Abstract: A patient monitor capable of measuring microcirculation at a tissue site includes a light source, a beam splitter, a photodetector and a patient monitor. Light emitted from the light source is split into a reference arm and a sample arm. The light in the sample arm is directed at a tissue site, such as an eyelid. The reflected light from the tissue site is interfered with the light from the reference arm. The photodetector measures the interference of the light from both the sample arm and the reference arm. The patient monitor uses the measurements from the photodetector to calculate the oxygen saturation at the tissue site and monitor the microcirculation at the tissue site.

Abstract: A pulse wave propagation time measurement device including a first signal processor section that filters an electrocardiographic signal detected by an electrocardiographic sensor, a second signal processor section that filters a photoelectric pulse wave signal detected by a photoelectric pulse wave sensor, peak detectors respectively that detect peaks of the electrocardiographic signal and the photoelectric pulse wave signal, delay time obtaining sections respectively that obtain a delay time of the electrocardiographic signal and of the photoelectric pulse wave signal, peak correctors respectively that correct the peaks of the electrocardiographic signal and the photoelectric pulse wave signal based on the delay time of the electrocardiographic signal and the photoelectric pulse wave signal, and a pulse wave propagation time measurement section that obtains a pulse wave propagation time from a time difference between the corrected peaks of the electrocardiographic signal and the photoelectric pulse wave sign

Abstract: A system and method for measuring a subject's blood pressure is provided. The system includes a sphygmomanometer cuff configured to apply a pressure to a blood vessel region so as to restrict the flow of blood through a blood vessel of the region; at least one transducer configured to transmit a signal toward the region and to detect a return signal indicative of a velocity of blood flow through the blood vessel; and an apparatus having a processor configured to determine a systolic blood pressure of the subject. The processor is configured to determine whether the return signal corresponds to a first Korotkoff sound of the blood flow through the blood vessel, reduce pressure applied via the sphygmomanometer cuff if the return signal does not correspond to the first Korotkoff sound, and determine pressure applied via the sphygmomanometer cuff when the return signal corresponds to the first Korotkoff sound.

Abstract: A monitoring device includes a sensor band configured to be secured around an appendage of a subject, and a sensing element movably secured to the sensor band via a biasing element. The sensor band has a first mass, and the sensing element has a second mass that is less than the first mass. The biasing element is configured to urge the sensing element into contact with a portion of the appendage, and the biasing element decouples motion of the band from the sensing element. A monitoring device includes a band that is configured to be secured around an appendage of a subject. One or more biasing elements extend outwardly from the band inner surface and are configured to contact the appendage. A sensing element is secured to the band inner surface. The one or more biasing elements decouples motion of the band from the sensing element.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a system for mapping the electrical activity of the heart. The system may include a catheter shaft with a plurality of electrodes. The system may also include a processor. The processor may be capable of collecting a set of signals from at least one of the plurality of electrodes. The set of signals may be collected over a time period. The processor may also be capable of calculating at least one propagation vector from the set of signals, generating a data set from the at least one propagation vector, generating a statistical distribution of the data set and generating a visual representation of the statistical distribution.

Abstract: A method of targeting fibrosis or autonomic nerve tissue for ablation in a subject is described. The method includes at least the following steps. The method includes performing at least one EGM analysis of a plurality of recorded atrial EGMs for a tissue in a region suspected of having fibrosis or autonomic nerve tissue. With regard to targeting fibrosis for ablation, the method includes determining one or more correlations of at least one AF EGM characteristic to a region having fibrosis from the plurality of recorded atrial EGMs for the tissue and determining whether the tissue contains dense fibrosis that would preclude effective ablation of the analysis region of the tissue. With regard to targeting autonomic nerve for ablation, the method includes determining whether one or more significant changes in EGM characteristics with autonomic blockade exist that would indicate the need to perform ablation of the analysis region of the tissue.

