Abstract: A method of processing oscillometric blood pressure pulse data taken from a subject is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes determining a pressure pulse period of a cardiac cycle of the subject and identifying a duration of a pressure pulse detected within the pressure pulse period. Then, a duty cycle of the pressure pulse is calculated with respect to the pressure pulse period, wherein the calculated duty cycle is used to determine selected blood pressure parameters.

Abstract: A client-server based electronic medical record replaces paper records in outpatient clinics. The Internet provides physicians with the ability to use a Java-based client program to generate legible, complete notes for patient encounters that comply with HCFA guidelines. A pen-like input device for entering data into an electronic medical record is provided with one end which serves as a stylus or pointing device for being placed in contact with a touch screen and another end which has a microphone element for receiving speech signals. A microphone activation button or lever is provided to enable and disable speech recognition.

Abstract: A system for acquiring a plurality of internal images of a patient. The system includes a housing connectable to a medium movement sensor. The medium movement sensor generates a movement signal regarding a movement of the medium. The housing is also connectable to an imaging device. The imaging device acquires the internal images upon receiving a control signal having an acquire output. The system further includes a controller secured to the housing. The controller is operable to receive the movement signal, to generate a control signal having an acquire output based on the movement signal, and to provide the control signal having an acquire output to the imaging device.

Abstract: An information management system produces a standard bill of resources based on bills of resources that include a list of resources to be utilized in performing a procedure. The system includes a general purpose computer system with storage means, processing means, display means, and input means. Information management software installed on the general purpose computer includes node software objects providing a health care information management function, including a clinical pathway node software object, a case management node software object, and a standardization review node software object. The clinical pathway node software object creates clinical pathway module software objects, including resource software objects and container software objects.

Abstract: A wireless local area network (WLAN) system comprises multiple access points that are distributed throughout a medical facility to provide wireless access to a hardwired network. The access points implement multiple WLAN protocols, including a realtime protocol for realtime patient monitoring (telemetry) and a standard WLAN protocol (such as IEEE 802.11 within an ISM band) for providing general-purpose wireless access. Some or all of the access points preferably implement both WLAN protocols such that the different WLANs and wireless device types share network access resources. Some or all of the access points may also include RF location-tracking modules which may be used to track locations of patients, hospital personnel, capital equipment, and/or disposable medical supplies.

Abstract: A physiological-signal-analysis device for determining a blood pressure value of a patient and a method of operating the device. The device includes a cuff attachable to an extremity of the patient, a pneumatic system connected to the cuff that supplies a fluid to the cuff, a pressure transducer that measures the pressure signal having pressure oscillations, and a control unit connected to the pneumatic system and the pressure transducer. The control unit is operable to acquire a first oscillation having a first fiducial point, acquire a second oscillation having a second fiducial point, calculate a time interval representing a time from the first fiducial point to the second fiducial point, decide against selecting the second oscillation when the time interval is not a substantial integral multiple of a nominal oscillation period, and calculate a blood pressure value based on selected oscillations.

Abstract: A physiological-signal-analysis device including a lead set connected to a central unit. The lead set includes a plurality of electrodes connectable to a patient. Each electrode has a non-alphanumeric symbol that defines a placement of the electrode on the patient in relation to the other electrodes. The lead set further includes a plurality of lead wires. Each lead wire is connected to one of the electrodes, respectively, and has a symbol that defines the electrode connected to the lead wire. The electrodes may be provided to an attendant as an electrode pack.

Abstract: A system for tracking a subject of interest in a location is disclosed. The system is used with subjects who have an identification device having a unique signal identifier. The system comprises a wireless proximity detector capable of detecting the signal identifier; a monitoring unit that monitors the proximity detector by monitoring which signal identifier has been detected by the proximity detector, the monitoring unit generating a data signal representative of which signal identifier has been detected; and a data output unit that generates location data based upon the data signal. The information can be displayed graphically or as a list and can be sorted by various criteria. The display can provide many options to make the display more useful. Also disclosed is a method for tracking a subject of interest using a unique signal identifier. Additionally, a display to be used with the system is disclosed.

Abstract: A computer-equipped mobility device for transporting an occupant of the device over a distance and for providing access to a network comprises a personal mobility device, a computer, and a user input device. The computer is coupled to the personal mobility device and is configured to link to the network as well as to engage in two-way communication with the network. The user input device is coupled to the personal mobility device. The user input device is also linked to the computer and capable of at least partially controlling the operation of the computer.

