Abstract: A navigation system for use in a luminal network of a patient, such as the airways, that is able to analyze a three-dimensional model of the luminal network and automatically determine a pathway from an entry point to a designated target. The system further automatically assigns waypoints along the determined pathway in order to assist a physician in navigating a probe to the designated target.

Abstract: A digital microscope slide image tiling server 16 divides digital microscope slide image 24 into tiles 28. Each tile 28 is labeled with a magnification level and a location relative to the digital microscope slide image 24 that each tile 28 originated. A communications device 20 receives a pathologist selection 40 that designates a portion of a specimen to view at a different magnification. The communications device 20 provides the magnification level and location 44 to the digital microscope slide image tiling server 16. The digital microscope slide image tiling server 16 provides the tiles 38 labeled with the magnification level and location provided by the pathologist selection 40 to the communications device 20. The communications device 20 correlates the coordinate set associated with each tile 38 to the viewer interface of the communications device 20. The communications device 20 displays the tiles 38 via the viewer interface.

Abstract: A re-wearable wireless device includes a reusable component to be secured to a disposable component. The reusable component includes a sensor interface to receive signals from an electrode secured to a living subject and monitors physiological and physical parameters associated with the living subject and a cellular wireless communication circuit. An adhesive base the device includes a first adhesive layer and a second adhesive layer partially covering the first adhesive layer around a perimeter thereof, where the first and second adhesive layers include different adhesives. A method of establishing a link between two wireless devices is also disclosed, where a first wireless device with an insignia representing a communication channel address identification is provided. An image of the insignia is captured with a mobile telephone computing device comprising an image sensor. The captured image is processed to extract the communication channel address identification represented by the insignia.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing customized versions of firmware to a wearable sensor device. The customized versions of the firmware can allow one or more sensors in the wearable sensor device to perform in a manner that is most optimal for a particular user or the particular manner in which the wearable sensor device is used. In some cases, the customizations can include causing the sensors to use a sampling rate that is optimal for one or more activities that the particular user intends to perform while wearing the wearable sensor device.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for determining surface topography of a three-dimensional structure. The apparatus can include a probe and an illumination unit configured to output a plurality of light beams. In many embodiments, the apparatus includes a light focusing assembly. The light focusing assembly can receive and focus each of a plurality of light beams to a respective external focal point. The light focusing assembly can be configured to overlap the plurality of light beams within a focus changing assembly in order to move the external focal points along a direction of propagation of the light beams. The apparatus can include a detector having an array of sensing elements configured to measure a characteristic of each of a plurality of light beams returning from the illuminated spots and a processor coupled to the detector and configured to generate data representative of topography of the structure based on the measured characteristic.

Abstract: A biosensor includes light emitting elements and a light receiving element disposed on a principal surface of a wiring board; a light shielding portion disposed between a light-emitting-element sealing portion and a light-receiving-element sealing portion; a base medium having light transmitting properties, disposed in parallel with the wiring board with the light shielding portion therebetween; an adhesion layer having light transmitting properties, configured to bond the base medium with the light-emitting-element sealing portion, the light-receiving-element sealing portion, and the light shielding portion; and a first electrocardiograph electrode attached to a principal surface of the base medium. The refractive index of the base medium is set to be higher than that of the adhesion layer, and a surface of the first electrocardiograph electrode which is adjacent to the base medium is roughened so that stray light passing through the base medium will be scattered.

Abstract: Navigational imaging system and method for use in branched luminal structure. Flexible, spatially steerable probe is equipped with forward- and side-imaging mutually complementing means to enable sub-surface imaging, quantitative determination of probe's positioning with respect to anatomical identifiers of structure, forming 3D image of structure in a volume defined by the imaging means, and positioning of probe in registration with a 3D coordinate system that is independent from the structure. Method includes determining anatomical identifiers of luminal structure branches based on 3D and sub-surface images, assigning such identifiers as fiducial points, and correlating the determined identifiers with those obtained from anatomical model to select target branch for further steering the probe.

