Patents Issued in January 21, 2016
  • Publication number: 20160015250
    Abstract: An actuating member for making a flexible elongate member for medical use perform a predetermined action includes a push/pull member, an operating member, and an advancing member. The push/pull member includes a first moving portion and a second moving portion, which are movable relative to each other. The push/pull member is pushed/pulled in conjunction with a movement of the first moving portion and the second moving portion. The operating member effects the movement of the first moving portion and the second moving portion. The advancing member includes a narrowed portion that moves the first moving portion and the second moving portion in conjunction with an operation of the operating member. The push/pull member makes the elongate member perform at least one of (i) an advance/retraction action and (ii) a bending action by transmitting the movement of the first moving portion and the second moving portion to the elongate member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Satoru SUEHARA
  • Publication number: 20160015251
    Abstract: An actuating member, which makes a flexible elongated member for medical use perform a predetermined action, includes a push/pull member and an operating member. The push/pull member includes a first moving portion and a second moving portion which are disposed on a proximal side and are movable relative to each other, a first extending portion that extends from the first moving portion, and a second extending portion that extends from the second moving portion. The push/pull member is pushed/pulled in conjunction with a movement of the first moving portion and the second moving portion. The operating member is rotatable in a circumferential direction of the elongated member. The operating member includes a first guide portion and a second guide portion, which guide the first moving portion and the second moving portion. The push/pull member is capable of making the elongated member perform an advance/retraction action and/or a bending action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Satoru SUEHARA
  • Publication number: 20160015252
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of devices and method for affecting at least one anatomical tissue can be provided. A configuration can be provided that includes a structure which is expandable (i) having and/or (ii) forming at least one opening or a working space through which the anatomical tissue(s) is placed in the structure. For example, the structure, prior to being expanding, can have at least one partially rigid portion. In addition, or as an alternative, upon a partial or complete expansion thereof, the structure can be controllable to have a plurality of shapes. Further, the structure can be controllable to provide the working space with multiple shapes and/or multiple sizes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: Macroplata, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Piskun, Dan Rottenberg, Boaz Manash, Dima Pinhasov
  • Publication number: 20160015253
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for abdominal surgery is disclosed. The system can have a scope coupled to an introducer. The system can have one or more end effectors that can be attached to the introducer and inserted into the abdomen through a small puncture through the patient's umbilicus. The end effector can have a surgical tool, such as a grasper. The system can have a manipulatable control arm that can be inserted into the abdomen through a small puncture through the patient's body wall. The end effector can be attached to the control arm and simultaneously or concurrently detached from the introducer or tray. The control arm can then manipulate the end effector to perform the surgery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: John Avi Roop, Christopher Pell, Bryan Duggan
  • Publication number: 20160015254
    Abstract: The endoscopic surgery device includes: an outer tube body that penetrates through a body wall to be inserted into a body cavity; an endoscope insertion path provided inside the outer tube body; a treatment tool insertion path provided inside the outer tube body; a position sensor that has a non-sensitive area where no change in a relative position of the treatment tool insertion part with respect to the endoscope insertion part is detected even if the treatment tool insertion part is moved back and forth, and a sensitive area that is an area other than the non-sensitive area, where change in a relative position of the treatment tool insertion part is detected, and that detects its movement amount with respect to the outer tube body; and a control unit that changes a range of an observation image acquired by the endoscope in accordance with the detected movement amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: MASAYUKI IWASAKA, TAKUMI DEJIMA
  • Publication number: 20160015255
    Abstract: An insertion part of an endoscope and an insertion part of a treatment tool, which are inserted in an outer tube, can be synchronously moved in the axial direction, and, even when the insertion part of the treatment tool is slightly moved in the axial direction, an excellent endoscopic image without shake is obtained. When a treatment tool of an endoscopic surgery device moves by a displacement amount over an allowance amount, an endoscope moves in interlock with the movement of the treatment tool. Moreover, the treatment tool 50 moves in the axial direction with the allowance amount t with respect to the endoscope 10. Therefore, when the treatment tool is moved by a displacement amount of allowance amount or less, the endoscope does not move. By providing such allowance amount, slight movement of the treatment tool is not transmitted to the endoscope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventor: Takumi DEJIMA
