Abstract: A plethysmograph is described that includes a test chamber having an opening; a sealing member including an annular flexible seal to receive at least a part of the head of the test animal mounted across the opening whereby the animal breathes air outside the test chamber, while the animal's body is within the test chamber; and a restraining member attachable to the sealing member, the restraining member including a clamp positionable behind the test animal's head, to prevent the animal from withdrawing its head from the restraining member. The animal is positioned in the restraining member and the sealing member is attached to the restraining member before insertion of the animal and assembly into the test chamber, avoiding previous difficulties in simultaneously placing an animal into the chamber while inserting the animal's nose into the seal. The plethysmograph also eliminates the necessity for a plunger to prevent rearward movement of the animal.

Abstract: In an electronic device, a pulse rate measuring unit measures user's pulse rate. For example, the pulse rate measuring unit obtains a change in blood flow from a light passing through a user's fingertip, and measures user's current pulse rate based on it. A pulse rate memory unit has previously stored user's previous pulse rate. A pulse rate calculator calculates the user's pulse rate while changing a ratio of the user's current pulse rate measured by the pulse rate measuring unit to the user's previous pulse rate previously stored in the pulse rate memory unit after starting to measure the user's pulse rate. The user's pulse rate calculated by the pulse rate calculator is displayed as the user's pulse rate on a display unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating transient non-glucose related signal noise due to non-glucose rate limiting phenomenon such as ischemia, pH changes, temperatures changes, and the like. The system monitors a data stream from a glucose sensor and detects signal artifacts that have higher amplitude than electronic or diffusion-related system noise. The system replaces some or the entire data stream continually or intermittently including signal estimation methods that particularly address transient signal artifacts. The system is also capable of detecting the severity of the signal artifacts and selectively applying one or more signal estimation algorithm factors responsive to the severity of the signal artifacts, which includes selectively applying distinct sets of parameters to a signal estimation algorithm or selectively applying distinct signal estimation algorithms.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host.

Abstract: The systems, devices, and methods described herein provide for the estimation and monitoring of cerebrovascular system properties and intracranial pressure (ICP) from one or more measurements or measured signals. These measured signals may include central or peripheral arterial blood pressure (ABP), and cerebral blood flow (CBF) or cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV). The measured signals may be acquired noninvasively or minimally-invasively. The measured signals may be used to estimate parameters and variables of a computational model that is representative of the physiological relationships among the cerebral flows and pressures. The computational model may include at least one resistive element, at least one compliance element, and a representation of ICP.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a means for easily operating various devices to be controlled (i.e. a word processor or a car) using a brain wave signal of a patient with Alzheimer's disease or a psychological disorder, and for supporting the active performance of a user by employing wireless communication with a memory (wireless memory) capable of communicating without wires in which a command on the human movement is memorized. A present biological signal processing unit has an electrode for detecting a biological signal (an electric signal) from a living body, or for transmitting an electric signal into a living body, an interface, and an antenna which can communicate with an external device (i.e. wireless memory, reader/writer); therefore, convenience of the user is improved in the case where a user utilizes an electronic device or the like. In addition, the active performance of a user can be supported.

Abstract: Methods for recovering a detected signal in non-contact vital sign detection are provided. According to one embodiment, a detected reflected signal from a non-contact vital sign detection system can be received and provided along I channel and Q channel signal lines. A complex signal S(t) can then be reconstructed from the I channel and Q channel signal lines through complex signal demodulation. A Fourier transform can be used to obtain the detected signal's spectrum for spectrum analysis. Angular demodulation can be used to recover the information corresponding to original body movement. The complex signal demodulation and angular demodulation techniques used to provide information to determine original body movement are capable of avoiding the null detection point without limitations on frequency tuning or channel selection.

Abstract: Transdermal analyte monitoring systems (TAMS) having increased longevity and improved analyte detection are described herein. Kits for use with the TAMS and methods of using the TAMS and kits are also described. In a preferred embodiment, the TAMS includes a protective, semi-permeable membrane covering the surface of the hydrogel. The protective, semi-permeable membrane contacts with the skin of a user and prevents contamination or fouling of the hydrogel. Optionally, the hydrogel comprises one or more humectants and/or an immobilized enzyme. In another preferred embodiment, the TAMS contains at least one channel or pocket for increasing the amount of oxygen provided to the hydrogel. In one embodiment, a method for improving analyte detection by the TAMS is provided. For example, after the skin porosity is increased by an appropriate pretreatment, a skin preparation wipe is applied to the treated skin area and then the TAMS is applied to the treated area.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing sensor analyte data, including initiating calibration, updating calibration, evaluating clinical acceptability of reference and sensor analyte data, and evaluating the quality of sensor calibration. During initial calibration, the analyte sensor data is evaluated over a period of time to determine stability of the sensor. The sensor may be calibrated using a calibration set of one or more matched sensor and reference analyte data pairs. The calibration may be updated after evaluating the calibration set for best calibration based on inclusion criteria with newly received reference analyte data. Fail-safe mechanisms are provided based on clinical acceptability of reference and analyte data and quality of sensor calibration. Algorithms provide for optimized prospective and retrospective analysis of estimated blood analyte data from an analyte sensor.

