Abstract: Provided is a body composition measurement device capable of accurately acquiring visceral fat quantity-related information as body composition-related information of a human body. A body composition measurement device has a voltage detection unit that detects a voltage that occurs at a human-body-mimic resistor in order to measure a resistance value of a compensating resistor unit and detects a voltage that occurs at voltage measurement electrode pair as a result of current that is generated by a current generation unit and that is supplied to the abdomen of the subject via the current supply electrode pair, and a calculation unit that generates body composition-related information for the subject on the basis of the voltage occurring at the voltage measurement electrode pair and the voltage generated at the human-body-mimic resistor, which have been detected by the voltage detection unit.

Abstract: An allergy testing kit contains a plurality of allergy testing applicators, an allergy testing tray and a plurality of allergen bottles each containing an allergen. Each of the applicators contains an elongated handle, a plurality of arms extending from the elongated handle and disposed in an asymmetrical configuration, and a plurality of legs with tines extending from each of the arms. The allergy testing tray contains a main body having an underside and a top surface, a cover for locking with the main body and a plurality of reservoirs extending from the underside of the main body. The reservoirs each have a chamber with an opening extending from the top surface. The reservoirs are disposed in different groups and each group has an asymmetrical configuration matching that of the applicator.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and devices comprising a cutting element used to contact circumferentially and longitudinally the surface walls of the endocervical canal to provide for broad and complete contact of the intended surface with the device, resulting in attainment of a sufficient volume and comprehensive tissue sample for analysis as an endocervical curettage or screening pap smear. The device may provide for a reservoir for the obtained sample to be contained when removing from the cervical canal and vagina. The device may be comprised of a detachable means or be of a material that allows the user to cut the sampling head of the device for placement in collection means to maximize the amount of tissue or cells being sent to the laboratory for analysis.

Abstract: A notched tissue-collection needle configured similarly to a fine-needle-aspiration needle is provided with a cutting edge disposed in the notch and configured to excise tissue into the notch for collection. A stylet may be provided through a lumen of the needle during introduction into a patient body. The needle may be provided with echogenicity-enhancing features. A coated-coiled-wire sheath through which the needle is slidably disposed includes an overcoating that is thicker along a distal length and thinner along a mid-section length intermediate the proximal and distal lengths, and may include another thicker proximal-most portion adjacent the handle.

Abstract: A modulated physiological sensor is a noninvasive device responsive to a physiological reaction of a living being to an internal or external perturbation that propagates to a skin surface area. The modulated physiological sensor has a detector configured to generate a signal responsive to the physiological reaction. A modulator varies the coupling of the detector to the skin so as to at least intermittently maximize the detector signal. A monitor controls the modulator and receives an effectively amplified detector signal, which is processed to calculate a physiological parameter indicative of the physiological reaction.

Abstract: A system to improve vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) includes a display device; a head motion detector, the head motion detector being configured to detect at least one of a first angular rotational rate of a subject's head or a first acceleration of said subject's head in a first direction; a signal conditioner in communication with the head motion detector; a first gain control in communication with the signal conditioner; a second gain control in communication with the signal conditioner; a motion controller in communication with the display device and the first gain control and the second gain control; and a head motion-inducing device configured to induce a head motion on the subject. The head motion-inducing device includes a motor configured to rotate a head of the subject based on an instruction produced by a data processor.

Abstract: A medical connector for use in a fluid pathway. A valve member with sealing rings helps preclude undesired accumulation of fluid within the connector. A branched connector includes a fluid diverter extending away from a port of the branched connector. The fluid diverter is configured to divert fluid flowing through the branched connector and into a medical connector attached thereto, flushing a distal portion of the medical connector.

Abstract: There is disclosed, among other things, embodiments of a biopsy needle for taking a full core sample through soft tissue. In the illustrated embodiments, the needle includes a single monolithic tubular member having a notch cut part-way through a distal portion of the tubular member to form an arch-shaped finger. At least a portion of the finger is bent toward the notch and into the lumen of the tubular member. Methods for using these embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A biopsy stylet and needle system is provided that is configured for navigation and spring-loaded deployment through at least one tortuous or otherwise confined length. The system includes a needle cannula through which a notched biopsy stylet is disposed. The notched biopsy stylet includes at least one outer diameter length that is about the same as, but preferably very slightly less than, the inner diameter of the needle cannula. The notched biopsy stylet also includes at least one outer diameter length that has a smaller diameter, the lengthwise position of which corresponds to the tortuous or otherwise confined length through which the system is to be operated. The smaller stylet diameter length is configured to prevent binding between the stylet and the needle cannula and/or between the needle cannula and an overlying access cannula or other access passage structure.

Abstract: An operating room control system that is soft configurable allowing a user to completely configure the control and function of the system. The system includes a touchscreen that provides a video display received from a video endoscope and presents icons on the touchscreen allowing the user to control and interface with the tools/equipment in the operating room as well as hospital systems. The controls, displays, tools, equipment, etc. are configured to be operated from a single centralized platform.

Abstract: A method for performing a medical procedure, includes coupling a tip of a probe to tissue in an organ of a patient in order to apply the medical procedure using the probe. A force exerted by the tip on the tissue and a displacement of the tip created by the force are measured. A dependence of the force on the displacement is calculated. Based on the calculated dependence, a risk level of perforation of the tissue is estimated.

