Abstract: A sensor array designed to be continuously indexed through a compatible blood glucose test monitor for the purpose of conducting multiple consecutive blood glucose measurements. The sensor array can be configured to substantially conform to a non-planar surface. In one embodiment, the sensor array includes first and second test sensors which are hingedly coupled together through a pin and socket interconnection. In another embodiment, the sensor array includes a unitary, non-conductive substrate which is scored to define one or more fold lines, a first set electrodes deposited on the substrate to define a first test sensor, and a second set of electrodes deposited on the substrate to define a second test sensor.

Abstract: A pressure sensing catheter having a pressure sensor and an antenna that is coupled to the pressure sensor, e.g., by a connector, are provided. The pressure sensor can be adapted to measure a pressure surrounding the catheter, and the antenna can be adapted to telemetrically communicate the measured pressure to an external device. In an exemplary embodiment, the antenna, pressure sensor, and/or connector are hermetically sealed, e.g., by the catheter and/or a coating, to prevent the antenna, pressure sensor, and connector from coming into contact with fluid, thereby allowing the catheter to be permanently implanted or otherwise used for long term use. Exemplary methods for manufacturing and using pressure sensing catheters are also provided.

Abstract: An input section (101) receives a manipulation input of a user (50). A biological signal detection section (102) measures an event-related potential of electroencephalogram of the user (50). An operation error judgment section (103) judges using the event-related potential of the electroencephalogram of the user (50) at around 300 ms from a timing when the input section (101) receives the manipulation input as a starting point whether or not the manipulation input is due to an operation error of the user. An equipment operation control section (104) determines an operation of an equipment (1) based on a result of judgment by the operation error judgment section (103).

Abstract: In a portable biological information monitor apparatus, a pulse wave detection signal obtained by light emission from a green LED and a body motion detection signal obtained by light emission from an infrared LED are detected as biological information. This biological information is analyzed to compute various barometers. In a wake normal mode of a set generation mode, body motion and pulse are calculated as wake evaluation barometers for evaluation of a test subject's status in wake. In a wake steady state motion mode, body motion, pulse, and pitch are calculated as motion evaluation barometers for evaluation of the test subject's status in steady state motion. In a sleep mode, body motion, pulse, and autonomic nervous function are calculated as sleep evaluation barometers for evaluation of the test subject's status in sleep. Necessary barometers are thereby generated regardless of the test subject's action using the portable monitor apparatus alone.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely monitoring an individual, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. More particularly, one or more physiological functions and/or physical activities of the individual may be monitored. In order to monitor the individual, a range to, and/or a range rate (i.e., velocity) of, one or more points on one or more surfaces of the individual (e.g., skin, clothing, lips, etc.) may be determined over time. Based on the determinations of the range and/or range rate of the points on the surfaces of the individual, the one or more physiological functions and/or physical activities of the individual may be monitored. This may enable the physiological functions and/or physical activities to be monitored remotely from the individual without access or proximity to the individual.

Abstract: The present invention combines into a single housing a multiplicity of features that may be used separately or together to facilitate stress reduction in the user. A central computer receives inputs and sends signals to facilitate activation of a visual display as well as an audio output. Several power supply options are provided. A pulse sensor may be attached to the user to sense their pulse rate. The audio input provides a soothing noise such as a beating sound, the frequency of which may be adjusted, for example, 30 to 120 beats per minute. A voice synthesizer may speak directions to the user such as, for example, instructing the user to breathe in and out at a certain rate. A timer and speed control permit ready adjustment of the frequency of beats as well as the frequency during which voice synthesizer messages are provided. A microphone and tape recorder allow the user to tape record their own stress reducing instructions.

Abstract: A blood glucose maintenance system for use by hyperglycemic individuals measures their blood glucose level and calculates an appropriate glucose or insulin dosage based on the measurement. Recheck intervals responsive to dosage history are determined. Warning or alert messages or signals are produced if certain measurements or calculations fall outside established normal ranges. It is particularly useful for patients in a hospital or in-patient environment.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for sensing cardiac electrogram (EGM) signals and ventricular pressure signals and for using the sensed EGM and sensed pressure signals for estimating stroke volume (SV). A measure of cardiac output can be computed from the estimated SV and a heart rate determined from the EGM signals. The sensed ventricular pressure signal and the sensed EGM signal are used to derive landmark points such as an estimated pulmonary diastolic pressure, a mean pulmonary artery pressure, a peak right ventricular pressure (RVP), and various time intervals used in computing an area or a pulse contour integral. The pulse contour integral is used to estimate SV. The estimated pulmonary diastolic pressure, mean pulmonary artery pressure and CO computed from the estimated SV can be used to compute a pulmonary vascular resistance.

Abstract: The invention is devices and techniques which use a negative (suction) pressure or vacuum, applied through a surgical instrument, to fix the position of a portion of the surface of a beating heart so that a surgical procedure can be more easily performed. The devices apply a negative pressure at several points on the outer surface of the heart such that a portion of the heart is fixed in place by the suction imposed through the surgical instrument. Because the instrument fixes the position of the tissue, and because the instruments remain at a constant distance from the particular portion of the heart where the surgery is being performed, the device may also serve as a support or platform so that other surgical instruments or devices can be advantageously used at the site.

Abstract: A patient's peripheral pulse volume and blood pressure are measured. The quantities are used to obtain a quantitative measure of peripheral vascular function. The quantitative measure can be one or more of pulsatile limb blood flow, total limb blood flow, limb vascular compliance and limb vascular resistance.

