Abstract: A glucose sensor comprising an optical energy source having an emitter with an emission pattern; a first polarizer intersecting the emission pattern; a second polarizer spaced a distance from the first polarizer and intersecting the emission pattern, the second polarizer rotated relative to the first polarizer by a first rotational amount ?; a first optical detector intersecting the emission pattern; a second optical detector positioned proximal to the second polarizer, the first polarizer and the second polarizer being positioned between the optical energy source and the second optical detector, the second optical detector intersecting the emission pattern; a compensating circuit coupled to the second optical detector; and a subtractor circuit coupled to the compensating circuit and the first optical detector.

Abstract: Methods and devices for accurate noninvasive measurement of blood analyte concentrations are disclosed. In an example process, optical properties of a blood vessel proximate to the surface of an exposed body part, for example, the sclera or the backside of the eye lid, is measured. Analyte concentrations are determined based on the measured optical properties.

Abstract: A system for needle-free drawing of blood is disclosed. A device can include an evacuated negative-pressure barrel with a membrane sealing an aperture at a distal end, and a housing affixed to a proximal end. An accelerator barrel can be positioned within the negative-pressure barrel and fixed to the housing, with an open proximal end in a chamber in the housing, and an open distal end aligned with the aperture. The chamber can be filled with pressurized gas, and a trigger valve can hydrostatically separate the chamber from the open proximal end of the accelerator barrel. A micro-particle positioned within the accelerator barrel can be accelerated to high speed by an abrupt surge of gas by releasing the trigger valve. The micro-particle can attain enough momentum to pierce the aperture membrane and penetrate adjacent dermal tissue. A resulting micro-emergence of blood can be drawn into the negative pressure barrel.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a pre-sample reservoir, a diversion mechanism, and a flow metering mechanism. The diversion mechanism has an inlet port couplable to a lumen-defining device to receive bodily-fluids from a patient, a first outlet port fluidically couplable to the pre-sample reservoir, and a second outlet port fluidically couplable to a sample reservoir. The diversion mechanism defines a first fluid flow path and a second flow path that are configured to place the first outlet port and the second outlet port, respectively, in fluid communication with the inlet port. The flow metering mechanism is configured to meter a flow of a predetermined volume of bodily-fluid through the first fluid flow path into the pre-sample reservoir, to meter a flow of a second volume of bodily-fluid through the second fluid flow path into the sample reservoir, and to display a volumetric indicator associated with the predetermined volume and the second volume.

Abstract: Techniques for implementing a platform configured to interact with a plurality of applications on a computing device to provide health information of an individual. The platform may be implemented by receiving information representative of a health state of an individual. The information may be provided by a sensor associated with the individual and provide data indicating the individual's physiological and/or emotional state. An indication of the individual's health state may be generated by selecting a value from a set of values representative of different health states. The indication may be provided through a programming interface to one or more applications. An application may provide context information associated with the individual at a time associated with the individual's health state, and the context information may be used to generate the indication.

Abstract: Here provided are systems and methods for monitoring bladder and/or abdominal pressures, and a bladder function recovery device. In the systems and methods, the bladder pressure can be detected in real time with a bladder pressure detection unit that is communicated with a urinary catheter. In addition, the abdominal pressure can also be obtained in real time according to the corresponding relationship between the bladder pressure and the abdominal pressure. Furthermore, the bladder function recovery device can be used for bladder function recovery for patients in need.

Abstract: A biomechanics analyzing system and a biomechanics computerized analyzing method for analyzing an organism when the organism performs an act by himself are provided. The biomechanics analyzing system includes an accelerometer, a low-pass filter, and a processing unit. The accelerometer is configured to be disposed on a surface of a muscle of the organism and is further configured to detect an acceleration signal. The low-pass filter is connected to the accelerometer and is configured for receiving the acceleration signal from the accelerometer and filtering the acceleration signal to produce a low-frequency signal. The processing unit is connected to the low-pass filter, and is configured for receiving the low-frequency signal from the low-pass filter and analyzing a frequency of a motion state of the organism according to the low-frequency signal.

