Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for quantifying applied pressure by a device against an area of tissue. In particular, the present technology is related to medical devices including an optical element with a fiber Bragg grating, systems including the medical devices, and methods of quantifying applied pressure by the medical device. In one embodiment, a medical device comprises an elongate body including a distal portion and a proximal portion opposite the distal portion, and an optical element located at the distal portion of the elongate body. In one embodiment, the optical element include an optical fiber with a fiber Bragg grating. In one embodiment, the medical device is part of a medical system comprising a control unit in communication with the medical device, the control unit including an optical interrogator in communication with the optical element and processing circuitry configured to receive data from the optical interrogator.

Abstract: Orthodontic systems for monitoring treatment. The systems can include at least one orthodontic appliance that includes one or more sensors. A processor in communication with the sensor(s) is configured to receive sensor data from the sensor(s), where the sensor data corresponds to a force acting on one or more teeth. The processor is further configured to predict tooth movement based on the sensor data. The predicted tooth movement is determined by predicting how much teeth will move based on a direction and a magnitude of the force. The processor is further configured to compare the predicted tooth movement to an expected tooth movement, where the expected tooth movement is based on a treatment stage of a treatment plan. The processor is further configured to modify the treatment plan if the predicted tooth movement does not match the expected tooth movement based on the treatment stage of the treatment plan.

Abstract: A medical device position guidance system includes a plurality of noninvasive external detector devices communicable with an invasive medical device. A magnetic field is used to gather information about the anatomical size and shape of a subject, such as a human. The medical device position guidance system further uses the magnetic field to obtain information about the positioning of the invasive medical device relative to the subject's anatomy. A method of using the medical device position guidance system is also provided.

Abstract: An illustrative method for reducing intraocular pressure in a patient may comprise deploying an ocular implant adapted to reside at least partially in a portion of Schlemm's canal of an eye and administering a therapeutic agent comprising a Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor to the patient. The ocular implant may be configured to lower the intraocular pressure from an initial to a second pressure within a first range and the therapeutic agent may lower an intraocular pressure to a third pressure within a second range, the third pressure lower than the second pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing and exercising pelvic floor musculature, the apparatus comprising an elongate housing adapted for a pelvic floor aperture. The housing accommodates an oscillator and an accelerometer connected to a signal processor configured for communicating signals representative of values read from the accelerometer. A result is calculated from an applied oscillation and a response measured, and used for characterizing the musculature. In one embodiment the frequency resulting in the greatest response from the musculature is measured, and this frequency is applied during exercise.

Abstract: The present description concerns a support helmet (130) for a medical imaging or treatment device, comprising a head cap (131) provided with a plurality of through openings (133), each opening being adapted to receiving an elementary imaging or treatment module (110) assembled in the opening so as to slide along an axis substantially orthogonal to the head cap.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a medical image analysis method and apparatus. The medical image analysis method according to an exemplary embodiment includes: receiving a frontal image of a spine; separating vertebral bodies from a vertebrae constituting the spine in the frontal image and extracting a contour of each of the vertebral bodies; deforming a 3D vertebral body model prepared in advance to match with the contour of each vertebral body; detecting an upper plane and a lower plane of each vertebral body in a matched 3D vertebral body model; determining an inclination of each vertebral body based on the upper plane and the lower plane of each vertebral body; and calculating a Cobb's angle based on the inclination of the vertebral body.

Abstract: An osteotomy calibration method, calibration device, and an orthopedic surgery system are provided by present application. Firstly using the osteotomy calibration device to obtain the calculated position information of the current osteotomy plane, and then determining a position error between the calculated position information and a predetermined position information of a planned osteotomy plane, and if the position error exceeds a preset value, calculating and transmitting a relocation information to a robotic arm to control and relocate the robotic arm. By comparing and identifying the position error between the current osteotomy plane formed by the first osteotomy and the planned predetermined osteotomy plane, relocating the robotic arm, and performing a secondary correction of the osteotomy plane. In addition, by relocating the robotic arm and secondary correction of the osteotomy plane, additional bone nails which is to fix the navigation tool to the bone can be avoided.

