Abstract: The present invention is related to a textile electrode (1) for measuring an electrical signal from a body part, said electrode comprising, successively from the side to be applied on the body part to the outside: a conductive textile contact (3) to be applied to said body part; a textile support (2) for supporting said textile contact (3); a vapor barrier sheet material (7) able to reduce, in use, evaporation of liquid from said textile electrode (1).

Abstract: A magnetocardiogram (MCG) system with reduced noise artifacts is produced by first creating high-resolution image representations of low-resolution measurements obtained with a magnetic field sensor unit. The high-resolution image representations are created by use of a PCA model that has been trained using a library of ideal, no-noise, high-resolution images. The Biot-Sarvart Law is then used to create a 3D model of a current impulse, given the high-resolution image representations. From the 3D current impulse model, ideal sensor unit measurements as they would have been obtained using a theoretical sensor unit observing the 3D current impulse model are synthesized.

Abstract: This patent document discusses, among other things, systems, devices, and methods for enhancing detection of pulmonary edema using, in addition to thoracic impedance, one or a combination of: physiologic information about a subject, at least one statistical parameter, a user-programmable detection level, at least one parameter associated with a previous pulmonary edema event, and patient symptom information about the subject. In one example, a (base) thoracic impedance threshold is modified to an adjusted thoracic impedance threshold. The adjusted thoracic impedance threshold provides an increased sensitivity of pulmonary edema detection as compared to the base thoracic impedance threshold. In another example, an alert is provided to a subject, a caregiver, or other user based on a pulmonary edema indication determined by the present systems, devices, and methods. In a further example, a therapy (provided to the subject) is adjusted or initiated in response to the pulmonary edema indication.

Abstract: An implantable system includes terminals, a pulse generator, a sensing circuit, separate signal processing channels, and first, second and third multiplexers. The terminals are connected to electrodes via conductors of leads. Different subsets of the electrodes are used to define different electrical pulse delivery vectors, and different subsets of the electrodes are used to define different sensing vectors. The pulse generator produces electrical pulses, and the sensing circuit senses a signal indicative of an impedance associated with a selected sensing vector. The first multiplexer selectively connects outputs of the pulse generator to a selected one of the different electrical pulse delivery vectors at a time. The second multiplexer selectively connect inputs of the sensing circuit to a selected one of the different sensing vectors at a time. The third multiplexer selectively connects an output of the sensing circuit to one of the plurality of separate signal processing channels at a time.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining surface topology of a portion of a three-dimensional structure is provided, that includes a probing member, an illumination unit, a light focusing optics, a translation mechanism, a detector and a processor.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging system produces a sequence of images of the heart during a cardiac cycle. The images are analyzed to determine the motion, displacement, or change in size of segments of the myocardium. In a preferred embodiment the values determined are radial, longitudinal, or circumferential myocardial strain values. The displacement of the myocardial segments may be tracked during the cardiac cycle by speckle tracking or border detection. The motion, displacement, or change in size values for the segments are analyzed to produce a recruitment curve and anatomical display showing the relative times of recruitment of the different segments in the contractile and relaxation motion of the heart. Participation in and achievement of full recruitment may be determined by comparison against an initial recruitment threshold criterion and against a predetermine maximal recruitment milestone level.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include systems for analyzing the breath of a patient for the presence of one or more analytes of interest. The systems may include an ion detection system capable of receiving a gas mixture having an analyte of interest expired by a patient, flowing the gas mixture, and ionizing molecules within the gas mixture. The molecules include at least the analyte of interest. The ion detection system is also capable of detecting the ionized analyte of interest.

Abstract: An image generation unit generates a composite image based on a plurality of two-dimensional tomographic images captured while setting an imaging position in a target eye. A tomographic imaging apparatus captures a volume image based on the set imaging position.

