Abstract: An ophthalmic image processing apparatus includes: a storage unit configured to store a fundus image and a first partial image, the first partial image being a partial image photographed for a part of the fundus image and having a higher resolution than the fundus image; and a display control unit configured to combine the first partial image with respect to an image region on the fundus image corresponding to the first partial image, and to display a combined image of the fundus image and the first partial image on a display medium.

Abstract: A miniature eye tracking system is disclosed that includes a camera, a microelectromechanical (MEMS) device, and a processor. The camera images an eye. The MEMS device controls the view-direction of the camera. The processor receives an image of the eye from the camera, determines the location of the eye within the camera image, and controls the MEMS to keep the camera pointed at the eye. In another embodiment, the MEMS device controls an adjustable focus of the camera. The processor determines the focus condition of the eye image, and controls the MEMS device to maintain a desired focus condition of the camera on the eye. In another embodiment, the MEMS device controls an adjustable camera zoom. The processor determines the size of the eye image within the overall camera image, and controls the MEMS to maintain a desired size of the eye image within the overall camera image.

Abstract: A system and method of receiving a cassette to a console of a phacoemulsification system. The system and method may include receiving the cassette in close proximity to a cassette receptacle comprising a receiving surface, sensing variations in at least two variable resistances mounted respectively diagonally about the receiving surface, and comparing the variations as between the at least two variable resistances to assess an attitude of the cassette. The system and method may optionally include clamping the cassette responsively to the comparing step.

Abstract: An automatic sensor position recognition system including a position recognition unit located at pre-determined positions on a person's body and bearing a unique identification; a sensor bearing a unique identification; a communication unit assigned to the sensor and being in communication with the position recognition unit and the sensor; a data processing unit in communication with the communication unit; and a database being in communication with the data processing system and comprising the correlation of the unique identification of the position recognition unit and the pre-determined position of the position recognition unit. The system provides an automatic association between sensors and body segments as well as means to obtain these associations.

Abstract: A method for establishing a connection between a first electronic computing device and a second electronic computing device includes moving the second electronic computing device so that it is proximal to the first electronic computing device. When the first electronic computing device detects the proximity of the first electronic computing device relative to the second electronic computing device, a radio on the first electronic device is set to a connectable and discoverable state. A wireless connection is automatically established between the first electronic computing device and the second electronic computing device. Data is transmitted between the first electronic computing device and the second electronic computing device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for drug administration and/or monitoring the status of a patient, the device comprising a first and a second measuring means, and the time for using the second measuring means being set in accordance with the data of the first measuring means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for facilitating blood pressure measurement. An additional fluid reservoir is arranged to be connected in fluid communication with the blood pressure cuff. The fluid reservoir provides an additional, compliant volume to the fluid volume of the cuff, facilitating blood pressure measurement, particularly for small volume cuffs.

Abstract: A method for monitoring blood pressure includes sensing and storing sympathetic nerve activity data of a patient via a recording lead of an implantable medical device. Changes in sympathetic nerve activity from the nerve activity data are determined. Corresponding changes in blood pressure are determined from the changes in sympathetic nerve activity. An alert signal and/or modification of therapy can be provided.

Abstract: A blood pressure cuff includes a first bladder having a width, and a length transverse to the width. The blood pressure cuff also includes a second bladder connected to the first bladder and a port fluidly connected to at least one of the first and second bladders.

Abstract: A heart monitor is disclosed including an electroacoustic transducer such as an earphone coupled to a controller. The transducer is positioned in a person's ear in acoustic communication with the tympanum. Signals from the transducer are processed to determine the presence of pulsatile blood flow. The heart monitor may be incorporated into a defibrillator to sense the presence of blood flow for use in a shock delivery decision.

