Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes: reproduction means for reproducing 3D content; and detection means for detecting a biological signal associated with a viewer who is viewing the 3D content, wherein the reproduction means attenuates the 3D effect of the 3D content when the viewer's biological signal produced when the 3D content is being reproduced exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A noninvasive or minimally invasive procedure and system for measuring blood glucose levels is disclosed. A set of photodiodes detects the fluorescence and reflectance of light energy emitted from one or more emitters, such as LEDs, into a patient's skin. In an embodiment, small molecule metabolite reporters (SMMRs) that bind to glucose are introduced to the measurement area to provide more easily detected fluorescence.

Abstract: Utilization of a contact device placed on the eye in order to detect physical and chemical parameters of the body as well as the non-invasive delivery of compounds according to these physical and chemical parameters, with signals being transmitted continuously as electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared and the like. One of the parameters to be detected includes non-invasive blood analysis utilizing chemical changes and chemical products that are found in the conjunctiva and in the tear film. A transensor mounted in the contact device laying on the cornea or the surface of the eye is capable of evaluating and measuring physical and chemical parameters in the eye including non-invasive blood analysis. The system utilizes eye lid motion and/or closure of the eye lid to activate a microminiature radio frequency sensitive transensor mounted in the contact device. The signal can be communicated by wires or radio telemetered to an externally placed receiver.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide apparatuses for examining/diagnosing clinical disease of cancer, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. Blood, blood-derived component, urine, sweat, nail, skin, or hair is irradiated with light having a wavelength of 400 to 2,500 nm or a part of the range, of which the reflection light, the transmission light, or the transmission reflection light is then detected to give spectroscopic absorbance data, and afterward a previously prepared analysis model is used to analyze the absorbance over the whole wavelengths or at a specific wavelength for the measurement to allow the achievement of the object.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include an orb or lamp communicating with a noninvasive monitor to provide a readily identifiable point indication of a wellness of a monitored patient. In an embodiment the orb emits a color gradient from a first color through at least two other colors responsive to values of a wellness measurement. Exemplary wellness indications include one or a statistical combination of blood constituent measurements, combinations of other physiological parameters, or the like.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, techniques for estimating scalogram energy values in a wedge region of a scalogram are disclosed. A pulse oximetry system including a sensor or probe may be used to receive a photoplethysmograph (PPG) signal from a patient or subject. A scalogram, corresponding to the obtained PPG signal, may be determined. In an approach, energy values in the wedge region of the scalogram may be estimated by performing convolution-based or convolution-like operations on the obtained PPG signal, or a transformed version thereof, and the scalogram may be updated according to the estimated values. In an approach, a deskewing technique may be used to align data prior to adding the data to the scalogram. In an approach, one or more signal parameters may be determined based on the resolved and estimated values of the scalogram.

Abstract: A sensor cover according to embodiments of the disclosure is capable of being used with a non-invasive physiological sensor, such as a pulse oximetry sensor. Certain embodiments of the sensor cover reduce or eliminate false readings from the sensor when the sensor is not in use, for example, by blocking a light detecting component of a pulse oximeter sensor when the pulse oximeter sensor is active but not in use. Further, embodiments of the sensor cover can prevent damage to the sensor. Additionally, embodiments of the sensor cover prevent contamination of the sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for non-invasively determining a blood oxygenation level within a subject's tissue is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) providing a spectrophotometric sensor operable to transmit light into the subject's tissue, and to sense the light; b) inputting into the sensor at least one of the subject's age, weight, brain development, and head size; c) spectrophotometrically sensing the subject's tissue along a plurality of wavelengths using the sensor, and producing signal data from sensing the subject's tissue; and d) processing the signal data utilizing the at least one of the subject's age, weight, brain development, and head size, to determine the blood oxygen saturation level within the subject's tissue using a difference in attenuation between the wavelengths.

