Abstract: Arrangements are described for determining a physiological characteristic of the auditory pathway (as whole or selected parts such as an inner ear). Electrical stimulation pulses are delivered to inner ear neural tissue and corresponding tissue response signals are developed by measuring over time response of the auditory pathway to each electrical stimulation pulse, with each tissue response signal forming a response curve including at least one physiological landmark such as a local maximum and a local minimum. A multi-dimensional polynomial is fit over the tissue response signals, and calculation starting points are defined based on prominent physiologic landmarks such as a local maximum and a local minimum for one selected tissue response signal. A line of minimum principal curvature of the multi-dimensional polynomial over the plurality of tissue response signals that intersect the calculation starting points is calculated to determine a physiological characteristic of the auditory pathway.

Abstract: A method for detecting cancer levels in a human patient by monitoring antigen levels in the blood stream of the patient. Polysilicon mirrors are administrated into the blood stream of the b patient orally or by injection. Near infrared light is transmitted through the patient's skin and reflected by the mirrors to a detector that converts the light to a readable signal for calculating the cancer level based on the level of antigen markers in the patients blood stream.

Abstract: A system (1) for determining blood component concentration in vivo, the system (1) comprising: a probe (3) having an optical component and an electrical component, said optical component comprising a light source (9) for illuminating tissue (5) of a subject, said tissue (5) including a light absorbing blood component of interest, and a light detector (11) configured to detect light that has been emitted by said source (9) and has passed through said tissue (5); said electrical component comprising electrodes (13, 15) for applying an electric field across said tissue (5); and a control module (4) configured to receive signals from said light detector (11) that are representative of the intensity of light detected by the detector (11) and to receive signals from said electrodes (13, 15) that are representative of the capacitance of said tissue (5); wherein the amplitude of said signals varies periodically with the subject's cardiac cycle, and said control module (4) comprises a processor (35) operable to determ

Abstract: A device is provided for in vivo determination of at least one blood value within an object to be examined. The device includes a catheter-shaped carrier that may be inserted into the object to be examined. The catheter-shaped carrier has at least one measuring device, of which the measurement position is arranged at a definable position of the catheter-shaped carrier, and which is designed to repeatedly determine at least one blood value and to supply this value to an evaluation unit. Moreover, a corresponding method is described for in vivo determination of at least one blood value within an object to be examined.

Abstract: Methods and systems for nanopillar sensors are described. Nanopillars can be defined on a substrate, and metal deposited on the nanopillars. A thermal treatment can reflow the metal on the nanopillars forming metallic bulbs on the top end of the nanopillars. These structures can have enhanced optical detection when functionalized with biological agents, or can detect gases, particles and liquids through interaction with the metal layer on the nanopillars.

Abstract: Methods and systems for nanopillar sensors are described. Nanopillars can be defined on a substrate, and metal deposited on the nanopillars. A thermal treatment can reflow the metal on the nanopillars forming metallic bulbs on the top end of the nanopillars. These structures can have enhanced optical detection when functionalized with biological agents, or can detect gases, particles and liquids through interaction with the metal layer on the nanopillars.

Abstract: Generally, embodiments of the invention relate to analyte determining devices (e.g., electrochemical analyte monitoring systems) that include an indicator element that provides information relating to service history of the analyte determining devices, including, for example, previous use of the analyte determining devices. Also provided are systems and methods of using the, for example electrochemical, analyte determining devices in analyte monitoring.

Abstract: A measurement device that measures a specific substance contained in a sample comprises a detector configured to detect a signal based on the specific substance contained in the sample, and a first controller configured to control an operation of the detector. The first controller executes a measurement operation that drives the detector to detect the signal based on the specific substance contained in the sample, and calculates concentration of the specific substance contained in the sample on the basis of the detected signal, and executes a test mode for the measurement operation. The first controller further executes a specific mode that prohibits execution of the measurement operation and only permits the measurement operation when the test mode is executed.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement for detecting information indicative of a physiological substance in a body material of a physiological subject, wherein the sensor arrangement comprises a substrate a first sensor structure connected to the substrate and being configured for sensing the physiological substance electrochemically, and a second sensor structure connected to the substrate and being configured for sensing the physiological substance by a luminescence detection.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and a computing unit to monitor health condition of a subject. The computing unit receives physiological signals from a plurality of sensors placed on the subject. The computing unit detects a work-type based on the physiological signals received from the plurality of sensors and assigns a weight to each of the plurality of sensors based on the work-type. Thereafter, the computing unit generates a fatigue score using the physiological signals and the weight of the plurality of sensors. The fatigue score indicates the health condition of the subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to elements of a method (1) for determining a damage characteristic value of a kidney (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to a bladder measurement capsule, which can be introduced into the bladder of a living being, in particular a human, and which has a pressure sensor and measurement electronics in a housing by means of which pressure measurement values provided by the pressure sensor can be detected and saved and which has a shape deviating from a linear longitudinal extension, in particular the shape of a ring torus sector, and is flexible against a resetting force into a linear longitudinally extended shape.