Abstract: The testing apparatus includes a capsule 108 tray and a hand held allergen applicator 104 that facilitates convenient storage and easy application of such allergens simultaneously. The hand held applicator 104 includes a plurality of prongs to administer the respective plurality allergen under the skin of the patient. The allergy testing apparatus provides for efficient pre-wetting of the prongs with respective allergens to save the time that would otherwise be required to apply the respective allergens to each of the plurality of prongs immediately before performing an allergy test. In addition, the apparatus provides for efficient use of the allergen testing materials thereby reducing material costs while limiting the amount of residual, unused allergen.

Abstract: Hairstyling tool of the comb or hairbrush type, comprising a handle and a body, an electric battery a force sensor, an electronic unit configured to capture and format signals provided by the sensors, a wireless communication means for transmitting data to a remote entity, by means of which information about the movements executed by the tool and the forces it undergoes can be transmitted to the remote entity, the remote entity being able to send information back to the user of the tool about the hair being styled.

Abstract: The disclosed device for verifying a hip-knee-ankle angle includes a mounting base having a planar abutting surface adapted for direct abutting against a resected surface on a distal femur, and a first inertial sensor in communication with a computer assisted surgery (CAS) system to determine an orientation of the mounting base and to digitize a mechanical axis of the femur. A visual alignment guide element is pivotably mounted to the mounting base such that the angular position of the visual alignment guide element is adjustable so as to be visually aligned with a mechanical axis of a tibia. A difference between orientations of the mounting base and the visual alignment guide is calculated by the computer assisted surgery system to determine the hip-knee-ankle angle. The visual alignment guide may include a second inertial sensor and/or a laser emitting element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of assessing proprioceptive status by calculating a proprioceptive score Sp from absolute and variable errors between target angles and angles estimated and joint motion detection by the person tested, and/or between measured time of perceived movement of the joint of the tested person these proprioceptive scores of a person being associated with an assessment date and then stored with a date so as to serve as a reference when said person is monitored or when there is a comparison of said person with at least another person. The present invention also concerns an apparatus for the proprioceptive assessment of at least one joint, this apparatus having two movable parts (8, 9) with drive means (12, 15) particular for the pivoting of the movable parts (8, 9), means of determining the pivot angle for each of the first and second parts (8, 9) also being provided. Applications are in the field of proprioceptive assessment by movement of a limb of a person.

Abstract: A system and method to monitor, guide, and evaluate breathing, with respect to user definable breathing patterns, sequences, and preexisting breathing exercises, utilizing posture and diaphragm sensor signals and a method to process thereof, composed of hardware and software components. The application describes a system which monitors the output signals of sensors as part of a breath training device worn by a user for measuring the state of a user's posture and diaphragm to derive a filtered breath signal. This is obtained using one or more sensors, a microcontroller to receive, process, and transmit sensor signal data, a breath training program which receives, calibrates, interprets, evaluates, and provides feedback on said sensor signal data, utilizing a set of breathing algorithms.

Abstract: A system and method to diagnose a medical condition using sound recordings. Included is a method to diagnose sleep apnea by computing a sleep index based on an analysis of snoring of the patient. This can be accomplished via a recording of the patient sleep sounds using sensors (e.g., microphones) available in a smart mobile device. A sleep index is calculated that is highly correlated to the Apnea-Hypopnea Index and can be used as an objective diagnosis indicator for sleep apnea.

Abstract: An inter-ureter signaling device intended to provide a surgeon with a signal to identify when a ureter is grasped by a surgical clamping device, such as a pair of forceps, the device being comprised of a catheter, a signal generator, and wiring, such that when the catheter component of the device, having been inserted into a ureter, is compressed by the surgical clamping device an electrical circuit is closed and the signal generator generates a human perceptible signal, indicating that the clamp has been placed on the ureter.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring at or near a nerve during patient surgery, the apparatus being connectable to a nerve monitoring system, comprises: a finger attachment portion; a connecting portion connectable to the nerve monitoring system; a cable for connecting the connecting portion to the finger attachment portion; and an electrode provided in the finger attachment portion.

