Abstract: In a catheter (2) to assist the performance of a heart (1) with at least one pump (7), the pump is formed as a rotary pump at the distal end of the catheter (2), the rotor (6) lying distally on the outer side being coupled via a magneto coupling with a drive wheel (21), formed as a hydraulically or pneumatically operated paddle wheel, arranged inside the catheter (2). The driving fluid is supplied to the paddle wheel via a lumen (22) of the catheter (2) and is carried off via a further lumen (23) of the catheter. (FIG. 2).

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and improved sperm stimulating additive comprising a certain amount of inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi). Addition of PPi in the media for human/animal in vitro fertilization (IVF) improves fertilization rate; addition of PPi in the semen extender for farm animal artificial insemination (AI) may improve pregnancy rates; furthermore, mamalian oocytes matured in vitro in a medium including PPi attain improved fertilization and developmental potential, while embryos cultured in medium supplemented with PPi have improved development to blastocyst.

Abstract: An expansion instrument includes an elongated vaginal-insertion member insertable into the vaginal lumen which is adjacent the urethral lumen with biological tissue interposed between the two, an elongated urethral-insertion member insertable into the urethral lumen, an interlock device interlocking the vaginal-insertion member and the urethral-insertion member to allow the insertion members to be brought closer together and brought farther apart, and a vaginal-side restriction that restricts the positional relationship, with respect to the biological tissue, of the vaginal-insertion member after being inserted into the vaginal lumen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of a multi-layered material having anisotropic pores. It further relates to a multi-layered material which can be produced by the process according to the invention, and to the use of a multi-layered material as a chondral support matrix, a meniscus support matrix or an intervertebral disc support matrix.

Abstract: A system for treating pelvic organ prolapse includes a shell and an anchor. The shell is made of biodegradable material that is insertable into a vagina. The shell has a convex exterior apex that is sized to contact an interior apical portion of the vagina. The anchor has a proximal portion that is attachable to the apex of the shell and a distal portion that is provided with a tissue fixation device that is attachable to tissue exterior the vagina such that the anchor and the shell combine to support and elevate the interior apical portion of a vagina.

Abstract: A vibrator sex toy is provided with touch-based sensors for an ergonomic in-situ method of controlling the operation and intensity of the vibrator. The vibrator sex toy has an internal end, an external end and a middle staging section. The staging section includes a control circuit and batteries. The internal end includes electric vibrator motors connected to the control circuit by wires. The external end includes ergonomically placed touch sensors that behave like variable resistors. The touch sensors respond to natural human gestures such as grasping, stretching, compressing and bending the external end of the sex toy with changes in resistance. The touch sensors are connected to the control circuit by wires and act as potentiometers in the control path of the vibrator motors. The user is able to vary the sensations from the motors intuitively and in-situ by manipulating the external end or applying it to a partner.

Abstract: A sexual stimulation method which discloses using a plurality of light sources for photostimulation and microbe reduction of the vagina, clitoris, or both; a plurality of vibrators for mechanical stimulation of the vagina, clitoris, or both; a plurality of modes of operation for achieving improved sexual stimulation in a user; a handle for ease of operation; a controller and programmable memory for containing modes of operation and driving the light sources and vibrators of the invention; a vaginal finger; a clitoral finger; a handle for ease of use; a keypad for user entry of commands; a charging and programming port; and a power source which may be a rechargeable battery which may be rechargeable by direct, inductive or other means.

Abstract: An endoscopic system may include a catheter or tubing and at least one optical sensor disposed along the catheter or tubing and configured to capture image information from a body lumen when disposed within the body lumen and activated. The system may further include an untethered module operatively arranged with the at least one optical sensor and configured to store or transmit image information captured by the at least one optical sensor. The catheter or tubing, at least one optical sensor and module may be portable during use.

