Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical access device that allows access to a pathology being treated while significantly reducing the risk of damaging anatomical structures proximate the pathology. The access device includes a base portion having a central bore extending therethrough, and retractor blades pivotably mounted to the base portion. An insertion handle is coupled to the base portion to thread the retractor blades into the patient. The insertion handle is removed from the base portion, and a core hollow screw is threaded into the base portion to separate the retractor blades to gain access to the pathology through the hollow screw.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for positioning within a tissue tract accessing an underlying body cavity adapts to tissue tracts of different widths. The surgical instrument includes a proximal member, a distal member, and a sleeve extending between the proximal member and the distal member and defining a longitudinal passage therein. The proximal member includes an inflatable member that selectively adjusts the radial dimension of the proximal member. A ring member may be separately insertable by a user during a surgical procedure into the space directly adjacent to the radially-inner surface of the inflatable member, so as to selectively provide rigidity to the proximal member.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving the reliability of glaucoma diagnosis and progression analysis are described. The measurements made from one type of diagnostic device are adjusted based on another measurement using a priori knowledge of the relationship between the two measurements including the relationship between structure and function, knowledge of disease progression, and knowledge of instrument performance at specific locations in the eye. The adjusted or fused measurement values can be displayed to the clinician, compared to normative data, or used as input in a machine learning classifier to enhance the diagnostic and progression analysis of the disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to apparatus and methods for evaluating the condition and properties of eye tissue. More particularly, the present invention is directed to apparatus and methods for non-invasively characterizing the biomechanical properties of eye tissue by utilizing an internal perturbation component.

Abstract: An ophthalmologic image display apparatus for displaying information about an eye includes an input unit configured to input a tomographic image of the eye, an acquisition unit configured to acquire diagnostic supporting information associated with positional information about the tomographic image of the eye, a processing unit configured to perform processing for assigning a voxel value to volume data constituting the tomographic image based on a reflection intensity value indicating the tomographic image and the diagnostic supporting information, and a display control unit configured to cause a display unit to display an image processed by the processing unit.

Abstract: An ophthalmologic apparatus includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire information about a pupil of a subject's eye, and a control change unit configured to change a method of fogging control for moving a fixation target image away from the subject's eye according to the information acquired by the acquisition unit.

Abstract: Ocular surface interferometry (OSI) devices, systems, and methods are disclosed for measuring a tear film layer thickness (TFLT) of the ocular tear film, including lipid layer thickness (LLT) and/or aqueous layer thickness (ALT). The measured TFLT can be used to diagnosis dry eye syndrome (DES). In certain disclosed embodiments, a multi-wavelength light source can be controlled to illuminate the ocular tear film. Light emitted from the multi-wavelength light source undergoes optical wave interference interactions in the tear film. An imaging device can be focused on the lipid layer of the tear film to capture optical wave interference interactions of specularly reflected light from the tear film combined with a background signal(s) in a first image. The imaging device can also be focused on the lipid layer of the tear film to capture a second image containing the background signal(s) present in the first image.

Abstract: Methods for analyzing and visualizing OCT angiography data are presented. In one embodiment, an automated method for identifying the foveal avascular zone in a two dimensional en face image generated from motion contrast data is presented. Several 3D visualization techniques are presented including one in which a particular vessel is selected in a motion contrast image and all connected vessels are highlighted. A further embodiment includes a stereoscopic visualization method. In addition, a variety of metrics for characterizing OCT angiography image data are described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing blinking includes an electronic computing device detecting blinking of a user of the electronic computing device and determining an uninduced blink rate for the user from the detected blinking. The method also includes inducing the user to blink based on the uninduced blink rate. A further method and apparatus for managing blinking includes the electronic computing device presenting the user with a blink inducement of a plurality of blink inducements and determining whether the user blinked in response to presenting the blink inducement. The further method also includes presenting the blink inducement again based on the determination of whether the user blinked in response to presenting the blink inducement.

