability of the link to transmit the incident signal with a distortion below a threshold, (b) ability of the link to transmit the incident signal with a distortion above the threshold and possibility of correcting the measured signal, (c) inability of the link to transmit the incident signal with a distortion below the threshold and impossibility of correcting the measured signal, periodic application of a mechanical action to the tubing providing the hydraulic link.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system for displays cardiovascular information for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of the patient's heart and create a model representing at least a portion of the patient's heart based on the patient-specific data. The computer system may determine at least one value of the blood flow characteristic within the patient's heart based on the model. The computer system may also display a report comprising a representation of at least one artery corresponding to at least a portion the model, and display one or more indicators of the value of the blood flow characteristic on a corresponding portion of the at least one artery.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for visually depicting a vessel and evaluating treatment options are disclosed. The methods can include introducing instruments into the vessel of a patient and obtaining proximal and distal pressure measurements of a stenosis of the vessel, calculating a pressure ratio based on the obtained proximal and distal pressure measurements, applying a correlation factor to the calculated pressure ratio to produce a predicted diagnostic pressure ratio, and displaying the predicted diagnostic pressure ratio to a user.

Abstract: An intravascular system includes at least one pressure-sensing instrument sized and shaped for introduction into a vessel of a patient; a processing unit in communication with the pressure-sensing instrument, the processing unit configured to: obtain proximal pressure measurements for at least one cardiac cycle of the patient while the pressure-sensing instrument is positioned proximal of a stenosis of the vessel; obtain distal pressure measurements while the pressure-sensing instrument is positioned distal of the stenosis; select a diagnostic window within a cardiac cycle by identifying a change in sign of a slope associated with the proximal and/or distal pressure measurements, wherein the diagnostic window encompasses only a portion of the cardiac cycle of the patient; calculate a pressure ratio between the distal and proximal obtained during the diagnostic window; and output the calculated pressure ratio to a display device in communication with the processing unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for modulating delivery of a fluid medium to a selected site within a patient's body are described. A system includes a syringe for injecting the fluid medium, a delivery catheter including a conduit for delivering the fluid medium from outside of the body to the selected site within the body, a diversion reservoir configured to receive a portion of the fluid medium, and a flow diverter assembly disposed in a fluid medium flow path between the syringe and the delivery catheter. The flow diverter assembly is configured to divert the portion of the fluid medium from the chamber of the syringe away from the delivery of the medium through the delivery catheter conduit during injecting with the syringe. The flow diverter assembly simultaneously increases fluid medium flow resistance with increasing pressure level of the fluid medium passing into the flow diverter assembly.