Abstract: A surgical navigation apparatus and a method of operating the surgical navigation apparatus are disclosed. The surgical navigation apparatus includes: a first aligning unit configured to align a position of a patient with reference image data by using patient position data and the reference image data of the patient generated by image-taking before surgery; a second aligning unit configured to align the patient position data and comparative image data in real time, where the comparative image data is received from an image-taking unit; and an image processing unit configured to align the comparative image data and the reference image data in real time by using the patient position data. The surgical navigation apparatus can provide in real time images of the lesion taken during surgery, so that these images may be compared with those taken before surgery, to enable more accurate surgery and also provide greater convenience for the surgeon.

Abstract: A respiratory mask includes a mask body with a perimeter. The mask has a use position wherein the mask body covers at least the mouth and nose and the perimeter is in contact with the face surrounding at least the mouth and nose. At least one ultrasonic sensor is supported on the mask body in detecting proximity to the perimeter. The ultrasonic sensor is operable to detect ultrasound. The ultrasonic sensor allows leakage around the perimeter of the mask body to be detected.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for increasing the frame rate of real-time 3D ultrasound imaging. In one embodiment, the frame rate for generating a pseudo-shaded 2D projection image may be increased by controlling the image reconstruction process. Rather than beamforming, scan converting, and interpolating a 3D voxelized data set of an entire scanned volume, only samples required for generating the 2D projection image may be reconstructed. The element data measured from each transducer array element may be combined to directly reconstruct those 3D image samples required by the volume rendering algorithm to generate the 2D projection image.

Abstract: An apparatus for ultrasonic diagnosis including a probe configured to transmit ultrasonic waves and to receive reflected ultrasonic waves, an image generator configured to generate an ultrasonic image based on the reflected waves, an image synthesizing unit configured to generate a synthetic image in which a puncture guideline, which indicates a passing line of a puncture needle inserted from a puncture adapter attached to the probe, is superposed on the ultrasonic image, a display area adjusting unit configured to adjust a display area of the synthetic image based on the passing line of the puncture needle, and a display controller configured to display the synthetic image on a monitor based on the display area adjusted by the display area adjusting unit.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe is constituted by ultrasonic transducer elements arranged in a direction. A beam forming unit forms acoustic field sensitivity modulated in a direction substantially orthogonal to scan lines in a subject by focusing an ultrasonic wave on a sequence of sampling points existing along the scan lines, and applying delay and apodization on a transmission/reception signal of each of the ultrasonic transducer elements. A detecting unit detects displacements at each sampling point in a direction tangential to the scan lines and in a direction tangential to curves substantially orthogonal to the scan lines by arithmetic between reception signals for the sampling point at different time points. Each curve of the curves substantially orthogonal to the scan lines is constituted by a sequence of points for which a total of times taken for ultrasonic pulses to reach from two points fixed to the ultrasonic probe is substantially the same.

Abstract: A system for managing a patient is disclosed and can include a patient interface adapted to obtain ultrasound information about the patient, a provider interface adapted to facilitate communication between the system and a provider, and a controller in communication with the patient interface and the provider interface, the controller including a clinical management module adapted to receive the ultrasound information and to recommend a clinical management strategy based upon the ultrasound information. A method of presenting a clinical management strategy is also described including obtaining information regarding a condition of a patient, developing a determinant reflecting the condition, and presenting a user with a clinical management strategy on an output device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are related to techniques for increasing the visibility of needles while using ultrasound or other imaging technologies. For example, one embodiment of the present invention is directed to a needle that includes a longitudinal needle-shaped base structure and at least one enclosure positioned circumferentially about the base structure. The needle also includes at least one core defined in the at least one enclosure, wherein the at least one core comprises a gas and/or fluid that is configured to limit propagation of ultrasonic energy therethrough.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for using backscattered data and known parameters to characterize vascular tissue. Specifically, methods and devices for identifying information about the imaging element used to gather the backscattered data are provided in order to permit an operation console having a plurality of Virtual Histology classification trees to select the appropriate VH classification tree for analyzing data gathered using that imaging element. In order to select the appropriate VH database for analyzing data from a specific imaging catheter, it is advantageous to know information regarding the function and performance of the catheter, such as the operating frequency of the catheter and whether it is a rotational or phased-array catheter. The present invention provides a device and method for storing this information on the imaging catheter and communicating the information to the operation console.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluorescence detection and photodynamic therapy apparatus including: a combined light source unit 10 including a plurality of coherent and non-coherent light sources 11, 12 and 13 configured to irradiate light onto a to-be-observed object while performing continuous illumination; an optical imaging unit 20 configured to form an image of the to-be-observed object 70 and project the image to an image processing/controlling system 34; a multispectral imaging unit 30 including a one-chip multispectral sensor and the image processing/controlling system 34; a blocking filter 40 installed between the to-be-observed object 70 and the one-chip multispectral sensor 32, the blocking filter being configured to block some light reflected off from the to-be-observed object 70 while allowing some light and fluorescent light to pass therethrough; a computer system 50 configured to process, analyze, reproduce and store the image acquired from the multispectral imaging unit 30, and transfer the