Abstract: A blood pressure measuring system and method are provided. The blood pressure measuring system includes a first sensing unit sensing a patient's blood pressure, a second sensing unit sensing a patient's blood flow, a pressure control unit controlling a pressure applied to the patient by the first sensing unit, and an operation and control unit controlling an operation of the pressure control unit and calculating a patient's blood pressure by analyzing and comparing signals output from the first and second sensing units.

Abstract: Sensor arrangement for measuring anesthesia parameters from the head of a patient the sensor arrangement comprising a base element and an array of electrodes and an optical sensor for monitoring substances in tissues. In the sensor arrangement all electrodes and sensors are connected to a single connector or a series of connectors attached to the base element for connecting the sensor arrangement to a patient monitor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for temperature modification of selected body regions including an induced state of local hypothermia of the brain region for neuroprotection. A heat exchange catheter is provided with heat transfer fins projecting or extending outward from the catheter which may be inserted into selected blood vessels or body regions to transfer heat with blood or fluid in the selected blood vessels or body regions. Another aspect of the invention further provides methods and apparatus for controlling the internal body temperature of a patient. By selectively heating or cooling a portion of the catheter lying within a blood vessel, heat may be transferred to or from blood flowing within the vessel to increase or decrease whole body temperature or the temperature of a target region. Feed back from temperature sensors located within the patient's body allow for control of the heat transfer from the catheter to automatically control the temperature of the patient or of the target region within the patient.

Abstract: Analysis of metabolic gases by an implantable medical device allows the assessment of the status of a congestive heart failure patient by providing for the assessment of cardiac output. The present invention is directed to an implanted medical device configured to measure concentrations of metabolic gases in the blood to determine cardiac output of a patient. The device is also configured to measure changes in the cardiac output of a patient. The present invention is also directed to a method of measuring cardiac output by an implanted medical device. Further, the detection of changes in cardiac output utilizing an implanted medical device as disclosed herein is useful in a method of detecting exacerbation of congestive heart failure. The implanted medical device can also be used to pace a heart to modify cardiac output in a patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for measuring blood gas parameters, preferably pH, pCO2, and pO2, in a blood sample, where the blood sample of a patient is fed into at least one measuring cell of an analyzer. In order to obtain accurate values for the blood gas parameters even in cases where the temperature of the patient deviates from normal temperature, the temperature of the patient or blood sample is measured upon sample withdrawal, and the measured temperature is transmitted to the analyzer or is recorded by the analyzer, and the temperature of the measuring cell of the analyzer is adjusted to the measured temperature by cooling or heating.

Abstract: A method and system for determination of dimension related information such as volumetric flow rate(s) of a fluid flowing through a channel. In one implementation, the method and system analyzes temporal changes in a moving fluid's velocity profile to calculate the fluid channel dimensions. In turn, the fluid channel dimensions and the fluid velocity profile data may be combined to calculate the volumetric flow rate of the fluid flowing through the channel. In this regard, the geometry of the channel can be characterized using dimensionless variables that relate dimensions, such as the radius across a circular cross-section, to the largest extent of a dimension. For example, in the case where the channel is a cylindrical tube and a pressure gradient is applied long enough for the fluid to have reached a steady state, the dimensionless radius will be the radius at any point divided by the overall radius of the tube.

Abstract: A system and method for assessing cardiac performance through transcardiac impedance monitoring is described. Intracardiac impedance measures are directly collected through an implantable medical device. The intracardiac impedance measures are correlated to cardiac dimensional measures relative to performance of an intrathoracic pressure maneuver. The cardiac dimensional measures are grouped into at least one measures set corresponding to a temporal phase of the intrathoracic pressure maneuver. The at least one cardiac dimensional measures set is evaluated against a cardiac dimensional trend for the corresponding intrathoracic pressure maneuver temporal phase to represent cardiac performance.

Abstract: The invention is devices and techniques which use a negative (suction) pressure or vacuum, applied through a surgical instrument, to fix the position of a portion of the surface of a beating heart so that a surgical procedure can be more easily performed. The devices apply a negative pressure at several points on the outer surface of the heart such that a portion of the heart is fixed in place by the suction imposed through the surgical instrument. Because the instrument fixes the position of the tissue, and because the instruments remain at a constant distance from the particular portion of the heart where the surgery is being performed, the device may also serve as a support or platform so that other surgical instruments or devices can be advantageously used at the site.

Abstract: The utility of pulse volume measurement is expanded to detection of many conditions which have previously not been detected or have been detected using more complicated techniques. Such conditions include blood loss, septic shock, cardiogenic shock, neonatal sepsis, patent ductus arteriosus, limb ischemia, intra-aortic balloon pump performance, peripheral vascular disease, congestive heart failure, the effectiveness of vasoactive medications, syncope, dehydration, pre-eclampsia, deep vein thrombosis, thermal injuries, vascular instability due to renal dialysis, compromising of circulation to the hand caused by radial artery harvesting, changes in cardiac output, and hypertension. According to the present invention, such diagnoses can be performed by taking one measurement, by taking measurements over time to detect a change or by taking measurements before and after application of a treatment or stimulus.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for monitoring a patient, comprising the following steps: 1) outfitting the patient with a ambulatory blood pressure monitor that features an optical system for measuring blood pressure without using a cuff, and a wireless system configured to send and receive information sent from an Internet-based system through a wireless network; 2) sending from the Internet-based system to the ambulatory blood pressure monitor a signal that indicates a blood pressure level; 3) comparing a blood pressure value measured with the ambulatory blood pressure monitor to the blood pressure level; and 4) generating a signal in response to the comparing step.