Abstract: A gastroscopic method of treating obesity of a patient using a device adapted to stretch a part of the stomach wall of said patient. The method comprising the steps of: inserting said device into the stomach of said patient through the esophagus, placing said device in contact with the stomach wall and fixating said device to the stomach wall such that said device can stretch a part of said stomach wall.

Abstract: An obesity treatment device is provided, the device comprising: at least one operable stretching device implantable in an obese patient and adapted to stretch a portion of the patient's stomach wall and an operation device for operating the stretching device when implanted to stretch the stomach wall portion such that satiety is created.

Abstract: An endoscope shaft frame member including a general tube shape with a section having a general helical shaped slot along a length of the section. The slot includes a general wavy shape along a length of the slot.

Abstract: It is an object to provide an endoscopic heart surgery method with which it is possible to observe an endoscopic image with a stable field of view in the pericardial space. Provided is an endoscopic heart surgery method including an inserting step of inserting an inserted portion of an endoscope into a body from the subxiphoid area and inserting the inserted portion into the pericardial space by penetrating the pericardium in the vicinity of the heart apex; a moving step of advancing the inserted portion toward the base of the heart so that the inserted portion passes through the vicinity of the roof of the pericardial space and is moved toward the heart apex to a treated area in the pericardial space; and an observing step of observing the treated area with the endoscope.

Abstract: Provided is a surgical apparatus for transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) in which a thin and long endoscope and surgical instruments are inserted through a natural orifice of a human body and the endoscope and surgical instruments are conveyed to the operation area in the body to perform the operation area in the body. According to the surgical apparatus for TEM, a rotation function is added to a barrel of the surgical apparatus for TEM to enable manual rotation of the barrel to a required extent and adjustment of an operation area, without separation of the surgical apparatus for TEM from a fixing frame during an operation. In addition, since the endoscope is disposed outside the barrel, it is possible to reduce the outer diameter of the barrel and uniformly maintain a visual direction of the endoscope even when the barrel is rotated. Further, since the rotation function is added to both the barrel and the surgical instrument insertion hole, more convenient operation is possible.

Abstract: An improved bipolar resection device provides an intuitive finger grip control in a smaller sheath package. Bipolar electrode wires occupy less space by extending in a closely abutting relationship along the sheath and exiting in a one above the other orientation that provides a reduced profile, allowing for better visualization during resection. In various embodiments, resection motion is provided through a rotational sweep transverse to the longitudinal axis of the resection device and may include push/pull motion. The sheath may be oval in shape and the bipolar electrode connected to the bipolar electrode wires having a narrow cross-section to improve resection site visualization.

Abstract: Devices are provided for manipulating tissue during a surgical procedure. In certain embodiments, an end effector is operably coupled to the end of an elongate shaft. The end effector has at least one tissue support linkage movably coupled thereto such that upon application of a first actuation force thereto, the tissue support linkage moves laterally outward from within the end effector to enable the surgeon to manipulate/support adjacent tissue therewith. Upon application of another actuation force to the tissue support linkage, the tissue support linkage is caused to move substantially completely within the outer perimeter of the end effector to enable the end effector to be inserted through a lumen/opening or passageway. In various embodiments, the end effector may be selectively articulateable relative to the elongate shaft.

Abstract: A system for endoscopic suturing is provided having an endoscope, such as a gastroscope, with a distal end locatable in the body of a patient and a flexible shaft extending to the distal end, a flexible accessory tube coupled to the endoscope to be movable relative to the endoscope's shaft, and a tip coupled to the shaft of the endoscope having an opening through which one end of the accessory tube is received. A tissue suturing instrument is provided having a partially flexible shaft locatable through the accessory tube, and a tissue engaging end coupled to the shaft. The tissue engaging end has a vacuum sleeve enabling suction to be selectably applied at the tissue engaging end to capture tissue through an opening in the vacuum sleeve. Two needles are provided which extend through the shaft of the suturing instrument. Each needle is separately actuated into a gap in the instrument's tip, through tissue suctioned into the opening of the vacuum sleeve and into a ferrule at each end of a loop of suture.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes: an endoscope equipped with an insertion portion, and an image pickup unit disposed at a distal end portion of the insertion portion; an illumination unit detachably connected to the endoscope; an imaging mode input unit used to set an imaging mode of the endoscope to one of a normal-light mode and a special-light mode; a processing condition selection unit which selects a processing condition for a color correction process of an endoscopic image based on the imaging mode; and a processor detachably connected to the endoscope and equipped with an image processing unit which performs the color correction process, under the processing condition selected by the processing condition selection unit, with respect to each of hue regions partitioned by at least eight reference color axes including six reference color axes which divide a color space into R (red), M (magenta), B (blue), C (cyan), G (green), and Y (yellow) hue regions and at least two reference color axes established additio

