Abstract: A method of measuring a patient's respiratory effort that does away with the need for body encircling belts comprises a PVDF sensor sandwiched between a covering layer of a single sided adhesive tape strip and a bottom layer of a double sided adhesive tape strip arranged such that the sensor may be adhesively affixed to a person undergoing a sleep study and where electrical leads cooperating with the PVDF sensor are adapted to be connected to a physiological data collection device such as a PSG machine or a HST monitor.

Abstract: An ambulatory medical device including a plurality of electrodes configured to be disposed at spaced apart positions about a patient's body, an electrode signal acquisition circuit, and a monitoring circuit. The acquisition circuit has a plurality of inputs each electrically coupled to a respective electrode of the plurality of electrodes and is configured to sense a respective signal provided by a plurality of different pairings of the plurality of electrodes. The monitoring circuit is electrically coupled to an output of the acquisition circuit and is configured to analyze the respective signal provided by each of the plurality of different pairings and to instruct the acquisition circuit to select at least one of the plurality of different pairings to monitor based on at least one of the quality of the respective signal, a phase difference between the respective signal and that of other pairings, a position of electrodes relative to the patient's body, and other criteria.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, methods, and devices that may be used to incentivize inhaler use.

Abstract: A device for measurement and monitoring of a subject simultaneously with transdermal or transmucosal delivery of a therapeutic agent at a contact site with the subject's skin includes a transdermal sensor adapted and configured to detect a specific indicator that is either the therapeutic agent itself or a biomarker that is affected by the therapeutic agent, a therapeutic-agent-containing formulation for passive or active transdermal drug delivery, wherein the formulation includes a dermoadhesive agent to adhere the underside of the sensor housing unit to the skin, and a separate circumferential self-adhesive patch can be adapted and configured to hold the sensor and its housing unit firmly to the skin at the contact site for multiple days.

Abstract: Systems and methods configured to process motion data associated with a user. The systems and methods are configured to receive motion data from a sensor, calculate motion attributes from the data, and classify the motion data using one or more mathematical models. Attributes may be calculated without classifying the motion data into an activity type (such as walking, running, swimming, or any specific or general activity). Attributes may be compared to activity models comprising motion data from several individuals, which may not include the user. Motion data within the models and attributes of the user may be independent of any activity type. Attributes may be compared to select an energy expenditure model from one or more energy expenditure models, which may be selected as a best-match to the one or more motion attributes. An energy expenditure associated with the motion of the user may then be calculated.

Abstract: A dental appliance for use in supporting a sensing device within an oral cavity is described herein. The dental appliance includes a sensor assembly and a tooth cap. The sensor assembly includes a support member and a sensor support assembly extending outwardly from the support member. The sensor support assembly includes a recessed portion that defines a sensor chamber that is configured to receive the sensing device therein. The tooth cap is coupled to the sensor assembly and adapted to be positioned within the oral cavity and orientated along a biting surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are breathing disorder identification, characterization and diagnosis methods, devices and systems. A mask is also disclosed for use in respiratory monitoring, characterization and/or diagnosis. In some embodiments, breath sound data are acquired concurrently with positional data to characterize a position dependence of a subject's breathing disorder.

Abstract: System, devices and methods are presented that integrate stretchable or flexible circuitry, including arrays of active devices for enhanced sensing, diagnostic, and therapeutic capabilities. The invention enables conformal sensing contact with tissues of interest, such as the inner wall of a lumen, a the brain, or the surface of the heart. Such direct, conformal contact increases accuracy of measurement and delivery of therapy. Further, the invention enables the incorporation of both sensing and therapeutic devices on the same substrate allowing for faster treatment of diseased tissue and fewer devices to perform the same procedure.

