Abstract: A data reception device includes a wireless communication interface configured to receive imaging data transmitted from a capsule endoscope and which transmits the imaging data after the imaging by performing the imaging, and to transmit a frame rate-setting value to the capsule endoscope, a memory configured to store reference image information to be used to specify a part of a living body included in the imaging data, a range-of-interest detection unit configured to detect a range of interest which is a range of the part in the imaging data based on the reference image information, an amount-of-change detection unit configured to detect an amount of change in the range of interest between the imaging data of two different frames, and a frame rate determination unit configured to determine the frame rate-setting value to be transmitted to the capsule endoscope.

Abstract: A bending portion of an endoscope capable of realizing optimum bending forms corresponding to purposes by a simple configuration is provided. For this purpose, knot rings for upward/downward bending and knot rings for left/right bending arrayed in a first bending area set on a distal end side of a bending portion are configured with second knot rings on which a pair of projecting portions are arranged axially symmetric relative to a central axis of an insertion portion; knot rings for left/right bending arrayed on a second bending area set on a proximal end side of the bending portion are configured with second knot rings; and knot rings for upward/downward bending arrayed in the second bending area are configured with third knot rings on which a pair of projecting portions are offset upward from axially-symmetric positions relative to the central position of the insertion portion by a predetermined offset amount.

Abstract: A direct visualization catheter includes an elongate shaft defining a lumen and having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion and a transparent balloon attached to the distal end portion of the shaft. The balloon includes a first layer comprising a thermoset polymer and a plurality of polymeric fibers at least partially embedded in the thermoset polymer and a second layer disposed on the first layer and comprising a hydrogel.

Abstract: An endoscope includes: a shooting lens unit having a shooting lens and a housing which holds the shooting lens; a prism on which shooting light coming from the shooting lens shines; a prism holding structure which holds the prism and is attached to one end portion of the housing; an image area sensor which is attached to an exit face of the prism; a circuit board which drives the image area sensor; a transmission cable which is electrically connected to the circuit board; and a cable link structure one end portion of which is fastened to the transmission cable and other end portion of which is attached to a body structure having the prism holding structure and the housing, and the other end portion of the cable link structure is formed with a lock portion as defined herein.

Abstract: A reduced area imaging device is provided for use in medical or dental instruments such as an endoscope. The imaging device is provided in various configurations, and connections between the imaging device elements and a video display may be achieved by wired or wireless connections. A connector assembly located near the imaging device interconnects the imaging device to an image/power cable extending through the endoscope. The connector provides strain relief and stabilization for electrically interconnecting the imager to the cable. The connector also serves as the structure for anchoring the distal ends of steering wires extending through the body of the endoscopic device. The connector includes a strain relief member mounted over a body of the connector. The connector allows a steering wire capability without enlarging the profile of the distal tip of the endoscopic device.

Abstract: An endoluminal crawler used in endoscopic procedures includes a body and an actuation unit. The body includes a tubular portion. The actuation unit includes an actuator providing a rotational output and a traction belt. The traction belt includes a traction portion and an engaging portion. The traction portion protrudes out of a slot defined in the tubular portion and the engaging portion operatively engages the actuator.

Abstract: A guidance device includes: a permanent magnet; an accommodating portion; a shielding member configured to shield the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet; a supporting mechanism configured to support the permanent magnet between a first position and a second position; a driving unit configured to operate the supporting mechanism upon receiving an electric power supply; and a shielding member moving mechanism configured to move the shielding member between a shielding position and a non-shielding position in conjunction with an operation of the supporting mechanism causing the permanent magnet to move in a vertical direction. When the electric power supply to the driving unit stops, the shielding member moving mechanism moves the shielding member to the shielding position in conjunction with an operation of the supporting mechanism causing the permanent magnet to move to the first position.

Abstract: An illuminated suction apparatus including a hand-held surgical device combining a high-performance non-fiber optic optical waveguide with suction. This device is useful in a wide array of surgical procedures including open and minimally invasive orthopedics.