Abstract: Methods and systems for targeting, accessing and diagnosing diseased lung compartments are disclosed. The method comprises introducing a diagnostic catheter with an occluding member at its distal end into a lung segment via an assisted ventilation device; inflating the occluding member to isolate the lung segment; and performing a diagnostic procedure with the catheter while the patient is ventilated. The proximal end of the diagnostic catheter is configured to be attached to a console. The method may also comprise introducing the diagnostic catheter into the lung segment; inflating the occluding member to isolate the lung segment; and monitoring blood oxygen saturation. The method may further comprise introducing the diagnostic catheter into the lung segment; determining tidal flow volume in the lung segment; determining total lung capacity of the patient; and determining a flow rank value based on the tidal flow volume of the lung segment and the total lung capacity.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a biological interface system and related methods are disclosed. The system may include a sensor having a plurality of electrodes for detecting multicellular signals emanating from one or more living cells of a patient, and a processing unit configured to receive the multicellular signals from the sensor and process the multicellular signals to produce a processed signal. The processing unit may be configured to transmit the processed signal to a controlled device that is configured to receive the processed signal. The system may also include a patient training apparatus configured to receive a patient training signal that causes the patient training apparatus to controllably move one or more joints of the patient.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatuses and methods to monitor respiration and abnormal respiration events utilizing plethysmography. The apparatuses and methods provide an alternative to conventional respiration monitoring methods while enabling accurate yet minimally interruptive and invasive monitoring of respiration. The methods and apparatuses may be employed in the context of sleep studies to determine respiratory related sleep disorders.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method for analyzing pulse data. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving a signal containing data representing a plurality of pulses, the signal generated in response to detecting light scattered from blood perfused tissue. Further, one embodiment includes performing a pulse identification or qualification algorithm on at least a portion of the data, the pulse identification or qualification algorithm comprising at least one constant, and modifying the at least one constant based on results obtained from performing the pulse identification or qualification algorithm, wherein the results indicate that a designated number of rejected pulses has been reached.

Abstract: Methods for noninvasively determining a pulmonary capillary blood flow or a cardiac output of a subject include determining data of the amount of gas exchanged between blood and gas in lungs of the subject, as well as data of an indicator of the content of the gas in blood of the subject. Such a determination may be made during two or more different states of ventilation. A geometric relationship is identified between data points, with any data points outlying the geometric relationship being disregarded. The remaining data points may be used to estimate or calculate a measure of pulmonary capillary blood flow or cardiac output. Systems that include elements that are configured to effect such methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a system and method for determining a likelihood of successful ventilator weaning for a patient undergoing mechanical or assisted ventilation. Specifically, embodiments provided herein include methods and systems for determining or predicting weaning readiness in a patient based on physiological parameters determined via photoplethysmography.

Abstract: A device and method determining or measuring a biological, physical or physiological parameter of an object includes a flexible carrier configured to be placed in a vicinity of the object; and at least one a sensor element attached to the flexible carrier and configured to determine at least one biological, physical or physiological parameter. In addition, a heating element is attached to the flexible carrier and configured to provide heat to the object; and a degradable adhesive is arranged on the flexible carrier adjacent to the heating element and configured to at least temporally affix the flexible carrier to the object.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing sensor analyte data, including initiating calibration, updating calibration, evaluating clinical acceptability of reference and sensor analyte data, and evaluating the quality of sensor calibration. During initial calibration, the analyte sensor data is evaluated over a period of time to determine stability of the sensor. The sensor may be calibrated using a calibration set of one or more matched sensor and reference analyte data pairs. The calibration may be updated after evaluating the calibration set for best calibration based on inclusion criteria with newly received reference analyte data. Fail-safe mechanisms are provided based on clinical acceptability of reference and analyte data and quality of sensor calibration. Algorithms provide for optimized prospective and retrospective analysis of estimated blood analyte data from an analyte sensor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating transient non-glucose related signal noise due to non-glucose rate limiting phenomenon such as ischemia, pH changes, temperatures changes, and the like. The system monitors a data stream from a glucose sensor and detects signal artifacts that have higher amplitude than electronic or diffusion-related system noise. The system replaces some or the entire data stream continually or intermittently including signal estimation methods that particularly address transient signal artifacts. The system is also capable of detecting the severity of the signal artifacts and selectively applying one or more signal estimation algorithm factors responsive to the severity of the signal artifacts, which includes selectively applying distinct sets of parameters to a signal estimation algorithm or selectively applying distinct signal estimation algorithms.

Abstract: Systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating transient non-glucose related signal noise due to non-glucose rate limiting phenomenon such as ischemia, pH changes, temperatures changes, and the like. The system monitors a data stream from a glucose sensor and detects signal artifacts that have higher amplitude than electronic or diffusion-related system noise. The system replaces some or the entire data stream continually or intermittently including signal estimation methods that particularly address transient signal artifacts. The system is also capable of detecting the severity of the signal artifacts and selectively applying one or more signal estimation algorithm factors responsive to the severity of the signal artifacts, which includes selectively applying distinct sets of parameters to a signal estimation algorithm or selectively applying distinct signal estimation algorithms.

Abstract: In a method for intermittently occluding the coronary sinus, in which the coronary sinus is occluded using an occlusion device, the fluid pressure in the occluded coronary sinus is continuously measured and stored, the fluid pressure curve is determined as a function of time, and the occlusion of the coronary sinus is triggered and/or released as a function of at least one characteristic value derived from the measured pressure values. The pressure increase and/or pressure decrease per time unit each occurring at a heart beat are used as characteristic values.