  • Publication number: 20160015256
    Abstract: A medical instrument guiding device (outer tube) to be tapped into a body wall includes: an endoscope insertion hole for inserting the endoscope; a treatment tool insertion hole for inserting the treatment tool; and an interlocking mechanism for moving the endoscope back and forth in interlock with the back-and-forth movement of the treatment tool. The interlocking mechanism includes an endoscope-side roller contacts with an endoscope insertion part and moves in interlock with the endoscope insertion part, and a treatment tool-side roller which contacts with a treatment tool insertion part and moves in interlock with the treatment tool insertion part, and those rollers rotates in interlock with each other. In response to the movement of the treatment tool insertion part, the treatment tool-side roller and the endoscope-side roller rotate in an opposite direction to move the endoscope insertion part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventor: Masayuki IWASAKA
  • Publication number: 20160015257
    Abstract: A tip section of a multi-camera endoscope includes a front-pointing camera on a planar surface of a distal end of the tip section and two side-pointing cameras positioned on a cylindrical surface in proximity to the planar surface such that the side field of view provided by the two side-pointing cameras partially overlaps with the front field of view provided by the front-pointing camera. The tip section further includes a working channel configured for insertion of a surgical tool; and a pathway fluid injector for inflating and/or cleaning a body cavity into which the endoscope is inserted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventor: Avi Levy
  • Publication number: 20160015258
    Abstract: A multi-focal, multi-camera endoscope having a tip section including a first optical assembly for generating a first image of a body cavity; a second optical assembly for generating a second image of a body cavity; at least one illuminator associated with each of the first optical assembly and second optical assembly; and a processing system configured to: zoom the first optical assembly and thereby generate a zoomed first image in place of the first image; and automatically cause a physical display to eliminate a display of the second image and to only display said zoomed first image. To eliminate the display of the second image, the processing system reduces a power supply to the second optical assembly, reduces an illumination intensity of an illuminator associated with the second optical assembly or causes the physical display to power off, darken, or blacken.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Victor Levin, Golan Salman, Idan Levy, Uri David
  • Publication number: 20160015259
    Abstract: The present invention discloses access devices and methods to create an access channel for introduction of one or more working devices into an anatomical region. The access channel is created using a visualization modality that is later removed before inserting one or more working devices through the access channel. This allows the methods and devices of the present invention to be used even in small sized natural or surgically created insertion tracts leading to the anatomical region. The access channel can be made of a device such as a sheath, a guidewire, and an elongate device comprising a lumen. Examples of visualization modalities are endoscopes and body insertable ultrasound imaging devices. The working devices can be used to perform a variety of diagnostic, therapeutic, or preventive procedures. Endometrial ablation devices and procedures have been used as an example to describe various aspects of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: MICROCUBE, LLC
    Inventors: Dinesh I. MODY, Ketan SHROFF, Amrish J. WALKE, Clarence EMMONS, Grason Ott, Michael Dobrowski, Meera Mody
  • Publication number: 20160015260
    Abstract: An endoscopic surgery device that can easily acquire an image desired by a surgeon, and that has high operability. The endoscopic surgery device includes: an outer tube body; an endoscope insertion path that is provided inside the outer tube body; a treatment tool insertion path that is provided inside the outer tube body; a position sensor that detects a movement amount of the treatment tool insertion part with respect to the outer tube body; and a control unit that has a non-sensitive area where a range of an observation image is not changed if the movement amount of the treatment tool insertion part is within a predetermined range, and a sensitive area where the range of the observation image is varied in accordance with the movement amount of the treatment tool insertion part if the movement amount of the treatment tool insertion part is not within the predetermined range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: MASAYUKI IWASAKA
  • Publication number: 20160015261
