Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for recording and presentation of physiological parameters, which can include both blood pressure and heart pulse. Information about the heart pulse is derived from a recorded blood pressure signal, whereby the need for e.g. an external ECG measurement device is eliminated. It is likewise a part of the invention that a blood pressure measurement is used for the derivation of data such as Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and/or baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) values.

Abstract: A gas cell to be filled with alkali metal atoms includes wall surfaces formed using a compound having polar groups or a material containing the compound, a first coating layer as a coating layer that coats the inner walls, formed using first molecules having functional groups to be chemically bonded to the polar groups and non-polar groups, and a second coating layer formed using non-polar second molecules on the first coating layer.

Abstract: A method of retraining brainwave patterns using direct electrical stimulation feedback comprises: securing two or more electrodes to a subject's scalp and/or ears; acquiring EEG signal(s) on at least one channel; amplifying the EEG signal or signals via differential amplifier means; digitizing said EEG signal or signals via Analog-to-Digital converter means; selecting at least one of said channels from which to derive feedback; creating at least one digital-domain representation of said selected EEG signal or signals; creating a signal or signals representing at least one time-domain “distortion” of said digital domain representation or representations by time distortion means; differentiating said time distorted signal or signals; and introducing said differentiated signal or signals back onto the pairs of input leads via coupling means, wherein said differentiated signal or signals are thus input directly to the brain and nervous system, bypassing the normal systems of perception.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein enable “in situ” sensing, which collects and analyzes physiological responses from a large group of viewers/audiences who watch a same media instance together at a single venue. Each of the group of viewers is fitted with physiological sensors with communication capabilities to communicate with a signal collection device at or near the venue. The signal collection device collects the physiological data of the viewers from the sensors, and transmits the physiological data to a processing module at another location via a network for storage and further analysis.

Abstract: A guidance system for assisting with the insertion of a needle into a patient body is disclosed. The guidance system utilizes ultrasound imaging or other suitable imaging technology. In one embodiment, the guidance system comprises an imaging device including a probe for producing an image of an internal body portion target, such as a vessel. One or more sensors are included with the probe. The sensors sense a detectable characteristic related to the needle, such as a magnetic field of a magnet included with the needle. The system includes a processor that uses data relating to the sensed characteristic to determine a 3-D position of the needle. The system includes a display for depicting the position of the needle. In other embodiments, a guidance system for guiding rigid or other medical instruments is disclosed, together with various example implementations thereof.

Abstract: A method of determining a value of a physiological parameter for a subject at a selected state includes obtaining, via a device located a distance from the subject, a value of the physiological parameter of the subject at a particular time-of-day, and applying a time-dependent relationship function to the obtained physiological parameter value via a processor to determine a value of the physiological parameter at the selected state.

Abstract: A respiratory component measurement system that includes an airway adapter adapted to be placed in fluid communication with an airway of a patient and a sensor element in physical communication with the airway adapter. The sensor element is adapted to detect an orientation related characteristic of the airway adapter, a motion related characteristic of the airway adapter, or both. A respiratory component sensor is also adapted to be disposed on the airway adapter so as to measure a characteristic associated with a flow of gas through the airway adapter. An indicating element coupled to the respiratory component sensor is adapted to output a representation of the orientation related characteristic.

Abstract: A system and a method for estimating the mechanical behavior of human lower limbs is provided. The method includes the following steps: sensing a plurality of foot pressure signals of a user by using a sensor array, the foot pressure signals comprising at least a rearfoot pressure signal and at least a forefoot pressure signal; calculating a temporal sequence of a gait cycle of the user according to the foot pressure signals; calculating a foot reaction force of the user according to the foot pressure signals and a calibration parameter; and calculating a mechanical state of the lower limb joints of the user according to the temporal sequence of the gait cycle and the foot reaction force.