Abstract: An intravascular imaging system includes a catheter with an elongate outer sheath and a torque cable axially translatable and rotatable in the elongate outer sheath, a pullback and rotation unit for axially translating and rotating the torque cable, a sensor configured to provide an output indicative of an axial force exerted by the torque cable on a rotor in the pullback and rotation unit, and a controller configured to cause the pullback and rotation unit to operate in a remedial mode if the output exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An infant care apparatus includes a piezoelectric sensor and an infrared array sensor. The piezoelectric sensor senses a respiration rate and a heart rate of an infant. The infrared array sensor senses a body temperature and an occupancy state of the infant in a non-contact manner. The abovementioned infant care apparatus can assist in determining an abnormality of the respiration rate and the heart rate of the infant based on the occupancy state of the infant output by the infrared array sensor, so as to reduce a false alarm rate.

Abstract: Provided is a surface change detection body capable of detecting a change in the surface of an object only with passive components. The surface change detection body is disposed on a surface of an object to detect a change in the surface, and includes: a sensor unit that resonates with a high-frequency signal; a signal propagation unit that propagates the high-frequency signal to the sensor unit; and an incidence and reflection unit that receives the high-frequency signal from the outside and outputs a high-frequency signal reflected from the sensor unit to the outside, the sensor unit is a parallel plate resonator in which a dielectric is interposed, and the incidence and reflection unit is an antenna having a length which is an integral multiple of one fourth of an effective wavelength of a resonance frequency of the parallel plate resonator.

Abstract: An electrode for neural sensing and stimulation comprising a first electrode disposed on a probe and a second electrode disposed on the probe, wherein a voltage or impedance is sensed using the first electrode and second electrode.

Abstract: A strut measurement and feedback device and corresponding systems and methods for use with an external fixator are disclosed. The strut measurement and feedback device can be attached to a strut of an external fixator. The strut measurement and feedback device can confirm that the strut measurement and feedback device is attached to a proper strut to be adjusted. The strut measurement and feedback device can provide real-time feedback to an individual as the length of the strut is being adjusted to ensure the length adjustment complies with a prescription for the length of the strut. As a result, a patient can more effectively comply with the prescription as adjustments to the strut are made over time, thereby improving the likelihood of successful bone alignment.

Abstract: A force sensor for a tendon-actuated mechanism, the force sensor comprising: a body having a through hole for passage of a tendon of the tendon-actuated mechanism therethrough, the body configured to be connected to a part of the tendon-actuated mechanism through which the tendon passes; and a sensor provided on the body to obtain a compression force on the body from the part of the tendon-actuated mechanism through which the tendon passes.

Abstract: A method and system for continually monitoring oxygenation levels in real-time in compartments of an animal limb, such as in a human leg or a human thigh or a forearm, can be used to assist in the diagnosis of a compartment syndrome. The method and system can include one or more near infrared compartment sensors in which each sensor can be provided with a compartment alignment mechanism and a central scan depth marker so that each sensor may be precisely positioned over a compartment of a living organism. The method and system may comprise hardware or software (or both) may adjust one or more algorithms based on whether tissue being monitored was traumatized or is healthy. The method and system can also monitor the relationship between blood pressure and oxygenation levels and activate alarms based on predetermined conditions relating to the oxygenation levels or blood pressure or both.

Abstract: A temperature probe for monitoring temperatures of a surface of a tissue or organ within the body of a subject includes a section with a substantially two-dimensional arrangement and a plurality of temperature sensors positioned across an area defined by the substantially two-dimensional arrangement. Such an apparatus may be used in conjunction with procedures in which thermal techniques are used to diagnose a disease state or treat diseased tissue. Specifically, a temperature probe may be used to monitor temperatures across an area of a surface of a tissue or organ located close to the treated tissue to prevent subjection of the monitored tissue or organ to potentially damaging temperatures.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems for monitoring a patient using a pressure-sensing device containing a pressure-sensitive region configured to selectively overlie a pressure ulcer-prone body part of the patient. In some embodiments, the pressure-sensing device includes a multilayered sensing unit containing a pressure-sensing layer to sense force and an adhesive layer configured to attach the pressure-sensing device to the body part. Also provided is a kit that includes the pressure-sensing device. The present methods, systems, and kits may find use in reducing the risk of pressure ulcer development in a patient.