    Abstract: An endoscope including: a distal end housing which is provided at a distal end of an endoscope insertion unit; an observation window which is provided at the distal end housing; an imaging part which is provided inside the distal end housing and configured to image an imaging target which is positioned outside the distal end housing through the observation window; an imaging part moving unit which is configured to move the imaging part with respect to the observation window and to change a range of an imaging view field of the imaging part; a cleaning unit configured to clean an outer surface of the observation window; and a synchronizing unit which is configured to synchronize a change operation of a rang of an imaging view field of the imaging part by the imaging part moving unit with a cleaning operation by the cleaning unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kosuke KISHI, Takeshi MURATA
  • Publication number: 20160015262
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for diagnosing vision and improving vision, for example by reducing or eliminating the effects of macular degeneration, in a manner which does not interfere with the natural shape of the cornea or its orientation relative to the remainder of the eye, but which changes its surface curvature appropriately to achieve the required correction of vision. The focus of sub-regions of the cornea is adjusted so that different regions focus at a controlled distance about a reference axis. This can be accomplished by shaping the cornea (e.g. through ablation) or by applying an appropriate contact lens or other optical lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: David M. Lieberman, Jonathan Grierson
  • Publication number: 20160015263
    Abstract: Provided is a visual field test assistance apparatus capable of inferring a current visual field status at each test point. A predetermined mixture distribution is applied to a prior-distribution, and parameters regarding the predetermined mixture distribution are learned with reference to time-series information of visual field test results obtained in the past regarding a plurality of cases. The visual field test assistance apparatus calculates an inference test result vector representing an inference result of visual sensitivity to be obtained by the visual field test at each test point, by Bayesian inference, and performs an information output process on the basis of the inference test result vector obtained by the inference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF TOKYO
    Inventors: Ryo ASAOKA, Hiroshi MURATA
  • Publication number: 20160015264
    Abstract: An imaging system and method for using an optical device with an electronic device for diagnostic imaging is provided. The imaging system may include a controller configured to capture a series of holograms by powering a light source of the optical device to illuminate an object, wherein light from the light source is collimated onto the object through an aperture of the optical device. The controller may be configured to extract an interference pattern of the object from the series of holograms, wherein the interference pattern is produced by interference between a reflected beam from the object and a reference beam formed by a diffraction mirror of the optical device. The controller may be configured to record at least one image of the object based on the interference pattern. The imaging system may include a data storage configured to store the at least one image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Praveen PANKAJAKSHAN, Sandipan CHAKROBORTY
  • Publication number: 20160015265
    Abstract: Glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness in the global world. It is a multifactorial disease with several risk factors, of which intraocular pressure (IOP) is the most important. IOP measurements are used for glaucoma diagnosis and patient monitoring. IOP has wide diurnal fluctuation, and is dependent on body posture, so the occasional measurements done by the eye care expert in clinic can be misleading. We provide an implantable sensor, based on microfluidic principles, which in one example has 1 mmHg limit of detection, high sensitivity and excellent reproducibility. This sensor has an optical interface, which enables IOP to be read with, for example, a cell phone camera. The design, fabrication, along with the option of self-monitoring are promising steps toward better patient care and treatment for this devastating disease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Yosef Mandel, Ismail E Araci, Stephen R. Quake
  • Publication number: 20160015266
    Abstract: Systems and methods of sensing intraocular pressure are described. An example miniaturized intraocular pressure (IOP) monitoring system is provided using a nanophotonics-based implantable IOP sensor with remote optical readout that can be adapted for both patient and research use. A handheld detector optically excites the pressure-sensitive nanophotonic structure of the IOP-sensing implant placed in the anterior chamber and detects the reflected light, whose optical signature changes as a function of IOP. Optical detection eliminates the need for large, complex LC structures and simplifies sensor design. The use of nanophotonic components improves the sensor's resolution and sensitivity, increases optical readout distance, and reduces its size by a factor of 10-30 over previous implants. Its small size and convenient optical readout allows frequent and accurate self-tracking of IOP by patients in home settings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Hyuck Choo, David Sretavan, Myung-Ki Kim
  • Publication number: 20160015267
