Abstract: A biopsy forceps includes an end effector with opposing first and second jaws coupled together and configured to move from an open configuration to a closed configuration. Each of the first jaw and the second jaw includes a plurality of teeth having a base. The bases of two adjacent teeth of the first jaw are spaced apart to form a first gap, and the bases of two adjacent teeth on the second jaw are spaced apart to form a second gap. The end effector in the closed configuration may define one or more windows between edges of the first and the second jaws. And, at least one of these windows may include at least a portion of one or both of the first and second gaps.

Abstract: A method of calculating at least one physiological parameter using a reticulocyte production index (RPI) value can include: measuring a plurality of first glucose levels over a first time period; measuring a first glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level corresponding to an end of the first time period; measuring the RPI value; calculating a red blood cell elimination constant (kage) based on the RPI value; and calculating the at least one physiological parameter selected from the group consisting of: a red blood cell glycation rate constant (kgly), a red blood cell generation rate constant (kgen), and an apparent glycation constant (K), based on (1) the plurality of first glucose levels, (2) the first HbA1c level, and (3) the kage. Further, one or more related analyses (e.g., personalized-target glucose range, personalized-target average glucose, cHbA1c, and the like) can be estimated and/or adjusted based on the at least one physiological parameter.

Abstract: Devices and methods for providing interactivity during a swallowing exercise are disclosed. Sensory guidance is presented to guide a user through a set of swallows to be completed by the user during the swallowing exercise. Signals are received from a sensor device worn by the user, the signals representing surface electromyography data obtained when the user performs the swallowing exercise. Sensory feedback of the user's exertion level is presented, the feedback generated from the electromyography data and updated as further electromyography data is received from the sensor device, wherein the sensory feedback is presented in association with an exertion level calibrated to the user's ability.

Abstract: Methods and devices for obtaining a blood pressure measurement of a subject measure a transit time of a blood pulse of the subject. A method includes sensing, with a pulse ejection sensor of a wrist-worn device, ejection of blood from the left ventricle. Arrival of a resulting blood pressure pulse at the wrist is sensed via a pulse arrival sensor of the wrist-worn device. A transit time of the blood pressure pulse from the left ventricle to the wrist is determined. A relative blood pressure value of the subject is determined based on the transit time. A reference absolute blood pressure value associated with the relative blood pressure value is received. An absolute blood pressure value for the relative blood pressure value is determined based on the reference absolute blood pressure value and the relative blood pressure value.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a body, a needle, a tissue sample holder and a sensor. The needle extends from the body. The tissue sample holder is in communication with the needle to receive one or more tissue samples within a sample chamber defined by the tissue sample holder. The tissue sample holder includes a receiving cavity. The sensor is configured to detect x-rays. The receiving cavity is sized and shaped to receive the sensor such that the sensor is removably positioned within the tissue sample holder.

Abstract: A monitoring system and method tracks a patient's position over time and ensures that proper turning or other manipulation is done within the time prescribed. Preferably, the techniques herein continuously monitor patient position and alert medical or other personnel of the need for turning or other patient manipulation. The system may be implemented within a medical or other care facility, or within a patient's home.

Abstract: A multimodal apparatus for analysis of allergic reactions during skin tests and a method of multispectral imaging of allergic reactions in case of the type I and the type IV allergic reactions induced by performing skin allergy Prick and Patch tests combine thermal imaging with Laser Doppler flowmetry or 3D scanning to confirm the results of epidermal hyperthermia tests.

Abstract: A surgical treatment apparatus comprises a waterjet configured to fragment tissue and provide intact cells such as stem cells with the fragmented tissue. The intact cells can be used in one or more of many ways such as for genetic or other testing. In many embodiments, the intact cells comprise stem cells. In many embodiments, a waterjet is configured to fragment tissue. The fragmented tissue can be collected with a filter having pores sized smaller than the tissue fragments. In many embodiments cavitation with a waterjet is used to fragment the tissue comprising the intact stem cells. The waterjet may comprise a waterjet immersed in a liquid comprising water so as to form a plurality of shedding pulses. The plurality of shedding pulses can be generated with a frequency sufficient to fragment the tissue. The shedding pulses can generate cavitations that fragment the tissue.

Abstract: A contact lens embedded sensor comprises resonator rings, characterized in that said resonator rings result from arrangements of broadside-coupled split-ring resonator, edge-coupled split-ring resonator, non-bianisotropic split-ring resonator and spiral resonator based structures with the use of dielectric, biocompatible substrate layers. The system also includes an antenna coupled with the sensor, and an electrical readout circuitry collecting and processing measurements in the change of resonant character caused by intraocular pressure (IOP) perturbing the geometry of the human eyeball said contact lens is worn thereon.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a unit for collecting and ejecting blood including: a handle extending along a first central axis; a handling block connected to the handle and disposed to have a second central axis that is offset from the first central axis; and a plunger connected to the handle to be movable along a direction of the first central axis and moving toward the handling block when manipulated, wherein the handling block includes: a body having a connection portion connected to the handle and a contact portion located beneath the connection portion; and a collection port formed to pass through the body in a direction from the contact portion to the connection portion and configured to collect blood by a capillary force, and the plunger moves along the direction of the first central axis when manipulated to enter the collection port and push the blood collected in the collection port out of the collection port.