Abstract: An over-tube was developed for receiving and guiding endoscopic instruments into a patient's anus, through the colon, and into the peritoneum. The over-tube has a flexible sheath adapted for insertion into the anus through the colon and out the peritoneum of a patient. A stiffened region is used to protect the colonic wall from injury during insertion of medical instruments through the patient's lower gastrointestinal tract. The proximal end of the over-tube is surrounded by two narrow inflatable balloons on either side of the colotomy to keep the device in place with its lumen open into the peritoneum and further prevent leakage of insufflation. The device may comprise two channels, one for duel channel endoscopes and larger medical instruments or single lumen endoscopes, and an additional channel for surgical instruments. A distal valve prevents insufflation leakage, making the device especially useful in NOTES surgeries.

Abstract: A first fiber stub incorporating a first GI fiber is connected to a first optical fiber by a PC connection. The first GI fiber expands a beam diameter of light transmitted by the first optical fiber and collimates this light. A second fiber stub is connected to a second optical fiber by the PC connection. The second fiber stub, facing the first fiber stub across a predetermined gap G therebetween, converges the light transmitted from the first fiber stub using a second GI fiber incorporated therein. The second fiber stub transmits the converged light to the second optical fiber. When the first fiber stub or the second fiber stub is damaged, the first fiber stub or the second fiber stub is pulled out from a first sleeve or a second sleeve, respectively for replacement.

Abstract: An adherence indication tool for chronic disease self-management and method thereof for measuring adherence or compliance to following or achieving prescribed therapy steps to achieve stated target goals for improved chronic disease self-management are disclosed.

Abstract: In described embodiments, a data collection device receives signals from one or more patient monitoring devices, the signals representing patient data and other vital signs measured at a patient. The data collection device employs statistical quality algorithms to track irregular behavior and out-of-bound events, the behavior and events either being pre-set, adaptively set, or otherwise defined within pre-determined limits. The data collection device communicates alerting signals to a caregiver's handheld device when the irregular behavior and out-of-bound events occur. The alerting signals contain information related to the patient data, irregular behavior and out-of-bound events, thereby allowing a caregiver to take appropriate action.

Abstract: A body composition monitor of the present invention includes means for measuring a body composition, means for storing a measured body composition value, and body composition comparison means for comparing the measured body composition value and a stored body composition value, in which the body composition monitor further includes means for inputting a body weight value, means for storing an inputted body weight, body weight comparison means for comparing the inputted body weight and stored body weight, body composition change determination means for determining a change degree of the body composition value with using a comparison result of the body composition comparison means and a comparison result of the body weight comparison means, and display means for displaying a determination result determined by the body composition change determination means.

Abstract: A machine or system, article of manufacture or computer program product, or process for facilitating the analysis of the effect of diaper wear on sleep and/or developmental indicators including verifying a test diaper was secured on at least one of a first plurality of subjects; monitoring the subject for sleep initiation data; evaluating the sleep of the subject based upon sleep evaluation data.

Abstract: A system is provided that includes an ear sensor and an external device. The ear sensor includes a sensing component with sensors for sensing various physiological parameters. The ear sensor also includes a retaining component configured to retain the ear sensor to the ear of a wearer. As the retaining component retains the ear sensor to the ear, the sensing component may be configured to have an optimal surface contact between the sensors and the ear tissue, such that an improved physiological signal may be obtained. In some embodiments, the improved physiological signal may result in physiological data, which may be displayed and organized in the external device.

Abstract: A distributed wireless polysomnography (PSG) system is provided. The system includes plural wireless physiological signal acquiring devices and a base station, in which the base station is wirelessly and bi-directionally communicates with the wireless physiological signal acquiring devices. During PSG examination, the wireless physiological signal acquiring devices are worn by a patient and the base station is connected to a remote computer device via a network. Then, each of the wireless physiological signal acquiring devices acquires physiological signals through at least a sensing element connected thereto and/or built therein, and the acquired physiological signals are wirelessly transmitted, in real time, to the base station and then to, via the network, the remote computer device, so as to achieve a real time monitoring of the patient's physiological signals during sleep.

