Abstract: Method, device (100) and system (200) for detection and quantification of the variation of eye damage caused by the blue and violet light of the visible spectrum comprising the steps of detecting the incident radiation on an individual's visual system; calculating the incident radiation within the range between 380 and 500 nm; establishing at least one threshold of incident radiation within said range; detecting if at least one threshold established for said range has been exceeded; warning of the excess of at least one threshold; measuring the exposure time to incident radiation; and inferring in the different ocular structures of an individual the effect of incident radiation and warning of such effect.

Abstract: An ophthalmic apparatus includes an image-capturing unit that captures an image of an eye to be examined, a main body having in a rod-like shape and that accommodates the image-capturing unit, an eyepiece portion that is positioned at a first end of the main body in an axial direction of the main body and that is brought into contact with a portion around the eye to be examined, and a display that is positioned at a second end of the main body in the axial direction of the main body and that displays an image of the eye to be examined. The main body includes a holding portion that is to be held by a hand of an examiner and that extends in the axial direction of the main body.

Abstract: An ophthalmologic apparatus includes a refractive power application unit, a storage unit, and a control unit. The refractive power application unit is configured to be capable of changing refractive power applied to a subject's eye. The storage unit stores at least a measurement value of eye refractive power obtained by a measurement performed for the subject's eye in the past. The control unit controls the refractive power application unit to selectively apply the measurement value and one or more refractive values different from the measurement value to the subject's eye in response to the input of an instruction to change refractive power applied to the subject's eye.

Abstract: Imaging and visualization systems, instruments, and methods using optical coherence tomography (OCT) are disclosed. A method for OCT image capture includes determining a location of a feature of interest within an operative field. The method also includes determining a relative positioning between the feature of interest and an OCT scan location. Further, the method includes controlling capture of an OCT image at a set position relative to the feature of interest based on the relative positioning.

Abstract: The optical biometric device according to the invention is provided with: a measurement data display control unit for displaying a number of pieces of measurement data on the three-dimensional head surface image or three-dimensional brain surface image displayed on the display unit, and is formed of: a storage unit for storing channel information that indicates combinations of light sending probes and light receiving probes for acquiring information about the amounts of the received light in measurement portions; and a channel information display control unit for displaying a number of light sending probe points at which light sending probes have been placed and a number of light receiving probe points at which a number of light receiving probes have been placed according to the three-dimensional coordinates displayed on the display unit, and at the same time, for displaying line segments that indicate combinations of light sending probes and light receiving probes for connecting light sending probe points an

Abstract: Disclosed is a registration method of tissue position and an apparatus using the method. The apparatus according to the present invention comprises an image storage unit storing an examined image associated with a target bone of surgery, a first position measuring unit measuring position values of multiple points on a surface of an exposed bone, a second position measuring unit acquiring an image of the exposed bone, and a registration control unit for performing a first registration between the positions obtained from the examined image associated with the target bone of surgery and the positions measured by the first position measuring unit, and for performing a second registration between the positions of the image acquired as a result of the first registration and the positions of the image acquired by the second position measuring unit.

Abstract: A system for producing surface temperature estimations of a tissue surface is provided. A first optical assembly receives infrared light emitted from multiple tissue surface areas. A fiber receives the infrared light from the first optical assembly, and a sensor that is optically coupled to the fiber proximal end produces a signal that correlates to an average temperature of each of the multiple tissue surface areas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for checking tooth positions, wherein an initial three-dimensional volume exposure (1) of teeth (2, 3, 4) to be checked is implemented, wherein the position and orientation of the teeth (2, 3, 4) to be checked are determined based on the initial volume exposure (1); wherein the teeth to be checked are natural teeth (2, 3, 4) comprised of tooth stumps (6, 7, 8) and tooth roots (9, 10, 11) and/or are artificial teeth comprised of artificial tooth stumps and implants; wherein the positional relationship and orientation of the tooth stumps (6, 7, 8) relative to the tooth roots (9, 10, 11) and/or to the implants are determined in particular.