Abstract: A system for measuring heart rate variability (HRV) comprising 3 sub-systems: a data collection sub-system, a data analysis sub-system, and an output sub-system. A patient is connected to a heart monitoring device such as an ECG and the data collection sub-system records the patients heart beats, and an ECG chart is produced from which the patient's HRV value is derived by the data analysis sub-system. The present invention obtains the HRV value through calculation of a new parameter called relative density (RD). In accordance with the inventive method, data points are generated from the peak interval data of measured heart beats and the HRV relative density parameter (RD) is calculated by correlation between two subsets of data points.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for determining whether a medical sensor has been properly applied to a patient are provided. In one embodiment, a patient monitor having such capabilities may include a medical sensor interface and data processing circuitry. The medical sensor interface may receive physiological data from a medical sensor applied to a patient. The data processing circuitry may be capable of being trained, using a learning-based algorithm, to determine whether the received physiological data indicates that the medical sensor has been properly applied to the patient.

Abstract: A personal information system is provided. The system may include a portable information device having a housing including a top surface defined at least partially by a display, a bottom surface configured with a central region in which an optical sensor, electrical connector, and data connector are positioned, the housing enclosing an internal volume in which a processor is provided, the top surface and bottom surface being coupled by a perimeter side edge extending therebetween, and a mounting structure formed at least partially around the perimeter side edge of the housing. The system may further include a frame, which may be connected to a band, the frame surrounding a void and configured to receive the mounting structure, the frame and mounting structure being releasably securable via a tongue and groove connection. The system may further comprise a dock to which the information device may be connected.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for evaluating a patient with vascular disease. One method includes receiving one or more vascular models associated with either the patient or with a plurality of individuals; receiving observed perfusion information associated with the patient; and estimating, using one or more computer processors, one or more blood flow characteristics or one or more pathological characteristics of the patient based on the observed perfusion information and the one or more vascular models.

Abstract: A method for measuring a neural response to a stimulus. Measurement circuitry is settled prior to a stimulus, by connecting a sense electrode to the measurement circuitry to allow the measurement circuitry to settle towards a bio-electrically defined steady state. Charge is recovered on stimulus electrodes by short circuiting the stimulus electrodes to each other. An electrical stimulus is then applied from the stimulus electrodes to neural tissue, while keeping the sense electrode disconnected from the measurement circuitry. After the stimulus, a delay is imposed during which the stimulus electrodes are open circuited and the sense electrode is disconnected from the measurement circuitry and from the stimulus electrodes. After the delay, a neural response signal present at the sense electrode is measured by connecting the sense electrode to the measurement circuitry.

Abstract: An electrocardiogram analyzer has a measurement section for measuring an electrocardiographic signal; a determination unit for determining, from arrhythmia determination reference information that is information pertinent to arrhythmia, whether or not an electrocardiogram multiplex, which includes a first predetermined number of heart beats, in the thus-measured electrocardiographic signal is arrhythmia; a reference waveform determination unit that determines a reference waveform from the electrocardiogram complex including the first predetermined number of heart beats when the determination unit has determined that the electrocardiogram complex is not arrhythmia, storing the thus determined reference waveform; and an analysis unit that performs an analysis as to whether or not an electrocardiogram complex being measured is arrhythmia by use of the stored reference waveform.

Abstract: A distributed imaging system uses non-ionizing radiation in the form of microwaves to image the body. This non-ionizing radiation is safer for a patient than traditional x-rays. The majority of image processing takes place in a centralized computing environment which receives microwave image data from many remote data acquisition sites (such as imaging centers, radiology groups, and/or doctor's offices). The centralized computing environment is specially configured to receive microwave image data from many sites and produce microwave images based on the received microwave image data. The microwave images may then be sent back to the acquisition site and/or to other sites for viewing and evaluation. This relieves the image data acquisition site of the burden and expense of having specialized high speed computer equipment that is necessary to produce microwave images.

Abstract: A device is described for measuring electrical characteristics of biological tissues with plurality of electrodes and a processor controlling the stimulation and measurement in order to detect the presence of abnormal tissue masses in organs. Examples of suitable organs are the breast, skin, oral cavity, lung, liver, colon, rectum, cervix, and prostate and determine probability of tumors containing malignant cancer cells being present in tissue. The approach can also be applied to biopsied tissue samples. The device has the capability of providing the location of the abnormality. The method for measuring electrical characteristics includes placing electrodes and applying a voltage waveform in conjunction with a current detector. A mathematical analysis method is then applied to the collected data, which computes spectrum of frequencies and correlates magnitudes and phases with given algebraic conditions to determine mass presence and type.

