Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for measuring the diameter of an airway in a human or animal subject are disclosed. The device comprises a flexible catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end. Flexible sizing elements are disposed along and extend approximately orthogonally from the catheter body. The sizing elements have different heights from one another and are configured to fit through the working channel of a bronchoscope. Devices, systems, and methods for redirecting airflow through a lung airway are also disclosed. The method comprises introducing into the airway a catheter comprising a distal end, a proximal end and an elongated portion therebetween, wherein the distal end comprises an airway closing mechanism, and wherein the proximal end comprises an actuator to actuate the airway closing mechanism; and actuating the airway closing mechanism to at least partially close the airway.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring EMG signals of a patient's laryngeal muscles includes an endotracheal tube having an exterior surface. Conductive electrodes are formed on the endotracheal tube. The conductive electrodes are configured to receive the EMG signals from the laryngeal muscles when the endotracheal tube is placed in a trachea of the patient. At least wireless sensor is formed on the endotracheal tube, and is configured to wirelessly transmit information to a processing apparatus.

Abstract: A biosignal measuring method and apparatus are provided. The biosignal measuring method includes verifying whether a measured biosignal is in a range, and controlling an operation of the biosignal measuring apparatus when the measured biosignal deviates from the range based on a result of the verifying.

Abstract: The use of a device to measure patient sensory response through the application of an incrementally increased electrical current to the oropharynx.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for tissue-mounted photonics. Devices of some embodiments implement photonic sensing and actuation in flexible and/stretchable device architectures compatible with achieving long term, mechanically robust conformal integration with a range of tissue classes, including in vivo biometric sensing for internal and external tissues. Tissue-mounted photonic systems of some embodiments include colorimetric, fluorometric and/or spectroscopic photonics sensors provided in pixelated array formats on soft, elastomeric substrates to achieve spatially and/or or temporally resolved sensing of tissue and/or environmental properties, while minimize adverse physical effects to the tissue. Tissue-mounted photonic systems of some embodiments enable flexible passive or active optical sensing modalities, including sensing compatible with optical readout using a mobile electronic devices such as a mobile phone or tablet computer.

Abstract: A biopsy device, comprising a flexible coaxial structure, comprising an obturator within a sheath, the obturator being adapted to be displaced with respect to the sheath along the coaxial axis by a force applied at a proximal end; a disruptor, at a distal end of the obturator, adapted to disrupt a tissue surface to free cells therefrom, having a first position covered within the sheath and a second position freely extending beyond the sheath; an element, having a fixed position on the obturator, and a close clearance with respect to an inner surface of the sheath, such that a retraction of the obturator within the sheath causes an associated change in pressure in a space between the obturator distal to the element and the sheath, to thereby draw fluid proximate to an end of the sheath within the sheath.

Abstract: A dynamic, adjustable annuloplasty ring sizer can include an adjustable ring replica, which can be adjusted through a range of sizes corresponding to available prosthetic annuloplasty repair ring sizes. Actuation of an adjustment trigger on a handle portion of the ring sizer can displace tension wires that extend through a malleable shaft and through a plurality of articulating segments that form the ring replica. Displacement of the tension wires causes flexion of the joints between adjacent articulating segments, thereby reducing the overall size of the ring replica. Releasing the tension wires can allow an elastic extension wire to act on the ring replica, enlarging the ring replica to its maximum, at-rest size. In this manner, the appropriate size of annuloplasty ring prosthesis can be determined with a single device, without requiring a plurality of static ring sizers that require individual insertion and placement for the conventional trial-and-error sizing methods.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for clearing obstructions from a medical tube are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, a spool drive system is disclosed for actuating a guide wire within a medical tube. The spool drive system can be a hand held, disposable device having a spool housing with a spool therein for alternately advancing and withdrawing a guide wire through an inlet of the spool housing. A track can be spaced from and extend about a perimeter of the spool to direct the guide wire onto or off of the spool as the spool is rotated. Other embodiments and devices for actuating the guide wire, and methods therefor, also are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing phlebotomy through a peripheral intravenous line. The apparatus includes an introducer and a catheter configured to advance the catheter through a peripheral intravenous line. A y-adapter with a port of larger diameter is configured to receive the catheter and place in fluid communication with the peripheral intravenous line. When advanced the catheter is configured to transport a bodily fluid (i.e. blood) to a volume outside of the body.

Abstract: Example defibrillator electrode assemblies compression assemblies are described that may be dimensioned and configured for use on a patient despite physical constraints that limit the area or locations on a patient onto which an electrode assembly may be placed. A cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) assembly is also described that protects a patient with a transthoracic incision from further injury during application of CPR compressions proximate to the incision.