Abstract: A disposable patient interface includes a reusable sensor that removably mounts within a shoe of the disposable patient interface when at least one protrusion on opposite ends of the sensor removably lock with corresponding at least one aperture on opposite portions of the shoe. The patient interface includes a compliant structure which conforms to a patient's body upon placement thereon without causing wrinkles in the compliant structure so as to maximize adhesion of the compliant structure against skin on the patient's body when the compliant structure is conformed to muscle underlying skin on the patient's body.

Abstract: A sensor guide wire assembly having a button-cell type battery includes a transmitter unit configured to be connected to a sensor guide wire that is insertable into a patient to measure a parameter, the transmitter unit being configured to wirelessly transfer data representing the measured parameter to a communication unit. The transmitter unit includes a housing, a printed circuit board holder disposed in the housing, and a printed circuit board disposed in the housing and held by the printed circuit board holder. The printed circuit board includes a plurality of electrical contacts. A slider is slidable from a location outside the housing, the slider including a protrusion extending into an area inside the housing. A space within the housing is configured to hold one or more batteries.

Abstract: Prosthetic heart devices may be implanted into the heart with a sensor coupled to the device, the sensor being configured to measure physiological data, such as blood pressure, in the heart. Devices that may employ such sensors include prosthetic heart valves and occlusion devices, although sensor systems may be deployed in the heart separate from other implantable devices. The sensors may include a body with different configurations for attaching to the implantable device, such as apertures for sutures or fingers for connecting to structures of the implantable device. The sensors may provide data that allow a determination of aortic regurgitation or other information indicative of function of the implantable device and patient health during and after implantation of the device.

Abstract: A device is described for analyzing electrocardiogram data. The device comprises processing means for comparing at least one parameter derived from a temporal sequence of electrocardiogram data a previously recorded distribution of that parameter obtained from the user under a plurality of different physiological conditions. Based on the comparison, a signal representative of a risk of a myocardial infarction occurring in the body of the user is provided. A corresponding method, device and computer application for installing on a user device are also described.

Abstract: A device 1 is described for analyzing electrocardiogram data. The device comprises processing means for comparing at least one parameter, indicative of a morphological feature comprising a multi-dimensional ST segment feature, derived from a temporal sequence of electrocardiogram data to a previously determined distribution of the at least one parameter. Based on the comparison, a signal representative of a risk of a myocardial infarction occurring in the body of the user is provided. A corresponding method and device are also described. The electrocardiogram data comprises a bipolar measurement between a chest electrode point and the right upper extremity, a bipolar measurement between the left crista iliaca and the right upper extremity and a bipolar measurement between the left and the right upper extremity.

Abstract: A computer network includes computing devices and a server system having an electronic health records (EHR) application. The server system includes a logic module accessible by the EHR application and providing logic by which an early warning score for a patient is calculated. The score is calculated based on, at least in part, data from an electronic patient record that is accessed by the EHR application. The EHR application communicates the calculated early warning score to a networked device, which in turn displays the calculated early warning score on a screen for view by a user. The same networked device preferably is used to make one or more observations of the patient that are recorded in the electronic patient record, and based on which the score is calculated. Whether the score is increasing, decreasing, or remaining the same over observation intervals preferably is determined and displayed with the score.

Abstract: An injectable device for use in a subcutaneous physiological monitoring of a patient includes a body, a plurality of sensors, and a monitoring unit. The plurality of sensors provide an indication of at least one physiological event of a patient, wherein the plurality of sensors includes two or more electrodes in contact with tissue of the patient. The monitoring unit is located within the body and is coupled to the plurality of sensors and configured to monitor a physiologic signal of the patient using the electrodes, wherein the physiologic signal includes an impedance signal related to hydration of tissue of the patient and wherein the monitoring unit is further configured to, based at least in part on the impedance signal measured from the patient, detect an impending cardiac decompensation of the patient.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing device including: a storage unit that stores a plurality of exercise models each including one or more kinds of measured values measured in time series for a person doing exercise and exercise description data specifying exercise recognized based on the measured values; a selection unit that selects one or more exercise models from the plurality of exercise models stored in the storage unit according to a designated condition; and an output unit that outputs a series of output images representing the measured values and exercise specified by the exercise description data in time series for the exercise model selected by the selection unit.