Abstract: Provided is an optical tomographic imaging apparatus that can suppress variations of resolution, sensitivity, and the like and reduce the number of components for equalizing optical properties so that cost can be reduced, in a case of an OCT apparatus using a plurality of lights. The optical tomographic imaging apparatus for obtaining a tomographic image of an object includes an optical property adjusting unit for adjusting an optical property of at least one light of measurement lights, reference lights, and interference lights each comprised of a plurality of lights. The optical property adjusting unit is shared by each group including measurement lights having substantially the same distance from an optical axis of an irradiation optical system among the measurement lights comprised of a plurality of lights.

Abstract: Devices and systems to size a luminal organ. At least some embodiments include a catheter comprising an outer elongate tube, an inner elongate tube disposed within the outer elongate tube, a proximal balloon attached to the outer elongate tube, a distal balloon having a first end attached to the outer elongate tube and a second end attached to the inner elongate tube, electrodes positioned on the outer elongate tube, and a pressure transducer positioned on the outer elongate tube.

Abstract: A method determines the position and/or radius of the limbus and/or the position and/or radius of the pupil of a patient eye. In the method, an image of the patient eye is obtained and a plurality of different ring-shaped comparison objects having respective radii and respective centers are provided. The image is correlated with the plurality of comparison objects to yield a local best match between the image and the comparison objects when there is a coincidence of one of the ring-shaped comparison objects and a ring-shaped jump in brightness in the image having the same radius and the same center. The comparison objects having a local best match with the image are determined. Thereafter, the position of the center of the comparison object having a local best match with the image is selected as the position of the center of the limbus and/or the position of the center of the pupil.

Abstract: A device, for adaptive processing of an endocardial acceleration signal, continuously collects an endocardial acceleration EA signal and divides it into EA sub-signals, each over the duration of one cardiac cycle. The EA sub-signals are separated into the EA1 and EA2 components. A cross-correlation between the EA sub-signals of each component and a time calibration compared to a reference cycle, and a series of validation criteria is applied. The result is an average overall EA signal for a cycle. A change in the patient's condition or an occurrence of a predetermined event in the patient is detected (24) and, as a result there is dynamic adaptation of at least one of said validation criteria and/or at least one of the preprocessing parameters for calculating the EA signal average.

Abstract: An activity monitor such as a wrist-worn device has an accelerometer which continuously detects motion of the user. The activity monitor also has an on-demand heart rate monitor which is activated by the user touching it from time to time. A calorie expenditure based on the motion of the user can be modified based on a heart rate measurement. Further, a determination can be made as to whether the user has made repetitive motions for a period of time. If the repetitive motions are detected, a calorie expenditure based on the heart rate is determined and compared to the calorie expenditure based on the user motion, and the higher value prevails. A situation is avoided in which the activity monitor underestimates the calories expended, such as when the user is exercising strenuously but the accelerometer indicates relatively little motion, e.g., during strength training.

Abstract: An optical system (100) for following ocular movements of an individual includes: an acquisition module (190) designed so as to acquire an image (Im) of the two eyes (22, 22d, 22g) of the individual, an optical element of transmission (110d, 110g), to the acquisition module, of two images (lm_d, lm_g) of respectively each eye which together correspond to a discontinuous region (24d, 24g) of the face, by multiple reflections along two optical routes (TOd, TOg) devoid of any semireflecting mirror. The optical routes further include optical input paths (114d, 114g) opposite respectively each eye, which are parallel to one another and to an optical axis (Z) of the acquisition module, and the optical element of transmission is configured so as to bring the two images closer together so that the acquisition module acquires the two images simultaneously.

Abstract: An ablation system comprises a tool including an shaft having proximal and distal end portions, a handle at the proximal end portion, and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal end portions. The system further includes an ablation subsystem comprised of an ablation element at the distal end portion of the shaft, and an ablation source connected to the ablation element. The system further includes an imaging subsystem comprising an ultrasound imaging transducer disposed proximate the ablation element. The transducer is pivotally attached to the shaft or the ablation element to allow the transducer to articulate between stowed and deployed positions. The imaging subsystem further comprises a processor connected to the transducer configured to receive image data acquired by the transducer, and to generate an image corresponding thereto. The imaging subsystem still further includes a display connected to the processor configured to display the generated image.