Abstract: A system for assessing a sympathovagal balance of a patient includes a generator configured to produce stimulation pulses, a stimulator that receives the stimulation pulses produced by the generator and outputs a stimulation energy, a sensor configured to measure a physiological signal, and a processor.

Abstract: Patient reported outcome (PRO) instruments are useful for collecting information from celiac disease patients, patients with gluten intolerance or gluten sensitivity, and patients on gluten free diets.

Abstract: A method, and associated apparatus and system, for monitoring a baby in-utero during labor are provided. A fetal heart rate signal and a uterine activity signal are processed to derive fetal well-being information at least in part by i) processing the fetal heart rate signal and the uterine activity signal to model a relationship between uterine activity and fetal heart rate variability; and ii) deriving the fetal well-being information at least in part by processing the modeled relationship. The relationship may be modeled, for example, as a system having the uterine activity signal as an input and fetal heart rate variability as an output. Suitable system identification approaches may be used for modeling such a relationship. A signal for causing the fetal well-being information to be displayed on a display device is released to assist clinicians in identifying whether the baby being monitored is exhibiting an adverse response to hypoxic conditions.

Abstract: Provided is a skin condition evaluation method. The skin condition evaluation method may include preparing a light source including one or more LEDs, irradiating light onto skin using the light source, and receiving light emitted through the skin using a light detector.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method of improving breathing performance of a user using an electronic device. In an embodiment, the method of the present disclosure comprises creating a profile of a user by using personal information of the user, determining one or more threshold values corresponding to one or more levels based on the user profile, receiving values associated with at least parameter from respiratory blows of the user, determining breathing performance of the user by comparing the values with a corresponding threshold value, displaying the breathing performance of the user and adjusting the threshold values for successive levels based on the breathing performance.

Abstract: An apparatus including a coil configured to receive a signal associated with a composition ingested by a user and a data storage element operatively coupled to the coil, the data storage element configured to store, based on the signal, at least one of time information, date information, or identity information associated with the composition.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the disclosed technology, a method and system are used for assisting and facilitating cardiac emergency treatment. The method employs an electronic interface for logging the different treatments and/or medicines administered to a cardiac emergency patient. The interface maintains numerous time intervals, dosage frequencies, and dosage amounts for different treatments. The interface prompts the user when to administer different treatments based on the type of cardiac emergency being suffered, as well other factors. The device implementing the electronic interface may further be in communication with treatment mechanisms, such as a defibrillator and/or an automatic dosage administration machine, for purposes of automated application of treatment at the prompts. Patient information and history, including the history from the present treatment regimen, is stored in a database accessible via the interface.

Abstract: A method for calculating the location of the center-of-rotation of a joint with an attached member. The method employs an inertial measurement unit (IMU) having an angular rate gyro and an accelerometer and coupling the inertial measurement unit to the member for detection of movement of the member. The inertial measurement unit outputs data representative of angular velocity and acceleration of the member mounted IMU in response to movement of the joint. The method further comprising analyzing the angular rate and acceleration data to determine the center-of-rotation of the joint.

Abstract: A force assessment device and a method for lead extraction are provided. A force gauge is configured to measure a traction force, and a strain gauge that is configured to measure a countertraction force. An interface is communicatively coupled to the force gauge and the strain gauge, and the interface is configured to present data regarding at least one of the traction force and the countertraction force.

Abstract: A sensor for indirect estimation of breast milk intake by an infant, the sensor comprising: a housing configured to be externally attached to an incontinence product worn by a subject, said housing comprising: a light-emitting diode (LED) configured to illuminate the incontinence product; a photodetector configured to output an indication of the amount of light reflected from the incontinence product; and an integrated circuit configured to: (a) receive the indication from said photodetector, (b) compute, based on the indication, an amount of urine secreted by the subject into the incontinence product, and (c) estimate the amount of breast milk intake by the infant based on the amount of urine secreted by the subject into the incontinence product.