    Abstract: Methods and devices to monitor an analyte in body fluid are provided. Embodiments include continuous or discrete acquisition of analyte related data from a transcutaneously positioned in vivo analyte sensor automatically or upon request from a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Milfred Bernstein, Martin J. Fennell, Mark Kent Sloan, Michael Love, Lei He, Christopher Allen Thomas, Udo Hoss, Benjamin Jay Feldman, Kenneth J. Doniger, Gary Ashley Stafford, Gary Alan Hayter, Phillip Yee, Namvar Kiaie, Jean-Pierre Cole, Hung Dinh, Marc Barry Taub, Louis George Pace, Jeffery Mario Sicurello
  • Publication number: 20160015268
    Abstract: Methods and devices to monitor an analyte in body fluid are provided. Embodiments include continuous or discrete acquisition of analyte related data from a transcutaneously positioned in vivo analyte sensor automatically or upon request from a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Milfred Bernstein, Martin J. Fennell, Mark Kent Sloan, Michael Love, Lei He, Christopher Allen Thomas, Udo Hoss, Benjamin Jay Feldman, Kenneth J. Doniger, Gary Ashley Stafford, Gary Alan Hayter, Phillip Yee, Namvar Kiaie, Jean-Pierre Cole, Hung Dinh, Marc Barry Taub, Louis George Pace, Jeffery Mario Sicurello
  • Publication number: 20160015269
    Abstract: A glucose meter module integrated into a holster device that can securely accommodate another device such as a portable server device or an insulin pump is described. The glucose measuring module and the health device communicate with each other by a short range wireless modality. In the case in which the accommodated device is a server, such as personal digital assistant or cell phone, the device stores data in a memory, displays data on a visual display, and can wirelessly transmit such data to other devices within a personal area network. In the case where the accommodated device is a cell phone, the phone can further transmit data to remote sites. In the case where the accommodated device is an insulin pump, wirelessly received data are stored in a memory, are available for visual display on the insulin pump, and can be incorporated into the electronic processes that regulate the performance of the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy T. Goodnow
  • Publication number: 20160015270
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus, system, and method to unlock a body area network (BAN) of a patient and to transmit medical data about the patient. The BAN, under the control of a body area controller (BAC), may be unlocked based upon a pre-defined patient action performed by the patient and the BAN may then be connected to a wireless device. The BAN medical data of the patient may then be transmitted by the wireless device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Anthony Moriarty, Jessica M. Flanagan, Cameron A. McDonald
  • Publication number: 20160015271
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a palpation diagnostic device, which comprises an optical pressure sensor embedded in a holder; wherein the optical pressure sensor is an optical fiber sensor, or a micro-fabricated waveguide sensor to be disposed on a finger or a palm; and the optical pressure sensor is configured to receive an optical signal whose intensity is attenuated when a force is applied on the optical pressure sensors. Therefore, the palpation diagnostic device of the present invention can provide high sensing sensitivity by attenuating the intensity of the optical signal in the optical pressure sensors which a force is applied on, so it can provide precise and immediate information based on quantitative feedback for the users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Wei-Chih WANG, Chih-Han CHANG, Fong-Chin SU, David LINDERS
  • Publication number: 20160015272
    Abstract: A physical therapy or palpation evaluation or diagnosis device, system, and method for evaluating the condition of a patient's body, for example, the spine and/or soft tissue. The physical therapist currently uses palpation to subjectively evaluate the condition of the spine, soft tissue and/or muscle of the patient. The physical therapist assigns a subjective score (from 0-10) based on the stiffness and/or mobility of the vertebrae. If a different physical therapist examines the same patient later in the treatment process, the subjective evaluation from the prior therapist would be difficult to interpret.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventor: Deepak GADDIPATI
  • Publication number: 20160015273
    Abstract: Multispectral images, including ultraviolet light and its interactions with ultraviolet light-interactive compounds, can be captured, processed, and represented to a user. Ultraviolet-light related information can be conveniently provided to a user to allow the user to have awareness of UV characteristics and the user's risk to UV exposure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventor: Thomas Nathan Millikan
  • Publication number: 20160015274