Abstract: A fundus camera using infrared light sources, which included an imaging optical path and an optical path for focusing and positioning and two optical paths share a common set of retina objective lens, and a computer-assisted method for retinal vessel segmentation in general and diabetic retinopathy (DR) image segmentation in particular. The method is primarily based on Multiscale Production of the Matched Filter (MPMF) scheme, which together the fundus camera, is useful for non-invasive diabetic retinopathy detection and monitoring.

Abstract: An optical imaging system (1) for in-vivo retinal imaging, the system (1) comprising: an optical source (3) for generating incoherent light in a plurality of wavelength bands; an optical imaging sub-system (6) configured to split light from said optical source (3) into a plurality of beams, to introduce a path difference between said beams of light, and recombine those beams to form interference fringes that are imaged on a subject (21); and an image capture device (29) configured to capture light from the subject (21) being imaged, and to form an image of said subject (21).

Abstract: An ophthalmologic apparatus includes a projection unit configured to project a light flux to a subject's eye, an imaging optical system configured to form an image of the light flux reflected by the subject's eye or an image of the subject's eye on an imaging plane, an imaging unit provided on the imaging plane of the imaging optical system, a determination unit configured to determine a parameter regarding the imaging unit or the projection unit for acquiring unique information of the subject's eye based on a physical property of the subject's eye, and an acquisition unit configured to acquire the unique information based on the image of the light flux or the image of the subject's eye captured by the imaging unit with use of the determined parameter.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods for ocular topography and using a plenoptic detector are provided. For example, a multifunction ocular topography and aberrometry system can comprise a first set of light sources, a second light source, a plenoptic detector and a processing system coupled to the plenoptic detector. The first set of light sources and the second light source are configured to selectively illuminate an eye. The plenoptic detector is configured to selectively receive images of the first set of light sources reflected from a corneal surface of the eye and generate first plenoptic image data representing the images of the first set of light sources. The plenoptic detector is further configured receive images of the second light source reflected from a retina of the eye and generate second plenoptic image data representing the images of the second light source.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, apparatuses, etc. for calibrating glucose monitoring sensors and/or insulin delivery systems. In certain example embodiments, blood glucose reference samples may be correlated with sensor measurements with regard to a delay associated with the sensor measurements. In certain other example embodiments, one or more parameters of a probability model may be estimated based on blood glucose reference sample-sensor measurement pairs. Based on such information, function(s) for estimating a blood-glucose concentration in a patient may be determined.

Abstract: A test element includes a puncture element and a test panel. The puncture element has a tip positioned at one end for generating a wound in a body part. A capillary structure extends from the tip to the test panel and has a fluid connection to the tip. The test panel contains at least a part of a reagent system and is positioned in the test element adjacent to a part of the capillary structure of the puncture element so that body fluid penetrating into the capillary structure contacts a liquid entry side of the test panel. The test panel comprises a transparent support layer and a test layer applied to the support layer by coating. The side of the test panel facing away from the support layer forms its liquid entry side, which faces toward the capillary structure.

Abstract: An analyte and detecting apparatus includes a housing, an access door and a front end aperture. A module is positionable in the housing. A penetrating member is positioned in the module and upon launch passes through the front end aperture. An analyte sensor is positioned in the module. A penetrating member driver is configured to be coupled to the penetrating member. A mechanism is included that moves an arm coupled to the penetrating member driver into a launch position and allows motion of the penetrating member driver.

Abstract: An ophthalmic apparatus comprises an imaging unit configured to capture an anterior eye part image of an eye to be examined, a measuring unit configured to measure unique information of the eye, a calculation unit configured to calculate variations of a plurality of pieces of unique information measured by the measuring unit, and a display control unit configured to cause a display unit to display a plurality of anterior eye part images respectively corresponding to the plurality of pieces of unique information when variations calculated by the calculation unit satisfy a predetermined condition.