Abstract: Diagnostic compositions and methods for imaging and/or assessing collagen are described. The diagnostic compositions can include collagen binding peptides.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is a method for detecting spinal abnormalities using magnet resonance imaging. The method comprises positioning a patient in an upright posture in an imaging volume of a magnet resonance imaging magnet with the spine of the patient adjacent to an antenna and capturing magnetic resonance imaging signals from a first portion of the patient's spine using the antenna with the patient positioned in a first position. The method may further comprise adjusting the patient position along a substantially vertical direction to a second position and capturing magnetic resonance imaging signals from a second portion of the patient's spine using the antenna with the patient positioned in the second position.

Abstract: A pediatric patient handling assembly includes a carrier on which a pediatric patient is positioned and prepared for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The carrier carrying the pediatric patient is set on a support table of an MRI scanner. The support table includes a local RF coil assembly mounted on the support table. The carrier is slid along the support table and into engagement with the local RF coil assembly. Interacting guide surfaces on the carrier and the local RF coil assembly align and engage the carrier along a longitudinal axis of the support table. The local RF coil assembly includes a pivotally mounted anterior coil which is lowered towards a base of the support table into an imaging or operating position. The support table, with the engaged local RF coil assembly, carrier and pediatric patient, is translated into a magnetic imaging region of the MRI scanner.

Abstract: Scanner Systems with table stabilizers for stabilizing patient support structures during a surgery include a stabilizer block that can cooperate with the gantry to structurally support a head end portion of the table to prevent undesired movement of the table under an end load.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for localizing lesions within a patient's body, e.g., within a breast. The system may include one or more markers implantable within or around the target tissue region, and a probe for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals to detect the one or more markers. During use, the marker(s) are into a target tissue region, and the probe is placed against the patient's skin to detect and localize the marker(s). A tissue specimen, including the lesion and the marker(s), is then removed from the target tissue region based at least in part on the localization information from the probe.

Abstract: A handheld tissue stretching device combined with an extremity flexibility number, stretchscore, enables users to independently evaluate and treat the flexibility of their extremity tissue minimizing physical therapist intervention to evaluate and treat tissue. The distance between handheld stretching devices and the extremity supports changes with a high degree of variability during home treatments; whereas, medical professionals monitor stretch intensity visually and manually. Patients performing home-based stretches impart variable intensity that leads to inconsistent tissue treatment resulting in increased tissue stiffness. The present inventors have discovered when the slack is automatically retracted, the distance between the users hands and the extremity support is continuously proportional to the flexibility of the extremity.

Abstract: An integrated analyte measurement system includes a housing and a disposable configured to be positioned in the housing. A plurality of penetrating members are positioned in the disposable. A penetrating member driver is configured to be coupled to each of a penetrating member. A plurality of analyte sensors are positioned in the disposable. The disposable houses both used and unused penetrating members and analyte sensors.

Abstract: A blood lancing device includes a housing unit and a cap. When the cap is disposed at an initial position, a second drive element is blocked by a first drive element from forward movement relative to the first drive element. When the cap is moved from the initial position to a retracted position, the first drive element pushes the second drive element so that the second drive element is deviated from the first drive element when a holder holding a lancet is moved to a trigger position, thereby allowing for a high speed movement of the holder from the trigger position to a pricking position by virtue of biasing action of a first biasing member.

Abstract: A bag for collecting body fluids, such as urine or vomit, wherein the bag in compact condition includes a front side, a back side, a bottom and at least two side edges, where a bag opening is formed opposite the bottom. The bag includes an expandable bead arranged in or close to the bag opening to keep the bag open. The bead can have several chambers that can be inflated or expanded by a resiliently deformable material arranged in the chambers. A removable absorbing material is arranged at the bottom of the bag so that a sample of the fluid can be taken before it is absorbed. At least a part of the sides of the bag can be transparent. Identification means can be provided to enable identification of the user whose liquid has been collected. The bag and the bead can be compressed and stored in compact condition.