Abstract: An unmet need of orthopedic practitioners is a clinically-relevant measurement device and technique to objectively quantify joint (e.g., knee) stability, including rotational stability. An apparatus and method is disclosed for performing a mechanical joint movement test, such as a knee pivot shift test, through the application of standardized dynamic loads (e.g., using a constant-tension spring or other mechanism). When used for knee evaluation, this test reliably induces the characteristic “pivot” tibial subluxation/reduction event in an ACL-deficient knee, allowing for more sensitive detection of deficiencies in rotational knee stability, quantification of the relative importance of knee stabilizers, and comparison of the performance of contemporary ACL reconstruction techniques. The test allows for better understanding joint biomechanics and for defining unique kinematic and kinetic signatures for common joint injuries, such as knee injuries, that will be valuable for diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for locating the parathyroid. In one aspect, temporal variation among a plurality of images is evaluated and at least one image is enhanced according to the temporal variation. The image may be enhanced to one or both of reduce conspicuity of the thyroid gland and enhance conspicuity of the parathyroid gland. Some of the plurality of images may be adjusted in order to align representations of a target portions. Adjustments may be based locations of one or more organs or one or more artificial markers affixed to a living body in the plurality of images. A local positioning system (LPS), GPS, or other locating system may be used to position a living body, align the plurality of images, or to guide the positioning of objects relative to the living body. An elastomeric gel marker for imaging applications is also disclosed.

Abstract: A physical activity monitoring method and system in one embodiment includes a wearable sensor device configured to generate physiologic data associated with a sensed physiologic condition of a wearer, and to generate audio context data associated with a sensed audio context of the wearer, a memory including program instructions stored therein, a computer configured to receive the physiologic data and the audio context data and to execute the program instructions to distinguish between dynamic and static activities of the wearer based upon the physiologic data, and to generate activity data by differentiating between different classes of distinguished dynamic and static activities based upon the audio context data, and a user interface operably connected to the computer for rendering the activity data.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a retention mechanism to retain the sensor in pre-deployment position within the introducer when the sensor insertion mechanism is activated so as to facilitate the sensor insertion process is disclosed.

Abstract: A biological signal measuring system includes: a light emitter emitting a first light beam and a second light beam; a light receiver outputting first and second signals in accordance with light intensities of the first and second light beams that have been passed through or reflected from a living tissue of a subject; a first calculating section acquiring a light attenuation of the first and second light beams based on the first and second signals; a second calculating section acquiring a blood-derived light attenuation based on the light attenuation of the first and second light beams; a third calculating section identifying a blood fill time for filling the living tissue, based on a temporal change of the blood-derived light attenuation associated with pressurization of the living tissue; and an outputting section outputting the identified blood fill time.

Abstract: The invention provides a monitoring device (1) for attachment to a surface of a subject. The device comprises a data collector (2) and a processor (3) as two separate parts which can be detachably joined such that physiological signals which are detected by the data collector can be transferred to the processor for signal processing and provision of monitoring data. At least one of the data collector and the processor comprises a transducer which can convert the physiological signal to a data signal which can be processed electronically. The data collector is adapted for adhesive contact with a skin surface, and may comprise an adapter (6) for the detachable attachment of the processor.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to pulse oximetry. An exemplary pulse oximeter comprises a probe that is adapted to be attached to a body part of a patient to create a signal indicative of an oxygen saturation of blood of the patient, and a processor that is adapted to receive the signal produced by the probe, to calculate an SPO2 value based on the signal, to detect a plurality of pattern types of SPO2 indicative of pathophysiologic events, and to produce an output indicative of a detected one of the plurality of pattern types.

Abstract: A tubular sensor includes a tubular body having a longitudinally extending cavity, an insulation layer formed on the inner wall surface of the tubular body; and a plurality of longitudinally extending electrodes formed on the insulation layer and extending continuously from one end to the other end of the tubular body. The tubular sensor can be employed in a constituent measuring device. The tubular sensor can be manufactured by forming the insulation layer on a thin metal sheet, forming the plurality of electrodes on the insulation layer in stripes, cutting the thin metal sheet with the insulation layer and the electrodes formed thereon to produce a plate-shaped body having a development shape of the tubular body, and press working the plate-shaped body to form the tubular body.

