Abstract: Various embodiments for providing remote delivery and monitoring of health care are provided. In one embodiment, a portable apparatus for orthopedic monitoring of a patient is provided and comprises: a housing adapted for one of positioning adjacent to and positioning within an orthopedic cast; a diagnostic biomedical device integrated into the housing, wherein the diagnostic biomedical device is adapted for obtaining an orthopedic image of a portion of the patient treated with the orthopedic cast; and a wireless communications interface coupled to the diagnostic biomedical device, wherein the wireless communications interface is adapted to upload the orthopedic image to a remote server to be viewed by a medical professional.

Abstract: A head-mounted neurological assessment system including a head-mounted frame adapted to fit on a head of a user. One or more sensors are configured to measure parameters associated with an injured brain and/or vestibular system of the user. A display device is coupled to the frame and proximate eyes of the user. A processor subsystem is coupled to the one or more sensors and the display device and configured to perform tests for monitoring the function of an injured brain and/or vestibular system of the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for estimation of blood anylates, more particularly the invention relates to mitigation strategies for the confounding factors in the non-invasive estimation of blood anylates. The present invention is hypothesized to measured with an accuracy reasonable for an anemia screening tool through measurement of the following parameters Finger Size, Transmitted infrared light through the finger, Finger tip temperature.

Abstract: A biological sound collecting device includes: a sound collecting unit configured to collect biological sound of a subject; a contact state detecting unit configured to detect a contact state of the sound collecting unit against a biological surface of the subject; a control unit configured to determine, based on the contact state detected by the contact state detecting unit, whether or not to have the sound collecting unit collect the biological sound; and an information notification unit configured to, in a case that the control unit determines not to have the sound collecting unit collect the biological sound, notify that the contact state detecting unit is not in contact with the biological surface of the subject.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to systems and methods for optimizing the performance and minimizing complications related to implanted sensors, such as pressure sensors, for the purposes of detecting, diagnosing and treating cardiovascular disease in a medical patient. Systems and methods for anchoring implanted sensors to various body structures is also provided.

Abstract: Wearable devices are described herein including at least two photodetectors and a mount configured to mount the at least two photodetectors to an external surface of a wearer. The at least two photodetectors are configured to detect alignment between the wearable device and a target on or in the body of the wearer (e.g., to detect the location of vasculature within the body of the wearer relative to the at least two photodetectors). Alignment of the at least two photodetectors relative to the target could enable detection of one or more physiological properties of the wearer. For example, the wearable device could include a sensor configured to detect a property of the target when the sensor is above the target, and alignment of the target relative to the at least two photodetectors could include the sensor being located above the target.

Abstract: A method of processing a bio-signal includes: generating a motion pattern from a motion of an object body; estimating a next point in time of a motion occurrence from the motion pattern; and generating a bio-signal pattern by combining an attenuation factor with a bio-signal of the object body at the estimated next point in time of the motion occurrence.

Abstract: A signal detection device includes: multiple electrodes that are arranged to come into contact with a subject that generates a signal; an electrode signal selection unit that alternatively selects one signal from signals on the multiple electrodes based on a selection signal; an amplification unit that amplifies the signal that is selected by the electrode signal selection unit; and a flexible substrate on which the multiple electrodes, the selection unit, and the amplification unit are formed, in which the amplification unit is formed on the substrate to form a laminated structure together with the multiple electrodes and the selection unit.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for monitoring biopotential signals in biomedical devices. The disclosure provides a mixed signal background calibration that stabilizes the time-varying coupling gain between the body and an electrode due to motion artifacts. The calibration technique involves a low-level test signal in the form of a one-bit pseudorandom bit-sequence that is injected through a reference electrode to the body, detected by the sensing electrode and recorded along with the bio signals. A digital algorithm is employed in the backend to identify the acquisition channel characteristics while maintaining its normal operation of recording. Programmable gain stages in analog or digital domain(s) can be used to stabilize the overall gain of the channel. The disclosed technique is in the background and not interfering with the normal recording operation(s), and provides continuous monitoring of the ETI and continuous correction of the ensuing channel characteristic degradation due to the ETI variation.

