Abstract: A method of managing pain using neurophysiological data acquired from the brain of a subject is disclosed. The method comprises: identifying activity-related features in the data; parceling the data according to the activity-related features to define a plurality of capsules, each representing a spatiotemporal activity region in the brain; comparing at least some of the defined capsules to at least one reference capsule; and assessing the likelihood that the subject is experiencing pain responsively to the comparison.

Abstract: A system allowing for sensory stimulation, includes a programmable handheld device for visual, auditory and mechanical stimulation of the body, and associated computer software to analyze cortical evoked responses and map relevant areas on a brain sketch or rendering. The device generates single or series of pulses of programmable intensity/frequency and duration. It can be used by itself to manually stimulate modalities of interest, connected to a cortical signal amplifier as an external event source in order to record simultaneously the stimulation events and the cortical data for later analysis, plugged to a recording computer to show in real time activated cortical areas, or used for cognitive studies.

Abstract: A method for detecting symptomatic osteoarthritis in a human patient who is otherwise asymptomatic comprises: taking a plurality of magnetic resonance (MR) image signal features from MR sequences in a joint of the patient; submitting the MR image signal features to a classifier for performing a feature reduction for redundant or unnecessary features which are then eliminated; calculating a signal texture index (STI) value from the remaining image features; comparing that STI value against two population databases, one for individuals known to develop osteoarthritis and a second for individuals known not to develop osteoarthritis at a given time point; prognosticating from the STI value, a likelihood of the patient developing osteoarthritis; and treating the patient accordingly.

Abstract: Many factors contribute to dogs superior olfactory capabilities as compared to humans. Studies explored this aspect at the cellular and behavior levels; however, the cognitive-level neural substrates linking them have never been explored. Since sedated dogs cannot sniff, the present application illustrates the cognitive-level linking neural substrate using fMRI of conscious dogs. The head motion of the canine is accounted for by behavioral training and optical motion tracking. The olfactory bulb is commonly activated in both awake and anesthetized dogs, while parietal and frontal structures are activated only in the former and subcortical structures only in the latter. Comparison of low and high odor intensity shows differences in both the strength and spatial extent of activation in higher cognitive structures. Unlike humans, neural structures even at the top of the cognitive hierarchy are modulated by odor concentration in dogs.

Abstract: An example system for sensing catheter contact is disclosed. The system includes an elongate tubular member, a tip member and a flexible support structure including a support member. A proximal portion of the support structure may be coupled to the distal end of the tubular member while a distal portion may be coupled to the proximal end of the tip member. The system may also include an electroactive polymer member disposed along the support member, wherein displacement of the support member activates the electroactive polymer member such that an electrical response is output from the electroactive polymer member. A processor, electrically coupled to the electroactive polymer member, may be configured to evaluate the electrical response from the electroactive polymer member to determine a contact force of the tip member with tissue.

Abstract: A nasal/oral cannula for collecting a flow of exhaled gases and its method of manufacture are disclosed. The cannula comprises an elongated tubular body having a first and a second end portion, a surface and an internal volume; a wall internally disposed within said tubular body, said wall defining a first subvolume of said internal volume in the lengthwise direction of the tubular body; and an inlet through said surface, for introducing exhaled gases into said first subvolume. The first end portion defines an exit port for exhaled gases from said subvolume, and said wall is arranged directly adjacent to said inlet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that utilizes a force-time integral for real time estimation of lesion size in catheter-based ablation systems. The apparatus measures the force exerted by a contact ablation probe on a target tissue and integrates the force over an energization time of the ablation probe. The force-time integral can be calculated and utilized to provide an estimated lesion size (depth, volume and/or area) in real time. The force-time integral may also account for variations in the power delivered to the target tissue in real time to provide an improved estimation of the lesion size. In one embodiment, the force metric can be used as feedback to establish a desired power level delivered to the probe to prevent steam popping.

