Abstract: An expandable platform for measuring plantar pressures includes a multiplicity of modules (1) for measuring plantar pressures, each having mutually orthogonal sides and including its own array of sensors able to measure plantar pressure, and a control computer provided with a software for the treatment of the information coming from the sensors, able to display the static, postural and dynamic examination of the plantar pressures. The array of plantar sensors of each module (1) is connected with the control computer through an interface (2) positioned inferiorly to the measuring module (1) in such a way that each measuring module (1) is individually connectable for the transmission of data with the control computer, and is electronically and mechanically joined to other measuring modules (1) positioned adjacent to its own mutually orthogonal sides.

Abstract: A wearable health monitoring device includes at least one sensor for obtaining a signal indicative of movement of a user in at least one axis and logic configured to determine, based upon the signal, whether the user has taken a step.

Abstract: A fitness monitor comprises a housing, a wrist band, a motion sensor, a display, a non-transitory memory element and a processing element. The wrist band is coupled to the housing and configured to attach to a wrist of a user. The motion sensor is configured to sense motion of the user and generate motion data. The display is coupled to the housing and configured to present information associated with user activity. The memory element is located in the housing and configured to store the activity data and a daily activity goal. The processing element is operably coupled to the memory element and configured to determine daily activity data, a daily activity goal corresponding to a predetermined level of activity for the user, compute an activity countdown and level of inactivity, and present, on the display, the activity countdown and inactivity indicia indicating the level of inactivity.

Abstract: A method of determining an adaptive interruption that is personalized for the user based on conditions of the user includes receiving data describing one or more conditions of a user. The method also includes determining an interruption state for the user based on the one or more conditions of the user and estimating that the user will act based on the interruption state. The method also includes, responsive to estimating that the user will act, determining an adaptive interruption that is personalized for the user based on the one or more conditions of the user.

Abstract: To improve the accuracy of fingerprint authentication, the foreign object determination device of the present invention includes an image acquisition unit 31 for acquiring an image in which an authentication target to be subjected to fingerprint authentication has been captured, a region partitioning unit 33 for partitioning the image acquired by the image acquisition unit 31 into regions of mutually different colors by using predetermined determination criteria for determining differences in color, and a foreign object determination unit 34 for determining whether a foreign object is included in the authentication target by using colors and/or areas of the regions partitioned by the region partitioning unit 33.

Abstract: A container assembly is disclosed including an outer container, a hollow inner member, and a closure. The outer container has a closed bottom, an open top, and a sidewall extending therebetween. The hollow inner member is disposed within the outer container and has an inner surface defining at least one capillary channel. The inner member includes a first end adjacent to the open top of the outer container and has an outer periphery seated against the sidewall of the outer container. The closure has a proximal end and a distal end. The closure proximal end is seated at least partially within the first end of the inner member to seal the outer container and inner member and define a fluid collection chamber. The closure distal end defines a recessed area shaped to direct fluid under capillary action to the at least one capillary channel in the inner member.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering to and/or receiving fluids or other materials, such as blood or interstitial fluid, from subjects, e.g., from the skin. Beading disruptors and/or capillaries may be used for facilitating the transport of fluids from a subject into a device. Beading disruptors may disrupt the “pooling” of bodily fluids such as blood on the surface of the skin and help influence flow in a desired way. A capillary may conduct flow of fluid in the device, e.g., to an inlet of a channel or other flow path that leads to a storage chamber. A vacuum (reduced pressure relative to ambient) may be used to receive fluid into the device, e.g., by using relatively low pressure to draw fluid into the inlet of a channel leading to a storage chamber. The vacuum source may be part of the device.

Abstract: An insertion device with an underside for placing on the skin of a patient, which has a recess for an insertion needle. The insertion device has means for forming a skin surface rising like a step or slope and facing towards the recess, preferably bearing on the recess. The means for forming the step or slope may include first and second pressure areas for pressing the skin with the recess for the needle located between the first and second pressure areas. The device may be configured whereby a downwardly extending cutting plane, in which the insertion needle lies, intersects the first pressure area in a first line and the second pressure area in a second line, and wherein the first line in the vicinity of the recess extends at a greater height than the second line. At least one of the two pressure areas may be a strip.