Abstract: A method for collecting prone position data of a human body is disclosed. The method includes: collecting weight data, back contour data and height data of a standing subject; receiving the weight data, the back contour data, and the height data, pre-preprocessing such data, and sending the pre-processed pre-processing data to a simulated bed by a processing center; receiving the pre-processed data and adjusting an initial pressure of a plurality of elastic columns of the simulated bed according to the pre-processed data by the simulated bed; causing the subject to lie on the adjusted simulated bed and further adjusting the simulated bed according to a subjective description of the subject until the simulated bed is suitable for the subject; collecting adjustment data of the simulated bed suitable for the subject by the processing center. A system for collecting prone position data of a human body is also disclosed.

Abstract: A rollable digitizer device for collecting a plurality of points on a bone that includes a wheel having multiple probes emanating circumferentially therefrom. One or more contact sensors adapted to detect if at least one of probes is in contact with the bone. The contact sensors located in the wheel, on the wheel, proximal to said one or more contact sensors, or a combination thereof. A handle connected to the wheel and adapted to permit a user to roll the probes along the bone, so each of the probes make sequential and detectable contact with the bone to facilitate the collection of multiple points on the bone. A method for collecting a multiple registration points on a bone with the rollable digitizer device includes wielding the rollable digitizer by the handle. The probes are rolled along the surface of the bone to collect the plurality of registration points.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assessing milk volume changes within a breast are described. Also described are systems and methods for assessing volume changes in the stomach of an infant.

Abstract: Computer-assisted methods for assisting in anomaly identification relating to a dysmorphology analysis comprise retrieving and/or generating a sequence of progressively changing images that depict morphing of at least a subject's first physical feature, between at least a first state representing an identification of a first anomaly relating to a dysmorphology and a second state representing lack of the identification of the first anomaly. The number of images in the sequence is selected to provide a substantially continuous transition between the first and second states. The retrieved and/or generated images are displayed on a display of a processing device, and a user interface on the processing device is provided for a user to make an image selection, which can then be used to determine identification or lack of identification of the anomaly.

Abstract: A tissue property sensing system includes a sensing assembly that is movable along a drive screw and includes an outer shaft, an anvil, a center drive, a piston, and a tension spring. The piston includes a distal arm having a distal portion and a head that extends from the distal portion. The piston is movable within the outer shaft to move the head in relation to the anvil between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein in the closed configuration, the head of the piston and the anvil are positioned to clamp and occlude flow of blood within tissue. The tension spring is coupled to the center drive and to the piston to urge the piston towards the center drive and to urge the head of the piston towards the anvil.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes an insertion portion receiving a first force from an enteric canal and applying a second force, which is a reaction, to the enteric canal, a detection device detecting a position of the insertion portion, and a processor. The processor calculates a position of a point of application, a direction, and a magnitude of the first force, performs an arithmetic operation of a shape/position of the insertion portion based on an output from the detection device, determines a reaction position at which the second force is received, based on position information of the insertion portion and on position information of the point of application of the first force, sets two fixed points where the enteric canal is fixed, and calculates information of a third force and a fourth force directed toward the two fixed points from the reaction position with respect to the second force.

Abstract: An ingredient determining apparatus configured to determine nutritional ingredients in food provided for a user. The ingredient determining apparatus includes a processor configured to obtain a muscle index indicating a degree of muscle mass of the user and a fat index indicating a degree of fat mass of the user, and determine the nutritional ingredients based on the muscle index and the fat index.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for visually depicting a vessel and evaluating treatment options are disclosed.

