Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting cardiac repolarization abnormality using at least one electrocardiogram signal. The at least one electrocardiogram signal can be obtained from any number of continuous or non-continuous windows. The method can include deriving a total quantity of representative beats of the at least one electrocardiogram signal. At least one morphology shape descriptor can be used to determine a total quantity of values representing the total quantity of representative beats. Data corresponding to at least some of the total quantity of values can be used to assess cardiac repolarization abnormality.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining alternans data of an ECG signal. The method can include determining at least one value representing at least one morphology feature of each beat of the ECG signal and generating a set of data points based on a total quantity of values and a total quantity of beats. The data points can each include a first value determined using a first mathematical function and a second value determined using a second mathematical function. The method can also include several preprocessing algorithms to improve the signal to noise ratio. The method can also include separating the data points into a first group of points and a second group of points and generating a feature map by plotting the first group of points and the second group of points in order to assess an alternans pattern of variation. The feature map can be analyzed by statistical tests to determine the significance difference between groups and clusters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for measuring a weak physiological signal in the presence of stronger signals. The method and apparatus utilize motion sensing devices placed on or about the patient to obtain a motion data set from each motion sensing device describing the aggregate detected motion. The data sets are synchronized and then used to solve a set of simultaneous equations which allows for the separation of the various motion components which may include such components of interest as fetal heart motion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to detect irregular heart activity and estimate heart rate. In one embodiment, the heart rate estimation apparatus includes a group of six RR storage structures that receives an input of six successive RR interval values. The apparatus also includes a probability engine coupled to the group of RR storage structures, the probability engine is operable to calculate and output a mean value of the six RR interval values and a median value of the mean value and the six RR interval. In one embodiment, the apparatus carries out a method including the acts of determining a plurality of interval values between successive R waves; determining a mean of a group of six interval values; determining a median interval value for a group including the group of six interval values and the mean of the group of six interval values; and determining a running average of interval values between successive R waves using the median interval value.

Abstract: A method and system for eliminating artifacts in an oscillation envelope are disclosed. The method and system comprise evaluating conformance of the oscillometric envelope blood pressure data with a predetermined expected pattern and excluding one or more data points of the oscillometric envelope blood pressure data based on non-conformance with the expected pattern. The expected pattern is based upon generally known physiological principles relating to oscillometric envelopes, a curve fit representing an oscillometric envelope from a previous determination, or other types of criteria.

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 determining respiration rate in a patient can include various parts. The respiration rate can be determined by measuring the heart's S2 split. The S2 split can be identified by observing the timing of the heart sounds. Other respiration related information, such as respiration phase and the occurrence of apnea, can be identified as well. A respiration monitor of this type may be useful for monitoring sub-acute patients, and outpatients. A sensor for the respiration monitor and an electrode for an ECG monitor may be combined into a single probe.

Abstract: A method of displaying a representation of a physiological signal produced by a patient. The method includes the acts of obtaining a portion of at least one physiological signal acquired from the patient, determining an area to display, and constructing a virtual image representing at least a portion of the patient. The virtual image including (M) polygonal areas. The method further includes transforming the obtained signal to a plurality of values, assigning each value to one of the (M) polygonal areas, assigning a visual characteristic to each polygonal area based in part on the assigned values, and displaying at least a portion of the virtual image including the assigned visual characteristics. The invention further provides a method of optimal feature selection for the classification of the physiological signals produced by a patient.

Abstract: A medical testing system has an instrument for monitoring a characteristic of a patient and an illuminating component for illuminating the instrument. The instrument includes a component for selectively activating and deactivating the illuminating component and a deactivating component for automatically deactivating the illuminating component, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

Abstract: Image data is compressed by decomposing the image data into a plurality of resolutions or sized by wavelet decomposition, followed by compression of the resulting data sets. Adaptive Huffman code compression is optimized for compressing the data sets, predictive errors for a low frequency band and the wavelet transformed values for high frequency bands. The image data is thus compressed losslessly and in multiple resolutions such that desired resolution images can be reconstructed and transmitted in accordance with available-bandwidth and viewing capabilities.