Abstract: A system for imaging a biological sample including a tubular body having a side wall defining an interior shaped and sized for receiving the biological sample, an electromagnetic source positioned at one end of the tubular body interior for directing electromagnetic energy into the biological sample in the body interior, and an ultrasonic transducer positioned along said side wall of the body for receiving ultrasonic energy induced by the electromagnetic energy and transmitted through the biological sample.

Abstract: A modular external defibrillator system in embodiments of the teachings may include one or more of the following features: a base containing a defibrillator to deliver a defibrillation shock to a patient, (b) one or more pods each connectable to a patient via patient lead cables to collect at least one patient vital sign, the pods operable at a distance from the base, (c) a wireless communications link between the base and a selected one of the two or more pods to carry the at least one vital sign from the selected pod to the base, the selection being based on which pod is associated with the base.

Abstract: A method of analyzing a complex rhythm disorder in a human heart includes accessing signals from a plurality of sensors disposed spatially in relation to the heart, where the signals are associated with activations of the heart, and identifying a region of the heart having an activation trail that is rotational or radially emanating, where the activation trail is indicative of the complex rhythm disorder and is based on activation times associated with the activations of the heart.

Abstract: The invention provides a physiological probe that comfortably attaches to the base of the patient's thumb, thereby freeing up their fingers for conventional activities in a hospital, such as reading and eating. The probe, which comprises a separate cradle module and sensor module, secures to the thumb and measures time-dependent signals corresponding to LEDs operating near 660 and 905 nm. The cradle module, which contains elements subject to wear, is preferably provided as a disposable unit.

Abstract: Acquiring and processing heart rate data involves providing glasses having a microcontroller, a heart rate sensor positionable to a user, a configuration memory, at least one data memory, a clock/calendar electronic circuit, a visual and/or audible signaling unit, a rechargeable autonomous electrical power supply, and one switch for the heart rate detection function. The method involves providing a programming and data transfer unit external to the glasses, providing a connection system between the glasses and the external programming and data transfer unit, programming the configuration memory (102) of the glasses using the external programming and data transfer unit, with a minimum heart rate threshold value, a maximum heart rate threshold value, and a heart rate reading frequency value, acquiring readings in data memory of the glasses during activity, processing an alarm signal when a detected heart rate value is above a maximum or below a minimum.

Abstract: A lifesaving support apparatus includes: a sensor section which is adapted to be attachable to a patient, and which is configured to acquire information of blood flow of the patient; a determining section which, based on the information of blood flow, is configured to determine whether or not a use of an automatic external defibrillator is necessary; and an outputting section which is configured to notify a rescuer of information which is determined by the determining section.

Abstract: Cardiac output is measured using a non-invasive method comprised of administering hyperbaric or hypobaric gas to the subject then after a time measuring the resultant changes in central or peripheral oxygen saturation times using a pulse oximeter located at a peripheral body site. Preferably the device is portable and is comprised of a gas cartridge, with one or more doses, and a mouth-piece, a microprocessor for performing the analysis, a pulse oximeter probe and a display for reporting the cardiac output.

Abstract: A method for mapping a cardiac chamber includes sensing activation signals of intrinsic physiological activity with a plurality of electrodes disposed in or near the cardiac chamber, the activation signals including a near-field activation signal component and a far-field activation signal component, isolating R-wave events in the activation signals, generating a far-field activation template representative of the far-field activation signal component based on the R-wave events, and filtering the far-field activation template from the activation signals to identify the near-field activation signal components in the activation signals.

Abstract: Method for influencing and/or detecting magnetic particles in a field of view. Selection coils/magnets generate a magnetic selection field and drive coils generate a magnetic drive field for moving a field-free point along a predetermined trajectory through the field of view, changing the magnetization of the magnetic material locally. The drive field comprises a time-dependent oscillating drive field current per drive field coil having one or more individual oscillating frequencies and one or more individual current amplitudes and being generated by a corresponding drive field voltage generated by a superposition of a number of drive field voltage components including a drive field voltage component per drive field coil, wherein a drive field voltage component corresponding to a drive field coil comprises one or more sub-components, each having an individual voltage amplitude and having the same individual oscillating frequency as the respective drive field current of said particular drive field coil.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring pulmonary edema or other thoracic fluid status in a subject use thoracic impedance histogram information. An internal or external processor circuit receives the thoracic impedance histogram information and uses it to compute and provide a lung fluid status indication. The thoracic impedance histogram information can include a count, mean or median of a histogram bin or subrange of bins within the histogram range.