Abstract: A biometric detection module including a light source module, a detection region and a control module is provided. The light source module is configured to emit green light, red light and IR light in a time division manner to illuminate a skin surface. The detection region is configured to detect penetration light emitted from the light source module for illuminating the skin surface and passing through body tissues to correspondingly generate a green light signal, a red light signal and an IR light signal. The control module is configured to determine a filtering parameter according to the green light signal to accordingly filter the red light signal and the IR light signal, and calculate a biometric characteristic according to at least one of the green light signal, a filtered red light signal and a filtered IR light signal.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for separating a composite signal into a plurality of signals is described. A signal processor receives a composite signal and separates a composite signal in to separate output signals. Pre-demodulation signal values are used to adjust the demodulation scheme.

Abstract: A pulse wave signal is registered and an occurrence of human limb movements detected during sleep using a pulse wave sensor and an accelerometer. The values of RR intervals and respiratory rate are measured at preset time intervals ?ti based on pulse wave signal. Mean P1, minimal P2, and maximal P3 values of RR intervals, the standard deviation of RR intervals P4, average respiratory rate P5 and average number of limb movements P6 are determined based on the above measured values. Function value F(?ti) is determined thereafter as: F(?ti)=?K1P1?K2P2?K3P3+K4P4+K5P5+K6P6, where K1-K6 are weight coefficients characterizing the contribution of the corresponding parameter to function value F(?ti); whereat the onset and termination of sleep phase favorable to awakening is determined by increments of function F(?ti).

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example method may include a method of mapping the electrical activity of a heart. The method may include sensing a plurality of signals with a plurality of electrodes positioned within the heart, determining a dominant frequency of the plurality of signals and generating an alternate signal for each of the plurality of signals corresponding to the dominant frequency. The alternate signals may have a phase-shift corresponding to one of the plurality of signals. The method may also include displaying a characteristic of the alternate signal over time.

Abstract: A system for providing a smart activity score includes an earphone with a biometric sensor used for providing a smart activity score to a user. The system includes a movement monitoring module that monitors a movement to determine a metabolic loading associated with the movement during a score period. The system also includes a period activity score module that creates and updates a period activity score based on the metabolic loading and the movement. The period activity score is created and updated for the score period. In addition, the system includes a smart activity score module that creates and updates a smart activity score by aggregating a set of period activity scores.

Abstract: Aspects of generating movement measures that quantify motion data samples generated by a wearable electronic device are discussed herein. For example, in one aspect, an embodiment may obtain motion data samples generated by the set of motion sensors in a wearable electronic device. The wearable electronic device may then generate a first movement measure based on a quantification of the first set of motion data samples. The wearable electronic device may also generate a second movement measure based on a quantification of the second set of the motion data samples. The wearable electronic device may then cause the non-transitory machine readable storage medium to store the first movement measure and the second movement measure as time series data.

Abstract: A sensor system includes one or more gyroscopes and one or more accelerometers, for measuring subtle motions of a user's body. The system estimates physiological parameters of a user, such as heart rate, breathing rate and heart rate variability. When making the estimates, different weights are assigned to data from different sensors. For at least one estimate, weight assigned to data from at least one gyroscope is different than weight assigned to data from at least one accelerometer. Also, for at least one estimate, a weight assigned to one or more sensors located in a first region relative to the user's body is different than a weight assigned to one or more sensors located in a second region relative to the user's body. Furthermore, weight assigned to data from at least one sensor changes over time.

Abstract: Reference part selection objects indicating the position and direction of the reference part of an object are displayed at a plurality of positions together with a body position setting image 3A showing the positional relationship between a scanning unit 10 and the object. Then, when a reference part selection object at an arbitrary position is selected, a body position corresponding to the selected object is set as a scanning condition. In addition, the display is switched to a body position setting image corresponding to the selected object.

Abstract: Systems and methods for wirelessly controlling medical devices are provided. One system includes a portable user interface having a housing and a communication module within the housing configured to wirelessly communicate with at least one medical device. The portable user interface also includes a display displaying a graphical user interface to control the at least one medical device remotely, wherein the displayed graphical user interface corresponds to a control interface of the at least one medical device.