Abstract: A method of determining temperature shifting error derived from radiation sensor comprising: providing an infrared heat sensor and a temperature sensor contacting with a black body, the temperature sensor measuring an actual black body temperature, the infrared heat sensor detecting a radiation emitted by the black body, the radiation being computed according to a temperature rising curve through a computing unit of a work station to generate a computed black body temperature; and determining a value of temperature shifting error by subtracting the actual black body temperature from the computed black body temperature. Accordingly, method of measuring ocular surface temperature and apparatus thereof based on the above shift error determining method are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting atrial tachyarrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation (AF) are disclosed. A medical system can sense a heart rate (HR) output and a hemodynamic status output. An AF detector circuit automatically determines a first detection criterion and a different second detection criterion. The first detection criterion can be more sensitive to the presence of the AF episode than the second detection criterion, and the second detection criterion can be more specific to the AF episode than the first detection criterion. The AF detector circuit detects an AF onset event using the first detection criterion and at least one of the heart rate output or the hemodynamic status output, and detects an AF termination event using the second detection criterion and at least one of the heart rate output or the hemodynamic status output.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus includes a housing that is configured to be attached to a body of a subject. The housing includes a sensor region that is configured to contact a selected area of the body of the subject when the housing is attached to the body of the subject. The sensor region is contoured to matingly engage the selected body area. The apparatus includes at least one physiological sensor that is associated with the sensor region and that detects and/or measures physiological information from the subject and/or at least one environmental sensor associated with the sensor region that is configured to detect and/or measure environmental information. The sensor region contour stabilizes the physiological and/or environmental sensor(s) relative to the selected body area such that subject motion does not impact detection and/or measurement efforts of the sensor(s).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for diagnosing heart failure are disclosed. They include monitoring a subject's pulsatile blood flow with a non-invasive probe during a Valsalva maneuver (VM), processing data therefrom to calculate fall in flow, hear rate changes, Rebound, and heart stroke volume during the VM. Monitored and calculated results are compared to defined thresholds and interpreted and reported. The apparatus takes the form of a pulsatile blood flow probe on a finger or toe or in a mouthpiece facilitating the VM, the mouthpiece optionally including a pressure transducer or digital monometer to ensure that the subject is performing the VM within required pressure and time ranges. The method and apparatus include a controller or digital processor for processing and reporting the results of the monitoring, calculations, comparisons, interpretation, and reporting of the diagnostic results.

Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to a component containing a composite of at least two layers that are connected to each other, in which the first layer comprises a hole and the second layer has a thickness in the range of 1 to 50 ?m. The first and second layers each contain at least one metal and compositions of the first and second layers are different. Further objects of the present invention include a method for producing a component containing at least two layers that are connected to each other and have the aforementioned features, a method for producing a component containing at least three layers that are connected to each other and have the aforementioned features, as well as a component that is obtained by one of the aforementioned methods and a device containing at least one of the aforementioned components for use in a living body.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a sensor for in vivo applications includes the steps of providing two wafers of an electrically insulating material. A recess is formed in the first wafer, and a capacitor plate is formed in the recess of the first wafer. A second capacitor plate is formed in a corresponding region of the second wafer, and the two wafers are affixed to one another such that the first and second capacitor plates are arranged in parallel, spaced-apart relation.

Abstract: A method of determining stiffness index of an arterial network is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: obtaining a pulse waveform related to the arterial network; estimating a source pulse based on at least one predetermined feature of the pulse waveform; determining a plurality of characteristics of the pulse waveform based on a relationship between the pulse waveform and the source pulse; and calculating the stiffness index of the arterial network based on the plurality of characteristics of the pulse waveform. An arterial stiffness index measuring device employing the above methodology is also disclosed therein.

Abstract: A method of assessing status of a biological tissue includes irradiating an electromagnetic signal, via a probe, into a biological tissue. The irradiated electromagnetic signal is received after being scattered/reflected by the biological tissue. Blood flow information pertaining to the biological tissue is provided, and the received signal is analyzed based at least upon the provided blood flow information and upon knowledge of electromagnetic signal differences in normal, suspicious, and abnormal tissue. Using a dielectric properties reconstruction algorithm, dielectric properties of the biological tissue are reconstructed based at least upon results of the analyzing step and upon blood flow information, and using a tissue properties reconstruction algorithm, tissue properties of the biological tissue are reconstructed based at least in part upon results of the reconstructing step and upon blood flow information.