Abstract: A monitoring system embodying a monitoring system embodying a method of this invention for monitoring predetermined patients with mental and/or behavioral disorders by accessing, analyzing and monitoring their measured input through a plurality of sensors inherent in most personal mobile devices is provided. The measured input may represents values attributed to at least one physical behavior of the patient that is representative of a symptom of at least one mental/behavior health condition. The measured input can be used to establish a baseline and thresholds thereof that separates the at least one physical behavior into normative from ab-normative behavior for each predetermined patient.

Abstract: The invention provides a urine flow meter of gravitation or capacitance type in which a container is connected to a weight transducer or a capacitance sensor. An arrangement is provided to sense the level of urine in the container. An arrangement of siphon tube & solenoid valve is also provided to start and stop rinsing of the container automatically. The invention is easily adapted to a male or female type urinal. The collected urine in beaker is flushed by siphon after completion of test.

Abstract: A method for detecting a disease such as Alzheimer's disease by analysis of retinal vasculature is disclosed. The method for detecting a disease by analysis of retinal vasculature may include applying a combination of optical retro mode illumination techniques to acquire a plurality of amyloid beta plaques and drusen images that are too small to be seen with other imaging modalities. The disease may also be detected with a non-transitory computer storage media having instructions stored thereon which, when executed, execute the method for detecting a disease by analysis of retinal vasculature. The method may track changes in lumen thickness, plaque, size, area and density of the disease by analysis of retinal vasculature over a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A biofeedback system and method enables biofeedback training to be accomplished during normal interaction by an individual with the individual's environment, for example while reading, playing video games, watching TV, participating in sports activities, or at work. Physiologic data is processed and used to generate one or more control signals based on the physiologic data. The control signals may be proportional to a result of the data processing, or based on comparison of the processing results with at least one fixed or adaptive threshold. The control signal is supplied to a wearable device through which the individual receives sensory information from the individual's environment, and serves to interrupt or modify the sensory information.

Abstract: Methods and devices for chest compression depth measurement for CPR.

Abstract: A method of analyzing a physiological (e.g., an ECG) signal during application of chest compressions. The method includes acquiring a physiological signal during application of chest compressions; acquiring the output of a sensor from which information on the velocity of chest compressions can be determined; and using the information on the velocity to reduce at least one signal artifact in the physiological signal resulting from the chest compressions.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques for controlling spectral aggressors in a sensing device that uses a chopper amplifier to amplify an input signal prior to sampling the signal. In some examples, the techniques for controlling spectral aggressors may include generating a chopper-stabilized amplified version of an input signal based on a chopper frequency, sampling the chopper-stabilized amplified version of the input signal at a sampling rate to generate a sampled signal, and analyzing a target frequency band of the sampled signal. The chopper frequency and the sampling rate may cause spectral interference that is generated due to the chopper frequency to occur in the sampled signal at one or more frequencies that are outside of the target frequency band of the sampled signal. The techniques for controlling spectral aggressors may reduce the noise caused by the chopper frequency in the resulting sampled signal, thereby improving the quality of the signal.

Abstract: A medical image registration method includes performing a first registration by registering first medical images, including a registration image and a display image, the display image being an image to be displayed, performing a second registration by registering a second medical image having a different modality than a modality of the first medical images, with the registration image, and extracting a cross-section of one of the first medical images, corresponding to a cross-section of the second medical image, from the display image, according to the first registration and the second registration.

Abstract: X-ray CT system is provided that reduces waiting time for shuttle scanning, comprising: top-plate moving unit; rotary moving unit; data acquisition system; and control unit. Top-plate moving unit displaces top plate to reciprocate in a direction from a starting point to an ending point and in the direction from the ending point to the starting point. Rotary moving unit drives X-ray radiator radiating X-rays to revolve around the subject. Data acquisition system detects X-rays passed through the subject and to gather projection data. Controller controls at least top-plate moving unit so that, during a scanning with X-rays, while projection data are gathered with reciprocating movement of top plate between the starting point and the ending point and with X-ray radiator being driven to make revolving movement, the duration required for reciprocation of the top plate movement being an integral multiple of revolution period of the revolving movement of X-ray radiator.