Abstract: According to embodiments, techniques for estimating scalogram energy values in a wedge region of a scalogram are disclosed. A pulse oximetry system including a sensor or probe may be used to receive a photoplethysmograph (PPG) signal from a patient or subject. A scalogram, corresponding to the obtained PPG signal, may be determined. In an arrangement, energy values in the wedge region of the scalogram may be estimated by calculating a set of estimation locations in the wedge region and estimating scalogram energy values at each location. In an arrangement, scalogram energy values may be estimated based on an estimation scheme and by combining scalogram values in a vicinity region. In an arrangement, the vicinity region may include energy values in a resolved region of the scalogram and previously estimated energy values in the wedge region of the scalogram. In an arrangement, one or more signal parameters may be determined based on the resolved and estimated values of the scalogram.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein may include systems and methods for monitoring physiological parameters of a patient. Specifically, embodiments disclose the use of a generally self-contained pulse oximeter that is small and lightweight, such that it may be comfortably affixed to a patient to provide physiological data pertaining to the patient. Embodiments also provide methods of using and manufacturing a pulse oximetry patch.

Abstract: Analyte sensors and methods of manufacturing same are provided, including analyte sensors comprising multi-axis flexibility. For example, a multi-electrode sensor system 800 comprising two working electrodes and at least one reference/counter electrode is provided. The sensor system 800 comprises first and second elongated bodies E1, E2, each formed of a conductive core or of a core with a conductive layer deposited thereon, insulating layer 810 that separates the conductive layer 820 from the elongated body, a membrane layer deposited on top of the elongated bodies E1, E2, and working electrodes 802?, 802? formed by removing portions of the conductive layer 820 and the insulating layer 810, thereby exposing electroactive surface of the elongated bodies E1, E2.

Abstract: Analyte sensors and methods of manufacturing same are provided, including analyte sensors comprising multi-axis flexibility. For example, a multi-electrode sensor system 800 comprising two working electrodes and at least one reference/counter electrode is provided. The sensor system 800 comprises first and second elongated bodies E1, E2, each formed of a conductive core or of a core with a conductive layer deposited thereon, insulating layer 810 that separates the conductive layer 820 from the elongated body, a membrane layer deposited on top of the elongated bodies E1, E2, and working electrodes 802?, 802? formed by removing portions of the conductive layer 820 and the insulating layer 810, thereby exposing electroactive surface of the elongated bodies E1, E2.

Abstract: A continuous glucose monitoring system including a sensor configured to detect one or more glucose levels, a transmitter operatively coupled to the sensor, the transmitter configured to receive the detected one or more glucose levels, the transmitter further configured to transmit signals corresponding to the detected one or more glucose levels, and a receiver operatively coupled to the transmitter configured to receive transmitted signals corresponding to the detected one or more glucose levels, and methods thereof, are disclosed. In one aspect, the transmitter may be configured to transmit a current data point and at least one previous data point, the current data point and the at least one previous data point corresponding to the detected one or more glucose levels.

Abstract: An ambulatory medical device for detecting acceleration, temperature, and/or humidity conditions in or around the medical device is provided. The medical device includes one or more acceleration, thermal, and/or humidity sensors which detect acceleration, temperature, and/or humidity conditions in or around the medical device. In response to detected conditions, the medical device may, among other things, alter the operation of the device, provide an alarm or warning to the user, or transmit data about the detected conditions to another device.

Abstract: Electromyographic and mechanomyographic parameters of a patient are detected accurately with few artifacts in a medical sensor device (11) for a patient. The medical sensor device (11) includes an electrode (12) for detecting an electric voltage on a body surface of the patient, a holding element (10) with preferably at least one transmission means for transmitting or conducting signals or electric currents, at least one mechanical connection means (14) for the detachable mechanical connection of electrode (12) with holding element (10), and at least one electric connection means (15) for the detachable electric connection of electrode (12) with holding element (10). the holding element (10) comprising at least one sensor for detecting at least one medical parameter of the patient.

