Abstract: The invention relates to a device for analysing the physico-chemical properties of a cutaneous surface comprising: a group of sensors which are assembled at an acquisition zone (4), opposite which the cutaneous surface to be analysed is positioned; and a processing unit (1) which is interfaced with the group of sensors, said unit being equipped with analysis means that can be used to determine certain physico-chemical properties of the cutaneous surface to be analysed using signals produced by said group of sensors.

Abstract: This invention provides an EEG-based method of determining whether a test subject is sufficiently alert to perform a predefined task. The non-invasive method permits continuous monitoring of the individual's EEG signal, producing a set of real time frequency bands that indicate their state of wakefulness. When the frequency bands begin to skew towards the lower end, indicating the onset of drowsiness and eventual sleep, the system optionally sounds an acute alarm tone to alert the individual back to attention. The method also provides remotely monitoring the alertness of an individual and can be used, for example, to monitor productivity. In addition, the technology monitors self-recognized errors through the utilization of the ERN waveform. The remote or in-person monitoring can be continuous for any period of time.

Abstract: A respiratory monitoring apparatus that detects changes in physiological parameters relevant to respiration, including blood oxygen and blood volume, using near infrared spectroscopy. Methods for diagnosing respiratory-related events including hypoxia index, hypopnea, arousal, tissue oxygen debt, and respiratory muscle events or distinguishing central from obstructive sleep apnea are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides an EEG-based method of determining whether a test subject possesses a sufficiently positive attitude to perform a predefined task with a second subject who is known to the test subject.

Abstract: A method of presenting glucose data to a person with diabetes from a blood glucose meter is provided in which an effective meal average (EMA) value is presented, followed by two or more of the individual values that make up the EMA, to provide improved feedback data for clinical decisions by patients who need to alter their dose of insulin. The EMA can also comprise a measure of the variability of its constituent values. The EMA encompasses those values that occur at specified times such as 1 hour before and 1 hour after a specified meal time. The EMA is calculated over a limited number of days previous to the calculation (e.g., 3 days) and has a minimum number of values that must be obtained within the time and date ranges. An algorithm allows for exclusion of any given reading from the average (e.g., post-prandial or control solution readings). Patients can use 1 to 8 EMA on any given date range (e.g., preferably 4, that is, breakfast, lunch, supper and bedtime snack).

Abstract: Peripheral vascular disease is diagnosed through measurements of oxygen saturation. In a specific implementation, peripheral vascular disease is diagnosed based on changes in oxygen saturation in tissue. Ischemia is induced, and then measurements of changes in oxygen saturation in tissue are made. Based on changes in oxygen saturation during the induced ischemia phase, a diagnosis is provided of whether a patient has or does not have peripheral vascular disease.

Abstract: An auditory pulse monitor for noninvasively detecting the amplitude of arterial pulses on a beat-by-beat basis. A light-weight optical sensor including a light source and photodetector is adapted for application to the skin surface of a subject over a tissue bed containing an arterial supply. The photodetector generates an output signal proportional to the amplitude of an arterial pulse, and an electronic circuit connected to the photodetector generates a signal having a frequency proportional to the photodetector output signal level. A speaker or other audio indicator connected to the electronic circuit generates an audible tone indicating the amplitude of the arterial pulse. Another aspect of the invention is an improvement in automated or automatic external defibrillators (AEDs). An AED is disclosed which optically detects arterial pulses after delivering a defibrillation shock and signals the need for CPR if it detects inadequate cardiac pumping following successful defibrillation.

Abstract: A biological information processing apparatus is strong against the noises or disturbances, and can accurately determine an evaluation value or blood vessel age. A pulse wave acquirer acquires pulse wave information of a living body and a frequency analyzer analyzes a pulse wave frequency based on the pulse wave information obtained by the pulse wave acquirer. The characteristic value extractor extracts a characteristic value from pulse wave frequency information obtained by the analysis carried out by the frequency analyzer and a pulse wave property calculator calculates a pulse wave property or blood vessel age based on the characteristic value extracted by the characteristic value extractor.