Abstract: A closed-loop endoscopic capsule including a sensor recording biological information reflecting the inner condition of a gastrointestinal tract, an expander which is inflatable and holds the endoscopic capsule in the gastrointestinal tract, a medication releaser releasing medication for treatment, and a controller for processing the recorded biological information to generate control signals for the expander and the releaser. An endoscopic system that includes the endoscopic capsule, an external station for data processing, and a mobile device for human-machine interaction.

Abstract: An extracorporeal terminal includes a wireless communication unit including a plurality of antenna elements, and configured to transmit and receive a signal. with a capsule endoscope, a first memory configured to store a position database showing relationships between coordinates and the frame rate, a position estimation unit configured to estimate a position of the capsule endoscope using a signal level of the signal received by the wireless communication unit, and a frame rate-setting unit configured to set the frame rate corresponding to the coordinates when a distance between a position shown by the coordinates included in the position database retained in the first memory and at position of the capsule endoscope estimated by the position estimation unit is less than a distance threshold that is preset. The wireless communication unit transmits a signal showing the frame rate set by the frame rate-setting unit to the capsule endoscope.

Abstract: A visualization instrument comprising a camera including an optical train and an image sensor. The optical train includes at least one lens and may include a prism. Optical images received by the optical train are captured by the image sensor, which may be positioned adjacent the image sensor to reduce the profile of the camera.

Abstract: A balloon catheter visualization system for repairing a heart valve in a patent includes one or more elongate shafts, each shaft defining at least one lumen and comprising a distal end portion and a proximal end portion. The system also includes a transparent balloon member coupled to the one or more elongate shafts and is in fluid communication with at least one lumen of the one or more elongate shafts. The system also includes an imaging element disposed within the balloon member and coupled to a distal end portion of the one or more elongate shafts, a fastener releasably coupled to a distal end portion of the one or more elongate shafts, and a connector coupled to a distal end portion of the one or more elongate shafts. The connector is adapted to fasten the fastener to tissue.

Abstract: An image sensor includes: a reference signal generation unit configured to generate and output a reference signal in accordance with a predetermined voltage; a plurality of pixels disposed in a two-dimensional matrix form and configured to receive light from outside, and to generate and output an imaging signal in accordance with an amount of the received light; a transfer unit configured to transfer the reference signal output from the reference signal generation unit and the imaging signal output from each of the plurality of pixels, during different periods; and an output unit configured to separately hold the reference signal and the imaging signal transferred from the transfer unit, sequentially switch between the reference signal and the imaging signal to output the switched signal.

Abstract: An endoscope includes: a first lens located at a distal-most position, a part of the first lens being exposed outside; a movable lens barrel configured to be able to move, and configured to hold a movable lens disposed on a proximal end side with respect to the first lens; an actuator unit including a coil that drives the movable lens barrel and generates heat by receiving a supply of electric power; and a control section that outputs first electric power to the coil when holding the movable lens barrel at a predetermined position, and outputs second electric power larger than the first electric power to the coil when conducting heat generated from the coil to the first lens at the predetermined position.

Abstract: A light for use with an oral anesthesia syringe that is received into a passageway of a barrel of the light. When the syringe is received into a first opening in a proximal end of the barrel's passageway, the needle of the syringe extends through a second opening at the proximal end of the barrel. At least one lamp and preferably a plurality of lamps at the distal end of the barrel illuminate the needle and the interior of a patient's mouth. A battery is included in the light for powering the lamps. The insertion of the syringe into the barrel may a pair of contacts to cause the battery to power the lamps, or the battery may be removed to remove power from the lamps. A disposable integrated syringe and light combination is also described.