Abstract: The invention relates to a length measuring device having a measuring slide, a linear guide in the form of a hollow profile, on which the measuring slide is mounted so it is externally displaceable, an inner slide, which is mounted so it is displaceable in the interior of the hollow profile, a magnet assembly, which magnetically couples measuring slide and inner slide, so that the inner slide follows every movement of the measuring slide along the hollow profile, a measuring unit for measuring the position of the inner slide, and a display, which is visible in the exterior of the hollow profile, of the length ascertained by the measuring unit in accordance with the measured position of the inner slide. The measuring unit has a sound source, a sound receiver, and a control and analysis unit connected thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of selecting needles with an injection length suited for administration of a therapeutic agent in the subcutis at a body location.

Abstract: Disclosed is a digestive tract patency capsule, comprising an outer membrane (2) and a supporting material (1) which is soluble in digestive juices. The outer membrane (2) is a sealed soft capsule body made from a sustained-release enteric material, and the dissolution time of the outer membrane (2) is greater than the normal emptying time of the human digestive tract. The cavity of the capsule body of the outer membrane (2) is provided with an indicator (5) which can be absorbed by the body and enables the discharged urine to change color. The supporting material (1) is provided in the cavity of the capsule body of the outer membrane (2) to support the outer membrane (2) in a capsule form. The digestive tract patency capsule can safely and effectively check the feasibility of performing a capsule endoscopic examination on a user.

Abstract: An electronic device, a monitoring and feedback system on thoracoabdominal motion (TAM) and a method thereof are provided, where the method includes the following steps. TAM signals of a user in a natural state are measured. Next, the TAM signals are decomposed so as to extract main components thereof. Energy of the main component and the non-noise components of the abdominal motion signal are calculated to obtain the abdominal muscle contraction. Instantaneous phases of the main component of TAM signals are calculated to obtain the instantaneous coordination of TAM and the self-ability for adjusting TAM. A TAM mode of the user is evaluated in the natural state according to the abdominal muscle contraction, the instantaneous TAM coordination, and the self-ability for adjusting TAM. The user is further instructed to adjust the TAM mode to a suitable state according to a target environment mode.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the tidal volume of an individual to diagnose a condition is disclosed. The system includes an electrically-conductive, elastomeric band; and a microprocessor having memory. The microprocessor is in electrical communication with said band and has functionality to monitor the respiratory activity of the individual during a period of time, collect raw data from 30 times to 34 times per second, average the data over 9-34 readings, blur from 0.3 seconds to 1.0 seconds of said averaged data to filter out artifacts; determine the beginning of a breath and the end of a breath based on said blurred data; and record an adverse event if a pre-determined period of time has elapsed without a new breath commencing.

Abstract: Tissue-integrating biosensors, systems comprising these sensors and methods of using these sensors and systems for the detection of one or more analytes are provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing data communication in medical systems are disclosed.

Abstract: A health care apparatus and an operating method thereof are provided. The method includes generating a first blood glucose pattern of an examinee that indicates a blood glucose level of the examinee over a first period of time, generating a second blood glucose pattern of the examinee that indicates the blood glucose level of the examinee over a second period of time, generating a third blood glucose pattern of the examinee that indicates the blood glucose level of the examinee over a third period of time, and calculating a glycemic index of the examinee based on the first blood glucose pattern, the second blood glucose pattern, and the third blood glucose pattern.

Abstract: A handheld diabetes manager has a flight mode that cooperatively interacts with an external medical device and includes a port configured to receive a test strip for blood glucose measurement, a blood glucose measurement module operable with the test strip, a communications module and a user interface module. The communications module selectively communicates wirelessly with an external medical device. The user interface module communicates with the blood glucose measurement module and the communications module and operates to provide a graphical user interface on a display of the diabetes manager. The graphical user interface includes a screen with a flight mode option. When the flight mode option is enabled and the external medical device is paired and currently communicating with the diabetes manager, the user interface module interacts with the communication module to send a command to the external medical device to turn off wireless communication of the external medical device.

