Abstract: An ultrasound imaging apparatus including a processing unit configured to produce an ultrasound image of the target region by applying position/orientation data representative of the position and/or orientation of an ultrasound transducer on the first side of a surface during each collection cycle to echo data representative of reflected ultrasound energy received by the ultrasound transducer during each collection cycle so as to coherently focus the echo data at a plurality of points distributed within the target region.

Abstract: A patient interface system for scanning a volume of tissue protruding from a patient, the system comprising: a base including a planar portion configured to support the patient in a prone configuration, and a frustoconical portion extending from the planar portion and defining a base aperture configured to receive the volume of tissue; and a support assembly configured to couple to the base, including a frame and a membrane retained in tension within the frame at a peripheral portion of the membrane, wherein the membrane defines a membrane aperture configured to align with the base aperture, and wherein the membrane is configured to deflect into the frustoconical portion of the base in response to the patient's weight. The system can further include an electrical subsystem including a pressure sensor array configured to generate signals in response to a pressure distribution resulting from the patient's weight at the patient interface system.

Abstract: In one general embodiment, an ultrasound probe includes a housing configured for grasping by a human hand; an array of transducers for transducing sound waves into electrical signals; a circuit board in the housing, the circuit board having a plurality of leads, each of the transducers being coupled to at least an associated one of the leads; processing circuitry in the housing and coupled to the circuit board for processing the electrical signals, or derivatives of the electrical signals, into sonogram data; and an output device for outputting the sonogram data.

Abstract: A method and device for monitoring a fetal heart rate includes a reference fetal heart rate detected across an ultrasound depth zone of sensitivity. The ultrasound depth zone of sensitivity is scanned in overlapping increments of a first depth. An average fetal heart rate detected for each overlapping increment is tested for a coincidence with the reference fetal heart rate. Overlapping increments with the coincidence and a maximized signal quality rate are identified. An ultrasound depth increment of a second depth is selected representing the selected adjacent increments. Fetal heart rate is determined from an ultrasound signal returned from a scan depth of the second depth.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for calculating cardiac output (CO) of a living subject. In one embodiment, the apparatus and methods build a nonlinear mathematical model to correlate physiologic source data vectors to target CO values. The source data vectors include one or more measurable or derivable parameters such as: systolic and diastolic pressure, pulse pressure, beat-to-beat interval, mean arterial pressure, maximal slope of the pressure rise during systole, the area under systolic part of the pulse pressure wave, gender (male or female), age, height and weight. The target CO values are acquired using various methods, across a plurality of individuals. Multidimensional nonlinear optimization is then used to find a mathematical model which transforms the source data to the target CO data. The model is then applied to an individual by acquiring physiologic data for the individual and applying the model to the collected data.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system includes a vector flow imaging processor that processes ultrasound data representing structure flowing through a tubular object and generates vector flow imaging information for a region of interest of the tubular object that is indicative of the structure flowing through a tubular object based thereon and processing circuitry that determines at least one parameter for Doppler imaging based on the vector flow imaging information.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of devices and methods for providing enhanced echogenicity to medical devices. An echogenic feature is formed in the shape of a pyramidal reuleaux triangle. A lobe is constructed at a rim of an echogenic feature to create a pocket between the lobe and a bottom surface of the feature. A test fixture is disclosed which provides a method for obtaining quantifiable echogenicity data of medical devices.

Abstract: This document provides flexible driveshaft devices. For example, this document provides flexible driveshaft devices that have bi-directionally balanced torsional stiffness properties. In some embodiments, the flexible driveshaft devices provided herein are utilized in medical device systems, such as endoluminal medical device systems. For example, in some embodiments the flexible driveshaft devices provided herein are utilized in endoluminal ultrasonic catheter systems.

Abstract: A floating transducer drive configured to isolate relatively low voltage system electronics from a relatively high voltage transmit circuit in an ultrasound imaging system. A receive circuit is electrically connected to an isolated local ground. An isolation circuit is electrically connected between the receive circuit and a relatively low-voltage processing circuit. The isolation circuit is configured such that during a transmit event during which the relatively high voltage transmit circuit sends a relatively high voltage signal to a transducer, the isolated local ground is electrically connected to the transmit circuit, but when the transmit event is not occurring, the isolated local ground is electrically connected to a system ground.

