Abstract: Methods for evaluating micrometastases in a tissue region of a subject are described. The methods include administering to the subject a detectably effective amount of a tumor-targeted photoactivatable immunoconjugate; allowing a sufficient amount of time for the tumor-targeted photoactivatable immunoconjugate to enter micrometastases in the tissue region; illuminating the tumor-targeted photoactivatable immunoconjugate; obtaining an image of the tissue region of the subject using a fluorescent imaging device, and evaluating the micrometastases in the tissue region by conducting algorithmic analysis of the image. Methods of treating micrometastases in a tissue region of a subject are also described.

Abstract: A hyperspectral/multispectral imager comprising a housing is provided. At least one light source is attached to the housing. An objective lens, in an optical communication path comprising originating and terminating ends, is further attached to the housing and causes light to (i) be backscattered by the tissue of a subject at the originating end and then (ii) pass through the objective lens to a beam steering element at the terminating end of the communication path inside the housing. The beam steering element has a plurality of operating modes each of which causes the element to be in optical communication with a different optical detector in a plurality of optical detectors offset from the optical communication path. Each respective detector filter in a plurality of detector filters covers a corresponding optical detector in the plurality of optical detectors thereby filtering light received by the corresponding detector from the beam steering element.

Abstract: Dental imaging systems include an optical scanner that scans one or more interrogation beams across a portion of at least one tooth to produce a dentally modulated light flux associated with light scattering, absorption, or other interaction of the interrogation beam and a tooth interior. The dentally modulated light flux is detected and processed to produce picture information associated with the tooth. Interrogation wavelengths between 800 nm and 1800 nm can be used to provide images suitable for diagnosis and assessment of demineralization or other defects. Interrogation beams at one or more wavelengths can be used. Multiple detectors can be situated to receive dentally modulated light fluxes at different wavelengths or dentally modulated light fluxes with different directions or different locations. Markers at or on a tooth can be used to for depth determination. Index matching to the tooth can improve image quality.

Abstract: An image capturing condition of a target portion, such as a tumor, is adjusted while a burden of an examinee is reduced. Deformation of an MRI image obtained in advance is estimated (simulated) such that a shape of a subject in a current holding condition and a shape of the subject in the MRI image coincide with each other. Thereafter, in accordance with an obtained result of the deformation simulation, information on an image capturing condition of the target portion is estimated and displayed for a user. In this way, the user may recognize the image capturing condition in the current holding state. Consequently, risk for holding a breast by excessive holding force and risk for repetitive performance of image capturing due to inefficient holding of the target portion are reduced, and accordingly, a burden of the subject may be reduced.

Abstract: A photoacoustic device comprises a light source configured to generate first and second lights; an irradiation unit configured to generate a first acoustic wave from an object including a contrast agent by irradiating the object with the first light, and then bleach the contrast agent by irradiating the object with the second light and generate a second acoustic wave from the object by irradiating the object with the first light after bleaching; a receiving unit configured to output a first signal upon receiving the first acoustic wave and output a second signal upon receiving the second acoustic wave; and an acquisition unit configured to acquire first information based on the first signal, and acquire second information based on the second signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a temperature distribution determination apparatus for determining a temperature distribution within an object (20), while an energy application element (2) applies energy to the object, especially while an ablation procedure for ablating a tumor within an organ is performed. A time-dependent first ultrasound signal is generated for an ultrasound measurement region within the object and a temperature distribution within the object is determined based on the generated time-dependent first ultrasound signal and based on a position of the energy application element (2) relative to the ultrasound measurement region tracked over time. This can ensure that always the correct position of the energy application element, which may be regarded as being a heat source, is considered, even if the energy application element moves, for instance, due to a movement of the object. This can lead to a more accurate determination of the temperature distribution.

Abstract: A central arterial blood pressure waveform is developed from pressure waveforms obtained from proximal and distal blood pressure cuffs on the brachial artery of an arm that are inflated to a supra-systolic pressure. The proximal and distal cuff pressure waveforms associated with at least one cardiac ejection cycle are sensed. The propagation times of a blood pressure pulse from the entry of the artery to the proximal cuff and from the proximal cuff to the distal cuff are calculated, permitting calculation of a reflection coefficient of the pressure pulse at one of the proximal and distal cuffs. Assuming a physical model of wave propagation along the artery between the aorta and the proximal and distal cuffs, an estimated pressure waveform at the opening of the artery can be determined.