Abstract: A system for locating a target tissue site is described. The system includes a locating guide that frames an area of interest upon placement over skin of a patient, an electrode patch defining an aperture and including two or more electrodes for placement within the area of interest, and a medical imaging device that indicates a location of a target tissue site within the patient based on electrical signals generated by one or more of the electrodes. A clinician may guide an introducer needle into the aperture for implanting a medical lead proximate to the target tissue site.

Abstract: The system of the present invention includes a conductive element, an electronic component, and a partial power source in the form of dissimilar materials. Upon contact with a conducting fluid, a voltage potential is created and the power source is completed, which activates the system. The electronic component controls the conductance between the dissimilar materials to produce a unique current signature. The system can also measure the conditions of the environment surrounding the system.

Abstract: Lung conditions are diagnosed and optionally treated using a functional assessment catheter or a functional lung assessment and treatment catheter. A flow restrictive component is initially placed in a bronchus or lung passageway upstream from a diseased lung region. The isolated lung region is then functionally assessed through the catheter, while the flow restrictive component remains in place. If the patient is a good candidate for treatment by occlusive or restrictive treatment techniques, the flow resistive component may be left in place. If the patient is not suitable for such treatment, the flow resistive component may be removed.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for use and processing of patient geolocation data in order to objectively determine a patient's territory as an artificially created digital biomarker while maintaining locational privacy. The objective determination of a patient's territory, defined as the area traversed in a specific time interval, can be used as a measurement of quality of life, as well as socio-economic contribution and benefit. Devices and methods are also disclosed for creating an artificial Overall Territory Activity Digital Biomarker based on Patient Activity Factors in addition to the Patient Territory Digital Biomarker, and which Overall Territory Activity Digital Biomarker also maintains locational data privacy. Furthermore, devices and methods are disclosed for capturing and transmitting digital biospecimens, the transformed geolocation data used to determine the Patient Territory Digital Biomarker.

Abstract: An analyte sensor is provided that comprises a substrate which includes a semiconductor material. Embodiments may include a core of a conductive material, and a cladding of a semiconductor material, in which the cladding may form at least a portion of a conducting path for a working electrode of the analyte sensor. Method of manufacturing and using the analyte sensor are described, as are numerous other aspects.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for receiving an instruction to determine a glycemic variation level, retrieving a stored metric for determining the glycemic variation level, retrieving one or more parameters associated with the retrieved metric analysis, determining the glycemic variation level based on the retrieved one or more parameters for the retrieved metric analysis, and outputting the determined glycemic variation level when it is determined that the retrieved one or more parameters associated with the retrieved metric analysis meets a predetermined condition are disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a test method for analyzing a body fluid in which a test tape is used in a test device to successively provide analytical test fields stored on the test tape, wherein body fluid is applied by a user to the test field provided at a time and the said test field is photometrically scanned using a measuring unit of the device to record measurement signals. To increase the measurement reliability, it is proposed that a control value is determined from a time-dependent and/or wavelength-dependent change in the measurement signals and that the measurement signals are processed as valid or discarded as erroneous depending on the control value.

Abstract: An implantable fluorescent concentrator is configured to be inserted in vivo as a subcutaneous light source for optical absorption spectroscopy of surface-near tissue layers. As a result, certain and reliable results of the optical absorption spectroscopy are achievable. Furthermore, various analytes with different absorption properties are certainly and reliably quantifiable.

Abstract: Devices and methods for determining analyte levels are described. The devices and methods allow for the implantation of analyte-monitoring devices, such as glucose monitoring devices that result in the delivery of a dependable flow of blood to deliver sample to the implanted device. The devices include unique architectural arrangement in the sensor region that allows accurate data to be obtained over long periods of time.