Abstract: Various designs and features of an ambulatory transceiver and ECG lead set are disclosed for use in remote patient monitoring. One feature involves the use of unshielded, dual-conductor lead wires in which one conductor carries the patient's ECG signal and the other conductor provides an RF antenna element for the transceiver. The lead wires used in one embodiment provide improved flexibility, durability, and antenna performance over conventional lead sets with shielded wires. Another feature involves an antenna diversity scheme in which the transceiver switches between two or more ECG-lead antennas, each of which is formed from one or more ECG leads of the lead set. Another feature involves the use of a circuit within the transceiver to monitor, and dynamically compensate for changes in, the impedance of an ECG-lead antenna or a conductor thereof. Another feature is an improved circuit for protecting the transceiver from damage caused by defibrillation pulses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pneumatic control of a blood pressure determination are disclosed. The method and apparatus comprise an inflatable cuff for obtaining a blood pressure measurement from a patient, a hose configured to operate with a pressurizing apparatus for providing pressurization of the inflatable cuff, the hose including a patient end and a non-patient end. In addition the method and apparatus comprise a pneumatic switch coupled to the inflatable cuff near the patient end of the hose.

Abstract: A method and system for eliminating artifacts in an oscillation envelope are disclosed. The method and system comprise evaluating conformance of the oscillometric envelope blood pressure data with a predetermined expected pattern and excluding one or more data points of the oscillometric envelope blood pressure data based on non-conformance with the expected pattern. The expected pattern is based upon generally known physiological principles relating to oscillometric envelopes, a curve fit representing an oscillometric envelope from a previous determination, or other types of criteria.

Abstract: A method for displaying waveform data on a display device is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes apportioning a display region into a first portion and a second portion immediately adjacent to the first portion. The first portion is used to display a first segment of the waveform data including the most recently received data extending back to a determined delay period. The second portion is used to display a second segment of the waveform data, the second segment including the remainder of the waveform data. The data displayed in the first portion has a continuously varying amplitude level adjustment applied thereto for partial baseline correction thereof, while the data displayed in the second portion has a corrected baseline amplitude adjustment with no further amplitude level adjustment applied thereto.

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 method and system for three-dimensional (3D) volumetric navigation supporting radiological readings in two-dimensional (2D) medical image display systems. Reformatted 3D medical image data such as magnetic resonance (MR) data is linked to raw and formatted 2D image data such as computed tomography (CT) data. An automatic synchronized navigation through entire linked 3D and 2D data sets is provided.

Abstract: A method and system for linking position location information between two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) software applications for viewing diagnostic medical images. The position location information is integrated between 2D and 3D viewing paradigms. This integration provides bidirectional communication between the 2D and 3D viewing paradigm systems. The 3D cursor allows for immediate synchronized navigation through different image sets such as 3D magnetic resonance (MR) images and 2D computed tomography (CT) images while they are being simultaneously viewed on the two different viewing applications.

Abstract: A network based medical telemetry system that uses, to the greatest extent possible, standard hardware and software components. The system allows clinicians using computers anywhere in a large hospital to view physiologic data from patients of the hospital. Each patient is fitted with a set of sensors that measure physiologic properties of the patient (e.g., EKG sensors). The sensors are connected to a transmitter that relays the physiologic data to a central server. The central server comprises a WEB server that supplies basic patient data such as the patient's name and medical history. The central server also comprises a waveform server which supplies the physiologic data, in real-time or near real-time. Workstation, used by a clinician receives the basic patient data from the Web server and the physiologic data from the waveform server, and produces a combined display. The combined display is continuously updated, showing, for example, the patient's EKG.

Abstract: A medical testing system includes an instrument for monitoring the electrical activity of a patient's heart. The instrument includes a work surface and an illuminating component for illuminating the work surface.

Abstract: A tri-mode telemetry system useful for monitoring patients in a care unit of a health care facility. The system includes an antenna system with a first antenna tuned to receive a signal in a first communication band, a second antenna tuned to receive a signal in a second communication band, a third antenna tuned to receive data signals, a down converter for producing a frequency translation signal, and a mixer coupled to the second antenna. The mixer combines the signal received by the second antenna with the frequency translation signal to produce a signal having a frequency in the first communication band. A combiner coupled to the mixer and the first antenna combines the signal generated by the mixer with the signal received by the first antenna. The combined signals and data signals are delivered to a wiring system.