Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for determining a distance between a distal end of an endoscope and a target during an endoscopic procedure are disclosed. A surgical laser feedback control system comprises a feedback analyzer and a controller. The feedback analyzer can receive at least two reflected signals from a target in response to electromagnetic radiation directed at the target. The at least two reflected signals correspond to respective different distances between a distal end of a device of a surgical laser system and the target. The feedback analyzer can determine a distance between the distal end of the device of the surgical laser system and the target based on the at least two reflected signals. The controller can generate a control signal to the surgical laser system to perform a predetermined operation based on the determined distance.

Abstract: The control module of a first pacemaker included in an implantable medical device system including the first pacemaker and a second pacemaker is configured to set a pacing escape interval in response to a far field pacing pulse sensed by the first pacemaker. The far field pacing pulse is a pacing pulse delivered by the second pacemaker. The pacing escape interval is allowed to continue without restarting the in response to a far field intrinsic event sensed by the first pacemaker during the pacing escape interval. The first pacemaker delivers a cardiac pacing pulse to the heart upon expiration of the pacing escape interval.

Abstract: A method, programmer for a neurostimulator, and neurostimulation kit are provided. The kit comprises a neurostimulator, and a plurality of elongated lead bodies configured for being coupled to the neurostimulator, each having a plurality of proximal contacts and a plurality of distal electrodes respectively electrically coupled to the proximal contacts, wherein an in-line connectivity between the electrodes and proximal contacts carried by the different lead bodies differs from each other. Electrical energy is conveyed between the electrodes of the selected lead body and the tissue, an electrical fingerprint is measured at the proximal contacts of the selected lead body in response to the conveyed electrical energy, and the selected lead body is identified based on the measured electrical fingerprint. These steps can be performed by the programmer.

Abstract: A method for providing a treatment recommendation to a physician for treating a patient is disclosed. The method comprises determining, from a processor in communication with a patient data repository, a first treatment recommendation based on a combination of selected patient demographics from the patient data repository applicable to the patient, and operational parameters of a plurality of ventricular assist devices (VADs) suitable for treating the patient, the first treatment recommendation having a first survival rate and comprising the use of a first VAD. The method then obtains a first signal from using the first VAD on the patient. The method then determines a second treatment recommendation based on the first signal and the first treatment recommendation, the second treatment recommendation having a second survival rate. The method then provides the second treatment recommendation to the physician if the second survival rate is higher than the first survival rate.

Abstract: Electrical therapy applied to the brain with increased efficacy and/or decreased undesirable side effects, and associated systems and methods, are disclosed. A representative method includes applying a therapy signal to a patient, via at least one electrode at a subdural or epidural location at the patient's brain, to provide effective therapy that reduces or eliminates the effects of a patient disorder. The therapy signal does not induce any non-therapeutic side effects, and has a frequency in a frequency range of from 1.2 kHz to 500 kHz, an amplitude in an amplitude range from 0.1 to 20 mA, and a pulse width in a pulse width range from 1 microsecond to 400 microseconds.

Abstract: In one aspect, devices for light treatment of skin are described herein. A device described herein, in some embodiments, comprises an interior compartment having a proximal end and a distal end, and an optical aperture disposed at the distal end. The device also comprises a laser or BBL source that produces a laser or BBL beam. The laser or BBL beam has a first optical path within the interior compartment, between the proximal end and the distal end. Additionally, the first optical path exits the interior compartment through the optical aperture. The device further comprises a camera that receives light from the aperture. The light received from the aperture has a second optical path within the interior compartment. Further, a selectively reflective optical element is disposed in the first and second optical paths. The selectively reflective optical element generally transmits the laser or BBL beam but generally reflects at least a portion of the light from the aperture toward the camera.

Abstract: In one aspect, devices for light treatment of skin are described herein. A device described herein, in some embodiments, comprises an interior compartment having a proximal end and a distal end, and an optical aperture disposed at the distal end. The device also comprises a laser or BBL source that produces a laser or BBL beam. The laser or BBL beam has a first optical path within the interior compartment, between the proximal end and the distal end. Additionally, the first optical path exits the interior compartment through the optical aperture. The device further comprises an imaging system that receives a return signal from the aperture. The return signal received from the aperture has a second path within the interior compartment. Further, a selectively reflective optical element is disposed in the first and second optical paths. The selectively reflective optical element generally transmits the laser or BBL beam.

Abstract: A mechanical circulatory support system for a heart having a cooling element and a method for using the system to treat the effects of a cardiac episode. The support system has a pump comprising a rotor, the rotor having at least one blade. The system also has a catheter having an inner surface and an outer surface, the catheter extending proximally relative to the pump housing. The outer surface of the catheter is configured to contact blood when disposed within patient vasculature. The outer surface of the catheter comprises a heat transfer surface configured for cooling blood that comes in contact with the outer surface. The support system is operated to provide a temperature selected to cool the circulating blood in contact with the outer surface of the catheter to a temperature selected to reduce or prevent an effect of a cardiac episode.

Abstract: Methods and systems estimate cardio-respiratory parameter(s), such as from in-phase and quadrature channels. The channels may represent patient chest movement and may be generated with a sensor, such as a contactless sensor that may sense movement with radio-frequency signals. In the methods/systems, the in-phase and quadrature channels may be processed, such as in a processor(s), using relative demodulation to generate cardio-respiratory parameter estimate(s). Optionally, the processing produces a jerk signal that may be filtered for producing a heart rate estimate, such as from zero-crossings of the filtered signal. Optionally, the processing produces a chest velocity signal that may be filtered for producing a respiratory rate estimate, such as from zero-crossings of the filtered signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a measurement device (110) and a method (200/300) for stress assessment of a user. The measurement device (110) comprises: a sensor module for measuring a number of sets of physiological data, each set of measured during a time period; a database (112) for storing the data; a display module (116) for displaying visual information (400/420/440).

