Abstract: A method and apparatus including identifying a plurality of at least partially repetitive eye movements of a person, the eye movements defined by a first predominantly horizontal saccadic movement that moves the eye away from a fixation target followed by a corrective saccadic movement towards the target shortly thereafter, measuring a vertical component associated with the plurality of eye movements and comparing the vertical component with a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A device for non-invasive monitoring of an eye position and ocular movements of a patient having: a housing body (2) having at least one through opening (2a); a plurality of light sources (3) housed in said housing body (2); a plurality of sensor means (4) housed in said housing body (2); deflector means (6) for invisible radiation (RL) supplied, in use, by said plurality of light sources (3) and reflected by said eye (O) under examination; support means (8) that can be adjusted for said housing body (2); at least one program data processing and control unit (9). The support means (8) can be adjusted in such a way that the through opening (2a) of the housing body (2) can be placed at the eye (O) under examination so that the invisible radiation hits the eye (O) frontally.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ophthalmic apparatus and to a treatment site measuring method for the apparatus. The ophthalmic apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a first image unit for capturing the lower region of a retina so as to generate an image of the captured retina; a second image unit for capturing the local region of the retina indicated by a surgical operator so as to generate an image of the captured local region of the retina; and a control unit for mapping the image of the local region of the retina generated by the second image unit to the image of the retina generated by the first image unit based on the image of the retina generated by the first image unit.

Abstract: A device for stereoscopic examination of an eye, in particular a slit-lamp microscope, comprises, according to a first aspect of the invention, a lens for generating two images of the eye, wherein the device comprises at least one image sensor for electronic recording of the two images. According to a second aspect of the invention, the device for examination of an eye, in particular the slit-lamp microscope, comprises a lens for generating one image, wherein it comprises an image sensor for electronic recording of one image, and a viewing unit with an image-reproducing unit for presenting the image, and an eyepiece for viewing the image.

Abstract: Apparatus and techniques can include using one or more of a portable or fixed optical system to obtain images of a desired anatomical target, such as the fundus region of a human eye. The optical system can include one or more of a laser-based focusing target, a laser-based fixation target, or a removable or adjustable alignment assembly. Such an alignment assembly can provide or allow user alignment based on using anatomical landmarks other than the fundus being imaged. One or more of the apparatus or techniques can be implemented in an optical assembly included as a portion hand-held fundus camera, such as including or using a consumer or commercial digital camera to capture an image.

Abstract: An ophthalmic imaging apparatus having an automatic transition function for transiting from an anterior ocular observation state to a fundus observation state, an autofocus function performed during fundus observation, and an automatic image capturing function performed when fundus alignment is complete, the apparatus comprising: a first control unit configured to control the automatic transition function, the autofocus function, and the automatic image capturing function to be deactivated in response to a first user operation; and a second control unit configured to control the deactivated automatic transition function, autofocus function, and automatic image capturing function to be reactivated in response to a second user operation.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a notification apparatus comprises a detection module and a notification module. The detection module detects a predetermined operation confirmation sound from a medical instrument. The notification module sends a notification to a predetermined terminal in response to the detection of the operation confirmation sound.