Abstract: An illumination device comprises at least one LED (36), which can be connected through circuit means (50) to a voltage source optionally formed by a battery unit (70) or an accumulator unit (74). Furthermore, a first contact means (60) is provided for connecting the battery unit (70) and a second contact means (64) for connecting the accumulator unit (74) to the circuit means (50). A bottom unit for a battery grip (11) comprising a grip sleeve (90) in which the accumulator unit (74) is arranged, has a basic body (84) mountable at the lower end of the grip sleeve (90), wherein an upper contact element (89) for contacting the accumulator unit (74) and a lower contact element (95) for contacting a contact element (107) of a charging station, to which a current is applied, are arranged in the basic body (84).

Abstract: A uretero-renoscope includes a shaft, on whose distal end an instrument head is arranged. The instrument head tapers continuously in the distal direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arthroscopy apparatus, comprising at least three elements selected from: a conventional arthroscopic lens (12), to which there is coupled a power supply device or capsule, in the inside of which is the power source (1), and a miniature camera (8), characterized by not comprising connecting cables.

Abstract: A retractor system includes a frame and first and second retractor blades. The frame includes first and second securement features. At least one of the first and second securement features is movable with respect to the frame when the first and second securement features is mounted to the frame. Proximal portions of the first and second refractor blades are secured proximate the first and second securement features respectively. In a first position the first and second refractor blades are laterally opposed. Movement of the securement feature adjusts the angle of at least one of the retractor blades so that at least one of the retractor blades may be adjusted between an acute angle and an obtuse angle to horizontal.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices for decreasing the incidence of Cesarean childbirth by managing the labor process. In one aspect, a tactile feedback device is positioned adjacent the perianal tissues. A perianal support device includes a perianal support member having a pressure surface configured for engagement with tissue adjacent an anal orifice and a pressure detecting system associated with the perianal support member to detect pressure indicative of pressure on the perianal tissue of a patient.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices for supporting pelvic floor tissues to decrease the incidence of pelvic floor injuries during child birth. In one aspect, a pelvic floor support device is positioned adjacent the pelvic floor tissues. The pelvic floor support device includes a support member having a pressure surface configured for engagement with tissue adjacent the pelvic floor and a pressure detecting system associated with the pelvic floor support member to detect pressure indicative of pressure on the pelvic floor of a patient.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for probe connector that is connected to a shaft of the probe connector, includes a door and a drive assembly for releasing or locking the probe connector by opening and closing of the door.

Abstract: An automated skin lesion assessment system may automatically assess a suspect skin lesion. An electronic image library may contain diagnosed skin lesion image data representative of images of a plurality of diagnosed skin lesions and, for each, a diagnosis of the skin lesion. An image capture system may capture an image of the suspect skin lesion. A computer processing system may compare the image of the suspect skin lesion with the diagnosed skin lesion image data and, based on this comparison, identify one or more diagnosed skin lesions which match the suspect skin lesion. A user interface may report the diagnoses of the diagnosed skin lesions that match the image of the suspect skin lesion.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system and method in which a transducer assembly in a probe housing in which sub-array beamforming and multiplexing operations are performed in the probe housing. The probe housing can be connected to a processor housing in which a second beamforming operation can be performed to generate images for display. The processor housing can be a handheld ultrasound display device for portable use.

Abstract: Diabetes management apparatus comprising a sensor providing measurements of glucose level in a human or animal; an insulin pump for delivering a dose of insulin to said human or animal; and a processor. The processor is adapted to perform the following steps: receive said measurements of glucose level from said sensor; calculate a insulin dose to be delivered by said insulin pump based on said received measurement; assess the validity of the status of the apparatus; and send a command to said insulin pump to deliver said calculated insulin dose, dependent on said assessing step confirming that the status is valid.