Abstract: It is disclosed a device for measuring a concentration of glucose, for example, in a translucent piece of a body, like an earlobe, a tissue connecting two fingers, a nasal ala, or a cheek. The piece is illuminated by a linearly polarized laser beam at a certain polarization direction. Consequently, a diffused radiated light is emitted from the piece, including a directed beam. The device includes a polarizing beam splitter which receives the directed beam, a lens, a sensor array, and means for connecting to a processor. The splitter splits components of the directed beam at two mutually orthogonal linear polarization directions into two polarized beams propagating at two respective different directions. The lens images the distribution of the directed beam on the translucent piece on two spatially separated groups within the sensor arrays.

Abstract: A transmission-reflectance swappable Raman device and a method thereof are disclosed. The excitation light is selectively directed to the sample in one direction for generating the transmission Raman signal in transmission mode or in another direction for generating the reflectance Raman signal in reflectance mode. The content of an analyte in a sample can be determined by analyzing transmission and reflectance Raman signal.

Abstract: A sensor cover according to embodiments of the disclosure is capable of being used with a non-invasive physiological sensor, such as a pulse oximetry sensor. Certain embodiments of the sensor cover reduce or eliminate false readings from the sensor when the sensor is not in use, for example, by blocking a light detecting component of a pulse oximeter sensor when the pulse oximeter sensor is active but not in use. Further, embodiments of the sensor cover can prevent damage to the sensor. Additionally, embodiments of the sensor cover prevent contamination of the sensor.

Abstract: A multifunction fitness testing device is disclosed. The multifunction fitness testing device includes a main body, a muscular endurance test part, a flexibility test part, a grip test part, and a host computer. The muscular endurance test part connects to the main body. The muscular endurance test part includes a foot fixing part and a folding plate. The foot fixing part connects to the folding plate. The flexibility test part is located near the foot fixing part. The host computer connects to the main body and electrically connects to the folding plate, the flexibility test part, and the grip test part.

Abstract: A system and method for assisting in a determination of one or more maladies associated with a human voice anatomy utilizes voice information acquired over at least two temporally displaced acquisitions. Acquired voice samples, including plural vowel sounds, are digitized and passed through one or more bandpass filters to isolate one or more frequency ranges. Curve fitting of acquired data is completed in accordance with a plurality of parameter weights applied in either a time domain or frequency domain model of the voice. This process is repeated a second, later time, for the same human, and the same process is completed for the subsequently-acquired voice information. A difference between the curve information in the respective data sets is analyzed relative to the weights, and corresponding changes are correlated to maladies of various areas of the human voice anatomy.

Abstract: System for monitoring muscle data can include one or more fully flexible sensor patches having sensor modules configured to sense muscle data, data processing modules, transmitter modules configured to transmit the muscle data, and a microcontroller configured to control the modules on one patch side and an adhesive layer on the other patch side; a wearable mobile hub having one or more of a receiver, transmitter, and/or transceiver module configured to be operably coupled with the one or more sensor patches so as to receive muscle data therefrom and a muscle data processing unit configured to process the received muscle data, and one or more user feedback interfaces to provide processed muscle data to the one or more user feedback interfaces; and a base station configured for receiving, storing, and analyzing the muscle data for one subject received from the mobile hub in comparison with one or more other subjects.

Abstract: An electro-magnetic transducer assembly includes a first component. The first component includes at least one magnet, and optionally a first attachment mechanism for attaching the first component to a vibrating structure. A coil assembly includes a second attachment mechanism for removably attaching the coil assembly to the first component. The coil assembly further includes at least one coil that produces a signal representative of the vibration of the at least one magnet. An output port provides the signal.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for contacting a surface of a patient's body to determine a physiologic parameter in a measurement region of a tissue of the patient. The device typically comprises a sensor responsive to the physiologic parameter and a probe housing the sensor. The probe is constructed to allow the sensor to be secured at a sensing site adjacent to the measurement region, without disturbing the blood flow within the measurement region of the tissue. The device may also include a means for reducing interference in the sensing area. Preferably, the device further comprises an indicating means operably connected to the sensor for indicating an analyte quantity and/or concentration associated with the physiologic parameter.