Abstract: A sensing insert device (100) is disclosed for measuring a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing insert device (100) can be temporary or permanent. Used intra-operatively, the sensing insert device (100) comprises an insert dock 202 and a sensing module 200. The sensing module (200) is a self-contained encapsulated measurement device having at least one contacting surface that couples to the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing module (200) comprises one or more sensors (303), electronic circuitry (307), and communication circuitry (320). The electronic circuitry (307) operatively couples to the one or more sensors (303) to measure the parameter. The communication circuitry (320) couples to the electronic circuitry (307) to wirelessly transmit measurement data. The sensing module (200) wirelessly sends one or more data packets where each data packet comprises sensor data and a priority level. The data packet can further include a cyclic redundancy check.

Abstract: An implant (110) for detecting at least one analyte (126) in a body fluid, in particular an eye fluid, is proposed. The implant (110) is designed to be implanted in a tissue layer and/or a chamber of an eye of a patient, the implant (110) having a hydrogel matrix (110) with at least one hydrogel (114). The implant (110) also has sensor particles (116) dispersed in the hydrogel matrix (110), the sensor particles (116) having at least one sensor matrix (120) with a sensor matrix material (122) and at least one sensor material (124).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a finger-clipped oximeter comprising: an upper case (2) in which a measuring element (4), a data processing circuit, batteries (6) and a display (3) are provided, a rectangular through hole being provided in the upper case (2); a finger pressed plate (10) in which a measuring element is also provided, a finger inserting hole (11) being formed between an upper surface of the finger pressed plate (10) and a lower surface of the upper case (2), a rectangular column (7) with a position corresponding to that of the rectangular through hole of the upper case (2) being provided on the finger pressed plate (10); and a pair of connectors which are capable of ascending or descending, each of the connectors including one U-shaped connecting rod (8), a middle portion of the U-shaped connecting rod (8) being a straight portion which extends through an edge portion on a side of the finger pressed plate (10), two arm portions of the U-shaped connecting rod (8) being inserted into the upper ca

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the non-invasive determination of the concentration of blood constituents, in which a radiation source (12) emits several radiation beams (14), each with a different wavelength. A first photo detector (18) receives the measurement radiation (14) of each wavelength that is reflected by a body part (16) to be examined. A second photo detector (22) receives the measurement radiation (24) of each wavelength that is transmitted by the body part (16) to be examined. The measurement radiation (14) of each wavelength that is absorbed by the body part (16) to be examined is then determined on the basis of the measurement of the reflected radiation (20) by the first radiation receiver (18) and the measurement of the transmitted radiation (24) by the second radiation receiver (22). The concentration of the different constituents is calculated from the absorption of the measurement radiation (14) that has been determined for each wavelength.

Abstract: A system (10) and method for measuring a composition in the blood fluid is disclosed. The system (10) comprises a non-invasive measuring unit (12) for measuring the composition; and at least one neural network (16) for processing a plurality of measurements taken by the non-invasive measuring unit (12) to determine an overall measurement of the composition in the blood fluid. A further aspect of the invention discloses a computer-readable medium for performing the above method.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a medical sensor assembly may be configured to switch between transmission and reflectance mode. Such sensors may include multiple optical sensing components that may be activated or silent, depending on the mode in use. A practitioner may switch between modes based on the particular situation of the patient or based on the signal quality.

Abstract: A physiological monitoring system can include a physiological monitor having one or more processors that can derive oxygen saturation values from a patient. The oxygen saturation values can correspond to values of oxygen saturation in blood at a tissue site of the patient. The physiological monitor can output an indication of amplitude of the differences per respiratory cycle in the oxygen saturation values.

Abstract: A system and method for determining physiological parameters of a patient based on light transmitted through the patient. The light may be transmitted via an emitter and received by a detector array that includes a plurality of detector elements. The emitter and the detector may both be located on a flexible substrate.

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein include those for the continual modification of intestinal microbes. Described herein are systems including sampling devices, analysis devices, computational devices and user interface devices as well as methods for the use of such devices in combination.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a sensor insertion tool (SIT) that provides a motive force for insertion of an analyte sensor into/through skin. A SIT may be releasably locked to one or more components of a sensor insertion system, such that components of the sensor insertion system remain securely coupled during sensor insertion. A SIT may include a release member that unlocks or uncouples the SIT and the other components after sensor insertion. In various embodiments, a SIT may be a component of a sensor insertion system configured for assembly by an end user, a health care professional, and/or a caretaker prior to sensor insertion, and may act in cooperation with other sensor insertion system components. Additional components and methods of assembly and use are also provided herein.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides electrode structures and integrated electrode structures having one or more conductive materials coextruded with one or more dielectric materials. The disclosed electrode structures can be configured for use as analyte sensors. Also provided, are methods of making and using the electrode structures and integrated electrode structures described herein.