Abstract: The present invention provides a garment for measuring biological information, a biological information measurement system, a biological information measurement device and a method of controlling thereof capable of measuring biological information with accuracy regardless of variations of the constitution of each examinee. When an examinee wears a biological information measurement shirt 301, four limb electrodes 351 and 352 are arranged at positions so that the electrodes cover the body surface other than around the clavicle of the examinee. At that time, four limb electrodes 362 and 363 are assigned to positions so that they cover about the pelvis of the examinee.

Abstract: The present invention includes systems, devices and methods for treating and/or diagnosing a heart arrhythmia, such as atrial fibrillation. Specifically, the present invention provides a system including a diagnostic catheter and an ablation catheter. The diagnostic catheter includes a shaft, multiple dipole mapping electrodes and multiple ultrasound transducers. The ablation catheter is slidingly received by the diagnostic catheter shaft.

Abstract: An electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor includes an analog front end device configured to remove a DC offset in a first ECG signal received from a measuring electrode, and adjust a gain amplification value based on the first ECG signal. The analog front end device is configured to output an adjusted first ECG signal, the adjusted first ECG signal being based on the adjusted gain amplification value and the removed DC offset in the first ECG signal. The ECG sensor includes a digital signal processor configured to analyze and process the adjusted first ECG signal based on an algorithm and to output information. The analog front end device is configured to remove the DC offset in the first ECG signal during a first period, and remove a DC offset in a second ECG signal and simultaneously adjust a gain amplification value for the second ECG signal during a second period.

Abstract: A method of predicting survivability of a patient. The method includes storing in an electronic database patient health data comprising a plurality of sets of data, each set having a first parameter relating to heart rate variability data including at least one of ST segment elevation and depression, a second parameter relating to vital sign data, and a third parameter relating to patient survivability; providing a network of nodes interconnected to form an artificial neural network, the nodes comprising a plurality of neurons, each having at least one input with an associated weight; and training the neural network using the patient health data such that the associated weight of the at least one input of each neuron is adjusted in response to respective first, second and third parameters of different sets of data from the patient health data, such that the neural network is trained to produce a prediction on the survivability of a patient within the next 72 hours.

Abstract: A screening procedure and apparatus enables those at risk of cardiac arrhythmia to be identified. The procedure utilises a blood flow detector (12) in conjunction with a signal analysis unit (18) to monitor a sequence of multiple heart pulses, hence to deduce the values of a sequence of multiple heart pulse intervals, and to analyse the sequence of multiple heart pulse intervals to deduce a risk parameter whose value enables those at risk of cardiac arrhythmia to be identified. The risk parameter may be calculated from a first measure, or alternatively by combining the first measure with a second measure, where the first measure is calculated from the ratio between the variability between successive intervals in the sequence, and the mean interval value, while the second measure relates to the proportion of cases in which a long interval is followed by another long interval in the sequence.

Abstract: A monitoring system and method for early detection of fall risk. A rise-state of a subject occupying a bed is detected. In response to the detection of the rise-state, blood pressure measurement of the subject is triggered. An alarm when the measured blood pressure is not within a selected range of blood pressures.

Abstract: A method for performing a medical procedure includes holding a non-linear dependence between the duration of a given phase within a cardiac cycle and a respective heartbeat rate. First and second image sequences of the dynamic activity of the heart of a patient, acquired at respective different first and second heartbeat rates of the heart, are received. Synchronization between the first and second image sequences is performed based on the non-linear dependence, on the first and second heartbeat rates, and on a given common heartbeat rate. The first and second image sequences are played in synchronization with the common heartbeat rate.

Abstract: A testing system and method for providing a testing system includes a user interface having a display for displaying information relating to measurements of health data and an input device for receiving information from a user relating to the health data. Provided in connection with the user interface is an autologging feature adapted to provide the user with user-selectable options on the display. Also provided is a statistical operation adapted to provide the user with enhanced information relating to the measurements of health data. Also provided is at least one indicator for indicating information relating to the number of health data readings that are within a target range, the number of health data readings that are above the target range and the number of health data readings that are below the target range.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an X-ray imaging apparatus which recognizes a marker located at a part to be subjected to X-ray imaging from an image of a subject imaged by a camera and which controls a respective movement of each of an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector to a respective position which corresponds to the recognized marker, and a method for controlling the same. An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray tube which radiates X-rays toward a subject, an X-ray detector which detects X-rays which propagate through the subject, an imaging unit which generates an image of the subject, a recognizes which recognizes a part to be subjected to X-ray imaging from the image of the subject, and a position controller which controls a movement of the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector to a position corresponding to the part to be subjected to X-ray imaging.