Abstract: Pleural empyema removal devices are provided and enable the removal of empyema from the pleural cavity of a human or veterinary patient. The pleural empyema removal devices may be coupled with one or more additional devices, such as suction source, gas source, light source and/or camera source, and monitor. The devices and systems including the devices facilitate the removal of empyema from the pleural cavity of a patient while providing protections from damage to untargeted tissues. The devices, systems, and methods can be used in the treatment process to treat pleural empyema resulting from pleural effusions and infections stemming from various illnesses and disorders, such as pneumonia.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, devices, and methods for providing foldable, insertable robotic sensory and manipulation platforms for single port surgery. The device is referred to herein as an Insertable Robotic Effector Platform (IREP). The IREP provides a self-deployable insertable device that provides stereo visual feedback upon insertion, implements a backbone structure having a primary backbone and four secondary backbones for each of the robotic arms, and implements a radial expansion mechanism that can separate the robotic arms. All of these elements together provide an anthropomorphic endoscopic device.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an insertion portion to be inserted into a subject to be observed, a first imaging unit and a second imaging unit arranged side by side in a distal end portion of the insertion portion, and a control unit which generates a 3D image from captured images taken by the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit. An optical axis of the first imaging unit can be changed to enable an image capturing area of the first imaging unit to be moved along a direction in which the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit are arranged. The endoscope includes an angle operation unit to change the inclination angle of the optical axis of the first imaging unit and an angle adjustment mechanism which changes the inclination angle of the optical axis of the first imaging unit according to an operation of the angle operation unit.

Abstract: An arthroscopic inflow and outflow sheath providing an improved inflow and outflow system reducing the diameter of a continuous flow system while providing fluid management during arthroscopy. The improved arthroscopic inflow and outflow sheath comprises an elongated atraumatic sheath having an inner surface, outer surface, proximal end, and distal end. The atraumatic sheath further comprises plurality of ribs or webs extending from the inner surface of the sheath and designed to contact an outer surface of the arthroscope thereby creating outer lumens facilitating the inflow and outflow of fluid to a surgical site.

Abstract: A probe device comprising an elongate flexible body and bend sensors for detect bending of the body and producing an output signal that is indicative of the detected bend. The probe device is connected to a processor which creates a data model of the probe device from the respective output signals of the bend sensors and renders the data model as an image of said probe device. The image may be superimposed with an image of an object, for example part of a human or animal body, into which the probe device is inserted during use.

Abstract: A patient colonoscopy abdominal compression device and method. Spaced pressure columns are configured to press on the iliac. A palpation arch between the spaced pressure columns is configured to allow monitoring of scope movement and to insure loop control is correct and is also configured to transfer pressure from the patient or a nurse to the iliac via the pressure columns.

Abstract: A steering mechanism is used as part of a medical device such as a catheter or an endoscope to allow movement of a steerable distal portion of the catheter or endoscope. The mechanism can include a elongate housing and an actuation system. The elongate housing is adapted to be coupled to the steerable portion of the medical device. The actuation system includes an actuator, a first cam, and a second cam. The actuator can move the first cam between a first position and a second position as the actuator is moved along a first axis (or about a second axis different than the first axis). Movement of the first cam between its first and second positions moves the steerable portion of the medical device along a first plane. The actuator can move the second cam between a first position and a second position as the actuator is moved along the second axis (or about the first axis).

Abstract: Provided is a disposable endoscope that enables simple treatment by capturing an image inside a body as a moving picture or photo, and in particular, that enables replacement of a probe portion inserted into the body and that preemptively prevents infection in patients due to repeated usage.

Abstract: An optics tube for an endoscope including a magnet arrangement which extends parallel to a longitudinal axis of the optics tube. A rod lens including a rod-shaped lens unit made of a rod-shaped lens element or a plurality of lens elements cemented to one another, wherein, on one side on the circumferential face thereof, the lens unit includes a magnet arrangement. The invention also relates to a combination of an optics tube and a rod lens, and to an endoscope.

Abstract: A device to accommodate multiple ports through a single incision for laparoscopic surgery for replacing the three to four incisions required by standard laparoscopic surgeries with a single incision. The device to accommodate multiple ports through a single incision for laparoscopic surgery includes an incision access member having a cylindrical body with bores for accommodating various surgical instruments inside a person's body through an incision in a body cavity wall of a person.