Abstract: A blood vessel ultrasonic image measuring method capable of facilitating the positioning of an ultrasonic probe and acquiring sufficient positioning accuracy. Because of inclusion of an around-X-axis positioning step of causing a multiaxis driving device to position an ultrasonic probe such that distances from respective ultrasonic array probes to the center of a blood vessel are equalized, and an X-axis direction positioning step and an around-Z-axis positioning step of causing the multiaxis driving device to position the ultrasonic probe such that the image of the blood vessel is positioned at the center portion in the width direction of the first short axis image display area and the second short axis image display area, the positioning may be performed by using the positions in the longitudinal direction of the ultrasonic array probes relative to the blood vessel or the distances of the ultrasonic array probes to the blood vessel.

Abstract: A system for three-dimensional analysis of lesions in image data is disclosed. It comprises a lesion detection subsystem (1) for detecting individual lesions and three-dimensional positions of the individual lesions, based on e.g. breast image data (301). It comprises a cluster detection subsystem (2) for detecting a cluster of lesions (302), based on three-dimensional position information of lesions, and associating at least some of the individual lesions with the cluster of lesions (302), based on the three-dimensional positions of the individual lesions. The cluster detection subsystem (2) is arranged for detecting the cluster of lesions (302), based on the three-dimensional positions of the individual lesions. It comprises a cluster analysis subsystem (3) for analyzing the cluster of lesions (302).

Abstract: A method is disclosed for processing measurement data from perfusion computed tomography, in which both perfusion parameters, in order to calculate which arterial and venous TACs are generated, and dynamic CTA images are generated from the measurement data. In at least one embodiment of the proposed method, averaging is performed over the dynamic CTA images from a plurality of temporally successive time phases in order to obtain averaged CTA images, wherein the time phases over which averaging is performed are determined from the arterial or venous TAC(s). In some cases, the method can dispense with an additional static CTA and so the amount of the injected contrast agent and the radiation dose can be reduced.

Abstract: A multiplane medical imaging system is provided. The multiplane medical imaging system comprises a first X-ray machine and a second X-ray machine, each X-ray machine comprising an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector, wherein the first and second X-ray machines each comprise respective mobile automatic devices on which the respective X-ray tubes and the respective X-ray detectors are mounted in order to control the movement of the first and second X-ray machines.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically identifying segments of EEG signals or other brain electrical activity signals that contain artifacts, and/or editing the signals to remove segments that include artifacts.

Abstract: A closure device configured for closing an opening in a body lumen. The closure device may include a delivery sheath, a cleat, and one or more anchors. The cleat may be disposed within and move longitudinally with respect to the delivery sheath. The one or more anchors may be configured to engage tissue surrounding the body lumen opening and selectively couple to the cleat to obstruct and/or close the body lumen opening.

Abstract: A device for a biopsy procedure using a probe is provided. The probe, such as a needle, has an inner bore. A tamponade device is provided having a stem portion and an expandable portion, the tamponade device is sized to fit within the probe inner bore. The expandable portion is changeable between a first size and a second size with the second size being larger than the first size. A sheath disposed about the expandable portion, the sheath sized to fit within the probe inner bore. The expandable portion applies direct pressure to a hemorrhage location when inflated to the second size.

Abstract: Disclosed is a closure catheter, for closing a tissue opening such as an atrial septal defect, patent foreman ovale, or the left atrial appendage of the heart. The closure catheter carries a plurality of tissue anchors, which may be deployed into tissue surrounding the opening, and used to draw the opening closed. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A medical device is provided, having an elongate body defining a distal portion and a proximal portion; a first expandable member disposed on the distal portion of the elongate body and defining a cooling chamber therein, the first expandable member having a first rigidity; a second expandable member disposed around the first expandable member to define an interstitial region therebetween, where the second expandable member has a second rigidity less than the first rigidity; a gel disposed within the interstitial region; a coolant flow path in fluid communication with the cooling chamber; and a cryogenic coolant source in fluid communication with the coolant flow path.