Abstract: A sensory-and-logic system includes a ring-shaped, electrically-conductive skin sensor sized and shaped to form an electrical connection with human skin, and an electrical component surrounded by the ring-shaped, electrically-conductive skin sensor.

Abstract: A thermoelectric material includes a stretchable polymer, and a thermoelectric structure and an electrically conductive material that are mixed together with the stretchable polymer. The thermoelectric material may be applied to self-power generating wearable electronic apparatuses.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a wearable electronic device includes communication circuitry configured to communicate with an external device, and transmit access right information to the external device, the access right information for a write access right to first data stored in a server, the first data corresponding to a user of the electronic device.

Abstract: A wearable electronic device includes a composite band, a touch-sensor display, a skin sensor, and a course of electrical conductors. The composite band forms a loop having two or more rigid segments and a flexible segment coupled between the rigid segments. The touch-sensor display is arranged in a first of the rigid segments, and a skin sensor is arranged in a second of the rigid segments. The course of electrical conductors runs between the first and second rigid segments, inside the flexible segment.

Abstract: An electrode includes an adhesive backing layer configured to adhere to skin of a subject, a conductive material layer coupled to the adhesive backing layer, a dielectric film border formed on the conductive material layer and separating a first area on the front surface of the conductive material layer from a second area on the front surface of the conductive material layer, an electrical lead coupled to a portion of the first area, and a conductive hydrogel coupled to the second area and configured to make electrical contact with the skin of the subject.

Abstract: A pressure sensor comprises an optical source configured to illuminate the tissue of a user, and an optical sensor configured to measure reflected illumination from the tissue. A compute system is configured to output a pressure between a surface of the optical sensor and the tissue as a function of the measured reflected illumination.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus determines whether a vital sign sensor is in contact with a human body and determines whether a contact state between the vital sign sensor and the human body is stable. The apparatus obtains an effective time-series signal by removing, from an output time-series signal of the vital sign sensor, a first time-series signal and a second time-series signal, the first time-series signal corresponding to a time period of a non-contact state and a second time-series signal corresponding to a time period of an unstable state. The apparatus analyzes the effective time-series signal to measure a value associated with a vital sign signal of the human body.

Abstract: A sensory-and-logic system comprises an illumination source configured to emit a blood-sensing light, a window through which the blood-sensing light passes en route to human tissue, an illumination receiver configured to measure the blood-sensing light reflected back through the window from the human tissue, a frame surrounding the window and elevating away from the window, and a pillow surrounding the frame and recessing from the frame and the window.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a minimally invasive medical instrument (100) having a proximal end (100b) and a distal end (100a) and comprising a sensor arrangement (10) arranged at the distal end (100b) of the medical instrument (100). The sensor arrangement (10) comprises a sensor (20) configured to generate sensor data in the form of an electrical sensor signal, and a data conversion device (40) configured to convert the electrical sensor signal into an optical signal and comprising an electrical input (41) for receiving the electrical sensor signal and an optical output (42) for transmitting the optical signal. The sensor arrangement (10) further comprises an optical fiber (50) configured to transmit the optical signal from the distal end (100a) to the proximal end (100b), the optical fiber (50) coupled to the output of the data conversion device (40) for receiving the optical signal, the optical fiber (50) extending from the distal end (100a) to the proximal end (100b) of the instrument (100).

Abstract: The catheter allows mapping and/or ablation of the area around two or more PV ostia at the same time, with a single placement of a distal section of the catheter having a 2D configuration resembling an infinity or lazy 8 symbol. The catheter has an elongated catheter body, a distal section having at least a flexible elongated member with shape memory, the member being configured to assume a 2D configuration resembling an infinity symbol, and at least one electrode mounted on the member. The 2D configuration resembles a first loop and a second loop, wherein the first and second loops are side-by-side, generally extending in a common plane.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a catheter having a basket-shaped electrode assembly with a high electrode density. The basket-shaped electrode assembly may have a plurality of spines, such as up to twelve, each with a plurality of electrodes, such as up to sixteen. Each spine may have cabling with embedded coiled wires such that each electrode is attached through the sheath to one of the wires.

