Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring a condition of a patient under anesthesia or sedation, whereupon one, two, three or more signals are acquired, and the signal(s) represent(s) cardiovascular and/or combined electrical biopotential on skull activity of the patient. From said signal or signals are derived or calculated at least two parameter values related to a quantity like waveform amplitude, waveform periodicity, waveform morphology, waveform variability, energy, power, signal complexity and frequency content. A predetermined mathematical index for probability of patient comfort is used, in which function said parameters are variables, and successively changing probability index values of said mathematical index is calculated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for predicting a sudden heart abnormality for an individual patient. In order to provide a prediction mechanism that is suitable for acute care, three sub-indices are determined based on medical data obtained from the patient. The first sub-index indicates the level of deterministic chaos in the heart rate variability of the patient, the second sub-index indicates the energy level in the myocardium of the patient, and the third sub-index indicates the degree of ventricular arrhythmia of the patient. Based on the first, second, and third sub-indices, at least one overall risk index is then determined, the overall risk index indicating the risk level of a sudden heart abnormality for the patient.

Abstract: A non-dispersive infrared measuring arrangement for a multigas analyzer is described having a radiation source (10), a measuring chamber (20), a beam splitter (3), at least a first and a second detector unit (21, 22) both with at least two detectors (1a, 1b; 2a, 2b); and optical filters in radiation beam portions ending in said detectors. The detector units receive the reflected beam portions (RR) and the transmitted beam portion (RT). Both the first and second detector units (21, 22) have: at least one measuring detectors (1a, 1b) provided with an optical measurement filter (5a, 5b); and at least one reference detectors (2a, 2b) provided with an optical reference filter (6a, 6b). Alternatively, the first detector unit (21) has at least two measuring detectors (1a, 1b) each provided with an optical measurement filter (5a, 5b), and the second detector unit (22) has at least two reference detectors (2a, 2b) each provided with an optical reference filter (6a, 6b).

Abstract: A method concerning measurements by using an electrode array comprising three electrodes for central nervous system (CNS) monitoring from the forehead of a patient's head. A first electrode of said three electrodes is positioned between the eyebrows or immediately above the eyebrows of the patient. A third electrode of said three electrodes is positioned apart from the first electrode on the hairless fronto-lateral area of the forehead the patient. A second electrode is positioned between the first and the third electrodes on the forehead of the patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for detecting atrial arrhythmia, especially atrial fibrillations. Based on at least one electrical signal indicative of a heart's activity, a plurality of short-term HRV data sets are generated, one short-term HRV data set indicating the heart's rate variability within a time period of a given length, and two consecutive short-term HRV data sets having a given time difference. A frequency analysis of each short-term HRV data set is then performed and a power level corresponding to at least one selected frequency component in each short-term HRV data set is defined. The occurrence of the heart's atrial arrhythmia episodes are then estimated on the basis of the power levels defined.

Abstract: An open ventilation system for intensified breathing that includes both a manual ventilation system and an automatic ventilation system. A ventilation selection switch is positioned in the system prior to the patient circuit to select between the manual and automatic ventilation systems. The manual ventilation system includes a manual bag filling valve that controls the flow of inhalation gases from the ventilation selection switch to a manual bag. The manual bag filling valve includes a valve assembly that is movable between an open position and a closed position based on the difference in the forces created by the pressures of the manual bag and the inhalation gas.

Abstract: A method for non-invasively determining functional cardiac output (FCO) and/or venous blood CO2 partial pressure (PvCO2). The amount of CO2 (VCO2N) released from the blood and end capillary blood CO2 content (CcCO2N) are determined from measurements from exhaled breathing gases. The CO2 content of the breathing gases inhaled by the subject is increased and values for VCO2R and CcCO2R are obtained. A regression analysis is performed using the obtained VCO2N, VO2R, CcCO2N, and CcCO2R values. The regression line is extrapolated to obtain a value for CcCO2 when (VCO2) is zero so that CvCO2 becomes known. The CvCO2 thus determined can be inserted in a non-differential form in the Fick equation, along with VCO2 and CcCO2 values from normal breathing, to determine FCO. To determine PvCO2, CvCO2 is altered in accordance with the amount of oxygen in the venous blood, to correctly indicate PvCO2.

