Abstract: A system for retaining information in a data management system in which a memory manger is associated with a server, an interface is provided for controlling access to the memory manager, and one or more application components are adapted for implementing the interface. A method for retaining information in a data management system in which information is stored and retrieved from an external database into a memory associated with a server and access to the memory is enabled through an interface implemented by one or more application components. A machine-readable storage medium and machine readable code for implementing the same.

Abstract: A system and method for wireless communication. The system can include a transmitter that transmits a data signal having a time period without data transmission. The system can also include a receiver including a first antenna, a second antenna, a switch that activates one of the first antenna and the second antenna, and a processor that estimates a first signal-to-noise ratio for the first antenna and a second signal-to-noise ratio for the second antenna during the time period without data transmission. The processor can control the switch to select one of the first antenna and the second antenna based on a comparison between the first signal-to-noise ratio and the second signal-to-noise ratio.

Abstract: A hand-held electrocardiograph system with automatic analysis and interpretation is provided. The electrocardiograph includes an acquisition element adapted to be coupled to a patient through a set of relatively short leadwires and a hand-held, battery powered portable processing and display element coupled to the acquisition element and controlled through a graphical user interface.

Abstract: The present technique selectively handles image data, which is decomposed into a plurality of resolution levels. The image data may be retrieved in order of progressively higher resolution levels for display in a viewport. Initially, the image data may be displayed in the viewport at a relatively lower one of the plurality of resolution levels. As a user desires higher resolution displays of all or part of the image, one or more of the progressively higher resolution levels may be retrieved and scaled to fit the viewport. Accordingly, the present technique handles the data more efficiently by accessing the image data in blocks corresponding to the plurality of resolution levels, rather than accessing the entirety of the image data. A scaling threshold also can be used to signal the need for a next higher level of the plurality of resolution levels.

Abstract: A technique is provided for generating scout or navigational images based upon a series of related images. The related images are analyzed to compute pixels of scout images, such as by determining a characteristic of aligned pixels of each of the related images. The scout or navigational images are then projections of the related images and individual rows or columns of the scout images correspond to individual images of the related set. One or more of the related images may then be accessed by review of the scout image or images. The scout images may be referred to in their own right for an overview of features of interest and may be modified by a user. The technique provides for efficient time management by allowing specific images to be identified in large image series, and facilitates intelligent use of bandwidth for accessing specific images in a viewer workstation.

Abstract: A method and system for determining pulse rate of a patient are disclosed. The method and system include acquiring measured information for at least one pulse at a pressure step, determining and storing quality values for the at least one pulse at the pressure step, analyzing pulse matching criteria for the pressure step, and determining pulse rate based on the measured information, quality values, and pulse matching 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 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 system for determining when to make a reversion to smaller cuff pressure steps during an oscillometric blood pressure measurement is disclosed. The method and system comprise comparing conformance of oscillometric envelope blood pressure data with previous blood pressure data, including measuring a shift between the oscillometric envelope blood pressure data and an oscillometric envelope derived from the previous blood pressure data. In addition, the method and system include making a reversion decision based on whether the shift exceeds an allowable threshold. Once a reversion decision is made a subsequent decision may be made as to the need for increasing the cuff pressure level.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for displaying alternans data of an electrocardiogram signal having a plurality of odd beats and a plurality of even beats. The method can include calculating an odd median complex for at least one of the plurality of odd beats, the odd median complex having a plurality of odd data points; calculating an even median complex for at least one of the plurality of even beats, the even median complex having a plurality of even data points; comparing the plurality of odd data points with the plurality of even data points to generate a plurality of difference data points; assigning each one of the plurality of difference data points a color corresponding to an amplitude; displaying the plurality of difference data points as a difference curve; and displaying a plurality of difference curves in a temporal alignment.

Abstract: A technique is provided for encoding physiological data, such as a digital ECG, as a set of high-resolution symbols. The set of high-resolution symbols may be printed on a printout of the physiological data or other suitable medium. The set of high-resolution symbols may scanned, or otherwise acquired, and decoded to reconstruct all or a portion of the original set of physiological data.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a correlation between sleep apnea and sudden cardiac death. One embodiment of the method can include predicting sudden cardiac death in a patient being monitored for sleep apnea by acquiring respiration data and electrocardiogram data from the patient and analyzing the respiration data and the electrocardiogram data to determine a correlation between sleep apnea and sudden cardiac death.

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 workstation including a memory management scheme is disclosed herein. The memory management scheme permits a large number of files to be open on the workstation. The memory management scheme includes a prioritization scheme such that the least relevant files are unloaded from the workstation memory when space is needed to download newly opened files. The memory management scheme further includes saving settings of files unloaded from the workstation memory so that they can be reloaded when needed, with a user perceiving the unloaded files as being continually open.

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 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 system and a method for noninvasive ECG detection and diagnosis. The system comprises a multiplicity of electrodes applied to a patient, a data acquisition system for acquiring high-resolution ECG data from the patient; and a processor programmed to process the acquired data in accordance with two or more different ECG analysis algorithms, and then derive a prediction score for a particular clinical end point as a function of the respective results of those ECG analysis algorithms.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for acquiring and processing electrical signals produced by a patient's heart. The apparatus includes fewer than ten electrodes for attachment to the patient. Each electrode is attached in a respective one of the standard ten-electrode, twelve-lead ECG positions. The device includes a signal processor connected to the electrodes for acquiring electrical signals from the electrodes and generating a twelve-lead ECG from the electrical signals. The signal processor generates less than twelve of the leads mathematically. For the method of the invention, a plurality of less than ten electrodes are attached to the patient. Each electrode is attached in a respective one of the standard ten-electrode, twelve-lead ECG positions. Electrical signals are acquired from the electrodes and a twelve-lead ECG is generated from the acquired electrical signals. Not all twelve leads are generated mathematically.

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 data acquisition system can include an acquisition device and a receiving device. The acquisition device includes inputs that receive data from sensors connected to a subject, a wireless and/or a wired transmitter that transmits data received by the inputs, and a housing carrying at least some of the components of the acquisition device. The housing may be wearable by a patient. The acquisition device may be switchable between a tethered data transmission mode and an untethered data transmission mode. The receiving device includes a receiver that receives data transmitted by the acquisition device, and may include an output that outputs data to a host. The system may be configured to transmit data from the data acquisition device to the local monitor point-to-point. The system is particularly useful for monitoring high acuity patients that may or may not require ambulation.

Abstract: A technique is provided for determining service intervals for devices, such as medical equipment. Data related to a device is collected and compared to data from a population of like devices. A service interval may be calculated based on the comparison. The data regarding the population of like devices may be raw quantitative or qualitative data or may be processed data, such as may be used to graph the reliability of the device as a function of some variable such as usage or age, i.e. a reliability curve. The data may representative of the device as a whole or one or more components of the device. Multiple service intervals may be generated for a single device by calculating a service interval for each data source, such as a component or subset of components, of the device. An optimal service interval may then be selected. In addition, the technique may be applied for selection of a service interval for more than one device.