Abstract: A method includes disposing multiple medical probes to acquire physiological data concurrently from a living body. The data is sent from the multiple medical probes by transmitting over wireless channels respective sequences of data packets that are marked with respective packet numbers. A synchronization signal that is broadcast to the multiple probes is received in the probes. In response to receiving the synchronization signal, the packet numbers that are to be assigned in the probes to subsequent data packets in the respective sequences are reset.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is provided for anatomically indexing a subject. The method includes: receiving image scan data representing a volume of a subject, where the image scan data is comprised of a plurality of image slices of the subject and includes at least a portion of a vertebral column of the subject; identifying the vertebral canal of the vertebral column of the subject in the image scan data; determining a plurality of markers for the vertebral column, where each marker is indicative of a different vertebral body of the vertebral column and includes its location in the image scan data defined in a coordinate system, such that the plurality of markers define a vertebral level coordinate system; and storing each marker along with its location in a database. The markers can subsequently be used to reference other anatomical components of the subject across different image scans.

Abstract: An activity monitoring device and associated methods for using and interfacing with the activity monitoring device are provided. In one example, the activity monitoring device includes a housing configured for attachment to a body part of a user. Also included ins a display screen attached to the housing and a sensor for capturing physiological conditions of the user. The sensor is disposed along a surface of the housing so that the sensor is proximate to the body part, the body part having at least some exposed skin. The activity monitoring device also includes memory for storing the captured physiological conditions, and a processor for examining the captured physiological conditions. At a particular time, the processor automatically selects an application to execute from a plurality of applications based on characteristics of the captured physiological conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for identifying a tumor site in a subject, the device spectroscopically detecting fluorescence of protoporphyrins present in the tumor site, the protoporphyrins being protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) and photo-protoporphyrin (PPp), and the device comprising: a light irradiation unit that converts part of PpIX into PPp; a spectroscopy unit that separates PpIX fluorescence and PPp fluorescence: a spectroscopy detection unit that detects the relative fluorescence intensity of the PpIX fluorescence and the PPp fluorescence; and a tumor discrimination unit that discriminates between the tumor site and a non-tumor site based on the relative fluorescence intensity of PpIX and PPp.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a ballistocardiogram (BCG) sensor is used to detect heart and vascular characteristics of a user, and provide a BCG output indicative of the detected cardiovascular characteristics. The BCG output can be used for various purposes, such as detecting arterial aging. Secondary sensors can be used in conjunction with the BCG and can be used to determine the central arterial blood pressure, when used in conjunction with a peripheral blood pressure measurement.

Abstract: An implantable physiologic sensor assembly is configured to be implanted within a patient. The assembly includes a module that houses an internal operative chamber, and a flexible pressure-detecting member connected to the module. The module and the pressure-detecting member are separated before implantation into the patient. At least a first end of the pressure-detecting member is configured to be inserted into an artery of the patient and a second end of the pressure-detecting member is connected to the module. The module is configured to be subcutaneously positioned within the patient.

Abstract: A stress estimating system includes a polygon data input unit of polygon data modeling a vascular wall, an interactive analysis condition setting unit for setting the tensile force acting on the vascular wall boundary, blood pressure and constraint estimated as proper on the boundary, a stress analysis unit for obtaining two-dimensional stress by solving a mechanical equilibrium equation with respect to the membrane stress on a curvilinear surface of the vascular wall under the condition given by the polygon data input unit and the interactive analysis condition setting unit, and an interactive visualization unit for displaying a distribution of a stress component designated by a system user. Without assuming any symmetry for the curvilinear configuration and stress distribution, a complicated stress distribution is estimated only out of the mechanical equilibrium equation with respect to membrane stress.

Abstract: Various techniques for measuring cardiac cycle length and pressure metrics based on pulmonary artery pressures are described. One example method described includes identifying a point within a derivative signal of a cardiovascular pressure signal without reference to electrical activity of a heart, initiating a time window from the identified point in the derivative signal, identifying a point within the cardiovascular signal within the time window, and determining at least one of a systolic pressure or diastolic pressure based on the identified point.