Abstract: The invention concerns a gas analyzer comprising: a measuring volume (2), a radiation source (1) for providing a beam to pass said measuring volume; a heat sink (16) for said radiation source; at least one thermal detector (3) having a hot junction within a support structure and receiving the radiation and a cold junction for reference within the same support structure and protected from said radiation; at least one optical bandpass filter (9) between said hot junction and said radiation source; and a thermal mass (11), which is formed of a material having high thermal conductance. The thermal mass has a cavity with a bottom step (34) and a rim (32), and a first length therebetween. The support structure has a frontal edge (35) and a base plate lip (33), and a second length therebetween. There is a radial gap between the thermal mass and the support structure.

Abstract: A medical X-ray device 5 arrangement for producing three-dimensional information of an object 4 in a medical X-ray imaging comprises an X-ray source 2 for X-radiating the object from at least two different directions; a detector 6 for detecting the X-radiation to form projection data of the object 4; a computational device 15 for modelling the object 4 mathematically utilizing the projection data to solve the imaging geometry and/or the motion of the object, where the solving concerns either some or all parts of the imaging geometry and/or the motion of the object. The computational device 15 utilizes said projection data and said mathematical modelling of the object in Bayesian inversion based on Bayes' formula p ? ( x , ? ? m ) = p pr ? ( ? ) ? p pr ? ( x ) ? p ? ( m ? x , ? ) p ? ( m ) to produce three-dimensional information of the object.

Abstract: An x-ray apparatus for intraoral imaging applications includes a linkage mounted on a support structure, to which is connected an x-ray source for generating x-radiation and directing same to a receiver instrument placed in a patient's mouth. The linkage includes a first arm member, articulated to the support structure and adapted to be pivotable about a substantially vertical axis, a second arm member, connected to the end of the first arm member spaced from the support structure and adapted to be pivotable around a substantially vertical axis and a horizontal axis, and a third arm member, connected to the opposite end of the second arm member and adapted to be pivotable around a substantially horizontal axis, the unsupported end of the latter having the x-ray source mounted thereon with an articulated joint, which allows pivoting of the x-ray source to various positions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing single-point projection imaging uses an X-ray source and a line scan camera present at a set distance therefrom and provided with a digital detector. The X-ray source, as well as the line scan camera, are adapted to rotate around an object placed between the X-ray source and the line scan camera. The X-ray source's focal spot is aligned at a desired position and the object is then imaged by scanning it with a beam emanating from the X-ray source, which beam is received by the detector of the line scan camera. The scanning motion is effected in such a way that the focal spot remains essentially stationary during the imaging process.

Abstract: A method of determining ventilation inhomogeneity in the lungs is provided. During the first step of the method, a lung volume series is calculated from a series of measured lung inert gas concentrations and lung inert gas volumetric change measured data series. As a second step, the series of lung volumes is completed with a series of value representing the total gas exchange efficiency in the lungs. A global inert gas dilution ratio may be used for this purpose. The gas exchange efficiency values are such that less ventilation is represented by lower numbers. As the third step, the gas exchange efficiency series is plotted as an ordinate and lung volume series as an abscissa to form a graph. From this graph both the lung volume and homogeneity of ventilation become directly apparent.

Abstract: A nebulizer determines the pressure and flow direction of the receiving gas for atomized liquid. A member of the apparatus is subjected to pressure exerted by the gas. The member is coupled to a bi-directional mechanical-electrical conversion element, such as a piezoelectric element, to form a pressure transducer. The member exerts a mechanical loading on the element responsive to the gas pressure to which it is subjected. In one embodiment, the element mechanically vibrates responsive to alternating electrical energization to discharge the liquid into the gas. The electrical admittance of the element is alterable by the mechanical loading applied to the element by the member. The difference between admittances measured in the loaded condition of the element and in an unloaded condition at the selected energization frequency is an indication of the pressure of the gas.