Abstract: A wearable electronic device, comprising a heart rate sensor to determine a heart rate of the user, a motion sensor to detect motion of a user, the motion sensor operated in an initial calibration phase during which the heart rate sensor is detecting the heart rate of the user, and the motion sensor is detecting the motion of the user, the calibration phase being used to compute a correspondence between motion of the user and the heart rate of the user, the motion sensor being operated in a low power phase during which the heart rate sensor is powered down, and a processor configured to run a heart rate estimation module configured to calculate an estimated heart rate of the user based upon the motion of the user and the correspondence between the heart rate of the user and the motion of the user determined in the calibration phase.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for reducing motion artifacts in ECG signals. According to an aspect of the present invention, there is proposed a method of reducing motion artifacts in ECG signals, comprising: acquiring a current beat from a continuously measured ECG signal of a patient; calculating a correlation coefficient between a previous mean value beat and the current beat in the ECG signal; determining the weights to be assigned to the previous mean value beat and the current beat based on the correlation coefficient; and calculating a current mean value beat based on the previous mean value beat, the current beat, and the weights thereof. Accordingly, the novel method of deriving the current mean value beat may reduce ECG artifacts due to patient movement in such a manner that the SNR of the ECG signal can be improved substantially.

Abstract: A method for life sign monitoring and associated controller is provided. The method includes: obtaining a video signal, performing an activity modeling on the video signal to provide an activity signal, performing a vital sign extraction on the video signal to provide a vital sign, performing a filtering on the vital sign in view of the activity signal to suppress a correlation between the activity signal and the vital sign, and accordingly providing a filtered vital sign; and, according to the filtered vital sign and whether the activity signal exceeds an activity threshold range, providing a joint decision for categorizing result of life sign monitoring to one of a plurality of predetermined episodes.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. A method for removing an artifact of a biological reference signal present in a biological source signal may comprise sensing a biological reference signal with one or more electrodes and sensing a biological source signal, wherein the biological source signal comprises an artifact of the biological reference signal. The method may further comprise determining, based on the biological reference signal, the artifact of the biological reference signal and subtracting the artifact of the biological reference signal from the sensed biological source signal.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system for displays cardiovascular information for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of the patient's heart and create a model representing at least a portion of the patient's heart based on the patient-specific data. The computer system may determine at least one value of the blood flow characteristic within the patient's heart based on the model. The computer system may also display a report comprising a representation of at least one artery corresponding to at least a portion the model, and display one or more indicators of the value of the blood flow characteristic on a corresponding portion of the at least one artery.

Abstract: A method for providing an early warning system for a patient includes: allowing a caregiver to select among a plurality of early warning score protocols; allowing the caregiver to modify the selected early warning score protocol; automatically calculating an early warning score for the patient; and displaying the early warning score for the caregiver. A medical device includes at least one health care equipment module configured to measure a physiological parameter of a patient. The medical device is configured to allow the caregiver to select among a plurality of early warning score protocols. The early warning score protocols may be targeted to specific patients based on demographic information. The medical device also allows the caregiver to modify the selected early warning score protocol. The medical device also automatically calculates an early warning score for the patient using a physiological parameter captured by the at least one health care equipment module.

Abstract: There is provided a method for use in monitoring a physiological characteristic of a subject, the method comprising receiving a value of the physiological characteristic of the subject; determining whether the received physiological characteristic value is normal using a range of normal variability of the physiological characteristic for the subject calculated using a set of previous values of the physiological characteristic for the subject; and in the event that the received physiological characteristic value is determined to be normal, updating the range of normal variability using the received physiological characteristic value.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting heart failure (HF) events or identifying patient at elevated risk of developing future HF events such as HF decompensation are described. A medical system can detect a contextual condition associated with a patient, including an environmental context or a physiologic context. The contextual condition includes information indicative or correlative of a change in metabolic demand. The system can include a heart rate (HR) analyzer circuit that extracts a HR feature from a cardiac activity signal, and perform multiple HR feature measurements in response to the detected patient contextual condition meeting a specified criterion. The system can calculate one or more signal metrics including a HR metric using the HR feature measurements. The system can detect an HF event using the signal metrics, or use the signal metrics to calculate a composite risk indicator indicative of the patient's likelihood of developing a future HF event.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for monitoring a patient to produce a signal representing a blood oxygen concentration. The signal may be analyzed to determine the presence of one or more sleep apnea events, and an integral of the signal may be calculated if the signal is outside of a set range or threshold. A practitioner may choose to be informed of the presence of sleep apnea events if the blood oxygen concentration is less then a preset limit, if an upper limit has been reached for an integral representing the severity of the oxygen deprivation over time, or anytime sleep apnea events may be present in the signal.

