Abstract: An apparatus for measuring skin moisture content, the apparatus including: an electrode unit comprising a reference (R) electrode, a current (C) electrode, and a measuring (M) electrode; an operational amplifier including an inverting input terminal that is supplied to a first voltage and connects with the R electrode, and an output terminal that connects with the C electrode; a switch controlling a connection between the output terminal and the C electrode; and a comparison control unit comparing the first voltage with a voltage at the output terminal, and controlling the switch to connect the output terminal and the C electrode when the voltage at the output terminal is less than or equal to a value that is acquired by multiplying the first voltage and a predetermined constant.

Abstract: The present invention identifies genes whose gene products are differentially expressed lymphedema tissues, particularly cutaneous tissue involved in whole organ response to lymphedema. The invention provides methods for diagnosing or assessing an individual's susceptibility to lymphedema. Also provided are therapeutic methods for treating a patient or methods for prophylactically treating an individual susceptible to lymphedema. Additionally, the invention describes screening methods for identifying agents that can be administered to treat individuals that have or at risk of developing lymphedema.

Abstract: A non-invasive method of determining the concentration of an analyte uses Raman or fluorescence spectral information. A high-intensity band of light is applied to one side of skin tissue. The high-intensity light enters the skin tissue and generates a Raman or fluorescence signal. A Raman-generating material or fluorescence-generating material is placed in a location nearest the other side of skin tissue. The Raman-generating or fluorescence-generating material is located generally opposite of the entry of the applied high-intensity light. The Raman or fluorescence signal is collected and the analyte concentration is determined using the collected Raman signal.

Abstract: A probe for sensing and imaging intracellular oxygen comprises an oxygen-sensitive fluorescent or phosphorescent dye combined with a hydrophilic macromolecular carrier and a cell loading agent. A method for sensing cellular oxygen using the probe is also described.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the foregoing problems associated with the prior art by providing a novel method and apparatus for, non-invasively detecting large nerve action potentials (NAPs) while effectively minimizing or substantially eliminating stimulus artifacts, even where the stimulation site and the detection site are in close physical proximity to one another, e.g., within about 2 cm of one another.

Abstract: Provided herein is a medical imaging system that allows for real-time guidance of, for example, catheters for use in interventional procedures. In one arrangement, an imaging system is provided that generate a series of images or frames during a dye injection procedure. The system is operative to automatically detect frames that include dye (bolus frames) and frames that are free of dye (mask frames). The series of images may be registered together to provide a common reference frame and thereby account for motion. Sets of mask frames and bolus frames are averaged together, respectively, to improve signal to noise qualities. A differential image is generated utilizing the average mask and average bolus frames. Contrast of the differential image may be enhanced. The system allows for motion correction, noise reduction and/or enhancement of a differential image in real time.

Abstract: The invention is based on the realization that brain cancer cells spread preferentially along paths of elevated water diffusion, such as along nerve fiber bundles, that can be measured by magnetic resonance (MR) diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and the migration of cancer cells away from the primary tumor can be predicted using computational models that incorporate DWI information. The invention therefore applies DWI and models cell migration to develop appropriate non-symmetric margins for radiation treatment of malignant brain tumors.

Abstract: A digital modality modeling system includes a computer with a digital memory adapted for storing patient densitometry information, an input and an output. An input subsystem includes a pair of source/receptor units mounted on a signal positioning subsystem, which is adapted for moving the source/receptor units through predetermined paths of movement, which can be circular or linear. The resulting tomographic data is synthesized to form any 3-D model or image, which is output for further analysis. A digital tomosynthesis method includes the steps of moving a pair of sensor/receptor units relative to a patient. The resulting signals output by the receptor are digitized and synthesized to form a 3-D image or model. Multiple depths of penetration and multiple widths can be captured from single acquisitions using digital tomosynthesis signal processing techniques.