Abstract: A method of estimating a physiological index of a user includes measuring a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and a first physiological index of a user at different exercise levels of an exercise or a daily activity having a varying exercise intensity, and estimating a second physiological index of the user at a maximal exercise level based on the RPE and the first physiological index.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating a health-related condition of a subject has an input interface for receiving a sequence of samples of a first biological quantity derived by a first measurement method, the first measurement method being an invasive measurement and having a first impact on the subject, and for receiving a sequence of samples of a second biological quantity derived by a second measurement method, the second measurement method being a non-invasive measurement and having a second impact on the subject, wherein the first biological quantity gives a more accurate indication of the health-related condition of the subject than the second biological quantity, wherein the first biological quantity and the second biological quantity have a correlation to the health-related condition of the subject, and wherein the second impact is smaller than the first impact; a predictor for providing, for a certain time, for which no sample for the first biological quantity exists, an estimated value of the first biologic

Abstract: According to some embodiments, there is provided a medical monitoring device that includes one or more sensors, wherein a sensor is adapted to sense a parameter of a patient and computator adapted to receive an output of at least one sensor and to compute a condition-index-value directly related to a condition of the patient.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems for continuous noninvasive measurement of vital signs such as blood pressure (cNIBP) based on pulse arrival time (PAT). The invention uses a body-worn monitor that recursively determines an estimated PEP for use in correcting PAT measurements by detecting low frequency vibrations created during a cardiac cycle, and a state estimator algorithm to identify signals indicative of aortic valve opening in those measured vibrations.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to apparatuses, systems and methods for measuring time-varying radar cross section (RCS) of an artery of a patient, which may be used to determine blood pressure of a patient. In some embodiments, an apparatus is provided which comprises a radio-frequency (RF) transceiver for generating RF waves, and at least one sensor configured for positioning on or adjacent the skin of a patient, and at least one of transmitting the RF waves into tissue of the patient and receiving RF wave reflections from at least one artery located within the tissue. The apparatus may further comprise a processor having computer instructions operating thereon configured to cause the processor to determine an RF arterial pulse waveform based on the received RF wave reflections. The time-varying radar cross section (RCS) comprises the RF arterial pulse waveform. This may be in turn correlated to blood pressure of the patient.

Abstract: A wearable biomedical device manufactured with a flat-panel display technology is provided. The device comprises flexible thin-film layers and a flexible substrate. The layers are laid on the substrate and contain a flexible two-dimensional array of organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) and photodiodes. This array is connected to an external controller wirelessly or by wire, and the controller controls the pattern of activated OLEDs and photodiodes.

Abstract: A physiological detection device including a light source, an image sensor and a processor is provided. The light source illuminates a skin surface using a burst mode. The image sensor receives ejected light from skin tissues under the skin surface at a sampling frequency to successively generate image frames. The processor controls the light source and the image sensor, and calculates a physiological characteristic according to the image frames captured when the light source is illuminating light. The physiological detection device reduces the total power consumption by adopting the burst mode.

Abstract: A system which includes a first sensor placed proximate to a perfusion field of an artery receiving blood which emanates from the cranial cavity is configured to monitor pulsations of the artery receiving blood which emanates from the cranial cavity artery. A second sensor placed proximate to a perfusion field of an artery which does not receive blood emanating from the cranial cavity configured to monitor pulsations of the artery which does not receive blood emanating from the cranial cavity. A third sensor configured to monitor pulsations of a distal artery. A processing system responsive to signals from the first, second, and third sensors is configured to determine intracranial pressure.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides electrodes that possess components capable of indicating to an end-user when the electrode is in need of replacement. The electrode includes a substrate and a conductive composition on at least a portion of a surface of the substrate. In embodiments, the conductive composition includes at least one hydrogel and at least one component that precipitates from the hydrogel after repeated use of the electrode, thereby providing an indication to replace the electrode. In other embodiments, the electrodes include a hydrogel in combination with a pH indicator which changes its color or opacity upon repeated use of the electrode, thereby indicating an appropriate time for changing or replacing the electrode.

Abstract: Monitoring of physiological signals is effected. In accordance with one or more embodiments, an apparatus, system and/or method is directed to sensing physiological signals such as ECG signals. A skin-contacting electrode apparatus includes an electrically conductive sheet having a conductive surface configured and arranged to contact a subject's skin, and conductive flexible microfibers extending from the conductive surface and configured and arranged to protrude into skin pores and sense an ECG signal.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to signal processing. In accordance with example embodiments, methods and apparatuses involve using at least two electrodes that sense an ECG signal. A denoising module is communicatively coupled to the at least two electrodes, and receives the ECG signal sensed by the sensing electrodes. The denoising module includes circuitry that conditions and digitizes the ECG signal, and a computing circuit that processes the digitized ECG signal to denoise the ECG signal. A communications circuit generates a communication including the denoised ECG signal for access by a remote device.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example method may include a method of identifying an activation time in a cardiac electrical signal. The method may include sensing a cardiac electrical signal, generating an approximation signal based at least in part on one or more parameters of the cardiac electrical signal, identifying a fiducial point on the approximation signal and determining, based at least in part on a timing of the fiducial point in the approximation signal, an activation time in the cardiac electrical signal.