Abstract: A system for administering negative pressure therapy to a wound includes a screen adapted to be positioned at the wound. A reduced pressure source is in fluid communication with the screen, and a Hood gas transducer is exposed to a reduced pressure provided by the reduced pressure source. The reduced pressure supplied by the reduced pressure source induces hyperperfusion of a blood gas at the wound.

Abstract: Bodily fluid sample transport systems, devices, and method are provided. In at least one embodiment described herein, methods are provided for the physical transport of small volumes of bodily fluid in liquid form from one location to another location. By way of nonlimiting example, the samples are collected in liquid form at a collection site, transported in liquid form, and arrive at an analysis site in liquid form. In many embodiments, the liquid form during transport is not held in a porous matrix, wicking material, webbing, or similar material that prevents sample for being extracted in liquid form at the destination site. In one embodiment, small volume of sample in each sample vessel is in the range of about 1 ml to about 1 microliter.

Abstract: The device (10) disclosed herein assists in the diagnosis and classification of neurodegenerative diseases through the assessment of a subject's visuo-spatial ability. The device (10) has a touch-screen display (11) into which a user can input data utilizing a stylus (13) or the like. A position reader is provided, linked to a position data storage means and also a timer to link a time value to said position data, the time value being stored in a time data storage means. Storage means is also provided for preset-value data relating to known data on medical conditions, with the preset-value data having been produced in accordance with an evolutionary algorithm. A comparator compares the user input data with the preset-value data, and the result is output.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for determining an individual's risk of dyslexia. A plurality of query pages may be rendered. Each query page may comprise a plurality of non-verbal answers that are selectable by the user. A plurality of auditory queries may be rendered. Each auditory query may comprise sound data corresponding to a non-verbal query. Each auditory query may be associated with one or more of the plurality of query pages. A plurality of selections may be received from the user. Each selection may identify a non-verbal answer from a query page. An assessment may be generated. The assessment may identify a user's risk of dyslexia based on the plurality of selections and timing data that indicates how much time the user took to make each of the plurality of selections.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include a method and an apparatus for monitoring sleep apnea severity that comprise: (a) analyzing an oxygen saturation signal to extract a plurality of time-domain and frequency-domain metrics; (b) calculating an oxygen saturation-based Apnea Hyponea Index (AHI) by employing a predetermined functional mapping between said metrics and polysomnography (PSG)-based AHI; and (c) displaying an oxygen saturation-based AHI to enable a specialist to monitor sleep apnea severity without requiring PSG. According to a particular embodiment, the oxygen saturation signal is nocturnal oxygen saturation and the functional mapping is a multilinear regression model (MLR) or a multilayer perceptron network (MLP).

Abstract: Method and device for diagnosing and/or treating sleep apnea and related sleep disorders, such as snoring and respiratory effort-related arousals, includes an inflatable implement which is applied to the external surface of the chest and/or abdomen (Vest). Pressure is caused to rise to a predetermined positive value. The rate of airflow into and/or out of said Vest is monitored, whereby the Vest Flow is displayed or processed to obtain information about the breathing characteristics of the patient.

Abstract: A pulse oximeter sensor has both a reusable and a disposable portion. The reusable portion of the sensor preserves the relatively long-lived and costly emitter, detector and connector components. The disposable portion of the sensor is the relatively inexpensive adhesive tape component that is used to secure the sensor to a measurement site, typically a patient's finger or toe. The disposable portion of the sensor is removably attached to the reusable portion in a manner that allows the disposable portion to be readily replaced when the adhesive is expended or the tape becomes soiled or excessively worn. The disposable portion may also contain an information element useful for sensor identification or for security purposes to insure patient safety.

Abstract: A multi-electrode array with individually isolated electrodes each configurable for a target-containing carrier and a method for fabricating the array are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the array includes a substrate; and a plurality of electrodes disposed on the substrate. Each electrode of the plurality of electrodes has a conductive tip-end and an insulated remainder. A first electrode of the plurality of electrodes has a first configuration selected to bring a conductive tip end of the first electrode in proximity to a first target structure, and a second electrode of the plurality of electrodes has a second configuration selected to bring a conductive tip end of the second electrode in proximity to a second target structure. The first configuration and the second configuration are different. A first contact of the plurality of contacts may be electrically coupled to the first electrode through the substrate.