Abstract: Methods and sensor delivery devices for monitoring a fluid pressure within a vascular structure, the devices including an elongated sheath sized for sliding along a guidewire, a sensor assembly including a fiber optic sensor, a housing surrounding the sensor, a first cavity between the distal end of the sensor and a distal aperture of the housing, a filler extending from at least the distal end of the housing distally and tapering inward toward the outer surface of the sheath, a second cavity in the filler with an opening at the outer surface of the filler and adjoining the distal aperture of the housing, and an optical fiber. The sensor delivery device may also include an outer layer that partially covers the second cavity with an aperture over the opening of the second cavity.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a patient includes an inflatable cuff configured to at least partially occlude an artery of the patient, and a sensor configured to determine a first parameter associated with the at least partially occluded artery and to generate an output signal indicative of the first parameter. The system also includes a processor configured to receive the output signal and information indicative of an occlusion efficiency of the cuff. The processor is configured to determine a hemodynamic parameter of the patient based on the output signal and the information.

Abstract: A physiological monitoring system may use photonic signals to determine physiological parameters. The system may vary parameters of a light drive signal used to generate the photonic signal from a light source such that power consumption is reduced or optimized. Parameters may include light intensity, firing rate, duty cycle, other suitable parameters, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the system may use information from a first light source to generate a light drive signal for a second light source. In some embodiments, the system may vary parameters in a way substantially synchronous with physiological pulses, for example, cardiac pulses. In some embodiments, the system may vary parameters in response to an external trigger.

Abstract: A biological information detector includes a wristband, a light-emitting part, a reflecting part, a light-receiving part, a protecting part, an acceleration sensor and a processing part. The wristband is adapted to be attached to a body of a user. The light-emitting part is configured to emit green light. The reflecting part is configured to reflect the light emitted by the light-emitting part. The light-receiving part is configured to receive reflected light reflected at a detection site of the body of the user. The protecting part is configured to protect the light-emitting part, the protecting part having a contact surface configured to contact with the detection site. The acceleration sensor is configured to detect acceleration generated by the user. The processing part is configured to process a light reception signal outputted from the light-receiving part.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment includes a determining unit and an imaging unit. When a fluid traveling through a subject is imaged for multiple times at different phases, the determining unit determines a period on the time axis within which imaging is performed at intervals satisfying a predetermined temporal resolution. The imaging unit performs imaging for multiple times by the temporal resolution within the period.

Abstract: A PPG system for determining a stroke volume of a patient includes a PPG sensor configured to be secured to an anatomical portion of the patient. The PPG sensor is configured to sense a physiological characteristic of the patient. The PPG system may include a monitor operatively connected to the PPG sensor. The monitor receives a PPG signal from the PPG sensor. The monitor includes a pulse trending module determining a slope transit time of an upslope of a primary peak of the PPG signal. The pulse trending module determines a stroke volume of the patient as a function of the slope transit time.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for detecting the seizure in a patient using a medical device. The determination is performed by collecting cardiac data determining valid heart beats suitable for seizure detection from the cardiac data; calculating heart rate data of interest from the valid heart beats; and identifying a seizure event from the heart rate data. The medical device may then take a responsive action, such as warning, logging the time of the seizure, computing and storing one or more seizure severity indices, and/or treating the seizure.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for measuring biometric information that can perform precise and comprehensive measurement by measuring biometric information about an examinee taking a more comfortable position. The apparatus for measuring biometric information includes a hand rest comprising a hand rest part formed in a concave curvature shape to have an examinee's hand put thereon, to contact with an examinee's palm and fingers; and a measurement part provided in the hand rest part to measure the examinee's biometric information.

Abstract: An electronic device for long-term adhesion to a mammal includes a housing with an electronic component. The electronic device may include a first wing and a second wing, each being integrally formed with the housing. An electrode is positioned on a bottom surface of each of the wings, the electrodes electrically connected to the electronic component. An adhesive layer is provided for adhesion to a surface of the mammal. The adhesive layer may cover a portion of the bottom surfaces of the wings but generally does not cover the electrode or a bottom surface of the housing. A method of applying an electronic device to a mammal includes removing first and second adhesive covers from first and second wings of the electronic device to expose an electrode and an adhesive coated on a bottom surface of each wing.