Abstract: A biopsy system includes an elongate cannula coupled to and extending from a support structure, the cannula having a distal portion with a tissue receiving aperture in a side wall thereof, and an elongate hollow introducer sized and configured to be mounted to the support structure over the cannula. The support structure and a proximal portion of the introducer are respectively configured for providing releasable attachment of the introducer to the support structure over the cannula in a first attachment configuration, in which the distal portion of the cannula extends out an open distal end of the introducer with the tissue receiving aperture unobscured by the introducer, and in a second attachment configuration, in which the distal portion of the cannula extends out the open distal end of the introducer with the tissue receiving aperture partially obscured by the introducer.

Abstract: A guidewire made from a drawn-filled tube composite wire is described. The composite wire has a stainless steel outer sheath jacketing a nitinol core wire. The drawn-filled tube composite wire is ground at its distal end to expose the nitinol core, which has superelastic and kink resistant properties that are desirable for the distal end of a guidewire. The proximal end of the drawn-filled tube is not ground or if ground, the outer sheath of stainless steel is not removed to an extent sufficient to expose the nitinol core.

Abstract: An electroencephalography (EEG) system includes a support configured to be positioned at least partially around the head of a user, an EEG electrode configured to be supported by the support and to be positioned for contacting skin of the user, an actuator operatively coupled to the EEG electrode and configured to move the electrode in at least two dimensions, including an axial dimension and a lateral dimension to enable the EEG electrode to contact the skin at different locations, and one or more physical processors operatively connected with the EEG electrode and the actuator. The one or more physical processors being programmed with computer program instructions which, when executed cause the one or more physical processors to: obtain an impedance signal from the EEG electrode; and actuate the actuator to move the EEG electrode based on a comparison of the obtained impedance signal with an impedance threshold.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for controlling a device based on the detection of transient oscillatory or pseudo-oscillatory bursts are disclosed. For example, a method can comprise detecting one or more transient oscillatory or pseudo-oscillatory bursts from an ongoing neural signal recording of a subject. The method can also comprise extracting one or more burst features from the one or more transient oscillatory or pseudo-oscillatory bursts detected within a detection period. The method can also comprise predicting a thought generated or conjured by the subject or a change in mental state evoked by the subject by applying at least one of a machine learning algorithm and a feature threshold to the one or more burst features extracted within the detection period. An input command associated with the prediction can be transmitted to the device in order to control the device.

Abstract: A device for measuring intraocular pressure includes a functional part with a tubular probe base and a probe contactable with a surface of an eye to derive an intraocular pressure in the eye from variations in a velocity of the probe. The probe is inside the tubular probe base. The probe is partly formed of magnetic material. An induction coil gives the probe a specific velocity. The device also has means for measuring the variations in a velocity of the probe, means for processing and displaying the measurement data, and controlling operations. The device is mainly characterized by means for holding the probe inside the tubular probe base, and means for releasing the probe for the measurement.

Abstract: Systems configured to acquire temperature signals from an Abreu Brain Thermal Tunnel (ABTT), to analyze the temperatures signals, and to determine a condition of a human body from the analysis, and a method for doing the same, are described. In addition, systems for application of thermal signals to the ABTT for treatment of conditions are described.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus providing an ongoing and real time indicator for prediction of health conditions during the usual lifetime of a person by providing an ongoing and real time indicator for predicting remaining lifetimes for one or more patients comprising: providing a monitoring system connected to the cloud, a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth network which is connected to a wearable device; and providing a wearable device which contains one or more accelerometers, temperature monitoring devices, EKG monitoring devices and other useful devices; wherein the wearable device is powered internally by a battery or other such appropriate energy sources.

Abstract: A system for monitoring arterial pressure of a patient determines a score that is predictive of responsiveness of the patient to a therapy. Sensed hemodynamic data representative of an arterial pressure waveform of the patient are received by a hemodynamic monitor. Magnitude data and trend data are derived from the hemodynamic data. The score that is predictive of the responsiveness of the patient to the therapy is determined based on the magnitude data and the trend data of the hemodynamic parameter. A representation of the score is output.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and computer program is described comprising: applying an electrical signal to a first electrical circuit formed between a first device electrode and a first eyelid electrode, an eyeball electrical path between the first eyelid electrode and a second eyelid electrode, the second eyelid electrode and a second device electrode, and the second device electrode and the first device electrode; and determining current and/or voltage measurements of the first electrical circuit, wherein a current and/or voltage is generated in the first electrical circuit in response to the applied electrical signal, and wherein the first device electrode is configured to form a first capacitor with the first eyelid electrode and the second device electrode is configured to form a second capacitor with the second eyelid electrode.

Abstract: A sample collection device that includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end, the body defining a channel extending from the distal end to the proximal end. The sample collection device includes an opening at the proximal end of the body that extends into the channel of the body. The body includes an adhering portion having a depressed surface relative to an adjacent exterior surface of the body, the adhering portion configured to receive a sample in response to the sample contacting the depressed surface of the adhering portion. The body is manually maneuverable in response to the channel receiving a finger of a user through the opening of the body.