Abstract: There are disclosed embodiments of devices and methods for imaging the inside of a body part, particularly a blood vessel. In particular embodiments, a catheter has a tip chamber, within which is an ultrasound transducer mounted on a pivot mechanism, a motor for turning the transducer, and an implement for pivoting the transducer. Examples of such an implement are a linear motor, a shaft or filament, and the pivot mechanism may be biased to return to a base position when the implement is not pivoting the transducer. In other embodiments, a mirror reflecting ultrasound signals from the transducer may be rotated and/or pivoted, using similar mechanisms.

Abstract: Embodiments associated with adaptors for ultrasound devices are described. In one embodiment, an adaptor includes a housing configured to attach to a head of the ultrasound device. The adaptor includes a cavity formed by the housing that is configured to receive and contain an ultrasound conductive medium that is preconfigured into a solidified form.

Abstract: A sensing assembly for sensing contact with an object is disclosed. The contact sensing assembly may comprise an elongate tubular body. An electrode may be connected to the elongate tubular body. A vibration element is operatively connected with the electrode and configured to deliver a vibration-inducing signal to induce vibration of the electrode. A sensor is configured to monitor the electrode for a perturbation in the induced vibration. The perturbation results from contact between the electrode and the object.

Abstract: An ultrasound medical device and an ultrasound diagnostic imaging device are provided that allow orally-fed fluid food, etc. to pass through the esophagus of the subject. The ultrasound medical device of the embodiment comprises a capsule-type main body configured to incorporate ultrasound transducers, so that the ultrasound transducers in the capsule-type main body, which has been inserted in a tubular body part of a subject, send ultrasound waves to the subject's interiors and receive reflected waves. The ultrasound medical device further comprises a support configured to be incorporated in the capsule-type main body and to have a form of tube with a through-hole axially passing through the tube, and the ultrasound transducers are arranged external to the tube.

Abstract: The ultrasonic sensor includes, on the same substrate, transmitter elements, receiver elements, a potential controller for receiver electrodes of the receiver elements, and a connection switching unit for the receiver electrodes and the potential controller. During the ultrasound transmission period of the transmitter elements, the connection switching unit connects the potential controller and one of the receiver electrodes, and connects the receiver electrodes. During the reception period of the receiver elements, the connection switching unit disconnects the potential controller and the one of the receiver electrodes, and disconnects the receiver electrodes.

Abstract: A tissue puncture assembly includes an ultrasound probe, a tissue puncture device, and an adjustment device. The ultrasound probe includes a probe end arranged to contact a tissue surface, the ultrasound probe being operable to determine a depth of a body cavity positioned below the tissue surface. The tissue puncture device is configured to penetrate the tissue surface to gain access to the body cavity. The adjustment device is mounted to the ultrasound probe and operable to adjust an orientation of the tissue puncture device relative to the ultrasound probe.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe system for guiding introduction of an instrument into a patient includes a disk having a surface and an open channel passing axially through the disk and at least two ultrasound transducer elements disposed on the surface of the disk in a parallel arrangement. The open channel is configured to receive the instrument therethrough to permit alignment of the instrument with respect to the disk. Each of the ultrasound transducer elements is configured to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves for detecting an anatomical structure. A graphical representation of at least a portion of the anatomical structure can be provided for guiding the introduction or insertion of the instrument into the anatomical structure.

Abstract: There are disclosed embodiments of devices and methods for imaging the inside of a body part, particularly a blood vessel. In particular embodiments, a catheter has a tip chamber, within which is an ultrasound transducer mounted on a pivot mechanism, a motor for turning the transducer, and an implement for pivoting the transducer. Examples of such an implement are a linear motor, a shaft or filament, and the pivot mechanism may be biased to return to a base position when the implement is not pivoting the transducer. In other embodiments, a mirror reflecting ultrasound signals from the transducer may be rotated and/or pivoted, using similar mechanisms.

Abstract: Devices and methods of the invention provide for imaging an object within a body lumen. In certain aspects, a device for intraluminal imaging of the invention includes an elongate body defining a longitudinal axis, and a linear-array of imaging elements located on the body along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Presenting intravascular images and angiographic images co-registered on a display. As an imaging catheter is pushed through an occlusion, a center point of the catheter and an outline of the vessel wall can be displayed. A physician can see where the catheter is crossing the occlusion within the vessel. The physician can determine what path the catheter is taking the through occlusion. Methods include extending an imaging catheter through the occlusion, determining a location of a wall of the vessel relative to a center point of the catheter, obtaining a position of the catheter within a lumen of the vessel via angiography, and displaying the catheter crossing the occlusion by co-registering the location of the wall, the position of the catheter within the lumen, and the lumen on a display.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to intravascular intervention catheters and provides catheters for performing an intravascular procedure that use a mechanism to control an operation at the end of the catheter. The mechanism can be used to steer the distal tip of the catheter from a controller at a proximal end of the catheter. The mechanism may include one or more pull wires extending along the catheter. The mechanism may optionally be manually or computer controlled.