    Abstract: Provided is a photoacoustic apparatus capable of recognizing variation in reception characteristic among a plurality of receiving elements that detect an acoustic wave in the photoacoustic apparatus, with a simple configuration unique to the photoacoustic apparatus. A photoacoustic apparatus includes a detecting unit including a plurality of receiving elements configured to detect an acoustic wave that is generated when an analyte is irradiated with light; a signal processing unit configured to acquire information about the inside of the analyte from a detected signal acquired from the detecting unit; an optical absorber configured to absorb the irradiation light; and a reception characteristic calculation unit configured to calculate reception characteristic information of the plurality of receiving elements on the basis of detected signals when the plurality of receiving elements receive an acoustic wave that is generated from the optical absorber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Sudo, Akira Sato
  • Publication number: 20160015275
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for automatically configuring a mobile device for collecting and inferring heart rate data of a user. The method may include capturing heart rate data for a user with a heart rate sensor that is coupled with a mobile device. The method may also include monitoring a activity state of the user from activity data captured by the mobile device, and detecting a constant activity state of the user. The method may also include inferring heart rate data for the user from the captured heart rate data during a period in which the user remains in the constant activity state. The method may also include providing the inferred heart rate data, as captured heart rate data, to a heart rate calculator during the period in which the user remains in the constant activity state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Ramin Samadani, Radu Pitigoi-Aron, Justin Patrick McGloin
  • Publication number: 20160015276
    Abstract: A step-on device records the patient's EKG, Respiratory signal, PPG, and weight, giving health care personnel the ability to monitor patient health trends. The device sends the data to a central server via a smartphone or via WiFi. Health care personnel may view the data and trends on an online website or app.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Benjamin STRAUSS, Eric FORKOSH, Kalman KATLOWITZ
  • Publication number: 20160015277
    Abstract: A method for video evaluation of the heart rate and/or respiratory rate of a baby, in particular under dim or nocturnal conditions, in a device comprising a video camera and a source of infrared light, the method comprising the steps of: A1—illuminating the baby with the infrared source, A2—capturing video images of the baby, B1—determining the position of the baby's head by finding an ellipse forming an outline of the head, B2—identifying an area of interest centered on a selected ellipse, C—evaluating, by plethysmographic analysis of the area of interest, the heart rate and/or respiratory rate of the baby, and associated system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: WITHINGS
    Inventors: Amaury Dumoulin, Guillaume Mathias, Eric CarreeI
  • Publication number: 20160015278
    Abstract: Video monitoring device comprising a computing unit, a camera, a communication interface, and a volatile organic compounds sensor configured to measure at least a concentration of organic compounds in a room of interest, said computing unit being configured to record the concentrations of organic compounds reported by the volatile organic compounds sensor, and configured to send images taken by the camera and volatile organic compounds concentrations to a remote entity, such as a smartphone over a wireless link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: WITHINGS
    Inventors: David Campo, Stéphane Carpentier, Amaury Dumoulin, Nadine Buard, Eric Carreel
  • Publication number: 20160015279
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a medical image processing apparatus includes an acquiring unit, an identifying unit, and a display controller. The acquiring unit acquires volume data indicating the state of a three-dimensional region including a mass portion and a plurality of blood vessels derived from the mass portion in a subject. The identifying unit specifies a region corresponding to the mass portion and the blood vessels in the volume data as a region of interest. The identifying unit identifies the mass portion and each of the blood vessels in the region of interest. The display controller assigns a different display mode to at least one of the mass portion and the blood vessels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicants: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Satoru OHISHI
  • Publication number: 20160015280
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for monitoring, treating, and preventing a repetitive stress injury, arthritis or other medical condition. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a deformable substrate configured to interface with a skin surface; a sensor assembly coupled to the deformable substrate, the sensor assembly including a motion sensor and a physiological sensor, the sensor assembly configured to generate one or more sense signals based on detection of a movement of a body portion by the motion sensor and a physiological parameter of the body portion by the physiological sensor; a processor operably coupled to the sensor assembly and configured to receive the one or more sense signals; and an effector operably coupled to the processor and configured to affect the body portion responsive to control by the processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare, Eric C. Leuthardt, Mark A. Malamud, Tony S. Pan, Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Clarence T. Tegreene, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, JR.