Abstract: An apparatus houses an intravascular sensor and is configured to measure the analyte in a biological sample of a host. The apparatus includes a fluid coupler having a first end configured to mate with a connecting end of a catheter and a second end configured to mate with a tubing assembly including, for example, an infusion pump, and a housing connected to the fluid coupler. The housing is configured to receive a sensor disposed within the fluid coupler such that when the fluid coupler is mated to the catheter, the sensor can be exposed to a biological sample. The housing is also configured to electrically couple the sensor with an external device, such as a processor for receiving and analyzing the sensor output. The housing and the fluid coupler are connected such that a fluidic seal is formed thereby preventing fluid in the fluid coupler from entering the housing.

Abstract: A blood glucose measuring system which comprises a blood glucose (bG) meter and a portable communication device (PCD) and methods thereof are disclosed. The blood glucose meter comprises a measurement module and a wireless module, wherein the measurement module is operable to measure the blood glucose level of a blood sample, the wireless module is an embeddable module and communicates to the measurement module via a serial interface, and the wireless module is operable to wirelessly communicate to the portable communication device. The portable communication device is operable to wirelessly receive information from the blood glucose meter related to the blood glucose measurement.

Abstract: Methods and devices to detect analyte in body fluid are provided. Embodiments include analyte sensors designed so that at least a portion of the sensor is positionable beneath a skin surface during analyte monitoring.

Abstract: A long term analyte sensor for measuring at least one analyte in the body of a user and which includes a housing, a plurality of analyte contacting sensor elements and at least one structure for relaying information away from the sensor. This plurality of analyte contacting sensor elements are typically disposed in an array. The analyte sensor further includes at least one sensor protection membrane that is controllable in a manner such that sensor elements may be activated (e.g. exposed to the external environment) at different times so as to extend the useful life of the sensor. In illustrative analyte sensors, the analyte is glucose.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for calibrating a continuous analyte sensor, such as a continuous glucose sensor. One such system utilizes one or more electrodes to measure an additional analyte. Such measurements may provide a baseline or sensitivity measurement for use in calibrating the sensor. Furthermore, baseline and/or sensitivity measurements may be used to trigger events such as digital filtering of data or suspending display of data.

Abstract: An interactive analysis method for biosignals is disclosed. The method includes steps of providing at least a biosignal acquisition device, a user utilizing the biosignal acquisition device to acquire at least one kind of biosignals therefrom, the user uploading the acquired biosignals to a service platform through a network, wherein the service platform provides at least a set of processing means for said kind of biosignals with at least an algorithm included therein, the user selecting at least a desired processing means from the set of processing means, the service platform performing the selected processing means on the uploaded biosignals for producing an analysis result, the user deciding a handling flow for the analysis result, the user deciding a handling flow for the uploaded biosignals, and the service platform performing the handling flows decided by the user.

Abstract: A blood glucose monitoring system with a graphical user interface (GUI) and methods of controlling the system and performing episodic blood glucose testing using the GUI are disclosed. The system can comprise the GUI, an output display for displaying the GUI, user interfaces, a memory and a processor. An episodic blood glucose testing protocol can be programmed into the processor using the user interfaces and automatically saved into memory. A user can be alerted to test blood glucose levels based on the inputted testing protocol by the display of an alert icon on the GUI. Blood glucose level results can be received, displayed on the GUI along with a range icon and automatically saved into memory. Statistics of the saved blood glucose results can be calculated by the processor and saved into memory. The statistics can be retrieved for display on the GUI when prompted by the user.

Abstract: A blood glucose management device is operable to seamlessly provide a sequence of at least two displays of data relating to one or more blood glucose measurements to a user, upon minimal user interaction, with the blood glucose management device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a modular diabetes management system includes a portable, stand-alone blood glucose meter and a portable docking device that includes an internal receptacle sized and structured to receive and house the blood glucose meter. The docking device is generally operable to interface with the blood glucose meter and perform various diabetes management functions. For example, the docking device may be operable to analyze blood glucose measurement data stored on the blood glucose meter, configure the blood glucose meter, and/or interact with an insulin delivery device, just to name a few possibilities. Other embodiments include unique methods, systems, kits, assemblies, equipment, and/or apparatus which are related to the management of diabetes.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides in vitro analyte meters that include a meter portion that is moveable relative to at least one other meter portion. Embodiments include moveable meters that are integrated with in vivo analyte systems. Also provided are methods, systems and kits.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods to utilize factual information based on stored blood glucose data to allow greater insight into the management of diabetes of a user.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for calibrating a continuous analyte sensor, such as a continuous glucose sensor. One such system utilizes one or more electrodes to measure an additional analyte. Such measurements may provide a baseline or sensitivity measurement for use in calibrating the sensor. Furthermore, baseline and/or sensitivity measurements may be used to trigger events such as digital filtering of data or suspending display of data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for continuous measurement of an analyte in a host are provided. The system generally includes a continuous analyte sensor configured to continuously measure a concentration of analyte in a host and a sensor electronics module physically connected to the continuous analyte sensor during sensor use, wherein the sensor electronics module is further configured to directly wirelessly communicate displayable sensor information to a plurality of different types of display devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods for continuous measurement of an analyte in a host are provided. The system generally includes a continuous analyte sensor configured to continuously measure a concentration of analyte in a host and a sensor electronics module physically connected to the continuous analyte sensor during sensor use, wherein the sensor electronics module is further configured to directly wirelessly communicate displayable sensor information to a plurality of different types of display devices.

