Abstract: This invention provides methods and systems for non-invasively determining the presence (and amount) or absence of dynamic hyperinflation in a subject. The invention is based on a novel combination of respiratory parameters that can be measured in a way that is non-invasive and unobtrusive to the subject. Dynamic hyperinflation is often a significant factor in the quality of life of patients suffering from a variety of obstructive pulmonary diseases, and this invention permits simple, routine tracking and management of dynamic hyperinflation in affected patients.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product related to the diagnosis of diabetes, and is directed to predicting the long-term risk of hyperglycemia, and the long-term and short-term risks of severe hypoglycemia in diabetics, based on blood glucose readings collected by a self-monitoring blood glucose device. The method, system, and computer program product pertain directly to the enhancement of existing home blood glucose monitoring devices, by introducing an intelligent data interpretation component capable of predicting both HbA1c and periods of increased risk of hypoglycemia, and to the enhancement of emerging continuous monitoring devices by the same features. With these predictions the diabetic can take steps to prevent the adverse consequences associated with hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a single microprocessor-based interface that connects between a noninvasive blood pressure (NIBP) sensor and an invasive blood pressure (IBP) monitor or module. The interface effectively emulates an IBP transducer in such a way that the IBP monitor sees the interface as if it were a regular IBP transducer from a fluid-filled blood pressure monitoring line. It receives the signal from an NIBP sensor and determines the blood pressure corresponding to the signal. It accepts the excitation voltage provided by the IBP monitor. From the excitation voltage and a known transducer sensitivity which the IBP monitor is configured to work with, the interface emulates the IBP transducer output signal corresponding to the blood pressure. The interface also emulates the input and output impedances of the IBP transducer which the IBP monitor is configured to work with.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a single microprocessor-based interface that connects between a noninvasive blood pressure (NIBP) sensor and an invasive blood pressure (IBP) monitor or module. The interface effectively emulates an IBP transducer in such a way that the IBP monitor sees the interface as if it were a regular IBP transducer from a fluid-filled blood pressure monitoring line. It receives the signal from an NIBP sensor and determines the blood pressure corresponding to the signal. It accepts the excitation voltage provided by the IBP monitor. From the excitation voltage and a known transducer sensitivity which the IBP monitor is configured to work with, the interface emulates the IBP transducer output signal corresponding to the blood pressure. The interface also emulates the input and output impedances of the IBP transducer which the IBP monitor is configured to work with.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to apparatus and methods for the calibration of implanted pressure transducers. It is an object of several embodiments of the present invention to provide apparatus and methods for the calibration of one or more implanted pressure transducers implanted in the body of medical patients. Various embodiments of the present invention are particularly advantageous because they offer a calibration system that is less invasive than the systems currently available.

Abstract: A method of detecting and classifying mental states, comprising the steps of: detecting bio-signals from one or more than one bio-signal detector; transforming the bio-signals into one or more than one different representations; detecting values of one or more than one property of the transformed bio-signal representations; and applying one or more than one mental state detection algorithm to the detected properties in order to classify whether the bio-signals indicate the presence of a predetermined response by a subject.

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: An acoustic blood analyzer with a transducer section of acoustic biosensors for measurement of blood properties including, but not limited to blood coagulation, platelet function and various blood disorders in a blood sample is provided. Methods for use of the blood analyzer in measurement of blood properties are also provided.

Abstract: Extraction device for extracting an analyte from living tissue through skin are described that include: (a) a first electrode part having a contact area with the skin of less than about 50 mm2; (b) a through-current electrode part; and (c) a power supply part for supplying electrical energy to the first electrode part and the through-current electrode part, and for extracting an analyte in the first electrode part. Analyzers, extraction methods, and analysis methods are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of quantifying a subject's wake or sleep state, and more particularly to a higher resolution method of determining when a subject is awake or asleep. The present invention additionally relates more specific applications of this method, and a system for making these quantitative measurements. There are numerous embodiments of the present invention, which are envisioned, with a few of those listed below. The present invention relates to a method of analyzing a subject, and preferably a human subject to determine quantitatively when the subject is awake and when the subject is sleeping. The present invention has application for use with alertness devices, for use to better analyze sleeping disorders, anesthesia monitors, psychiatric and hypnosis medication monitoring, and for looking at the effect of various other therapies.