Abstract: An optical examination device (10) adapted to be at least partially inserted into a turbid medium is provided. The optical examination device comprises a shaft portion (21) adapted to be inserted into the turbid medium, the shaft portion (21) comprising a tip portion (22) adapted to be the foremost portion during insertion into the turbid medium. At least one light source device adapted to emit abeam (11) of broad-band light is provided in the region of the tip portion (21). The beam (11) of broad-band light comprises different wavelength bands (2a, 2b, . . . , 2n) which are differently modulated. At least one photodetector (27a, 27b, 27c) for detecting broad-band light is provided in a region adapted to be inserted into the turbid medium of the shaft portion (21).

Abstract: A hypovolemia monitor comprises a plethysmograph input responsive to light intensity after absorption by fleshy tissue. A measurement of respiration-induced variation in the input is made. The measurement is normalized and converted into a hypovolemia parameter. An audible or visual indication of hypovolemia is provided, based upon the hypovolemia parameter.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and apparatus for detecting an epilepsy event in a patient using a medical device. The medical device is capable of determining an occurring epilepsy event, for example a seizure or an increased risk of a seizure. The determination is performed by determining at least one NNXX value from the beat sequence of the patient's heart. The medical device may then take a responsive action, such as warning, logging the time of the seizure, computing and storing one or more seizure severity indices, and treating the epilepsy event.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for detecting the seizure in a patient using a medical device. The determination is performed by collecting cardiac data; determining valid heart beats suitable for seizure detection from the cardiac data; calculating heart rate data of interest from the valid heart beats; and identifying a seizure event from the heart rate data. The medical device may then take a responsive action, such as warning, logging the time of the seizure, computing and storing one or more seizure severity indices, and/or treating the seizure.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include a method and related apparatus for determining a physiological parameter from the arterial blood pressure signal, the photoplethysmographic signal, the electrocardiogram, or any other a physiologic signal whose pulse amplitude variation is affected by respiration and it is indicative of fluid status in order to quantify the degree of amplitude modulation due to respiration (pulse variation) and help assess fluid responsiveness.

Abstract: The application relates to an apparatus and a method for estimating a central systolic blood pressure (cSBP) of a subject, in which a peripheral blood pressure waveform of the subject's pulse and at least two peripheral blood pressure measurements within the cardiac cycle of the subject are determined and the peripheral blood pressure waveform is manipulated with a transfer function to provide an estimate of the central blood pressure waveform of the subject's pulse. The at least two peripheral blood pressure measurements within the cardiac cycle of the subject and the peripheral blood pressure waveform of the subject's pulse are determined at substantially the same point on a peripheral artery of the subject. The estimate of the central blood pressure waveform of the subject's pulse provides an estimate of the central systolic blood pressure of the subject.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) is disclosed. The IMD includes a first substrate having a front side and a backside. A first via is formed in the front side, the via extending from a bottom point in the front side to a first height located at a surface of the front side. A first conductive pad is formed in the first via, the first conductive pad having an exposed top surface lower than first height. A second substrate is coupled to the first substrate, the second substrate having a second via formed in the front side, the via extending from a bottom point in the front side to a second height located at a surface of the front side. A second conductive pad is formed in the second via, the second conductive pad having an exposed top surface lower than second height. The coupled substrates are heated until a portion of one or both conductive pads reflow, dewet, agglomerate, and merge to form an interconnect, hermetic seal, or both depending on the requirements of the device.

