Abstract: A measuring system comprises a sensor arranged to be attached to a subject for obtaining a measured value representing a physical or a physiological quantity of the subject. The measuring system further comprises a microprocessor for deriving a subject-related value from the measured value. The sensor is arranged to be attached at one of a plurality of positions on the subject. The measuring system further comprises a microprocessor for establishing the position of the sensor on the subject. The microprocessor for deriving the subject-related value is arranged for deriving the subject-related value also in dependence on the position of the sensor on the subject.

Abstract: Embodiments of a compartment monitor that can be implanted and left in situ to continuously (or semi-continuously) measure compartment pressures are presented. An exemplary monitor includes a pressure sensor adapted to be implanted in a compartment, a transmitter external to the compartment and coupled to the pressure sensor, and a receiver in communication with the transmitter to receive and process pressure data received from the transmitter. The monitor may also be configured to transmit measured pressure data to a networkable device. The networkable device can then communicate the patient's status and condition to a healthcare provider through a local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN). This communication allows the healthcare provider to remotely monitor a patient. The networkable device, or associated computing system, can record and display trends in the pressure data over time, and log the data to the patient's electronic health records.

Abstract: A method of assessing hearing characteristics of a subject is provided. The method includes determining a hearing capability of the subject based on responses of the subject to a series of sounds presented to the subject. Each sound corresponds to a presence, absence or irrelevance of a predetermined plurality of features. The method further includes assigning the subject to one of a predetermined plurality of classes based upon the responses of the subject, each of the plurality of classes being derived from hearing tests performed on a plurality of other subjects.

Abstract: A computer-controlled sensory testing system is disclosed that can be used to further pain research and aid in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of pain syndromes. The system includes actuators to deliver pressure/deformation (strain), auditory, olfactory, and other stimuli to a subject. The system includes software to control the delivery of the stimuli. The system is further operable to receive feedback regarding the stimuli received.

Abstract: An electrode interface system for providing a connection between at least one electrode and a maternal-fetal monitor, wherein the interface system converts electrical muscle activity captured by the electrode(s) into uterine activity data signals for use by the maternal-fetal monitor. The electrode interface system of the invention preferably includes a signal converter for processing the signals from the electrode(s) into signals similar to those produced by a tocodynometer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a biopsy needle system, an adaptor for the system, and a method of using the system. The system includes an outer needle, an inner needle, and an adaptor. The outer needle has a longitudinal passage, a length, and a hub on the proximal end of the outer needle. The inner needle has a longitudinal passage and a length that is greater than the length of the outer needle. The inner needle is configured to fit within the longitudinal passage of the outer needle. The adaptor is configured to fit within the hub of the outer needle and includes a tapered longitudinal passage that guides a distal end of the inner needle through the adaptor and into the longitudinal passage of the outer needle.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include an apparatus for generating a plurality of movement impairment indices from one or more kinematic signals to characterize movement disorders. Additionally we disclose methods for generating a plurality of movement impairment indices from one or more kinematic signals obtained from one or more kinematic sensors, said methods implemented in a digital computer with one or more processors in order to characterize movement disorders based on spectral analysis, regularity metrics, and time-frequency analysis.

Abstract: A wearable health monitoring device includes at least one sensor for obtaining a signal indicative of movement of a user in at least one axis and logic configured to determine, based upon the signal, whether the user has taken a step.

Abstract: A guide wire includes a first wire disposed on the distal side, and a second wire disposed on the proximal side and made from a material having an elastic modulus larger than that of the first wire. The first wire and the second wire are joined to each other by welding. The second wire has, in the vicinity of the welded portion, a small cross-sectional area portion having a cross-sectional area smaller than that of a proximal end portion of the first wire. The outer diameter of the small cross-sectional area portion is gradually reduced in the direction toward the distal end. The first wire may be made from a superelastic alloy, whereas the second wire may be made from a stainless steel. The first wire and the second wire may be welded to each other by a butt resistance welding process. Since the change in rigidity of the guide wire becomes smooth in the longitudinal direction, the operationality and kink resistance of the guide wire are improved.

Abstract: A visceral fat measurement device includes a first electrode pair and a second electrode pair to be arranged in a body axis direction at a back surface of an abdomen of a subject; a current generation unit for flowing current between electrodes of the first electrode pair; a potential difference detection unit for detecting a potential difference between electrodes of the second electrode pair current is flowed between the electrodes of the first electrode pair; and a visceral fat mass calculation part for calculating visceral fat mass of the subject based on the detected potential difference between the electrodes of the second electrode pair.