  • Publication number: 20160015281
    Abstract: A combined physiological sensor and methods for detecting one or more physiological characteristics of a subject are provided. The combined sensor (e.g., a forehead sensor) may be used to detect and/or calculate at least one of a pulse blood oxygen saturation level, a regional blood oxygen saturation level, a respiration rate, blood pressure, an electrical physiological signal (EPS), a pulse transit time (PTT), body temperature associated with the subject, a depth of consciousness (DOC) measurement, any other suitable physiological parameter, and any suitable combination thereof. The combined sensor may include a variety of individual sensors, such as electrodes, optical detectors, optical emitters, temperature sensors, and/or other suitable sensors. The sensors may be advantageously positioned in accordance with a number of different geometries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Edward M. McKenna, Bo Chen, Youzhi Li, Paul Stanley Addison
  • Publication number: 20160015282
    Abstract: Provided are biological information detection apparatuses and methods of detecting biological information. The biological information detection apparatus includes a pulse wave measuring unit configured to detect a biological signal of a subject; a height controller configured to adjust a height of the pulse wave measuring unit; and a support member formed on a side of the height controller, wherein the pulse wave measuring unit is further configured to detect the biological signal while the pulse wave measuring unit is spaced apart from a surface skin of the subject by the adjusted height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Younho KIM, Jaemin KANG, Sangyun PARK, Hyoyoung JEONG
  • Publication number: 20160015283
    Abstract: A system and method are provided to define a driver of a source associated with a cardiac rhythm disorder of a human heart. A plurality of cardiac signals associated with sensors arranged spatially in relation to an area of the heart are processed to determine a sequence of arcs of rotation in relation to the sensors over a time interval. Rotational directions of the arcs of rotation in the sequence are determined. The area of the heart is identified as controlling the source when the rotational directions of the arcs of rotation in the sequence continue in a same rotational direction in excess of a threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Sanjiv Narayan, Carey Robert Briggs, Ruchir Sehra
  • Publication number: 20160015284
    Abstract: Tools and techniques for the rapid, continuous, invasive and/or noninvasive measurement, estimation, and/or prediction of a patient's physiological state. In an aspect, some tools and techniques can estimate predict the onset of conditions intracranial pressure, an amount of blood volume loss, cardiovascular collapse, and/or dehydration. Some tools can recommend (and, in some cases, administer) a therapeutic treatment for the patient's condition. In another aspect, some techniques employ high speed software technology that enables active, long term learning from extremely large, continually changing datasets. In some cases, this technology utilizes feature extraction, state-of-the-art machine learning and/or statistical methods to autonomously build and apply relevant models in real-time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Gregory Zlatko Grudic, Steven Lee Moulton, Isobel Jane Mulligan
  • Publication number: 20160015285
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides an optically powered, integrated wireless neural electrode-telemetry module comprising (a) porous silicon wafer; (b) at least one neural electrode; (c) a low noise pre-amplifier; (d) an optical power converter; (e) a signal processor; and (f) a radio-frequency (RF) transmitter microchip. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of chronically recording electrical activity from a single neuron in vivo. The method comprises implanting an optically powered, integrated wireless neural electrode-telemetry module into the brain or spinal cord of a subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventor: Karen Moxon
  • Publication number: 20160015286
    Abstract: An integrated vectorcardiogram (VCG) device having 3 pairs of electrodes placed in three orthogonal directions with the capability to continuously measure the electrical activity of the heart. All of the electrode pairs may be contained within a single miniaturized housing thereby eliminating the need for cumbersome wires required with current 12-lead ECG systems, while providing the same amount and quality of information as the 12-lead ECG system. The integrated VCG device also includes a communications function to allow the data collected by the electrodes to be transmitted wirelessly to a remote device, such as a pacemaker, to control its function or to a remote monitoring station for continuous real-time patient monitoring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