Abstract: An apparatus including a chest strip comprising a plurality of precordial and limb leads for an electrocardiogram (ECG) and an ECG data recorder coupled to the chest strip, wherein the ECG data recorder configured to receive signals from the leads. An apparatus including a chest strip comprising a plurality of precordial leads positioned to correspond with desired lead placement for an electrocardiogram (ECG) and an ECG data recorder; a plurality of limb leads coupled to the chest strip, wherein the ECG data recorder is coupled to plurality of precordial leads and the plurality of limb leads and configured to receive electrocardiogram data generated by the plurality of precordial leads and the plurality of limb leads. A method including coupling a chest strip including precordial leads and a data recorder to a newborn, the data recorder configured to receive electrocardiogram data from the precordial leads; and transmitting electrocardiogram data from the data recorder.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for the detection of cardiac events (a guardian system) that includes an implanted device called a cardiosaver, a physician's programmer and an external alarm system. The system is designed to provide early detection of cardiac events such as acute myocardial infarction or exercise induced myocardial ischemia caused by an increased heart rate or exertion. The system can also alert the patient with a less urgent alarm if a heart arrhythmia is detected. Using one or more detection algorithms, the cardiosaver can detect a change in the patient's electrogram that is indicative of a cardiac event within five minutes after it occurs and then automatically warn the patient that the event is occurring. To provide this warning, the guardian system includes an internal alarm sub-system (internal alarm means) within the cardiosaver and/or an external alarm system (external alarm means).

Abstract: A medical device and associated method for discriminating cardiac events includes sensing a cardiac signal spatially located across approximately a full duration of a predetermined sensing window. A match score is determined corresponding to the sensed cardiac signal. A beat feature of multiple beat features across less than the full duration of the sensing window is determined, the beat feature being selected from the multiple beat features in response to the match score. Cardiac event evidence is accumulated in response to the match score and the determined beat feature, and cardiac events are discriminated in response to the accumulated cardiac evidence.

Abstract: A medical device and associated method for discriminating cardiac events includes determining whether a first match score is within a first match zone having a first correlation with a non-treatable cardiac event, a second match zone having a second correlation with the non-treatable cardiac event less than the first correlation with the non-treatable event, a third match zone having a first correlation with a treatable cardiac event, and a fourth match zone having a second correlation with the treatable cardiac event greater than the first correlation with the treatable cardiac event. A determination is made as to whether a second match score and a third match score are within the first match zone, the second match zone, the third match zone and the fourth match zone to generate a first adjusting factor, and cardiac event evidence is accumulated in response to the first adjusting factor for discriminating cardiac events.

Abstract: A medical device and associated method for discriminating cardiac events includes determining whether a cardiac evidence counter is greater than a predetermined detection threshold, determining whether to advance from a current state to a next state in response to the evidence counter being greater than the predetermined detection threshold, determining whether advancing from a previous state to the current state occurred while in one of a low variability mode and a high variability mode during the previous state, and determining whether to advance from the current state to a previous state in response to determining whether advancing from a previous state to the current state occurred while operating in one of a low variability mode and a high variability mode during the previous state.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to implantable systems, and methods for use therewith, for monitoring myocardial electrical stability. A patient's heart is paced for a period of time using a patterned pacing sequence that repeats every N beats, and an electrical signal is obtained that is representative of a plurality of consecutive beats of the patient's heart while it is being paced using the patterned pacing sequence that repeats every N beats. Myocardial electrical stability is then analyzed using time domain techniques that are tailored to the patterned pacing sequence used to pace the patient's heart. In other embodiments, the patient's heart need not be paced. This abstract is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention.

Abstract: A medical device and associated method for discriminating cardiac events sense cardiac signals that includes determining whether a first match score is within one of a first match zone corresponding to a first cardiac event, and a second match zone corresponding to the first cardiac event, and determining whether a second match score is within one of the first match zone, the second match zone, and a third match zone corresponding to a second cardiac event different from the first cardiac event. One of increasing and decreasing an event counter is performed in response to both the determination of whether the first match score is within one of the first match zone and the second match zone and the determination of whether the second match score is within one of the first match zone, the second match zone, and the third match zone.

Abstract: A medical device and associated method for discriminating cardiac events includes determining whether a first match score is within a first match zone having a first correlation with a non-treatable cardiac event, a second match zone having a second correlation with the non-treatable cardiac event less than the first correlation, a third match zone having a first correlation with a treatable cardiac event, and a fourth match zone having a second correlation with the treatable cardiac event greater than the first correlation with the treatable cardiac event. In response to the first match score being within one of the first and second match zones, a determination is made whether consecutive match scores are within the first match zone and whether a break in the treatable cardiac event has occurred. Cardiac evidence is accumulated in response to determining whether a break has occurred and utilized to discriminate cardiac events.