Abstract: Catheters and methods for obtaining monophasic action potential (“MAP”) electrograms include a flexible catheter body defining a longitudinal axis, and a distal assembly affixed to the catheter body distal end defining a distal tip. The distal assembly has at least three MAP recording electrodes, and at least one reference electrode for determining reference potential. The recording electrodes are each positioned a radial distance from the longitudinal axis in at least three different radial directions, defining a recording geometry substantially having radial symmetry. The reference electrode is a longitudinal distance from the recording geometry. Optional features include a steerable catheter shaft, one or more radio-frequency ablation electrodes, and a dedicated pacing electrode. Different possible embodiments include a dome housing having the recording electrodes in a fixed spatial arrangement, and a distal loop assembly having an array of electrodes on at least three flexible loop elements.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a cardiac condition of a patient includes a diagnostic center configured to construct a 12-lead ECG of a patient using a special ECG signals numbering less than twelve by combining the special ECG signals with a transformation matrix, and a wearable device configured to generate the special ECG signals and including. The wearable device includes a belt having one or more belt electrodes, a waistband having one or more waistband electrodes, the belt and waistband electrodes configured to contact the skin of the patient and obtain electrical signals therefrom, and a host unit in electrical communication with the belt and waistband electrodes, the host unit including circuitry for generating the special ECG signals from one or more of the acquired electrical signals and circuitry for special ECG signals to a location remote from the wearable device.

Abstract: Provided herein is an electrode device comprising an interface comprising at least one magnetic contact. The interface can be adaptable to be in communication with an electronic member, wherein the magnetic contact on the interface is adaptable to align and position the electronic member with respect to the interface. The interface can be further adaptable to remain affixed to a patient while an electronic member is removed and/or inserted from the interface. Further provided herein are methods of using the electrode device and kits.

Abstract: A biomedical sensor for detecting EMG signals may include a non-conducting fixed framework supporting a symmetrical arrangement of four electrode surfaces, configured as two signal detection contacts, each with a respective associated signal reference contact. The mechanical and electrical configuration act together to suppress movement artifact.

Abstract: A THz radiation probe (1) for examining an object (8), the probe comprising a first portion configured to be inserted into an opening of said object in a first direction (5), said probe further comprising at least one THz emitter (15), directing means (7) for directing THz radiation emitted from said emitter to said object via an aperture (2) located at said first portion and subsequently from said object to at least one THz detector (17) and, means for scanning said emitted THz radiation across said object in a scan direction, said scan direction having a component in said first direction (5).

Abstract: A system and methods for more efficient review, processing, analysis and diagnoses of medical imaging data is disclosed. The system and methods include automatically segmenting and labeling imaging data by anatomical feature or structure. Additional tools that can improve the efficiency of health care providers are also disclosed.

Abstract: An embodiment of a mapping probe assembly includes a body frame with a lumen therein. The body frame includes a catheter shaft region, a loop section and a transition region between the catheter shaft region and a loop section. A plurality of mapping electrodes are attached around the loop section. Electrical conductors extend through the lumen of the body frame to the mapping electrodes. In some embodiments, the loop section is skived, where a portion of the body frame is removed toward the interior of the loop section. The loop section has a generally planar loop, and further has a loop center. In some embodiments, the catheter shaft has an alignment generally perpendicular to the loop section where the alignment of the catheter shaft is along a line that intersects the planar loop proximate to the loop center.

Abstract: A multivariate, pattern-based system and method for recognition of brain states and generation of feedback considering both the spatial and temporal pattern of network of brain activity is described. The system can be applied for enhancing a desired function or behavior, or to alleviate a behavioral or neurological problem. The system can also be used to investigate the spatiotemporal evolution of a network of brain activity corresponding to a brain function, by changing the activity as an independent variable and studying its effect on behavior.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosis of fibrotic diseases, staging of fibrotic diseases and monitoring treatment of fibrosis. The presence of fibrotic tissue is detected. First, a T1? relaxation time of tissue is determined using magnetic resonance imaging. The determined T1? relaxation time is then compared to a baseline T1? relaxation time indicative of healthy tissue, and the presence of fibrotic tissue is then determined based on results of said comparison step. To determine a stage of fibrosis, a T1? relaxation time of tissue is determined and compared to one or more calibrated T1? relaxation times indicative of one or more stages of fibrosis, and the stage of fibrosis is determined based on results of said comparison step. The proposed technology offers a non-invasive MRI technique based on T1? contrast that is sensitive enough to detect small changes of ECM hepatic protein concentration and architecture in all stages of hepatic fibrosis.