Abstract: Blood collection apparatus includes a blood collection container and a mix detection unit operatively coupled to the blood collection container. The mix detection unit includes a device to produce a data signal indicative of the extent to which the blood collection container is moved in a manner to promote mixing of blood collected into the container and an anti-coagulant also present in the container. A method described herein provides for filling a blood collection container with blood, inverting the blood collection container by hand to mix the blood with an anti-coagulant, and viewing or listening to an indication generated by a mix detection device attached to the blood collection container, wherein the indication provides information about the appropriate amount or mixing for the blood.

Abstract: A system for determining an analyte in a body fluid includes a magazine comprising two partial magazines, one including chambers containing analysis elements having a sample contact zone and a reagent system containing a reagent, whose reaction with the body fluid results in a change of a variable, and another including chambers containing puncturing elements having a tip having a capillary channel, which forms a fluid connection between the tip and a sample transfer zone of the puncturing element. The system may also include an analysis instrument having a puncturing drive for driving a puncturing element on a movement path, a mounting for receiving the magazine such that one chamber of the magazine at a time is located in a functional position, in which a puncturing element in the chamber can be moved by the puncturing drive, and a measuring and evaluation apparatus for measuring the change of the variable.

Abstract: A universal headset-mounted Neuropsychological Testing System utilizes eye tracking, with a single screen fixed with respect to the face and a dot on the screen driven to present an object that both eyes are focused on using a set of prisms, with the prisms eliminating interocular distance considerations. Ultrathin optics cast a virtual image at 40 centimeters and a universal mask against which the test taker's face is placed fixes the single screen with respect to the face so that head movement is not a factor. Additionally, miniature cameras are located in the headset housing beneath the eyes, and a quick release tensioning unit provides easy headset mounting and removal. Moreover, all elements are located in the headset hood to eliminate the effects of head movement as well as environmental distractions.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and computer system for identifying at least one attribute of a user. An attention level of the user is determined with the identified at least one attribute. The attention level of the user is analyzed. An action of the user is classified as an attention deficiency event using the analyzed attention level of the user.

Abstract: A portable work capacities testing apparatus comprising a portable computer, a hub releaseably interconnected with the portable computer, a dynamic strength and lifting device releaseably interconnected with the hub, a hand grip strength device releaseably interconnected with the hub, a finger pinch strength device releaseably interconnected with the hub, a forearm/wrist strength device releaseably interconnected with the hub, a handling/proprioception device releaseably interconnected with the hub, a finger flexion device releaseably interconnected with the hub, a whole body coordination device releaseably interconnected with the hub, and a strength push/pull/lift device releaseably interconnected with the hub.

Abstract: A method of detecting seizures may comprise receiving an EMG signal and processing the received EMG signal to determine whether a seizure characteristic is present in the EMG signal during a time window. An apparatus for detecting seizures with motor manifestations may comprise one or more EMG electrodes capable of providing an EMG signal substantially representing seizure-related muscle activity; and a processor configured to receive the EMG signal, process the EMG signal to determine whether a seizure may be occurring, and generate an alert if a seizure is determined to be occurring based on the EMG signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting seizures with motor manifestations including detecting EMG signals, isolating from the EMG signals spectral data for a plurality of frequency bands, and calculating a T-squared value there from. The T-squared values may be detected in real time, such as in a patient's home environment, and the T-squared data may be compared to a threshold T-squared value to determine whether an alarm is sent.

Abstract: A method, and associated apparatus and system, for monitoring a baby in-utero during labor are provided. A fetal heart rate signal and a uterine activity signal are processed to derive fetal well-being information at least in part by i) processing the fetal heart rate signal and the uterine activity signal to model a relationship between uterine activity and fetal heart rate variability; and ii) deriving the fetal well-being information at least in part by processing the modeled relationship. The relationship may be modeled, for example, as a system having the uterine activity signal as an input and fetal heart rate variability as an output. Suitable system identification approaches may be used for modeling such a relationship. A signal for causing the fetal well-being information to be displayed on a display device is released to assist clinicians in identifying whether the baby being monitored is exhibiting an adverse response to hypoxic conditions.