Abstract: A video laryngoscope is provided that includes a body having a handle portion and a blade portion. The blade portion terminates in a tip and defines at least one aperture formed proximal to the tip. The blade portion is dimensioned for oral insertion into a subject buccal cavity. A fiber optic light source terminates within the blade portion and upon light source activation illuminates an area including the tip. A video system is coupled to the body and relays imagery of the tip and surrounding area to a video monitor. A channel extending through the body provides fluid communication to the aperture and an external source of suction. As a result, an operator is capable of visualizing debris and/or obstructions in a subject airway and is able to observe and guide the scope for suction removal.

Abstract: An automated method for diagnosing and evaluating severity of retinopathy of prematurity in a retina of a patient is provided that is superior to conventional techniques. A graphical user interface (GUI) is provided for receiving biographical information for the patient creating a patient record in a database via the GUI. A photograph of the retina of the patient is collected and placed in the patient record via the GUI. The photograph is then analyzed to determine vascular distributions within the retina. A zone 1 boundary is assigned to the retina based on a set of threshold levels with respect to the determined vascular distributions. A system for performing the automated method is also provided.

Abstract: A visual function evaluation is performed using a sequence of interactions with a mobile device. A patient user may perform a variety of visual tests using the mobile device. The mobile device transmits the test results to a remote server implementing analysis of the visual function results using network service. The network service receives the test results, processes the results, and provides the processed results to a healthcare provider. The processed results may include trends of the user's visual function test performance. The healthcare provider, such as a physician, may optimize and administer treatment based on the data. Early detection of changes in visual function can enable the healthcare provider to individualize treatment, helping to prevent vision loss while minimizing visits to the office, discomfort, and expense.

Abstract: The present technology relates to an image processing apparatus and an image processing method, and particularly to an image processing apparatus and an image processing method capable of suppressing an increase in a load on a subject and obtaining a captured image of the subject with higher image quality. An imaging unit reduces a light amount and performs a plurality of imagings of the fundus of the eye so as to generate a plurality of fundus images. A biological information alignment processing unit aligns the fundus images by using biological information of a subject. A super-resolution processing unit superimposes an aligned input image on a previous super-resolution result image so as to generate a new super-resolution result image. The super-resolution processing unit stores or outputs the super-resolution result image in a storage unit or from an output unit, and supplies the super-resolution result image to a super-resolution result image buffer so as to be stored.

Abstract: A tomographic image capturing apparatus includes a fixation lamp configured to guide a line of sight of a subject's eye, and a control unit configured to control a projection position of measuring light according to a predetermined position on a fundus of the subject's eye and a projection position of the fixation lamp.

Abstract: A tomographic-image pickup unit is controlled so as to capture a tomographic image in response to a signal input from a signal input unit. Then, a display unit is controlled so as to display the captured tomographic image. An eyeground-image pickup unit is controlled so as to capture a two-dimensional image in response to a signal input from the signal input unit while the tomographic image is displayed on the display unit. Therewith, the user can more easily perform imaging, and the time load on the subject is reduced.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a scanning optical system comprises first and second optical sources for providing and a deflector device. The first and second optical sources provide first and second beams, respectively, of optical radiation. The deflector device is disposed to receive and deflect the first and second beams, and is configured for a scanning operation on a beam of radiation traversing the deflector the device. The first beam is incident on the deflector device with a first orientation and the second beam is incident on the deflector device with a second orientation that is different from the first orientation.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that allows a practitioner to rotate a human subject's head in three-dimensional space using a robotic arm with a head mount attached to one end, while the subject is focused on a visual target.

Abstract: A fundus camera for photographing a fundus of an eye that includes a plurality of light sources with differing frequencies for illuminating the fundus, a plurality of fixation lights configured to orient the fundus in varying positions, and an imaging sensor. The fundus camera further includes at least one processor configured to cause the illumination of the plurality of light sources and the plurality of fixation lights in a predetermined pattern to obtain a plurality of narrow bandwidth images of the fundus and to manipulate and stitch the resulting narrow bandwidth images into a composite color image.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a disposable cap for an eye imaging apparatus with an optical window and related methods. The disposable cap can comprise an optically transparent window cover, a ridge, a side wall and a locking element. The window cover can comprise a convex back surface to match a concave shape of the optical window. The ridge of the disposable cap can extend distally and radially outward from the window cover and the side wall can extend proximally and radially outwardly from the ridge. The locking element can comprise one or more radially inward projections and one or more radially outward releasing tabs. A disposable packaging shell of the disposable cap also disclosed. Disclosed herein is also a plug-in disposable system comprising the disposable cap and the disposable packaging shell, configured to enable the disposable cap to be attached to and detached from the eye imaging apparatus.