Abstract: A system and method for non-contrast enhanced pulmonary vein magnetic resonance imaging substantially suppresses the signal from cardiac tissue adjacent to the left atrium and pulmonary vein is provided. Significant conspicuity of the left atrium and pulmonary vein versus adjacent anatomical structures is produced. In this manner, more accurate measurements of pulmonary vein ostia size are facilitated, as well as more accurate registration of imaging volumes with a radiofrequency ablation catheter during pulmonary vein isolation procedures. In addition, more robust three-dimensional volume views of the left atrium and pulmonary vein are produced without the administration of contrast agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1) for guiding a invasive medical instrument (4), such a needle, a syringe, a biopter, or the like, relative to an imaging apparatus (3). The imaging apparatus is essentially non-invasive. The device of the invention comprises an accommodation (2) for the imaging apparatus. Also the device has a guide (5) adjacent the accommodation for guiding the medical device relative to the imaging apparatus. Thus accurate positioning of the medical instrument is enabled, while keeping the needle in the line of sight of the imaging apparatus. In particular a guide surface (7) is defined, and where opposite the guide surface at least partially resilient press means (8) are provided, which in use press the medical instrument against the guide surface. Thus medical instruments having different sizes or diameters can be employed and maneuvered within a plane of use corresponding with a line or field of sight of an imaging apparatus.

Abstract: A fiduciary marker includes a hollow cylindrical body comprised of a bio-compatible polymer and including a first end, a second end, an inner surface extending between the first end to the second end and an outer surface extending between the first end to the second end. A plurality of apertures are formed in the body and extend from the inner surface to the outer surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combined shock wave therapy and X-ray apparatus having an oblique arrangement of a stand (5) of said apparatus relative to a patient berth (1).

Abstract: A method is disclosed for distending a body lumen in the performance of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The method comprises insufflating the body lumen with contrast agent to distend the body lumen. The contrast agent includes gas.

Abstract: Provided is a method of delivering a medicament or a diagnostic agent to a subject in need thereof by (a) introducing a microtube configured to deliver the medicament or the diagnostic agent into the subject, said microtube comprises an electrospun shell and an electrospun coat over an internal surface of said shell, and (b) administering the medicament or the diagnostic agent through said microtube, thereby delivering the medicament or the diagnostic agent to the subject. Also provided are kits for delivering a medicament or a diagnostic agent.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ultrasonic wave irradiation device usable for the application of a phase change type ultrasonic wave contrast medium, in which any interference between ultrasonic wave irradiation for the phase change application and ultrasonic wave irradiation for treatment application does not occur. An ultrasonic wave with a high frequency and a large magnitude of the maximum negative pressure is used for the phase change application, and an ultrasonic wave with a lower frequency and a large magnitude of the maximum positive pressure is used for the treatment application.

Abstract: A marker delivery device is configured for deploying a tissue marker. The marker delivery device includes a handle having a chamber, and a cannula. According to one aspect, the cannula has a flexible portion formed by a slot arrangement having of a plurality of spaced-apart substantially parallel peripheral slots extending through the side wall of the cannula to the lumen. A marker introducer rod is movably disposed in the lumen of the cannula for deploying the mark, and has a flexible region that corresponds to the flexible portion of the cannula. According to another aspect, a retraction mechanism is mounted to the handle and is configured to facilitate a complete retraction of both the cannula and the marker introducer rod into the chamber of the housing of the handle upon an actuation of the retraction mechanism.