Abstract: An imaging system for imaging a portion(s) of an anatomical structure can be provided. For example, a source first arrangement can provide x-ray radiation, and a multi-hole collimator second arrangement can be provided in a path of the x-ray radiation, and can be configured to undersample the radiation beam which can be forwarded to the portion(s) of the anatomical structure. A third hardware arrangement can be configured to receive a further radiation from the portion(s) that can be based on the undersampled radiation.

Abstract: A medical image scanning system includes a top plate on which an object is placed, a drive screw shaft, and a fall prevention unit. The fall prevention unit includes a load support nut that is threadedly engaged with the drive screw shaft and to which the load of the top plate is applied; a fall prevention nut that is arranged below the load support nut and is threadedly engaged with the drive screw shaft; a rotation prevention mechanism that prevents the rotation of the load support nut; and a detent mechanism that performs the turning stop of the fall prevention nut and releases the turning stop of the fall prevention nut when the threaded engagement between the drive screw shaft and the load support nut is disconnected.

Abstract: A molecular breast imaging (MBI) unit includes a housing, a first detector unit, and a second detector unit. The housing is configured to be positioned in an imaging position for imaging an object. The first detector unit includes a first nuclear medicine (NM) imaging detector secured in the housing. The first detector unit is configured to acquire first imaging information of the object when the housing is in the imaging position. The second detector unit includes a second NM imaging detector secured in the housing. The second detector unit is configured to acquire second imaging information of the object when the housing is in the imaging position. The housing includes an opening disposed between the first and second detector units. The opening is configured to allow access by a biopsy assembly to the object with the housing in the imaging position.

Abstract: An apparatus for capturing images is described herein. The apparatus may include a column attached to a gantry. The column may include a movable section and a radiation detector disposed in the movable section. The apparatus may include a weight compensation unit to apply a force on the movable section opposite to a force of gravity associated with at least the movable section and the radiation detector.

Abstract: A method for setting a scanning protocol and an apparatus thereof are provided. The method includes: creating a plain film positioning image; receiving a point or a line or a region of interest on the plain film positioning image input by an operator; generating a region to be matched, based on the point or the line or the region of interest; determining whether there is pre-stored reference image having a matching degree greater than a preset threshold by comparing pre-stored reference images with the region to be matched; obtaining a reference image in the case that the reference image has a matching degree greater than the preset threshold; selecting a scanning protocol corresponding to the reference image based on a preset correspondence between reference images and scanning protocols; and completing a setting of the scanning protocol in the case that there is the scanning protocol corresponding to the reference image.

Abstract: In a method and tomosynthesis apparatus for combined dual-energy mammography and tomosynthesis imaging of a predetermined volume of an examination subject, while contrast agent is flowing through the volume, an x-ray source is set to radiate x-rays at low and high radiation energy. A pre-shot of the volume is obtained with the high radiation energy, and recording parameters for high-energy images, low-energy images, and low-energy tomosynthesis scans are obtained from the pre-shot. A high-energy image is then obtained, followed by operating the x-ray source at a low energy, and a low-energy tomosynthesis scan of the volume is executed using the recording parameters, and a two-dimensional low-energy image of the volume is generated during the low-energy tomosynthesis scan.

Abstract: A system and method of quantifying uptake of radionuclide by tumor with the use of an MBI system equipped with an ultrasound unit. The quantification is effectuated based on comparison a first photon count (determined from an MBI image of a region of interest encompassing both the tumor and background tissue of the sample) and a second photon count (determined from an MBI image of a region of a substantially co-extensive region of interest that encompasses only background tissue and is devoid of tumor), and based on the values of depth of tumor and its size determined from the ultrasound imaging data.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system for determining 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 three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of the patient's heart based on the patient-specific data. The at least one computer system may be further configured to create a physics-based model relating to a blood flow characteristic of the patient's heart and determine a fractional flow reserve within the patient's heart based on the three-dimensional model and the physics-based model.