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: A system and method for facilitating a cardiac rhythm disorder diagnosis with the aid of a digital computer are provided. Cutaneous action potentials of a patient are recorded as electrocardiogram (ECG) data over a set time period. A set of R-wave peaks is identified within the ECG data and an R-R interval plot is constructed. A difference between recording times of successive pairs of the R-wave peaks in the set is determined. A heart rate associated with each difference is also determined. The pairs of the R-wave peaks and associated heart rate are plotted as the R-R interval plot. A diagnosis of cardiac disorder is facilitated based on patterns of the plotted pairs of the R-wave peaks and the associated heart rates in the R-R interval plot.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates in part to methods of treating cognitive disorders and/or identifying biomarkers.

Abstract: A system for wearable/man-portable electromagnetic tomographic imaging includes wearable headgear adapted to receive a human head within, a position determination system, electromagnetic transmitting/receiving hardware, and a computer system. The electromagnetic transmitting/receiving hardware collectively generates an electromagnetic field that passes into the headgear and receives the electromagnetic field after being scattered/interferenced by the human head within. The computer system performs electromagnetic tomographic imaging based on the received electromagnetic field.

Abstract: An elongate medical device may include a corewire (188) defining a longitudinal axis, a sensor (176), and a flexible substrate (162) wrapped around the sensor so as to form a tube. The tube is disposed about the longitudinal axis. The elongate body may be a corewire, in an embodiment, and the corewire may extend through the tube. The sensor may comprise a coil, in an embodiment, and the corewire may extend through the coil. The elongate medical device may be a guidewire, in an embodiment.

Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments herein, disclosed herein is an apparatus comprising an imaging probe-based device operably linked to an automated tracking system. Furthermore, in various embodiments, the apparatus may be used to track the position and movement of a handheld imaging probe, including with respect to a subject's 3D surface profile. In one embodiment, a device may be used to track the position and movement of a handheld imaging probe with respect to a subject's 3D surface profile, while simultaneously acquiring optical data.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method for providing an ARDS indication of a patient comprising a sampling device for obtaining a gas sample of the exhaled breath of a patient, a measuring unit for measuring a content of n-octane in the exhaled breath of a patient, a controller which is able to distinguish if the patient has or may develop ARDS based on the content of n-octane in the exhaled breath of a patient resulting in a ARDS indication of the patient and provided with a protocol for providing output regarding the ARDS indication of the patient, and a user interface for indicating the ARDS indication to a user.

Abstract: A multitude of clinical research studies have validated the superiority of impulse oscillometry (IOS) over spirometry because it is far more sensitive in the detection of pulmonary diseases and since it is effort-independent, it can be successfully used in children as young as six-months old. By miniaturizing the IOS to be a hand-held and portable device, the present invention takes IOS technology out of the exclusive environments of the research lab and specialty Pulmonology office. Also by advancing the technology, the manufacturing cost is greatly reduced thereby making the device affordable and available to the average primary care physician for use in their office. In addition, as the present invention becomes available as a home-use device, it will significantly improve the home management of complex respiratory diseases, i.e., Asthma and COPD. The present invention, being a miniaturized and electromagnetically piston-driven IOS, is truly unique in its concept and technology.

Abstract: Methods and systems to determine the lung clearance index (LCI) or other indices of ventilation inhomogeneity of lungs of a paediatric subject are provided. Inert tracer gas is washed-in and the wash-out is conducted by inhaling atmospheric air from the surroundings and exhaling to a confined space until the end-tidal tracer gas concentration has fallen below a predetermined fraction of the starting concentration. The LCI is calculated as the ratio between the cumulative expired volume (VCE) required to clear the inert tracer gas concentration from the lungs below a predetermined fraction of the starting concentration and the functional residual capacity (FRC) determined by dividing the net volume of inert tracer gas exhaled with the difference in end-tidal fractional concentration of the inert tracer gas at the start and end of the wash-out period; where VCE is determined by measuring the total volume in the collection bag after completed wash-out period.