Abstract: Subject matter of the invention are a method and a system to provide diagnosis of arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia—ARVC/D (and similar inherited conditions) that cause sudden cardiac death in otherwise healthy population. Innovative approach in this analysis is possibility to detect so called frusta forms or clinically silent forms. After recording on any ECG standard device, vector analysis is manipulated in strictly defined fashion. The shape and size of QRS complex seen in arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy is determined by the direction and magnitude of the spatially oriented electrical forces that have one common beginning those concerning vector bites. Besides one pathognomonic place there is a triangle of dysplasia to look for. The subject matter of the invention greatly increases the sensitivity and specificity of standard ECG device for early detection with a high likelihood ratio of certainty for a positive diagnosis.

Abstract: A bioelectrode including a plate, a first electrode disposed on a first side of the plate, and a second electrode disposed on the first side of the plate and separate from the first electrode. The bioelectrode further includes a first guard portion disposed on a second side of the plate, a second guard portion disposed on the second side of the plate and separate from the first guard portion, and a preamplifier configured to output a voltage signal based on a biosignal measured between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: An EMG measuring system has a signal processing unit (8) and with at least one electrode (4) for measuring a potential difference in a muscle, a muscle fiber or in a skin area of a patient. At least one measured signal representing the potential difference is transmitted from the electrode (4) to the signal processing unit (8). Another signal, which is transmitted to the at least one external device (9), is generated in the signal processing unit (8) on the basis of this measured signal. A signal transmitted from the at least one external device (9) is processed by the signal processing unit (8) and at least one control signal is generated on the basis of this signal.

Abstract: In a system and method for non-contact mapping of an anatomic structure, the spatial position of an electrode is determined independent of a previously generated three-dimensional model of the anatomic structure. A position of the electrode relative to a boundary surface of the model is determined, along with a corresponding point on the boundary surface of the three-dimensional model that is closest to the relative electrode position. A signed distance (d) of the relative electrode position from the corresponding closest point on the boundary surface is determined, wherein a positive signed distance indicates the relative electrode position is exterior to the model. In such an instance, the boundary surface is perturbed (e.g., expanded outward) at least in part as a function of the signed distance (d) until the relative electrode position lies interior to the model.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for modeling brain dynamics in normal and diseased states.

Abstract: A method for quantifying, during pacemapping, a comparison of a BSPM of interest to a pace site BSPM. The method may include receiving at a computing device a plurality of ECG signals from an acquisition system. The pace site BSPM may be calculated using the plurality of ECG signals. The BSPM of interest may be compared to the pace site BSPM, by: retrieving the BSPM of interest from memory accessible by the computing device; and, calculating one or more comparison metrics for the BSPM of interest as compared to the pace site BSPM. An indication of similarity between the BSPM of interest and the pace site BSPM based on the comparison metric calculated may be displayed on a user interface in communication with the computing device.

Abstract: A method for determining a spatially resolved distribution of a marker substance, a marker substance and a use of a marker substance in a quantitative magnetic resonance method is provided.

Abstract: Devices and methods for sizing valve apertures and luminal organs. In at least one embodiment of a device for obtaining measurements within a luminal organ of the present disclosure, the device comprises an elongated body, and at least one sizing finger positioned at a distal end of the elongated body, the at least one sizing finger configured to move from a first position to a second position by way of adjustment of at least one movable device coupled thereto, wherein a dimensional measurement within the luminal organ can be determined based upon the first position and the second position.

Abstract: An interactive virtual care system may include a user sensory module to acquire multi-modal user data related to user movement. A data analysis module may compare the multi-modal user data to predetermined historical user data and/or statistical norm data for users to identify an anomaly in the user movement.

Abstract: A device for personal identification using a dorsal band vein-pattern in preferable configuration is disclosed. The device utilizes an on-board or external camera using wired or wireless communication operating in both visible and near infrared range, a memory unit, a processor and Speeded-Up Robust Features algorithm for image acquisition, processing and comparison against the existing database of hand vein-pattern images. The matching criterion between the images to be used for the person's authentication. Device can optionally use wireless connection for image transferring and processing.