Abstract: A glucose sensor comprising an optical energy source having an emitter with an emission pattern; a first polarizer intersecting the emission pattern; a second polarizer spaced a distance from the first polarizer and intersecting the emission pattern, the second polarizer rotated relative to the first polarizer by a first rotational amount ?; a first optical detector intersecting the emission pattern; a second optical detector positioned proximal to the second polarizer, the first polarizer and the second polarizer being positioned between the optical energy source and the second optical detector, the second optical detector intersecting the emission pattern; a compensating circuit coupled to the second optical detector; and a subtractor circuit coupled to the compensating circuit and the first optical detector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for estimating a local metabolic parameter of an area of tissue of a patient, said method comprising: receiving (10) light intensities from the area of tissue in question for at least three different wavelengths selected according to the absorptive power of different types of haemoglobin; on the basis of the absorbancy values calculated using the light intensities measured for the three wavelengths, determining (40) a oxyhaemoglobin concentration and a deoxyhaemoglobin concentration; and estimating (50) at least one local metabolic parameter on the basis of the calculated oxyhaemoglobin and deoxyhaemoglobin concentrations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the parenteral procurement of bodily-fluid samples. The present invention is also directed to systems and methods for parenterally procuring bodily-fluid samples with reduced contamination from dermally-residing microbes. In some embodiments, a bodily-fluid withdrawing system is used to withdraw bodily fluid from a patient for incubation in culture media in one or more sample vessels. Prior to withdrawing bodily fluid into the one or more sample vessels for incubation, an initial volume of withdrawn bodily fluid is placed in one or more pre-sample reservoirs and is not used for the incubation in culture media.

Abstract: A testing device according to the present invention includes a housing including a skin surface sheet and an upper surface cover. A hollow needle configured to interlock with the upper surface cover and testing means are accommodated in the housing. Through deformation of the upper surface cover by application of an external force, the hollow needle perforates the skin. A body fluid flows in the space inside of the housing and is brought into contact with the testing means to acquire information on the body fluid. Through recovery of the upper surface cover to an original shape by elimination of the external force, the hollow needle again becomes accommodated in the housing.

Abstract: The system enables a subject himself to decide on a proper remedial measure, without obtaining particular instruction directly from a medical professional, by providing an advice corresponding to a decision criteria of a plurality of classifications (3x4=12) stored in the storage unit, based on a plurality of autonomic nerve function age ranks and a plurality of autonomic nerve function age ranks A screening system for fatigue and stress has a storage unit which, during screening for fatigue and stress, stores master data composed of reference values for each age, a decision unit which decides by comparing a measurement data obtained by electrocardiogram and pulse wave measurement of the subject with the reference value, and outputs a result of decision classified into the plurality of classifications, and a computing unit which receives the decision results, and calculates autonomic nerve function age ranks, wherein the decision means has an autonomic nerve decision unit which decides autonomic nerve strengt

Abstract: A device for evaluation of suicide risk of a person. A measuring unit measures electrodermal activity in fingers of the person to detect depressed persons who are at risk for suicide. The measuring unit is arranged to transmit a sound signal or tone to the person and to provide a signal for analysis of the electrodermal activity from the person. A measuring module measures orientation reactions in the form of blood volume variations of the person, preferably by a phtophletysmographic method peripherally in the fingers and/or centrally in the frontal lobe of the brain through the forehead, and changes in the pulse rate of the test person.

Abstract: A file system storing an executive program and a plurality of modules such that when the executive program is executed by a processor the executive program controls the plurality of modules. The modules include a plurality of test modules for executing a specific individual test to test a cognitive attribute of a user; a plurality of test batteries having one or more specified test modules, at least one registration module for registering each of the plurality of users; a plurality of interpretive modules for interpreting results of the test batteries; and at least one report module for immediately generating a cognitive status report for reporting the test battery results as determined by the plurality of interpretive modules.

Abstract: A method substantially as shown and described in the detailed description and/or drawings and/or elsewhere herein. A device substantially as shown and described in the detailed description and/or drawings and/or elsewhere herein.