Abstract: Surgical operation supporting apparatus and method is disclosed in which based on a plurality of high-definition tomographic images of an operation site produced before surgery, a three-dimensional model of the operation site is generated, and a surface of the operation site is optically measured during the surgical operation, and further, first position information that represents a three-dimensional position of each of points on the surface of the operation site is acquired. Further, an unexposed portion of the operation site is measured with ultrasonic waves during the surgical operation, and the second position information that represents a three-dimensional position of each of points in the unexposed portion of the operation site is acquired. Moreover, based on the first position information and the second position information, displacement and distortion occurring at each of the points in the operation site are estimated using the generated three-dimensional model.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention capable of operation with a three-dimensional ultrasonic image performs a scan with a 3D probe for a predetermined time to acquire 3D volume data, and displays a plurality of sections of a heart on a monitor display, in conducting a functional diagnosis of the motion of the heart walls of a specimen before and after the application of a load. Then, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus displays a positional relation between the probe and the heart so that display angles of the sections of the heart displayed on the monitor display may be constant.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may provide an image processing system and method for calculating the volume of a specific portion in a targeted body. According to an embodiment of the present invention, an image processing system may comprise a volume data receiver, a user interface, a display and a main processor. The volume data receiver may form volume data of a target object based on image data thereof. The user interface may receive reference section information on a reference section of the target object, slice section information on a plurality of slice sections each being perpendicular to the reference section and contour information from a user. The display may form an image of the reference section and images of the slice sections based on the volume data. The main processor may set a reference sectional object and slice sectional objects based on the reference section information and the slice section information, respectively.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging apparatus acquires image data that shows ultrasonic images from an image-acquisition unit. The acquired image data becomes video data combined with screen data in a video-data-generating unit. A record-control unit sends to a superposition unit the video data combined with the image data. The superposition unit is configured to superpose the image data or the screen data with information on the examination conditions. Once the information on the examination conditions is superposed by the superposition unit, the video data including the image data and the screen data is outputted to a recording device.

Abstract: An ultrasonic endoscope includes an insertion section, an operation section, an optical observation system, and an ultrasonic observation system. The optical observation system is disposed in the insertable section, and has an objective lens located on a face of a distal end of the insertion section. The ultrasonic observing system is disposed in the insertion section, and has an ultrasonic transducer disposed on the face of the distal end of the insertion section or further forward than the distal end.

Abstract: A plurality of concepts related to HIFU therapy are disclosed, including a technique to spatially track and display the relative positions of a HIFU focal point and an imaging plane from an ultrasound imager, so that a clinician can ensure that the HIFU focus remains in the image plane during HIFU therapy, thereby facilitating image guided HIFU therapy. Also disclosed are a plurality of transvaginal probes that include a HIFU transducer optimized for the treatment of uterine fibroids. In one embodiment, the probe includes a piezoceramic crystal bonded to an aluminum lens, to achieve a HIFU transducer having a focal length of about 4 cm. In another embodiment, the probe includes a generally spoon-shaped transducer including a plurality of individual emitter elements. Still another concept disclosed herein is a method for evaluating a quality of a coupling between a liquid-filled volume encompassing a HIFU transducer and a tissue interface.

Abstract: The field of the invention relates to medical imaging systems, and more particularly to systems and methods for estimating the size and position of a stent or other medical device within a patient. In one embodiment, a medical imaging system includes an elongated tubular member having distal and proximal ends, configured to be inserted into a vessel of a patient, an imaging device coupled to the distal end of the elongated tubular member, and a console electrically coupled to the imaging device, wherein the console includes a computer-usable medium, electrically coupled to the imaging device, having a sequence of instructions which, when executed by a processor, causes said processor to execute a process including generating an image of the vessel, and overlay one or more shapes onto the image to provide a visual approximation of the size and position of a medical device to be applied within the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for defining the lumen-intima interface (11) and media-adventitia interface (12) of a blood vessel (1), for example the carotid artery, includes means (40) for acquisition of a two-dimensional representation (10), for example a B-mode representation generated by an ultrasonographic machine (50), of a cross section of the vessel (1). The cross section of the vessel (1) can be longitudinal, obtained through sonographic linear probe (40) by means of not invasive analysis, or alternatively, a cross sectional view obtained by means of a sonographic intravascular probe. The two-dimensional representation (10) is given by means of a analog or digital video output transmitted to a calculator (60) for being computed by a specific algorithm.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus (ultrasonic elastograph) for measuring strain or elastic modulus of a tissue or an organ of a living body, creating a strain image or an elastic modulus image by assigning a hue to the measurement data corresponding to the measured value, combining these images with a black and white tomogram, displaying the synthetic image on a color monitor, and displaying the hue assigned to the measurement data with a color bar. Information on comparison between a measured value corresponding to the hue of the color bar displayed on the color monitor and the reference value of the measured value is displayed at a position adjacent to the color bar on the screen of the color monitor.