Abstract: A spinal motion sensor comprised of a system and method which detects any bending or twisting motion in the user's back. According to the method of the invention, the system alerts the user that the motion may result in a harmful injury. The device is worn on the belt of the user and features one or more inertial sensors, which detect the position of the user's back. Additional attitude sensors may be configured to be worn on the user's upper back or shirt collar, to determine the position of the back at additional locations. According to the method of the invention, the device presents an audible warning when the user moves into an inappropriate position.

Abstract: Devices and methods for determining relative displacements of body parts or body areas, with a transmitter and a sensor associated with the transmitter, wherein at least one shadowing device, which is displaceable relative to the sensor and/or the transmitter and is fixed to at least one body part or body area, is arranged between the transmitter and the sensor.

Abstract: A substance concentration monitoring method includes inducing a periodic change in a body surface temperature over time using a heating and/or cooling element and yielding a function of temperature that varies with time so as to exhibit a temperature derivative with respect to time that oscillates periodically. Mid-infrared radiation absorbed or emitted from the body is measured while the surface of the body exhibits the oscillating, periodic derivative. The method includes determining a measured value based on the MIR radiation measurements and determining a concentration of a substance in the body based on a correlation with the measured value. A substance concentration monitoring apparatus includes a processor that initiates operations continuously monitoring whether the concentration or the measured value are within a tolerance. The operations further include generating a warning output when the concentration or the measured value is outside the tolerance.

Abstract: Devices are provided for measurement of an analyte concentration, e.g., glucose in a host. The device can include a sensor configured to generate a signal associated with a concentration of an analyte; and a sensing membrane located over the sensor. The sensing membrane comprises a diffusion resistance domain configured to control a flux of the analyte therethrough. The diffusion resistance domain comprises one or more zwitterionic compounds and a base polymer comprising both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions.

Abstract: A device for determining the concentration of a substance in the blood of a subject, such as the oxygen saturation, which device reduces or removes the influence of specular reflection and/or subject motion, comprises an input unit for receiving detection signals reflected back or transmitted through a skin area of the subject in response to irradiation of the skin area by a radiation signal, a signal extraction unit for extracting at least three photo-plethysmography, PPG, signals at different wavelengths from said detection signals, a processing unit for normalizing said at least three PPG signals and forming a first difference signal between a first normalized PPG signal and a second normalized PPG signal and a second difference signal between a third normalized PPG signal and one other of the at least three normalized PPG signals and for forming a ratio between said first difference signal and said second difference signal, and an concentration detection unit for calculating the concentration of a substan

Abstract: A biosensor includes a biosensor unit with an electrode, wherein the electrode is rod-shaped, wherein the electrode further comprises a support with an electrically conductive first layer and an exclusion layer, wherein the electrically conductive first layer is configured between the support and the exclusion layer. A sensing system can include such biosensor.

Abstract: Devices are presented for measurement of an analyte concentration. The devices comprise: a sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a concentration of an analyte; and a sensing membrane located over the sensor. The sensing membrane comprises an enzyme domain comprising an enzyme, a base polymer, and a hydrophilic polymer which makes up from about 5 wt. % to about 30 wt. % of the enzyme domain.

Abstract: A fluid handling module that is removably engageable with a bodily fluid analyzer is provided. The module may comprise a fluid handling element, and a fluid component separator that is accessible via the fluid handling element and configured to separate at least one component of a bodily fluid transported to the fluid component separator. The fluid handling element may have at least one control element interface.

Abstract: Blood collection assemblies with safety features are disclosed. The assemblies have a housing for receiving a vacutainer, which has a septum that penetrates a sharp needle tip. The disclosed assemblies further have a shield for covering the other end of the needle following use to prevent accidental contact with the distal needle tip. The shield is spring loaded so that the spring force moves the shield over the needle. The shield can be secured or held in an initial position and allowed to move to cover the needle upon actuation or activation of an activator unit.