    Inventors: Richard Dennis Gitlin, Gabriel Eduardo Arrobo, Peter Jeffrey Fabri, Thomas Petter Ketterl, Calvin Perumalla
  • Publication number: 20160015287
    Abstract: A leadless pacing system includes a leadless pacing device and a sensing extension extending from a housing of the leadless pacing device. The sensing extension includes one or more electrodes with which the leadless pacing device may sense electrical cardiac activity. The one or more electrodes of the sensing extension may be carried by a self-supporting body that is configured to passively position the one or more electrodes proximate or within a chamber of the heart other than the chamber in which the LPD is implanted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Thomas A Anderson, Todd J Sheldon, Matthew D Bonner, Noelle C Neafus
  • Publication number: 20160015288
    Abstract: The present invention provides reagents and methods for modulating cone photoreceptor activity, and devices for assessment of cone photoreceptor activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Jay NEITZ, Maureen NEITZ, James A. KUCHENBECKER, William W. HAUSWIRTH
  • Publication number: 20160015289
    Abstract: A multi-modal physiological assessment device and method enables the simultaneous recording and then subsequent analysis of multiple data streams of biological signal measurements to assess the health and function of the brain. The multi-modal assessment system includes at least one channel of EEG brainwave data in combination with cognitive information that provide a two-dimensional data stream of (x(t), y(t)) of cognitive information; voice recordings; motion, position, and stability data; galvanic skin conductance; temperature of the subject; pulse-oximetry data, cerebral blood perfusion data, vaso-motor reactivity data, and the like. The collected data is processed to construct candidate features extracted from multiple biological sensor data streams and correlated with multi-modal signatures to identify data indicative of brain health, disease and injury.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Adam J. SIMON, Gary S. KATH
  • Publication number: 20160015290
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring a bioimpedance are disclosed. The apparatus includes a first electrical signal generator configured to generate a first electrical signal to measure a bioimpedance of an object. The apparatus also includes a compensation signal generator configured to generate a compensation signal to compensate a biosignal measured based on the first electrical signal, and an amplifier configured to amplify the compensated biosignal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: JongPal KIM, TakHyung LEE, Hyoung Ho KO
  • Publication number: 20160015291
    Abstract: This method of determining an intracochlea tissue impedance comprises using at least two stimulating electrodes to apply an electrical stimulus to intracochlea tissue. A voltage caused by the stimulus is measured between two measuring electrodes distinct from the stimulating electrodes. From the voltage a stimulus-response characteristic of tissue between the two measuring electrodes is determined This allows the tissue/electrode interface impedance and potential and the tissue impedance and potential to be uniquely determined. In turn, modiolus currents can be estimated in monopolar stimulation mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Kostas Tsampazis, Paul Carter, Herbert Mauch
  • Publication number: 20160015292
    Abstract: A method and system for magnetically tracking a device of interest generating a plurality of pre-determined multi-frequency signals. The method and system transmits a plurality of magnetic fields from a transmitter circuit based on the corresponding pre-determined multi-frequency signals. The magnetic fields propagating through an area of examination encompassing the device of interest and a magnetic sensor coupled to the device of interest. The method and system generate a sensor signal at the magnetic sensor indicative of field strength of the magnetic fields transmitted by the transmitter circuit. Further, the method and system determine a position of the magnetic sensor relative to the transmitter circuit based on the multi-frequency signals and the sensor signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Peter William Lorraine, Floribertus P.M. Heukensfeldt Jansen
  • Publication number: 20160015293