Abstract: A system and method for drug screening for testing an iris for use of a chemical known to have a neurological effect that interferes with normal functioning of the iris and the voluntary muscles of the eye. The system and the method involve testing and documenting reactivity of the iris under known light conditions and can test for the presence of horizontal nystagmus. The identity of a subject can be confirmed by applying an iris pattern recognition model of a captured image of an iris of the eye compared with an image of an iris stored in a library of baseline color or a library of infrared eye images. The system and the method involves providing alarms when one eye pupil diameter exceeds or falls below the opposite eye pupil diameter and when horizontal gaze nystagmus has been determined to be present.

Abstract: An optical imaging system is to be aligned with its optical axis in relation to a given alignment axis. For this, a radiation beam is emitted from one side of the imaging system along the alignment axis. In the direction of beam propagation, there is located behind the imaging system a pair of diaphragm elements, whose apertures are each covered by a piece of material transparent to the radiation, carrying a plurality of sensor elements arranged in a matrix. The sensor elements furnish information about the measured radiation intensity to a signal processing unit, which can graphically illustrate the current alignment status of the imaging system on a monitor and/or produce an automatic adjustment of the imaging system.

Abstract: System and Method pertaining to the modification and integration of an existing consumer digital camera, for example, with an optical imaging module to enable point and shoot fundus photography of the eye. The auto-focus macro capability of existing consumer cameras is adapted to photograph the retina over an extended diopter range, eliminating the need for manual diopter focus adjustment. The thru-the-lens (TTL) auto-exposure flash capability of existing consumer cameras is adapted to photograph the retina with automatic flash exposure eliminating the need for manual flash adjustment. The consumer camera imaging sensor and flash are modified to allow the camera sensor to perform both non-mydriatic focusing of the retina using infrared illumination and standard color flash photography of the retina without the need for additional imaging sensors or mechanical filters.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed which relate to remotely monitoring the health of an individual. The individual wears a health monitoring device, with an attached strap, capable of sensing characteristics of the individual. These characteristics may include voice level and tone, movements, blood pressure, temperature, etc. The device allows individuals to constantly monitor their health without having to physically visit a doctor or other health care professional. Wireless communication, for instance with an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) set-top box, allows measurements to be made and evaluated by a ‘computerized’ healthcare service provider. For a more accurate evaluation, measurements are sent over the INTERNET to a service. The device communicates with services in order to diagnose the individual based upon the characteristics.

Abstract: A system is provided for using telemetry data based on user habit information or user monitoring. A monitoring device has one or more sensors that detect or measure user information selected from of at least one of, a user's activities, behaviors and habit information, and a user's health. The monitoring device includes ID circuitry with an ID storage that contains a unique user ID, a communication system which reads and transmits the unique user ID from the ID storage, a power source and a pathway system. A telemetry system with a database receives the user information from the telemetry device. One or more analysis tools are at the telemetry system that analyze the user information and produce analysis information that is sent to the monitoring device.

Abstract: The present invention provides minimally invasive imaging probe having an optical encoder integrated therewith for accurately measuring or estimating the rotational velocity near the distal end of the medical device, such as an imaging probe which undergoes rotational movement during scanning of surrounding tissue in bodily lumens and cavities.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of optical electrophysiological probing, including: providing a fluorescing chemical probe; contacting a thick portion of tissue with the fluorescing chemical probe to create a thick portion of treated tissue; applying a first range of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation to the treated portion of tissue; and detecting a plurality of depth-specific emission wavelengths emitted from the thick portion of treated tissue.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device to measure optical properties of a three-dimensional transparent dosimeter, and a method to use the device to produce a valid, reproducible, and quantitative image of optical properties across essentially the entire volume of the transparent dosimeter. The invention provides significant and useful improvements over existing practice.

Abstract: A 3D scanner for recording topographic characteristics of a surface of at least part of a body orifice, where the 3D scanner includes a main body having a mounting portion; a tip which can be mounted onto and un-mounted from the mounting portion, where the tip is configured for being brought into proximity of the body orifice surface when recording the topographic characteristics such that at least one optical element of the tip is at least partly exposed to the environment in the body orifice during the recording; and a heater for heating the optical element, where the heat is provided by way of thermal conduction; where the tip can be sterilized in a steam autoclave when un-mounted from the main body of the 3D scanner such that it subsequently can be reused.