Abstract: Method and systems for ablating nerves including measurement of physiological parameters and/or electrical conduction. The method may include ablating nerves within an artery of a patient such as the renal artery and may include advancing a catheter into the artery, measuring a physiological parameter, emitting an electrical pulse into a wall of the artery, measuring the physiological parameter during or after the step of emitting the electrical pulse, ablating the artery wall, then repeating the steps of measuring the physiological parameter, emitting an electrical pulse, and measuring the physiological parameter during or after the step of emitting the electrical pulse. The change in the physiological parameter caused by the electrical pulse before ablation may be compared to the change in the physiological parameter caused by the electrical pulse after ablation to determine the degree of nerve ablation achieved and whether or not to perform further ablation.

Abstract: A body associated device comprises a housing, an adhesive layer configured to be applied to a body of a living subject, and at least one standoff located between the housing and the adhesive layer. An electronic module may be located within the housing of the body associated device. A personal communication system comprises a body associated device including an electronic module and further comprises a feedback portion coupled to the housing and to the electronic module. The feedback portion is configured to communicate information between the living subject and the body associated device. An external local node is operative to provide at least one of transmit communications to and receive communications from the body associated device.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a system or method for treating heart tissue can include a catheter device that provides a user with the ability to perform a number of heart treatment tasks (before, during, and after a cardiac surgery or a percutaneous coronary intervention). In particular embodiments, the catheter device can be used to (i) precondition heart muscle tissue before the heart is isolated from the circulatory system, (ii) deliver cardioplegia into the coronary sinus during the cardiac surgery when the heart is isolated from the circulatory system, and (iii) control the blood flow through the heart after the heart is reconnected with the circulatory system. In some embodiments, the catheter device can perform some or all of: (i) intermittently occluding the coronary sinus, (ii) delivering a treatment fluid into the coronary sinus, and (iii) monitoring a flow rate of blood passing from the coronary sinus to the right atrium.

Abstract: The present invention, herein is a method and apparatus that significantly limits the effect of high frequency (“HF”) interferences on acquired electro-physiological signals, such as the EEG and EMG. Preferably, this method comprises of two separate electronic circuitries and steps or electronics for processing the signals. One circuit is used to block the transmission of HF interferences to the instrumentation amplifiers. It is comprised of a front-end active filter, a low frequency electromagnetic interference (“EMI”) shield, and an isolation barrier interface which isolates the patient from earth ground. The second circuit is used to measure the difference in potential between the two isolated sides of the isolation barrier. This so-called “cross-barrier” voltage is directly representative of the interference level that the instrumentation amplifier is subjected to. This circuit is used to confirm that the acquired signals are not corrupted by the interference.

Abstract: A device for generating alerts for Hypo and Hyperglycemia Prevention from Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) determines a dynamic risk based on both information of glucose level and a trend obtainable from a CGM signals. The device includes a display whose color depends on the DR (for example, red for high DR, green for low risk). When DR exceeds a certain threshold, alerts are generated to suggest the patient to pay attention to the current glucose reading and to its trend, both of which are shown on the display in numbers and symbols (e.g. an arrow with different slope or color).

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus configured to carry out a pulse sequence in synchronization with a biosignal is provided. The pulse sequence includes an RF pulse, and a data acquisition sequence for acquiring data when a wait time has passed after the RF pulse, wherein the wait time has a variable value that can be varied based on the biosignal.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are provided for displaying on a user display device alarm-triggering events detected by the medical device based on the location of the user display device. The method comprises receiving alarm-triggering patient data from a medical device and determining the physical location of first and second user display devices. The method further comprises determining that the physical location of the first user display device is designated to have an alarm displayed, and that the physical location of the second user display device is not designated to have an alarm displayed. In response to these determinations, the content of the alarm is displayed on the first user display device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a C-arm X-ray imaging system. In order to provide C-arm systems with an extended three-dimensional field of view, a C-arm X-ray imaging system (10), provided to acquire extended three-dimensional images of an object, is provided, comprising a C-arm structure (12) with an X-ray source (14) and an X-ray detector (16) mounted across from the X-ray source, a motorized drive (22) for a rotational movement of the C-arm structure, and a control unit (26). The C-arm structure is provided to perform a rotational scan around an axis of rotation and around an ISO-center acquiring a number of X-ray projections in order to generate image data for a reconstructed three-dimensional field of view.