Abstract: A medical device and associated method for monitoring a patient's heart rhythm sense cardiac events and detect a sudden change in the heart rhythm in response to the sensed cardiac events. Detecting the sudden change includes determining a variability of intervals between the sensed cardiac events and switching between a low variability mode of operation and a high variability mode of operation in response to the variability of intervals. During the low variability mode, detecting the sudden change includes detecting an increase in the rate of cardiac events. During the high variability mode, detecting the sudden change includes detecting a sudden decrease in the variability of the cardiac event intervals. A concerning cardiac rhythm is detected in response to detecting the sudden change.

Abstract: A medical device and associated method obtaining cardiac event intervals corresponding to a tachycardia interval. Evidence of a rhythm breaking point is obtained in response to sensing a cardiac event having a morphology corresponding to a supraventricular beat. A non-treatable rhythm is detected in response to the plurality of cardiac event intervals and the evidence of the rhythm breaking point.

Abstract: A medical device and associated method for monitoring a patient's heart rhythm sensing a cardiac signal determine whether a cardiac signal is noise corrupted by obtaining cardiac signal pulses and generating a pulse amplitude threshold in response to the plurality of signal pulses. The number of signal sample points exceeding the pulse amplitude threshold in each of the of signal pulses is computed. The cardiac signal is determined to be noise corrupted or non-corrupted in response to the computed number of signal sample points.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include a method for assessing fluid responsiveness implemented in a medical apparatus, a medical system, or a digital computer with one or more processors comprising: (a) measuring an electrocardiogram signal, and (b) computing a dynamic index predictive of fluid responsiveness from said electrocardiogram by calculating the R-wave amplitude variability over one or more respiratory cycles. According to one particular embodiment, the ECG changes in R-wave amplitude are calculated from the DII lead to generate a dynamic index to guide fluid therapy.

Abstract: A multi-function health monitor is capable of performing a resting 12-lead ECG test, an ECG stress test, a 24-hour holter monitor evaluation and or a 30-day MCT monitoring. Using only 3 electrodes, the multifunction health monitor derives 6 channels (Limb leads & Augmented leads) of data with the noise cancellation (ground) effect of a virtual dynamic RL electrode. An electrode resistivity measurement system quantifies and may compensate for increasing resistance the electrodes and the patient that results from the length of time the electrodes are installed on a patient. The multi-function health monitor can provide data analysis through the gate array as the data is acquired. Data may also be stored for remote analysis as well as for transmission to remote stations upon occurrence of one or more threshold events. Parameters for threshold events may be adjusted remotely to obviate the need for a patient to travel for system adjustment.

Abstract: A measurement device and a method for analyzing a sample gas by infrared absorption spectroscopy are described. The measurement device comprises: a measurement chamber with the sample gas to be analyzed, a laser being arranged in relation to the measurement chamber such that light being emitted from the laser radiates through the measurement chamber, a detection device detecting the light being emitted from the laser and radiated through the measurement chamber, and an evaluation unit evaluating signals generated by the detection device regarding a light absorption occurred in the measurement chamber.

Abstract: Breathing effort of a patient, as determined (for example) from a photoplethysmograph (“PPG”) signal from the patient, can be calibrated in relation to air pressure in the patient's respiratory system. This calibration can be done by subjecting the patient to varying amounts of breathing resistance; and for each such amount, concurrently measuring (1) air pressure in the respiratory system (e.g., in the oral/nasal cavity) and (2) breathing effort (from the PPG signal). Use can be made of this calibration, e.g., during a sleep study of the patient. During such a study, breathing effort, again determined from the PPG signal and occurring, for example, during an apneic event of the patient, can be used to infer air pressure in the respiratory system by using the above calibration.

Abstract: A respiration sensing subsystem includes a band made of stretchable material and a pair of spaced conductors extending along the band in a flexible pattern. A moisture repellant compound is added to the stretchable material of the band between the pair of spaced conductors.

Abstract: Minimally invasive methods, systems and devices are provided for assessing collateral ventilation in the lungs. In particular, collateral ventilation of a target compartment within a lung of a patient is assessed by advancement of a catheter through the tracheobronchial tree to a feeding airway of the target compartment. The feeding airway is occluded by the catheter and the opening and closing of a one-way valve coupled with the catheter is observed. If the valve ceases opening and closing over time, this may indicate that significant collateral ventilation into the target compartment is absent. If the valve continues to open and close over time, significant collateral ventilation into the compartment may be present. Based on the collateral ventilation assessment, a treatment plan may be generated.