Abstract: A method for QRS classification, the method may include generating, by a computer and based upon information representative of multiple QRS complexes of a patient, a QRS complex cluster tree; and updating, by the computer, the QRS complex cluster tree based upon information relating to other QRS complexes of the patient.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatuses of ultra-miniature, ultra-compliant probe arrays that allows for design flexibility to match the stiffness of the tissue it is being applied to, such as the brain tissue, in all three axes (x, y and z), with interconnect cross section smaller than cell dimensions. Stiffness matching requires specific geometric and fabrication approaches, commonly leading to ultra-thin probe wires. Sizing of the electrodes for specific cell dimensions reduces glial formation. Further reduction in stiffness is obtained by incorporating different geometric features to the electrode, such as meandering the electrode wires. The small thickness and geometric features of the wires commonly result in very high compliance.

Abstract: An auditory event-related potential measurement system includes: a video output section configured to present a video to a user; a measurement section configured to measure a user's electroencephalogram signal; a scheduling section configured to schedule a timing of presenting an auditory stimulation so that the auditory stimulation is presented during a period in which the video is being presented to the user; an auditory stimulation output section configured to present the auditory stimulation to the user at the scheduled timing; and a processing section configured to acquire, from the electroencephalogram signal, an event-related potential in a first time range as reckoned from a point in time at which the auditory stimulation is presented. When an amount of video luminance change exceeds a threshold value, the auditory stimulation is not presented during a second time range as reckoned from a point in time at which the threshold value is exceeded.

Abstract: An implantable medical device applies an electric signal to at least a portion of a heart in a subject. A resulting electric signal is collected from the heart and is used together with the applied signal for determining a cardiogenic impedance signal. The impedance signal is processed in order to estimate an isovolumetric contraction time, an isovolumetric relaxation time and an ejection time for a heart cycle. These three time parameters are employed for calculating a Tei-index of the heart. The Tei-index can be used as myocardial performance parameter in heart diagnosis and/or cardiac therapy adjustment.

Abstract: A system and method for producing an image of a vascular structure of a subject using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system includes performing a first pulse sequence to acquire a flow-dependent imaging data set from the stack of prescribed imaging slices following a first quiescent inflow time period (QITP). The process also includes performing a second pulse sequence without suppressing signal from spins flowing into the stack of prescribed imaging slices through either of the veins or arteries to acquire a flow-independent imaging data set. The flow-dependent imaging data and the flow-independent imaging data are subtracted to create a difference image of the stack of prescribed imaging slices illustrating the at least one of the arteries and the veins as having a bright contrast and another of the arteries and veins as having a suppressed contrast.

Abstract: A measuring device for measuring a physiological parameter of an aspirate. The device includes a sensor element for measuring the physiological parameter, a connection port for fluid communication with a medical tube, a collection tube for aspirating and/or collecting the aspirate, a housing, wherein the sensor element is mounted within the housing and a communication passage enabling the aspirate to enter the housing from the collection tube such that the sensor element can measure the physiological parameter. Further, a method for measuring the parameter is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus, including a bus having electrical power and data lines, and a plurality of location pads, which are positionable at different, respective locations with respect to a body cavity in which the object is located, and which are connected to the bus in series so as to receive electrical power and exchange data signals over the bus. Each location pad includes multiple radiator coils and driving circuitry configured to select, responsively to the data signals, different respective driving frequencies for the coils and to generate, using the electrical power from the bus, driving signals to drive the coils to produce magnetic fields at the respective driving frequencies. The apparatus also includes a console, which is configured to receive and process sensor signals from a magnetic sensor fixed to the object, in response to the magnetic fields in the body cavity, in order to compute position coordinates of the object.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical image registration method in which an actual patient's body or portion of a patient's body (22) is positionally registered to a patient image created using a medical body-imaging technique such as MR, CT or x-ray imaging, wherein in a medical navigation system, the actual spatial position of at least a part of the body or body portion (22) is assigned to a respective position in the image of said body or body portion (22), wherein the part of the body or body portion (22) comprises a registration area in the form of the surface of a substantially rigid body structure, in particular an inner structure, made of bone or cartilage. The invention also relates to a medical image registration device which comprises a surface scanner (15) for scanning a registration area comprising the surface of a substantially rigid body structure, in particular an inner structure, made of bone or cartilage.