Abstract: In at least one example, a medical device is provided. The medical device includes at least one therapy electrode, at least one electrocardiogram (ECG) electrode, at least one acoustic sensor, and at least one processor coupled with the at least one acoustic sensor, the at least one ECG electrode, and the at least one therapy electrode. The at least one processor can receive at least one acoustic signal from the at least one acoustic sensor, receive at least one electrode signal from the ECG electrode, detect at least one unverified cardiopulmonary anomaly using the at least one electrode signal, and verify the at least one unverified cardiopulmonary anomaly with reference to data descriptive of the at least one acoustic signal.

Abstract: Methods of generating a graphical representation of cardiac information on a display screen are provided. The method comprises: electronically creating or acquiring an anatomical model of the heart including multiple cardiac locations; electronically determining a data set of source information corresponding to cardiac activity at the multiple cardiac locations; electronically rendering the data set of source information in relation to the multiple cardiac locations on the display screen. Systems and devices for providing a graphical representation of cardiac information are also provided.

Abstract: A distributed patient monitoring system comprises at least one standalone portable ultrasound imaging unit configured to be fixed to a stable position against the skin on a patient's body and capable of prolonged ultrasound data acquisition, including an ultrasound imaging array, transmit-receive circuitry, a beamformer, backend signal and image processing subsystem, power and communication subsystems, and a monitoring workstation connected to each standalone portable ultrasound imaging unit configured to request and receive ultrasound imaging information from each standalone portable ultrasound imaging unit, and configured to analyze and display acquired ultrasound information.

Abstract: A system and method for implanting devices into biological tissue (e.g., brain tissue). The system may include a biocompatible probe, an integrated circuit (IC) chip tethered to the probe, a cartridge comprising a temporary attachment surface by which the probe is removably coupled to the cartridge, a needle to reversibly engage with the probe, a robotic arm to hold the needle, and a microprocessor controller. The microprocessor controller may control the robotic arm and the needle to remove the probe from the temporary attachment surface using the needle, pierce the biological tissue with the needle and the probe, withdraw the needle while leaving the probe within the biological tissue, and detach the IC chip from the cartridge, leaving the IC chip with the biological tissue.

Abstract: A left atrial appendage (LAA) occluder includes a sealing portion and a fixing portion connected to the sealing portion, and one or more sealed seed sources encapsulated with radioactive particles. The sealed seed sources are arranged on the sealing portion and/or the fixing portion (20) and configured for forming an annular isolation band on an inner wall of an LAA after the radioactive particles are released. The annular isolation band is configured for blocking the electrical signal conduction between the LAA and a left atrium. In the LAA occluder, the annular isolation band is formed on the inner wall of the LAA by the release of the radioactive particles in the sealed seed sources arranged on the sealing portion and/or the fixing portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a device for sensing at least one biological parameter (e.g., heart rate, heart rate variability) of a subject, the device comprising a contact surface configured for being brought into a contact with a skin surface of the subject. The device has at least one light source for illuminating the skin surface through the contact surface along an illumination source optical axis with illumination including at least one sensing wavelength, and at least one detector for detecting a response of said illumination at least at said wavelength, from the skin surface through the contact surface along a detector optical axis, and providing signals configured for determining said biological parameter based thereon, said illumination optical axis forming with said contact surface an acute included angle.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for insertion of a medical device into a blood vessel. The system may include a sheath assembly with an introducer sheath and a variable size repositioning sheath. The variable size repositioning sheath may be configured to be adjustable in size in a radial direction and to be inserted into the blood vessel or an expandable introducer sheath. In some aspects, the system may include an intracardiac device such as a blood pump with an elongate catheter.

Abstract: Various sensors and methods of assembling sensors are described. In some embodiments, the sensor assembly includes a first end, a body portion, and a second end. The first end can include a neck portion and a connector portion and the second end can include a flap, a first component, a neck portion, and a second component. A method is also described for sensor folding. The method can include using a circuit with an attached emitter and a detector that is separated by a portion of the circuit. The method can also include folding the portion of the circuit such that a first fold is created through the emitter and folding the portion of the circuit such that a second fold is created such that the first fold and second fold form an angle.

Abstract: An auscultatory sound signal from at least one auscultatory sound-or-vibration sensor is filtered with a high-pass filter and then segmented into a plurality of associated heart cycle segments responsive to associated R-peak locations of an electrographic envelope signal representing an envelope response to an even power of an associated electrographic signal from an ECG sensor. A representation an envelope responsive to an even power of said auscultatory sound signal within said at least one heart cycle is locally modeled about at least a second peak to provide for locating the start of diastole of said at least one heart cycle.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and techniques for controlling electrical stimulation therapy are described. In one example, a system may include processing circuitry configured to control a medical device to deliver a first electrical stimulation according to a first value of a first stimulation parameter of the plurality of stimulation parameters and a first value of a second parameter of the plurality of stimulation parameters, receive an input representative of an efficacy of the first electrical stimulation delivered to the patient according to the first value of the first stimulation parameter and the first value of the second parameter, select, based on the input and the relationship between the plurality of stimulation parameters, a second value of at least one of the first stimulation parameter or the second stimulation parameter, and control the medical device to deliver a second electrical stimulation according to the second value.