Abstract: Certain examples provide systems, methods, and apparatus for patient care and support. An example apparatus includes a controller including a particularly programmed processor to generate a three-dimensional model for printing a three-dimensional model of a portion of a patient anatomy to form a physical avatar. The example printed three-dimensional model is formed based on image data obtained of the patient. The example controller is configured to link electronics in the physical avatar to a virtual avatar at the controller. The example virtual avatar is formed based on an electronic record for the patient. The example virtual avatar is to interact with the physical avatar via the controller according to a treatment plan. The example apparatus also includes a communication device to facilitate exchange of information between the controller and the physical avatar.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, an activity meter registers, based on an acceleration sensor and an output signal of the acceleration sensor when a tapping operation is performed, information on the tapping operation, detects generation of a tapping operation identical to the tapping operation corresponding to the registered information from the output signal of the acceleration sensor, and stores, when generation of the tapping operation identical to the tapping operation corresponding to the registered information is detected, time information when the identical tapping operation is generated in a memory.

Abstract: A novel scanning table for use with a scanning machine, the novel scanning table being movable along the X-axis and/or movable along the Y-axis and the Z-axis.

Abstract: A mobile x-ray apparatus having wheels for manual transport and an x-ray tube support attached to a base. The apparatus may be rolled by pushing and/or pulling the base, the support, or the x-ray tube. A brake is associated with at least one of the wheels to prevent rolling the apparatus when manually positioning the x-ray tube. The brake may be engaged from an actuator on the tube head, on the support, or on the base.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a system and method for adaptive X-ray filtration comprising a volume of X-ray attenuating material with a central less attenuating three-dimensional region. The volume of X-ray attenuating material can be positioned within 10 cm from an X-ray source and rotated around an internal axis of rotation. The volume of X-ray attenuating material can be symmetric around the internal axis while the central less attenuating region can be asymmetric around the internal axis. Rotating the volume by a predetermined angle around the internal axis can change the amount of attenuation of an X-ray beam through the filter. The volume can be rotated by the same predetermined angle as an imaging subject or X-ray source and detector are rotated during X-ray image acquisition.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a photon counting CT apparatus includes a scintillator, a photodiode array, a holder, a divider, and an image generator. The scintillator is configured to convert X-rays into light. The array includes first and second pixels. The first pixel includes a photodiode in a first range receiving the light emitted from the scintillator. The photodiode outputs an electrical signal based on the light. The second pixel includes a photodiode in a second range different from the first range. The holder is circuitry configured to hold a value of an electrical signal output by the second pixel. The divider circuitry is configured to count the number of photons of light incident on the first pixel by dividing an integrated value of electrical signals output by the first pixel by the held value. The image generator is circuitry configured to reconstruct an image based on the counted number.

Abstract: An X-ray device has a detector which is arranged on a mobile unit and is assigned to a first positioning unit. An X-ray source is arranged on an arcuate second positioning unit. The positioning of the first and second positioning units can be matched to one another in the course of their movements. The first positioning unit has at least one articulated arm and the second positioning unit has a first and a second arc-shaped positioning element. The first and second positioning units are arranged separately from one another on a movable unit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mammography device for X-ray photographing an object to be inspected. The mammography device includes: a generator irradiating an X-ray; a support part for an object to be inspected including a detector positioned to face the generator; and a pressing pad moving between the generator and the support part for an object to be inspected to press the object to be inspected, wherein at least one of the support part for an object to be inspected and the pressing pad is rotatably installed at one side of the mammography device, and in a pressing initial state of the object to be inspected, at least one of the support part for an object to be inspected and the pressing pad that is rotatably installed is configured so that a front end portion thereof toward a subject is elastically deflected to a position inclined toward the object to be inspected.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for creating a correction map for electronic correction of digital projection data from which it is possible to reconstruct a tomosynthetic 3D X-ray image. Furthermore, a method and apparatus are described for electronic correction of digital projection data. In order to allow particularly simple correction of digital projection data, the creation of the correction map includes a reconstruction of the lowermost layer of the 3D X-ray image to be reconstructed from the digital projection data, which lowermost layer corresponds to the detector plane of the digital X-ray detector.