Abstract: A system and method for personal fatigue risk management, performed using a smartwatch including a digital processor, associated memory, and an accelerometer for measuring acceleration in X, Y, and Z axes. A signal is received from the accelerometer indicating a movement of the smartwatch, and the value of the signal is stored in association with indicia of the time at which the signal was received in a time-stamped bin. The stored movement values are analyzed using a state algorithm to determine sleep, wake, and off-wrist state values. Fatigue risk values are determined from the sleep and wake state values, using a state algorithm. The probable relative risk of errors and incidents as compared to average risk, for the wearer of the watch, are then calculated. A warning is issued when the fatigue risk data indicates that one of the thresholds has been exceeded.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for detecting chemicals. As an example, a system is disclosed that includes a chemical sensor, a processor, and a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium includes instructions executable by the processor to: receive a plurality of outputs from the chemical sensor; calculate a baseline value using the plurality of outputs from the chemical sensor; and report an event when the baseline value is exceeded.

Abstract: The present invention provides an insertion device and method for implanting a biosensor into a patient subject. In one embodiment, a biosensor is stored in the instrument's hydration chamber which enables the biosensor to maintain proper hydration and sterilization prior to insertion. The instrument further includes a plunger that travels along a channel within the support device. After the biosensor is placed into the channel, the user pushes the plunger causing the biosensor to move through the channel and a hollow tube and into the patient subject. The present invention also provides for packaging and storing a biosensor and insertion device so that the biosensor is hydrated and sterile prior to insertion.

Abstract: A device for detection of substances transmitted into the body surrounding environment through body boundaries including a first sensor arranged to face a body boundary surface and structured to locally detect a substance indicative of at least one targeted substance of interest transmitted through the body boundary surface in proximity of the body boundary surface of a monitored subject. The device also includes a second sensor arranged to face in an opposite direction from the body boundary surface and structured to detect in a surrounding environment at least one substance indicative of the targeted substance of interest transmitted through the body boundary surface of the monitored subject. In addition the device further include an electronic circuit structured to receive and process the signals generated by the first and second sensors, and to determine presence of the at least one targeted substance of interest.

Abstract: A physiological measurement system has a sensor, a processor, a communications link and information elements. The sensor is configured to transmit light having a plurality of wavelengths into a tissue site and to generate a sensor signal responsive to the transmitted light after tissue attenuation. The attenuated light can be used by the system to determine a plurality of physiological measurements. The processor is configured to operate on the sensor signal so as to derive at least one physiological parameter after which of the plurality of physiological measurements the system is configured to or capable of measuring.

Abstract: A system and method for analysis of colorimetric test strip strips and disease management. The system can include an accessory that is operably coupled to a mobile device, the mobile device acquiring and/or analyzing images of the colorimetric test strips. The light box accessory can be detachably attached to the mobile device, or made to remain attached to the mobile device, but with the capability of having the light box accessory removed from the field of view of the camera for general photography purposes. In other embodiments, an image containing known calibration color(s) and reagent area(s) is obtained sans the light box for comparison with a previous calibration image to model changes in ambient lighting conditions and determine a color correction function. The correction can be applied to the detected reagent area color(s) for matching between the detected reagent area color(s) and reference color(s) on the reference chart.