Abstract: A scan body element is configured to be inserted in a dental implant or implant analog for scanning with or in an optical scanning system. The scan body element has a top part with at least one geometric feature recognizable via scanning. A metallic lower part is shaped to fit to a dental implant or an analog, and fixed to the top part. A central part is arranged inside the lower part, and includes a threaded portion and a recess for receiving a screw driver through a hole in the top part. The recess allows the threaded portion to be turned relative to the lower part to fasten the scan body element to the implant or the analog. The central part is configured to be interlocked between the lower part and the top part such that the scan body element is arranged as a single element.

Abstract: A method of noninvasively imaging tissue within a body includes irradiating the tissue using an imaging laser including a Raman-based laser tuner, the radiation including a plurality of laser pulses, each having energy greater than 100 mJ; receiving an acoustic signal generated by vibrational energy in the tissue, wherein the vibrational energy is a result of selective overtone excitation of molecules in the tissue by the radiation; and automatically converting the acoustic signal to an image representative of the tissue using a processor. An imaging system includes an imaging laser configured to irradiate tissue with a plurality of laser pulses using a Raman-based laser tuner. An ultrasonic transducer receives an acoustic signal generated by vibrational energy in the tissue due to overtone excitation by the radiation. A processor is configured to automatically produce an image representative of the tissue using the received acoustic signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods of monitoring body temperature of a person disclosed. A signal generated by a temperature probe is received, the signal responsive to a change in body temperature of a person to whom the temperature probe is attached. A new temperature reading is generated based on the signal. The new temperature reading is accepted or rejected based on the determination.

Abstract: A temperature measurement system includes a temperature probe having a head and an infrared temperature sensor disposed in the head. The system also includes a replaceable probe cover removably attachable to the head. The probe cover includes a body, a substantially cylindrical waveguide extending from the body, and a distal tip. The waveguide is configured to direct radiation entering the distal tip to the temperature sensor when the probe cover is attached to the head.

Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to medical systems and methods. In one aspect of the invention, a method includes determining a fluorescent light intensity at one or more points on each of multiple recorded images, and producing an image based on the determined fluorescent light intensity at the one or more points.

Abstract: An adherent device to monitor a tissue hydration of a patient comprises an adhesive patch to adhere to a skin of the patient. A plurality of electrodes are connected to the patch and capable of electrically coupling to the patient. Circuitry is coupled to the plurality of electrodes to measure a tissue resistance of the patient at a first frequency and to detect a low frequency droop in the measured tissue resistance. In response to detected low frequency droop, the circuitry is configured to measure a tissue resistance of the patient at a second frequency that is lower than the first frequency to verify the detection of low frequency droop, and to temporarily suspend data collection based on the detection and verification of low frequency droop.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention disclosed herein comprise a system of wearable devices that collectively allow for the continuous, non-invasive, measurement and monitoring of blood pressure, without the use of an inflatable cuff. The system incorporates: 1) An optical module, which is comprised of a coherent source of light, a semi-transparent hologram, optics for viewing the interference pattern developed between the illuminated hologram and arterial blood, a Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) array, and processing electronics with Bluetooth capability that facilitates digitization and wireless transmission of the fringe pattern to, 2) a personal digital assistant (PDA) that is worn on a waist belt. The PDA and associated software allow for continuous calculation and monitoring of real-time arterial blood pressure from the digitized fringe patterns received. The system further comprises 3) a personal computer (PC) with wireless capacity and connection to the internet.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for storing event markers. The value of a monitored physiological metric may be monitored and compared to a reference value. A patient monitoring system may compute a difference between a monitored metric and a reference value, and compare the difference to a threshold value to determine whether a physiological event has occurred. Based on the determination, a patient monitoring system may store an event marker, trigger a response, update a metric value, or perform any other suitable function.

