Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tongue retaining device configured for reducing obstructive sleep apnea, comprising: a tongue piercing device; and one or more threads attached to the tongue piercing device and anchoring it to an anterior anchor point.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for determining an individual's risk of an adverse health outcome particularly a near-term cardiovascular event. In one embodiment, non-invasive chest CT scan images are input into an artificial intelligence system (AIS). Based on the CT scans, the AIS provides an analysis that includes one or more of a CAC score based; plaque density; plaque quantity; plaque locations; and the volume of cardiac chambers; and a measurement of cardiac ejection fraction (EF). Based on the AI analysis and additional risk factors, estimates of risk are determined. The estimation of risk can be done automatically by a digital application. In one embodiment, EF can be determined by the AIS using non-contrast, ECG-gated CT scan images acquired during end-diastole and end-systole. In some embodiments, the density of vasa vasorum around a coronary plaque is measured to detect active and inflamed plaques from passive and stable ones.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for imaging vasa vasorum density of a vessel in the body such as coronary and carotid arteries and the aorta and thereby assessing the risk of adverse health outcomes for a patient, comprising administering a contrast agent to the patient; performing a contrast-enhanced CT scan to measure Hounsfield distribution and heterogeneity related to vasa vasorum density in and around the vessel wall of a patient; analyzing the data to determine a metric related to the density of the vasa vasorum; and recommending a diagnostic and/or therapeutic next step to the patient to prevent adverse health outcomes based at least in part on the metric related to the vasa vasorum density.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to systems and methods for facilitating determining a risk of a patient for an adverse health outcome. In one embodiment, an inventive method includes using an AI-enabled volume calculator to estimate cardiac structure volume from CT scan images; and using a computer enabled risk calculator to, based at least in part on the estimated volume, determine a risk of a patient for an adverse health condition. In some embodiments, a system for detecting patients at risk of an adverse health condition includes a computer enabled volume calculator configured to facilitate assessing the volume of a cardiovascular structure based at least in part on a set of CT scan images; the system can include a computer enabled risk calculator configured to determine, based at least in part on the assessed volume, whether the patient is at risk for an adverse health condition.

Abstract: Risk assessment systems and methods for patients with chest pain include, in some embodiments, an assessor, a computed tomography (CT) scanner, an electrocardiogram device for providing electrocardiogram data, and an enzyme analyzer for analyzing the patient’s blood. A computer enabled risk calculator categorizes the patients as low, intermediate, or high risk. The computer enabled risk calculator, using electrocardiogram data, blood analyzer, patient’s age, other risk factors, and history, automatically generates orders for low and intermediate risk patients to undergo a CT scan. A CAC analyzer provides a CAC score and/or a cardiovascular volumetry index based on CT scan results. A risk score based on electrocardiogram, blood analyzer and patient’s age, other risk factors and history of symptoms, the CAC score and/or cardiovascular volumetry index is generated. Patients that are automatically assessed as being very low risk based on the risk score are recommended for discharge from the emergency room.

Abstract: A rapid chest pain risk assessment system includes an assessor, a computed tomography (CT) scanner, an electrocardiogram device for providing electrocardiogram related data, and an enzyme analyzer for analyzing the patient's blood. A computer enabled risk calculator categorizes the patients into low, intermediate, and high risk categories. The computer enabled risk calculator, using data from electrocardiogram, blood analyzer and patient's age, other risk factors and history, automatically generates orders for patients in low and intermediate risk categories to undergo a CT scan. A CAC analyzer using the computer file for analyzing the CT scan results then provides a CAC score based on those CT scan results. A risk score based on electrocardiogram, blood analyzer and patient's age, other risk factors and history of symptoms plus the CAC score is generated.

Abstract: A method for digital thermal monitoring assessment of vascular function comprising a temporary arterial occlusion using a pneumatic cuff positioned on a subject's upper limb, monitoring skin temperature at the fingertip of the occluded limb for a period of time before, during, and after the occlusion, calculating a Zero Reactivity Curve based on variables including start temperature room temperature, and the slope of temperature decline during the occlusion, and assessing vascular function based on comparing the Zero Reactivity Curve and the observed temperature rebound after the occlusion is removed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for blood sampling from skin capillaries are provided. Blood extraction is improved by applying gradient pressure in a proximal to distal direction of an extremity. Blood is extracted and sampled from the skin capillaries with a blood sampling mechanism of at least a lancet and testing kit.

Abstract: A method for digital thermal monitoring assessment of vascular function comprising a temporary arterial occlusion using a pneumatic cuff positioned on a subject's upper limb, monitoring skin temperature at the fingertip of the occluded limb for a period of time before, during, and after the occlusion, calculating a Zero Reactivity Curve based on variables including start temperature, room temperature, and the slope of temperature decline during the occlusion, and assessing vascular function based on comparing the Zero Reactivity Curve and the observed temperature rebound after the occlusion is removed.

Abstract: A new cardiac risk factors are disclosed along with method for deriving the components of the factors, for developing the factors and for using the factors. Methods for computing pericardial fat and abdominal fat are also disclosed as well as methods for motion compensation.