Abstract: A method for updating information about a subject of interest is disclosed. The method comprises assigning the subject a unique signal which signal is physically associated with the subject, identifying the unique signal, and displaying information related to the subject assigned to the unique signal soon after the signal is identified. The method is preferably used in a hospital setting. Also disclosed is a device, a system, and a control program for use in updating information. The device comprises a control logic responsive to an external stimulus, a wireless signal detection unit, and a display unit that displays information about a subject that has been identified. The control program is used with a wireless detector and comprises a feature that controls display, a feature that identifies a signal associated with a subject, and a feature that displays information in response to the identification feature. Security features can also be incorporated.

Abstract: A computer-equipped mobility device for transporting an occupant of the device over a distance and for providing access to a network comprises a personal mobility device, a computer, and an activation member. The computer is coupled to the personal mobility device and is configured to link to the network as well as to engage in two-way communication with the network. The activation member is coupled to the personal mobility device. The activation member is also linked to the computer and capable of at least partially controlling the operation of the computer.

Abstract: A system and method to identify a patient for imaging and information systems in a health care enterprise. A health care enterprise has a facility which includes typically equipment and the user. The system comprises the means for assigning a patient identifier-domain (PIDD) to a patient registration service in the health care enterprise. A means for assigning a default patient-identifier-domain (Default PIDD) to each facility, equipment and user. A means for assigning a patient-identifier (PID) to the patient. A means for assigning a global patient-identifier-domain identification (PIDD-ID) to each PIDD. A means for associating each PIDD with the PIDD-ID. And a means for associating the PID with the PIDD to create a unique patient identifier.

Abstract: A synchronized image manipulation system and method are disclosed. The image manipulation system includes a computer device for controlling the operation of the system, at least one display screen for displaying a plurality of generally similarly shaped objects, and an operator control device for receiving operator input. The plurality of generally similarly shaped objects include a plurality of view ports that display at least a portion of the plurality of generally similarly shaped objects. The operator control device controls the operation of the system in accordance with the operator input and at least one image manipulation function. In addition, the at least one image manipulation function synchronizes the plurality of view ports according to either a mirror synchronization configuration or a symmetrical synchronization configuration.

Abstract: A real-time image masking system and method are disclosed. The image masking system includes a computer device for controlling operation of the system, at least one display screen for displaying at least one image, and an operator control device for receiving operator input. The at least one image includes one or more view ports that display at least a portion of the at least one image, and one or more masking regions that display at least a second portion of the at least one image. The operator control device controls the operation of the system in accordance with the operator input and at least one image manipulation function, which includes a real-time masking function. The real-time masking function permits the at least one masking region to be reconfigured in real-time while continuously displaying the at least one masking region and the at least one view port.

Abstract: A method and tool for producing an orientation marker on an image of a subject of interest displayed on an imaging system. The tool comprises a mechanism configured to obtain the image of the subject of interest. A means for interactively moving in real time, through the image. A means for selecting, in real time, a point on the image. A means for aligning guidelines on the selected point to define a region of the subject of interest. A means for determining, in real time, the in-plane orientation of the image relative to the defined region and the selected point, and displaying the image with the selected point and the defined region.

Abstract: A computer-equipped mobility device for transporting an occupant of the device over a distance and for providing access to a network comprises a personal mobility device and a computer. The computer is coupled to the personal mobility device and is configured to link to the network as well as to engage in two-way communication with the network. The occupant of the computer-equipped mobility device can operate the computer while operating the personal mobility device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for graphically presenting periodic data is disclosed herein. One embodiment includes generating a surface based on the periodic data, the contour of the surface corresponding to the amplitudes of the plurality of data points. At least one area of the surface can be visually differentiated from another area of the surface. A rendering mode, viewing orientation, and/or an area of interest associated with the surface can be prescribed and updated in real-time or quasi real-time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of correcting a data signal sampled at a first rate to a data signal displayed on a video monitor at a second rate is claimed. A data signal is received at a first rate. The data signal is separated into data windows. The minimum and maximum values and positions of data points in data windows are identified relative to a reference, and displayed on a video monitor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing physiological data, particularly non-electrocardiogram, cardiac-related data, by identifying the physiological data associated with atypical cardiac cycles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing real-time support in interpreting a patient's ECG in order to assess the probability of perioperative cardiovascular risk associated with performing a non-cardiac surgery. The apparatus includes an acquisition unit for acquiring an ECG and a processor for determining whether the ECG has diagnostic statements of risk. From the diagnostic statements of risk, the processor determines the probability of cardiovascular risk associated with the non-cardiac surgery. The probability of cardiovascular risk is displayed on display in the form of an indicator of either major, intermediate, or minor cardiovascular risk.