Abstract: A mobile handset device collects sensor data about the physiological state of the user of the handset. The mobile handset device receives multimedia content, which is consumed on the mobile handset. In a deployment phase, the sensor data is used to classify the user's emotional response to individual pieces of media content consumed on the mobile device. A classification model built in a training phase may be used to map sensor data to classification labels indicative of the user's emotional response to multimedia.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for quantitatively assessing mental states and/or characteristics of an individual. Specific mental states and/or characteristics, or properties thereof may, in some embodiments, be associated with one or more stimuli. In some embodiments, such stimuli may be administered to an individual, whereupon the individual's responses are usable to determine one or more aspects of the individual's mental affect. Some of the disclosed methods and systems are based at least in part on computerized and computer-associated devices.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for providing summary information for lifesaving activities is disclosed. The method involves sensing one or more activities that are repeatedly and cyclically performed on a victim by a rescuer; identifying a cyclical timing interval over which performance is to be analyzed for a integer number of cycles of the one or more activities, and gathering data from the sensing of the one or more activities during the time interval; generating, from analysis of the one or more activities, summary data that condenses data sensed for the one or more activities into a summary of the one or more activities; and providing, for display to a user, a visual summary of the performance of the one or more activities over the identified time interval.

Abstract: System, assembly and method are provided to facilitate reconstruction of cardiac information representing a complex rhythm disorder associated with a patient's heart to indicate a source of the heart rhythm disorder. The complex rhythm disorder can be treated by application of energy to modify the source of the rhythm disorder.

Abstract: A peripheral physiology inspection apparatus of smart phone is connected with a smart phone having a TRRS socket for performing a physiology inspection. The peripheral physiology inspection apparatus includes: an inspection main body including a first physiology sensing unit; a plurality of signal transmission units; and a TRRS terminal for connecting with the inspection main body via the signal transmission units. The TRRS terminal is corresponding to the TRRS socket for allowing the inspection main body to be electrically connected to the smart phone, thereby enabling the smart phone to analyze and process physiology signals inspected by and delivered from the inspection main body.

Abstract: A variable-optic powered or electronic ophthalmic lens may be utilized to augment the eye's natural ability to refract light or focus. The variable-optic powered lens comprises an electronic system that includes a power source, power management circuitry, clock generation circuitry, control algorithms and circuitry and lens driver circuitry. The ophthalmic lens may also comprise one or more sensors configured to detect ciliary muscle signals and adjust the optics of the lens accordingly.

Abstract: A physiological monitoring system may determine physiological information, such as physiological rate information, from a physiological signal. The system may condition the physiological signal to assist in the determination of the physiological information. The system may generate a positive signal and a negative signal based on respective positive and negative values of the physiological signal. The system may filter the positive and negative signals, combine the filtered signals, and modify the physiological signal based on the combined signal. The physiological signal may be modified, for example, by subtracting the combined signal from the physiological signal.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for removing noise from biosignals. An embodiment of the invention provides an apparatus for removing noise from biosignals measured for a particular period of time that includes: a similarity calculating unit configured to calculate a similarity between any one biosignal from among the biosignals and other biosignals; and a noise removal unit configured to remove noise from the any one biosignal by using the similarity. Aspects of the invention provide the advantage of effectively removing noise from biosignals without distorting the waveforms of the biosignals.

Abstract: An acoustic physiological monitoring system and method wherein the usability for physiological monitoring of time segments of an acoustic signal recording body sounds is determined using frequency analysis. A time segment of the acoustic signal is filtered into a target portion in a target frequency band and a non-target portion in a non-target frequency band. Energies of the target portion and the non-target portion are computed. A usability indicator for the time segment is computed using the energies. The usability of the time segment is determined using the usability indicator. A physiological parameter estimate is selectively calculated using the time segment based on the usability of the time segment. Finally, information based on the physiological parameter estimate is outputted.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to devices, systems, and methods for validating locational data for a monitoring device. The external monitoring device located on a patient may include one or more processors, one or more memory devices, one or more power devices, one or more heart rate detection devices, and one or more heart sound detection devices. Further, the method may include determining a plurality of status of an external monitoring device located on a patient via one or more processors based on obtained heart rate data and obtained heart sound data. The external monitoring device state may be generated via a validation module based on the heart rate data and the heart sound data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for extracting information from detected characteristic signals. A data stream (26) derivable from electromagnetic radiation (14) emitted or reflected by an object (12) is received. The data stream (26) comprises a continuous or discrete time-based characteristic signal ( ; 98) comprising at least two main components (92a, 92b, 92c) related to respective complementary channels (90a, 90b, 90c) of a signal space (88). The characteristic signal ( ; 98) is mapped to a defined component representation ( , , , ; , ) under consideration of a substantially linear algebraic signal composition model so as to specify a linear algebraic equation. The linear algebraic equation is at least partially solved under consideration of an at least approximate estimation of specified signal portions ( , , ). Consequently, an expression highly indicative of the at least one at least partially periodic vital signal (20) can be derived from the linear algebraic equation.