Abstract: A system that analyzes neurological signals is described. During operation, the system monitors neurological signals from users at multiple locations, where the neurological signals are associated with different electrode configurations. Then, the system modifies the monitored neurological signals to correct for the different electrode configurations so that a resulting set of modified neurological signals corresponds to a common electrode configuration, thereby facilitating subsequent identification of a subset of the set of modified neurological signals.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for monitoring urinary bladder internal pressure includes: a urinary catheter being provided with a pressure measuring sensor and a fixing member for dwelling the pressure measuring sensor in a bladder and being inserted into the bladder to discharge urine; and a display device which is connected to the pressure measuring sensor and displays a measured signal measured by the pressure measuring sensor. Since a urinary catheter having a fixing member on which a pressure measuring sensor of a thin-film-type is attached is inserted into a patient and at the same time the pressure of the bladder is monitored in real time by connecting the pressure measuring sensor to a portable display device, urination according to the pressure information of the bladder can be performed in a precise timing.

Abstract: A handheld, conforming capacitive sensing apparatus configured to measure Sub-Epidermal Moisture (SEM) as a mean to detect and monitor the formation of pressure ulcers. The device incorporates an array of electrodes which are excited to measure and scan SEM in a programmable and multiplexed manner by a battery-less RF-powered chip. The scanning operation is initiated by an interrogator which excites a coil embedded in the apparatus and provides the needed energy burst to support the scanning/reading operation. Each electrode measures the equivalent sub-epidermal capacitance corresponding and representing the moisture content.

Abstract: A medical-image processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes an extracting unit, a dividing unit, and an estimating unit. The extracting unit extracts a disease candidate region from a medical image. The dividing unit divides the disease candidate region into multiple partial regions. The estimating unit uses the feature value of each of the partial regions to estimate the disease state of the disease candidate region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of biomarkers and in particular to their utilisation in treatment. Embodiments of the invention have been particularly developed as biomarkers enabling optimisation of treatment regimes and as uses of the biomarkers in tests for the prediction of optimised treatments and treatment outcomes in the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for improving psychophysiological function for performance of a subject under stress includes, after a plurality of sensors that monitor stress-indicating physiological parameters have been coupled to the subject, exposing the subject, using computer processes, to at least one training segment during which is determined a degree to which the subject has achieved a targeted level of least one stress-indicating physiological parameter as to be indicative of coherence in the subject. Additionally, the method includes providing, to the subject, feedback indicative of the degree to which the subject has achieved the targeted level of the at least one parameter as to be indicative of coherence in the subject.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device and a method, for placing and securing sensors/electrodes on the head of an individual. Said device/method optimizes signal information and avoids some of the problems connected to the devices and methods in the prior art. The device comprises a rigid and fluid-proof outer layer (4), an elastic and fluid-proof inner layer (3) with placement points for sensors or electrodes (1,5), and a middle layer comprising a fluid between inner and outer layers. The device also comprises means (7,9) for regulating the pressure of said fluid. Inner and outer layers are only directly joined along the circumference of the inner layer.

Abstract: This invention is an article of clothing with electromyographic (EMG) sensors which measures body motion and/or muscle activity. This clothing can be a short-sleeve shirt or a pair of shorts, wherein the electromyographic (EMG) sensors are on the cuffs. The electromyographic (EMG) sensors can be modular; they can be removably attached to different locations in order to create a customized article of electromyographic clothing which optimally measures the muscle activity of a particular person or muscle activity during a particular sport. This clothing can also include bending-based motion sensors.

Abstract: A system for control of a device includes at least one sensor module detecting orientation of a user's body part. The at least one sensor module is in communication with a device module configured to command an associated device. The at least one sensor module detects orientation of the body part. The at least one sensor module sends output signals related to orientation of the user's body part to the device module and the device module controls the associated device based on the signals from the at least one sensor module.

