Abstract: An otoscopic tip element having an axisymmetric hollow body having a substantially conical shape and made from a moldable plastic material includes a distal opening, a proximal opening, an interior surface, and an exterior surface. To maximize light transmissivity, a distal portion of the interior surface is provided with a smooth or polished surface finish and a proximal portion of the interior surface and the outer surface is provided with a textured surface finish such that light from a light source of an otoscope can be axially directed through the hollow body for emission through the distal opening, as well circumferentially through the exterior surface. The surface finish and color/tint of the speculum tip element can be adjusted or tuned to promote axial, circumferential and total light output relative to an intended medical target.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a fundus image includes: a processor and a memory; an illumination component including a light source and operatively coupled to the processor; a camera including a lens and operatively coupled to the processor, wherein the memory stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to capture fundus images and provide controls for re-imaging the fundus.

Abstract: A method for estimating blood pressure of a care recipient includes establishing a pre-maneuver reference value of blood pressure and a companion nonreference value of blood pressure, subjecting the care recipient to a maneuver, establishing a post-maneuver reference value of blood pressure and a companion post-manuever nonreference value of blood pressure, establishing an operational post-maneuver nonreference value of blood pressure, and adjusting the operational value as a function of the pre-maneuver and post-maneuver values. An associated apparatus includes a sensor, a processor and a memory which contains instructions.

Abstract: A vital signs monitor includes a subject wearable first cleat having a first sensor opening and a pair of laterally spaced apart first electrodes. The monitor also includes a subject wearable second cleat having a pair of laterally spaced apart second electrodes. An equipment housing is removably attached to or attachable to the first and second cleats. The housing has a first sensor pocket which registers with the first sensor opening. The monitor also includes a first sensor aligned with the first sensor opening and the first sensor pocket.

Abstract: An imaging device for monitoring a skin feature includes a camera, at least one processor and memory. The imaging device displays a body area guide, receives a selection of a body area, initiates an image sequence of the body area, the image sequence including capturing, using the camera, a plurality of images, determines whether all body areas have been imaged, analyzes the images, and provides the analyzed images to a clinician. The imaging device can be part of a system including a server in communication with a monitor, where the clinician views the images on the monitor. Additionally, each skin feature can be ranked in order of risk and presented to the clinician in that order.

Abstract: A dynamic medical object information base (DMOIB) is used with a communication protocol. A medical object information base (MOIB) may generally define rules of creation and modification of data defined for use in medical products. A dynamic version of the MOIB adapts to changing data classifications. DMOIB is preferably compatible with non-dynamic MOIB systems. DMOIB preferably reduces code space and simplifies management of software projects. DMOIB may allow for an entirely dynamic system using a discovery/negotiation process for determining full features of a device. DMOIB may also allow for generation of a dynamic interface to handle data from devices.

Abstract: Fundus imaging includes selective illumination and exposure of an image sensor array. Fundus imaging systems and methods disclosed herein are wide field of view imaging typically conducted under non-mydriatic conditions. At a first time, an illumination unit illuminates a first portion of an eye fundus. At a second time, the illumination unit illuminates a second portion of the eye fundus. One or more fundus images are captured during illumination.

Abstract: A blood pressure cuff is defined by a first sheet, having an opening, and a second sheet. The second sheet is attached to a bottom of the first sheet to form an interior inflatable portion between the first sheet and the second sheet, with the opening of the first sheet fluidly interconnecting the interior inflatable portion with an exterior of the cuff. The blood pressure cuff is made from a single type of material and can be recycled, biodegradable, or composted.

Abstract: An example system for estimating a hydration level of an individual can include: a mechanism configured to apply mechanical pressure to a digit of the individual; an light detector configured to sense the light from the digit; and a controller programmed to perform functions including: send a first signal to the mechanism to apply the mechanical pressure to the digit; send a second signal to the mechanism to release the mechanical pressure on the digit; determine a capillary refill time based upon a third signal from the light detector indicating an amount of time for capillaries of the individual to refill with blood; and estimate the hydration level of the individual based upon the capillary refill time and one or more additional parameters.

Abstract: A physiological parameter sensor system includes a housing with a first cell and a plurality of second cells. A first sensor system element (either an emitter or a detector) resides in the first cell. Second sensor system elements reside in at least some of the second cells. If the first sensor system element is an emitter, each second sensor system element is a detector, and vice versa. The housing is conformable to the contours of a patient to ensure that the sensor system elements are closely coupled to the patient's skin. The system identifies the emitter which yields the best quality signal at the detector (or the detector which receives the best quality signal from the emitter). The system then uses only the identified emitter/detector pair. The system is compact, places only modest demands on battery power, and tolerates being positioned at a nonoptimal locations on the patient's body.

Abstract: A vaginal speculum apparatus includes a portable illumination assembly that is releasably attached to one of the upper blade and lower blade of a disposable vaginal speculum. The portable illumination assembly is defined by a housing that retains at least one LED and a portable power supply. The portable illumination assembly can be energized by an externally accessible member after the illuminator has been attached to the speculum.

Abstract: An imaging device includes a housing having a surface that can engage the face of a patient. A cavity is at least partially defined by the surface. An anterior imaging system includes an optical lens barrel positioned inside the cavity, and the optical lens barrel includes a variable focus lens at one end and an image sensor array at an opposite end. One or more illumination LEDs are positioned around the periphery of the optical lens barrel at opposite sides of the variable focus lens, and are configured to illuminate the cavity to capture images of an anterior of the eye.

Abstract: A vital signs monitor includes an equipment housing defining an equipment compartment, a circuit assembly and a battery residing inside the equipment compartment, an electrical connector forming a connection between the battery assembly and the circuit assembly, and a battery discharge circuit. A retainer joined to the equipment housing retains the battery assembly in the housing. The retainer is separable from the housing so that its separation causes a break in the electrical connection and activates the discharge circuit.

Abstract: A vision screening apparatus conducts a photorefraction ocular screening test to generate refractive error data. Based on the refractive error data, a Snellen equivalent is determined. An evaluated person distance from the vision screening apparatus is also determined and used to generate an adjusted optotype size. The vision screening apparatus displays the optotype, adjusted for the Snellen equivalent and the evaluated person distance.