Abstract: A respiration rate detection device including a light source, an optical sensing unit and a processing unit is provided. The light source is configured to provide light to illuminate a skin region. The optical sensing unit is configured to detect emergent light from the skin region and output an intensity variation signal. The processing unit is configured to convert the intensity variation signal to frequency domain data and calculate a respiration rate according to the frequency domain data using at least one respiration algorithm.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a tubular member having an opening on a distal end thereof. At least a portion of the distal end of the tubular member is shapeable and substantially rigid so as to maintain a manipulated shape after a direct application of a threshold level of force on the portion of the distal end of the tubular member. The force may be applied to alter the shape of the portion of the distal end of the tubular member. The apparatus further includes a joint member disposed on a proximal end of the tubular member. The joint member is configured to connect the tubular member to a systemic biomarker sampling device.

Abstract: An oral procedural apparatus includes a main body, a bite block attached to the main body, and a sampling return line at least partially disposed within the main body. The sampling return line is configured to connect to a systemic biomarker sampling device that samples exhaled breath of a patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to analyzing fatigue level of users by transmitting pressure data from user's shoes wirelessly for real-time monitoring. Athletes for in body-contact games such as football, are often suddenly forced out of games due to injuries as it is often difficult to ascertain the nature of the injury on the field. The present invention enables a coach to have an ability to monitor performance of the athletes as they play, thus help in determining current level of athlete's injury, and help in preventing career threatening and/or fatal injuries. Further, pressure sensors can be used to determine fatigue detection and can be verified by readings from knock sensor, accelerometer data, etc. Variations in all such sensors for a time slice t-seconds can be used as an indicator for fatigue.

Abstract: A heart size measuring tool includes a tubular body, a flexible measuring cord having length indicia, a measuring cord support mechanism movable between retracted and extended states with respect to the body, and an actuating mechanism to move the measuring cord support mechanism. When in the retracted state the measuring cord support mechanism is positioned within the tubular body with the measuring cord in a collapsed position. When the measuring cord support mechanism is in the extended state the measuring cord extends around a portion of a heart to be measured. A scale on the body can be used in connection with the indicia on the measurement cord to provide a reading of the heart size.

Abstract: There is provided a respiratory movement measurement apparatus that can obtain a respiratory movement signal for each region by dividing and setting a region to be evaluated in a simple manner with good reproducibility. The respiratory movement measurement apparatus emits a light flux to a body surface 32 of a subject 31, captures reflected light by a camera 35, and thereby measures a respiration rate of the subject, wherein a merkmal indicating a mark position is further set on the body surface of the subject, a mark having a reflectance different from that of the body surface is placed on the merkmal, the body surface is divided into a plurality of regions on an observed image by a dividing line passing through the mark, bright spot reflection for each of the divided regions is summed, and thereby a respiratory movement signal is obtained.

Abstract: A postural feedback device for assisting user awareness of joint, muscle, or body part alignment is disclosed. Embodiments include at least one linear or rotary sensing unit comfortably and discretely adhered to the user's skin, a hardwire connection cable or wireless transmission sending unit, and an electronic console for interpretation of information from the sensing unit and biofeedback of said information via stimulus to the user. The postural feedback device may comprise multiple sensing units of various sizes simultaneously allowing for variations in application, user size, and size of body part being monitored. The electronic console may provide biofeedback to the user in the form of tactile, auditory, visual, or other stimuli, aiding the user in awareness of postural alignment or instruction of a desired anatomical movement. The sensing unit may be constructed allowing a low-profile, comfortable fit, allowing the device to be worn discreetly underneath clothing.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes one or more processors that collect motion and physiological sensor data of a user from one or more sensors worn by the user, the sensor data including one or more sensor data vectors, generate an activity signature based on the sensor data, determine whether a signature match exists between the activity signature and a known activity signature associated with an activity type from a set of known activity signatures, and if the signature match exists, recognize a known activity type, otherwise if the signature match does not exist, generate an unknown activity type based on the one or more sensor data vectors.

Abstract: A method and a device with which an ambulatory status, including movements of an upper body, can be detected easily, without a complex operation of the equipment used, in a medical facility for rehabilitation or the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides an information processing device that acquires a captured image including depth information that is captured by an image capturing device including a depth sensor, and determines whether a positional relationship between a person being watched over and a region of a bed satisfies a predetermined condition, based on the depth for each pixel. In the case where a state in which the depth for each pixel within the captured image cannot be acquired by the depth sensor continues for a given period of time or longer, the information processing device notifies that there is a possibility that watching over of the person being watched over is not being performed normally.