Abstract: A method of fabricating miniature ultrasound transducers includes receiving a wafer on which a plurality of miniature ultrasound transducers is formed. The miniature ultrasound transducers each includes: a transducer membrane that contains a piezoelectric material and a first bond pad and a second bond pad each electrically coupled to the transducer membrane. A protective layer is conformally deposited over the plurality of miniature ultrasound transducers from a front side of the wafer. A first etching process is performed to form a plurality of first trenches that extend into the wafer from the front side. The first trenches are etched through the protective layer. The first trenches are disposed between adjacent miniature ultrasound transducers. A second etching process is performed to remove portions of the protective layer disposed over the first and second bond pads, thereby exposing the first and second bond pads.

Abstract: The illumination apparatus and methods described herein increase the depth of the illumination's tissue penetration, help minimize surface reflections and back-scatter for a non-contact camera based imaging system thus providing increased tissue-structure contrast and more information about the structures beneath the surface.

Abstract: A device for determining a vital sign of a subject comprises an interface for receiving a data stream derived from detected electromagnetic radiation reflected from a region of interest including a skin area of the subject, said data stream comprising a data signal per skin pixel area of one or more skin pixels for a plurality of skin pixel areas of said region of interest, a data signal representing the detected electromagnetic radiation reflected from the respective skin pixel area over time. An analyzer is provided for analyzing spatial and/or optical properties of one or more data signals in one or more wavelength ranges. A processor is provided for determining a vital sign information signal of the subject based on the data signals of skin pixel areas within the skin area, and a post-processor is provided for determining the desired vital sign from said vital sign information signal.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for optically monitoring a driver of a vehicle in which a portion of the driver is illuminated with electromagnetic radiation in an infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum using at least one illumination device, images of the illuminated driver are obtained using at least one image obtaining device and the images are analyzed to derive a measure of flow of blood in at least one blood vessel, capillary and vein in the face of the occupant. The blood flow over time is analyzed to determine whether the driver has lost the ability to continue to control the vehicle. The loss of ability to continue to control the vehicle exemplifies the driver becoming drowsy, falling asleep or otherwise being incapable of controlling the vehicle after initially having been awake or otherwise capable of controlling the vehicle.

Abstract: A diagnostic assembly (30, 320) and method for detecting a presence of cancer in a breast of a patient. The diagnostic assembly (20, 320) comprises a frame (22, 322), at least one cold bar (26, 326, 426) supported by the frame (22, 322) for receiving a hand of the patient, and a temperature controller (72) in communication with the cold bar (26, 326, 426) to maintain a constant temperature of the cold bar (26, 326, 426). The method comprises the steps of cooling at least one hand of the patient and recording a test thermal image of the breast of the patient after the hand of the patient has been cooled. The step of cooling the hand of the patient includes receiving the hand of the patient on the cold bar (26, 326, 426) to transfer heat from the hand of the patient to the cold bar (26, 326, 426), and maintaining the cold bar (26, 326, 426) at a preselected temperature.

Abstract: A method of detecting a change in tension of a body surface during a medical procedure is provided. In some embodiments the method may be carried out without additional invasive devices or procedures being required. In one example the methodology is applied when using any type of body surface tensioning device. The tensioning device comprises fiducials that are visible to an image acquisition device. In another example of an embodiment of the current application, the methodology may be applied by attaching fiducials directly to the body surface. The relative motion of the fiducials relative to one another may be utilized to determine a change in body surface tension.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may be used to perform measurement of surfaces, such as external and internal surfaces of the human body, in full-field and in 3-D. Embodiments of the present invention may include an electromagnetic radiation source, which may be configured to project electromagnetic radiation onto a surface. The electromagnetic radiation source may be configured to project the electromagnetic radiation in a pattern corresponding to a spatial signal modulation algorithm. The electromagnetic radiation source may also be configured to project the electromagnetic radiation at a frequency suitable for transmission through the media in which the radiation is projected. An image sensor may be configured to capture image data representing the projected pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided which provides proper compression of the soft tissue to simulate the joint positions, force applications and proprioceptive feedback of the natural foot in mid-stance gait and captures the topographical surface of the foot for orthosis production. The apparatus provides proper soft tissue compression while allowing an optical scanner to visualize the modified topographical skin surface. The apparatus includes an optically-transparent membrane to deform the soft tissue of the foot and an optical scanner configured to scan the foot through the membrane.