Abstract: Methods for determining whether the brain activity of a human subject in response to a stimulus of interest or question of interest is characteristic of a state of interest, such as a deceptive state or a truthful state, are disclosed. Some methods include the use of control questions, including truthful control questions and deceptive control questions, to provide bases for comparison for responses to stimuli of interest or questions of interest. Some methods include the use of differences between two states, such as a deceptive state and a truthful state. In some methods, brain maps are generated and compared. Also disclosed are systems for detecting deception by measuring brain activity.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for measuring changes in blood flow, particularly in the context of an automatic arrhythmia treatment device. The invention may employ a flow sensor which is activated in response to detection of a tachyarrhythmia or in response to delivery of an anti-tachyarrhythmia therapy. If activated in response to detection of tachyarrhythmia, the flow sensor may be employed to determine whether a substantial drop in cardiac output has or has not occurred, in order to select an appropriate therapy, in particular to avoid unnecessary delivery of high level shocks. If activated in response to delivery of an anti-tachyarrhythmia therapy, the flow sensor may be employed to determine whether the therapy was or was not successful in correcting a low cardiac output or whether a reduced cardiac output followed delivery of the therapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and methods for continuous intravascular measurement of whole blood concentration, blood pressure, and pulse pressure. The intravascular catheter incorporates a sensor to measure whole blood sound velocity, attenuation, backscatter amplitude, and blood flow velocity and also incorporates existing technologies for multiple physiologic measurements of whole blood. Pulse wave velocity and wave intensity are derived mathematically for purposes of estimating degree of local vascular tone.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for analysing pressure-signals derivable from pressure measurements on or in a body of a human being or animal, comprising the steps of identifying during given time sequences in a series of time sequences the single pressure waves, including related parameters [pressure amplitude ?P latency (?T), rise time coefficient (?P/?T)], determining numbers of single pressure waves with pre-selected combinations of two or more of said single pressure wave parameters during said time sequence. For the time sequences is further determined the balanced positions of single wave parameters. Two-dimensional values of balanced position may be presented as a one dimensional value after weighting of the matrix cells. The signal processing method may be used for more optimal detection of single pressure waves by means of non-invasive sensor devices.

Abstract: Apparatus for use detection of apnea includes a microphone mounted in the ear of the patient for detecting breathing sounds and a second external microphone together with an oximetric sensor. A transmitter at the patient compresses and transmits the signals to a remote location where there is provided a detector module for receiving and analyzing the signals to extract data relating to the breathing. The detector uses the entropy or range of the signal to generate an estimate of air flow while extracting extraneous snoring and heart sounds and to analyze the estimate of air flow using Otsu's threshold to detect periods of apnea and/or hypopnea. A display provides data of the detected apnea/hypopnea episodes and related information for a clinician.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and arrangement for monitoring the state of the autonomous nervous system (ANS) of a patient. A first measurement signal is acquired from a patient, the first measurement signal representing a physiological signal measured from the patient. In order to enable real-time monitoring of the state of the ANS, a second measurement signal indicative of a respiration rhythm of the patient is acquired and at least one indicator signal is generated by means of the first and second measurement signals. The at least one indicator signal may then be used to obtain an indication of the state of the autonomous nervous system of the patient.

Abstract: A quantitative measurement system includes an external unit (101a) and an internal unit (102a) are provided for obtaining quantitative analyte measurements, such as within the body. In one example of an application of the system, the internal unit (102a) would be implanted either subcutaneously or otherwise within the body of a subject. The internal unit (102a) contains optoelectronics circuitry (102b), a component of which may be comprised of a fluorescence sensing device. The optoelectronics circuitry (102b) obtains quantitative measurement information and modifies a load (102c) as a function of the obtained information. The load (102c) in turn varies the amount of current through coil (102d), which is coupled to a coil (101f) of the external unit (101a).

Abstract: Peripheral vascular disease is diagnosed through measurements of oxygen saturation. In a specific implementation, peripheral vascular disease is diagnosed based on changes in oxygen saturation in tissue. Ischemia is induced, and measurements of changes in oxygen saturation in tissue are made. Based on changes in oxygen saturation during an accumulation phase, a diagnosis is provided of whether a patient has or does not have peripheral vascular disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for assessing the reactivity observable in a certain physiological signal, especially the EEG signal, of a subject. In order to obtain a compact measurement arrangement that enables reliable assessment of changes in the reactivity of the subject even during a long time period, a conventional monitoring device is provided with a stimulation module configured to supply stimuli to the subject through a measurement probe that the device uses to receive physiological signal data from the subject. The measurement probe may comprise, for example, an arm cuff through which the device monitors the blood pressure of the subject.

Abstract: A catheter for retrograde orientation in a blood flow is used to determine the blood flow rate by thermodilution measurements. The determination of the blood flow rate accommodates injectate induced thermal influences on a dilution thermal sensor, wherein the thermal influences can occur prior to introduction of the injectate into the blood flow.

Abstract: A flexible diagnostic device has a measurement cell that is sandwiched between the conductive surfaces of two conductive-coated insulating layers. At least one of the conductive surfaces is scored with an insulating pattern, so that the flow of a conductive fluid sample into the cell can be monitored.

Abstract: A method of providing an interface between a brain and a data processor may include generating stimuli and detecting one or more signals indicative of brain activity. The one or more signals may be processed, and a portion indicating attention to stimulus may be used to determine an attended-to symbol.