Abstract: An athletic activity performance estimation device estimates an athletic activity performance index relating to an athletic activity in which a subject performs a short-time action after a predetermined waiting time using information correlated with the state of tension of the subject as tension state information, an index indicating the subject's tension level as a tension state index, and an index indicating the quality of performance of an athletic activity of the subject as the athletic activity performance index. The athletic activity performance estimation device includes a tension state information acquirer that acquires the tension state information of the subject before starting the athletic activity, a tension state index calculator that calculates the tension state index of the subject from the tension state information, and an athletic activity performance index estimator.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a system that standardizes collection of home health observations during a home visit by a caregiver. The system causes display of a graphical user interface to the caregiver. The graphical user interface comprises observation fields that receive home health observations about conditions in the home, and a display field that displays a virtual representation of the home conditions. The system is configured to store the home health observations and the virtual representation in a subject profile for the subject that is part of a database of home health observations and virtual representations for a plurality of subjects, compare the home health observations and virtual representation to previous home health observations and previous virtual representations for similar subjects, determine suggested questions for the caregiver to ask the subject, update a care plan for the subject, and determine health recommendations for the subject.

Abstract: A piezoresistive sensor featuring a fabric of woven or nonwoven fibers coated with carbon nanotubes can be integrated with footwear or clothing to serve as a pressure sensor that can monitor and/or analyze human activity during the course of the activities of daily living of the wearer.

Abstract: A self-adjusting device configured to be placed in contact with tissue/organ and apply mechanical force to the tissue/organ to achieve an improvement of functioning of the tissue/organ. The self-adjusting capabilities can be carried out by three functional subsystems that can be packaged either in a single, integrated system or in separate modules. A sensing subsystem senses the tissue/organ and sends at least one type of sensing signal characteristic of functioning of the tissue/organ to a controlling subsystem. The controlling subsystem processes the signal with an algorithm to determine if a configuration of the device needs to be changed or a force applied to the tissue/organ needs to be changed. An actuating subsystem can be controlled by the controlling subsystem to affect the configuration/force change when needed. A feedback loop is provided to keep the controlling subsystem up to date as to the state of the actuating subsystem.

Abstract: An exoskeleton operable to prevent unsafe operation can comprise a plurality of joint mechanisms and a plurality of sensors comprising configured to generate sensor output data associated with at least two joint mechanisms. The exoskeleton can comprise a controller configured to receive the sensor output data; combine the sensor output data; and determine whether the combination of the sensor output data from the first and second sensors satisfies an error condition in relation to at least one defined criterion. The existence of an error condition can be indicative of an anomalous operating state of the exoskeleton, such as a malfunction or an (impending) anomalous kinematic movement. The controller can also combine command signals to be transmitted to two or more joint mechanisms to determine another anomalous operating state to prevent unsafe operation. Associated software and methods are provided.

Abstract: Systems, catheters, and methods for accessing and treating along the central nervous system are disclosed. An example method may manage inflammation of the patient to treat a condition of the patient by processing values related to one or more physiological parameters of a patent, identifying when an inflammation condition of the patient has reached a treatment condition based on the processed values, and automatically providing an indication that the inflammation condition has reached the treatment condition. An example indication may include actuation of a treatment protocol. The example method may be performed with an inflammation management system.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a capsule endoscope is provided. The control method includes: measuring a magnetic field value of the environment in which the capsule endoscope is subjected; obtaining a critical magnetic field value for suspension of the capsule endoscope according to the magnetic field value; adjusting a traction force on the capsule endoscope according to the critical magnetic field value for suspension; and controlling the movement of the capsule endoscope in a horizontal and/or vertical direction, wherein the movement of the first magnet is controlled by moving the second magnet, and the capsule endoscope is in a quasi-suspended state as moving in the horizontal and/or vertical direction. The system and method reduce friction between the capsule endoscope and wall of the target area during movement by controlling the capsule endoscope in a quasi-suspended state, which makes the scanning of the target area more accurate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining sensory threshold information for a shoe-type device, the shoe-type device, and a method of controlling the shoe-type device are disclosed. The method of determining sensory threshold information includes executing a program for sensory threshold testing, determining sensory threshold information of a user based on a choice input by the user that is received in a process of the sensory threshold testing, and transmitting the determined sensory threshold information to the shoe-type device.

Abstract: A system for intra-operatively registering a pelvis comprising an acetabulum with a computer model of the pelvis in a coordinate system. The system may include: a) a surgical navigation system including a tracking device; and b) at least one computing device in communication with the surgical navigation system. The at least one computing device: i) receiving first data points from first intra-operatively collected points on an articular surface of the acetabulum, the first data points collected with the tracking device; ii) receiving a second data point from a second intra-operatively collected point on the pelvis, the second data point collected with the tracking device, the second data point corresponding in location to a second virtual data point on the computer model; and iii) determining an intra-operative center of rotation of the femur relative to the pelvis from the first data points.