Abstract: A system for performing measurements of an eye comprises: a measurement tool that measures the eye, at least one rest that maintains a facial measurement position and defines a centering rest portion that maintains a lateral facial measurement position; an adjuster mechanism that moves an objective of the measurement tool relative to the eye; and a processing unit configured to control the system. The unit controls the system to position, for a first eye, the objective at a predefined first pre-scan position; scan the objective away from the first pre-scan position until the system detects a pupil of the first eye; and trigger one or more measurements of the first eye dependent on the system detecting the pupil of the first eye.

Abstract: Optical imaging or spectroscopy described can use laminar optical tomography (LOT), diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS), or the like. An incident beam is scanned across a target. An orthogonal or oblique optical response can be obtained, such as concurrently at different distances from the incident beam. The optical response from multiple incident wavelengths can be concurrently obtained by dispersing the response wavelengths in a direction orthogonal to the response distances from the incident beam. Temporal correlation can be measured, from which flow and other parameters can be computed. An optical conduit can enable endoscopic or laparoscopic imaging or spectroscopy of internal target locations. An articulating arm can communicate the light for performing the LOT, DCS, or the like. The imaging can find use for skin cancer diagnosis, such as distinguishing lentigo maligna (LM) from lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM).

Abstract: A method includes storing three-dimensional image data acquired intravascularly via an optical coherence tomography (OCT) apparatus. The image data is analyzed to compute a probability estimate of stent presence at support positions appearing in an A-line. Stent strut locations are located in three-dimensional space based on the computed probability estimate of stent presence.

Abstract: A system for imaging an abnormal cell and or diseased tissue after topical application of a near infrared protease-specific probe is disclosed. The system includes a protease-specific near infrared (NIRF) imaging probe, means for topically administering the protease-specific probe to a diseased tissue and an imaging device capable of detecting the interaction between the protease-specific NIRF imaging probe and the diseased tissue. A method and surgical procedure are also disclosed.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a control system operable to gather physiological information about a patient supported on the patient support apparatus. The information may be gathered from sensors, a user interface, or a hospital information system. The control system uses the data gathered to predict whether a patient is likely to be in need of care from a caregiver.

Abstract: A system and an imaging method for using photoacoustic effect are provided in the present invention. The system includes a light source for generating a light beam, a wave-guide probe and an ultrasound receiving device. The wave-guide probe further has a reception portion and at least one transmission portion. The reception portion receives the light beam and then triggers a photoacoustic effect inside the reception portion so as thereby to generate at least one sound wave thereinside to be further transmitted to the at least one transmission portion. The transmission portion is merged into the organic medium. When the sound wave is transmitted to the transmission portion, an ultrasound area is generated inside the organic medium. The ultrasound receiving device is located adjacent to the organic medium, receives the ultrasound generated in the ultrasound area to form an ultrasound image of the organic medium, so as to achieve the imaging method.