Abstract: The invention comprises a computer-based system and method for enhanced goniometry using consumer grade data capture components coupled with software to monitor, track, and diagnose joint pain, injuries, and disorders. A video capture device is used to capture and display the movements of a patient in real time and stored in a database for review on a time-delayed basis. The patient movements are digitized by the video capture components and analyzed by the computer software program. By observing variations in joint movements and tracking the variations over time, a medical professional can monitor, evaluate, and diagnose a wide variety of joint diseases, injuries, and disorders. The medical professional can also prepare individualized treatment plans and monitor the results as the patient progresses in treatment and therapy. Additionally, the medical professional may use aggregated anonymous joint movement data to determine “best practices” for future patients, based on past results.

Abstract: Systems and method for use in diagnosing a medical condition of a patient are provided. The method includes providing medical condition information, receiving patient data relating to the medical condition information, comparing the received data to a baseline, and determining, by a computing device including a processor, a class of patient based on the received patient data.

Abstract: A system and method is presented for performing optical measurements, including a light source configured to emit a light beam, a first pattern generator defining a first longitudinal axis and configured to project a first generated pattern, and a second pattern generator defining a second longitudinal axis and configured to project a second generated pattern. The first and second generated patterns have different angular divergency. The first pattern generator is a diffractive circle pattern generator, whereas the second pattern generator is a diffractive cross pattern generator. Adjustment of the first and second generated patterns with respect to each other cause the system to serve as an optical ruler for performing the optical measurements when the first and second generate patterns overlap or coincide with each other at certain points.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for determining vital sign information from a subject are disclosed. The proposed apparatus comprises a detection unit for detecting radiation received from the subject in a field of view, a first determining unit for determining a first time dependent signal from the radiation received from the subject, an evaluation unit for deriving at least one parameter from the first time dependent signal, a selection unit for selecting an area in the field of view on the basis of the detected radiation and the at least one parameter, a second determining unit for determining a second time dependent signal from the radiation received from the selected area, and an analysis unit for analyzing the second time dependent signal and for determining the vital sign information on the basis of the analysis of the second time dependent signal.

Abstract: A device for determining a vital sign of a subject comprises an interface that receives a data stream derived from detected electromagnetic radiation reflected from a region of interest including a skin area of the subject, said data stream comprising a data signal per skin pixel area of one or more skin pixels for a plurality of skin pixel areas of said region of interest, a data signal representing the detected electromagnetic radiation reflected from the respective skin pixel area over time. An analyzer analyzes spatial and/or temporal properties of the skin area. A processor determines a vital sign information signal of the subject based on the data signals of skin pixel areas within the skin area, and a post-processor determines the desired vital sign from said vital sign information signal, wherein said determined spatial and/or temporal properties are used by the processor for determining the vital sign information signal and/or by the post-processor for determining the desired vital sign.

Abstract: A system is provided for sensing an analyte in a breath sample. The system includes a breath bag, a cartridge and a base. The breath bag contains the breath sample. The bag includes a mouthpiece fixedly disposed on the breath bag. The cartridge includes an interactant that reacts with the analyte and generates a change in an optical characteristic relative to a reference. The base includes a flow path, a breath bag receiver for detachably receiving and retaining the mouthpiece of the breath bag in fluid communication with the flow path, and a cartridge receiver that detachably receives and retains the cartridge in the base, such that the base engages the cartridge so that the interactant is in fluid communication with the flow path.

Abstract: A medical device may include an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween, wherein the elongate member may be configured for insertion into a patient. The medical device may also include a detection member configured to detect at least one of a location, geometry, or distance of a target relative to the distal end of the elongate member, the target being at least one of a stone, a foreign object, or a tissue within a body cavity. The detection member may include a transmitting element and a receiving element.

Abstract: Embodiments related to medical imaging devices including rigid imaging tips and their methods of use for identifying abnormal tissue within a surgical bed are disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments related to medical imaging devices including rigid imaging tips and their methods of use for identifying abnormal tissue within a surgical bed are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring one or more physiological parameters of a subject under free-living conditions is provided. The system includes a camera configured to capture and record a video sequence including at least one image frame of at least one region of interest (ROI) of the subject's body. A computer in signal communication with the camera to receive signals transmitted by the camera representative of the video sequence includes a processor configured to process the signals associated with the video sequence recorded by the camera and a display configured to display data associated with the signals.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for scanning an anatomical cavity. The method may include: selecting a scan path for obtaining data from sample areas inside the anatomical cavity, exciting a fluorescent material in an inflatable membrane that conforms to the anatomical cavity, measuring emitted light from the fluorescent material for each sample area, and characterizing the anatomical cavity. Characterizing may be based on at least one of a location or an intensity measurement for each sample area. The method may be executed using a scanning system that includes the inflatable membrane.