Abstract: A calibration device for instrumentation for medical imaging, also called a “phantom,” including a matrix. The calibration device includes at least one additive for simulating the autofluorescence properties of an organ or of a living tissue in the spectral band covering the red and near infrared, said additive belonging to the porphyrin class, such as protoporphyrin IX.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods for calibrating an OCT image by comparing a detected location of a feature within the image to an expected location of the feature, calculating a calibration value, and transforming the location of pixels within the image to provide a calibrated image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel approach means of screening foot skin condition of patients at risk for foot tissue breakdown, such as persons with diabetes, through the provision of a remote screening device that can be used in telemedicine or home self-monitoring approaches. The invention would record high resolution images of the bottom of the patient's feet, without artifacts or other distortions that might arise from images taken of feet that have been compressed through standing and the like. These images could immediately be viewed by the patient and/or electronically submitted to a medical facility where clinicians could screen the images for signs of tissue breakdown.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a monitoring system having a first detector and a controller. The first detector detects electromagnetic radiation from a first field of view of the first detector and providing a signal indicative of characteristics of the electromagnetic radiation. The controller includes a processor coupled to the first detector and a memory device including instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to processes the signal from the first detector, translate the signal into an array of data, and evaluate the data in the array to determine characteristics of a patient positioned in the first field of view.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an apparatus comprises a needle (e.g., hypodermic needle or trocar) and sensor (e.g., fiber Braggs grating sensor) coupled to a system to determine (e.g., in real time) stress and/or vibrations encountered by the needle. Consequently, various embodiments may (a) help identify nearby vessels, (b) determine whether the needle penetrated a hollow body structure, and (c) accurately guide needles towards a target structure (e.g., vessel). Other embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: A jaw assembly including first and second jaw members configured to clamp tissue therebetween. The first jaw member includes a surface opposing a surface of the second jaw member, a light source, and a light detector. The light source is configured to emit light from an opening defined in the surface of the first jaw member. The light detector is disposed within the opening and is configured to sense properties of light reflected off tissue clamped between the first and second jaw members and to generate signals indicative of the sensed properties of light. A processor is operatively associated with the light detector and is configured to receive the signals from the light detector. The processor is also configured to analyze the signals to determine an attribute of tissue clamped between the first and second jaw members and to provide feedback to a user of the attribute of the tissue.

Abstract: An OCT measuring mechanism for acquiring the optical coherence tomography information and a surface shape measuring mechanism for acquiring the three-dimensional shape information share a display device, a control device, a light source, a scanning mirror, a light transmission/receiving path and an entering/exiting opening. The scanning mirror, the light transmission/receiving path, the entering/exiting opening are included in a handpiece operable to make a diagnosis on a diagnostic target site.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for in-vivo temperature measurement based on AC magnetization of magnetic nanoparticles, and relates to a nano test technology field. The invention positions magnetic nano agent at an area of a measured object, applies an AC excitation magnetic field to the area of the magnetic nano agent, collects an AC magnetization signal of the magnetic nano agent under the AC excitation magnetic field, detects amplitudes of odd harmonics of the AC magnetization signal, and finally calculates in-vivo temperature according to a relationship between the odd harmonics and the in-vivo temperature. The invention predetermines the relationship between the odd harmonics and the in-vivo temperature via the discrete Langevin's function and the Fourier transformation, solves the in-vivo temperature according to the relationship without considering concentration of the magnetic nanoparticles, and effective moment as temperature varies, and thus accurately detecting the in-vivo temperature.

Abstract: There is provided an optical finger mouse including two light sources, an image sensor and a processing unit. The two light sources emit light of different wavelengths to illuminate a finger surface. The image sensor receives reflected light from the finger surface to generate a plurality of image frames. The processing unit detects a displacement and a contact status of the finger surface and a physiological characteristic of a user according to the plurality of image frames. There is further provided an electronic device and a physiological characteristic detection device.

Abstract: A method of determining stress includes receiving a data signal including multiple consecutive RR intervals of a subject. The method may also include calculating heart rate variability (HRV) data for the subject from the data signal. The method may also include calculating an RR integral average (RRIA) from the HRV data, the RRIA indicating a stress level of the subject.

Abstract: An earbud cover is configured to be removably attached to, and at least partially cover, an audio earbud. The removable earbud cover includes at least one light guide configured to guide light from at least one optical emitter associated with the audio earbud to a region of a body of a subject wearing the audio earbud and/or guide light from the body of the subject to at least one optical detector associated with the audio earbud. The removable earbud cover may include at least one alignment member that facilitates stability of the audio earbud when inserted within an ear of the subject. The removable earbud cover may include at least one lens region, at least one light diffusion region, and/or at least one luminescence region in optical communication with the at least one light guide.