Abstract: In embodiments, an external medical device is intended to care for a patient. If it receives an input that signifies that ventilation artifact is present in a signal of the patient, it transmits a corrective signal responsive to the received input. In further embodiments, a patient signal is received, which is generated from a patient while the patient is or was receiving chest compressions at a frequency Fc, and also receiving ventilations at frequency Fv. At least one filter mechanism may be applied to the patient signal to substantially remove artifacts at a) frequency Fc, b) a higher harmonic of frequency Fc, and c) a third frequency substantially equaling frequency Fc plus or minus frequency Fv, while substantially passing other frequencies between them. As a result, the patient signal can be cleaner, for diagnosing the patient's state more accurately.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of measured electrocardiogram (ECG) signals is provided. The method includes the steps of providing at least three cardiac input signals derived from the measured ECG signals S1 and forming a first estimate U1 S2 from each of at least three pairs of input signals. Moreover, the method includes the steps of forming a second estimate U2 S3 from each of at least three input signals; comparing S4 the polarity and the amplitude of a first and second estimate U1, U2 to at least one threshold T; generating S5 a composite signal X, wherein the polarity and the amplitude of the composite signal X depend on the result of the comparison; and using S6 the generated composite signal X to produce an output signal with enhanced signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Furthermore, a corresponding cardiac device is also provided.

Abstract: A method of predicting survivability of a patient. The method includes storing in an electronic database patient health data comprising a plurality of sets of data, each set having a first parameter relating to heart rate variability data including at least one of ST segment elevation and depression, a second parameter relating to vital sign data, and a third parameter relating to patient survivability; providing a network of nodes interconnected to form an artificial neural network, the nodes comprising a plurality of neurons, each having at least one input with an associated weight; and training the neural network using the patient health data such that the associated weight of the at least one input of each neuron is adjusted in response to respective first, second and third parameters of different sets of data from the patient health data, such that the neural network is trained to produce a prediction on the survivability of a patient within the next 72 hours.

Abstract: Apparatus, including a flexible insertion tube having a distal end for insertion into a body cavity, a first sensor in the distal end configured to acquire a first signal from the cavity during a medical procedure, and a second sensor in the distal end configured to acquire a second signal from the cavity during the procedure. The apparatus also includes a display, and a processor configured to present, on the display, first and second measurements corresponding to the first and second signals, and to accept an input selecting one of the presented measurements so as to generate a selected measurement. The apparatus additionally includes a handle coupled to the tube's proximal end, and a haptic feedback device attached to the handle configured to provide, under direction of the processor, a tactile feedback in response to the selected measurement while deemphasizing a presentation of the selected measurement.

Abstract: Systems and methods for receiving a blurred two-dimensional image captured using an optic system. The blurred two-dimensional image is deconvoluted using a point spread function for the optic system. A stack of non-blurred two-dimensional images is generated, each non-blurred image having a z-axis coordinate. A three-dimensional image is constructed from the stack of two-dimensional images.

Abstract: A method of determining a distribution of a dose in a body is presented including the steps of scanning at least one region of the body to extract image data, calculating a plurality of parameters from the image data, and entering a plurality of computed tomography (CT) scan parameters. The method also includes the steps of calculating radiation distribution by using a local interaction principle and creating a three-dimensional dose map based on the calculated radiation distribution.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a supine patient to a prone position on a patient support structure, and for rotating such a prone patient between prone and supine positions without removing the patient from the patient support structure.

Abstract: A method includes performing a three dimensional volume scan of a region of interest located in a portion of an object or subject in an examination region, including dynamically collimating a radiation beam used to perform the scan so that a geometry and/or location of the radiation beam tracks, during the scan, to a geometry and/or location of the region of interest, wherein the region of interest is a sub-region of the portion of the object or subject in the examination region.