Abstract: In an arrangement for connecting a dental X-ray imaging sensor to a holder; the sensor (9) is a flat piece (11) having a planar radiation sensitive area, and at least one communication line (12) connected to said radiation sensitive area for data transfer; and the holder (8) is an elongated body having a first end provided with means for detachable connection of said sensor. The sensor has a peg (3) projecting from said flat piece. The peg is provided with a widened outer end and a neck between said outer end and said flat piece. Further, the neck has a configuration with a plurality of alternate larger diameters and smaller diameters. The holder has at its first end a fork (4) with a gap, which is adapted to fit onto said neck at least in two different positions. The interaction between the fork and the larger and smaller diameters of the neck prohibits unintended pivot of said sensor in respect to the holder.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing breathing gases to a subject employs an exchanger taking up a quantity of a given component, such as CO2, from expiratory breathing gases passing through the exchanger and thereafter releasing the given component in inspiratory breathing gases subsequently passing through the exchanger. The exchanger may be selectively inserted in a flow path for the breathing gases for this purpose. Or, the breathing gases may be selectively passed through and bypassed around the exchanger. The apparatus and method may be used for non-invasive determination of the functional cardiac output of a patient using the differential form of the Fick equation.

Abstract: Method of positioning electrodes in an electrode array, comprising at least five or at least seven electrodes for central nervous system (CNS) monitoring from the forehead of a patient's head. The electrodes of the array are optimally located for discriminating EEG, FEMG and EM components from the recorded biopotential signals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for performing X-ray imaging in intraoral application. The method comprises irradiation of an object with a substantially low amount of X-radiation, and a substantially low amount of X-radiation passed through the object is received. The method comprises compiling a sample of image data from the received, substantially low amount of X-radiation. The sample of image data information is communicated to an X-ray source (100), and according to the sample of image data information the object is irradiated with X-radiation, from which X-radiation the part that has passed through the object is received, and the received X-radiation, which is consistent with the sample of image data information, is used for compiling image information.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement in connection with equipment used in patient care, the arrangement comprising a controllable device (2a, 2b), a measuring device (5a, 5b) adapted to measure a measuring signal dependent on the controllable parameter, a measuring point of the measuring signal, a transmission link (21, 22) between the measuring point of the measuring signal and the measuring device, which transmission link requires a separate connection, whereby the measuring device (5a, 5b) is adapted to convert the measuring signal into measuring value which correlates with the operation of the controllable device, and the arrangement further comprising a user interface (20) and a control unit (7a, 7b) adapted to control the controllable device on the basis of the measuring value and the set values.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cephalometric imaging using an apparatus (1) which comprises an X-ray source (5), a line detector camera (8) equipped with a digital detector, which line detector camera is located to a position far away from the X-ray source (5) for carrying out cephalometric imaging while the slot of the line detector camera is substantially vertical. In cephalometric imaging, an X-ray beam (11) located substantially on the vertical plane is directed from the X-ray source (5) through the object being imaged, and the X-ray source (5) is at the same time turned about the rotation center (13) located between the X-ray source and the line detector camera (8) in order to scan the object being imaged in the horizontal direction, whereby the line detector camera (8) is moved during the scanning movement in such a way that the ray beam (11) meets the slot (14) of the line detector camera.

Abstract: A liquid reservoir for a nebulizer is comprised of a pair of membranes formed of resilient material and sealed about their edges to form a closed chamber between them for containing a liquid to be nebulized. When the chamber is filled with liquid and thereby expanded, the resilient membranes are distended to apply pressure to the liquid in the chamber. A discharge valve controls the discharge of liquid from the reservoir to the nebulizer under the pressure applied by the membranes. The reservoir is mounted on the nebulizer so that one of the membranes abuts a surface of the nebulizer that concavely deforms the membrane to increase the pressure applied to the liquid in the chamber to reduce or eliminate any residual volume of liquid in the chamber at the end of the discharging operation.