Abstract: A photoacoustic apparatus includes a light source; transducers that receives acoustic waves and outputs electric signals, the acoustic waves being generated when an object is irradiated with light generated from the light source; a support member that supports the transducers such that directivity axes of the transducers gather; a movement region setting unit that sets a movement region of the support member; a moving unit that moves the support member in the movement region such that relative position between the object and the support member changes; and an information acquiring unit that acquires object information based on the electric signals, wherein the light source emits the light when the support member is positioned in the movement region, and wherein the movement region setting unit acquires coordinate information about a surface of the object and determines the movement region based on the coordinate information.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for imaging based on the generation and use of mismatched coded excitation signals. Cross-correlation properties of the received signal reveal the location and/or timing and/or properties of the source. The use of mismatched signals enables spatial and/or temporal and/or functional encoding of the transmitted signals. In some embodiments, high-speed imaging may be performed by employing mismatched codes for spatial and/or temporal encoding, and by employing a subset of transducer elements as transmitters, and another subset of elements as receivers. Various example embodiments of different types of mismatched codes are provided, including codes that employ multiple frequency chirps, codes that employ concatenated multi-frequency binary phase-coded waveforms, and chirped binary phase-coded waveforms.

Abstract: An object information acquiring apparatus is employed which includes elements each receiving a photoacoustic wave from a region of interest of an object and outputting an electric signal, a probe that supports the elements such that directional axes of the elements are gathered, and that holds an acoustic matching member, a scanner that moves the probe, a controller, and a processor that generates image data on the region of interest. The controller performs, on the same region of interest, photoacoustic measurements in which the probe is moved along a curved trajectory, with the elements each allowed to receive a photoacoustic wave, and moves the probe in the same rotating direction as direction of the curved trajectory at a time between the photoacoustic measurements.

Abstract: Body temperature measurements are obtained by scanning a thermal radiation sensor across the side of the forehead over the temporal artery. A peak temperature measurement is processed to compute an internal temperature of the body as a function of ambient temperature and the sensed surface temperature. The function includes a weighted difference of surface temperature and ambient temperature, the weighting being varied with target temperature through a minimum in the range of 96° F. and 100° F. The radiation sensor views the target surface through an emissivity compensating cup which is spaced from the skin by a circular lip of low thermal conductivity.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems for predicting and detecting a change in a physiological condition of a subject are disclosed. A device for detecting and predicting a change in physiological condition of a subject may include one or more processors configured to: (i) analyze changes in a heart rhythm of a subject; (ii) analyze a signal from one or more biomarkers that are associated with a physiological condition of the subject; and (iii) determine, based on the changes in the heart rhythm and the signal from the one or more biomarkers, whether there is a change in the physiological condition of the subject during a time period.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for performing procedure on tissue with flow monitoring using flow sensors. The devices include an elongated member, and at least one flow sensor disposed on the elongated member. The flow sensor includes at least one temperature sensor and at least one heating element having a cavity. At least a portion of the at least one temperature sensor is housed in the cavity. A temperature measurement of the temperature sensor provides an indication of the flow rate of a fluid proximate to the flow sensor.

Abstract: Physiological monitoring can be provided through a syncope sensor imbedded into an electrocardiography monitor, which correlates syncope events and electrocardiographic data. Physiological monitoring can be provided through a lightweight wearable monitor that includes two components, a flexible extended-wear electrode patch and a reusable monitor recorder that removably snaps into a receptacle on the electrode patch. The wearable monitor sits centrally on the patient's chest at the sternal midline and includes a unique narrow “hourglass”-like shape, significantly improving the ability of the monitor to cutaneously sense cardiac electrical potential signals, particularly the P-wave and QRS interval signals, which indicate ventricular activity in electrocardiographic waveforms.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and non-transitory computer-readable recording media are provided for measuring multiple bio-signals. A method is provided for measuring multiple bio-signals including acquiring a first bio-signal from a first device disposed at a first point on a human body. The method also includes acquiring a second bio-signal from a second device disposed at a second point on the human body. The method additionally includes quantizing the acquired first bio-signal and second bio-signal. The method further includes synchronizing the quantized first bio-signal and second bio-signal. The method also includes generating biometric information with reference to the synchronized first bio-signal and second bio-signal.