Abstract: A medical imaging device and a method for providing an image representation supporting inaccurate positioning of an intervention device in a vessel intervention procedure is proposed. Therein, an anatomy representation (AR) of a vessel region of interest and at least one angiogram X-ray image (RA) and a live fluoroscopy X-ray image (LI) are acquired.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an intraoral sensor having improved airtightness within its package is provided. A method for manufacturing this intraoral sensor comprises a first step S1 of arranging the signal cable 2 in a first mold, then filling the first mold with a first resin, and heating the first mold, so as to mold the cable connection unit 14 having the jacket 2c of the signal cable 2 welded thereto; a second step S2 of preparing the joint 13; a third step S3 of arranging the cable connection unit 14 at a predetermined position in the joint 13 by using a second mold; and a fourth step S4 of resin-sealing the joint 13 and cable connection unit 14 onto each other.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a flexible wedge filter is arranged between an X-ray tube and an examinee to attenuate a dose according to an X-ray from the X-ray tube. The flexible wedge filter has a plurality of filter modules 39 having a configuration capable of individually changing an X-ray transmission path length in an X-ray shielding material. The PCCT gantry controller individually operates the plurality of filter modules such that a dose according to an X-ray incident to an X-ray detector from the X-ray tube via the examinee is distributed substantially uniformly in spatial.

Abstract: A movable X-ray generation apparatus includes an X-ray tube configured to perform irradiation with X-rays, an arm configured to support the X-ray tube, a cart unit configured to support and move the arm, and a monitor mounted on the upper portion of the cart unit. The movable X-ray generation apparatus includes a first member configured to support the monitor to be pivotable about a first rotation axis, and a second member configured to support the first member to be pivotable about a second rotation axis different from the first rotation axis with respect to the cart unit. At least one of the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis provides a rotation axis parallel to the display surface of the monitor and perpendicular to a moving surface on which the cart unit moves.

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

Abstract: A method for recording at least two 3D subtraction image data records with a C-arm x-ray apparatus is provided. A mask run is implemented with a rotation angle of at least 180° plus fan angle plus an additional angle, while projection image data record of a native 3D image data record are recorded. A filler run is implemented after administration of a contrast agent with a rotation angle of at least 180° plus fan angle plus an additional angle. Partial 3D image data records are generated and formed into a set of projection image data records. Each set of projection image data records is reconstructed, wherein a 3D subtraction image data record is generated by subtracting data of a native 3D image data record from data of a 3D image data record after the administration of the contrast agent.

Abstract: Human body back-scattering inspection systems and methods are disclosed. In the invention, X-rays modulated by the flying-spot forming unit having spirally distributed flying-spots have a distribution having alternating peaks and valleys on the irradiated surface. In this way, scanning starting times can be precisely controlled to cause two devices to have scanning starting times that are different by a half of a cycle. That is, the beams outputted from one device are at maximum when the beams outputted from the other device are at minimum. In other words, even if the ray source of one device emits rays, it will not significantly affect imaging result of the other device. In such way, the two devices may emit rays and perform scanning at the same time, and thus the total scanning time is reduced.

Abstract: An image obtainment unit obtains a series of time series medical images about a specific organ in different phases. A registration unit performs registration of voxel positions in the series of time series medical images between the series of time series medical images. A conversion unit converts signal values at corresponding voxel positions of the specific organ into a same display voxel value in the series of time series medical images.

