Abstract: Sensors for use in evaluating physiological conditions of tissue are provided on a structure having an opening for receiving a probe, finger or the like. The sensors include near infrared spectroscopy sensors in some embodiments. The structure may comprise a flexible sleeve that may be worn on the finger of a physician performing a rectal exam of the prostate, or placed over a rectal ultrasound probe for example. In an embodiment, a controller processes data from sensors to provide information relevant to blood flow in different parts of a subject's prostate gland.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting and alerting one to a condition of Compartment Syndrome provide for determining concentration data of biochemical compounds in tissues, preferably at a shallow depth beneath the skin; analysing the concentration data to detect a condition of Compartment Syndrome; and triggering an alarm if a condition of Compartment Syndrome is detected. The concentration of biochemical compounds may be measured using Near Infrared Spectroscopy. The biochemical compounds may comprise at least one compound from the group consisting of Hemoglobin, Oxygenated Hemoglobin, Cytochromes and Myoglobin.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for guarding against unintended exposure to light from a light-emitting device used to direct light to a subject for detection by a light detector. A sensor signal indicative of light detected by the light detector is sampled. An inhibition signal for inhibiting emission of light from the light-emitting device is generated, based at least in part on whether emitted light is expected from the light-emitting device and the comparison of the sampled sensor signal value to a threshold value. The light-emitting device may be monitored for continuous wave operation. A mechanical interlock may be provided having a guard moveable between closed and open positions respectively to cover and expose a port of the light-emitting device.

Abstract: A system for detecting blood flow in the prostate comprises a blood flow sensor disposed on a catheter that can be inserted into a subject's urethra so that the blood flow sensor is located to detect blood flow in the subject's prostate gland. The sensor may be a sensor of a near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) system configured to detect in the prostate one or more biocompounds indicative of blood flow. An output of the sensor may provide an input to a controller for a heater disposed to heat tissues of the prostate. Some embodiments comprise one or more additional sensors for detecting blood flow and/or temperature of a portion of the subject's rectal wall adjacent to the prostate gland. In such embodiments, outputs from the additional sensors may provide additional inputs to the controller.

Abstract: A system for near infrared spectroscopy includes a controller that automates selection of light intensities for one or more light sources. The system may stepwise increase or decrease a current driving a light source until a signal received at a light detector is within a desired range. The system may maintain closed loop control over the intensity of a light source after the intensity has been set. The closed loop control may be based on a signal from a second light detector that senses light from the light source. Current/intensity settings may be established for each of multiple light detectors. In response to selection of a light detector, the corresponding current may be delivered to drive the light source.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring erectile function or dysfunction provide for determining concentration data of biochemical compounds in a subject's erectile tissues; and analyzing the concentration data to yield values indicative of the subject's erectile function. The concentration of biochemical compounds may be measured using Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS). The biochemical compounds may comprise at least one compound from the group consisting of Hemoglobin, Oxygenated Hemoglobin, Cytochromes and Myoglobin.