Abstract: Devices and methods for using adjunctive cooling to promote recovery of function following pelvic surgery include a uretral catheter and a cryogenic cautery device. A system for producing chilled irrigation fluid recirculates the chilled fluid through a catheter inserted into the patients urethra to provide a low temperature during and following surgery. A surgical cautery device is equipped with cryogenic emitters which spray cryogenic fluid on the cautery site prior to and/or following thermal cautery to reduce inflammation and related damage from such cauterization. The various embodiments are advantageously used together.

Abstract: A cryogenic medical device for delivery of subcooled liquid cryogen to various configurations of cryoprobes is designed for the treatment of damaged, diseased, cancerous or other unwanted tissues, particularly as utilized for the ablation of cardiac tissue in the treatment of atrial fibrillation. The device is a closed or semi-closed system in which the liquid cryogen is nitrogen contained in both the supply and return stages. The device is capable of generating cryogen to a supercritical state, specifically supercritical nitrogen, and may be utilized in any rapid cooling systems. As designed, the device also integrates endocardial catheters and epicardial probes.

Abstract: A method is provided for calibrating a surgical biopsy system. The biopsy system includes a biopsy instrument and control unit. The biopsy instrument includes a piercer, rotatable cutter, and a port for receiving tissue samples. The method comprises the steps of translating the cutter distally until the translation of the cutter is stopped at an extended position and recording the extended position. The cutter is then translated from the extended position proximally until the translation of the cutter is stopped at a retracted position proximal to the extended position. The retracted position is recorded. The method further comprises the step of rotating the cutter to a rotation speed while the cutter is located at the retracted position and, if determined that the rotation speed is within a predetermined rotation speed range, a feedback signal is provided on the display allowing the operator to progress to the next procedural step.

Abstract: A solid medical waste collection system for collecting solid medical waste. The system includes a mobile cart with a bag for storing the waste. A pre-detection apparatus detects metal-containing objects prior to placing them inside the bag to reduce costs to the facility in which the cart is employed. The system may also include a bag-tensioning mechanism for securing the bag to the cart.

Abstract: Volumetrically oscillating plasma flows, the volume of which controllably expands and contracts with time, are disclosed. Volumetrically oscillating plasma flows are generated by providing an energy with a power density that changes with time to the plasma-generating gas to form a plasma flow. The changes in the energy power density result in plasma flow volumetric oscillations. Volumetric oscillations with a frequency of above 20,000 Hz results in ultrasonic acoustic waves, which are known to be beneficial for various medical applications. System for providing volumetrically oscillating plasma flows and a variety of surgical non-surgical applications of such flows are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for deploying and applying multiple suture anchors. In one embodiment, a surgical device is provided having a shaft configured to be introduced into a body, e.g., through a scoping device, and to deliver a plurality of suture anchors into tissue, preferably without the need to remove the shaft from the body. The shaft can have a plurality of channels, with each of the plurality of channels configured to seat at least one of a plurality of suture anchors. Each of the anchors can be removably seated in a channel such that the anchors can be removed from the device, such as by pulling on sutures attached to the respective anchors.

Abstract: A suture passer assembly is used for manipulating a suture with a selectively moveable wire member. The suture passer assembly includes at least one grasping member and a single-body hollow tube. The tube defines a first end, a second end, a tube wall, and a tube passage extending from the first end to the second end. The wire member is moveably received within the tube passage. The tube wall includes at least one aperture that is disposed between the first end and the second end. A first portion of the grasping member extends through the tube wall and into the tube passage via the aperture. A second portion of the grasping member remains outside the hollow tube. The first portion is operable to grasp the wire member and selectively move the wire member relative to the hollow tube due to manipulation of the second portion of the grasping member.

Abstract: A suture passing mechanism is disclosed having an elongated delivery member and a suture capture fitting at a distal end of the delivery member. The suture capture fitting includes a recess for receiving a length of suture. The recess is bounded by a proximal wall and a lateral opening leads therein. An expeller at the recess is adapted to expel suture out of the recess through the lateral opening.