Abstract: A pressure sensor is deployed in the right atrium and is in contact with the tissue of the fossa ovalis. The fossa ovalis acts as a membrane and the pressure sensor determines the relative and/or absolute pressure within the left atrium while remaining within the right atrium. A variety of embodiment are provided to deploy and anchor the sensor into the proper position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining characteristics of biological tissues in humans and animals. In particular, it relates to determining the characteristics of tissues such as the lungs and airways by introducing a sound to the tissue, and recording the sound. The invention further includes an apparatus capable of such measurement. In a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of determining characteristics of biological tissue in situ, including: introducing a sound to the tissue at first position; detecting the sound at another position spaced from the first position after it has traveled through the tissue; calculating the velocity and attenuation of sound that has traveled through the tissue from the first position to another position; and correlating the velocity and attenuation of the detected sound to characteristics of the biological tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanism for determining the depth of sleep of a subject. In order to obtain information about the continuum of the depth of sleep in a user-friendly way without a need for high computational power, EEG signal data is obtained from a subject, REM sleep periods of the subject are detected, and a measure indicative of irregularity in the EEG signal data is derived. Based on the measure and the depicted REM sleep periods, a sleep depth index and state information are produced, where the index is indicative of the depth of sleep of the subject and the state information indicates whether or not the EEG signal data is obtained during a REM sleep period. The detection of the REM periods may be based on a bioimpedance measured from EEG electrodes simultaneously with the EEG measurement or on EOG signal data measured from the subject.

Abstract: The invention is directed to lead configurations for sensors that allow for less invasive sensor replacement procedures. In one configuration, a sensor lead assembly includes an outer lead body and an inner lead including a sensor such as an electrochemical glucose sensor. The inner lead can be positioned in an inner conduit of the outer lead body. The outer lead body may be substantially permanently implanted in the patient, and the inner lead can be implanted through the inner conduit of the outer lead body. Once the sensor of the inner lead has worn out or otherwise exhausted its useful life, the inner lead can be removed, and a new inner lead can be implanted in place of the old inner lead.

Abstract: An inventive method and system are provided for identifying a compatible photoplethysmographic sensor when interconnected to a given photoplethysmographic monitor. The method and system may further provide for the identification of which of a plurality of compatible sensors is interconnected to allow for selective calibration of the photoplethysmographic monitor. In this regard, the system and method may entail provision of a predetermined drive or test signal to a light source and/or identification element (i.e., sensor elements) of a photoplethysmographic sensor, and the obtainment of a corresponding output signal for use in sensor identification. In one approach, an output signal is obtained from at least one of three sensor elements each of which is interconnected between a different pair of sensor terminals which is a unique combination of two of four sensor terminals on the sensor.

Abstract: A method for improved visualization of information related to the physiology of a sleeping patient is disclosed. Physiological information from the patient is obtained by a device, converted to digital format, and transformed into physiological data of two or more types. Physiological data of two or more types are combined into a compact graphical display representing data from all physiological data types.

Abstract: A system and method for evaluating neural shunt functionality is provided. Accordingly, in one aspect a method for monitoring neural shunt functionality may include measuring a first intracranial pressure pulse inside the shunt, measuring a second intracranial pressure pulse outside the shunt, and comparing pulsatile characteristics from the first measurement to the second measurement in order to determine shunt functionality.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) for advancing a device (12) underneath the skin (102) in a mammalian body comprises a casing (50) made of a magnetic material. The casing (50) has a closed tip (64) at one end and an aperture (65) in an opposite end. The casing (50) includes an annular inner surface (70) that defines a cavity (76) within the casing for receiving a device (12) that projects through the aperture (65). The casing (50) further includes structure for attaching to the device (12). The casing (50) is operable to advance the device (12) through tissue (100) underlying the skin (102) in response to movement of a magnetic field across the skin.

Abstract: A multilumen catheter having tubings extending into lumens within the catheter. The lumens may be used for blood, drugs or other medicants. The lumens may also be used for sensors. The junction element, external to the patient, connects the tubings to the lumens. The tubings, also external to the patient, connect to infusion members, to which one or more infusion systems may be connected to deliver blood, drugs and other medicants to the patient. A sensor having a sensing element may extend through the sensor lumen and be positioned internal to the patient for physiological parameter sensing. An external portion of the sensor may be connected to associated electronics to provide automatic monitoring of the physiological parameters and automatic delivery and control of the infusants.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to membranes utilized with implantable devices, such as devices for the detection of analyte concentrations in a biological sample. More particularly, the invention relates to novel silicone-hydrophilic polymer blend membranes, and to devices and implantable devices including these membranes.