Abstract: An embodiment of an open-irrigated catheter system comprises a tip section, a distal insert, and mapping electrodes. The tip section has an exterior wall that defines an open interior region within the tip section. The exterior wall includes mapping electrode openings and irrigation ports. The exterior wall is conductive for delivering radio frequency (RF) energy for an RF ablation procedure. The irrigation ports are in fluid communication with the open interior region to allow fluid to flow from the open interior region through the irrigation ports. The distal insert is positioned within the tip section to separate the open region into a distal fluid reservoir and a proximal fluid reservoir. The mapping electrodes are positioned in the mapping electrode openings in the tip section.

Abstract: An electrode arrangement for low artifact electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring and defibrillation, comprises at least one conductor print line body having a large silver conductor print line area functioning as a defibrillation area and a small silver-silver chloride (Ag/AgCl) conductor print line area functioning as a sensing area, at least one non halide defibrillation gel layer and halide containing sensing gel layer configured to attach with the defibrillation area and sensing area respectively, and at least one insulated conductive ink line for connecting the conductor print line body to a cable that provides an electrical communication between the conductor print line body and an external equipment. When direct current runs through the conductor print line body, the large silver conductor print line area polarizes and the small Ag/AgCl conductor print line area does not polarize so that small Ag/AgCl conductor print line area senses ECG signal leading to low motion artifact.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an auricle-installed device including, a reference electrode to be placed on the ear lobe, a detection electrode to be placed on a surface exposed to bones surrounding the auricle of the ear, and a support body for supporting the reference and detection electrodes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mountable unit for biological signal measurement, including: three electrodes; and a support body configured to support the three electrodes at positions corresponding to a positional relationship among a predetermined position on a forehead on one side of a face bounded by a midline, a temple position on the one side of the face, and a predetermined position on a zygomatic body on the one side of the face.

Abstract: A photoacoustic wave detector detects a photoacoustic wave generated inside a specimen by light irradiated thereto. A signal processing device: forms first volume data from a first signal, the first signal being the detection signal acquired from the detector or a signal obtained by adjusting an amplitude of the detection signal; forms second volume data from a second signal, the second signal being a signal obtained by changing a phase of the first signal; forms third volume data from the first and second volume data; and generates and outputs image data representing information on an interior of the specimen from the third volume data.

Abstract: A dual-mode closed-loop measurement system (100) for capturing a transit time, phase, or frequency of energy waves propagating through a medium (122) is disclosed. A first device comprises an inductor drive circuit (102), an inductor (104), a transducer (106), and a filter (110). A second circuit comprises an inductor (114) and a transducer (116). A parameter to be measured is applied to the medium (122). The medium (122) is coupled between the first device and the second device. The first device initiates the transmit inductor (104) to query via inductive coupling to a receive inductor (114) on the second device via a first path. The inductor (114) triggers a transducer (116) on the second device to emit an energy wave that is propagated in the medium (122) and detected by the first device. The transit time of energy waves is affected by the parameter by known relationship.

Abstract: In a method and magnetic resonance (MR) system to automatically determine a position of a slice plane in an examination region for an MR angiography measurement. MR image data are acquired from the examination region with a flow-sensitive overview imaging sequence. A three-dimensional image data set is automatically generated with the use of the acquired MR signals. Signal intensity profiles that run through the three-dimensional image data set are automatically determined. The position of a blood vessel is determined from the signal intensity profiles, and the position of the slice plane for the MR angiography measurement is automatically determined using the position of the blood vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for combined magnetic resonance tomography and positron emission tomography imaging which is designed for recording PET image data of a person under examination from an examination area. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus includes a scanning unit, embodied to scan a prespecified area of the person under examination and based on the scanning, to determine a contour of the person under examination for the prespecified area; and a processing unit, embodied, based on the contour determined, to carry out an absorption correction of PET data which has been recorded from the prespecified area of the person under examination. A method is also disclosed.