Abstract: A flexible, body-mountable analyte sensing device includes a flexible substrate configured for mounting to skin of a living body. The sensing device additionally includes optical fiber attached to the flexible substrate and configured to penetrate the skin such that an analyte-sensitive substance disposed on the end of the optical fiber can detect an analyte in interstitial fluid. A color, fluorescence intensity, or other optical property of the analyte-sensitive substance is related to the concentration or other property of the analyte. Light reflected, scattered, fluorescently emitted, or otherwise emitted from the analyte-sensitive substance is transmitted via the optical fiber and detected by a light sensor on the flexible substrate. Such emitted light can be emitted in response to illumination of the analyte-sensitive substance via the optical fiber. The sensing device is configured to wirelessly indicate detected concentrations or other information about the analyte in the interstitial fluid.

Abstract: A method for monitoring an analyte within the body of a patient, an analyst sensor, and an analyte monitoring apparatus are presented here. In accordance with certain embodiments, the method for monitoring an analyte within the body of a patient includes implanting an analyte sensor at a sensor placement site in the patient. The analyte sensor includes a reference electrode, a counter electrode, a primary working electrode having a first structure, and an auxiliary working electrode having a second structure different from the first structure. The method includes communicating a primary signal from the primary working electrode and an auxiliary signal from the auxiliary working electrode to a processor. Further, the method includes monitoring the primary signal and the auxiliary signal with the processor to characterize a change in a physiological characteristic at the sensor placement site.

Abstract: A computing device receives analyte data produced by an analyte monitoring sensor over a communications link from at least one first device. Health data, comprising at least part of the analyte data, may be communicated over a communications link to at least one second device in response to a request. The first device may be positioned over the analyte monitoring sensor using signal strength and location information. External analyte data may be employed to calibrate the analyte monitoring sensor.

Abstract: A sensing device includes a printed circuit board (PCB) having a conductive trace. A micro-controller is attached to the conductive trace and data transmission means is connected to the micro-controller. A sensor is embedded within the PCB and is connected to the micro-controller via the conductive trace. The sensor is configured to sense at least one physiological parameter in a patient.

Abstract: A placement aid for placing a catheter and a sensor wire into a body including a replacement device arranged in an interchangeable and replaceable manner having a main body, a placement needle, a catheter and a sensor wire. The placement needle is arranged within the catheter so that a tip of the placement needle protrudes from an end of the catheter along a puncturing direction and penetrates the skin when the catheter is inserted along the puncturing direction to generate a skin opening through which the catheter can be guided up to a subcutaneous final position. The sensor wire is arranged in the placement needle when the catheter is inserted along the puncturing direction and when the subcutaneous final position of the catheter is reached, the placement needle can be withdrawn from the catheter against the puncturing direction and the sensor wire remains in the catheter.

Abstract: A biological information detector includes a biological information detector that detects biological information of a user, a storage that stores the biological information, a timepiece that indicates a current date-time, an input unit that receives an input operation, in which when a predetermined input operation is performed on the input unit, the time indicated by the timepiece is stored as an occurrence time of a hypoglycemia symptom.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide systems and methods for, among others, tracking sensor insertion locations in a continuous analyte monitoring system. Data gathered from sensor sessions can be used in different ways, such as providing a user with a suggested rotation of insertion locations, correlating data from a given sensor session with sensor accuracy and/or sensor session length, and providing a user with a suggested next insertion location based upon past sensor accuracy and/or sensor session length at that location.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamically and intelligently estimating analyte data from a continuous analyte sensor, including receiving a data stream, selecting one of a plurality of algorithms, and employing the selected algorithm to estimate analyte values. Additional data processing includes evaluating the selected estimative algorithms, analyzing a variation of the estimated analyte values based on statistical, clinical, or physiological parameters, comparing the estimated analyte values with corresponding measure analyte values, and providing output to a user. Estimation can be used to compensate for time lag, match sensor data with corresponding reference data, warn of upcoming clinical risk, replace erroneous sensor data signals, and provide more timely analyte information encourage proactive behavior and preempt clinical risk.

Abstract: There is provided herewith an apparatus, probe, and method for the combination of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS). The apparatus, probe and method allow for the simultaneous detection of NIRS and DCS.

Abstract: Blood oxygenation sensors including high-aspect-ratio photodetector elements are discussed herein. Such high-aspect-ratio photodetector elements may provide improved signal-strength-to-power-consumption performance for blood oxygenation sensors incorporating such photodetector elements as compared with blood oxygenation sensors incorporating, for example, square photodetector elements.

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: A puncture needle sensor manufacturing method includes applying an insulation layer to a metal sheet and applying spaced apart stripe-shaped electrodes on the insulation layer after the insulation layer is applied on the metal sheet. The manufacturing method also includes cutting the metal sheet to produce a plate-shaped body that includes at least two of the electrodes. The plate-shaped body is press-worked to form the plate-shaped body into a tubular body, and a pointed, beveled end portion is formed at the distal end of the tubular body.