Abstract: A CT apparatus for scanning an object is provided. An x-ray source is provided, wherein the x-ray source provides a collimated x-ray beam with a cross-section. A plurality of attenuation elements is provided between the source and object. An actuator is connected to the attenuation elements for moving the attenuation elements. An x-ray detector is located on an opposite side of the object from the x-ray source and is for detecting x-rays that pass through the object and the plurality of attenuation elements. A gantry rotates the x-ray source, the plurality of attenuation elements, and the x-ray detector around an axis of rotation.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray detecting device, an accommodation unit configured to accommodate the X-ray detecting device, and a bucky tray configured to be accommodated in and discharged from the accommodation unit. The bucky tray includes a base and a first plate on which the X-ray detecting device is mounted and which is configured to rotate with respect to the base.

Abstract: Device comprising: a chassis (1) which supports the entire assembly, a telescopic column (2) which comprises a lower fixed portion (5) rotating with respect to a vertical axis, and at least one upper mobile portion (6), a telescopic arm (3) that moves along the vertical column and that supports an x-ray emitter (4) at its end, wherein the telescopic arm-head assembly can be moved from the lower position of the mobile column in its retracted position to the upper position of the mobile column in its extended position, and also in that all the movements of the column are manual and have a mechanical balancing mechanism which comprises a first mechanism consisting of a spring, a block and tackle, and a variable radius pulley all housed in the fixed portion of the column, and a second balancing mechanism consisting of a recovery pulley and a two-radii pulley which balances the weight between the input of the cable and that of the telescopic arm and head assembly.

Abstract: A method for automatically detecting the presence of a contrast agent in an x-ray image includes acquiring a preliminary x-ray image. A background image is estimated. The contrast agent is administered. A plurality of image frames is acquired. The background image is subtracted from each image frame. An image having a highest image intensity is selected. A predefined shape model is fitted to the selected image using a semi-global optimization strategy. The fitting of the shape model is used to fit the shape model to each of the subtracted images. A feature value is calculated for each image frame based on pixel intensities of each pixel fitted to the shape model for the corresponding subtracted image. An image frame of peak contrast is determined by selecting the image frame with the greatest feature value.

Abstract: A portable radiographic imaging system includes an FPD cassette and a portable console, each of which is configured to wirelessly communicate with a portable relay unit. The relay unit prohibits a radiation generator from emitting radiation when judging that a wireless communication connection has not been established between the relay unit and the radiation generator, and allows the radiation generator to emit radiation when judging that the wireless communication connection has not been established between the relay unit and the radiation generator after an interlock release signal is transferred from the console or the like to the radiation generator.

Abstract: A console acquires a displacement amount of an X-ray source from a displacement amount detector. In the case where an electronic cassette having an image detector is not appropriately positioned with respect to a body part to be imaged, a position of the X-ray source is changed in accordance with a position of the body part to be imaged. A dose measurement field position determining unit specifies a current relative position between the X-ray source and the electronic cassette having the image detector based on a displacement amount. The dose measurement field position determining unit determines a position of a dose measurement field based on the specified current relative position.

Abstract: A method for tracking vessels in image data includes receiving a plurality of image frames and annotating a target vessel in the plurality of image frames. A plurality of tracking targets associated with the target vessel is selected based on a first image frame included in the plurality of image frames. For each respective image frame, a set of tracking points are determined according to a tracking algorithm which includes: selecting a plurality of landmark hypothesis points for each tracking target in the respective frame based on a comparison with a previous image frame, constructing a directed acyclic graph from the plurality of landmark hypothesis points, and solving the directed acyclic graph to yield a plurality of optimal landmarks for the respective image frame.

