Abstract: The invention provides a monitoring device (1) for attachment to a stance of a subject. The device comprises a data collector (2) and a processor (3) as two separate parts which can be detachably joined such that physiological signals which are detected by the data collector can be transferred to the processor for signal processing and provision of monitoring data. At least one of the data collector and the processor comprises a transducer which can convert the physiological signal to a data signal which can be processed electronically. The data collector is adapted for adhesive contact with a skin surface, and may comprise an adapter (6) for the detachable attachment of the processor.

Abstract: We describe a user exercise-tolerance measuring pulse oximeter system, for determining the exercise tolerance or capacity of a user undergoing exercise, the system comprising: a wireless fingerband comprising an optical sensor to provide an oxygen saturation signal, a chargeable power supply, and a wireless transmitter/receiver; a motion detector to provide a user motion signal; and a signal processor coupled to said wireless fingerband to data from said optical sensor, and coupled to said motion detector; wherein said signal processor is configured to: process a combination of said oxygen saturation signal and said user motion signal to determine exercise tolerance data, wherein said exercise tolerance data is dependent upon said oxygen saturation signal and a level of exertion of said user determined from said user motion signal; and to time or count a period or quantity of user motion or movements, during said exercise, identified by said motion detector, to determine said level of exertion; to measure a d

Abstract: Various aspects as described herein are directed to skin-conformal sensor devices and methods of using the same. As consistent with one or more embodiments, a sensor device includes an upper portion and lower portion. The upper portion includes a plurality of layers including at least one sensor. The lower portion includes a layer of microstructures configured and arranged to interface with skin of a subject and to interlock the skin with the at least one sensor.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of apparatus and method for harvesting small portions of tissue (“micrografts”) to form grafts can be provided. For example, a hollow tube can be inserted into tissue at a donor site, where a distal end of the hollow tube can have two or more points or extensions to facilitate separation of the micrografts from the surrounding tissue. The exemplary apparatus can be provided that includes a plurality of such tubes for simultaneous harvesting of a plurality of micrografts. The harvested micrografts can have a small dimension, e.g., less than about 1 mm, or less than about 0.3 mm, which can promote healing of the donor site and/or viability of the harvested tissue. The micrografts can be approximately cylindrical or strip-shaped, and can be placed in a biocompatible matrix to form a graft or directly into tissue at the recipient site. Such exemplary micrografts can be obtained from skin or other types of tissue, e.g., various internal organs.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle proximal end and a handle distal end, an actuation structure of the handle, a housing sleeve, a shape memory sleeve at least partially disposed within the housing sleeve, and an optic fiber disposed within the shape memory sleeve and within an inner bore of the handle. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually curve the optic fiber. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually straighten the optic fiber. A decompression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually curve the optic fiber. A decompression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually straighten the optic fiber.

Abstract: A surgical system comprises a surgical instrument having distal and proximal portions. The surgical system also comprises a reference fixture positioned in a first reference frame and a shape sensor extending from the distal portion through the proximal portion to the reference fixture. The surgical system also comprises a processor configured to perform a registration step to register the first reference frame to a fixed world reference frame. The registration step includes receiving a set of shape information of the shape sensor with a distal point of the surgical instrument located at a patient reference point. A first portion of the shape sensor is in a known geometrical shape at a fixed location along a length of the shape sensor. The registration step also includes computing a location of the patient reference point and computing a pose of the first reference frame relative to the fixed world reference frame.

Abstract: A method for cosmetically treating skin tissue is disclosed in which a combination of laser energy and RF energy is applied to the skin tissue. In the method, a microchannel is first formed in the skin tissue having a length, a depth and a width by ablating the skin tissue. After that, RF electrodes are placed on the skin tissue on either side of the width dimension of the microchannel, followed by activation of RF energy to drive RF energy below the depth of the microchannel formed, and this the RF energy is driven deeper into the skin tissue than would have occurred in the absence of the microchannel.

Abstract: An electromechanical robotic arm is provided having a distal end with a tool engaging member configured to mate with an electromechanical tool and a trocar holding member configured to mate with a trocar. The trocar holding member can have at least one engagement mechanism configured to engage and orient a trocar to mate the trocar to the trocar holding member in a desired orientation.

Abstract: An apparatus has advanced amplifier Classes and low pass filter technologies for using software generated ascending or level waveforms that are effective when applying cardiac defibrillation and cardioversion waveforms which significantly reduce damage to the heart muscle. The apparatus comprises a waveform energy control system for delivering software generated waveforms comprising differentially driven Class D and Class B amplifier sections, wherein the Class D amplifier section produces Phase 1 ascending waveforms and has a programmable lowpass filter (LPF) and wherein the Class B amplifier section delivers hard-switched Phase 2 waveforms.

Abstract: A personal sauna unit with an integrated chromotherapy unit. The sauna unit is configured for use by a single person lying generally prone on a surface. The sauna unit includes a cabin that is disposed to overlie the user and that includes a plurality of infrared heating elements that direct infrared energy toward the user's body. When using the sauna unit, the user's head extends from an open end of the cabin. A chromotherapy light unit is integrated with the cabin to extend along the perimeter of the open end of the cabin and to direct a selected spectrum of visible light toward the user's face for therapy. A pad with additional heating elements may be provided beneath the cabin to provide additional heating and comfort to the user. A control unit is provided to control the heating elements and the light element during a sauna session.