Abstract: A non-invasive system for sampling gastrointestinal microbiota with their associated environment for discovery, characterization, medical research, diagnostics, and treatment using an ingestible, non-digestible sampling capsule. The capsule device, with ports open for acquiring a sample of gastrointestinal microbiota and content, is placed inside an immediate or delayed release capsule. When the outer capsule dissolves according to its specifications, enteric fluid and content enters the sampling capsule through the ports triggering a hydrophilic stop to release a pulling force to close the ports by enveloping the capsule outer casing over the inner casing, capturing the sample, and holding it sealed until it completes passage through the digestive track, and is recovered from feces for analysis.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes tetherless microtools to biopsy tissue. The invention provides a device and method for deployment and retrieval of tetherless microtools. The size of the microtools ensures that tissue damage at a site targeted for biopsy is negligible. As such, large numbers of microtools may be deployed ensuring that a true statistical sampling of biologic tissue is performed.

Abstract: The invention relates essentially to equipment (100) to be positioned against the body of a subject, said equipment including an acoustic measurement device (105) having at least one acoustic sensor (110) for measuring acoustic signals given off by the subject's body, wherein said measurement device (105) further comprises: a rigid structure (120) that is stationary relative to the equipment; and connection means (450, 550, 650, 750, 850, 950) for connecting the acoustic sensor (110) to the rigid structure (120); the connection means (450, 550, 650, 750, 850, 950) and the acoustic sensor (110) being movable relative to the rigid structure (120), and the connection means (450, 550, 650, 750, 850, 950) defining predetermined degrees of freedom of movement for the acoustic sensor (110).

Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods for guide elements configured with variable stiffness, with one or more flexible portions and one or more stiff portions. The flexible portion is be used as a tensioning element of a cinchable implant to tighten or compress tissues while the stiff portion is used to facilitate the insertion or withdrawal of portions of the implant or instruments acting on the implant. The guide element is further configured to be separated or severed between the flexible and stiff portions so that a flexible portion is left within the body as part of the implant, while the stiff portion is withdrawn from the body after implantation is completed.

Abstract: Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, side-loading electrical connectors for use with intravascular devices are provided. The side-loading electrical connector has at least one electrical contact configured to interface with an electrical connector of the intravascular device. A first connection piece of the side-loading electrical connector is movable relative to a second connection piece between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position an elongated opening is formed between the first and second connection pieces to facilitate insertion of the electrical connector between the first and second connection pieces in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the intravascular device and wherein in the closed position the at least one electrical contact is electrically coupled to the at least one electrical connector received between the first and second connection pieces.

Abstract: A feedback device for measuring pressure related information, and for providing that information in a way that is useful to the wearer of the device. At least one sensor detects pressure information and transmits at least one pressure information signal to a signal processing subsystem. The signal processing subsystem converts the received pressure information signal into at least one stimulation control signal. The signal processing subsystem then transmits the stimulation control signal to at least one stimulator, which provides stimulation to a wearer of the device reflecting the stimulation control signal received from the signal processing subsystem.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a system (10) configured to determine spectral boundaries (216, 218) for sleep stage classification in a subject (12). The spectral boundaries may be customized and used for sleep stage classification in an individual subject. Spectral boundaries determined by the system that are customized for the subject may facilitate sleep stage classification with higher accuracy relative to classifications made based on static, fixed spectral boundaries that are not unique to the subject. In some implementations, the system comprises one or more of a sensor (16), a processor (20), electronic storage (22), a user interface (24), and/or other components.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for diagnosing declarative memory loss using mouse tracking to follow the visual gaze of a subject taking a visual paired comparison test. Also disclosed are methods for diagnosing dementia such as mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices that aid a user in ceasing bruxism. The devices may be placed between a user's teeth, such as during sleep, and alert the user when the user clenches his/her teeth. In an aspect, a device includes a housing containing a battery power source, a vibration device, and an electrical contact mechanism having a movable element which closes a circuit to actuate the vibration device. A disk-shaped portion adapted to be emplaced in a person's mouth between a cheek and adjacent teeth is disposed around the housing. A resilient bite portion extends from the housing and is adapted to be emplaced between upper and lower teeth. A compressible element is disposed in the bite portion and causes the movable element of the electrical contact to close to actuate the vibration device in response to compression of the bite portion.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for assessing contact between the catheter assembly and tissue is disclosed. The assembly includes a catheter shaft and a pressure sensitive conductive composite member whose electrical resistance varies with pressure applied to the catheter assembly. The assembly also includes at least one measurement terminal to permit the measurement of changes in the electrical characteristics of the pressure sensitive conductive composite member. The assembly may optionally include a measurement device to measure resistance, impedance and/or other electrical characteristics. The assembly may utilize a reference electrode secured to the patient's tissue, which permits the measurement device to measure changes between the reference electrode and the at least one measurement terminal. Optionally, the assembly may include a conductive outer layer.