Abstract: A peripheral nervous system (PNS) neuromuscular disorder testing system incorporates a testing apparatus that is affixed to a patients skin, positioning a stimulus transducer (e.g., electrical contact(s), movable sharp point, etc.) into a nerve pathway of interest with an electrode and reference electrodes appropriately positioned relative thereto to measure the electrical signal produced. A wireless connection to a control box relays the data associated with the time of the stimulus and the sensed response to a diagnostic system that analyzes the waveform per selectable testing protocols with user tailorable view capabilities and data dissemination communication paths.

Abstract: A hollow guidewire with a shapeable distal end, for removing tissue from a body lumen, such as a coronary artery. The hollow guidewire comprises an elongate, tubular guidewire body that has an axial lumen. A tissue removal assembly, such as a rotating drive shaft, is positioned at or near a distal end of the tubular guidewire body and extends through the axial lumen. Actuation of the tissue removal assembly removes occlusive material in the body lumen.

Abstract: A craniosynostosis detection system is disclosed that may comprise a movement detection apparatus configured to detect movement in a surface of the scalp of the patient along areas between bones of the skull when at least a portion of the movement detection apparatus is positioned adjacent to the surface of the scalp. The movement detection apparatus may generate a signal corresponding to movement detected by the movement detection apparatus. A signal processing apparatus may be operatively connected to the movement detection apparatus and configured to receive the movement signal from the movement detection apparatus. A data display apparatus may be operatively connected to the signal processing apparatus and configured to display a representation of movement detected by the movement detection apparatus. The absence of movement of the scalp over the sutures, which correspond to the brain pulsations, is diagnostic of craniosynostosis.

Abstract: A wearable health monitoring device includes at least one sensor for obtaining a signal indicative of movement of a user in at least one axis and logic configured to determine, based upon the signal, whether the user has fallen.

Abstract: According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an oral fluid collection device. The oral fluid collection device comprises a handle, a swab holder, and a swab. The swab is in the form of a hollow tube of absorbent material coaxially located about the swab holder, such that the swab is supported by the swab holder along the entire length of the swab.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the assessment of neuromuscular function by estimating motor unit F-wave component time of arrival (TOA), comprising: (i) determining and comparing F-wave component features so as to accurately identify individual F-wave components; (ii) repeatedly searching the individual F-wave components and extracting individual F-wavelets from the F-wave components so as to build a complete F-wave TOA profile; and (iii) computing and reporting TOA results for the assessment of neuromuscular function.

Abstract: A method for contour fitting and posture identification initially receives sensor data formed of a plurality of sensor signals. Thereafter at least one candidate posture or contour is determined from a set of at least one posture model based on the sensor data. Finally, user posture is determined from the at least one candidate posture through a decision making process. The sensor data can also be used to modify the at least one posture model for increasing identification accuracy. The sampling frequency of each sensor signal is dynamically adjusted to receive the sensor data in a nearly real-time manner.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a first hollow cylindrical element, a second hollow cylindrical element inside which the first hollow cylindrical element is insertable and a locking element that is suitable for locking a tissue sample inside the first hollow cylindrical element. The locking element includes a deformable portion of the first hollow cylindrical element that is able to become deformed to enable a cross section of the first hollow cylindrical element to be closed, the deformable portion connecting a distal end of the first hollow cylindrical element to a body of the first hollow cylindrical element.

Abstract: A guide wire holder for receiving and securing a medical guide wire and for mounting on a medical appliance has a mounting part through which the guide wire can be guided, and a guide wire support which is connected to and protrudes from the mounting part and allows the guide wire to be secured by a guide wire receiver. The guide wire receiver contains a guide wire deflector that tensions and deflects the guide wire in a direction leading away from its direction of passage through the mounting part. The guide wire receiver is followed by an additional guide wire deflector that is formed with a guide wire contact surface, on which the guide wire can be guided along a guide track, so that a frictional resistance can be exerted relative to the guide wire guided over the top of the guide wire support.

Abstract: A disposable biopsy unit includes a biopsy needle unit and a pump. The biopsy needle unit includes a carrier, a biopsy needle and a cutting sheath. The carrier is configured to mount the biopsy needle and the cutting sheath. The cutting sheath is configured to move along a longitudinal axis relative to the biopsy needle. The pump has an elongate cylinder and a plunger. The plunger is configured to be movable inside the elongate cylinder in a first direction from a distal end of the elongate cylinder to a proximal end of the elongate cylinder to generate a vacuum and configured to be movable inside the elongate cylinder in a second direction from the proximal end of the elongate cylinder to the distal end of the elongate cylinder to build up pressure. The distal end of the elongate cylinder is coupled in fluid communication with the biopsy needle.