Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring phrenic nerve function of a patient are disclosed, including, including establishing a diaphragmatic movement value threshold; positioning a diaphragmatic movement sensor on an external surface of an abdomen of the patient; applying a treatment regimen to a tissue region in proximity to the phrenic nerve; measuring a diaphragmatic movement value with the diaphragmatic movement sensor; comparing the measured diaphragmatic movement value to the established diaphragmatic movement value threshold; and generating an alert in response to the comparison.

Abstract: Implantable apparatuses or biosensors for facilitating imaging-based diagnoses and methods thereof are disclosed. An implantable apparatus is configured to exhibit a form when subjected to a first physical parameter indicative of a first physiological state, and a second form when subjected to a second physical parameter indicative of a second physiological state.

Abstract: The present system is directed in various embodiments to devices, systems and methods for detection, evaluation and/or monitoring olfactory dysfunction by measuring and determining the patient's olfactory detection threshold for the left and the right nostril. More specifically, the present invention relates to devices, systems and methods for detecting an asymmetric differential in a patient's olfactory detection threshold (left vs right nostril) which, when present, may be used as a tool to screen, detect, diagnose and/or monitor relative olfactory deterioration resulting from Alzheimer's disease. A preferred embodiment comprises cascading aromas by serially administering more than one pure odorant to the patient's nostrils, left vs right, with measurement of the time, or numbers of breaths, required to cognitively notice the pure odorants' presence.

Abstract: A system and method of providing therapy to a patient using a plurality of electrodes implanted within the patient. A virtual multipole configuration is defined relative to the plurality of electrodes. The distance between each of a group of the electrodes and a virtual pole of the virtual multipole configuration is determined. A stimulation amplitude distribution is determined for the electrode group based on the determined distances, thereby emulating the virtual multipole configuration. Electrical energy is conveyed from the electrode group in accordance with the computed stimulation amplitude distribution.

Abstract: The disclosure describes devices and systems for determining alternative electrode combinations and power consumption for these alternative electrode combinations. In one example, a method includes identifying a set of one or more electrodes configured to deliver electrical stimulation therapy via a lead, determining, based on the set of one or more electrodes, one or more alternative electrode combinations for delivering electrical stimulation therapy, calculating, for each of the one or more alternative electrode combinations, a respective field similarity score with respect to the set of one or more electrodes, and outputting a representation of at least one of the one or more alternative electrode combinations for selection in at least partially defining electrical stimulation therapy, the representation comprising an indication of at least one of the respective power consumption values or the respective field similarity scores.

Abstract: A bi-directional flow sensor may be adapted for reducing pneumatic noise during pressure sensing with a flow passing through the flow sensor. The flow sensor may include a hollow, tubular member having a throat section disposed between a ventilator end and a patient end. A flow restrictor may be disposed in the throat section and may be adapted to measure differential pressure in the flow. A baffle may be mounted at the ventilator end and may be adapted to minimize non-axial flow at pressure taps located on opposing ends of the flow restrictor. The patient end may include a flow obstruction configured to promote uniform velocity across the flow at the pressure taps during exhalation flow from the patient end to the ventilator end. The flow sensor can minimize pneumatic noise to less than 0.1 LPM to allow accurate patient flow measurement and triggering of inhalation and exhalation phases at flow rates of 0.2 LPM.

Abstract: In a sphygmomanometer, a value representing a perimeter of a measuring portion is obtained. A parameter for controlling a drive voltage of a pump is determined based on the value. The drive voltage is determined based on the parameter and an internal pressure of a fluid bladder to pressurize the fluid bladder. In pressurizing process, a diastolic blood pressure value is calculated. A systolic blood pressure value is estimated, and when the internal pressure of the fluid bladder reaches the pressure, the pressurizing is stopped. A gap of a valve for discharging the fluid from the fluid bladder is determined based on a perimeter of a measuring portion, and the fluid bladder is depressurized with the gap constant. In the depressurizing process, the systolic blood pressure value is calculated. When the systolic blood pressure value is calculated, the fluid is discharged from the fluid bladder, and the measurement is terminated.

Abstract: An algorithm programmed into the control circuitry of a rechargeable-battery Implantable Medical Device (IMD) is disclosed that can adjust the charging current (Ibat) provided to the rechargeable battery over time (e.g., the life of the IMD) in accordance with one or more of the parameters having an effect on rechargeable battery capacity, such as number of charging cycles, charging current, discharge depth, load current, and battery calendar age. The algorithm consults such parameters as stored over the history of the operation of the IMD in a parameter log, and in conjunction with a battery capacity database reflective of the effect of these parameters on battery capacity, estimates a change in the capacity of the battery, and adjust the charging current in one or both of trickle and active charging paths to slow the loss of battery capacity and extend the life of the IMD.

Abstract: Methods and devices are described for preventing diastolic flow reversal and/or reducing peripheral vascular resistance in a patient. Also described are methods of cosmetic treatment, and methods of promoting delivery of therapeutic agents or contrast agents to bones and related tissues.

Abstract: A consciousness level determination apparatus calculates a heart rate interval from a heart rate signal of a subject and calculates a spectral density of each frequency by performing a frequency analysis on the calculated heart rate interval. The apparatus extracts, at each predetermined timing, a combination of a maximum density that is a maximum, a maximum frequency that is a frequency corresponding to the maximum density, and a magnitude difference relation that represents a difference between the maximum density and spectrum densities which correspond to frequencies adjoined to the maximum frequency. The apparatus compares the combination with a combination extracted at a previous timing. The apparatus determines a consciousness level on the basis of a determination reference that is determined by using a result of the comparison.

