Abstract: Methods and apparatus for utilizing multiple sources of physiologic data to enhance measurement robustness and accuracy. In one embodiment, phonocardiography or “heart sounds” data is used in combination with one or more other techniques (for example, impedance cardiography or ICG waveforms, and/or electrocardiography or ECG waveforms) to provide more accurate and robust physiological and/or hemodynamic assessment of living subjects. In one variant, the aforementioned methods and apparatus are used to improve ICG fiducial point (e.g., B, C and X point) detection and identification accuracy. Moreover, the new ICG fiducial points that may be clinically important may be identified using the disclosed methods and apparatus. In a further aspect, the invention discloses methods and apparatus for utilization of ICG and/or ECG waveform information to improve the identification and characterization of heart sounds (such as e.g., S1, S2, S3, or S4 heart 20 sounds), murmurs, and other such artifacts or phenomena.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for utilizing multiple sources of physiologic data to enhance measurement robustness and accuracy. In one embodiment, phonocardiography or “heart sounds” data is used in combination with one or more other techniques (for example, impedance cardiography or ICG waveforms, and/or electrocardiography or ECG waveforms) to provide more accurate and robust physiological and/or hemodynamic assessment of living subjects. In one variant, the aforementioned methods and apparatus are used to improve ICG fiducial point (e.g., B, C and X point) detection and identification accuracy. Moreover, the new ICG fiducial points that may be clinically important may be identified using the disclosed methods and apparatus. In a further aspect, the invention discloses methods and apparatus for utilization of ICG and/or ECU waveform information to improve the identification and characterization of heart sounds (such as e.g., S1, S2, S3, or S4 heart sounds), murmurs, and other such artifacts or phenomena.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for utilizing multiple sources of physiologic data to enhance measurement robustness and accuracy. In one embodiment, phonocardiography or “heart sounds” data is used in combination with one or more other techniques (for example, impedance cardiography or ICG waveforms, and/or electrocardiography or ECG waveforms) to provide more accurate and robust physiological and/or hemodynamic assessment of living subjects. In one variant, the aforementioned methods and apparatus are used to improve ICG fiducial point (e.g., B, C and X point) detection and identification accuracy. Moreover, the new ICG fiducial points that may be clinically important may be identified using the disclosed methods and apparatus. In a further aspect, the invention discloses methods and apparatus for utilization of ICG and/or ECG waveform information to improve the identification and characterization of heart sounds (such as e.g., S1, S2, S3, or S4 heart sounds), murmurs, and other such artifacts or phenomena.

Abstract: Size-specific electrical connector apparatus optimized for e.g., biomedical applications, and which prevents mating to the wrong sized terminals. In one embodiment, the connector apparatus comprises a device having a two piece assembly adapted to pivotally engage and lock a sensor such as those used in impedance cardiography (ICG). The conductor is shaped so as to provide a high degree of specificity in sensor connection as well as signal stability and reliability. In one variant, the pivot comprises a spring-loaded pivot having no external stops and the shape of a sensor engaging aperture is defined by a metal insert associated with one element of the assembly and the pivot is permanently formed within the connector. Thus, a user is obstructed from changing the properties of the connector to accept smaller or larger sensors. Methods of manufacturing and operating the connector are also disclosed. In one embodiment, an opening in the metal insert (212) is sized to exclude oversized sensors.

Abstract: A method of treating tissue within a body includes aiming an ultrasound transducer towards target tissue, and delivering ultrasound energy towards the target tissue to thereby reduce pain at the target tissue. A method of treating tissue within a body includes aiming an ultrasound transducer towards target tissue, and delivering ultrasound energy towards the target tissue to increase nitric oxide at the target tissue. An ultrasound system includes a first ultrasound transducer for emitting ultrasound energy from outside a patient, and drive circuitry coupled to the first ultrasound transducer, wherein the drive circuitry is configured to generate a drive signal at a frequency that is between 20 kHz and 100 kHz for the first ultrasound transducer.

Abstract: Size-specific electrical connector apparatus optimized for e.g., biomedical applications, and which prevents mating to the wrong sized terminals. In one embodiment, the connector apparatus comprises device having a two piece assembly adapted pivotally engage and lock a sensor such as those used in impedance cardiography (ICG) therein. The conductor is shaped so as to provide a high degree of specificity in sensor connection as well as signal stability and reliability. In one variant, the pivot comprises a spring-loaded pivot having no external stops and the shape of a sensor engaging aperture is defined by a metal insert associated with one element of the assembly and the pivot is permanently formed within the connector. Thus, a user is obstructed from changing the properties of the connector to accept smaller or larger sensors. Methods of manufacturing and operating the connector are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of treating tissue within a body includes aiming an ultrasound transducer towards target tissue, and delivering ultrasound energy towards the target tissue to thereby reduce pain at the target tissue. A method of treating tissue within a body includes aiming an ultrasound transducer towards target tissue, and delivering ultrasound energy towards the target tissue to increase nitric oxide at the target tissue. An ultrasound system includes a first ultrasound transducer for emitting ultrasound energy from outside a patient, and drive circuitry coupled to the first ultrasound transducer, wherein the drive circuitry is configured to generate a drive signal at a frequency that is between 20 kHz and 100 kHz for the first ultrasound transducer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for utilizing multiple sources of physiologic data to enhance measurement robustness and accuracy. In one embodiment, phonocardiography or “heart sounds” data is used in combination with one or more other techniques (for example, impedance cardiography or ICG waveforms, and/or electrocardiography or ECG waveforms) to provide more accurate and robust physiological and/or hemodynamic assessment of living subjects. In one variant, the aforementioned methods and apparatus are used to improve ICG fiducial point (e.g., B, C and X point) detection and identification accuracy. Moreover, the new ICG fiducial points that may be clinically important may be identified using the disclosed methods and apparatus. In a further aspect, the invention discloses methods and apparatus for utilization of ICG and/or ECG waveform information to improve the identification and characterization of heart sounds (such as e.g., S1, S2, S3, or S4 heart sounds), murmurs, and other such artifacts or phenomena.

Abstract: A disposable differential pressure pneumotachometer includes an inlet chamber having an air inlet, an outlet chamber having an air outlet, and a resistive element disposed between the inlet and outlet chambers. Air flow across the resistive element results in a pressure gradient which is measured to provide air flow rate. According to one aspect of the invention, the pressure port through which the static pressure in the inlet chamber is sensed is disposed in the outlet chamber. According to a further aspect of the invention, the resistive element comprises a bacterial filter material. Also described is a pneumotachometer in which at least one pressure port is covered with a bacterial filter material.

Abstract: A disposable differential pressure pneumotachometer includes an inlet chamber having an air inlet, an outlet chamber having an air outlet, and a resistive element disposed between the inlet and outlet chambers. Air flow across the resistive element results in a pressure gradient which is measured to provide air flow rate. According to one aspect of the invention, the pressure port through which the static pressure in the inlet chamber is sensed is disposed in the outlet chamber. According to a further aspect of the invention, the resistive element comprises a bacterial filter material. Also described is a pneumotachometer in which at least one pressure port is covered with a bacterial filter material.