Abstract: A photodynamic mapping device includes a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end, at least one optical electrode at the distal end of the shaft, and at least one optical fiber positioned inside the shaft. In embodiments, the at least one optical fiber extends from the distal end of the shaft and is coupled to the at least one optical electrode provided at or about an outer surface of the device. In an embodiment, at least one optical fiber is coupled, at or about the proximal end of the shaft, to a light source coupled and an optical sensor. An analyzer can be coupled to the optical sensor. Embodiments of such devices can be configured to deliver substances, such as photodynamic therapeutic substances.

Abstract: Method for measuring a physical parameter in soft tissues of a mammal, in which a mechanical shear wave is propagated through the soft tissues and observation of the propagation leads to determine values of a shear wave propagation parameter. The physical parameter is computed on the basis of these values.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to an acoustic sensor, that can be used to identify various fluids as well as concentrations of compounds dissolved in fluids.

Abstract: A medical treatment apparatus includes a high intensity focused ultrasound transducer disposable in juxtaposition to a patient, a servomechanism operatively connected to the transducer for moving the transducer along a path, a signal generator operatively connected to the transducer for energizing same to produce focused ultrasonic pressure waves in the patient continuously during motion of the transducer along the path, and a computer operatively connected to the servomechanism for determining the path and controlling the servomechanism to move the transducer along the path. The computer is operatively connected to the generator for controlling same to energize the transducer continuously during motion of the transducer along the path.

Abstract: Embodiments for providing a plurality of slice images are disclosed. In one embodiment, by way of non-limiting example, an ultrasound system comprises: an ultrasound data acquisition unit configured to transmit and receive ultrasound signals to and from a target object to thereby output ultrasound data; and a processing unit configured to form volume data based on the ultrasound data, set a reference slice, a reference point and a window on the volume data based on input information of a user and set a sagittal view for measuring a thickness of a nuchal translucency (NT) of a fetus on the volume data.

Abstract: Embodiments for providing a plurality of slice images are disclosed. In one embodiment, by way of non-limiting example, an ultrasound system comprises: an ultrasound data acquisition unit configured to transmit and receive ultrasound signals to and from a target object to thereby output ultrasound data; and a processing unit configured to form volume data based on the ultrasound data, the processing unit being configured to set a reference slice, a reference point and a window on the volume data based on input information of a user, the processing unit being configured to set a sagittal view for measuring a thickness of a nuchal translucency (NT) of a fetus on the volume data and set a plurality of slices on the volume data based on the sagittal view, the processing unit being further configured to form a plurality of slice images corresponding to the plurality of slices based on the volume data.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for providing a 2-dimensional CT image corresponding to a 2-dimensional ultrasound image by performing an image registration between a 3-dimensional ultrasound image and a 3-dimensional CT image.

Abstract: Embodiments for providing a 2-dimensional (D) computerized-tomography (CT) image corresponding to a 2-D ultrasound image through image registration between 3-D ultrasound and CT images are disclosed. An imaging system comprises a CT imaging unit, an ultrasound image forming unit, a storing unit, a processor and a display unit. The processor extracts the 2-D CT image from the 3-D ultrasound-CT registered image by performing a rigid-body transform upon the 3-D ultrasound image and calculating similarities between reference images and the 2-D ultrasound images, wherein the reference images are obtained through the rigid-body transform.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer probe is disclosed comprising: an array of ultrasound transducer elements, each ultrasound transducer element associated with a corresponding unit transducer cell for providing transmit and receive functions, each unit transducer cell including a cell transmit/receive switch connected to a low voltage switch matrix via a low voltage transmit path; and a plurality of microelectronic cross-point switches for switching an externally generated analog transmit signal to one or more of the low voltage transmit paths.

Abstract: A 2D array transducer (10) is separated into a plurality of sub-arrays. Four representative sub-arrays SA1 to SA4 are shown in an enlarged manner. In addition, the 2D array transducer (10) is segmented into a plurality of transducer regions. Four regions of (I)-(IV) segmented by dot-and-chain lines represent four transducer regions. A grouping process is executed for each sub-array to group the plurality of transducer elements belonging to the sub-array into a plurality of element groups. In this process, for each transducer region, a common grouping pattern is set for the plurality of sub-arrays belonging to the transducer region. For example, because sub-arrays SA1 and SA2 belong to the same transducer region (IV), a common grouping pattern is set for the sub-arrays SA1 and SA2.