Abstract: An effective meal average (EMA) value is presented, followed by two or more of the individual values that make up the EMA, to provide improved feedback data for clinical decisions by patients who need to alter their dose of insulin. The EMA can comprise a measure of the variability of its constituent values, encompass values that occur at specified times such as 1 hour before and after a specified meal time, and be calculated over a limited number of days previous to the calculation (e.g., 3 days) and have a minimum number of values that must be obtained within the time and date ranges. An algorithm can exclude any given reading from the average (e.g., post-prandial or control solution readings). Patients can use 1 to 8 EMA on any given date range (e.g., preferably 4, that is, breakfast, lunch, supper and bedtime snack).

Abstract: The X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray source that emits X-rays to an object at different original-view positions, an X-ray detector that acquires original-view images by detecting X-rays having passed through the object, and an image controller that reconstructs a 3D volume image representation of the object from the original-view images and generates close-view images by virtually emitting X-rays to the 3D volume image representation of the object at a shorter distance than a distance between the X-ray source and the object.

Abstract: A method for automatically determining the best effective reconstruction gap, the method including scanning a phantom to collect image data of the phantom, using a plurality of different gap values to reconstruct image of the phantom respectively, based on the image data, thus obtaining a plurality of images respectively associated with different gap values, selecting the best image from the plurality of images, and automatically determining the gap value associated with the best image, and save it as the best effective reconstruction gap.

Abstract: Provided is an intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus having a camera, including: a frame; an X-ray irradiator which is installed to be supported by the frame and of which the one end portion is inserted into the oral cavity and which irradiates X-ray through an X-ray irradiation hole formed on the one end portion inserted into the oral cavity; a camera unit which is installed at the one end portion of the X-ray irradiator to image an interior of the oral cavity; a monitor unit which is connected to a camera unit to output the image captured by the camera unit; and an X-ray detector which is arranged to be separated from the X-ray irradiator in the frame so as to detect the X-ray irradiated from the X-ray irradiator outside the oral cavity.

Abstract: An X-ray generation system and an X-ray detection system can be used in a method for taking X-ray images. The X-ray generation system includes an X-ray generator that generates X-rays and emits the generated X-rays to an external device. A three-dimensional (3D) posture information detector generates 3D posture information for the X-ray generator, and a communicator transmits the 3D posture information to the external device.

Abstract: A multimodal cardiac phantom has a body structure with a shape and properties that mimic the elasticity, ultrasound, and magnetic properties of cardiac tissue. The multimodal cardiac phantom is advantageously produced from a polymer such as polyvinyl alcohol. The polyvinyl alcohol may include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) markers and ultrasound markers. The multimodal cardiac phantom can be used to evaluate and to configure apparatuses for imagining cardiac tissue.

Abstract: An acoustic monitoring system has an acoustic front-end, a first signal path from the acoustic front-end directly to an audio transducer and a second signal path from the acoustic front-end to an acoustic data processor via an analog-to-digital converter. The acoustic front-end receives an acoustic sensor signal responsive to body sounds in a person. The audio transducer provides continuous audio of the body sounds. The acoustic data processor provides audio of the body sounds upon user demand.

Abstract: Ultrasound vibrometry is employed to determine the amount of bony in-growth (i.e., osteointegration) into a surgically implanted prosthetic component (or conversely, the degree of implant looseness). While specifically developed for assessing osteointegration for total ankle replacements, the technique has broader application to any joint arthroplasty device. With respect to ankle arthroplasty, a vibration is induced in a patient's ankle in a range of frequencies. A Doppler ultrasound unit scans the ankle, with an imaging plane focused on an implant surface. The vibrations input into the ankle are sinusoidal frequencies, in a range from 80-500 Hz. At a frequency determined to best facilitate vibration of the ankle (e.g., a resonant frequency), the output signal from the Doppler ultrasound is Fourier transformed so that the frequency components of the output signal can be observed. These output Fourier signatures have been shown to correspond to a graded response of implant osteointegration (or looseness).