    Abstract: The invention relates to an interventional system comprising an interventional device (11) for being inserted into a living being (7) and comprising an optical shape sensing fiber, wherein the optical shape sensing fiber is used for determining respiratory motion by monitoring a movement of a part of the interventional device, which moves in accordance with the respiratory motion. Thus, respiratory motion can be determined, without necessarily requiring a physician to handle with further devices like a respiratory belt, i.e. the same interventional device can be used for performing an interventional procedure and for determining the respiratory motion. The interventional procedure can therefore be less cumbersome for a physician. Moreover, since the determination of the respiratory motion is based on optical shape sensing, which is a very accurate position determination technique, the respiratory motion can be determined very accurately.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventor: Sander Hans Denissen
  • Publication number: 20160015294
    Abstract: Navigation and tissue capture systems and methods for navigation to and/or capture of selected tissue using the innate electrical activity of the selected tissue and/or other tissue are described. In the context of left atrial appendage closure, the systems and methods can be used to navigate to the left atrial appendage and capture/control the appendage while a closure instrument (suture, clip, ring) is placed over the appendage and tightened down or a closure method (ablation, cryogenic procedures, stapling, etc.) is performed to close the left atrial appendage. The use of innate electrical activity for navigating devices may be used in connection with other tissues and/or areas of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: PAUL A. FRIEDMAN, CHARLES J. BRUCE, SAMUEL J. ASIRVATHAM, TREVOR A. MCCAW, ELLIOT Y.K. HONG
  • Publication number: 20160015295
    Abstract: A method for determining lung function in a patient is disclosed, in which a multi-lumen catheter with an expandable occluding element at its end is used to isolate a targeted lung compartment, and respiratory characteristics at the targeted lung compartment are measured over multiple respiratory cycles. The relation between various characteristics of the respiratory cycle is used to determine compliance of lung tissue within the targeted lung compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Srikanth Radhakrishnan, Surag Mantri, Ryan Olivera
  • Publication number: 20160015296
    Abstract: A respiratory gas measurement system is described. In one embodiment, the respiratory gas measurement system includes a chamber and an adhesive pad. The chamber is configured to collect a respiratory gas. The adhesive pad includes a substrate. At least a portion of a first surface of the substrate is covered with adhesive. The adhesive on the first surface of the substrate attaches the adhesive pad to a first surface of the chamber. The adhesive pad enables the chamber to attach to a surface of another nasal cannula.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventor: Christian I. Garaycochea
  • Publication number: 20160015297
    Abstract: A device monitors circumferences of the leg, and estimates volume of a section of the leg, to detect edema, which can be indicative of CHF, and gauge the effectiveness of medication. The device sends the calculations to a database via BLUETOOTHâ„¢ for the patient's treating medical personnel to see.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Benjamin STRAUSS, Eric FORKOSH, Kalman KATLOWITZ, Lawrence BARUCH
  • Publication number: 20160015298
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the dimensions of human feet is comprised of a base and a cover, which fits over it to define the borders of two essentially rectangular wells into which the feet to be measured are placed. A pressure pad assembly comprising a matrix of sensors is placed at the bottom of base. The walls of the wells are defined by PCBS comprising arrays comprised of a multitude of emitter/detector pairs, which are used to make length and width measurements of said feet. MCUs on the pressure pad assembly and computation means comprise software algorithms that automatically make length, width, and pressure measurements and correct errors in the length and width measurements caused by misalignment of the feet in the wells. Methods of using the apparatus are also presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Noam Danenberg, Gerby Eliaho, Yuval Bechor
  • Publication number: 20160015299
    Abstract: An epidermal electronics device includes a barrier layer configured to be coupled to a body part of a user, a sensor configured to acquire orientation data regarding the epidermal electronics device, and a control circuit configured to determine at least one of an orientation and an angular motion of the body part based on the orientation data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Alistair K. Chan, Roderick A. Hyde, Elizabeth A. Sweeney, David B. Tuckerman