Abstract: The current technology is relevant to a system having an implantable medical device, where the system is configured to identify a patient condition comprising cardiac dysynchrony, configured to notify a clinical user of the identified condition and configured to identify a therapy appropriate for the identified condition.

Abstract: A physiological monitoring system may determine physiological information, such as physiological rate information, from a physiological signal. The system may generate a lag matrix, which includes multiple segments of the physiological signal each having the same number of values. The system may generate a correlation matrix, which includes multiple correlation values, based on the lag matrix. The system may identify a peak in the correlation lag matrix, or a processed matrix derived thereof, and the corresponding lag value. The correlation matrix, or processed matrix thereof, may be rotated, averaged, or otherwise transformed by the system to identify the lag value. The system may determine physiological rate information based on the identified lag value.

Abstract: A system for determining stroke volume of an individual. The system includes a skew-determining module that is configured to calculate a first derivative of photoplethysmogram (PPG) signals of the individual. The first derivative forms a derivative waveform. The skew-determining module is configured to determine a skew metric of the first derivative, wherein the skew metric is indicative of a morphology of at least one pulse wave detected from blood flow of the individual in the derivative waveform. The system also includes an analysis module that is configured to determine a stroke volume of the individual. The stroke volume is a function of the skew metric of the first derivative.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a motor imagery detection module and a system for motor rehabilitation are provided. The method comprises acquiring Electroencephalography (EEG) data from a subject; selecting classification features from the EEG data; wherein the feature selection comprises modelling an idle state ?n of the subject by M sub-classes ?j, j=1, . . . , M.

Abstract: A self-programmable Medical Monitoring system capable of adapting its monitoring and detection algorithms to each individual patient. The Monitoring device is further capable of uploading new detection algorithms as well as software applications from outside computing devices. Uploaded software applications can configure the Medical Monitoring device for additional applications including but not limited to an ECG, EEG and EMG device. The Monitoring device can operate as stand-alone device or it can communicate wirelessly with one or more outside computing devices.

Abstract: A battery of three or more sensory and cognitive challenge tasks actively or dynamically challenge the brain to monitor its state for assessment of injury, disease, or compound effect, among others. The system analyzes and assesses a personalized biometric brain health signature by integrating the use of electroencephalography (EEG), somato-sensory, neuropsychological, and/or cognitive stimulation, and novel signal processing and display. The system also provides for early detection of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), vascular dementia (VAD), mixed dementia (AD and VAD), MCI, and other dementia-type disorders, as well as brain injury states such as mild Traumatic Brain Injury and can provide some or all of the following improvements over conventional systems and methods, including: (1) Increased sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy; (2) early detection of disease and injury; and (3) enhanced portability with remote data acquisition capability.

Abstract: A biosignal measurement electrode includes a liquid retaining member, an electric plate, and a cover member. The liquid retaining member is configured to be elastically deformed and impregnated with conductive liquid, the liquid retaining member including a contact surface configured to be brought into contact with a living body surface. The electric plate is configured to be brought into contact with the conductive liquid. The cover member is configured to be elastically deformed and cover the liquid retaining member except for the contact surface.

Abstract: An arrangement (10) and a method for imaging an object including a vessel (400), using magnetic particle imaging is provided. An image of the vessel (400) is reconstructed based on a known concentration of the magnetic particles (100) within the vessel (400) and on vessel tree data about the progression of said vessel (400). The reconstruction comprises defining cylinder elements (440) around an approximated image and stepwise and separately adapting the radii of the cylinder elements by integrating over the signal intensity of the cylinder elements, wherein the radii are adapted such that the integrated signal intensity over the cylinder elements equals the intensity expected from the known concentration of the magnetic particles in the vessel.