Abstract: A set of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) related systems, apparatuses and methods are disclosed. New catheter designs including contrast agent introduction subsystems and/or Doppler subsystems are disclosed. Methods for acquiring and analyzing Doppler data from intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) catheters are disclosed. RF-based detection of blood and/or contrast agents such as micro-bubbles are disclosed. Methods for frame-grating image data analysis permitting frame registration before, during and after a contrasting effect is imposed on a system being imaged are disclosed. Methods for difference imaging for contrast detection are disclosed. Methods for quantification and visualization of IVUS data are disclosed. And methods for IVUS imaging are disclosed.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a Doppler velocity information acquiring unit, a region-of-interest-setting unit and an instantaneous flow calculating unit. The Doppler velocity information acquiring unit is configured to acquire three-dimensional Doppler velocity information from an object by a three-dimensional scan with transmission and reception of an ultrasonic wave. The region-of-interest-setting unit is configured to set a region of interest spatially. The instantaneous flow calculating unit is configured to calculate an instantaneous blood flow in the region of interest with using the three-dimensional Doppler velocity information.

Abstract: A support for sonographers provides a path of force transmission from an ultrasound probe to the sonographer's upper arm bypassing the wrist, and thus reducing wrist injuries that can come from the need to tightly grip and restrain an ultrasound probe for long periods of time.

Abstract: The difference frequency component between a first fundamental wave of frequency f and a second fundamental wave of frequency f2 is caused to interact with a second harmonic wave, thereby to attain the enhancement of a second harmonic signal, etc., whereby a reflected wave component to be imaged is extracted at a high S/N ratio. By way of example, in a case where the difference frequency component is to appear on the lower frequency side of the second harmonic wave of the first fundamental wave so as to be superposed on this second harmonic wave, the frequencies are set at f2=2.8 f or so. Besides, in a case where the difference frequency component is to appear on the higher frequency side of the second harmonic wave of the first fundamental wave so as to be superposed on this second harmonic wave, the frequencies are set at f2=3.2 f or so.

Abstract: Near infrared imaging using elastic light scattering and tissue autofluorescence and utilizing interior examination techniques and equipment are explored for medical applications. The approach involves imaging using cross-polarized elastic light scattering and/or tissue autofluorescence in the Near Infra-Red (NIR) coupled with image processing and inter-image operations to differentiate human tissue components.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for spectral unmixing of in vivo light data. The spectral unmixing separates image data according to spectra from multiple internal light sources in an effort to isolate one or more spectrum of interest. The spectral unmixing obtains images with a combination of different and known excitation and emission limits. The spectral unmixing then uses an iterative solution process to separate spectra for the multiple fluorescent light sources, and provides a spectrum and/or a spatial distribution map for at least one of the internal light sources.

Abstract: Without setting an examination site, it is possible to easily position an end face of a narrow-diameter end portion at a suitable position with respect to an examination target, allowing an image of the examination site to be acquired quickly and easily. The invention provides an objective-lens guiding device comprising a support portion secured to an objective lens having a narrow-diameter end portion; and a cylindrical portion for accommodating the narrow-diameter end portion. The support portion supports the cylindrical portion such that a front end of the cylindrical portion is disposed at a location farther toward the front than an end face of the narrow-diameter end portion, and so as to be capable of moving in an optical axis direction.

Abstract: A wrist-mounted device (100) for measuring at least one physiological parameter of the user. The present invention enables such a measurement to preferably be transformed into clinically useful information about the user. Such information may then optionally be sent to medical personnel, for example at a contact and/or monitoring center. The measuring parameters may include blood pressure, ECG, location. The present invention can perform a Holter process over more than one physiological parameter.