Abstract: Computationally implemented methods and systems include electronically collecting player acceleration data associated with a head of a sports player, electronically monitoring game time player status data of the sports player, and electronically obtaining player brain injury status data associated with brain injury status of the sports player based at least in part upon the player acceleration data and the game time player status data of the sports player. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a wearable device for the detection of mild traumatic brain injury, such as concussions, and methods of use thereof. Further disclosed are a method and system for detecting a mild traumatic brain injury.

Abstract: A gastric sensing system configured to monitor a patient's food intake is provided. The gastric sensing system includes a sensing apparatus adapted to measure satiety of a patient including strain exerted by the stomach. The sensing apparatus includes a sensor, configured to measure satiety of a patient, coupled to a microcontroller and a communication antenna. The communication antenna is configured to wirelessly transmit data collected by the sensors to a remote device. The remote device is in wireless communication with the sensing apparatus and configured to provide information collected by the sensing apparatus to a patient or physician. If the sensing apparatus detects a gastric condition, e.g., stomach strain, exceeds a predetermined threshold, the remote device alerts the patient or physician.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described for a hand-held hydration monitor including a location-capture component configured to capture information associated with a location on a subject; a micro-impulse radar component; a data storage component including stored location information and stored information associated with reference reflected pulses correlated with reference hydration states; a user interface; and a computing component including a processor and circuitry, the circuitry including registration circuitry configured to compare the captured information associated with the location on the subject with the stored location information to determine a registration value, micro-impulse radar control circuitry, and hydration determination circuitry configured to receive information associated with one or more reflected pulses from a tissue associated with the location on the subject and to compare the information associated with the one or more reflected pulses from the tissue with the stored information associa

Abstract: Through the measurement and interpretation of the pixels of grayscale digital thermographic images of abnormalities of the skin and its subcutaneous tissue, early intervention and treatment of abnormalities of the skin and its subcutaneous tissue are possible, thereby assisting clinicians in making significant impacts on prevention and treatment.

Abstract: Through the measurement and interpretation of the pixels of grayscale digital thermographic images of abnormalities of the skin and its subcutaneous tissue, early intervention and treatment of abnormalities of the skin and its subcutaneous tissue are possible, thereby assisting clinicians in making significant impacts on prevention and treatment.

Abstract: A device for measuring the pressure applied between a user's tongue and palate includes a body shaped to fit complimentarily against the user's palate and a pressure sensor affixed to the body such that the device has a total thickness less than 4 millimeters.

Abstract: The present invention is a device and method for assuring “chain of custody” (CoC) in connection with a home sleep study (HST). An HST CoC device according to the invention includes a camera and a circuit board operatively connected to the camera. During the HST the circuit board signals the camera to periodically take images of the patient, to optimally assure CoC. The images are preferably still shots, but can alternatively be relatively short video clips. Further, the images are preferably taken randomly to discourage the patient from attempting to game the system and defeat CoC safeguards. Another embodiment includes a shipping container for a HST device, wherein a CoC device is operatively connected to the shipping container, whereby the CoC device is automatically returned to the lab along with the HST device following the HST.

Abstract: A method monitors a person's sleep parameters, sleep activities, sleep state, or awake status sleep. At least one of a person's motion, movement and gesture is detected for determining a person's sleep parameters, sleep activities, sleep state, or awake status. The at least one of a person's motion, movement and gesture is communicated to a user monitoring device that includes at least two elements selected from: a proximity sensor; a temperature sensor/humidity sensor; a particulate sensor; a light sensor; a microphone; a speaker; two RF transmitters (BLE/ANT+WIFI); a memory card; and LED's.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a distributed computer system and a method for determining the quality of sleep of a sleeping user 340. The distributed computer system will determine the quality of sleep by detecting the changes in body posture of the sleeping user 340. The quality of sleep will be determined by the feature vectors associated with each posture of the sleeping user 340. The posture of the user will be determined by recording a body motion signal 200 caused by the mechanical and muscle movements of the body of the user.