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: According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes an acquisition module, a feature calculator and a blood pressure value calculator. The acquisition module is configured to acquire a basic first attribute of a user, a second attribute related to a physique of the user, a third attribute related to a circulatory organ of the user, and a biological signal related to a living body of the user. The feature calculator is configured to calculate a feature in the biological signal. The blood pressure value calculator is configured to calculate a blood pressure value of the user, based on the first attribute, the second attribute, the third attribute, and the feature.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for measuring photoplethysmogram. The apparatus includes a ring structure with at least one photon source and at least one photon detector positioned on an inner surface of the ring structure. The apparatus further includes a controller configured to measure a preliminary photoplethysmogram during a first time period by taking a first number of samples, determine a form factor from said preliminary photoplethysmogram, determine an inter beat interval from said preliminary photoplethysmogram, and use the form factor and the inter beat interval to determine a second number of samples to be taken during a second time period of measurement of the photoplethysmogram and the distribution of the samples to be taken in function of time.

Abstract: A method for determining an occurrence of a spike in one of a plurality of neural signals is provided, the spike relating to an action potential in the one of the plurality of neural signals. The method includes sampling the plurality of neural signals at a sampling frequency; extracting frequency features from each of the plurality of neural signals during sampling of the plurality of neural signals; and monitoring the extracted frequency features to determine characteristics of the one of the plurality of neural signals indicative of an occurrence of a spike.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for detection of electrical signals of a biological subject. The apparatus comprises an electrode acting as a conductor for contact with skin of the subject. The electrode includes a first sheet material acting as a base layer and a plurality of pillars members extending from the first sheet material. The apparatus is free of gel or wet gel acting as an electrical conductive media.

Abstract: A method and medical device for detecting a cardiac event that includes sensing a cardiac signal, identifying R-waves in the cardiac signal attendant ventricular depolarizations, determining RR-intervals between successive R-waves in response to the sensed cardiac signal, detecting an atrial tachyarrhythmia based on an analysis of the RR-intervals, iteratively sensing groups of a predetermined number of P-waves attendant atrial depolarizations in response to detecting the atrial tachyarrhythmia, and confirming the atrial tachyarrhythmia based on an analysis of the iteratively sensed groups of P-waves.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for detecting and/or validating a detection of a state change by matching the shape of one or more of an cardiac data series, a heart rate variability data series, or at least a portion of a heart beat complex, derived from cardiac data, to an appropriate template.

Abstract: Atrial-Ventricular (A-V) condition in a heart is evaluated. Signal data sensed from the heart during an atrial stimulation of the heart is received. An Atrium-Hision (A-H) interval corresponding to an extra-stimulus event during the atrial stimulation of the heart is computed using the sensed signal data. Furthermore, a difference between the A-H interval corresponding to the extra-stimulus event and an A-H interval corresponding to a preceding extra-stimulus event is determined. Moreover, a presence of an A-H jump is automatically determined based on the determined difference.

Abstract: A method and medical device for identifying a cardiac waveform that includes sensing cardiac signals, determining a plurality of RR-intervals in response to the sensed cardiac signals, determining R-waves associated with the plurality of RR-intervals, determining P-wave windows in response to the determined R-waves, adjusting P-waves within the P-wave windows, identifying a P-wave parameter in response to the adjusted P-waves, and determining whether a P-wave occurs in response to the identified P-wave parameter.

Abstract: A method and medical device for identifying a cardiac waveform that includes sensing cardiac signals, determining a plurality of RR-intervals in response to the sensed cardiac signals, determining R-waves associated with the plurality of RR-intervals, determining P-waves in response to the determined R-waves, determining parameters associated with each P-wave, determining relative changes of the P-waves in response to the determined parameters, determining whether each of the P-waves match within a match threshold in response to the determined relative changes, and generating a P-wave template in response to each of the P-waves matching within the match threshold.

Abstract: A method and medical device for detecting a cardiac event that includes sensing a cardiac signal, determining RR-intervals in response to the sensed cardiac signal, detecting a cardiac event in response to the RR-intervals, iteratively sensing a predetermined number of P-waves in response to detecting the cardiac event, and confirming the cardiac event in response to the iteratively sensed P-waves.