Abstract: A device for providing an access opening in a body, in particular for a spinal operation, comprised of a tubular device body (12) that extends along a longitudinal axis (L) of a device body, said body having a distal end (14) that is to be positioned inside a body and a proximal end (16) that is to be positioned outside a body, wherein in the region of the proximal end (16) an optics-carrier arrangement (28) with a movable optics-carrier (36) is positioned or can be positioned to have a path of motion (B) about the longitudinal axis of the device body, characterized in that that the optics carrier arrangement (28) comprises a guideway element (30) that carries the optics carrier (36), said guideway element having a guideway region (34) that can be positioned by means of pivoting about a swivel axis (S) in an operating position in the region of the proximal end (16) of the device body (12).

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods related to retractor systems that retract tissue to allow access to a surgical site are described. The retractor systems can include a first rotatable arm attachable to a first blade, a second rotatable arm attachable to a second blade and a third linearly translatable arm attachable to a third blade. An attachment mechanism that is attachable to a fourth blade can be removably coupled to a mount on the frame. The retractors systems can also include two blade systems whereby when the retractor is in a closed configuration, the two blades form an oval opening.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to pressure sensing. As may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments, an external energy field is applied to a resonant circuit having inductive conductors separated by a compressible dielectric, for wirelessly detecting pressure. Specifically, the resonant circuit is responsive to the energy field and applied pressures by operating in respective states exhibiting different resonant frequencies that are based upon pressure-related compression of the compressible dielectric. These resonant frequencies, or a change in the resonant frequencies, can be used as an indication of the pressure.

Abstract: Data about a person's activity and about the person's emotional state during the activity is logged in a history log. The history log may serve as a diary to this person. The history log of one or more persons may serve as a reference-profile for generating recommendations.

Abstract: A medical image processing apparatus includes, an unit (12) extracting a blood vessel wall region from the image in a range including an aneurysm in an object, an unit (13) calculating the blood vessel diameter change rates of the neck portions of the aneurysm, blood vessel curvature, and blood vessel flattening ratio at each of discrete points on a blood vessel region based on the extracted blood vessel region, an unit (14) extracting, from discrete points, feature points at each of which at least one of a blood vessel diameter change rate, blood vessel curvature, and blood vessel flattening ratio exceeds a corresponding one of thresholds and decide a range for the indwelling of a stent graft in accordance with the extracted feature points, and a display unit (19) superimposing and display unrecommended ranges on a stored image.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described, including apparatus for use with a plurality of clinicians. The apparatus includes a patient-monitoring system. A clinical sensor measures a clinical parameter of a patient, and generates a clinical-sensor signal in response thereto. In response to the clinical-sensor signal, a control unit determines that an alert event has occurred, and communicates an alert to a first subset of the plurality of clinicians before communicating the alert to any other clinician. The control unit designates the first subset of the plurality of clinicians in response to respective numbers of alerts that the plurality of clinicians have received within a previous given time period. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a technique for assessing a stability of a patient is provided. In particular, a plurality of estimated trends for each physiological variable of a patient are calculated by utilizing a plurality of physiological variables from a plurality of medical devices and a plurality of target ranges for each physiological variable. These trends are then used to calculate dynamically a single stability value over time of the patient based the target ranges input by a user for each physiological variable in relation to the estimated trends. In particular, this stability value a single value that accounts for and reflects the stability/acuity of a plurality of physiological variables to indicate quickly to physicians the stability of the patient.

Abstract: This invention is a device and method for automatically monitoring a person's caloric intake comprising: an automatic-imaging member that is worn on the person; and an image-analyzing member that automatically analyzes pictures taken by the automatic-imaging member in order to monitor caloric intake using gesture recognition or human motion recognition.