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

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a method, system, and device for conducting ultrasound interrogation of a medium. The novel method includes transmitting a non-beamformed or beamformed ultrasound wave into the medium, receiving more than one echoed ultrasound wave from the medium, and converting the received echoed ultrasound wave into digital data. The novel method may further transmit the digital data. In some embodiments, the transmitting may be wireless. The novel device may include transducer elements, an analog-to-digital converter in communication with the transducer elements, and a transmitter in communication with the analog-to-digital converter. The transducers may operate to convert a first electrical energy into an ultrasound wave. The first electrical energy may or may not be beamformed. The transducers also may convert an echoed ultrasound wave into a second electrical energy.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe, transmission unit, reception unit, control unit, adjustment unit, automatic setting unit, switching unit, manual setting unit, correction unit, and generating unit. The adjustment unit adjusts transmission/reception conditions for repeated ultrasonic transmission/reception in accordance with an instruction from the user. The automatic setting unit sets the first gain for correcting an echo signal in accordance with the adjusted transmission/reception conditions. The switching unit switches between activating and stopping the operation of the automatic setting unit. The manual setting unit sets the second gain for correcting an echo signal in accordance with an instruction from the user. The correction unit corrects an echo signal with the first or second gain.

Abstract: Methods and systems for pulse scanning and simultaneously displaying a blood flow image and a B-mode image are disclosed.

Abstract: A method comprises gathering intravascular photoacoustic (IVPA) data using a transducer inserted into a vessel of a patient. The method further includes modulating the IVPA data to determine a first tissue border and displaying a border map representing the first tissue border.

Abstract: A quantitative method to analyze phase-resolved, raw backscatter echo data or the envelope of phase-resolved, raw backscatter echo data to characterize vitreous inhomogeneities as they relate to normal aging and vitreo-retinal disease. The technique can be applied to 2D or 3D data acquired from the vitreous. The approach provides an objective end value to characterize the vitreous and provide a tool for early diagnosis, monitoring and planning treatment of vitreo-retinal diseases.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system has a 3D location system and a data store for recording locations within a patient. Navigation to target locations is facilitated by providing graphical elements superposed on a 2-dimensional image. The size and/or color of the graphical elements are controlled in real time based on distance of the target location(s) from a current image plane. This provides intuitive visual feedback and can be achieved with low computational requirements.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an imaging apparatus radial-operating a transmitting and receiving unit and generating cross-sectional images inside the body cavity by a plurality of images, which includes: an X-ray image memory holding a plurality of X-ray images obtained by X-ray imaging the transmitting and receiving unit inside the body cavity by a predetermined imaging cycle, an image processing unit generating a cross-sectional moving image by setting the rotation cycle of the transmitting and receiving unit to be frame rate, and an image processing unit reading out an X-ray image, obtained from X-ray imaging just previously at every timing for every rotation cycle of the transmitting and receiving unit, from the X-ray image memory and generating an X-ray moving image by the frame rate.

Abstract: Embodiments of an ultrasound system for detecting a posture of a user and providing an optimal ultrasound image for the posture of the user are disclosed. The ultrasound system includes a display unit including a sensing unit installed in one side of a monitor. The sensing unit detects a position of a user, a distance between the user and the monitor, a height of the user with respect to the monitor and a viewing angle of the user toward the monitor to thereby form and output sensing signals corresponding thereto. The ultrasound system further includes a processing unit coupled to the sensing unit. The processing unit forms the ultrasound image by using ultrasound data and performs optimal image processing for the posture of the user upon the ultrasound image based on the sensing signals.

Abstract: A method of correcting ultrasound images, the method including the operations of, by an ultrasound output unit, outputting an ultrasound signal to a target object; obtaining an mechanical index (MI) map indicating a correlation between depth values according to a travel direction of the ultrasound signal, and MI values by the ultrasound signal; and adjusting a gain value of an ultrasound echo signal corresponding to the ultrasound signal by using a reverse MI map that is obtained by reversing the MI map, so as to allow the MI values, which are displayed on the MI map, to be a virtually constant MI value with respect to the depth values.

Abstract: A fluid collection and sampling container is disclosed, comprising; a cup member; a lid assembly removeably mounted to the cup member and having (a) on a location on the lid an aperture with closure means useful for introducing sampling means into the container without removing the lid assembly, and (b) on a further location on the lid a cannula and needle member useful for receiving an air evacuated tube and piercing its stopper. Furthermore a method is disclosed, for extracting a plurality of samples from a sampling container using alternate sampling methods which include extracting samples by means of evacuated tube and extracting samples by means of immersing extracting probe into liquid contained in the container, wherein there is no need in removal of the lid assembly or of other members from the cup during the extraction of samples through the use of the alternate sampling methods.

