Abstract: A physiological parameter sensing system provides a sensing device for measuring a physiological parameter of a subject. The sensing device includes various components that operate as heat sources, which can influence the operation of sensors in the device. The sensing device includes a heat isolation mechanism that thermally isolates the sensors from the heat sources.

Abstract: A protective cover for an insertion probe of a medical instrument. The cover contains a flexible tubular body that compliments the probe geometry and a radially disposed flange that surrounds the proximal end of the body. A series of snap-on fasteners removably connect the cover to the instrument. A camming surface is located on the outer face of the flange which coacts with a cam follower that is movably mounted upon the instrument to flex the cover sufficiently to open the fastener and release the cover from the instrument and move the cover axially toward the distal end of the tip.

Abstract: A method of estimating oxygen saturation includes illuminating a target site with light of three different wavelengths, for example green, red and infrared, and detecting light returned from the site at each of the wavelengths. The method distinguishes between cardiac pulsatility and nonpulsatility based on a parameter of the return light of the shortest wavelength. The method formulates an estimate of oxygen saturation as a function of a parameter of the light of the two longer wavelengths taken at both a period of pulsatility and at a period of nonpulsatility. An oximeter adapted to carry out the method is also disclosed. Aspects of the method and oximeter may be used to estimate other physiological parameters.

Abstract: A method of determining a value indicative of a hemodynamic parameter of a patient includes performing a plurality of value determinations. Performing the plurality of value determinations includes determining a first value indicative of the hemodynamic parameter, determining, with a controller, a difference between the first value and a baseline associated with the first value, and replacing the baseline with the first value, in a memory of the controller, if the difference is outside of a predetermined range. The method also includes determining an estimate of the hemodynamic parameter based on acceptable values determined during the plurality of value determinations.

Abstract: A temperature measurement system includes a temperature probe including a temperature sensor. The system also includes a reader, and a controller in communication with the temperature sensor and the reader. The system further includes a container housing a plurality of probe covers associated with the temperature probe. The container includes an information feature providing information related to the plurality of probe covers. The reader is configured to read the information and direct a signal to the controller indicative of the information.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for temperature measurement of a target site, such a human body site. The invention includes an intelligent temperature probe configured to physically contact a target site and to communicate with a host device, which can be implemented as a hand-held device or as a personal computer. The host device can compute, store and display an accurate predicted temperature, or an actual temperature at thermal equilibrium, of the target site for each of a plurality of different intelligent temperature probes that each have unique and varied operating characteristics. A set of unique operating characteristics for each temperature probe is represented by information communicated between each respective temperature probe and the host device.

Abstract: A physiological parameter measuring system includes a parameter sensing device attachable to a body of the subject. The sensing device detects at least one physiological parameter when activated, and a reading device monitors a temperature variation over time and determines whether the parameter has been so stabilized as to be reliably detected. A stability indication flag can be stored in the system so that subsequent monitoring of the parameter is instantly performed.

Abstract: A wearable patch includes a first portion comprising a first material, a second portion comprising a second material different from the first material, a first temperature sensor disposed proximate a first surface of the patch, and a second temperature sensor disposed proximate an additional surface of the patch.

Abstract: A patch includes a substrate, and a plurality of temperature sensors. Such sensors include a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor, a third temperature sensor connected to the substrate between the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor, and a fourth temperature sensor substantially overlaying the third temperature sensor. The patch also includes a layer of insulative material spacing the fourth temperature sensor from the third temperature sensor. In such examples, the patch also includes an antenna configured to transmit information associated with temperatures determined by the first, second, third, and fourth temperature sensors.

Abstract: An electrode includes separate first and second electrical contacts to contact the skin of a subject. A charge-holding structure is electrically connected between the first and second contacts. An indicator is operatively coupled to the charge-holding structure so that the indicator changes visibly in response to a change in the charge stored in the charge-holding structure. The electrode can include a rectifier across the contacts. A container for electrodes includes an electrical supply and a plurality of receptacles for electrodes so that a voltage difference is maintained across conductors of each receptacle (and contacts of an electrode therein) for at least one week. A method of making electrodes includes arranging the contacts over a support, connecting the charge-holding structure between them, arranging the indicator over the support, and charging the charge-holding structure so that the indicator has a first visual appearance.