Abstract: A pair of medical images is analysed, the pair including a first image, which is a contrasted scan of a part in a human or animal body, and a second image, which is a native scan of the same part of the human or animal body. Anatomic structures are identified within both the first image and the second image. By using those anatomic structures, centerlines of vessels in the first image are mapped to the second image. Candidate calcified plaques are extracted in the second image, and calcified plaques out of the candidate calcified plaques are identified by a machine learning classifier. The positional information of the centerlines in the second image is used for extracting the candidate calcified plaques in the second image and/or for identifying the calcified plaques out of the candidate calcified plaques by the machine learning classifier.

Abstract: Provided is a method for projection and back-projection for method and apparatus for image processing. The method for projection and back-projection includes the steps of: projecting the center of a detector cell included in a detection unit onto a common axis; mapping the boundaries of pixels in a pixel grid onto the common axis; projecting the center of the detector cell included in the detection unit onto the set common axis; and determining a pixel value on the basis of the step for mapping the boundaries of pixels onto the set common axis.

Abstract: Techniques for imaging protocol translation are described herein. The techniques may include data indicating a protocol for image capture of a first imaging device. The protocol includes parameters. The techniques may include translating the protocol of the first imaging device for use at a second imaging device by determining adjustments to be made to one or more of the parameters.

Abstract: An electronic stethoscope apparatus includes a bioacoustics sensor configured to sense bioacoustics; a noise sensor configured to sense noise in the sensed bioacoustics; and a noise remover configured to remove the sensed noise and output the bioacoustics from which the noise has been removed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for localizing and visualizing devices with the use of an intracorporeal ultrasound imaging probe during a medical procedure. A primary intracorporeal ultrasound imaging probe is employed to image a three-dimensional region via scanning, and to locate a secondary intracorporeal device having one or more ultrasonic beacon transducers. When an A-scan vector associated with the primary intracorporeal ultrasound imaging device is directed towards one or more of the ultrasound beacon transducers of the secondary intracorporeal device, a communication signal is transmitted from the secondary intracorporeal device to a control and processing system associated with the primary intracorporeal ultrasound imaging device, either through acoustic transmission or non-acoustic transmission. Example embodiments are provided in which acoustic communication may be employed within the imaging band, or in a separate communication band distinct from the communication band.

Abstract: This photoacoustic imager includes a light source portion, a detection portion, an amplification portion and an imaging portion, and the amplification portion is so configured that an acoustic gain which is a gain of the amplification portion for amplifying a detection signal resulting from an acoustic wave is larger than an ultrasonic gain which is a gain of the amplification portion for amplifying a detection signal resulting from an ultrasonic wave.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provides an ultrasonic image analysis system which includes an image collection unit which receives and transmits an ultrasonic waveform and obtains two sets of three-dimensional ultrasonic image data; an image analysis unit which registers the two sets of three-dimensional ultrasonic image data to obtain a registration mapping relationship between the two sets of three-dimensional ultrasonic image data; a user interface unit which responds to a treatment done on the two sets of three-dimensional ultrasonic image data by a user through an external hardware device; an image display unit which displays the two sets of three-dimensional ultrasonic image data according to the registration mapping relationship and a result of the treatment of the user interface unit; and an image store unit for storing the two sets of three-dimensional ultrasonic image data and the registration mapping relationship.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to devices and methods for collecting and stabilizing biological samples, and more particularly, for collecting and stabilizing blood or other bodily fluids from a user's fingertip, earlobe, heel or other locations. The present invention also relates to sample collection devices that simplify the process for mixing the biological samples with an additive or additives, provide for efficient storage and safe transport of the samples, and provide for easy access to the samples for subsequent processing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a swab for collecting biological specimens of the type consisting of a rod terminating in a tip covered with fibre with hydrophilic properties to allow absorption of said specimens, wherein said fibre covers said tip in the form of a layer deposited by flocking.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems are described for administering a swallowable cell collection device to a patient. Methods include releasing a swallowable bundle of string of the cell collection device from a bundling apparatus, maintaining the string in a swallowable bundle while releasing the swallowable bundle from the bundling apparatus, and placing the swallowable bundle on the tongue of the patient. Methods also include constraining a retrieval string of the cell collection device in a swallowable bundle with a dissolvable band and placing the swallowable bundle on the tongue of the patient.