Abstract: An electroencephalogram (EEG) utilizing epileptiform activity detection, warning and recording system adapted for use by non-healthcare professionals or healthcare professionals. The system is simple enough for use by untrained personnel and will be self-contained, not requiring technical setup or point of use maintenance. The system includes a small number of passive or active scalp electrodes for capturing the electrical signals in the subject's brain allowing for detection of epileptiform activity. The system will recognize epileptiform activity and will either transmit signals upon detection of epileptiform activity to either a localized warning device or to a cellular or radio receiving device. The system will note epileptiform activity in a recording component and allow for review of the epileptiform data to allow non-clinical and clinical personnel to verify such activity.

Abstract: A method and system to examine and measure the propagation velocity of electrical activity in pregnant patients, labor and non-labor patients at term and preterm, and non-pregnant patients, thereby providing valuable information regarding the state of a patient's uterus. The method can include obtaining uterine EMG signals from a series electrodes, processing the raw uterine EMG signal in a signal processing module and assessing the temporal interval between adjacent electrodes. The propagation velocity can then be estimated by averaging the time required for the uterine EMG signal to traverse a distance between adjacent electrodes.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a method for monitoring nerve tissue which includes inserting a dilator into muscle, the dilator including first and second electrodes at the distal tip. While the dilator is in muscle, a system may communicate (a) a first series of unequal current amplitude applications (e.g., a serious including 0.5, 7, 3, 5 mA applications) to the first electrode to produce at least a first evoked potential (e.g., a MAP or NAP), and (b) a second series of unequal current amplitude applications to the second electrode to produce at least a second evoked potential. The method further includes sensing the first and second evoked potentials and determining a relative location of a nerve based on the sensing of at least one of the first and second evoked potentials.

Abstract: Concepts presented herein relate to an interface module that can be electrically coupled to an electrical stimulation generator, a radio frequency generator and an instrument. A selection module is coupled to the interface module and operates in a first mode to deliver electrical stimulation signals from the electrical stimulation generator to the instrument and in a second mode to deliver radio frequency signals from the radio frequency generator to the instrument.

Abstract: A system for determining proximity of a surgical device relative to nerve structure includes at least one surgical device having a sensor assembly operably coupled to a processing unit and configured to transmit at least one electrical signal generated by the processing unit through nerve structure to elicit a measurable response there from. The processing unit is configured to calculate a signature property value of nerve structure based on the measurable response and to determine proximity of the nerve structure to the surgical device based on the measurable response. The processing unit is further configured to test the nerve function after completing the surgical procedure.

Abstract: An allergy testing system includes encapsulated allergens, a microneedle array, and an activation system coupled to the microneedle array and the encapsulated allergens such that the encapsulated allergens are moved into contact with a subject as the microneedle array is moved from a resting position to a penetrating position. A method for determining a degree of reaction to one or more allergens by a patient in a minimally invasive manner is also disclosed. Penetration of one or more microneedles into a skin of the patient is caused. Each of the penetrations into the skin is exposed with an allergen from each of the one or more microneedles. One or more images are captured of each of the penetrations into the skin. Each of the captured images are analyzed to assess the degree of reaction to the specific allergen. Allergic reactivity data is output for at least one of the allergens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus of utilizing an eye detection apparatus in a medical application, which includes calibrating the eye detection apparatus to a user; performing a predetermined set of visual and cognitive steps using the eye detection apparatus; determining a visual profile of a workflow of the user; creating a user-specific database to create an automated visual display protocol of the workflow; storing eye-tracking commands for individual user navigation and computer interactions; storing context-specific medical application eye-tracking commands, in a database; performing the medical application using the eye-tracking commands; and storing eye-tracking data and results of an analysis of data from performance of the medical application, in the database. The method includes performing an analysis of the database for determining best practice guidelines based on clinical outcome measures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for utilizing the benefits of encoded signal transmission and reception to enhance the performance of medical testing devices (100) adapted to evoke and measure biological response signals such as auditory evoked potentials (AEP), and the auditory brainstem response (ABR) signals in particular. Auditory stimuli, such as clicks, are presented to the ear of a human patient, in a predetermined encoded sequence, resulting in the generation of auditory responses and bio-electric response signals in the human patient. These response signals from the patient are acquired and observed, and are processed according to the predetermined encoded sequence in which the auditory stimuli were presented to the patient's ear in order to extract the desired auditory evoked potential signals or ABR signals.