Abstract: A method of generating a preview of at least one low-dose x-ray image includes the followings steps: obtaining an initial volumetric representation of a patient from an x-ray device; creating at least one x-ray image projection from the initial volumetric representation; injecting correlated noise into at least one of the x-ray image projections; and processing the noise-injected x-ray image projections to create at least one preview of a patient-specific low-dose x-ray for showing to a user. There are also described a device for generating at least one preview of a low-dose x-ray image, a corresponding imaging system, and a non-transitory computer readable medium.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods of imaging a blood vessel are provided. For example, the method can include obtaining fluoroscopic image data of a region of interest in a blood vessel using an x-ray source; obtaining intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) data at a plurality of positions across the region of interest using an IVUS component disposed on an intravascular device; processing the fluoroscopic image data and IVUS data, including: determining, using the fluoroscopic image data, a position of the intravascular device with respect to the x-ray source at each of the plurality of positions across the region of interest; co-registering the fluoroscopic image data and the IVUS image data; and generating, a model of the region of interest including position information of a border of a lumen of the blood vessel at each of the plurality of locations; and outputting a visual representation of the model of the region of interest.

Abstract: A method and system for reducing localized artifacts in imaging data, such as motion artifacts and bone streak artifacts, are provided. The method includes segmenting the imaging data to identify one or more suspect regions in the imaging data near which localized artifacts are expected to occur, defining an artifact-containing region of interest in the imaging data around each suspect region, and applying a local bias field within the artifact-containing regions to correct for the localized artifacts.

Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes an X-ray tube holding device, an X-ray detector, a rotator, an arm, and a tubular body. The X-ray tube holding device generates X-rays. The X-ray detector detects the X-rays. The rotator holds the X-ray tube holding device so as to be rotatable about a first rotation axis obtained by setting an irradiation direction of the X-rays as an axis. The arm holds the rotator and the X-ray detector and is rotatable about a second rotation axis different from the first rotation axis. The tubular body connects the X-ray tube holding device and a device away from the arm. The arm holds the rotator so as to be rotatable about the first rotation axis in a direction in which torsion of the tubular body is reduced.

Abstract: An X-ray apparatus includes: a collimator for adjusting an X-ray irradiation region; a data obtainer for obtaining position information of a target in an object based on an electrode signal sensed from electrodes attached to the object; and a controller for setting first coordinates indicating a position of the target on a first coordinate system with respect to the object based on the position information, transforming the first coordinates to second coordinates on a second coordinate system with respect to an X-ray image of the object, and adjusting a position of the collimator based on the second coordinates.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system includes a transducer array, with an array of transducer elements that transmits an ultrasound signal and receives a set of echoes generated in response to the ultrasound signal traversing a flowing structure. The ultrasound imaging system further includes a beamformer that beamforms the set of echoes, generating a beamformed signal. The ultrasound imaging system further includes a pre-processor that performs basebanding, averaging and decimation of the beamformed signal and determines an autocorrelation of the basebanded, averaged and decimated beamformed signal. The ultrasound imaging system further includes a velocity processor that generates an axial velocity component signal and a lateral velocity component signal based on the autocorrelation. The axial and lateral velocity components indicate a direction and a speed of the flowing structure in the field of view.

Abstract: An image processing method enables an elasticity image of a body including a cavity to be produced on the basis of the material(s) forming the body, wherein the method includes the steps of: receiving a deformation image illustrating a field of movement of the points of the body on the basis of a pressure difference in the body, estimating a shape function of the body from the deformation image, calculating an elasticity image of the body on the basis of the shape function, of the pressure difference and of the deformation image.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing measurements in an artery includes a Doppler catheter, comprising a Doppler transducer and a wire connected to the Doppler transducer; and an elongated catheter body having a conduit therein for housing the wire of the Doppler catheter. The body has a proximal end and a distal end; wherein the wire is movable in the conduit relative to the catheter body so that the Doppler transducer and the wire are capable of being threaded into said conduit at the proximal end after the distal end of the catheter has been inserted into the artery, until the Doppler transducer emerges outside the conduit at the distal end of said body for performing ultrasound measurements in the artery. Another embodiment employs at least an additional side transducer for measuring the cross-sectional dimension of the artery useful for computing blood flow.

