Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing sublingual microcirculation perfusion and identifying particular nerve tracts. In exemplary embodiments, a digital micro-mirror device is configured to direct a reflected light to a subject area and a controller is configured to alter a parameter of the reflected light.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling inflammatory response at an internal tissue site of a patient utilizes a reduced-pressure treatment device. Controlling the inflammatory response may be accomplished in a number of ways that involve treating the inflammatory milieu. Treating the inflammatory milieu may include removing or moderating pro-inflammatory stimuli, e.g., fluids, enhancing perfusion of the tissue at or near the internal tissue site, or providing reduced-pressure therapy. The reduced-pressure treatment device is placed at or near the internal tissue site and is fluidly coupled to an external reduced-pressure source. The reduced-pressure treatment device provides reduced pressure proximate the tissue site and treats the inflammatory milieu. The reduced-pressure treatment device for controlling inflammatory response may be a minimally-invasive treatment device.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling inflammatory response at an internal tissue site of a patient utilizes a reduced-pressure treatment device. Controlling the inflammatory response may be accomplished in a number of ways that involve treating the inflammatory milieu. Treating the inflammatory milieu may include removing or moderating pro-inflammatory stimuli, e.g., fluids, enhancing perfusion of the tissue at or near the internal tissue site, or providing reduced-pressure therapy. The reduced-pressure treatment device is placed at or near the internal tissue site and is fluidly coupled to an external reduced-pressure source. The reduced-pressure treatment device provides reduced pressure proximate the tissue site and treats the inflammatory milieu. The reduced-pressure treatment device for controlling inflammatory response may be a minimally-invasive treatment device.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling inflammatory response at an internal tissue site of a patient utilizes a reduced-pressure treatment device. Controlling the inflammatory response may be accomplished in a number of ways that involve treating the inflammatory milieu. Treating the inflammatory milieu may include removing or moderating pro-inflammatory stimuli, e.g., fluids, enhancing perfusion of the tissue at or near the internal tissue site, or providing reduced-pressure therapy. The reduced-pressure treatment device is placed at or near the internal tissue site and is fluidly coupled to an external reduced-pressure source. The reduced-pressure treatment device provides reduced pressure proximate the tissue site and treats the inflammatory milieu. The reduced-pressure treatment device for controlling inflammatory response may be a minimally-invasive treatment device.

Abstract: Provided is a method of detecting infection in a wound caused by an infecting organism at a wound site. Also provided is a system for detecting an infection in a wound at a wound site. Additionally, a porous pad comprising luciferase is provided.

Abstract: A device for measuring the capillary refill time and blood oxygenation includes light sources and a light detector. The device also includes an actuator for applying pressure to a selected portion of the body of the patient, such as the nail bed of a finger or toe of the patient, to cause the removal of blood from the nail bed when actuated. A timer commences a time interval with a deactuation of the actuator. The deactuation relieves the pressure applied by the actuator to the body portion of the patient and allows blood to return to the portion. The timing interval is terminated by a reduction in the amount of light received by the light detector as a result of the restoration of blood to the body portion. The time interval so determined comprises an indication of the capillary refill time of the patient.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a subject, such as a patient, using rules is provided. The method includes receiving data from the subject, and applying the data to a rule-based algorithm. The method also preferably includes generating a response based on the application of the rule-based algorithm. Some examples of responses include generating an alarm, generating a suggested reason for an identification of an abnormal condition, and generating a suggested response to an abnormal condition that has been identified. Preferably, more than one set of variables is applied to a particular rule-based algorithm. A monitor using the method may be configured to have multiple rule-based algorithms selected and applied simultaneously. Each rule-based algorithm can generate a unique response, or a combination can be used to generate a smaller number of responses. Also, a monitor using this method may be configured to allow rule-based algorithms to be exchanged and/or altered.

Abstract: Provided is a method of detecting infection in a wound caused by an infecting organism at a wound site. Also provided is a system for detecting an infection in a wound at a wound site. Additionally, a porous pad comprising luciferase is provided.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a subject can include acquiring data from the subject, and dynamically adjusting an alarm limit based on the data. The method can also comprise determining a first value that is typical for the subject for the characteristic being monitored, determining a second value for the characteristic being monitored, and generating a comparison based on the two values. The method could also comprise setting a threshold for a characteristic being monitored, and decreasing the alarm limit if the data crosses the threshold. The method could also include setting an extremity limit. The following methods can be applied to the monitoring of a healthcare patient, or other subjects of interest. Also, the values used in the monitoring of the subject can be configured to be transferable from one monitor to another.