Abstract: An oral appliance assembly is described. The assembly includes an oral appliance component having an upper teeth tray and a lower teeth tray. The assembly further includes a module releasably connected to the oral appliance. The module includes at least one sensor that is positioned outside of the mouth and underneath the nares of a subject's nose when the oral appliance component is positioned in the subject's mouth. A method of measuring user compliance of an oral appliance is also described. The method includes positioning an oral appliance in the mouth of a subject, measuring at least one parameter of airflow from the subject's nose or mouth, and determining compliance based on the at least one measured parameter. A method of measuring effectiveness of an oral appliance is also described.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a patient to identify a sleep breathing disorder, comprising: a) Collecting, using a handheld monitoring device, a plurality of respiratory sounds of a patient using one or more sensors which are connected to the handheld monitoring device. b) Recording environment noise during the sleep session and averaging the environment noise to set an average noise level. c) Calculating a dynamic threshold according to the average noise level. d) Deriving a plurality of amplitudes from the plurality of respiratory sounds according to the dynamic threshold. e) Identifying a sleep breathing disorder event by analyzing a pattern of the plurality of amplitudes.

Abstract: Embodiments provide physiological measurement systems, devices and methods for continuous health and fitness monitoring. A wearable strap may detect reflected light from a user's skin, where data corresponding to the reflected light is used to automatically and continually determine a sequence of instantaneous heart rate of the user. Specifically, the heart rate of the user may be determined through the use of a peak detection algorithm that determines an R-wave-to-R-wave interval (RR interval). Based on the confidence of the RR interval, the peak detection algorithm or a frequency analysis algorithm may process the reflected light data to determine the sequence of instantaneous heart rates of the user.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic system includes a portable ultrasound diagnostic device and an extended docking device to which the portable ultrasound diagnostic device is detachably mounted, wherein at least one of probes and channels are extended when the portable ultrasound diagnostic device is mounted to the extended docking device. Also, the ultrasound diagnostic system may further include an indoor ultrasound diagnostic device including a portable docking part, and the portable ultrasound diagnostic device may include a cart-based docking part and be connected to the indoor ultrasound diagnostic device. The ultrasound diagnostic system may enhance portability of the portable ultrasound diagnostic device and simultaneously achieves superior ultrasound diagnostic performance and quality also in the portable ultrasound diagnostic device through extension of the probes, signal channels, diagnostic items, or diagnostic performance, as occasion demands.

Abstract: The present invention provides a subject information accumulating apparatus that conducts diagnosis with high reliability. The subject information accumulating apparatus includes compression plates configured to compress a subject, an irradiation unit configured to apply light, an acoustic wave detector configured to receive acoustic waves generated within a subject and to output an electric signal, and a controller configured to perform control so that an acoustic wave image and pressure information are displayed on a display unit.

Abstract: A transceiver for interfacing with an analyte sensor. The transceiver may include an interface device and a notification device. The interface device may be configured to convey a power signal to the analyte sensor and to receive data signals from the analyte sensor. The notification device may be configured to generate one or more of a vibrational, aural, and visual signal based on one or more data signals received from the analyte sensor. The interface device of the transceiver may receive analyte data from the analyte sensor, and the transceiver may comprise a processor configured to calculate an analyte concentration value based on the received analyte data. The notification device may be configured to generate one or more of aural, visual, or vibrational alarm when the calculated analyte concentration value exceeds or falls below a threshold value.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described, including a method for detecting an onset of a hypoglycemia episode in a subject. One or more critical parameters for hypoglycemia are monitored without contacting the subject. A variation of at least one of the critical parameters is detected, and an alarm is activated when at least one of the critical parameters deviates from an accepted value. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method is disclosed for monitoring the motion, breathing, heart rate of humans in a convenient and low-cost fashion, and for deriving and displaying useful measurements of cardiorespiratory performance from the measured signals. The motion, breathing, and heart rate signals are obtained through a processing applied to a raw signal obtained in a non-contact fashion, typically using a radio-frequency sensor. Processing into separate cardiac and respiratory components is described. The heart rate can be determined by using either spectral or time-domain processing. The respiratory rate can be calculated using spectral analysis. Processing to derive the heart rate, respiratory sinus arrhythmia, or a ventilatory threshold parameter using the system is described. The sensor, processing, and display can be incorporated in a single device which can be worn or held close to the body while exercising (e.g.

Abstract: A vital-signs patch for a patient monitoring system that includes a housing containing a sensor that makes physiological measurements of a patient, a transmitter, a receiver, a memory, and a processor. The processor periodically takes a measurement from the sensor, converts the measurement to a data record, and stores the data record in the memory. Upon receipt of a signal from another device, the processor retrieves at least a portion of the data record, converts the retrieved portion of the data record to a vital-sign signal, and causes the transmitter to transmit the vital-sign signal to the other device.