Abstract: An adaptor for an endoscopic device includes (a) a cylindrical core extending from a first end to a second end along a central axis and (b) a collar slidably received over the core. The second end includes first and second slots defining first and second arms which radially expandable toward the axis and away from the axis. The second end is sized and dimensioned to engage an end of a first conduit of a biopsy device. The collar extends from a first end to a second end and being movable from a first position in which the second end of the collar is axially separated from the arms and a second position in which a portion of the collar is positioned over the arms radially compressing the arms to lockingly grasp a free end of a first conduit positioned therebetween to create a fluid-tight seal about the first conduit.

Abstract: A method includes generating a single three dimensional perspective or axonometric image based on at least two two-dimensional intersecting scanplanes. A rendering engine includes a view processor that generates a single three dimensional perspective image based on at least two two-dimensional intersecting scanplanes. An ultrasound imaging system includes a transducer array, including at least two one dimensional transducer arrays, each receiving echoes corresponding to different intersecting scanplanes, a scan converter that scan converts the echoes into a format for display on a monitor, and a view processor that combines the intersecting scanplanes to form a single three dimensional perspective image.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system combines successive images of a time series to produce high-resolution ultrasound. A piecewise registration process and deemphasizing of high-frequency spatial components may be used to aid in the combination process. A high-definition image may be obtained with or separately from this process by combining different images obtained with different ultrasound frequencies. The images are weighted to accentuate the contribution of high-frequency ultrasound data at the leading edge of imaged structure.

Abstract: A tissue removal apparatus and needle assembly for extracting a tissue portion from tissue or the like, the needle assembly comprising an inner tube having an interior cavity, an outer cannula having a proximal end, a distal end and an interior cavity, the interior cavity of the outer cannula having an interior diameter to slidably receive the inner tube and a collapsible section operably engaged with the inner tube and the outer cannula whereby a forward movement of a portion of the inner tube within the interior cavity of the outer cannula changes the collapsible section from a neutral position to a collapsed position to engage the tissue portion. A method of tissue removal comprising the steps of positioning a needle assembly in a tissue, engaging a tissue portion and withdrawing the needle assembly to remove the tissue portion from the tissue.

Abstract: A medical device assembly comprises a medical device comprising a shaft having proximal and distal end portions. The device further comprises a sensor at the distal end portion of the shaft that comprises first and second leads extending therefrom to the proximal end portion of the shaft. The device further comprises an electromechanical connector having a plurality of pins at a first end thereof. First and second of the pins are electrically connected to the first and second sensor leads, respectively, thereby forming a first partial magnetic loop between the first and second pins. The connector further comprises first and second jumpers electrically connecting the first pin and third pins, and second and fourth pins, respectively, thereby forming a second partial magnetic loop. The partial magnetic loops are configured to combine with partial magnetic loops of another connector to form a pair of magnetic noise cancellation loops.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a puncture through tissue having an introducer sheath therein includes an elongate positioning member including a housing on a proximal end and an expandable member on a distal end, and a cartridge advanceable along the positioning member from a proximal position to a distal position. The cartridge includes a tubular member including a sealant and an advancer member disposed within lumen of the tubular member. A sleeve is slidably disposed over the tubular member distal end such that, when the tubular member is advanced over the positioning member, the tubular member distal end enters the introducer sheath while the sleeve is stopped and slides over the tubular member to expose the tubular member distal end within the introducer sheath. The introducer sheath and cartridge are then withdrawn, exposing the sealant within the puncture.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for sealing a puncture communicating with a blood vessel are provided that include introducing a porous carrier formed from lyophilized hydrogel or other material into the puncture. The plug may include at least one of first and second hydrogel precursors and a pH adjusting agent carried by the porous carrier in an unreactive state prior to exposure to an aqueous physiological environment. Once exposed to bodily fluids, the carrier expands as the lyophilized material hydrates to enhance and facilitate rapid hemostasis of the puncture. When the plug is placed into the puncture, the natural wetting of the plug by bodily fluids (e.g., blood) causes the first and second precursors to react and cross-link into an adhesive or “sticky” hydrogel that aids in retaining the plug in place within the puncture.