Abstract: A blood pressure measuring apparatus which measures a blood pressure in a step of gradually changing a cuff pressure adapted to press an artery, includes: a pulse wave detecting unit; a pulse wave interval measuring unit; a waveform information storing unit; a change trend calculating unit; a waveform information comparing unit; and a determining unit which, when first two of the pulse waves, which are successively detected at different cuff pressures, satisfy a predetermined condition: that a magnitude relationship between the amplitudes of the first two of the pulse waves is consistent with the change trend of the first two of the pulse waves; that the pulse wave interval between the first two of the pulse waves is within a predetermined range; and that the waveform information of the first two of the pulse waves approximately coincide with each other, determines that the amplitude of latter one of the first two of the pulse waves is to be used for calculating the blood pressure value.

Abstract: A system for facilitating measurement of a person's blood pressure. The system has a cuff that is configured to: a) be operatively situated in relationship to a person's arm; and b) strategically exert pressure on the person's arm to controllably restrict blood flow therein. An arm positioning assembly is configured to be operatively engaged by a hand on the person's arm to consistently place the person's arm in relationship to the cuff with the cuff operatively situated in relationship to the person's arm as a blood pressure measurement is taken.

Abstract: A system for facilitating measurement of a person's blood pressure having: a) a cuff that is configured to: i) be operatively situated in relationship to a person's arm; and ii) strategically exert different pressure on the person's arm to controllably restrict blood flow therein; and b) a base assembly that supports the cuff. The base assembly is configured to allow selective placement of the cuff in first and second different positions relative to the person with the person in a measurement taking position. The cuff in the first position is configured to be operatively situated in relationship to the person's left arm. The cuff in the second position is configured to be operatively situated in relationship to the person's right arm.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a determination unit that determines a reference heart rate used as a reference of a heart rate on the basis of a reference running speed used as a reference of exercise ability of a user.

Abstract: An optical heart rate sensor includes an optical source configured to illuminate one or more blood vessels through a user's skin, an optical sensor configured to measure reflected illumination from the blood vessels, and one or more energy storage cells. A controller operates the optical source and optical sensor at a first rate of energy consumption during a first condition, and operates the optical source and optical sensor at a second rate of energy consumption during a second condition.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting and monitoring arrhythmias from a signal are provided. A signal processing system may transform a signal using a wavelet transformation and analyze changes in features of the transformed signal to detect pulse rhythm abnormalities. For example, the system may detect pulse rhythm abnormalities by analyzing energy parameters, morphology changes, and pattern changes in the scalogram of a PPG signal. Further, the system may detect pulse rhythm abnormalities by analyzing both the PPG signal and its corresponding scalogram. Physiological information, such as cardiac arrhythmia, may be derived based on the detected pulse rhythm abnormality.

Abstract: An optical heart rate sensor stores data indicating the timing of heart beats in a first-in-first-out rolling buffer. During a first condition, new data is added to the rolling buffer and adjusted such that a duration preceding a newly detected heart beat is closer to an average duration between each pair of consecutive heart beats stored in the rolling buffer if the duration preceding the newly detected heart beat differs from the average duration by more than a duration threshold. The rolling buffer is cleared when a number of data adjustments over a predetermined time period exceeds a counting threshold. The rolling buffer is then repopulated such that the duration between each pair of consecutive heart beats is equal to a most recent duration between consecutive heart beats that did not differ from the average duration by more than the duration threshold.

Abstract: An optical pulse-rate sensor includes a fixture, a light emitter, a light sensor, and a light stop. The fixture has a rim configured to contact a skin surface and enclose an area of the surface. The light emitter and light sensor are each coupled to the fixture and positioned opposite the area. The light stop is coupled to the fixture and positioned between the light emitter and the light sensor to shield the light sensor from direct illumination by the light source.