Abstract: A system and method for automated diagnosis of atrial fibrillation through remote monitoring is described. Physiological measures including data either recorded on a regular basis by a medical device or derived therefrom are stored. Physiological measures recorded during a baseline period are identified. Physiological measures including cardiac rhythm and changes to the cardiac rhythm originating subsequent to the baseline period are identified. Cardiac rhythm changes for palpitations are evaluated and a time course for the cardiac rhythm changes upon an indication of palpitations is determined. A patient status including an onset of atrial fibrillation conditioned on the time course comprising a short duration is formed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for detecting sleep apnea by analyzing characteristic physiological oscillations of the heart rate variability (HRV). Starting from recorded ECG data of the patient, for example, as a long-term sequence of the changing RR intervals, the heart rate variability is examined using autocorrelation calculations for the occurrence of rhythmic oscillations of various frequencies. If oscillations typical for apnea occur having very long period durations in the range of 20 to 80 seconds, these are detected as a maximum of the autocorrelation function. If a pathological sleep apnea accordingly exists, individual apnea events may be identified by prompt analysis of short recorded RR sequences, e.g., in the minute interval.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for measuring vital signs from a patient that includes: 1) a first adhesive patch featuring a first electrode that measures a first electrical signal from the patient; 2) a second adhesive patch featuring a second electrode that measures a second electrical signal from the patient; 3) a third adhesive patch, in electrical communication with the first and second adhesive patches, featuring an optical system that measures an optical waveform from the patient; and 4) a controller that receives and processes the first and second electrical signals and the optical waveform to determine the patient's vital signs.

Abstract: Devices and methods for monitoring the flow of blood through an intravascular device are disclosed. An apparatus for monitoring blood flow in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an intravascular device coupled to an elongated member, a first sensor adapted to measure fluidic pressure proximal the intravascular device, a second sensor adapted to measure fluidic pressure distal the intravascular device, and a control unit for comparing the signals received from the first and second sensors to determine the pressure drop across the intravascular device.

Abstract: An implantable medical device such as an implantable pacemaker or implantable cardioverter/defibrillator includes a programmable sensing circuit providing for sensing of a signal approximating a surface electrocardiogram (ECG) through implanted electrodes. With various electrode configurations, signals approximating various standard surface ECG signals are acquired without the need for attaching electrodes with cables onto the skin. The various electrode configurations include, but are not limited to, various combinations of intracardiac pacing electrodes, portions of the implantable medical device contacting tissue, and electrodes incorporated onto the surface of the implantable medical device.

Abstract: A method for the assessment of neuromuscular function by motor unit number estimation, comprising: (i) determining and controlling stimulation and data acquisition process via pre-configured electrode array so as to acquire stable and less uncertainty MU responses; (ii) pre-processing acquired MUs responses so as to attenuate noise, determine MUs activity region, and improve processing speed and accuracy; (iii) minimizing alternation effects by globally searching and comparing SMUPs; (iv) eliminating alternation effects by identifying alternating MUs directly; and (v) computing and reporting MUNE results, as well as the statistical description of these MUN estimates to evaluate its robustness.

Abstract: A nasal cannula, for supplying a respiratory gas to a patient, comprising: a pair of spaced apart supply lines which each have a head at one end thereof with a discharge opening therein. The opposite end of each supply line is connectable to a respiratory gas source. Each head is sized to be snugly received and retained within one of the nasal cavities of the patient while forming a sufficient leakage passage, between a portion of inwardly facing nasal cavity skin of a patient and a portion of an exterior surface of the head, to facilitate exhausting of any excess respiratory gas supplied to the patient through the leakage passage and also facilitate inhalation of any room air required in excess of the respiratory gas to be supplied to the patient.

Abstract: An insertion sleeve assembly consisting of a sleeve and an insertion instrument. The sleeve is made of a material that collapses after having been introduced into the body and on withdrawal of the biopsy needle. Cells are captured as a result. Such a material can be a material that is relatively rigid at relatively low temperature and low humidity outside the body and becomes soft on insertion into the body under the influence of temperature and moisture. The insertion sleeve can be provided with a number of break locations so that no stress can arise between the various parts of the body after withdrawal of the biopsy needle.