Abstract: A biopsy assembly includes a biopsy device, a vacuum source, and a valve assembly. The biopsy device includes a body, a needle extending distally from the body, and a cutter translatable relative to the needle. The needle includes a lateral tissue receiving aperture. The cutter is translatable to selectively close the lateral tissue receiving aperture of the needle. The valve assembly is in fluid communication with the needle. The valve assembly includes a first valve, a second valve, and tubular member. Each of the first valve and the second valve selectively provide atmospheric venting or vacuum to the needle. The tubular member is coupled with the vacuum source and includes a first and second connector extending transversely from the tubular member. The first and second connectors couple to the first and second valves to provide vacuum to the first and second valves.

Abstract: Portable operatively simple touch screen apparatus uses testing methods and systems that are free of age and language constraints include special signal processing techniques that provide a temporal resolution highly sensitive for probing cognitive function. The embodiments include or make use of one or more modules implemented at least partially in a set of instructions in software and configured to measure user reaction times to visual stimulus on a touch screen device having a capacitive sensor touch-sensitive surface and a detector of audio waves resulting from touch on the touch-sensitive surface. The modules employ recordation of acoustic vibrations resulting from a user's touching a target location on the touch screen surface spaced from a touched starting location on that surface, in one embodiment, to measure temporal response to a visual stimulus placed at the target location.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assessing vision and correcting vision problems are provided. A head-mountable virtual reality display controlled via a computing device can be worn by a user to display virtual reality images to the user. The images can be displayed as part of an interactive and engaging activity that can be used to determine a value of a certain parameter of the user's eyes. The activity can also be intended as a treatment procedure during which user's eyes are trained to perceive objects having certain properties that unassisted eyes of the user are normally not able to perceive. User input is acquired to determine user's perception of the displayed virtual reality images. The computing device can be a smartphone configured to perform the vision tests or treatment under control of a remote computing device operated by a trained clinician.

Abstract: This invention relates to an operation device especially intended to proceed with an operation inside the body of a living being. This device (10) comprises a control handle and a flexible element (12) provided with a proximal end connected to this control handle. The flexible element (12) comprises at a distal end (14), a steerable area comprising a rigid head. The control handle comprises a control lever arranged for controlling said steerable area (17) of this flexible element. The device of the invention is characterized in that the flexible element (12) comprises at its distal end (14), a retractable tool (21), and this retractable tool being arranged to be operated by said control handle.

Abstract: An actively-powered temperature data logger patch with wireless data communication includes a sealed, flexible battery comprising a printed electrochemical cell with an anode and a cathode, and a flexible circuit including a microprocessor, a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature of a target subject, a wireless communication transmitter and an antenna. In one example, the temperature sensor is located at a first end of the patch, and the antenna is located at an opposite, second end of the patch. The patch is configured to conform to a curved surface of the target subject and includes an adhesive configured to be removably applied to skin of the patient. An external computing device is capable of receiving communication from the wireless communication transmitter of the patch via an electromagnetic field.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating the tongue strength and coordination of a subject includes an intermediate device such as a lever which is pivotably attached to a coupling device and extends into a cavity of a nipple element. The lever is detached from the nipple and pivotable in response to deformation of the nipple element by a tongue force exerted on the nipple element by a subject during a suck-swallow-breathe sequence. The coupling device includes a sensing device to wirelessly transmit sensor outputs to a mobile device paired to the sensing device. The sensing device includes at least one sealed chamber defined by a membrane and a sensor. In one example, a first membrane and sensor senses pressure change in a fluid in the apparatus, and a second membrane and sensor is actuated by the intermediate device to sense deformation of the nipple element. A method using the apparatus is provided.

Abstract: Tissue ablation is carried out using a probe having a distal conductive cap. At least one optical fiber is contained within the probe and terminates in proximity to an outer surface of the conductive cap. The optical fiber conveys optical radiation to the tissue while the power generator is activated and receives reflected optical radiation. An optical module measures the received reflected optical radiation, and a processor linked to the optical module analyzes the reflected optical radiation to determine impending steam pop events.

Abstract: Aspects of changing power consumption of a sensor of a wearable electronic device worn by a user are discussed herein. For example, in one aspect, based on detecting that a state of the user, as tracked by the wearable electronic device, has transitioned into an asleep state, an embodiment may decrease power consumption of at least one sensor from the set of sensors. Additionally, based on detecting that the state of the user, as tracked by the wearable electronic device, has transitioned out of the asleep state, the embodiment may reverse the decrease of power consumption of the at least one sensor.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to methods, systems and probe devices for detecting EMG activity. In some embodiments, such methods, systems and devices are used in aiding the diagnosis of Obstruction Sleep Apnea (OSA). In some embodiments, a probe is provided and comprises an elongated member configured with a size and shape for placement adjacent at least one of the soft palate and pharyngeal wall of the patient after insertion of the probe into the patient. The probe may also include at least one sensor configured to sense at least EMG activity of muscle layers of at least one of the soft palate and pharyngeal wall and output sensor signals corresponding thereto.