Abstract: Systems, methods, sensors, and software for providing enhanced measurement and detection of patient pain response are provided herein. In a first example, a measurement system is provided that includes a capacitive system configured to measure a capacitance signal of tissue of the patient using a capacitive sensor proximate to the tissue of the patient. The measurement system also includes a patient monitor configured to measure an electrical signal representing brain activity of the patient. The measurement system also includes a processing system configured to determine pain metrics based at least on the capacitance signal and the electrical signal, and determine a pain response of the patient based at least on the pain metrics and pain calibration information for the patient.

Abstract: Techniques are described for generating beat templates and utilizing those beat templates to detect a cardiac event, e.g., a tachyarrhythmia. In particular, example methods and devices for acquiring qualified beats for template generation are described. Additionally, techniques are described for selecting subsets of the qualified beats to actually use in generating a beat template.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering a drug with a tracer or contrast agent are disclosed herein, as are systems and methods that generally involve CED devices with various features for reducing or preventing backflow. In some embodiments, CED devices include a tissue-receiving space disposed proximal to a distal fluid outlet. Tissue can be compressed into or pinched/pinned by the tissue-receiving space as the device is inserted into a target region of a patient, thereby forming a seal that reduces or prevents proximal backflow of fluid ejected from the outlet beyond the tissue-receiving space. In some embodiments, CED devices include a bullet-shaped nose proximal to a distal fluid outlet. The bullet-shaped nose forms a good seal with surrounding tissue and helps reduce or prevent backflow of infused fluid.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for controlled sympathectomy procedures for neuromodulation in the treatment of subjects having neoplastic conditions are disclosed. Systems, methods, and devices for interventionally treating a cancerous tumor and cancer related pain are disclosed.

Abstract: Device and method for determining an efficacy of chronic pain treatment including providing a first set of at least one stimulus to a subject, obtaining first measurements of at least two physiological parameters in response to the first set of at least one stimulus, providing chronic pain treatment to the subject, providing a second set of at least one stimulus to the subject, obtaining second measurements of the at least two physiological parameters in response to the second set of at least one stimulus; and determining an efficacy of the chronic pain treatment by applying a classification algorithm on the first and second measurements of the at least two physiological parameters.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described for a hand-held hydration monitor including a micro-impulse radar component; a data storage component including stored information associated with reference reflected pulses correlated with reference hydration states; a user interface; and a computing component including a processor and circuitry, the circuitry including micro-impulse radar control circuitry configured to actuated the micro-impulse radar component, distance-finding circuitry configured to determine a distance between the hand-held hydration monitor and a target location on a subject, and hydration determination circuitry configured to receive information associated with one or more reflected pulses from a target tissue associated with the target location on the subject and to compare the information associated with the one or more reflected pulses from the target tissue with the stored information associated with the reference reflected pulses correlated with the reference hydration states to determine a rela

Abstract: Devices and methods are described for a hand-held hydration monitor including a viewfinder including one or more alignment features configured to align with a target on a subject; a micro-impulse radar component; a data storage component including stored information associated with reference reflected pulses correlated with reference hydration states; a user interface; and a computing component including a processor and circuitry, the circuitry including micro-impulse radar control circuitry configured to actuated the micro-impulse radar component, and hydration determination circuitry configured to receive information associated with one or more reflected pulses from a tissue associated with the target on the subject and to compare the information associated with the one or more reflected pulses from the tissue associated with the target on the subject with the stored information associated with the reference reflected pulses correlated with the reference hydration states to determine a relative hydration st