Abstract: A mobile terminal includes a terminal body that is wearable on a part of a user's body. A wireless communication unit of the mobile terminal connects to an e-Call system of a vehicle and receives information related to a state of the vehicle. A detecting unit of the mobile terminal detects a biometric signal of the user that is sensed by at least one sensor provided in the terminal body. A controller is configured to, based on an accident event of the vehicle being detected from the received information related to the state of the vehicle, analyze the detected biometric signal to obtain state information of the user. Based on a predetermined condition being satisfied, the controller cooperates with the e-Call system of the vehicle and transmits the obtained state information of the user and the information related to a state of the vehicle to a call center.

Abstract: A gantry system is provided. The gantry system may be used for acquiring image data and reconstructing the image data into output images. Image detectors include a detector arm and detector head. Image detectors are attached to a gantry in a compact configuration such that the image detector head may extend into the bore of a stator. The system can be a Nuclear Medicine (NM) imaging system to acquire Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) image information.

Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus includes a table-top, an X-ray tube, a detector and a processing circuitry. The processing circuitry reconstructs a CT image based on a detection signal. The processing circuitry sets a field of view based on positions of a puncture needle and a puncture target on the CT image. The processing circuitry controls an X-ray irradiation coverage based on the field of view, the X-ray irradiation coverage being an area irradiated with the X-rays. The processing circuitry displays a CT image reconstructed in the field of view on a display, after the X-rays based on the X-rays whose irradiation coverage is controlled emitted and the detection signal is outputted.

Abstract: A system and a method for determining an orthodontic diagnostic analysis of a patient at various dental maturity stages predicts future conditions and/or treatment recommendations. The system and the method locate points in a mouth of a patient using an imaging device wherein the imaging device generates imaging data. The imaging data is transferred to a central processing unit wherein the central processing unit has access to a database having information associated with orthodontic conditions stored therein. The central processing unit obtains measurements associated with selected points and dentition in the mouth of the patient and predicts orthodontic conditions of the patient based upon the measurements and the information in the database. The central processing unit recommends treatments to the patient based upon the predicted orthodontic conditions.

Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to one embodiment comprises: an X-ray tube, an X-ray detector, a supporting arm configured to support the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector in directions to face each other, a moving mechanism configured to move the supporting arm around a plurality of rotation axes and processing circuitry configured to set an imaging sequence concerning a plurality of left-eye imaging positions with respect to the object and a plurality of right-eye imaging positions respectively corresponding to the plurality of left-eye imaging positions and configured to control the moving mechanism to move the supporting arm in accordance with the set imaging sequence. The imaging sequence includes a sequence of continuously performing imaging at at least two of the plurality of left-eye imaging positions or a sequence of continuously performing imaging at at least two of the plurality of right-eye imaging positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to acquisition of medical image information of an object. In order to improve operating theatres and allow more effective use of equipment and staff during interventions, a medical X-ray system (10) is provided, comprising a patient support (12), an X-ray image acquisition arrangement (14), a support arrangement (16), and a rail arrangement (18). The image acquisition arrangement (14) acquires imaging information of an object of interest (20) arranged on the patient support (12). The rail arrangement (18) is provided overhead. The support arrangement (16) is movably mounted to the rail arrangement (18), and at least movable along the rail arrangement (18). The image acquisition arrangement (14) is movably mounted to the support arrangement (16) to allow image acquisition of the object (20) from different directions. The rail arrangement (18) is arranged transversely to a longitudinal direction of the patient support.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes an X-ray tube that generates X-rays, an X-ray detector that detects X-rays generated from the X-ray tube and transmitted through an object, a supporting mechanism supports the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector in directions to face each other, a display displays an X-ray image concerning the object based on an output from the X-ray detector, position specifying circuitry specifies a position of the face of a user who is visually recognizing the display, and moving circuitry moves the supporting mechanism to an imaging position corresponding to the specified position of the face of the user.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes: an X-ray source configured to transmit X-rays; an X-ray detection assembly configured to detect the X-rays, and to convert the detected X-rays into an electrical signal; an image processor configured to generate an X-ray image based on the electrical signal; and a controller configured to process the X-ray image by changing shades of the X-ray image, and set a region of non-interest of the X-ray image based on the X-ray image and the processed X-ray image.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus displays a bone or soft tissue image of an X-ray image, which corresponds to a region selected by a user, thereby reducing a diagnosis time. In addition, an X-ray imaging system transmits a first energy X-ray image and a second energy X-ray image to a central image management system, and a user control apparatus receives the images from the central image management system and displays a bone or soft tissue image corresponding to the selected region, thereby reducing burden imposed on server capacity of the central image management system as well as reducing a diagnosis time.

Abstract: A method for vascular assessment is disclosed. The method, in some embodiments, comprises receiving a plurality of 2-D angiographic images of a portion of a vasculature of a subject, and processing the images to produce a stenotic model over the vasculature, the stenotic model having measurements of the vasculature at one or more locations along vessels of the vasculature. The method, in some embodiments, further comprises obtaining a flow characteristic of the stenotic model, and calculating an index indicative of vascular function, based, at least in part, on the flow characteristic in the stenotic model.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for evaluating tissue for abnormal glucose uptake within a region of interest within a patient. A PET scanner obtains PET imagery including the region of interest and at least part of the liver. An SUV calculator calculates a first set of SUVs representing the region of interest and a second set SUVs representing the liver from the set of at least one PET image. A standardization component calculates a correction value as a function of the second set of SUVs and applies the correction value to either a decision threshold associated with the region of interest or the first set of SUVs. A diagnosis component compares the first set of SUVs to the decision threshold to determine if the glucose uptake within the region of interest is abnormal. A display provides the determination to a user.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus comprises a housing including, on a side surface, at least one portion lower in magnetism shielding performance than a remaining portion of the housing, and configured to contain an image detector. The imaging apparatus includes a magnetic material that is arranged at a position between the image detector and the side surface including the portion, lower in magnetism shielding performance, of the housing, and a side of a rear surface of the image detector.

Abstract: A method (100) for processing a radiography image derived from an X-ray radiation passing through an object, and a radiography system (202) for performing such method. The method (100) comprises a step (104) of estimating, based on the radiography image, a scatter signal present in said radiography image; a step (106) of calculating, based on the estimated scatter signal, a scatter removal signal indicative of a scattered radiation removable from the X-ray radiation passing through the object by a reference anti-scatter device; and a step (110) of correcting the radiography image based on the scatter removal signal.

Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus has a camera installed on a gantry, and a method creates volume data of a subject through images of the subject photographed by the camera and calculates an optimum dose of radiation based on the volume data of the subject. The radiation imaging apparatus includes the gantry, and the camera installed on the gantry to photograph a subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to an interventional system comprising an introduction element (4) like a catheter for being introduced into an object (9), for instance, a person. A moving unit (2) like a robot moves the introduction element within the object, wherein a tracking image generating unit (3) generates tracking images of the introduction element within the object and wherein a controller (8) controls the tracking image generating unit depending on movement parameters of the moving unit, which are indicative of the movement, such that the tracking images show the introduction element. This control can be performed very accurately based on the known real physical movement of the introduction element such that it is not necessary to, for instance, irradiate a relatively large area of the object for ensuring that the introduction element is really captured by the tracking images, thereby allowing for a reduced radiation dose applied to the object.