Abstract: A system (100) includes an interventional apparatus (102) and an imaging scanner (101). The interventional apparatus includes a interventional instrument (204) configured to perform an image-guided interventional procedure for a patient. The interventional apparatus includes a position detector (122) that detects a position of the interventional instrument within a region of the patient at which the image-guided interventional procedure is performed from outside of the region of interest and generates a signal indicative of the detected position. The imaging scanner includes a controller (114) that activates the imaging scanner to scan the region of interest and the interventional instrument therein for one or more data acquisition cycles based on the movement signal.

Abstract: A detector arm assembly is provided that includes a stator, a detector head, a radial motion motor, and a detector head belt. The stator is configured to be fixedly coupled to a gantry having a bore. The detector head includes a carrier section that is slidably coupled to the stator and configured to be movable in a radial direction in the bore relative to the stator. The radial motion motor is operably coupled to at least one of the detector head or the stator. The detector head belt is operably coupled to the radial motion motor and the carrier section. Rotation of the radial motion motor causes movement of the detector head in the radial direction.

Abstract: A method for deriving shape information of a person's skull and dentition, including the steps of: taking an impression of the person's dentition, taking a first scan of the person's head, while the person is wearing the impression, taking a second scan of the impression alone, combining the scans, deriving the shape information from the combined scans. Advantageously the method further includes the step of taking a third scan of the person's head alone without the impression.

Abstract: A craniostat for an extraoral dental radiographic apparatus includes a chin rest and a bite, which are optionally removable. The bite has centering surfaces of pre-defined orientation with respect to a centering position of the bite and is blocked in a blocking position by tightening the centering surfaces against tightening surfaces also having a pre-defined orientation with respect to the bite centering position, so that in tightened condition the bite is also automatically brought in correct centering position on the sagittal plane. A method of use of a craniostat is also described.

Abstract: A method of automatic tooth segmentation, the method executed at least in part on a computer system acquires volume image data for either or both upper and lower jaw regions of a patient and identifies image content for a specified jaw from the acquired volume image data. For the specified jaw, the method estimates average tooth height for teeth within the specified jaw, finds a jaw arch region, detects one or more separation curves between teeth in the jaw arch region, defines an individual tooth sub volume according to the estimated average tooth height and the detected separation curves, segments at least one tooth from within the defined sub-volume, and displays the at least one segmented tooth.

Abstract: There is provided a method that includes (a) detecting, at a point on a cable that runs from a controller to an x-ray generator, a prepare signal that is being transmitted from the controller to the x-ray generator to prepare the x-ray generator to generate an x-ray, and (b) transmitting, in response to the detecting, an initialize signal that causes a reset of a digital receiver panel that prepares the digital receiver panel to capture the x-ray. There is also provided a system that performs the method, and a storage device that controls a processor to execute the method.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a system and method for adaptive X-ray filtration comprising a volume of X-ray attenuating material with a central less attenuating three-dimensional region. The volume of X-ray attenuating material can be positioned within 10 cm from an X-ray source and rotated around an internal axis of rotation. The volume of X-ray attenuating material can be symmetric around the internal axis while the central less attenuating region can be asymmetric around the internal axis. Rotating the volume by a predetermined angle around the internal axis can change the amount of attenuation of an X-ray beam through the filter. The volume can be rotated by the same predetermined angle as an imaging subject or X-ray source and detector are rotated during X-ray image acquisition.

Abstract: A differential phase contrast X-ray imaging system includes an X-ray illumination system, a beam splitter arranged in a radiation path of the X-ray illumination system, and a detection system arranged in a radiation path to detect X-rays after passing through the beam splitter.