Abstract: A system includes a flexible guide tube, an actuator coupled to the flexible guide tube and configured to move at least a portion of the flexible guide tube, a processor, and memory storing computer-executable instructions. When executed by the processor, the computer-executable instructions cause the system to: identify at least one factor associated with insertion or removal of a tool configured to be inserted through or removed from the flexible guide tube; identify, in a first configuration of the flexible guide tube and based on the at least one factor, one or more sections of the flexible guide tube having one or more bends that the tool cannot traverse; and command the actuator to automatically move the flexible guide tube to a second configuration without manual steering by a user, wherein the second configuration does not include the one or more bends that the tool cannot traverse.

Abstract: A connector apparatus for a pressure sensing catheter having a pressure-compliant member is disclosed. A first complementary connector has an aligning portion and a charging portion, with the aligning portion having a cross-sectional area less than a cross-sectional area of the charging portion. A second complementary connector has a proximal coupler with an alignment section and a charging section wherein, the alignment section having a cross-sectional area complementary to the cross-sectional area of the aligning portion to receive the alignment portion therein, the charging section having a cross-sectional area complementary to receive the charging portion and a resilient member therein. The first complementary connector can displace a volume of fluid from the proximal coupler into the pressure compliant member when the alignment section receives the aligning portion, the charging section receives the charging portion, and the resilient member forms the fluid tight seal within the charging section.

Abstract: In one example, a method of monitoring a sustained activity of a human or animal subject for the purpose of determining a risk group includes detecting a physical activity signal from the subject, determining a magnitude of the detected physical activity signal, initiating a timer in response to determining the magnitude of the physical activity signal exceeding an activity level threshold, triggering storing at least one value associated with the physical activity signal only when the magnitude of the physical activity signal exceeds the activity level threshold and the timer is greater than a duration threshold, and determining, using the processor circuit, an indication of the subject's cardiovascular disease based on the stored value.

Abstract: A guide wire for biological pressure measurement includes a tube extending along a longitudinal axis of the guide wire; and a pressure sensor for biological pressure measurement, at least a portion of the pressure sensor being mounted within the tube. The pressure sensor comprises a pressure sensor membrane facing a top side of the tube. A circumferential wall of the tube includes at least six openings: a first distal opening, a second distal opening located on a right side of the tube, a third distal opening located on a left side of the tube, a first proximal opening, a second proximal opening located on a right side of the tube, and a third proximal opening located on a left side of the tube. The first distal opening is larger than the second and third distal openings, and the first proximal opening is larger than the second and third proximal openings.

Abstract: A device for recognizing activity of an object. The device has a housing configured to be attached to the object and a processing unit disposed in the housing has a processor and a movement sensor. The movement sensor measures a signal related to the movement of the object during a time window. The processor assigns at least one preliminary activity label to the time window based on at least one numerical descriptor computed from the signal. The processor then determines whether to perform additional analysis dependent upon at least the preliminary activity label. The processor then assigns a final activity label to the time window.

Abstract: A computerized method for detecting a core temperature of a person, the method may include: receiving multiple temperature readings obtained by scanning a temperature sensor across a skin area of a person, the skin area covers at least one blood vessel, to provide multiple temperature readings; the multiple temperature readings include a peak temperature reading; and determining, by a processor, an estimate of the core temperature of the person in response to at least one temperature reading that differs from the peak temperature reading.

Abstract: A device includes a pre-sample reservoir, an actuator mechanism, and a diverter. The pre-sample reservoir can be fluidically coupled to a delivery member to receive and isolate a predetermined volume of bodily-fluid withdrawn from a patient. The actuator mechanism is operably coupled to the pre-sample reservoir such that, when actuated, a negative pressure is formed in the pre-sample reservoir that urges the bodily-fluid to flow into the pre-sample reservoir. The diverter can selectively control fluid flow between the delivery member and the pre-sample reservoir. The diverter includes a flow control mechanism that defines a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. The diverter is movable between a first configuration in which the bodily-fluid flows through the first fluid flow path to the pre-sample reservoir, and a second configuration in which the bodily-fluid flows through the second fluid flow path to a sample reservoir coupled to the diverter.

Abstract: The present system (10) comprises a subject interface (22), a segmenter (12), a loosener (14), sensors (18), and computer processors (28). The segmenter is configured to selectively control gas flow through the subject interface to provide high amplitude pressure oscillations (44) during exhalation such that the high amplitude pressure oscillations aid cough productivity in the subject. The loosener controls gas flow through the subject interface to provide low amplitude pressure oscillations (43, 63) during inhalation (48, 68) and exhalation (49) such that the low amplitude pressure oscillations loosen respiratory secretions.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting one or more tissue specimens includes a tissue specimen collector having a cannula receiving opening, a vacuum opening, and an interior. The vacuum opening is on a first axis, and the cannula receiving opening is on a second axis. A removable tissue specimen retaining member is positioned within the interior of the tissue specimen collector. The removable tissue specimen retaining member has a plurality of openings that are interposed between the first axis of the vacuum opening and the second axis of the cannula receiving opening. The removable tissue specimen retaining member is movable along the second axis. An elongated tissue cutting member extends through the cannula receiving opening of the tissue specimen collector to position a proximal end of the elongated cutting member in the interior above the plurality of openings of the removable tissue specimen retaining member.