Abstract: A method for an optical heart rate sensor comprises recognizing a minimum amount of motion of the optical heart rate sensor during a testing duration and recognizing an average amount of motion of the optical heart rate sensor during the testing duration. The motion of the optical heart rate sensor is compensated for if the minimum amount of motion during the testing duration exceeds a first threshold, even if the average amount of motion during the testing duration is less than a second threshold, greater than the first threshold. The motion of the optical heart rate sensor is not compensated for if the minimum amount of motion during the testing duration is below the first threshold, even if the average amount of motion during the testing duration is greater than the second threshold.

Abstract: Acquiring and processing heart rate data involves providing glasses having a microcontroller, a heart rate sensor positionable to a user, a configuration memory, at least one data memory, a clock/calendar electronic circuit, a visual and/or audible signaling unit, a rechargeable autonomous electrical power supply, and one switch for the heart rate detection function. The method involves providing a programming and data transfer unit external to the glasses, providing a connection system between the glasses and the external programming and data transfer unit, programming the configuration memory (102) of the glasses using the external programming and data transfer unit, with a minimum heart rate threshold value, a maximum heart rate threshold value, and a heart rate reading frequency value, acquiring readings in data memory of the glasses during activity, processing an alarm signal when a detected heart rate value is above a maximum or below a minimum.

Abstract: An intracranial pressure measuring system comprising a light source, a controller operatively coupled to the light source and a sensor operatively coupled to the controller. The controller is configured to operate the light source to emit light within a wavelength range that can be reflected by ocular vasculature of a person. The sensor is configured to measure a diagnostic reflectance being the intensity of light reflected by the ocular vasculature. The controller is configured to determine if the diagnostic reflectance deviates beyond a threshold and to perform an action responsive to the diagnostic reflectance deviating beyond the threshold.

Abstract: A method of examining a bodily function. A first set of frequency characteristics and amplitude characteristics of a first electrical signal deriving from rhythmic activity of a nerve in a living body is detected at a first condition. The nerve is stimulated to a second condition and a second set of frequency characteristics and amplitude characteristics of a second electrical signal deriving from the rhythmic activity of said nerve is detected. The fundamental frequency present in the frequency characteristics is identified. From the fundamental frequency the frequencies corresponding to a plurality of octaves of said fundamental frequency are calculated. The amplitude of said electrical signals at said octaves is identified. For said first signal a first amplitude ratio is calculated being the ratio of the amplitude difference between a first pair of said octaves, and the amplitude difference between a second pair of said octaves.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for visually determining a physiological signal threshold are capable of providing a graphical user interface (GUI) useful for determining an electrocardiogram threshold parameter. The apparatus includes a physiological signal monitor, a display and a processor. The processor coupled to the display and is configured to receive, from a patient, at least one physiological signal and generate a graphical user interface (GUI) in the display. The GUI includes a first display portion configured to display a subset of the at least one physiological signal and to display a threshold parameter of the at least one physiological signal. The threshold parameter is displayed in the GUI superimposed on the subset of the at least one physiological signal.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for displaying patient ECG data. The method includes receiving ECG data including an ECG waveform; receiving analyzed ECG data including arrhythmic events; generating an indicia of the detected arrhythmic event; and displaying the indicia of the detected arrhythmic event in relation to the ECG waveform at a position associated with a time of the detected arrhythmic event. A system for displaying patient ECG data is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assessing hemodynamic status of a patient experiencing atrial tachyarrhythmia such as an atrial fibrillation (AF) episode are disclosed. A system can comprise an atrial tachyarrhythmia detection circuit configured to detect an AF episode, a hemodynamic sensor circuit configured to sense at least one hemodynamic signal, and a hemodynamic status analyzer circuit that can calculate one or more signal metrics using the sensed hemodynamic signal during the AF episode. The hemodynamic status analyzer circuit can categorize the hemodynamic status of the patient into one of two or more categorical hemodynamic status levels which indicate elevated hemodynamic impact of the detected AF episode. A user interface can provide to an end-user a presentation of the categorized hemodynamic status level during AF.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example method may include a method of identifying an activation time in a cardiac electrical signal. The method may include sensing a cardiac electrical signal, generating an approximation signal based at least in part on one or more parameters of the cardiac electrical signal, identifying a fiducial point on the approximation signal and determining, based at least in part on a timing of the fiducial point in the approximation signal, an activation time in the cardiac electrical signal.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to processing of Electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, and in particular, relates to identifying a QRS complex in an ECG signal. The method includes receiving, and filtering the ECG signal by passing through at least one of a first low-pass filter and a high-pass filter to obtain a filtered ECG signal. The filtered ECG signal is processed based on a moving average technique. Further, a search region is identified in the processed ECG signal, and a maximum amplitude peak is identified in a time interval of the filtered ECG signal that corresponds to a time span of the search region of the processed ECG signal. The maximum amplitude peak is an R peak of the QRS complex. Subsequently, a Q peak and an S peak of the QRS complex is identified based on the R peak.