Abstract: A wire guide includes at least one body portion and a threaded hermaphroditic connector at an end of the at least one body portion adapted to threadably engage a second substantially identical threaded hermaphroditic connector.

Abstract: An osteochondral transplantation procedure according to which a harvested graft is implanted in an area of a patient's body and is tracked relative to the area during the implantation. Images are displayed that correspond to the tracking.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and a device for measurement and assessment of oedema, especially with regard to a combination of the two types of oedema called pitting oedema and brawny oedema. The method comprises the steps of reading the frequency of a freely and in resonance oscillating sensor, the application of the in resonance oscillating sensor against an oedema to a certain depth of depression and the continuous reading of the force of application and the resonance frequency of the in resonance oscillating sensor. The device comprises a measuring head that is adjustably supported by a stand and exhibits partly a freely and in resonance oscillating sensor (6) for making a resonance system together with the oedema when applied to it, partly a means of reading the current resonance frequency of the sensor, partly means (5) for measuring the force with which the sensor is applied to the oedema.

Abstract: A body mass diagnostic system comprising input means for entry of at least one of weight data and other data and a computing device in communication with the input means. The computing device comprising a body mass index module for generating a BMI result for evaluation by a physician and a diagnostic module for generating a diagnostic result based at least on the BMI result and direction from a physician, for at least one patient to implement.

Abstract: This invention relates to ultrasound delivery apparatus comprising flexible arrays of transducers and to methods and topical compositions for the treatment of skin, in particular for the treatment of cosmetic skin conditions and to improve the appearance of sun damaged and/or aged skin; the invention further relates to the use of such apparatus and compositions in methods of treating skin, which methods may incorporate the application of ultrasound. The composition may comprise one or more anti-gfycation agent, one or more anti-oxidant, a dermatologically acceptable excipient and optionally one or more substance capable of inducing expression of a molecular chaperone.

Abstract: A method of treating glaucoma is described herein. The method includes the steps of providing an ultrasonic device that emits ultrasonic energy, holding the ultrasonic instrument at a location external to the trabecular meshwork, transmitting the ultrasonic energy at a frequency to a desired location for a predetermined time, dislodging material built up in the trabecular meshwork, and generating heat that initiates biochemical changes in the eye.

Abstract: A continuous passive motion device for providing oscillatory motion of a patient's foot to mobilize the patient's toe through a variable range of orientations about a pivot axis. The device may include a foot base having one or more hinged toe plates pivotably attached to the foot base. The foot base may be attached to a support assembly such that the foot base may be pivoted about a horizontal axis. A drive motor may be connected to the support assembly to continuously oscillate the foot plate up and down through a predetermined range of angles about the horizontal axis. The hinged top plate may be attached to the support assembly such that rotation of the foot plate will cause the toe plate to hinge in the opposite direction of the rotation of the foot and resulting in the patient's toe being oscillated through a range of flexion and extension. This range of angles of motion for the toe will be a function of the range of motion of the footplate.

Abstract: A massager includes a main body provided with a treating element movable to a plurality of parts to be treated. A part selecting unit allows a user to select a desired one among parts to be treated. A control unit controls the treating element to move to the to-be-treated part selected by using the part selecting unit and to perform a massage operation which is pre-stored corresponding to the part to be treated.

Abstract: The invention provides a device and a method for exercising a user's leg whose lower leg tibial portion can be rotatably controlled during exercise. The device includes user-controlled rotatable drums connected to a sheet that surrounds a lower leg cuff for rotating and providing corrective forces on a user's knee joint during leg exercise. The device can be used with weight training equipment commonly found in commercial gyms, as well as in a user's home, or in clinics, to assist in rehabilitating malaligned knee joints.