Abstract: An evaluation aid is used as a phantom (imitation lesion) when a digital X-ray dynamic image thereof is taken and evaluated for image qualities for X-ray absorption parts having different X-ray absorption ratios. The evaluation aid contains a fixed plate (plate-like body) including a plurality of regions having different X-ray absorption ratios; a rotating disk (movable body) having a plurality of wires (wire rods), the rotating disk capable of rotating (moving) with respect to the fixed plate so that the plurality of wires traverse X-ray with which the fixed plate is irradiated; and a driving motor (driving portion) which rotates (moves) the rotating disk with respect to the fixed plate. It is preferred that thicknesses and/or constituent materials of the plurality of regions of the fixed plate are different from each other, so that these regions have the different X-ray absorption ratios.

Abstract: An imaging window of an imaging catheter includes a first imaging window section and a second imaging window section. The first imaging window section has a finite length and is formed from a first material having a flexural modulus. The second imaging window section has a finite length and is formed from a second material having a flexural modulus. The flexural modulus of the first material is different than the flexural modulus of the second material.

Abstract: To implement a single-chip ultrasonic imaging solution, on-chip signal processing may be employed in the receive signal path to reduce data bandwidth and a high-speed serial data module may be used to move data for all received channels off-chip as digital data stream. The digitization of received signals on-chip allows advanced digital signal processing to be performed on-chip, and thus permits the full integration of an entire ultrasonic imaging system on a single semiconductor substrate. Various novel waveform generation techniques, transducer configuration and biasing methodologies, etc., are likewise disclosed. HIFU methods may additionally or alternatively be employed as a component of the “ultrasound-on-a-chip” solution disclosed herein.

Abstract: A needle is used to mark a tissue area of interest. The needle may have one or more indicators which indicate selected angular orientations relative to the needle. The indicators may also be coupled to anchors which are deployed in the tissue to anchor the needle in the tissue. The needle may be positioned to guide an excisional device to remove tissue.

Abstract: A needle includes a surface with a plurality of first ultrasound reflecting depressions formed therein. The first depressions are distributed along at least a portion of a length of the needle separated from one another by intervening sections. Each of the first depressions is extending along a curve between first and second ends adjacent to corresponding ones of the intervening sections with troughs at which surfaces of each of the first depressions most closely approach a longitudinal axis of the needle being offset toward the first ends of each of the first depressions.

Abstract: In a method for image guided prostate cancer needle biopsy, a first registration is performed to match a first image of a prostate to a second image of the prostate. Third images of the prostate are acquired and compounded into a three-dimensional (3D) image. The prostate in the compounded 3D image is segmented to show its border. A second registration and then a third registration different from the second registration is performed on distance maps generated from the prostate borders of the first image and the compounded 3D image, wherein the first and second registrations are based on a biomechanical property of the prostate. A region of interest in the first image is mapped to the compounded 3D image or a fourth image of the prostate acquired with the second modality.

Abstract: Devices and tissue fasteners for approximating and fastening tissue using minimally invasive techniques are disclosed. Methods for approximating and fastening tissue by application of one or more tissue fasteners are also provided. In one embodiment, spaced apart tissue locations are engaged by tissue penetrating members of a deformable fastener, one of more of the engaged tissue locations is moved toward another engaged tissue location to approximate the spaced apart locations, and the deformable fastener is deployed to secure the approximated tissue locations. These methods may be used in laparoscopic plication gastroplasty procedures for forming an invaginated tissue fold, to close holes in the gastrointestinal lumen, and in a variety of interventional procedures.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods capable of retracting organs are disclosed. In one embodiment, a retractor body comprises a deformable resilient frame defining a central opening and a deformable membrane extending across a portion of the central opening wherein the deformable resilient frame is arranged for complete disposal within the body of a patient and for varying the size of the central opening. In some exemplary embodiments, the retractor is arranged to form a helically coiled arrangement for insertion into the body of a patient. Delivery devices for delivering a deformable resilient retractor and methods of delivery are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for retracting tissue. In one exemplary embodiment, a retractor is provided that includes a base, a plurality of blades extending from the base, and an actuator coupled to the base and operatively connected to the blades. The actuator can be configured to be actuated to move the blades relative to the base, thereby allowing the blades to retract tissue. The actuator can be self-locking so as to allow the blades to be freely movable within their entire range of motion relative to the base through actuation of the actuator without using another mechanism to lock the blades in a fixed position and to unlock the blades from the fixed position. The retractor can be formed from one or more radiolucent materials.