Abstract: Systems and methods can be used to determine activation information for points along a surface or selected region of interest. In one example, a computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for performing a method that includes computing a local activation vector based on relative timing among electrical signals corresponding to neighboring points of a plurality of points on a surface envelope. An activation time can be computed for each of the plurality of points as a function of corresponding local activation vectors.

Abstract: A physiological monitoring system may use photonic signals to determine physiological parameters. The system may vary parameters of a light drive signal used to generate the photonic signal from a light source such that power consumption is reduced or optimized. Parameters may include light intensity, firing rate, duty cycle, other suitable parameters, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the system may use information from a first light source to generate a light drive signal for a second light source. In some embodiments, the system may vary parameters in a way substantially synchronous with physiological pulses, for example, cardiac pulses. In some embodiments, the system may vary parameters in response to an external trigger.

Abstract: A system for communicating heart health of an individual to the individual, comprises an input device useable to enter data relevant to the health of the individual an expert system including a knowledge base populated by a plurality of facts and rules for assessing heart health using the relevant data and an output device useable to communicate one or both of current heart health of the individual and a change in heart health that exceeds a threshold. At least some of the relevant data are biographical data and at least some of the relevant data are measurement data.

Abstract: A method of estimating random events in positron emission tomography list mode data, including obtaining time-of-flight (TOF) list mode count data that includes TOF information; converting the obtained TOF list mode count data into four-dimensional (4D) raw sinogram count data, without using the TOF information, wherein the 4D raw sinogram count data includes random count values; interpolating the 4D raw sinogram count data to generate 4D interpolated sinogram count data; low-pass filtering the 4D interpolated sinogram count data to remove noise; converting the low-pass filtered 4D interpolated sinogram count data into filtered 4D raw sinogram count data; and generating, by a processor, five-dimensional (5D) TOF raw sinogram count data from the filtered 4D raw sinogram count data by effectively applying a TOF mask filter to the filtered 4D raw sinogram count data.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for filtering radio-frequency electromagnetic beams, in particular x-rays, include a fluid container containing a ferrofluid which at least partially absorbs the electromagnetic beams. A distribution of the ferrofluid within the fluid container can be varied by using an applied magnetic gradient field. An irradiation apparatus and a device for irradiating an object are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental care apparatus which comprises a dental care unit (4) and a patient chair (5) arranged in the immediate vicinity of each other and to which is structurally connected at least a treatment arm (7) for dental care instruments (9) and/or an arm for holding some other appliance or device used in a dental environment, such as a display (3), and which additionally comprises at least one arm part (11) arranged in the immediate vicinity of the dental care unit (4) whereon at least either of the imaging means an X-radiation source (14) and an image information receiver (15) is arranged, in which apparatus (2) the mutual position of said arm part (11) and patient chair (5) is arranged such that the arm part (11) is located or is positionable substantially above said patient chair (5), and in which apparatus said arm part (11) carrying at least one imaging means (14, 15) and/or the patient chair (5) is arranged rotatable by an actuator.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically and dynamically modifying an image acquisition parameter for use in tomosynthesis breast imaging. A selected image acquisition parameter is modified in response to a measured characteristic of an imaged object such as a breast, and thus tailored to provide the highest quality image for the particular object. For example, image quality in a breast tomosynthesis system can be improved by dynamically varying motion and other acquisition parameters of the tomosynthesis system in response to physical characteristics of the breast to be imaged (determined during image acquisition), such as the breast thickness, density or composition.

Abstract: An x-ray calibration apparatus includes a radiolucent knee alignment jig configured to receive a knee of a patient and a radiolucent cushion configured to hold a patient's knee at a fixed angle of flexion. The x-ray calibration apparatus also includes a number of radio-opaque fiducial markers positioned within the radiolucent knee alignment jig.