Abstract: An implantable medical device performs impedance measurement and demodulation, such as for obtaining lead impedance measurements, or thoracic impedance measurements, such as for extracting respiration, cardiac stroke, or fluid status information. A 4-point FIR filter demodulator can be used to demodulate a two-phase current excitation waveform. The demodulator can also be used to measure noise for triggering a noise response. Among other things, an increased excitation current level can be used when noise is deemed to be present.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes: a position and posture calculating portion that estimates a position of a distal end and a longitudinal direction of a distal end portion; a condition determining portion that, based on the shape information at the position of the distal end that is estimated, determines whether or not an angle that a core line direction of the luminal organ and the longitudinal direction estimated by the position and posture calculating portion form is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value; and a position and posture information recording portion that, when the angle that the core line direction and the longitudinal direction form is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value, records information regarding the position and the longitudinal direction of the distal end.

Abstract: The present invention provides a direct sampler and detector for analytes found in exhaled breath condensate. Analytes in the breath condensate are detected instantaneously as they condense prior to reaching the sensor surface or condense directly on the sensor surface. Because the analysis or assay is performed immediately after patient exhalation, analyte stability is significantly improved providing accurate, reliable, consistent, and clinically applicable results. In certain embodiments, combined breath condensate/breath samplers and detectors are provided, enabling multiplexed analysis of condensed and vapor-phase analytes provided in a single sampling session. Breath is collected and directed to one or more subsystems. Within each subsystem, the breath portion is either condensed or prevented from condensing.

Abstract: A system for measuring the force of the feet of a user upon the support surface of an item of footwear for each foot at multiple locations has a plurality of sensors each predictably varying in resistance upon application of a force thereto. The sensors send signals reflective of the force to an A-D converter. The digitalized signals reflective of the resistance and in some cases deflection are sent to a receiver for storage in a memory and for further transmission to a computing device to compute and display the force at each of the multiple points. An accelerometer may also be combined proximate to or attached to the insert to supply signals reflective of the acceleration and which can be used to calculate and display other information including acceleration, speed and distance.

Abstract: A method determining values of parameters representing a movement of an entity represented by an articulated chain, by a sensor assembly including at least one sensor for a parameter representing an orientation of a first segment of the articulated chain, the method including: reception of an orientation value measured and supplied by the orientation sensor; estimation of a value of at least one first parameter representing a movement of the first segment by processing the orientation value; and, based on a predetermined movement model of the articulated chain, as a time change model, including at least one relationship of time dependency between the at least one first parameter and at least one other parameter representing a movement of another segment of the articulated chain: estimation of a value of the at least one other parameter by application of the time change model to the estimated value of the at least one first parameter.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system that displays posture state information, physiological conditions of a patient on an avatar or other graphical representation of a human body, and therapy parameter information to facilitate the programming of therapy that is delivered to a patient. In some examples, the system may include an implantable medical device (IMD) that delivers therapy to a patient and incorporates a posture state module that detects a posture state engaged by the patient to determine the therapy delivered to the patient. An external programming device may communicate with the IMD, e.g., in real-time, to display the posture state of the patient as well as therapy parameters and physiological conditions associated with the posture state of the patient. The external programming device may receive adjustment input from the clinician to adjust one or more therapy parameters for therapy delivered to a patient in a specific posture state.

Abstract: An in-line sampling system that includes a sampling valve and a syringe for selectively introducing a fluid to and aspirating a fluid from a downstream fluid conduit connected to a catheterized patient. The syringe has a fluid chamber into which fluid is aspirated, a volume regulator for adjusting the volume, a fluid line through which fluid flows through the syringe to a downstream fluid conduit. The syringe also has a valve mechanism for selectively controlling fluid flow along the fluid line and selectively shifting the volume regulator to adjust the volume of the fluid chamber. A housing provides for the fluid chamber and mounts the fluid line, valve mechanism and volume regulator.