Abstract: A device for measuring the capillary refill time of a patient and for use in determining an amount of oxygen in the blood of the patient has light sources and a light detector for use in carrying out pulse oximetry. The device also includes an actuator for applying pressure to a selected portion of the body of the patient, such as the nail bed of a finger or toe of the patient, to cause the removal of blood from the nail bed when actuated. A timer commences a time interval with a deactuation of the actuator. The deactuation relieves the pressure applied by the actuator to the body portion of the patient and allows blood to return to the portion. The timing interval is terminated by a reduction in the amount of light received by the light detector as a result of the restoration of blood to the body portion. The time interval so determined comprises an indication of the capillary refill time of the patient. Compensation in accordance with a skin temperature measurement may be provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for acquiring pulse oximetry and electrocardiogram signals from an appendage of a patient. The apparatus can include a substrate that can be attached to the appendage of the patient, an emitter coupled to the substrate, a detector coupled to the substrate, and an electrode coupled to the substrate. The apparatus can generate a blood oxygen saturation output signal based on radiation received by the detector. The apparatus can also generate a reference or non-reference electrocardiogram signal. The apparatus can include a neural-muscular transmission device.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a subject can include acquiring data from the subject, and dynamically adjusting an alarm limit based on the data. The method can also comprise determining a first value that is typical for the subject for the characteristic being monitored, determining a second value for the characteristic being monitored, and generating a comparison based on the two values. The method could also comprise setting a threshold for a characteristic being monitored, and decreasing the alarm limit if the data crosses the threshold. The method could also include setting an extremity limit. The following methods can be applied to the monitoring of a healthcare patient, or other subjects of interest. Also, the values used in the monitoring of the subject can be configured to be transferable from one monitor to another.

Abstract: In a method for calibrating an indicator of the status of blood volume in a patient breathing with the aid of a mechanical ventilator, blood pressure data is obtained from the patient and used to determine a patient blood volume status indicator. Changes in at least one patient physiological characteristic or ventilator operating parameter are ascertained and used to alter the patient blood volume status indicator to provide a calibrated patient blood volume status indicator.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a subject can include acquiring data from the subject, and dynamically adjusting an alarm limit based on the data. The method can also comprise determining a first value that is typical for the subject for the characteristic being monitored, determining a second value for the characteristic being monitored, and generating a comparison based on the two values. The method could also comprise setting a threshold for a characteristic being monitored, and decreasing the alarm limit if the data crosses the threshold. The method could also include setting an extremity limit. The following methods can be applied to the monitoring of a healthcare patient, or other subjects of interest. Also, the values used in the monitoring of the subject can be configured to be transferable from one monitor to another.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for use in monitoring are disclosed. The method and system involve the use of a mathematical model. The method and system are particularly useful in the field of patient monitoring when using a physiological mathematical model. A mathematical model can be used to identify an abnormal condition. The mathematical model can also be used to generate an alarm. Also, the mathematical model can be used to generate a suggested treatment for correcting an abnormal condition if an abnormal condition should arise, especially abnormal conditions requiring relatively immediate attention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for and a method of establishing monitoring alarm limits based on physiological variables. Such a method can include the steps of receiving a plurality of physiological variable data where the physiological variable data is representative of physiological wellness variables, correlating alarm states of the physiological wellness variables with alarm states of physiological measurable variables, and providing a best clinical selection for the alarm limits.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for and a method of establishing monitoring alarm limits based on physiological variables. Such a method can include the steps of receiving a plurality of physiological variable data where the physiological variable data is representative of physiological wellness variables, correlating alarm states of the physiological wellness variables with alarm states of physiological measurable variables, and providing a best clinical selection for the alarm limits.

Abstract: An improved strand carrier that may be employed in an elastic yarn covering operation at rotational speeds in excess of 18,000 revolutions per minute. The carrier includes a barrel with a head or flange secured to at least one end of the barrel. An insert is secured within an end of the barrel and defines a spindle receiving opening therealong, at least the surfaces of which that are contactable by the spindle when received therein being of a thermoplastic polymeric material that is resistant to high temperatures and to creep. The insert may include a body portion and a polymeric bushing molded thereto. Mineral filled phenylene sulfide resins are preferred for manufacture of the spindle contactable surface.