Abstract: A biological signal detecting apparatus includes a BPF to which a biological signal is input via a lead directly connected to a subcutaneous tissue that emits the biological signal including a predetermined signal of a first frequency and which outputs a filtered biological signal by filtering a biological event signal of a predetermined frequency including the first frequency; and a peak detecting means to which at least the filtered biological signal is input and which detects a peak location of the biological event signal. The BPF includes a first order HPF which filters a frequency higher than a second frequency and a first order LPF which filters a frequency lower than a third frequency. The HPF and the LPF are connected in series between the lead and the peak detecting means. A difference between the second frequency and the third frequency is less than or equal to 10 Hz.

Abstract: A catheter including expandable electrode assembly having a distal cap that mechanically engages a locking feature provided on the distal ends of each of two or more flexible splines forming a portion of the expandable electrode assembly is described. The distal cap defines an atraumatic distal tip of the catheter. The catheter may be used in a cardiac mapping and/or ablation procedure.

Abstract: A cardiac rhythm management system senses a cardiac signal indicative of heartbeats and an acoustic signal indicative of heart sounds and detects atrial tachyarrhythmia based on the sensed cardiac and acoustic signals. In various embodiments, the system senses the cardiac and acoustic signals without using an atrial lead, thus allowing for, for example, monitoring atrial fibrillation burden in a heart failure patient who does not wear an implantable device with an atrial lead. In various embodiments, the system detects heartbeats and heart sounds, measures parameters associated with the detected heartbeats and heart sounds, and detects one or more specified types of atrial tachyarrhythmia using the measured parameters. In various embodiments, the measured parameters are selected from heart rate, heart sound amplitude, cycle length variability, and systolic and diastolic intervals.

Abstract: A biofeedback system that utilizes isochronic tone technology to augment EEG feedback by providing to a subject isochronic tones at the frequency of a targeted aspect of a subject's brain waves, such as the brain's naturally occurring peak energy in the particular EEG band or bands subject to the biofeedback. Isochronic tones are regular beats of a single tone that are formed by separate pulses of sound and silence. In addition, feedback can be provided to the subject in the form of pulsed light and pulsed tactile impulses that are delivered in the form of alternating presence and absence of light or tactile pressure.

Abstract: A device is designed for collecting heartbeat information. Heart Beat Variation (HRV) is calculated based on the collected heartbeat information. The device has textile sensors so that a user wears a clothing with such sensors to collect the heartbeat information.

Abstract: To assess visual system function, a device monitors electrical response to a visual stimulus. Stimulus generation includes controlling the timing of component flashes comprising the visual stimulus and modulating the timing between the visual stimulus and other device operations, including image acquisition and infrared flashes. Other stimulus generation includes controlling retinal illumination for sinusoidal, triangular, and square stimuli as well as nonlinear adjustments of stimulus luminance as a function of pupil area. Ease of use improvements includes operation with electrode arrays. Error condition monitoring includes determining the presence of: an eye's pupil; impedance between electrodes that monitor the electrical response; and undesirable levels of external light.

Abstract: In a method and medical imaging apparatus, for generating medical image data records, raw data of the examination object are acquired by operation of a medical imaging scanner, a reconstruction algorithm issued for reconstructing a medical image data record on the basis of raw data and of a value of a physiological parameter. At least two medical image data records are created by applying the reconstruction algorithm at least twice to the acquired raw data using a different virtual value of the physiological parameter each time. The at least two medical image data records are provided from the reconstruction computer.