Abstract: An endoscopic needle for collecting tissue, cell and/or fluid specimens from a patient that uses a multi-channel connector having a first channel for accepting a vacuum source that will fluidly connect with a hollow needle at the distal end, and a second channel for receiving a stylet therein, an outer sheath having proximal and distal ends with the proximal end being operatively connected to a lower portion of a leur-lock, an inner tube fluidly connected to the multi-channel connector and an outer needle assembly connected to or as part of the inner tube, an inner needle or a stylet having a proximal end attached to a cap removably connected to the second channel, the stylet having a distal end connected to an inner needle or slidingly positioned within the outer needle, and a fluid pathway from the multi-channel connector to the interior of the outer needle.

Abstract: A biopsy system includes a tomographic image pick-up device which is insertable into a living body to pick-up a tomographic image of a bioptic target part in the living body to be subjected to biopsy, a guide wire configured to puncture the bioptic target part in the condition where the tomographic image obtained by the tomographic image pick-up device is being observed; and a biopsy device which is inserted along the guide wire to the bioptic target part in the living body after withdrawal of the tomographic image pick-up device out of the living body and by which tissue of the bioptic target part is sampled. The guide wire remains in the living body in the state of puncturing the bioptic target part even after the withdrawal of the tomographic image pick-up device.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of transcatheter device closure techniques for closing an opening in a tissue and more particularly, to occlusion devices for closing anatomical defects in tissue. More particularly the present invention refers to occlusion devices for closing septal abnormalities such as atrial septal defects and patent foramen ovale, and to methods of closing an anatomical defect in a tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a balloon catheter system for sealing puncture points or openings in body cavities, hollow organs or in percutaneous drainage operations in mammals, consisting of a filling catheter on the distal end of which a first balloon can be filled with the filling medium is arranged with a further balloon arranged proximally spaced apart therefrom. The balloons close the puncture point or the opening on the two sides in the filled state of the balloon. A hollow needle open at the shaft or the shaft end can be guided in the lumen of the filling catheter for filling the two balloons with the filling medium, wherein the shells of the two balloons enclose the shaft of the filling catheter. The filling catheter in each case has an opening arranged in the balloon lumen to fill the two balloons.

Abstract: A surgical delivery instrument for delivering a vascular hole closure device having first and second flexible members and a first and second engagement members extending from the respective flexible member. The delivery instrument includes a housing having first and second longitudinally extending openings and first and second projecting surfaces, the first projecting surface extending into the first opening for engagement by the first engagement member and the second projecting surface extending into the second opening for engagement by the second engagement member. The first engagement member is held by the first projecting surface until a predetermined force is applied to the first engagement member during placement of the closure device at a target site.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a surgical access system that provides access to a surgical area while maintaining pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic surgery. The access system comprises a sheath retractor adapted to dilate a wound stretchable to a desired diameter and a detachable seal adapted to be removable from the sheath retractor. In another aspect, the detachable seal comprising a valve including a plurality of overlapping sheets defining an access channel that extends into communication with the incision in the patient. Each of the overlapping sheets includes a portion of the perimeter that is not fixed to the inner diameter of the ring, which provide open edges defining the access channel.

Abstract: A method for securing suture to bone comprises drilling a hole in a desired portion of bone at a desired procedural site, passing a strand of suture through a portion of soft tissue to be approximated to the portion of bone, and extending the free suture ends proximally from the soft tissue. The suture is loaded into an anchor implant. Using an inserter, on a distal end of which is attached the anchor implant, the anchor implant is manipulated into the bone hole. The suture is then tensioned to a desired level by pulling on the free suture ends, after the anchor implant is positioned in the bone hole. The free suture ends are wrapped about a suture cleat on an inserter handle once the desired tension level is achieved. A proximal anchor component is moved distally to engage with a distal anchor component to lock the anchor in place within the bone hole, and to lock the suture in place within the anchor. Then, the inserter is removed from the procedural site.