Abstract: A vaginal dilation device is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the vaginal dilation device is that it is configured to dilate vaginal tissue during labor to prevent tissue damage. Another feature of the vaginal dilation device is that it can be manually controlled to dilate vaginal tissue, or can be automatically controlled to dilate vaginal tissue. In some embodiments, the vaginal dilation device is configured to measure a force applied by the device to tissue. In other embodiments, the vaginal dilation device is configured to apply a constant force to tissue. In other embodiments, the vaginal dilation device is configured to expand at a constant rate. Methods associated with use of the vaginal dilation device are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are powered gait assistance systems that include a controller, sensors, and a motor coupled to a patient's thigh and lower leg and operable to apply assistive torque to the patient's knee joint to assist the patient's volitional knee pivoting muscle output during selected stages of the patient's gait cycle, such that the assistive torque applied by the motor improves the patient's leg posture, muscle output, range of motion, and/or other parameters over the gait cycle. The sensors can include a torque sensor that measures torque applied by the motor, a knee angle sensor, a foot sensor that measures ground contact of the patient's foot, and/or other sensors. The controller can determine what stage of the patient's gait cycle the patient's leg is in based on sensor signals and cause the motor to apply corresponding assistive torque to the knee based on the gait cycle stage, sensor inputs, and known patient characteristics.

Abstract: Intraocular lens loading devices and methods of use. In some embodiment the devices are used to sequentially splay first and second haptics while loading the intraocular lens into a delivery lumen.

Abstract: A method for determining a treatment regimen for altering the treatment parameters when dialyzing a patient over a plurality of treatment sessions taking place on future days includes determining a diffusive total target sodium balance; and determining a transitional treatment regimen by which the diffusive total target sodium balance is achieved over the plurality of future treatment sessions. A control device or closed-loop control device is configured to control a blood treatment apparatus using the method.

Abstract: Systems and methods for magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) are disclosed. In one embodiment, MRE data corresponding to mechanical waves in tissue of interest of a subject is acquired. The MRE data is associated with stiffness of the tissue. The method also includes generating, based on the MRE data, a stiffness map representing stiffness of the tissue. Generating the stiffness map includes performing an unconstrained optimization cost function that is configured to reduce noise in the acquired MRE data and achieve inversion of the reduced-noise data.

Abstract: A method of calculating leg length discrepancy of a patient including: receiving patient bone data associated with a lower body of the patient; identifying anatomical landmarks in the patient bone data; orienting a first proximal landmark and a second proximal landmark relative to each other and an origin in a coordinate system; aligning a first axis associated with a first femur and a second axis associated with a second femur with a longitudinal axis extending in a distal-proximal direction, wherein the first and second distal landmarks are adjusted according to the alignment of the first and second axes; calculating a distance between the first and second distal landmarks in the distal-proximal direction along the longitudinal axis; and displaying at least one of the distance or a portion of the patient bone data on a display screen.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are provided for performing diagnostic or therapeutic transcranial procedures using a patient-specific transcranial headset. The patient-specific headset may include a patient-specific frame that is fabricated, according to volumetric image data, to conform to an anatomical curvature of a portion of a patient's head. The patient-specific frame is configured to support a plurality of transducers in pre-selected positions and orientations, which may be spatially registered to the volumetric image data. This spatial registration may be employed to control at least a portion of the transducers to focus energy at a pre-selected tissue region.

Abstract: Methods and systems provide for dynamically presenting at least one attentional element within a communication session. The system presents, to each of a number of participants within a communication session, a user interface (“UI”) for the communication session. The system receives a signal of an event associated with a first participant intending to communicate with a second participant, with the second participant not acknowledging the intended communication. The system determines, after a predefined period of time, that the intended communication from the first user has not been acknowledged by the second user and that the event has not yet terminated. The system then initiates an attentional element within the UI of the second participant, the attentional element being more pronounced than the notification.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing any surgeon, including those surgeons who perform a fewer number of a replacement procedure as compared to a more experienced surgeon who performs a greater number of procedures, to provide an improved likelihood of a favorable outcome approaching, if not exceeding, a likelihood of a favorable outcome as performed by a very experienced surgeon with the replacement procedure. Force sensing is included to aid in quantifying installation of an implant, particularly a cup into a pelvic bone.

