Abstract: A method of alerting a user to the existence of an artificially induced neuromuscular response in a subject includes: generating a series of electrical stimuli at a predetermined period with an electrode disposed at a distal end portion of an elongate medical device; detecting a series of mechanomyographic (MMG) responses of the subject using a mechanical sensor, each MMG response indicative of a contraction of a muscle of the subject; determining a degree of statistical confidence that the detected series of MMG responses was artificially induced by the series of electrical stimuli; and outputting, to the user, both an alert that a series of MMG responses has been detected, and the determined degree of statistical confidence that the detected series of MMG responses was artificially induced by the series of electrical stimuli.

Abstract: A catheter and guide wire assembly (10) for measurement of blood pressure in a living body, comprising: a proximal tube (11) having a distal end and a proximal end; a distal tube (12) having a distal end and a proximal end, which is connected to the distal end of the proximal tube (11); a fluid-permeable coil (13) having a distal end and a proximal end, which is connected to the distal end of the distal tube (12); a distal tip (14), in which the distal end of the fluid-permeable coil (13) is secured; and a core wire (16), which is attached in the proximal tube (11) and which extends through a portion of the proximal tube (11), the distal tube (12) and the fluid-permeable coil (13), and is secured in the distal tip (14), wherein the distal end of the proximal tube (11) and the proximal end of the distal tube (12) are connected by a butt joint and wherein the core wire (16) is glued or brazed to the inner wall of the proximal tube (11) at or close to the butt joint.

Abstract: Methods for dynamically evaluating blood flow are provided. The method may include injecting Indocyanine Green (ICG) into the bloodstream of a patient, such that the ICG perfuses into a tissue of the patient. ICG images of the tissue may be recorded and stored, such that a user may select a range of stored ICG images. Data indicative of the selected range of stored ICG images is automatically normalized and background-filtering, and a dynamic representation of the ICG perfusion may be generated as a function of time based on the normalized and filtered data. As such, a clinical decision may be made based on the dynamic representation of the ICG perfusion.

Abstract: A method for identifying and treating a neural pathway associated with chronic pain via nerve stimulation and brain wave monitoring of a mammalian brain is described. The method includes positioning a probe to stimulate a target nerve, wherein the target nerve is suspected of being a source of chronic pain; delivering a first nerve stimulation from the probe to the target nerve, wherein the first nerve stimulation is sufficient to elicit a chronic pain response in the brain; and monitoring for evoked potential activity in the brain as a result of the first nerve stimulation. The method can also include delivering second and third nerve stimulations to confirm the correct identification of the neural pathway and to treat the chronic pain, respectively. A system and apparatus for performing a procedure to identify and treat a nerve that is the source of chronic pain are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for predicting a fertility window include an image capture device and a processor. The fertility window includes a period of increased fecundability for a woman based on optical monitoring of facial features. The image capture device is configured to record images including facial features of a subject. The processor is configured to receive data corresponding to the recorded plural images; determine from the data changes in the facial features; and predict a fertility window based on the determination.

Abstract: System and method for determining breathing rate as biofeedback is provided. First biomarker, second biomarker, third biomarker and fourth biomarker is extracted by computation engine from physiological parameters associated with subject by applying pre-defined set of rules. A first value is computed by feedback unit as a function of second biomarker, third biomarker and fourth biomarker. A correlation between first value and time domain parameter of fourth biomarker and frequency domain parameter of fourth biomarker is determined. First value indicates stress level of subject. Second value is computed by maximizing time domain parameter of fourth biomarker and minimizing frequency domain parameter of fourth biomarker based on correlation. Second value indicates reduced stress level of subject. Biofeedback is transmitted by feedback unit to cue generation unit which represents quantified data determined based on second value. The quantified data is indicative of modified second biomarker.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining a target signal spectrum includes: a spectrum measurer configured to measure a plurality of spectra from an object; and a processor configured to obtain a difference spectrum matrix by subtracting a reference spectrum from each of the plurality of spectra, and to obtain a spectrum of a target signal based on the obtained difference spectrum matrix.

Abstract: A method of using a biopsy apparatus includes moving a stylet cannula relative to a vacuum cannula between a first extended position and a first retracted position; and receiving a protrusion member within a flared portion of the vacuum cannula when the stylet cannula is in the first retracted position.

Abstract: Embodiments of tissue monitoring and therapy systems and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a monitoring and therapy system comprises collecting video images of a tissue site, amplifying said video images via Eulerian Video Magnification, and determining a treatment parameter from the amplified video images detectable by Eulerian Video Magnification. If the treatment parameter differs from a threshold, an alert may be generated.

Abstract: A housing has a spiral passageway for a catheter that is manually extracted from the housing by means of a wheel having a textured circumferential surface and mounted on a shaft that extends through a non-circular bearing defined in an outer portion of the housing. An inner portion of the wheel extends into the spiral passageway adjacent the wire catheter and an outer portion of the wheel outwardly from the housing whereby the upper surface of the knob can be manipulated in one direction and the wire catheter below the knob will be advanced in the opposite direction. The non-circular bearing has a generally circular outer portion in which the textured surface of the knob is only intermittently in contact with the catheter whereby the wire catheter may be advanced, and a generally linear inner portion sloping inwardly towards the catheter.