Abstract: An electrode patch and physiological signal device are disclosed. The physiological signal device includes an electrode patch and a physiological signal unit. The physiological signal unit has a conductive pad, and the electrode patch includes a flexible sheet having a first surface and a second surface opposite from each other, a conductive pad is disposed on the first surface, a conductive gel covers a portion of the conductive pad and a conductive area is exposed; the conductive gel penetrates through the flexible sheet and is exposed on the second surface; the second surface of the electrode patch contacts with the physiological signal unit, and the conductive gel is electrically connected to the conductive pad. The physiological signal unit is electrically connected to a charging device via the conductive area of the electrode patch. Thereby, the physiological signal unit can be placed on the charging device directly for charging.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for proximity sensing in physiological sensors, and more specifically to using one or more proximity sensors located on or within a physiological sensor to determine the positioning of the physiological sensor on a patient measurement site. Accurate placement of a physiological sensor on the patient measurement site is a key factor in obtaining reliable measurement of physiological parameters of the patient. Proper alignment between a measurement site and a sensor optical assembly provides more accurate physiological measurement data. This alignment can be determined based on data from a proximity sensor or sensors placed on or within the physiological sensor.

Abstract: Provided is a flex-PCB catheter device that is configured to be inserted into a body lumen. The flex-PCB catheter comprises an elongate shaft, an expandable assembly, a flexible printed circuit board (flex-PCB) substrate, a plurality of electronic components and a plurality of communication paths. The elongate shaft comprises a proximal end and a distal end. The expandable assembly is configured to transition from a radially compact state to a radially expanded state. The plurality of electronic elements are coupled to the flex-PCB substrate and are configured to receive and/or transmit an electric signal. The plurality of communication paths are positioned on and/or within the flex-PCB substrate. The communication paths selectively couple the plurality of electronic elements to a plurality of electrical contacts configured to electrically connect to an electronic module configured to process the electrical signal. The flex-PCB substrate can have multiple layers, including one or more metallic layers.

Abstract: The method and apparatus disclosed herein determine a user cadence from the output of an inertial sensor mounted to or proximate the user's body. In general, the disclosed cadence measurement system determines the user cadence based on frequency measurements acquired from an inertial signal output by the inertial sensor. More particularly, a cadence measurement system determines a user cadence from an inertial signal generated by an inertial sensor, where the inertial signal comprises one or more frequency components. The cadence measurement system determines a peak frequency of the inertial signal, where the peak frequency corresponds to the frequency component of the inertial signal having the largest amplitude. After applying the peak frequency to one or more frequency threshold comparisons, the cadence measurement system determines the user cadence based on the peak frequency and the frequency threshold comparison(s).

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for determining an analyte value are disclosed.

Abstract: According to embodiments, a system for processing a physiological signals is disclosed. The system may comprise a sensor for generating the physiological signal. The system may comprise a processor configured to receive and process the physiological signal in order to improve interpretation and subsequent analysis of the physiological signal. The processor may be configured to generate a wavelet transform based on the physiological signal. The processor may be configured to determine phase values corresponding to the subject's respiration based on the wavelet transform. The processor may be configured to generate a sinusoidal waveform that is representative of the subject's breathing based on the phase values. The system may also comprise a display device configured to display the sinusoidal waveform.

Abstract: A system for determining a location of an electrode of a medical device (e.g., a catheter) in a body of a patient includes a localization block for producing an uncompensated electrode location, a motion compensation block for producing a compensation signal (i.e., for respiration, cardiac, etc.), and a mechanism for subtracting the compensation signal from the uncompensated electrode location. The result is a corrected electrode location substantially free of respiration and cardiac artifacts. The motion compensation block includes a dynamic adaptation feature which accounts for changes in a patient's respiration patterns as well as intentional movements of the medical device to different locations within the patient's body. The system further includes an automatic compensation gain control which suppresses compensation when certain conditions, such as noise or sudden patch impedance changes, are detected.