Abstract: Techniques for non-invasive blood pressure monitoring are disclosed. Data corresponding to a patient may be received from a hospital information system. The data may include, for example, drug administration data, medical procedure data, medical equipment data, or a combination thereof. Whether a blood pressure monitoring system needs to be recalibrated may be determined, based at least in part on the received data. If it is determined that the blood pressure monitoring system needs to be recalibrated, the recalibration may be performed and at least one blood pressure measurement of the patient may be computed using the recalibrated blood pressure monitoring system.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus and method of detecting ischemia with a pressure sensor. The method can include obtaining a pressure signal and determining a pressure rate of change. The method can also include identifying at least one of impaired relaxation and impaired contractility in order to detect ischemia.

Abstract: An eavesdropping arrangement for acquiring a measured physiological variable of an individual includes a receiver and a communication interface in a housing separate from the receiver. The communication interface is positioned along a communication link between a first sensor, which is configured to measure aortic blood pressure and to provide a signal representing measured aortic blood pressure, and a central monitoring device configured to monitor the measured aortic blood pressure. The communication interface includes a high impedance connection to the communication link that permits the communication interface to eavesdrop on the signal representing measured aortic blood pressure such that information representing measured aortic blood pressure is sent to the receiver while allowing the central monitoring device to receive and use the signal representing measured aortic blood pressure.

Abstract: A method of determining a value indicative of a hemodynamic parameter of a patient includes performing a plurality of value determinations. Performing the plurality of value determinations includes determining a first value indicative of the hemodynamic parameter, determining, with a controller, a difference between the first value and a baseline associated with the first value, and replacing the baseline with the first value, in a memory of the controller, if the difference is outside of a predetermined range. The method also includes determining an estimate of the hemodynamic parameter based on acceptable values determined during the plurality of value determinations.

Abstract: Improved tourniquet apparatus for measuring a patient's limb occlusion pressure includes an inflatable tourniquet cuff for encircling a limb at a location and to which a tourniquet instrument is releasably connectable.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for use with a pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) monitor having an implantable PAP sensor. In one example, a PAP signal is sensed that is representative of beat-by-beat variations in PAP occurring during individual cardiac cycles of the patient. The PAP monitor detects intervals within the signal corresponding to the durations of cardiac cycles, then detects cardiac rhythm irregularities based on the intervals. For example, the PAP monitor can detect and distinguish atrial fibrillation, ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia based on the stability of the intervals of the PAP signal along with other information such as ventricular rate. The PAP monitor can also detect and distinguish premature contractions based on durations of the intervals. Examples where the PAP monitor is a component of an implantable cardiac rhythm management device (CRMD) are also provided.

Abstract: This biological information processing device is provided with: a peak detection unit for detecting the peaks of a biological signal generated in a cardiac cycle; a waveform clipping unit for clipping out a first peak-to-peak biological signal between two peaks, which are adjacent on the time axis of the biological signal, on the basis of detection results of the peak detection unit; and a resampling unit for transforming the first peak-to-peak biological signal to a second peak-to-peak biological signal for a prescribed number of samples. The biological information processing device is further provided with: an orthogonal transformation unit for generating orthogonal transformation coefficients by performing an orthogonal transformation on the second peak-to-peak biological signal; a differential processing unit for generating a differential signal for the orthogonal transformation coefficients on the time axis; and an encoding unit for encoding the differential signal.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging system uses a first RF coil for acquiring a magnetic resonance signal from a subject, and a device for estimating a cardiac phase of the subject based on the magnetic resonance signal acquired by the first RF coil. The first RF coil, for example, can be an RF coil exclusive to cardiac phase estimation. The magnetic resonance imaging system also uses a second RF coil for acquiring a magnetic resonance signal based on the estimated cardiac phase, and a device for reconstructing a magnetic resonance image of the subject based on the magnetic resonance signal acquired by the second RF coil. Thus, MRA can be performed by estimating a cardiac phase.