Abstract: A new cardiac risk factors are disclosed along with method for deriving the components of the factors, for developing the factors and for using the factors. Methods for computing pericardial fat and abdominal fat are also disclosed as well as methods for motion compensation.

Abstract: A method for digital thermal monitoring assessment of vascular function comprising a temporary arterial occlusion using a pneumatic cuff positioned on a subject's upper limb, monitoring skin temperature at the fingertip of the occluded limb for a period of time before, during, and after the occlusion, calculating a Zero Reactivity Curve based on variables including start temperature, room temperature, and the slope of temperature decline during the occlusion, and assessing vascular function based on comparing the Zero Reactivity Curve and the observed temperature rebound after the occlusion is removed.

Abstract: Methods for ischemic conditioning treatments of a chronic medical condition are provided. Baseline disease-related parameters of a patient with a chronic medical condition are measured. Ischemia is induced in the patient by occluding and releasing arterial flow in one or more extremities of the patient. Post-ischemia parameters in the patient are measured. The baseline and post-ischemia parameters are compared to provide an assessment of an ischemic conditioning treatment of a chronic medical condition. The repeated, scheduled delivery of ischemic conditioning provides a beneficial, therapeutic effect on the chronic medical condition. Also provided is a device for pulse oximetry during periods of absent or low pulsatile blood flow including an artificial pulse generator as well as the use of said device in assessment of ischemic conditioning.

Abstract: A system and method for inducing physiological effects of ischemic conditioning and physiological effects of shear stress in a subject's body that mimic the effect of exercise on the subject. The disclosure includes a first device configured to cause ischemia, a second device configured to mechanically generate arterial shear stress, and a third device configured to monitor one or more of markers of ischemia or hemodynamic parameters and further including a microcontroller and actuators to cause the ischemia for a preset duration and then stop the ischemia for a preset duration, and to repeat the ischemia and reflow periods according to a preset program, simultaneously cause the second device to mechanically generate arterial shear stress according to a preset program of mechanical pulse amplitude, duration, and frequency; and to concurrently monitor hemodynamic parameters or markers of ischemia.

Abstract: This invention relates to orally ingested compositions for boosting metabolic rate and reducing or controlling levels of cholesterol and triglycerides and improving cardiovascular function, thus preferably assisting with weight loss and promoting cardiovascular health when administered to mammals, including humans.

Abstract: A system and method for inducing physiological effects of ischemic conditioning and physiological effects of shear stress in a subject's body that mimic the effect of exercise on the subject. The disclosure includes a first device configured to cause ischemia, a second device configured to mechanically generate arterial shear stress, and a third device configured to monitor one or more of markers of ischemia or hemodynamic parameters and further including a microcontroller and actuators to cause the ischemia for a preset duration and then stop the ischemia for a preset duration, and to repeat the ischemia and reflow periods according to a preset program, simultaneously cause the second device to mechanically generate arterial shear stress according to a preset program of mechanical pulse amplitude, duration, and frequency; and to concurrently monitor hemodynamic parameters or markers of ischemia.

Abstract: Methods and a device for improving wound healing and for improving the effects of rehabilitative therapies in patients with cognitive and motor deficits are provided. Repeated regimens of remote ischemic conditioning are performed. Markers of ischemia are monitored in the tissue. The remote ischemic conditioning regimen may be adjusted based on the monitoring results. The remote ischemic conditioning regimen can be performed at a hospital, medical clinic, healthcare facility, or at a subject's home.

Abstract: The present invention relates to assessing and measuring vascular and endothelial function. A vasostimulant is provided to a patient to stimulate hemodynamic activity in a selected extremity and vascular function is assessed by monitoring a change in a blood flow, skin temperature and/or blood oxygen content at the selected extremity and assessing the patient's vascular function based upon the monitoring.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for bottling/packaging orally ingested compositions, said method comprising compounds of nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, or polyceutical components, collectively unique combinations of liquid and solid elements such as pills and capsules. These can be nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, or polyceuticals for improving cardiovascular health. Said apparatus comprises a container having a conventional closure with an additional detachable base member. This packaging configuration divides the container into two chambers; the superior or upper chamber and the inferior or lower chamber. In one embodiment the upper chamber is designed to contain liquid compounds, whereas the lower detachable chamber is designed to contain solid matters such as pills and capsules. In one form of this invention the upper and lower chambers are attached to each other by a latching mechanism.

Abstract: Methods for ischemic conditioning treatments of a chronic medical condition are provided. Baseline disease-related parameters of a patient with a chronic medical condition are measured. Ischemia is induced in the patient by occluding and releasing arterial flow in one or more extremities of the patient. Post-ischemia parameters in the patient are measured. The baseline and post-ischemia parameters are compared to provide an assessment of an ischemic conditioning treatment of a chronic medical condition. The repeated, scheduled delivery of ischemic conditioning provides a beneficial, therapeutic effect on the chronic medical condition. Also provided is a device for pulse oximetry during periods of absent or low pulsatile blood flow including an artificial pulse generator as well as the use of said device in assessment of ischemic conditioning.