Abstract: Described is a linkage for coupling an external fixtaor to a brace supporting an appendage. The linkage comprises, a pair of mounting members, a pair of first elongate members, a pair of position fixing members, a second pair of elongate members and a pair of quick release mechanisms. The mounting members are selectively coupleable to the external fixator. Each of the first elongate members is rotatably coupled to a corresponding one of the mounting members. Each of the position fixing members includes first and second locking channels for slidably receiving a corresponding one of the first elongate members in the first locking channel. Each of the second elongate members is slidably received in a corresponding one of the second locking channels. The quick release mechanisms couple the pair of the first elongate members to the pair of mounting members.

Abstract: A walk supporting device includes a seating member on which a user is seated in a straddling manner and a pair of left and right leg links that support the seating member from below. Each of the leg links is coupled to the seating member to freely swing in a horizontal direction. The seating member is prevented from rolling around a support shaft serving as a swing fulcrum in the horizontal direction of the leg link to improve stability in the horizontal direction of the seating member. A stopper member coupled to the seating member is inserted between joint sections at upper ends of left and right leg links supported by the support shaft. A regulating mechanism that regulates the seating member in a posture orthogonal to an equiangular bisector of an angle in the horizontal direction formed by the left and right leg links may be provided.

Abstract: A sutureless biopsy closure that includes an adhesive member adapted to be disposed over a biopsy region prior to the performance of the biopsy; at least one adhesive strip including one end supported on the adhesive member and a second free end forming a tab. The tab is adapted to extend over the biopsy region to seal the wound.

Abstract: A wound dressing that includes two layers for a two part solution to the needs of a healing skin wound. The first step involves a relatively closed system wherein moisture is kept near the skin to promote healing. The second step allows for removal of a top layer of the dressing to reveal a layer with a series of apertures that allows for 100% moisture vapor and oxygen transmission rates to avoid irritation and itching of the skin. At the same time, the bottom layer of the wound dressing maintains a significant outer perimeter that prevents the perimeter migration of microorganisms into the healing wound. The wound dressing can also be used as a means for securing medical instruments, such as intravenous catheters, to the skin of a patient while avoiding the itching and irritation associated with traditional methods.

Abstract: An ultrafiltration device adapted to be worn on a portion of the body of a patient includes a blood inlet tube leading from a first blood vessel, a blood pump, an anticoagulant reservoir for infusing anticoagulants into the blood, a blood filter including a substrate through which the blood is circulated and filtered, a fluid bag for storing the excess fluid and a blood outlet tube leading to a second blood vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preventing or treating Alzheimer's disease (AE). According to said method, a means for inducing a sequestration of amyloid ? (A?) into a plasma is administered to a person, and the person is treated by means of an apheresis device comprising a fixed carrier that can come into contact with the blood or plasma flow and comprises a receptor binding an amyloid-?-precursor-protein (APP), the APP being removed from the blood of the person by means of the apheresis device. The invention also relates to a set for carrying out said method.

Abstract: An implantable catheter or shunt for draining fluid from a body cavity. The catheter or shunt body has a wall structure that carries one or more therapeutic agents in a manner enabling release of the therapeutic agent from the wall structure in situ after surgical implantation of the catheter or shunt body. The therapeutic agent can be gradually released over time to prevent infection, inhibit tissue ingrowths, and/or provide some other desired medicinal purpose. As an example, the therapeutic agent can be rapamycin or an mTOR inhibitor. According to some contemplated embodiments of the present invention, the therapeutic agent carried by the catheter/shunt is rechargeable or refillable in situ so that the therapeutic agent can be gradually released from the catheter/shunt over the expected useful life of the catheter/shunt.

Abstract: An applicator for a device for electrokinetic delivery of medicament to a treatment site includes an applicator head having an active electrode, a matrix, and a medicament or a medicament and an electrically conductive carrier, carried by the matrix in electrical contact with the electrode. The cartridge includes a plurality of raised projections allowing the matrix and head to be ultrasonically welded one to the other. The electrode opens through a face of the head remote from the matrix for connection with an electrical connector carried by the device. A lid overlies the matrix and is releasably attached to a margin of the head. The lid includes layers of different materials with one of the layers formed of a metallic material having a discontinued interface with the lid and a tab carried by the lid.