Abstract: A stool collector adapted for being positioned in a use position in which it is secured to a standard water closet or toilet to collect a stool sample delivered by a user, said stool collector comprising a rear piece adapted for being secured between rear halves of a toilet bowl and a tip-up toilet seat, respectively, of said toilet.

Abstract: A method for extracting a tissue sample is provided, including the steps of inserting a catheter into a bodily cavity, the catheter having a sampling chamber, a movable cover, and an actuation mechanism for actuating the cover, positioning the sampling chamber next to tissue to be sampled, providing a fluid to the actuation mechanism to open the cover, supplying a vacuum to draw tissue sample into the sampling chamber and to close the cover, and withdrawing the catheter from the bodily cavity. Catheter forceps for obtaining a tissue sample are also provided, including a catheter, a sampling chamber positioned at a distal end of the catheter and having a movable cover, and an actuation mechanism for moving the movable cover to an opened position by providing a fluid to the actuation mechanism and to a closed position by providing a vacuum to the actuation mechanism.

Abstract: There is provided a biological fluid receptacle that includes an outer surface adapted to be affixed to a carrier and a receptacle cavity adapted to receive and retain biological fluids.

Abstract: A retractable blood-sampling device comprises a housing (15), a blood-sampling needle holder (13), a blood-sampling needle and a recovery sleeve (19). There is a compressible spring (14) mounted between the blood-sampling needle holder (13) and the front end of the housing (15). There is at least a hanging arm (16) on the blood-sampling needle holder (13), and the hanging arm (16) hangs on the front end of the housing (15). When the hanging arm (16) is subjected to an inward pressure, the hanging arm (16) disengages from the housing (15), the spring (14) is released, and the blood-sampling needle holder (13) and the blood-sampling needle are retraced into the recovery sleeve (19).

Abstract: Instrument for producing a sample of body liquid for analysis by piercing the skin with a lancing element having a skin piercing tip. The instrument has a housing and a lancing drive for driving a lancing element connected thereto in a puncturing movement. A pressure ring surrounds a skin contact opening and is adapted for pressing against the skin. The skin contact opening has an opening area corresponding to a circle with a diameter of at least 1.5 mm and at most 4 mm, and the instrument comprises a pressing force control device for controlling the pressing force between the pressure ring and the skin at the time of triggering the puncturing movement, to be at least 3 N.

Abstract: A unique technique for maintaining the sterility and integrity of a lancet tip. One or more lancet tips are sandwiched between a first web and a second web of material to protect the sterility of the lancet tips. The first and second webs are heat fused together to form a structure that covers and encapsulates the lancet tips to protect the integrity of the lancet tips. The structure is cut to form individual protective caps to detachably cover each of the lancet tips.

Abstract: A method and system for determining pressure in a syringe, and more specifically to a syringe pressure accessory which can be connected to a syringe to determine pressure in a syringe and a gastric band. The syringe pressure accessory can detect a pressure of a syringe and/or a gastric band and digitally display the pressure. The syringe pressure accessory can include a durable unit and a disposable unit. The disposable unit can be disposed of after a single use, while the durable unit can be reused with multiple disposable units. The syringe pressure accessory can also include a syringe attachment unit and one or more display units for a caretaker or a patient. The display unit can be wirelessly connected to the syringe attachment unit to display a pressure chart or the results of various analysis of the pressure data. Markers can be added to the pressure chart.

Abstract: The present document describes an apparatus and method for identifying and characterizing a problem of a knee joint. In accordance with an embodiment, the method comprises receiving biomechanical data from sensors and generating a biomechanical profile based on the biomechanical data, the biomechanical data being representative of a movement of the knee joint. The method also involves, in a processing device, classifying the biomechanical profile of the knee joint in one of multiple classes of knee joint problems by applying a pattern recognition technique to a normative biomechanical profile associated to the one of the multiple classes, each one of the multiple classes corresponding to at least one knee joint problem; based on the classifying, identifying the problem as comprising the at least one knee joint problem of the one of the multiple classes; and archiving the problem identified in a storing device to make the problem accessible during consultation.

Abstract: A method of electing a patient suffering from low back pain (LBP) for the treatment of a physiotherapist or to undergo an imaging process for further analysis of an underlying complication, said method comprises a predetermined sequence of physical examinations.