Abstract: The method of the disclosure comprises the stages of injecting an alternating AC signal into at least one electrode positioned on the skin of the patient in a region of interest, measuring the signal induced into at least one electrode, extracting at least an envelope of the signal measured and determining the difference between the envelope and a reference signal. The envelope may be extracted by demodulating the signal measured, and this demodulation may be carried out by way of an associated rectifier diode, in a preferred embodiment, and an RC filter. The reference signal may be an envelope corresponding to the demodulated signal of another electrode, the injected signal, ground or a fixed voltage value.

Abstract: A measuring device comprises: a first housing having at least one measuring electrode; a second housing connected to the first housing and housing a substrate which has at least one terminal and includes a circuit that conducts a measurement process; and at least one connecting member disposed between the first housing and the second housing. The at least one connecting member is formed of a unitary member. One end of the at least one connecting member is connected to the at least one terminal, while the other end of the at least one connecting member is in contact with the at least one measuring electrode due to an elastic force of the at least one connecting member itself.

Abstract: A catheter device comprising a chamber containing an opacity enhancing substance is disclosed. The opacity enhancing substance is in a dried or semi-dried form within the chamber of the device. Release of a liquid into the chamber suspends the substance and forms an opacity enhancing solution that is released into the lumen of the device in order to enhance the opacity of the device for imaging.

Abstract: A relative position detecting system of a tubular device includes a shape sensor and a relative position detecting section. The shape sensor is configured to detect a shape of the tubular device to be inserted into a tubular cavity of an object. The relative position detecting section is configured to detect a relative positional relation between at least one position in a first range in which the shape of the tubular device is detectable by the shape sensor and at least one position in the tubular cavity.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for determining an orientation and position of a capsule inserted into the body of a patient. A magnetic field is applied to an area of the patient where the capsule is located. Sensor data, including inertial data from an inertial sensor and magnetic field data indicative of the applied magnetic field as detected by at least one magnetic field sensor, is wirelessly received from the capsule. An orientation angle of the capsule is determined based at least in part on the inertial data. The magnetic field data is compared to known characteristics of the applied magnetic field and a location of the capsule is determined based on the comparison.

Abstract: A method of producing a temperature sensor which is configured to detect a temperature change of a respiratory gas of a subject, includes: preparing a rod-like heat sensitive element which includes a heat sensitive portion in a tip end portion; placing the heat sensitive portion in a cavity of a mold; injecting a resin material into the cavity to mold a protective portion which covers the heat sensitive element; and releasing the tip end portion in which the protective portion is formed, from the mold.

Abstract: Apparatus provided for the measurement of skeletal joint motion in a subject which comprises a passive motion device, an imaging device and a processing system incorporating a means for real time digital sampling of images of moving joints, means for recognizing templates attributed to individual bones and tracking these automatically using cross-correlation functions and means for geometric transformation of the positional data to graphically display their relative motion over time. Also provided is a method for the automated measurement of the relative motion of skeletal structures in vivo using such apparatus and a method for the diagnosis of a pseudoarthrosis in a subject which comprises the use of such apparatus.

Abstract: An audiologic test apparatus includes: a processing unit configured to conduct a first and second audiologic tests; a first probe connector for connecting a first probe for the first audiologic test; a second probe connector for connecting a second probe for the second audiologic test; and a pump module connected to a first fluid port of the first probe connector with a first fluid channel and to a second fluid port of the second probe connector with a second fluid channel, wherein the pump module in a first operating mode is in fluid communication with the first fluid port, and in a second operating mode is in fluid communication with the second fluid port, the pump module configured to modify pressure in the first fluid channel when in the first operating mode, and to modify pressure in the second fluid channel when in the second operating mode.

Abstract: A method of generating and measuring transiently evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) acoustic signals generated in the cochlea using automated detection to determine contralateral suppression of TEOAE via statistical analysis of suppressed and unsuppressed responses.

Abstract: To evaluate hypermonitoring of a patient, a processor controls an audiometer or computer software interface and executes instructions in a memory device which present various tones to the patient to determine a pitch match tone, a clinical loudness match, a subjective loudness and a subjective perceived loudness relative to the patient's tinnitus. A display and input device provide an interface between the processor and an operator.