Abstract: A measuring chamber device for an optically operating sensor for determining a concentration of a substance that is contained in tissue fluid of a mammal. The measuring chamber device has a measuring chamber filled with a liquid measuring medium and a wall with better diffusion permeability for the substance than for other constituents of the tissue fluid. A transmitter device for emitting optical radiation into the measuring chamber, and a receiver device for receiving optical radiation that has passed through the measuring chamber are also provided.

Abstract: Novel optical devices, methods and systems relating to the detection of glucose, and more particularly to real-time glucose monitoring, are disclosed herein. More particularly, various hardware and methodological means are disclosed for ratiometric correction of optical glucose measurements for artifacts of optical systems.

Abstract: There is provided a measurement device including a measurement unit configured to have a light source unit configured to emit measurement light having at least one kind of wavelength for measuring a biological component included inside a living body, a detection unit configured to detect the measurement light emitted from the inside of the living body, and a polarization control unit configured to be provided in at least one position between the light source unit and the living body or between the living body and the detection unit and to control a polarization direction of the measurement light, and an analysis unit configured to compute an optical rotation degree based on a change in a polarization state of the measurement light using a measurement result obtained by the measurement unit and to analyze a concentration of the biological component based on the computed optical rotation degree.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a photoelectric conversion device including a substrate having opaque interconnection layers, an insulating film formed on the substrate, and having a plurality of openings, light-emitting elements formed of the openings, each light-emitting element having an upper electrode layer, and light-receiving elements formed of the openings, each light-receiving element having an upper electrode layer, wherein a semiconductor material is different in the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element, the upper electrode layer both of the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element are formed as common electrodes, and each interconnection layer is formed on a region outside a region specified by the opening.

Abstract: A peak flow meter, breathalyzer, and pulse oximeter for use with a mobile device, such as a smartphone, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the peak flow meter receives air flow from the patient, converts it into an electrical signal using a pressure transducer, and transmits the signal to a mobile device over an interface. In another embodiment, the microphone of the mobile device is used to directly receive the airflow, and the mobile device converts the airflow into an electrical signal indicating the peak flow. In another embodiment, a breathalyzer receives air flow from a patient, converts it into an electrical signal using a sensor, and transmits the signal to a mobile device over an interface. In another embodiment, a pulse oximeter measures oxygen saturation in a patient's blood and transmits an electrical signal for that measurement to a mobile device over an interface.

Abstract: In an acoustic wave detection probe provided with a light guide section that guides measuring light such that the measuring light is outputted toward a subject and an acoustic wave transducer that detects a photoacoustic wave generated in the subject by the projection of the measuring light, the light guide section includes a homogenizer that flat-tops an energy profile of the measuring light entered from the upstream side of the optical system, a light condensing member that condenses the measuring light transmitted through the homogenizer, and a. bundle fiber which includes a plurality of optical fibers and is disposed such that the measuring light transmitted through the light condensing member enters from an entrance end of the bundle fiber.

Abstract: A system and method provides a glucose report for determining glycemic risk based on an ambulatory glucose profile of glucose data over a time period, a glucose control assessment based on median and variability of glucose, and indicators of high glucose variability. Time of day periods are shown at which glucose levels can be seen. A median glucose goal and a low glucose line provide coupled with glucose variability provide a view into effects that raising or lowering the median goal would have. Likelihood of low glucose, median glucose compared to goal, and variability of glucose below median provide probabilities based on glucose data. Patterns can be seen and provide guidance for treatment.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a ligand that competes with glucose for binding the protein Concanavalin A (ConA) and competitive binding assays incorporating the ligand. The competing ligand binds to the primary and part or all of the extended binding sites of Concanavalin A. These and other aspects of the disclosure are useful for glucose monitoring (e.g., continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)).