Abstract: A guide is provided for use with an imaging instrument, the guide including a first portion, a second portion proximate the first portion, and a cavity at least partially formed by the first and second portions, the cavity having a cavity width and configured to retain an instrument therein. The cavity width is selectively changeable to accommodate a plurality of diameters by sliding the second portion along a path with respect to the first portion.

Abstract: A device for measuring a spatial location of a tissue surface, such as the interface between different types of tissues or between tissue and body fluids, generally includes an elongate catheter body having a distal end portion, a plurality of localization elements carried by the distal end portion, and at least one pulse-echo acoustic element carried by the distal end portion. The localization elements allow the catheter to be localized (e.g., position and/or orientation) within a localization field, while the acoustic element allows for the detection of tissue surfaces where incoming acoustic energy will reflect towards the acoustic element. A suitable controller can determine the location of the detected tissue surface from the localization of the distal end portion of the catheter body. Tissue thicknesses can be derived from the detected locations of multiple (e.g., near and far) tissue surfaces. Maps and models of tissue thickness can also be generated.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of environment conservation, in particular, to methods and means of ecological environment monitoring with the help of a non-invasive control of functional state of native animals. The invention can predominantly be used for automatic on-line estimation of environment quality on the basis of remote real-time registration of cardiac activity in invertebrates with a hard outer covering.

Abstract: A method for the quantitative representation of the blood flow in a tissue or vascular region is based on the signal of a contrast agent injected into the blood. In the method, several individual images of the signal emitted by the tissue or vascular region are recorded at successive points in time and are stored. Based on the respective signal, a quantity characteristic for the blood flow and a quantity characteristic for the position of the blood vessels are determined for image areas of individual images. These quantities are represented superimposed for the respective image areas such that both the blood flow quantity and the position of the fine blood vessels become clearly visible in the representation and can be differentiated from the tissue.

Abstract: A method for monitoring blood pressure includes sensing and storing sympathetic nerve activity data of a patient via a recording lead of an implantable medical device. Changes in sympathetic nerve activity from the nerve activity data are determined. Corresponding changes in blood pressure are determined from the changes in sympathetic nerve activity. An alert signal and/or modification of therapy can be provided.

Abstract: An implantable pressure sensor having improved bend error performance is provided having a capsule housing a pressure sensing device, wherein the capsule includes an opening that allows the pressure sensing device to obtain pressure measurements from an environment surrounding the capsule. A rigid bridge is attached to the capsule so as to extend across the opening of the capsule. The bridge includes at least one opening that exposes the pressure sensing device to the surrounding environment. The rigidity of the bridge functions to prevent deformations from bending forces that are exerted on the sensor and also functions to divert loads from such bending forces away from the pressure sensing device to instead travel through the bridge, which in turn resists deformation. A fill material may be situated between the bridge and capsule so as to prevent bodily fluid or tissue from building up in the sensor under the bridge.

Abstract: A check valve structure has a first space and a second space. The check valve structure is configured to allow a flow of a fluid from the first space to the second space and to inhibit flow of the fluid from the second space to the first space. The check valve structure has a partition wall arranged between the first space and the second space and provided with a communication hole providing communication between the first space and the second space, an elastic film body for covering the side of the second space of the communication hole so as to prevent a reverse flow of the fluid, an elastic member having a wall portion surrounding the communication hole for holding the elastic film body, and a nipping member for nipping the elastic member with the partition wall.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining blood pressure from a pressure signal are disclosed. A patient's blood pressure may be determined by analyzing features of a wavelet transformation of a pressure signal obtained during an occlusion procedure. Ridges in a scalogram of the transformed signal may be identified and used to determine an envelope of a pressure oscillation signal, to which oscillometric blood pressure determination techniques may be applied.