Abstract: A system and method for using magnetic resonance imaging to increase the accuracy of electrophysiologic procedures includes an invasive combined electrophysiology and imaging antenna catheter which includes an RF antenna for receiving magnetic resonance signals and diagnostic electrodes for receiving electrical potentials. The combined electrophysiology and imaging antenna catheter is used in combination with a magnetic resonance imaging scanner to guide and provide visualization during electrophysiologic diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, such as ablation of cardiac arrhythmias. The combined electrophysiology and imaging antenna catheter may further include an ablation tip, and be used as an intracardiac device to deliver energy to selected areas of tissue and visualize the resulting ablation lesions.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging system uses a first RF coil for acquiring a magnetic resonance signal from a subject, and a device for estimating a cardiac phase of the subject based on the magnetic resonance signal acquired by the first RF coil. The first RF coil, for example, can be an RF coil exclusive to cardiac phase estimation. The magnetic resonance imaging system also uses a second RF coil for acquiring a magnetic resonance signal based on the estimated cardiac phase, and a device for reconstructing a magnetic resonance image of the subject based on the magnetic resonance signal acquired by the second RF coil. Thus, MRA can be performed by estimating a cardiac phase.

Abstract: In MR imaging in a suite of rooms including a diagnostic room and a second surgical room, the magnet includes a diagnostic table separable from a docking station of the magnet and the second room includes a second surgical table. An imaging control computer controls operation of the imaging system and a movement control computer controls operation of the magnet moving system and the patient support table. During imaging in the surgical room, the diagnostic table is separated and docked at a secondary docking station while an emulating computer system cooperate with the imaging control computer system by emulating outputs from the disconnected diagnostic table for controlling operation of the imaging system.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system includes at least one controller configured to first acquire at least MRI locator image data for different portions of patient anatomy at each of different imaging stations for a defined multi-station locator sequence. An operator may interface with a respectively corresponding displayed locator image for each imaging station to set diagnostic scan sequence parameters for subsequent diagnostic MRI scans of corresponding portions of patient anatomy. Diagnostic MRI scan data is automatically acquired at each of the imaging stations in a multi-station diagnostic scan sequence that, if desired, can be seamlessly continued without operator interruption once begun.

Abstract: A method for optimizing a gas conversion rate in a respiratory gas analyzer, more particularly for nitric oxide (NO) in the respiratory gas, and an associated device are disclosed.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a system and method for estimating a respiration rate by analyzing distortions in reflections of structured illumination patterns captured in a video containing a view of a subject's thoracic region. In one embodiment, a video of a target region of a body of a subject of interest is received. Video image frames are processed to estimate 3D time-series data for the target region. As more fully disclosed herein, the subject's respiration rate is estimated from the 3D time-series data. Measurements can be acquired under a diverse set of lighting conditions. The teachings hereof provide a non-contact approach to patient respiratory function monitoring that is useful for intensive care units and for monitoring at homes, and which aid in the detection of sudden deterioration of physiological conditions due to changes in respiration rates. The teachings hereof provide an effective tool for non-contact respiratory function study and analysis.

Abstract: A method of identifying a change in the health of a nerve during a surgical procedure includes determining a sensitivity of the nerve at a first time, determining a sensitivity of the nerve at a second time, and providing an indication to a user corresponding to a change in the sensitivity of the nerve from the first time to the second time. In each instance, the sensitivity of the nerve is determined by providing an electrical stimulus via an electrode disposed on a distal end portion of an elongate medical instrument, and monitoring a magnitude of a mechanical response of a muscle innervated by the nerve.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include an apparatus for generating a plurality of movement impairment indices from one or more kinematic signals to characterize movement disorders. Additionally we disclose methods for generating a plurality of movement impairment indices from one or more kinematic signals obtained from one or more kinematic sensors, said methods implemented in a digital computer with one or more processors in order to characterize movement disorders based on spectral analysis, regularity metrics, and time-frequency analysis.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for analyzing motion data collected by a cardiovascular navigation system to determine a level of dyssynchrony exhibited by a heart. The method and system comprise obtaining a motion data (MD) set that includes a plurality of map point specific motion data (PSMD) collections of motion data. The motion data in each PSMD collection includes information indicating an amount and direction of motion that occurred at a corresponding map point on a wall of the heart during a select period of time, such as during at least one cardiac cycle. The method and system divide the PSMD collections of data into sectors which may be associated with corresponding phases of the cardiac cycle, and analyze the sectors of the PSMD collections to determine at least one of a slope, a magnitude and a direction of motion at the corresponding map point of the wall of the heart during the associated sector.