Abstract: A transcutaneous sensor device configured for continuously measuring analyte concentrations in a host is provided. In some embodiments, the transcutaneous sensor device 100 comprises an in vivo portion 160 configured for insertion under the skin 180 of the host and an ex vivo portion 170 configured to remain above the surface of the skin 180 of the host after sensor insertion of the in vivo portion. The in vivo portion may comprise a tissue piercing element 110 configured for piercing the skin 180 of the host and a sensor body 120 comprising a material or support member 130 that provides sufficient column strength to allow the sensor body to be pushable in a host tissue without substantial buckling. The ex vivo portion 170 may be configured to comprise (or operably connect to) a sensor electronics unit and may comprise a mounting unit 150. Also described here are various configurations of the sensor body and the tissue piercing element that may be used to protect the membrane of the sensor body.

Abstract: Provided herein is a stabilized oxygen transport matrix that includes a reversible oxygen binding protein, such as hemoglobin, immobilized throughout the stabilized oxygen transport matrix. The stabilized oxygen transport matrix is used to transport oxygen and can be used as an oxygen transport region and a reaction region of an analyte sensor, such as an implantable glucose sensor. The reversible binding protein can also function as an oxygen probe within the analyte sensor.

Abstract: Various embodiments may provide methods and systems capable of evaluating physiological parameter data. The methods and systems may include monitoring a patient to produce a signal comprising a sequence of numerical values for blood oxygen saturation over a time period. The signal may be analyzed to identify two or more desaturation patterns within the time period, and at least two numerical differences are calculated between the desaturation patterns. A saturation pattern detection index may be calculated using the numerical differences between the desaturation patterns. The saturation pattern detection index may be used to provide an indication of a physiological condition. Other embodiments may provide a medical device that may be used to evaluate physical parameter data according to the techniques described.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided that allow for the simultaneous calculation of pulse and regional blood oxygen saturation. An oximeter system that includes a sensor with a plurality of emitters and detectors may be used to calculate a pulse and/or regional blood oxygen saturation. A plurality of light signals may be emitted from light emitters. A first light signal may be received at a first light detector and a second light signal may be received at a second light detector. A pulse and/or regional blood oxygen saturation value may be calculated based on the received first and/or second light signals. The pulse and regional blood oxygen saturation values may be calculated substantially simultaneously. The calculated pulse and regional blood oxygen saturation values as well as other blood oxygen saturation values may be displayed simultaneously in a preconfigured portion of a display.

Abstract: A portable analytical device including at least one optical unit and optionally an adapting device are provided. The optical unit includes a light beam receiving area, a sample holder, a light beam exiting area, and a lens component. The adapting device holds the optical unit and an external hand-held computing device (EHCD), such that the optical unit is coupled to the EHCD.

Abstract: A spectroscopic sensor has plural angle limiting filters that limit incident angles of incident lights, plural light band-pass filters that transmit specific wavelengths, and plural photodiodes to which corresponding transmitted lights are input. The spectroscopic sensor is a semiconductor device in which the angle limiting filters, the light band-pass filters, and the photodiodes are integrated, and, assuming that the surface on which impurity regions for the photodiodes are formed is a front surface of a semiconductor substrate, holes for receiving lights are formed in the impurity regions from the rear surface side.

Abstract: A technique is provided, which makes it possible to continuously supply the driving electric power stably to a sensor even when the continuous monitoring period ranges over a long period of time when the numerical information is measured in relation to a test substance contained in a sample.

Abstract: A diagnostic Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) procedure is applied to measure values of impedance-related parameters for one or more sensing electrodes. The parameters may include real impedance, imaginary impedance, impedance magnitude, and/or phase angle. The measured values of the impedance-related parameters are then used in performing sensor diagnostics, calculating a highly-reliable fused sensor glucose value based on signals from a plurality of redundant sensing electrodes, calibrating sensors, detecting interferents within close proximity of one or more sensing electrodes, and testing surface area characteristics of electroplated electrodes. Advantageously, impedance-related parameters can be defined that are substantially glucose-independent over specific ranges of frequencies. An Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) enables implementation of the EIS-based diagnostics, fusion algorithms, and other processes based on measurement of EIS-based parameters.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses including determining a calibration parameter associated with a detected analyte value, calibrating the analyte value based on the calibration parameter, and dynamically updating the calibration parameter are disclosed. Also provided are systems, kits, and computer program products.