Abstract: A device is provided that comprises: a flexible body; a position sensor located at the flexible body; and a field emission x-ray device located at the flexible body.

Abstract: Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems are described for measuring the attenuation of a line integral through an object via a photon counting cell (302) and via an energy integrating cell (304). That is, an imaging apparatus is provided that comprises a radiation source (208) and a detector array (210). The detector array is comprised of both photon counting cells (302) and energy integrating cells (304) arranged such that, during an examination of the object, attenuation of a line integral through the object is measured by at least one photon counting cell and at least one energy integrating cell. In this way, at least two substantially complete views of an object may be acquired, one from measurements yielded from the photon counting cell (and other photon counting cells) and one from measurements yielded from the energy integrating cell (and other energy integrating cells).

Abstract: A method for defining the shape of a radiation beam that is directed toward a subject and to a free-standing imaging detector detects the position and orientation of the imaging detector relative to a radiation source, then adjusts an aperture that lies in the path of the radiation beam to shape the beam for incidence on a predetermined area of the detector according to the detected imaging detector position. The radiation source is energized to emit the shaped radiation beam and the image data about the subject is acquired from the imaging detector.

Abstract: An implant device identifiable after implantation comprises a main portion of the implant device and a coded portion of the implant device. The coded portion comprises a radiopaque element and indicia on the radiopaque element or indicia as a plurality of radiopaque elements disposed within the coded portion. The indicia are discernible by x-ray, fluoroscopy, computed tomography, electromagnetic radiation, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a medical image display apparatus is accessible to an external device that stores data of a plurality of X-ray images with different imaging angles, or includes a storage unit that stores the data of the plurality of X-ray images. The medical image display apparatus includes a display, a distance specifying unit, an image selector and a display controller. The distance specifying unit specifies a distance of a user to the display. The image selector selects, from the plurality of X-ray images, two X-ray images with an angular difference determined based on the distance of the user. The display controller displays the selected two X-ray images on the display for stereopsis by the user.

Abstract: The method for diagnosing osteoporosis, using a method for determining the dynamics of closure of cavities to evaluate the effectiveness of the application of various bone protectors, relates to the field of medicine, for the diagnosis of osteoporosis and measurement of the effectiveness of therapeutic and prophylactic treatment of conditions associated with osteoporosis. The method is characterised by laboratory, histological and radiological methods of examination (standard radiography) and by measuring bone mineral density using the radiological absorptive method on osteometers, into which an additional diagnostic criterion is introduced, namely the measurement of cavities by specially adjusting them to measure cavities in trabecular bone sections using the radiological absorptive method and in addition, distilled water is introduced into special incubation apparatuses around the limb bones of the hands and feet which are being examined.

Abstract: A tomography apparatus includes an image processor configured to reconstruct a tomography image by using pieces of image data that are acquired during partial periods included in a heartbeat period; and a display configured to display a screen image, which includes information representing the heartbeat period, and the reconstructed tomography image, and on which the partial periods and image sections corresponding to the partial periods are displayed in association with each other.

Abstract: Systems and method for ultrasound probe guidance are provided. One system includes a probe guide with a body having at least one engagement portion for coupling an ultrasound probe to the body. The system also includes at least one sensor configured to communicate with an ultrasound imaging system, wherein the at least one sensor coupled to the body and configured to determine at least one of a spatial position, an orientation, a probe head movement speed, a temperature, a scan speed of the body relative to an object being scanned, or a contact pressure relative to the body and the object being scanned.

Abstract: A method and system for determining an angulation of a C-arm image acquisition system for a cardiac intervention is disclosed. A 3D ultrasound image including a cardiac region is received. The 3D ultrasound image is registered to a 3D coordinate system of the C-arm image acquisition system. A cardiac structure of interest is detected in the registered 3D ultrasound image. An angulation of the C-arm image acquisition system is determined based on the detected structure of interest in the registered 3D ultrasound image.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic device including: an image acquirer for acquiring an ultrasonic image of an object from ultrasonic waves received by an ultrasonic probe; an image memory for preliminary memorizing a volume data of the object, which is acquired by an image diagnostic device; a first positional detector for detecting 3-dimensional information of the ultrasonic probe; an tomogram obtainer for obtaining a tomogram of the image diagnostic device, in which positions of the tomogram and the ultrasonic image correspond, based on a positional information from the first positional detector; a display for displaying the ultrasonic image and the tomogram; wherein the ultrasonic image device further including, a selector for selecting predetermined angles of a puncture needle, where angles can be set at fixed values, and the display displays a guideline of the puncture needle on at least one of the ultrasonic image and the tomogram.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes an elongated member having an ultrasonic beacon disposed adjacent to a distal end portion of the elongated member, a power supply releasably attachable adjacent to the proximal end of the elongated member, and a catheter. The distal end portion of the elongated member with the ultrasonic transmitter is inserted into an anatomical structure of the human body, and the ultrasonic transmitter is powered by the power supply. Using conventional medical ultrasonography equipment, a technician is able to observe and/or track on a display an image of the internal structure of the human body and an image such as an illuminated bright spot representing the energized ultrasonic beacon. After locating the elongated member, the power supply is removed, and the catheter is slid onto the elongated member to locate the catheter tip. Thereafter, the elongated member is removed.