Abstract: A pulse wave sensor includes: an optical sensor unit configured to irradiate a living body with light emitted from a light emitting unit and detect light reflected from or transmitted through the living body with a light receiving unit to generate a current signal in accordance with a light reception intensity; a pulse driving unit configured to turn on or turn off the light emitting unit at a predetermined frame frequency and a predetermined duty rate; a current-voltage conversion circuit configured to convert the current signal into a voltage signal; and a detection circuit configured to extract an upper envelope and a lower envelope of the voltage signal and obtain a difference therebetween to generate a detection signal.

Abstract: A method for inferring characteristics of a physiological system includes measuring one or more physiological signals in the physiological system and inferring characteristics of the physiological system from the one or more measured physiological signals using a multiple vascular compartment hemodynamic model, the multiple vascular compartment hemodynamic model defining a relationship between the one or more measured physiological signals and the characteristics of the physiological system. When the one or more measured physiological signals include coherent oscillations at a plurality of frequencies, the method is termed coherent hemodynamics spectroscopy. The multiple vascular compartment hemodynamic model is based on an average time spent by blood in one or more of said vascular compartments and a rate constant of oxygen diffusion.

Abstract: A biological information monitoring system includes: a measuring circuitry configured acquire information on a potential difference between two first electrodes that is placed on a first thorax of a user, wherein the first thorax is in a symmetric position to a second thorax that is positioned at the same side as a heart of the user; a detection circuitry configured to detect a plurality of S wave peaks based on the information on the potential difference to generate time-series information on the plurality of S wave peaks; and a processing circuitry configured to determine respiratory information on the user based on the time-series information on the plurality of S wave peaks, and to output the respiratory information as biological information.

Abstract: A signal representing physiological information may include information related to respiration. A patient monitoring system may generate a plurality of autocorrelation sequences from the signal and combine the autocorrelation sequences to generate a combined autocorrelation sequence. The combined autocorrelation sequence may be analyzed to identify one or more peaks that may correspond to respiration information. Respiration information such as respiration rate may be determined based on the one or more peaks.

Abstract: In a method and magnetic resonance apparatus for defining a sequence protocol for the magnetic resonance apparatus, at least one parameter of the sequence protocol is determined, which is able to be changed automatically, and a provisional sequence protocol is then determined. MR data of an examination object are acquired, from which an overview image of the examination object is created. The provisional sequence protocol is adapted dependent on the overview image. A check is made as to whether the adapted sequence protocol exceeds a predefined stimulation threshold beyond which nerve stimulation of the examination object is too large. If the adapted sequence protocol exceeds the threshold, the at least one parameter is automatically changed such that the changed sequence protocol no longer exceeds the threshold. The changed sequence protocol corresponds to the sequence protocol to be determined.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide an apparatus wearable by a user. The apparatus can comprise a biometric sensor constructed to generate signals based upon measurements of the user. The apparatus can comprise a processor constructed to determine a significant detrimental change in the user via an algorithm based upon the signals.

Abstract: Two detector units and two holding arms are provided. The detector units are each disposed on a part of an arc of a circle surrounding a subject. The holding arms each disposed on the arc hold the detector units individually. The holding arms move independently along the circle surrounding the subject, thereby causing the detector units to move. Consequently, a first detector unit is held with a first holding arm entirely, and a second the detector unit is held with a second holding arm entirely. This causes less swing of the detector units achieving a simple configuration.

Abstract: A system for detecting lymphedema comprising a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry system and one or more spacer pads disposed with a field of view of the dual energy x-ray absorptiometry system. The dual energy x-ray absorptiometry system comprising an x-ray source and a patient support platform, wherein the patient support platform is configured to receive a patient in a supine position with the x-ray source disposed above the patient support platform. The one or more spacer pads configured to be positioned body parts of the patient.

Abstract: A patient support system, comprises a patient support having a base and an upper surface, the upper surface moveable relative to the base in a direction along at least one of a first axis, a second axis orthogonal to the first axis, and a third axis orthogonal to the first and second axes; and a control unit for controlling movement of the upper surface, the control unit defining a longitudinal axis. The direction of movement of the upper surface relative to the base is determined by the orientation of the longitudinal axis of the control unit relative to the patient support.