Abstract: A system, associated method, and computer readable medium for monitoring one or more test subjects. The system is comprised of a subject wearable interface which features at least one sensor to read data from the test subject. A processor module receives data from the sensor(s) on the subject wearable interface. The system includes an output module and a wireless transceiver module that receive data from the processor module, any of which may or may not be located on the subject wearable interface. The system allows for the subject to be monitored while wearing the subject wearable interface without being tethered to any sensing device or data acquisition device that would be wired and restrain the subject from normal movement. The system allows a researcher or user (or device) to record data on a test subject while the test subject is allowed to freely move and engage in normal activity.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting stroke in an individual, and in particular a sleeping individual. The individual has sensors on a least one hand or wrist for detecting electrical and/or muscular activity. The sensors may be included in or on a glove or bracelet worn by the individual. The absence of electrical and/or muscular activity is indicative of a stroke, and when such absence is detected, an alert is raised. Absence of detecting electrical and/or muscular activity can be detected in only one hand and/or wrist to avoid false alarms from REM sleep which results in the absence of electrical and/or muscular activity in both hands.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a bone fracture in an individual. The method comprises the steps of: measuring a first parameter indicative of the load on said bone fracture; measuring a second parameter indicative of the activity level of said individual; obtaining a plurality of values for said first and second parameters; correlating said values to determine a measure of bone fracture condition; monitoring a change in said correlation over time; and determining a measure of the change in bone fracture condition over time. A bone fixation system implements this method of monitoring a bone fracture in an individual. The method and system provide a more accurate and reliable measure of bone fracture condition and of the progression of healing of the bone fracture.

Abstract: An orthopedic support device comprises a shell supporting a body portion; one or more stimulator provided on the shell for signaling a wearer of the orthopedic support device to perform a muscular activity, the one or more stimulator being adapted to communicate with a controller for controlling said one or more stimulator; and one or more sensor provided on an interior portion of the shell to capture biological activity data in relation to said body portion, the one or more sensor being adapted to store the biological activity data in a memory, the memory being in communication with the controller, in order to control the one or more stimulator on the basis of the biological activity data captured by the one or more sensor. Also disclosed is a method of engaging a body portion being supported by the orthopedic support device, and methods of making an orthopedic support device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for determining and tracking location of a metallic object in a living body, and then directing a second modality such as ultrasound waves to the determined location. The metal detector may be a radar detector adapted to operate on a living body. The adaption may include disposing a transfer material having electromagnetic properties similar to the body between the radar detector and the living body, ECG gating the radar detector, and/or employing an optimal estimator with a model of expected stent movement in a living body. Applications include determination of extent of in-stent restenosis, performing therapeutic thrombolysis, or determining operational features of a metallic implant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a carrier system for an object worn on the body, comprising a flexible carrier plaster, which has a flat carrier layer and an adhesive layer, applied to the lower face of said carrier layer, which adhesive layer adheres to the skin of a body part when pressed thereon, the adhesive layer consisting of a pressure-sensitive adhesive, and further comprising, on the upper face of the carrier layer facing away from the skin, a rigid mounting platform. According to this disclosure, a joining region of the mounting platform is permanently joined to the upper face of the carrier layer via a structural adhesive connection that consists of a structural adhesive.

Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring a person in a dwelling. A detection is made of at least one of a person's motion, movement and gesture with a detection device. The detection device includes at least one motion/movement gesture sensing device. Communication is made from the detection device to a user monitoring device including at least two elements selected from: a proximity sensor; a temperature sensor/humidity sensor; a particulate sensor; a light sensor; a microphone; a speaker; two RF transmitters (BLE/ANT+WIFI); a memory card; and LED's.

Abstract: Provided is an automotive key device connected, in the form of a holder, to a mechanism of opening or shutting an automotive door or merged with the mechanism of opening or shutting the automotive door. The automotive key device includes an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor having a first body signal electrode and a second body signal electrode and a contact terminal electrically connected to the ECG sensor. The contact terminal is configured to serve as a passage for electrical connection with devices within a vehicle. A steering wheel docking station and a system configured to include the steering wheel docking station and the automotive key device are also provided.

Abstract: A body temperature measuring apparatus is comprised of a terminal apparatus and a body temperature detection unit. The body temperature detection unit comprises a power supply unit for converting a voice output signal from the terminal apparatus into electricity, a detection unit for detecting infrared energy from the user's skin surface as a temperature detection signal, and a conversion unit for converting the temperature detection signal into a voice input signal. The terminal apparatus comprises a oscillation means for oscillating a voice output signal to the body temperature detection unit, and a measurement means for estimating the user's body temperature corresponding to the surface temperature of which the variation is small based on the voice input signal received form the body temperature detection unit, an emissivity of the user's skin surface, and the temporal variation of the surface temperature calculated within a predetermined measurement time.