Abstract: The treatment of tinnitus may include a tinnitus therapy including generating a tinnitus therapy sound that is similar to a patient's perceived tinnitus sound. In one example, a method for tinnitus therapy may include tracking a tinnitus therapy over a duration, the tinnitus therapy including a tinnitus therapy sound matching a patient's perceived tinnitus played over the duration and presenting each of a volume evolution of the tinnitus therapy sound and usage data of the tinnitus therapy over the duration.

Abstract: A method for producing an analytical magazine is proposed. The analytical magazine is designed to receive a plurality of analytical aids in a plurality of chambers. The method comprises the following steps: providing at least one first component of the analytical magazine, wherein the first component comprises a plurality of receptacles; providing a plurality of analytical aids, wherein the analytical aids are connected to one another and preferably oriented with respect to one another by at least one holding element; introducing the analytical aids into the receptacles; and separating the analytical aids from the holding element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for evaluating a value representing the mass or the concentration of a substance comprised by a tissue or a bodily fluid of a patient, the method including the steps of a) determining a relation between one or more calculated or measured value(s) reflecting the mass or the concentration and a distribution space of the patient or an approximation thereof, and b) assessing whether the relation fulfills a criterion. The present invention further relates to systems and computer programs for performing this method.

Abstract: A biosensor has an abnormal output detection system that determines whether an output signal from the redox reaction of an analyte has a normal or abnormal shape or configuration. The abnormal output detection system improves the accuracy and precision of the biosensor in determining whether an output signal has a shape or configuration that may not provide an accurate and/or precise analysis of a biological fluid. The biosensor generates an output signal in response to the redox reaction of the analyte. The biosensor normalizes the output signal and compares the normalized output signal with one or more control limits. The biosensor may generate an error signal when the normalized output signal is not within the control limits.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to reusable wireless sensors. According to certain embodiments, the wireless sensor may include a rechargeable battery coupled to an induction coil for recharging the battery. One or more magnets may be disposed within or coupled to the wireless sensor, and the one or more magnets may be arranged to align the induction coil of the wireless sensor with a recharging device to facilitate recharging the battery of the wireless sensor.

Abstract: Support structures for positioning sensors on a physiologic tunnel for measuring physical, chemical and biological parameters of the body and to produce an action according to the measured value of the parameters. The support structure includes a sensor fitted on the support structures using a special geometry for acquiring continuous and undisturbed data on the physiology of the body. Signals are transmitted to a remote station by wireless transmission such as by electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared, sound and the like or by being reported locally by audio or visual transmission. The physical and chemical parameters include brain function, metabolic function, hydrodynamic function, hydration status, levels of chemical compounds in the blood, and the like. The support structure includes patches, clips, eyeglasses, head mounted gear and the like, containing passive or active sensors positioned at the end of the tunnel with sensing systems positioned on and accessing a physiologic tunnel.

Abstract: A measurement system for capturing a transit time, phase, or frequency of energy waves propagating through a propagation medium is disclosed. The measurement system comprises a sensing module (200) and an insert dock (202). The sensing module (200) includes a load sensing platform (121), an accelerometer (122), and sensing assemblies (123). In one embodiment, a force or load applied by the muscular-skeletal system is measured. The force or load is applied to the sensing assembly (123). The accelerometer (122) generates motion data. The motion data includes acceleration data. The force or load measured by sensing assembly (123) in combination with the motion data captured by the accelerometer (122) is used to calculate a total force or load. A second accelerometer can be used to provide reference position information. The sensing assemblies (123) comprise a transducer (304), an elastic or compressible propagation structure (305), and a second transducer (314).