Abstract: A device for obtaining a tissue sample includes a needle body extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end and including a lumen extending therethrough and a plurality of flaps coupled to the needle body via hinges. Each of the flaps is movable between a closed configuration in which a cutting end of each of the flaps extends towards the longitudinal axis of the needle body so that the flaps extend radially inward to at least partially cover a distal opening of the lumen, and an open configuration, in which the flaps are rotated about the hinges so that cutting ends thereof are moved toward an interior surface of the lumen to uncover the distal opening of the lumen and permit a target tissue to be received therebetween and into the lumen.

Abstract: The vast majority of septal perforations are plugged by providing a septal perforation prosthesis in a limited number of flange sizes and shapes, stem sizes and stem lengths. Insertion of the prosthesis is simple and positive, and does not require, for example, folding or wadding up one flange and pulling the thus-folded or -wadded up flange through the perforation. Likewise, removal of the prosthesis does not require the occasionally traumatic pulling of a flange through the perforation.

Abstract: Catheter system, devices and methods for diagnosing and treating lateral stenosis causing back pain and or leg pain. The devices comprise a tubular part for insertion into a working cannula to self-position itself safely within the foramen, and minimize the risk of displacement medially or laterally, to prevent nerve or dura injury. An expandable membrane is configured to maintain the catheter device within the foramen. Expansion of this membrane would decompress the nerve within the foramen by opening the foraminal canal as the membrane expands. Inserts may be used in connection with the expandable member.

Abstract: A wound retractor comprising an outer ring, an inner ring, and a flexible sheath extending therebetween is described, wherein the inner ring has the strength, rigidity and bounce back characteristics of a solid injection-molded ring yet is manufactured by extrusion techniques described herein with a 20-30% reduction in materials, resulting in reduced manufacturing costs.

Abstract: An anchor inserter provides for inserting an anchor into a hole in body tissue. The anchor inserter has an elongated shaft with a first axis and a distal end and an insertion tip. The insertion tip has a driving tip extending distally from the distal end of the shaft to terminate in an anchor engaging interface. A resiliency between the anchor engaging interface and the shaft allows bending away from the first axis. An abutment member extends distally from the shaft and has a distally facing abutment surface adjacent the driving tip which abuts the anchor and allows an axial force to be transmitted thereto. Preferably, the abutment member comprises a collar extending from the shaft and coaxially receiving the driving tip.

Abstract: A suture anchor is provided including an elongate shank defining a longitudinal axis and having at least one bone-engaging thread formed thereon, and a drive head having a proximal end and a distal end mated to the elongate shank. The drive head has a substantially oval shape and includes at least one suture attachment member formed in a portion of the drive head. The configuration of the drive head is particularly advantages in that it provides a suture anchor having improved physical properties, including a high failure torque and a high stripping strength.

Abstract: Various devices, systems, and methods are provided for securing soft tissue to bone. In one exemplary embodiment, a two-piece inserter tool is provided that includes a tip portion that is configured to be removably coupled to a handle portion. A distal portion of the tip portion can be configured to be coupled to a suture anchor, and the tip portion and the anchor can be passed through a continuous suture loop prior to mating the tip portion to the handle portion.