Abstract: A system for monitoring blood pressure of a subject includes a primary system for determining a first blood pressure and a corrective system. The corrective system includes a cuff configured to be operated in an inflation phase and a deflation phase, a sensor array which produces inflation and deflation phase output signals, and a processor. The processor is configured to a) determine first and second output values from the inflation phase output signal and b) determine third and fourth output values from the deflation phase output signal. The processor is also configured to determine a correction applicable to the first blood pressure. The correction is a function of the first, second, third and fourth output values.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system for obtaining sensor data associated with a plurality of body parts of a monitored individual, measuring from the sensor data a positioning of the plurality of body parts of the monitored individual, comparing the positioning of the plurality of body parts to a target positioning of the plurality of body parts, detecting from the comparing a deficiency in a use of the plurality of body parts, and generating a message associated with the deficiency. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A thermometry apparatus includes a distal probe tip having a hollow interior. An insulating support is at least partially disposed within the interior of the distal probe tip. The insulating support is configured to receive at least one of at least one heating element and at least one temperature sensing element. According to one version, the insulating support is a flexible circuit strip configured to receive the at least one heating element(s) to protect the leads from damage and premature breakage.

Abstract: A protective cover for an insertion probe of a medical instrument. The cover contains a flexible tubular body that compliments the probe geometry and a radially disposed flange that surrounds the proximal end of the body. A series of snap-on fasteners removably connect the cover to the instrument. A camming surface is located on the outer face of the flange which coacts with a cam follower that is movably mounted upon the instrument to flex the cover sufficiently to open the fastener and release the cover from the instrument and move the cover axially toward the distal end of the tip.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system for detecting a wearable device worn by a monitored individual, notifying a system of the detecting of the wearable device worn by the monitored individual, receiving provisioning information from the system, and provisioning the wearable device according to the provisioning information. The provisioning information can configure the wearable device to provide information associated with the monitored individual to a monitoring device to enable the monitoring device to provide healthcare services to the monitored individual. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A temperature probe includes a handle and a shaft extending from the handle. The shaft includes a distal end, a proximal end, and a tip at the distal end. The temperature probe also includes a capacitance sensor disposed on one of the handle and the shaft, the capacitance sensor configured to measure a change in capacitance when positioned proximate a conductor. The temperature probe further includes a temperature sensor disposed on the shaft, the temperature sensor configured to measure a body cavity temperature of a patient.

Abstract: A method of determining a temperature of a patient includes determining a temperature associated with a measurement site of the patient with a temperature device, and without contacting the patient with the device. The method also includes estimating a temperature of the patient based at least in part on the temperature associated with the measurement site. The temperature device includes a sensing element configured to determine the temperature associated with the measurement site, an imaging device, and a controller configured to estimate the temperature of the patient based on the temperature associated with the measurement site.

Abstract: An electrode includes separate first and second electrical contacts to contact the skin of a subject. A charge-holding structure is electrically connected between the first and second contacts. An indicator is operatively coupled to the charge-holding structure so that the indicator changes visibly in response to a change in the charge stored in the charge-holding structure. The electrode can include a rectifier across the contacts. A container for electrodes includes an electrical supply and a plurality of receptacles for electrodes so that a voltage difference is maintained across conductors of each receptacle (and contacts of an electrode therein) for at least one week. A method of making electrodes includes arranging the contacts over a support, connecting the charge-holding structure between them, arranging the indicator over the support, and charging the charge-holding structure so that the indicator has a first visual appearance.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system for monitoring an individual and activities performed thereby, detecting a possible adverse biological condition caused by the activities, and submitting instructions to equipment utilized by the individual to cause the individual to adjust the same or related activities to mitigate the possible adverse biological condition. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A temperature measurement system includes a temperature probe including a temperature sensor. The system also includes a reader, and a controller in communication with the temperature sensor and the reader. The system further includes a container housing a plurality of probe covers associated with the temperature probe. The container includes an information feature providing information related to the plurality of probe covers. The reader is configured to read the information and direct a signal to the controller indicative of the information.