Abstract: A non-resistive contact sensor assembly includes an electric field sensor device, including a dielectric component for receiving an electrical signal from an object of interest and a signal processing component for processing the electrical signal, a voltage regulator for controlling voltage to the dielectric component and the signal processing component, and a common ground reference for the dielectric component and the signal processing component.

Abstract: In an example, a computer-implemented method receives one or more user inputs and captures a sound associated with a sound source via one or more capturing devices using sound source localization. The method then estimates one or more first posterior likelihoods of one or more positions of the sound source based on the one or more user inputs and a second posterior likelihood of a position of the sound source based on the sound. The method then estimates an overall posterior likelihood of an actual position of the sound source based on 1) the one or more first posterior likelihoods of the one or more positions of the sound source estimated based on the one or more user inputs and 2) the second posterior likelihood of the position of the sound source estimated based on the sound.

Abstract: An ablation system including an image database storing a plurality of computed tomography (CT) images of a luminal network and a navigation system enabling, in combination with an endoscope and the CT images, navigation of a locatable guide and an extended working channel to a point of interest. The system further includes one or more fiducial markers, placed in proximity to the point of interest and a percutaneous microwave ablation device for applying energy to the point of interest.

Abstract: An isolation system with imaging or radiation therapy capability is disclosed. At least one containment barrier (14, 15, 16, 17) defines an isolation region (10). An imaging or therapy system (20) is disposed outside of the isolation region. The containment barrier includes a substantially hollow tubular extension (24, 42, 44, 124, 224, 324) protruding away from the isolation region (10). The substantially hollow tubular extension surrounds an interior volume (26) that is in fluid communication with the isolation region and is in fluid isolation from the imaging or therapy system. The substantially hollow tubular extension is made at least partially of a material providing operative communication between the imaging or therapy system and the interior volume of the substantially hollow tubular extension.

Abstract: A radiation image capturing system includes a radiation image capturing apparatus, one or more radiation generation apparatuses and a calculation unit. The radiation image capturing apparatus includes a control unit which controls a scan driving unit and a readout integrated circuit of the radiation image capturing apparatus since before start of irradiation of the radiation image capturing apparatus and detects the start of the irradiation when data read out by the readout integrated circuit is equal to or more than a threshold. Before radiation image capturing, the calculation unit calculates a maximum body thickness for each of the radiation generation apparatuses on the basis of the data read out in the radiation image capturing apparatus irradiated by the radiation generation apparatus, the maximum body thickness up to which the control unit can detect the start of the irradiation through a subject.

Abstract: A CT machine for scanning a stationary patient may provide for two-bar linkage articulated arms to move a CT gantry in an arbitrary trajectory. In one embodiment, the gantry may fit within a cavity to expose a central platform, which may support a patient for vertical scans in which the gantry housing rises from the cavity after the patient is so positioned.

Abstract: A radiographic imaging system includes an imaging unit that detects radiation transmitted through a subject, an operation unit that controls the imaging unit, a signal sending and receiving device connects the imaging unit and the operation unit to each other by wired or wireless communication. A signal reception state display unit is disposed in the imaging unit or the signal sending and receiving device so as to display a signal reception state indicative of communication between the imaging unit and the signal sending and receiving device.

Abstract: A mask-image-taking-time calculating section 36 (i) sets a first imaging-time, in a first mask image, in accordance with X-ray imaging-conditions, and (ii) calculates a second imaging-time, in mask images from the second, for a mask image to be taken next in accordance with the imaging-time and brightness of the mask image taken previously such that average brightness of the mask image taken previously and a mask image to be taken next is target brightness. A live-image-taking-time calculating section 38 calculates an imaging-time for a live image in accordance with an actual imaging-time for the mask image having X-rays applied thereto from an X-ray irradiating device in accordance with the first or second imaging-time. An image processor 6 calculates a subtraction image by difference between a reference mask image obtained through averaging two or more mask images taken in accordance with the first or second imaging-time and the live image.