Abstract: A needle and suture assembly is provided for use with an endoscopic suturing device with a needle holder arm. The needle assembly includes a needle tip and a needle body. The needle tip has a sharp end, a capture groove, a tab groove and a plug portion positioned between the capture groove and the tab groove. The needle body has first and second ends, tip tabs, retainers for removably retaining the needle body relative to the needle holder arm, and a suture opening. The needle tip is fixed relative to the needle body by plastic deformation of the tip tabs into the tab groove. A suture extends into the suture opening of the needle body and is fixed therein.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treatment of tissues are provided. The methods can be used to interlock a composition with tissue for protection or engagement of the tissue. The devices can be used to treat a number of treatment sites, for example, to provide structural support to injured or surgically altered tissues and/or to secure tissues and/or implants in place.

Abstract: An implantable medical device for connecting tissue layers, such as connecting tubular tissues to create an anastomosis, includes a single elongate member and a covering material. The devices provided may also be used for other purposes including, but not limited to, partially or fully occluding openings in tissue, temporarily or permanently holding generally planar layers of tissue together, aneurysm repair, and the like.

Abstract: An anvil assembly includes a circular anvil head that supports a crush ring, an anvil cap that supports an o-ring, and a circular anvil buttress member. The cap connects to the head and is movable relative to the head between approximated and unapproximated positions. The crush ring is spaced from the cap when the cap is in the approximated position and movable into engagement with the cap to move the cap to the unapproximated position. The buttress member includes a body portion and an extension portion. The body portion is supported on the head and the extension portion is secureable between the o-ring and the head when the cap is in the approximated position. The extension portion is releasable from between the o-ring and the head when the cap is disposed in the unapproximated position so that the body portion separates from the head.

Abstract: A blood flow disruption device for embolizing blood flowing into a vascular defect between a proximal vascular segment and a distal vascular segment, wherein the device includes a porous inner flow disruption element configured to extend through the defect between the proximal vascular segment and the distal vascular segment, whereby a first portion of the blood flowing into the inner flow disruption element from the proximal vascular segment is directed to flow into the defect and a second portion of the blood flowing into the inner flow disruption element is directed to flow into the distal vascular segment. A porous outer flow disruption element coaxially surrounds the inner flow disruption element and is radially expansible from a collapsed state to an expanded state. The outer flow disruption element, in its expanded state, promotes sufficient hemostasis of the first portion of the blood within the defect to embolize the defect.

Abstract: Inventive subject matter disclosed herein includes a device that includes a hollow tube having a tapered distal end, sized to fit within a blood vessel. The device also includes a tether positioned within the hollow tube and an actuator effective for moving the tether forward and backward with respect to the hollow tube. The device also includes a compliant mesh balloon having proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is attached to the hollow tube and the distal end is affixed to the tether wherein forward movement of the tether by movement of the actuator elongates the mesh balloon for travel through the blood vessel.

Abstract: A blood vessel compression device including a C-shaped spring and a clamp at an end of the spring to compress a blood vessel. The clamp may have a flat shaped cross section or spatulate cross section with an edge where the edge confronts a blood vessel to compress it. The clamp may have a channel and a sac inflatable with air to compress the blood vessel. The device may be positioned on body to clamp an external jugular vein or cephalic vein for cannula insertion. The C-shaped spring may be spaced from a front of the neck to not compress a windpipe of the neck.

Abstract: A positioning and template system for preparing a femur for knee replacement. The system includes a datum block, a datum block placement assembly, and a cutting template assembly. The datum block placement assembly is reversibly attachable to the datum block. Further, the datum block placement assembly positions the datum block on the femur in a measured position relative to the transepicondylar axis of the femur when the datum block placement assembly is attached to the datum. Finally, the cutting template assembly is reversibly attachable to the datum block in place of the datum block placement assembly to correctly position the cutting template assembly for guiding femoral cuts in a knee replacement surgery.