Abstract: A system and method for efficiently transmitting and receiving focused ultrasound through a medium, such as bone, is provided. The focal region of the focused ultrasound is iteratively updated to provide an improved focus through the medium. This method may be carried out using a transducer assembly that includes two or more transmit arrays each operating at a different frequency. An initial focus is set and updated by delivering focused ultrasound with a lower frequency transmit array. The phase corrections determined in the first iteration are applied to subsequently higher frequency transmit arrays and received signals, and the process repeated until a desired focus or image resolution is achieved.

Abstract: A converting circuitry convert position information on at least one of an ultrasonic probe and a scan area, used in a past ultrasonic scan, into first position information based on a predetermined coordinate system. The converting circuitry further convert position information on at least one of ultrasonic probe and a scan position, used in a current ultrasonic scan, into second position information based on the predetermined coordinate system. The display circuitry determine the position of a first marker, which represents at least one of the ultrasonic probe and scanning area used in a past ultrasonic scan, and a second marker, which represents at least one of the ultrasonic probe and scanning area used in a current ultrasonic scan, based on first position information and second position information, and display the first and second markers.

Abstract: Imaging devices for identification of target regions are generally described. Medical ultrasound is a popular medical imaging modality primarily used for diagnostic imaging of soft tissue but also for interventional procedures such as guidance of a needle or catheter placement. Examples include diagnostic imaging of organs, such cardiac or liver strictures. Common interventional procedures that rely on ultrasound guidance are central line placement and guidance of nerve blocks, both of which are high volume procedures in certain hospital settings such as the intensive care unit (ICU).

Abstract: A portable ultrasound system includes a user interface system including at least one display screen and at least one user input device, a processing circuit configured to perform general computing operations and configured to receive ultrasound imaging data from a removable ultrasound module, a housing containing the user interface system and the processing circuit and having an opening configured to removably receive the removable ultrasound module, and a connector configured to form an electrical connection with a corresponding second connector of the removable ultrasound module when the removable ultrasound module is fully inserted into the portable ultrasound system through the opening of the housing, and wherein the connector includes at least one guiding feature configured to align the connector and the second connector as the removable ultrasound module is inserted into the portable ultrasound system.

Abstract: A connection system for connecting a probe to an electronic device, comprising a first element (11) attached to the electronic device, a second element (12) attached to the probe, an activation device (14), and a third element (13) that can be moved by the activation device (14) relative to the first element (11) between an activated position and an inactivated position for establishing or not electrical contacts. The second element (12) can be locked or released to the third element (13) by a fixation mechanism (15). The third element (13) can be moved by the activation device (14) between the activated position and the inactivated position, the second element being locked to or released from the third element (13).

Abstract: Provided are capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) probes that use wire bonding. A CMUT probe includes a CMUT chip which includes a plurality of first electrode pads which are disposed on a first surface thereof, a printed circuit board (PCB) which is disposed on the first surface of the CMUT chip and which is configured to expose the plurality of first electrode pads, a plurality of second electrode pads which are disposed on the PCB and which correspond to respective ones of the plurality of first electrode pads, and a plurality of wires which connect each respective one of the plurality of first electrode pads to the corresponding one of the plurality of second electrode pads.

Abstract: A method and an ultrasound medical apparatus for confirming a focal point of a high-intensity focused ultrasound are disclosed. A method of confirming a focal point, for pre-targeting a location of a high-intensity ultrasound by synchronizing the high-intensity ultrasound and an imaging ultrasound and using a reflected signal of the synchronized imaging ultrasound and high-intensity ultrasound from a focal point to which the ultrasounds are transmitted, and an ultrasound medical apparatus for implementing the method are provided.

Abstract: An ultrasound backing member, an ultrasound probe including the ultrasound backing member, and a method of manufacturing the ultrasound backing member are provided. The ultrasound probe includes an ultrasound module comprising a transducer that converts ultrasound waves into an electrical signal or vice versa, and a backing member obtained by filling a porous foam-type body with a backing material that absorbs the ultrasound waves generated by the ultrasound module.