Abstract: In general, according to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is used to observe a position and puncture direction of a puncture needle in an object in a paracentesis, and comprises data acquisition unit, image generation unit and a display. The data acquisition unit acquires a plurality of first ultrasound data concerning an inside of the object, acquire a plurality of second ultrasound data concerning the inside of the object, and acquire a plurality of third ultrasound data concerning the inside of the object. The image generation unit generates a tissue image displaying a living body tissue by using the first ultrasound data, generate a puncture image displaying the puncture needle based on image processing using the second ultrasound data and the third ultrasound data, and generate a composite image visualizing the living body tissue and the puncture needle by using the tissue image and the puncture image.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of producing an augmented image of a spine of a patient is disclosed. The method involves: receiving a first ultrasonic volumetric dataset representing a three-dimensional depiction of anatomical features of the spine in a first volume; instantiating a three-dimensional atlas of at least two vertebrae according to the first ultrasonic volumetric dataset; and causing a display to display a rendering of the first ultrasonic volumetric dataset together with a rendering of the atlas. An apparatus for producing the augmented image of the spine of the patient is also disclosed.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus according to an embodiment includes a controller, a processor, and an image generator. The controller selects at least one transducer element in a reception aperture formed of a transducer element group arranged in a predetermined direction, based on at least a deflection angle of an ultrasonic wave transmitted to a subject. The processor performs processing on at least one reception signal of a plurality of reception signals generated in the reception aperture such that a signal intensity of a reception signal generated in the at least one transducer element selected by the controller is reduced to be lower than a signal intensity of reception signals generated in transducer elements other than the at least one transducer element, to output the reception signal of the reception aperture. The image generator generates ultrasonic image data, based on the reception signal of the reception aperture.

Abstract: A method for ablation treatment using ultrasound data begins by identifying pathology to be treated and one or more blood vessels proximate the treatment site in a medical diagnostic image. The identified ROI and the blood vessels are automatically indicated in an ultrasound image Ultrasonic Doppler velocity data is acquired from the flow within the vessels and the Doppler data is used to calculate the volume blood flow through the vessels. The thermal effect of the heat transported by this blood flow is considered in the planning or conduct of the ablation treatment, as by modifying the size of a burn zone graphic around the tip of the ablation probe.

Abstract: A subject information acquisition apparatus includes a first holding member that holds a subject, a probe that receives an elastic wave from the subject through the first holding member, a first holding member deformation amount measuring unit that measures an amount of deformation of the first holding member, and a processing unit that creates an area for generating subject information by using the amount of deformation of the first holding member and position information of the first holding member deformation amount measuring unit and generates an information value of subject information corresponding to the area for generating subject information by using a signal outputted by the probe.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes an ultrasound transceiver and a controller. The ultrasound transceiver includes a changer that changes transmission direction of ultrasound waves. The ultrasound transceiver transmits ultrasound waves in a direction set while being inserted in a subject to acquire biological information of an observation site of the subject. The controller obtains a direction toward the observation site based on the biological information, and controls the changer to adjust the transmission direction of ultrasound waves to the direction thus obtained.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes an ultrasound transducer and a controller. The ultrasound transducer transmits and receives ultrasound waves while being inserted in a subject to acquire biological information of a predetermined site of the subject. The controller controls the ultrasound transducer to transmit ultrasound waves based on a trigger signal that is set according to conditions of the predetermined site that exhibits periodic motion, or that is obtained according to the conditions.

Abstract: A urine collection device for use by a female user when collecting a urine sample comprising a conical body, where the conical body is shaped as a funnel; a rim at a top of the conical body; a tubular base at a bottom of the conical body, where the base includes an opening to guide a urine stream from the conical body into a collection container; and a handle extending from the rim of the conical body. The urine collection device includes a central groove extending from the rim into the tubular body to guide the urine stream easily into the collection container.