Abstract: An interactive virtual care system may include a user sensory module to acquire multi-modal user data related to user movement. A data analysis module may compare the multi-modal user data to predetermined historical user data and/or statistical norm data for users to identify an anomaly in the user movement.

Abstract: This invention relates to the diagnosis of abnormalities of the epithelial-lined surface of the esophagus and, in particular, to the use of esters of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) in methods of photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) of Barrett's esophagus and in diagnostic methods which monitor the progression of the disease with high specificity.

Abstract: Navigational imaging system and method for use in branched luminal structure. Flexible, spatially steerable probe is equipped with forward- and side-imaging mutually complementing means to enable sub-surface imaging, quantitative determination of probe's positioning with respect to anatomical identifiers of structure, forming 3D image of structure in a volume defined by the imaging means, and positioning of probe in registration with a 3D coordinate system that is independent from the structure. Method includes determining anatomical identifiers of luminal structure branches based on 3D and sub-surface images, assigning such identifiers as fiducial points, and correlating the determined identifiers with those obtained from anatomical model to select target branch for further steering the probe.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device includes a pressure sensing guidewire. The pressure sensing guidewire may include a tubular member having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion may have a plurality of slots formed therein. The distal portion may have a first wall thickness along a first region and a second wall thickness different from the first wall thickness along a second region. A pressure sensor may be disposed within the distal portion of the tubular member.

Abstract: The invention is a system comprising a guidewire having expanded imaging capabilities and a processor for processing the image data and causing relevant information, such as flow, to be displayed. The system is configured to cause image data to be processed and reconfigured in a user friendly format, e.g., color-coded, to provide details of flow and device placement within a biological lumen.

Abstract: A medical imaging system, the medical imaging system may include a non-coherent fiber bundle that comprises multiple fibers; wherein each of the multiple fibers has a distal end and a proximal end; at least one lens optically coupled to the non-coherent fiber bundle; an imaging sensor that is arranged to receive light received from the non-coherent fiber bundle and to generate detection signals; and a non-volatile memory module that stores mapping information that associates between locations of distal ends and proximal ends of the multiple fibers.

Abstract: A method and a system for determining changes in a body state of an individual including receiving a signal from a monitoring system, where the signal indicates a measurement of cardiac activity of the individual over a period of time and determining at least one signal feature, where the signal feature is a reoccurring event of the signal over the period of time. The method also includes determining a first interval between two successive signal features and determining a second interval between two successive first intervals. A derivative is calculated based on the second interval. Changes in the body state are identified based on the derivative.

Abstract: A measurement device is provided for measuring a vessel pulse signal of a specific position attached by a mark. The measurement device includes a sensor, a plurality of conductive dots, a determination unit, and a measurement unit. The conductive dots are located around the sensor. The determination unit determines whether the plurality of conductive dots are connected to each other through the mark to generate a determination signal to indicate whether the sensor has been disposed in the specific position.

Abstract: A pulse wave detection apparatus detects a signal, and calculates a correlation coefficient between waveforms of the signal included in a first window and a second window having a predetermined duration, the correlation coefficient being smaller when a difference between dispersion of the amplitude value in the first window and dispersion of the amplitude value in the second window becomes larger.

Abstract: The disclosure includes systems and methods directed toward simulating heart sounds. The system can include an optical sensor configured to obtain data for generating a plurality of plethysmograph waveforms at a first frequency. The heart sound simulator can also include a processor in communication with the sensor. The processor can be configured to generate a heart sound signal based on at least one of the plurality of plethysmograph waveforms.

Abstract: A biological information detection apparatus includes a detection unit which has a light receiving unit receiving light from a subject, a light transmitting member which is provided on a housing surface side in contact with the subject of the biological information detection apparatus, transmits light from the subject, and comes into contact with the subject when measuring biological information of the subject, and a diaphragm unit which is provided between the light transmitting member and the detection unit, between the light transmitting member and the subject, or inside the light transmitting member, and narrows light from the subject in an optical path between the subject and the detection unit. The detection unit includes a light emitting unit which emits light to the subject, and the biological information detection apparatus has a light shielding unit which is provided between the light receiving unit and the light emitting unit.