Abstract: Generally, the disclosure is directed one or more methods or systems of cardiac pacing employing a right ventricular electrode and a plurality of left ventricular electrodes. Pacing using the right ventricular electrode and a first one of the left ventricular electrodes and measuring activation times at other ones of the left ventricular electrodes. Pacing using the right ventricular electrode and a second one of the ventricular electrodes and measuring activation times at other ones of the left ventricular electrodes. Computing a first degree of resynchronization based on a sum of differences of activation times and corresponding activation times. Pacing using the right ventricular electrode and a second one of the ventricular electrodes and measuring activation times at other ones of the left ventricular electrodes. Computing a second degree of resynchronization based on the sum of differences of activation times and corresponding activation times.

Abstract: An abutment is obtained that enables an operation of detaching the abutment from a fixture to be readily performed without having a patient open his/her mouth wide while inhibiting accidental ingestion or swallowing of an abutment that comes off. In a dental implant 100 comprising a fixture 110 and an abutment 120, when a fitting recess 121 of the abutment 120 is fitted onto a fixture head 112 so that a space is formed between a top surface 112b 1 of the fixture head 112 and a bottom surface 121a of the fitting recess 121, the fixture head 112 is secured to the fitting recess 121 by a frictional force, and an instrument insertion hole 129 for inserting an instrument for disengaging the securement by the frictional force in the space is formed on a sidewall 121c of the fitting recess 121.

Abstract: A patient monitoring system may determine one or more reference points of a physiological signal. The system may select one or more fiducial points on the physiological signal relative to the reference points. The one or more fiducial points may be selected by selecting a point spaced by a time interval relative to one of the reference points. The time interval may be a predetermined constant, or the time interval may depend on physiological information. The system may generate a fiducial signal based on the selected fiducial points, calculate physiological information such as a respiration rate based on the selected fiducial points, or both.

Abstract: A patient monitoring system may generate an autocorrelation sequence for a physiological signal such as a photoplethysmograph signal. A series of peak values may be identified for the autocorrelation sequence. The peak values may be modified based on a historical distribution of a physiological parameter. A physiological parameter such as respiration rate may be determined based on the modified peak values.

Abstract: A thin film sensor, such as a glucose sensor, is provided for transcutaneous placement at a selected site within the body of a patient. The sensor includes several sensor layers that include conductive layers and includes a proximal segment defining conductive contacts adapted for electrical connection to a suitable monitor, and a distal segment with sensor electrodes for transcutaneous placement. The sensor electrode layers are disposed generally above each other, for example with the reference electrode above the working electrode and the working electrode above the counter electrode. The electrode layers are separated by dielectric layer.

Abstract: Embodiments include an implantable electronic device with at least one electromagnetic field detection unit and at least one antenna, wherein the at least one electromagnetic field detection unit is connected to the at least one antenna. The at least one electromagnetic field detection unit responds to electromagnetic fields that occur or are present in an environment surrounding a patient outside an environment of an MRI device and electromagnetic fields that are shielded in the environment of the MRI device. The at least one electromagnetic field detection unit indicates an absence of the electromagnetic fields that typically occur in the environment surrounding a patient outside an MRI device and that are shielded in the environment of an MRI device.

Abstract: A method of automatically determining which type of treatment is most appropriate for a cardiac arrest victim, the method comprising transforming one or more time domain electrocardiogram (ECG) signals into a frequency domain representation comprising a plurality of discrete frequency bands, combining the discrete frequency bands into a plurality of analysis bands, wherein there are fewer analysis bands than discrete frequency bands, determining the content of the analysis bands, and determining the type of treatment based on the content of the analysis bands.

Abstract: Automated devices provide methodologies for determining sleep conditions, which may be in conjunction with treatment of sleep disordered breathing by a pressure treatment apparatus such as a continuous positive airway pressure device. Based on a measure of respiratory airflow, respiratory characteristics are extracted to detect arousal conditions, sleep stability, sleep states and/or perform sleep quality assessments. The methodologies may be implemented for data analysis by a specific purpose computer, a monitoring device that measures a respiratory airflow and/or a respiratory treatment apparatus that provides a respiratory treatment regime based on the detected conditions.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns improved capabilities for evaluating pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). A system and method of evaluating PAH in a subject may include measuring end tidal partial pressure of exhaled carbon dioxide in the subject, wherein the measurement is made orally using described systems or devices. Integrated sensors enable the measurement and characterization of other respiratory gas components, some of which may be indicative of disease. The system and method can be used to monitor a course of treatment for PAH.

Abstract: A device comprising: a handpiece having one or more attachment ports; a tubeset having one or more attachment features for connecting the tubeset to the one or more attachment ports in the handpiece; a removable tip having an attachment arm for attaching to the one or more attachment ports in the handpiece; wherein the device comprises one or more of the following: the handpiece includes an attachment port that attaches the handpiece to an active lead and a return lead and the device is adapted to use only the active lead or both leads so that the device can switch between bi-polar energy and mono-polar energy; the tubeset has one or more fluid conduits that are in fluid communication with the removable tip, wherein the removable tip is located at a distal end of the device; and the handpiece connects to one or more electrical input lines; the tubeset connects to one or more fluid lines, and the removable tip is free of direct connection to both the one or more electrical input lines and the one or more fluid