Abstract: This invention relates to a therapeutic device for treating a human or animal body, comprising an array of infrared-emitting elements in an attachment means for attaching to the body part to be treated, said infrared-emitting elements being in the form of sintered ceramic plates and made from a mixture of infrared-emitting oxides having specific spectral luminance covering at least a part of the 3-7 micrometer wavelength spectrum and having a peak wavelength between 3 and 7 micrometers, that provides an effective means to healing the body. A locally administrable heating means may be used for escalated healing effects.

Abstract: Methods and systems incorporating non-linear dynamic (NLD) analysis such as entropy or other complexity analysis monitoring continuous or evoked signals from a biological subject are presented, where such a system comprises of processing steps including: a) the combination of a biological signal evoked as a result of patient stimulation presented to a biological subject and a non-linear analysis method capable of capturing temporal changes in signal order or regularity; b) any combination of processed evoked or continuous central nervous or peripheral physiological mechanisms b) a means to generate a measure indicative of a patient's level of anaesthesia and consciousness depth (A&CD), sedation or sleep/wake state.

Abstract: A system comprises a first cannula comprising a proximal end and a cannula opening at the proximal end. The system further comprises a teleoperated surgical instrument, and a manually operated surgical instrument configured to be inserted into the cannula opening. The system further comprises a teleoperated manipulator, a controller, and a first position sensor coupled to the teleoperated surgical instrument, the first position sensor configured to provide a first sensor input to the controller. The system further comprises a second position sensor coupled to the manually operated surgical instrument, the second position sensor configured to provide a second sensor input to the controller, the second sensor input comprising an insertion depth of the manually operated surgical instrument into the first cannula.

Abstract: A wearable sensor belt used as a reference frame for determining a location of an in-vivo device in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the belt including N magnetic field generating coils and M magnetic field sensors configured for dynamic calibration of the belt's geometry in order to accommodate for dynamic changes in the shape and/or size of the belt from one subject to another, and for dynamic changes in the shape and/or size of the belt as a result of changes in a subject's posture. A method for localizing an in-vivo device swallowed by a subject using a sensor belt is also described.

Abstract: Laser assisted cataract surgery methods and devices utilize one or more treatment laser beams to create a shaped opening in the anterior lens capsule of the eye when performing a capsulorrhexis procedure. A light absorbing agent may be applied to the anterior lens capsule to facilitate laser thermal separation of tissue along a treatment beam path on the lens capsule. Relative or absolute reflectance from the eye, and optionally from a surgical contact lens, may be measured to confirm and optionally quantify the presence of the light absorbing agent, before the treatment beam is applied.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides, according to some embodiments, methods and systems for selectively reducing, blocking or inhibiting at least part of the neural activity in an organ of a subject. In preferred embodiments, the method and system are used for selectively blocking at least part of the neural activity in a duodenum of a subject in need thereof. According to some embodiments, the selective blocking occurs through use of laser radiation. According to some embodiments, the selective blocking occurs through use of ultrasound energy. According to some embodiments, the selective blocking comprises causing damage to at least part of sensory nerves located within a target area while maintaining functional activity of tissue surrounding the sensory nerves by means of shielding it from the effects of laser radiation.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for preventing and treating pressure ulcers in bedfast patients. The invention includes monitoring a bedfast patient using a sensor array disposed between a patient and a support surface, the sensor array adapted to transmit signals indicative of interfacial pressure and blood oxygen saturation levels; and a processor coupled to the sensor array and adapted to receive the signals from the sensor array to determine if an undesirable condition exists. Numerous additional aspects are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an optical fiber extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The optical fiber may include a cladding layer circumferentially disposed about a core layer and a substantially spherically shaped portion at the distal end. The apparatus may also include a first coating circumferentially disposed on a first length of the cladding layer, and a second coating circumferentially disposed on a second length of the cladding layer. The second length may extend distally from a region proximate the distal end of the first coating.

Abstract: A microdermabrasion system offers a combination of other skin therapies in conjunction with microdermabrasion. In an implementation, the system applies light therapy, photodynamic therapy, radio frequency and microwave energy therapy, massage therapy, or combinations of these while exfoliating the skin.

Abstract: A monitoring system comprises sensors adapted to be worn by a user, and, a processor linked with the sensor. The processor receives sensor data and processes this data to determine user posture data including data indicative of vertical distance between level of the user's heart and ankle. Based on the posture data together with a value for degree of user chronic venous insufficiency and/or blood density, generate an estimate of user static venous pressure while the user is static, without calf muscle pump activity. The processor also processes the sensor data to determine if there is calf muscle pump activity, and generates an estimate of user active venous pressure according to the static venous pressure estimate, rate of calf muscle activity, and a value for degree of user chronic venous insufficiency. The processor may generate the venous pressure estimate in real time, and may control an NMES device accordingly.