Abstract: A suture anchor includes a threaded anchor body having a first central bore in communication with a second central bore. The suture anchor includes an internal eyelet formed of a loop disposed at least partially inside the first central bore. The ends extending from the loop are tied together to form at least one knot which is housed in the second central bore provided at the distal end of the anchor body. The knot increases the pullout strength of the suture even in soft bone, provides increased suture fixation, and eliminates the anchor “pull back.

Abstract: A surgical suture fixation system includes a delivery guide, an anchor, a movable anchor deployment component and a spring mechanism provided between the delivery guide and the anchor deployment component. The anchor is received in the anchor deployment component. The anchor is attached to a length of suture that passes through a channel in the delivery guide to connect with a fixation device outside the delivery guide. The anchor deployment component is configured to deliver the anchor into a tissue location. The system is adapted to fixing the suture to the tissue location with the anchor for supporting an implantable support material in a patient. A method of fixing the surgical suture to the tissue is also disclosed.

Abstract: Surgical appliance kit and system for releasably securing a surgical appliance to a surgical field and method of assembling the surgical appliance kit. The surgical appliance kit and system includes a surgical tray having the surgical appliance and a plurality of hook-and-loop attachment members disposed thereon. A cover is attached to the surgical tray and covers the surgical appliance and the plurality of attachment members. In use, a “hook” attachment member is adhesively attached to the surgical appliance and a “loop” attachment member is adhesively attached to the surgical field. The hook attachment member is placed into engagement with the loop attachment member. In this manner, the surgical appliance is releasably secured to the surgical field, so that the surgical appliance will not inadvertently fall from the surgical field.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a surgical apparatus, comprising an anvil jaw configured to form at least one surgical staple, a cartridge jaw configured to deploy one or more surgical staples against the anvil jaw, and a pressure distribution device attached to at least one of the anvil jaw and the cartridge jaw, wherein the pressure distribution device is configured to distribute a clamping pressure to a target tissue during a clamping and a stapling of the target tissue.

Abstract: Embodiments of a clamping instrument are disclosed. In some embodiments, a clamping device with calibrated parameters and a calibration process for the clamping device is presented. A method of calibrating a clamping instrument can include acquiring a data set of clamping torque as a function of tip deflection data for the clamping instrument; determining a torque limit from the data set; and storing the torque limit in the clamping instrument.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a dissecting tip for use in a surgical stapler or instrument.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stapler apparatus, comprising a stapler having a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal axis, the stapler further comprising a trigger, an anvil docking pin aligned substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the stapler, and a stapling means, the anvil docking pin and stapling means being at the distal end of the stapler, and a detachable anvil, comprising an anvil head and an anvil shaft, wherein the anvil shaft is adapted to receive the anvil docking pin and operation of the trigger causes the stapling means to be actuated, characterised in that the length of the anvil shaft is at least 4 cm. The present invention also relates to a method of forming an anastomosis between two surfaces using the stapler apparatus of the invention and a method of forming a stoma trephine in a subject using the stapler apparatus of the invention.

Abstract: A novel catheter-based system that ligates the left atrial appendage (LAA) on the outside of the heart, preferably using a combination of catheters and/or instruments, e.g., a guide catheter inserted into the interior of the left atrial appendage that may assist in locating the left atrial appendage and/or assist in the optimal placement of a ligature or constricting element on the outside of the appendage, and a ligating catheter and/or instrument outside the heart in the pericardial space to set the ligature or constricting element at the neck of the left atrial appendage.

Abstract: A saw blade has a base configured for attachment with a driver, the saw being configured for cutting bone. The saw blade includes a body extending from the base to a free end, the body enclosing at least three sides of an open area adjacent the base. The blade further includes a cutting edge having a width and disposed on the body adjacent to the free end thereof and adjacent to the open area such that at least a portion of the cutting edge is disposed toward the base. The open area of the saw blade can be sized to receive a portion of a long bone therein.