Abstract: A device for measuring oral cavity pressure includes the following: a pressure measuring probe having a balloon made of an elastic material is supported by a balloon base; a communicating member having an inner bore that communicates with the inside of the balloon via the balloon base to transmit the air pressure in the balloon; and a pressure detecting unit that is connected to the rear end of the communicating member and detects the transmitted air pressure. The balloon includes a pressure receiving portion that forms a cavity and a balloon tubular portion that communicates with the inside of the pressure receiving portion, and the balloon is joined to the front end portion of the balloon base with the balloon tubular portion. The balloon base has a rib that protrudes outward along the outer circumferential direction of the front end portion on the balloon side.

Abstract: Transdermally emitted gasses are detected by applying a dermal sampling strip to the skin of a biological subject, capturing the gasses in a vapor space in the dermal sampling strip, and analyzing for at least one such gas captured in the vapor space of the dermal sampling strip. Analysis is preferably performed using an electrocatalytic cell, which can be mounted on the dermal sampling strip and form a wall of the vapor space.

Abstract: A wire member that exhibits an excellent sliding property is provided. A wire member 1 includes: a core member 2 that has an elongated shape; and a surface-disposed member 3 that is spirally disposed on a surface of the core member 2 so as to leave predetermined spaces along a longitudinal direction of the core member 2. In a cross-sectional view taken along the axis of the core member 2, the front end and the rear end of each of projections 3A formed by the surface-disposed member 3 respectively form contact angles ?1, ?2 each being 5° or greater relative to the surface of the core member 2.

Abstract: Methods of monitoring arterial blood using an arterial line tube positions adjacent to a groin sheath, as part of a surgical intervention. Described herein are methods and apparatuses (e.g., systems) for introduction of an arterial line tube for contemporaneous and sensitive blood pressure monitoring along with other instrumentation in the course of a therapeutic intervention through a femoral artery, affording improved monitoring results.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus, a system (100), a method (200), and a computer program for assessing the risk of an exacerbation and/or hospitalization. A patient's physical activity is measured (e.g., by an accelerometer (110)) during an active period of time (e.g., during awake hours) and during a rest period of time (e.g., during sleep hours) to gather first and second activity data. A risk of exacerbation and/or hospitalization is assessed (e.g., by a risk assessment unit (120)) based on an expression involving the respective activity data during active and rest periods fulfilling a predetermined relationship with respect to a predetermined activity level. For instance, low activity data during active periods and high activity data during rest periods indicates an increased risk of exacerbation and/or hospital readmission for the patient.

Abstract: An audiologic test probe with locking mechanism, and a component for the test probe is disclosed. The probe for conducting an audiologic test comprises the locking mechanism, the probe comprising a probe body with a first probe opening to a first probe channel in the probe body, the probe comprising the locking mechanism for connecting a component with a first component opening to a first component channel.

Abstract: The present invention limits measurement error and sensor element damage. When a contact-type sensor (200) is placed in contact with skin (10), a gap (200a) is formed between the skin (10) and a sensor element (214). The contact-type sensor (200) is provided with a water-repellent resin base plate (212) and a water-absorbing sheet (211) that, together with the skin (10) and the sensor element (214), surround the gap (200a).

Abstract: A blood sampling device includes a housing and a lancet supporting a lancet needle or tip, the lancet and needle being urged or urgeable in a pricking direction. A trigger mechanism is moveable to a fire position for releasing the lancet to travel in the pricking direction. A removable safety cap initially covers the lancet needle. The lancet has an initial position in which movement of the trigger mechanism to its fire position is blocked and an intermediate position in which the trigger mechanism may be moved to its fire position. The intermediate position is obtainable only on removal of the safety cap.

Abstract: According to certain described aspects, an acoustic sensor is employed in a variety of beneficial ways to provide improved physiological monitoring, among other advantages. In various embodiments, the acoustic sensor may include an attachment sub-assembly including a deformable portion that enables improved coupling to a patient. Additionally, the acoustic sensor may include an adhesive layer that, in combination with the deformable portion, enables even, robust, and secure attachment of the sensor to the patient. In various embodiments, an acoustic coupler having a semi-spherical shape is provided to further improve coupling of acoustic signals from the patient to the sensor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for predicting/estimating the dry weight of an individual, e.g., a patient undergoing dialysis treatment, are provided. The techniques employ a bioimpedance measurement (303) on the individual's calf (101) to obtain information regarding the extracellular fluid volume of the calf. Using a measurement of the calf's circumference (309), a resistivity value is calculated, normalized by the individual's body mass index (BMI), and then offset by a reference value to obtain a new variable, ?nRho, which is shown, by comparison with a “gold standard” (FIGS. 5-9), to be highly effective in predicting/estimating dry weight (FIGS. 10-13 and 15-16). The techniques are easy to use and provide accurate dry weight predictions/estimations without substantially adding to the complexity or cost of dialysis procedures. The techniques can also be used for individuals who are not renal patients, e.g.

Abstract: Vented specimen retrieval bag assists in removal of air and fluid around a specimen so that a specimen pouch can be compressed around a specimen and removed from a smaller incision during surgery. Removal of air and fluid may be active, by way of vacuum, or by passive venting.