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a pump, a user interface, and a controller communicatively coupled to the pump and the user interface. The controller is adapted to receive information relating to a blood glucose level of a user, determine whether the blood glucose level differs from a target blood glucose level by a threshold value, and selectively provide or delay provision of an alert notifying the user to check the user's blood glucose level. Other devices, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for an energizable Ophthalmic Lens with an event coloration mechanism. The event coloration mechanism may color or change color based on some predefined event. For example, a predefined constituent or predefined condition of the tear fluid may be indicative of the predefined event, and the event coloration mechanisms may interact with the tear fluid, accordingly. The event coloration mechanism may provide the energizable functionality of the Ophthalmic Lens in some embodiments. In others, the event coloration mechanism may be passive but may interact and interface with the electrical components of the Ophthalmic Lens, such as, for example, those included within the Media Insert. Event coloration mechanisms may be combined with additional functionalities that may be included in an energizable Ophthalmic Lens.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an Ophthalmic Lens device with passive event coloration mechanisms, which may not require a power source. An Ophthalmic Lens may comprise multiple event coloration mechanisms, wherein the event coloration mechanisms may or may not comprise similar embodiments. The event coloration mechanism may color or change color based on some predefined event. A predefined constituent or predefined condition of the tear fluid may be indicative of the predefined event, and the event coloration mechanisms may interact with the tear fluid, accordingly. In some embodiments, the passive event coloration mechanisms may be combined with Rigid Inserts or Media Inserts, wherein the inserts may provide additional functionalities.

Abstract: A catheter for use in a patient's heart, especially for mapping a tubular region of the heart, has a catheter body, a deflectable intermediate section and a distal a mapping assembly that has a generally circular portion adapted to sit on or in a tubular region of the heart. A control handle of the catheter allows for single-handed manipulation of various control mechanisms that can deflect the intermediate section and contract the mapping assembly by means of a deflection control assembly and a linear control assembly. The deflection control assembly has a deflection arm and a rocker member. The linear control assembly has a linear control member, an inner rotational member and a cam. A pair of puller members are responsive to the deflection control assembly to bi-directionally deflect the intermediate section. A third puller member is responsive to the linear control assembly to contract the generally circular portion of the mapping assembly.

Abstract: An optrode may provide a cylindrical substrate two or more electrodes deposited said cylindrical substrate. The cylindrical substrate and electrodes may be coated by an insulating layer with openings or vias over certain portions of the electrodes that may provide a contact for the neural probe or may be utilized to connect lead lines. Manufacturing of an optrode may utilize a jig that secures a cylindrical substrate coated by a conductive material and a resist. A first mask may be positioned in an opening provided by the jig, and the cylindrical substrate may be exposed ions or neutral particles to define one or more electrode patterns. After regions of the resist and conductive material are removed to form the electrodes, a second mask may be utilized to define vias regions in which portions of the electrodes are exposed and uncoated by an insulating layer.

Abstract: A medical diagnostic device and method, the device including: (a) an alternating current source, adapted to produce an alternating current; (b) an electrode arrangement having at least first and second electrodes, separated by an electrically insulating region, the arrangement having an at least semi-rigid region that fixes the electrodes in a spaced-apart manner, the arrangement adapted to contact the soft tissue on the inner surface of the eyelid; and (c) a processor, associated with the electrode arrangement, said electrodes electrically connected to the alternating current source; wherein, when the electrode arrangement is provided with the alternating current, and is disposed against the soft tissue, the soft tissue electrically bridges between the electrodes to form an electrical circuit, wherein an electrical signal is produced by the alternating current electrically passing between the electrodes via the soft tissue; wherein the processor is adapted to receive in-vivo based electrical information orig

Abstract: Disclosed is a hand-held, medical, multi-channel biological information acquisition mobile terminal system, comprising two signal sensing gloves RL with a cable end embedded therein, for use in acquiring a variety of biological signals comprising multi-channel interconnected ECG, heart sounds, finger blood volume pulse, and skin impedance etc., the signal sensing gloves RL also comprising a signal acquisition device S, a signal transmission device C connected to the signal acquisition device S, and a mobile terminal T connected wirelessly or with a wired connection. The system has the characteristics of low power consumption, small size, low cost and fewer control channels needed for multi-channel connection; and the system can achieve on-site acquisition of a variety of biological information and the mobile function of electronic health records.