Abstract: A cognitive function evaluation device includes: an obtainment unit configured to obtain, as gait data, at least one of first data and second data, the first data indicating a sway amount of a body of a subject during walking in a first walking section from start of walking of the subject to a predetermined number of steps, and the second data indicating a sway amount of the body of the subject during walking in a second walking section in a double task state in which the subject is walking while doing a given assignment, the second walking section being after the first walking section; a calculation unit configured to calculate a feature value based on the gait data; an evaluation unit configured to evaluate a cognitive function of the subject, based on the feature value; and an output unit configured to output a result of evaluation by the evaluation unit.

Abstract: A liquid collecting mechanism that includes a liquid collection tube arm and a liquid collection tube head fixed at a front end of the tube arm. A sealing spacer is arranged at a joint connecting the liquid collection tube head and the liquid collection tube arm, and the liquid collection tube head is internally provided with a liquid collection cavity. An area of the liquid collection tube head located above the liquid collection cavity is a mesh collection area, and a plurality of collecting holes is provided in the mesh collection area. The mechanism includes a liquid suction tube passing through the tube arm and tube head, and the liquid suction tube has an open first end located in the liquid collection cavity and an open second end configured to connect with a pump body mechanism.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes: a preparation device preparing information on a body posture; an acting force meter measuring a first acting force the body applies on a first object; a myoelectric potential meter; and a processor acquiring the information on the posture, acquiring information on the first acting force measured by the acting force meter, acquiring information on the myoelectric potential, setting an initial value for a second acting force the body applies to a second object other than the first object, estimating a muscle activity state corresponding to the posture, the first acting force, and the second acting force, repeating updating the second acting force such that a difference between (i) a muscle activity state determined based on the myoelectric potential and (ii) the estimated activity state decreases, and presenting the second acting force when the difference is less than a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: The present invention provides a program capable of assessing the muscle tone of the exerciser based on the captured images of the posture of the exerciser. The above object is achieved by a program causing a computer apparatus to execute assessment of muscle tone of a client, the program causing the computer apparatus to function as: an image capturer that captures an image of a posture of the client in a steady state and/or an image of a posture of the client in a moving state; and an assessor that assesses the muscle tone of the client based on a position of a prescribed body site of the client, an inclination of the prescribed body site of the client, and/or positional relationships among a plurality of prescribed body sites in the image captured by the image capturer.

Abstract: A sampling capsule is provided. The sampling capsule includes an enclosure, a sampling assembly, a sample drawing assembly and a control module. The sampling assembly includes a sample chamber arranged in the enclosure, an outer sampling port on the enclosure, a sampling tube connecting the outer sampling port and the sample chamber, and a sampling switch for opening or closing the connecting tube. The sample drawing assembly includes a sample drawing port on the enclosure and connected to the sample chamber, and a silicone plug fitted in the sample discharging port. The control module includes a microprocessor communicating with the sampling switch.

Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of methods and apparatus for diagnosing neuromuscular diseases using an impedance-EMG needle, and for generating electrical impedance images using an impedance needle. Some embodiments provide an apparatus including an impedance-EMG needle, including both EMG electrodes and impedance electrodes, to measure both active and passive electrical properties of muscle. Other embodiments provide an apparatus including an impedance needle, including a plurality of impedance electrodes to measure impedance in tissue surrounding the impedance needle to generate an electrical impedance image. Use of such methods and apparatus may be advantageous in improving the accuracy of assessing and diagnosing neuromuscular disease.

Abstract: Accurate measurement of pupillary distance, PD, is necessary to make prescription eye glasses as well as configuring VR headsets, and using other binocular optical devices. Today, many people are ordering eyeglasses on line and obtaining their PD is often problematic for a number of reasons as the prior art fails to provide consumer friendly PD measurement systems. A disclosed eyeglass frame system comprises reference marks of known locations upon the frames. A smart phone may be used to locate the consumer's pupils, while the consumer is wearing the frames. The consumer's pupils may be marked or tagged upon a digital image of the consumer wearing the frames. By use of angles in the sight lines of the camera lens and other variable values and the known relative distances of the frame markings, a consumer's pupillary distance can be quickly and accurately derived.

Abstract: A posture measuring device, an intelligent cushion and an intelligent seat are disclosed. The sitting posture measuring device comprises two fiber optic sensors; a signal processing unit electrically connected to the two fiber optic sensors respectively; and a power supply unit electrically connected to the signal processing unit. The sitting posture measuring device further comprises a prompting unit and/or a wireless communications unit electrically connected to the signal processing unit. The two fiber optic sensors are configured from left to right or from front to back. The fiber optic sensors detect changes in optical signals generated from changes in surface pressure on the sensors, and the signal processing unit analyzes a posture of a user on the basis of changes in optical signals generated from changes in surface pressure on the sensors.

Abstract: An improved biopsy tray includes a container having bottom surface and continuous perimeter wall extending upward therefrom to form a cleaning zone which is sufficient to hold an adequate amount of fluid for cleaning a biopsy forceps, and at least one specimen bottle receiving receptacle adjacent the perimeter wall to receive and retain a specimen bottle. A method of obtaining a biopsy specimen includes employing the tray of the invention.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a method for monitoring nerve tissue which includes inserting a dilator into muscle, the dilator including first and second electrodes at the distal tip. While the dilator is in muscle, a system may communicate (a) a first series of unequal current amplitude applications (e.g., a series including 0.5, 7, 3, 5 mA applications) to the first electrode to produce at least a first evoked potential (e.g., a MAP or NAP), and (b) a second series of unequal current amplitude applications to the second electrode to produce at least a second evoked potential. The method further includes sensing the first and second evoked potentials and determining a relative location of a nerve based on the sensing of at least one of the first and second evoked potentials.