Abstract: A minimally invasive medical sensor assembly with a conductor interface is provided. The medical sensor assembly includes a medical sensor element disposed at a distal portion, a control circuit electrically coupled to the medical sensor element, and a conductor interface disposed at a proximal portion. The conductor interface can include a plurality of channels and a removable member. In one embodiment, the medical sensor assembly is an ultrasound scanner assembly for an intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) device. An ultrasound scanner assembly and a method of manufacturing an IVUS device are also provided. Further, an IVUS device is provided. The IVUS device can include an ultrasound scanner assembly having a conductor interface disposed at a proximal portion. The IVUS device can include a cable having a connector at a distal portion. The connector can be configured to mechanically engage the conductor interface to electrically couple the ultrasound scanner assembly and another component.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe includes a substrate, a diaphragm, a thin-film piezoelectric element, a communication passage, and an air hole. The substrate has first and second cavities thereon. The diaphragm is configured at the first cavity. The thin-film piezoelectric element is configured to the diaphragms. The communicating passage is configured in the substrate and extending from the first cavity to the second cavity. The air hole extends between the communicating passage to an outside of the substrate.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe includes an ultrasonic transducer array and a multilayer body for extracting an electric wiring from each electrode. Transducers are classified into at least a first group and a second group. The multilayer body includes a first FPC layer on which the array is stacked and a second FPC layer on which the first FPC layer is stacked. The first FPC layer and the second FPC layer include upper surface connection pads and lower surface electrode pads which maintain a uniform level at positions spatially corresponding to the respective transducers. FPC layers constituting an FPC multilayer body are bonded to each other to be integrally formed in a region corresponding to the width of the array. On the other hand, the respective FPC layers are not bonded to each other and separated from each other outside the region corresponding to the width of the array.

Abstract: A portable ultrasound system includes a main screen included in a hinged portion of the portable ultrasound system configured to open and close relative to a main housing of the portable ultrasound system, a touchscreen included on a top surface of the main housing of the portable ultrasound system, and a touchpad included on the top surface of the main housing of the portable ultrasound system. The system further includes a processing circuit configured to perform general computing operations, configured to receive ultrasound imaging data, and configured to provide ultrasound information to at least one of the main screen, the touchscreen, or the touchpad.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ultrasound system, which comprises: a signal acquiring unit to transmit an ultrasound signal to an object and acquire an echo signal reflected from the object; a signal processing unit to control TGC (Time Gain Compensation) and LGC (Lateral Gain Compensation) of the echo signal; a TGC/LGC setup unit adapted to set TGC and LGC values based on TGC and LGC curves inputted by a user; and an image producing unit adapted to produce an ultrasound image of the object based on the echo signal. The signal processing unit is further adapted to control the TGC and the LGC of the echo signal based on the TGC and LGC values set by the TGC/LGC setup unit.

Abstract: There are described a variety of intravascular filters wherein at least a portion of the filter has been modified to provide an enhanced echogenic characteristic of the filter. Also described are systems for positioning a variety of intravascular filters within the vasculature wherein the systems include an intravascular filter, an intravascular ultrasound transducer, a user interface configured to receive input from an operator regarding a surgical procedure including an insertion site and a destination site for positioning the filter according to the surgical procedure, a display, and a processor. The filter can include a hub and a plurality of legs or wires or segments extending from the hub, wherein at least a portion of the hub or a portion of one or more of the legs or wires or segments is modified to provide an enhanced echogenic characteristic of the filter or a portion of the filter.

Abstract: The invention provides for a medical apparatus (200, 300, 400, 500) for determining the concentration distribution of sonically dispersive elements (606, 2001) within a subject (306, 604, 1004), wherein the medical apparatus comprises: a memory (212) for storing machine executable instructions (224, 226, 228, 230, 232, 318) and a processor (206) for executing the machine executable instructions.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing measurements in an artery includes a Doppler catheter, comprising a Doppler transducer and a wire connected to the Doppler transducer; and an elongated catheter body having a conduit therein for housing the wire of the Doppler catheter. The body has a proximal end and a distal end; wherein the wire is movable in the conduit relative to the catheter body so that the Doppler transducer and the wire are capable of being threaded into said conduit at the proximal end after the distal end of the catheter has been inserted into the artery, until the Doppler transducer emerges outside the conduit at the distal end of said body for performing ultrasound measurements in the artery. Another embodiment employs at least an additional side transducer for measuring the cross-sectional dimension of the artery useful for computing blood flow.