Abstract: A lower limb loading assessment system having at least one motion sensor mounted to a subject's lower limb that is configured to sense the tibial shockwaves experienced by the lower limb as the subject performs a repetitive physical activity involving repetitive footstrikes of the lower limb with a surface. The motion sensor comprises an accelerometer that is configured to sense acceleration data in at least three axes and generate representative acceleration data over a time period associated with the physical activity. The acceleration data represents a series of discrete tibial shockwaves from the discrete footstrikes. A data processor receives the tibial shockwave data and processes that to generate output feedback data comprising data to assist the subject to minimize future loading in their lower limbs.

Abstract: A detected sound signal may comprise speech or non-verbal sounds, and many non-verbal sounds contain health information. If the speech, or a non-verbal sound containing health information, was produced by an enrolled user, data relating to the sound can be stored in a storage element. A system also comprises a data modification block, for obfuscating received data to provide an obfuscated version of the stored data. The system then has a first access mechanism, for controlling access to the stored data such that only an authorised user can obtain access to said stored data, and a second access mechanism, for controlling access to said stored data such the second access mechanism only provides access to the obfuscated version of the stored data.

Abstract: A mechanism for interpreting spatiotemporal data from augmented and virtual reality devices into fitness related metrics and recommendations. Spatiotemporal data can be compared to the physical data of the end user to interpret energy expense such as estimated calorie burn. A virtual reality or augmented reality device can report positional data over time as the user engages with a corresponding environment. The positional data is compared to a biometric profile of the end user to understand how their physical body is exerting itself. The spatiotemporal data is a series of coordinate data expressed over time. The biometric data is the physical profile of the end user. This data is used to understand and quantify physical movement while using a virtual reality or augmented reality device. The energy expense determination mechanism can be used to provide a virtual coach for activities and workouts, games involving physical movement, and other applications.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a technique of quantitatively measuring physical properties including both viscosity and elasticity. A viscoelasticity measurement system includes a measurement apparatus, a processor, and a display apparatus. The measurement apparatus includes a movable unit continuously pressed against a measurement object, a first sensor outputting acceleration information corresponding to an acceleration of pressing-directional movement of a contact portion of the movable unit with respect to the measurement object, and a second sensor outputting reactive force information corresponding to a reactive force applied to the contact portion of the movable unit with respect to the measurement object. The processor calculates first information on an elasticity component of the measurement object and second information on a viscosity component of the measurement object based on the acceleration information and the reactive force information.

Abstract: A novel piezo-driven cell injection system with force feedback overcomes the unsatisfied force interaction between the pipette needle and embryos in conventional position control. By integrating semiconductor strain-gage sensors for detecting the cell penetration force and the micropipette relative position in real time, the developed cell microinjection system features high operation speed, confident success rate, and high survival rate. The effectiveness of the developed cell injection system is experimentally verified by penetrating zebrafish embryos. The injection of 100 embryos are conducted with separate position control and force control. Results indicate that the force control enables a survival rate of 86%, which is higher than the survival rate of 82% produced by the position control in the same control environment. The experimental results quantitatively demonstrate the superiority of force control over conventional position control for the first time.

Abstract: A device, including an implantable microphone, including a transducer, and a chamber in which a gas is located such that vibrations originating external to the microphone based on sound are effectively transmitted therethrough, wherein the transducer is in effective vibration communication with the gas, wherein the transducer is configured to convert the vibrations traveling via the gas to an electrical signal, the chamber and the transducer correspond to a microphone system, wherein the chamber corresponds to a front volume of the microphone system, and the transducer includes a back volume corresponding to the back volume of the microphone system, and the implantable microphone is configured to enable pressure adjustment of the front and/or back volume in real time.

Abstract: A system and related methods for performing nerve detection during surgical access using ultrasound testing during surgery.