Abstract: A system for detecting tumor margins includes a topical protease-specific, fluorescence imaging probe that is activatable by enzymatic activation to produce a visually differentiated signal upon topical application to a targeted cancer cell that secretes an enzyme that activates the protease-specific, fluorescence imaging probe, means for topically administering the imaging probe to the cancer cell; and an imaging device to detect activation of the imaging probe administered to the cancer cell.

Abstract: An optical probe comprising a light source providing a light that is directed along a first axis; a diffusive element positioned proximate to the light source to receive the light and to diffuse the light as it exits the diffusive element; and a directional optical element directing the light exiting the diffusive element along at least one of the first axis and a second axis generally perpendicular to the first axis to project the light out of the optical probe and onto a subject.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a short wave infrared (SWIR) otoscope device are provided. The SWIR otoscope device can capture images of a patient's middle ear to aid in diagnosing one of a plurality of maladies. In one embodiment, the SWIR otoscope device can include a SWIR detector, a light source, and a plurality of optics that can enable the SWIR otoscope device to capture images of the middle ear of a patient.

Abstract: A temperature measurement probe (130) for use in a magnetic resonance environment, includes an elongated substrate (202), at least one highly resistive, electrically conductive traces (200, 200a, 200b, 200a?, 200b?) one printed at least one thermistor (204) disposed on the substrate and electrically connected with the trace. The thermistor is configured to be placed in thermal communication with a patient in the magnetic resonance environment. In some embodiments, the printed trace may be carbon-based, silicone based, or may be a doped semiconductor material.

Abstract: The present invention discloses means and methods for detecting irregularities in the cells throughout a healthy tissue. The method generally relates to cancer detection, diagnosis and treatment, and more specifically pertains to detection, diagnosis and treatment guidance of cancerous or precancerous conditions through the use of thermal imaging technology and analysis.

Abstract: In a CO2-based method for estimating shunt of a subject, a first value related to alveolar CO2 of the subject is obtained from CO2 measurements on expiration gas exhaled by said subject, a second value is obtained related to arterial CO2 of the subject, a third value is obtained related to cardiac output [QT] or effective pulmonary perfusion [EPP] of the subject, a fourth value is obtained related to CO2 elimination [VCO2] of the subject, the shunt of the subject is calculated based on said first, second, third and fourth values. The method allows the shunt of the subject to be determined in a non-invasive or minimally-invasive way without requiring determination of the venous or capillary CO2 contents of the subject, which in turn allows the method to be carried out at the bedside, enabling reliable monitoring of shunt in clinical practice.

Abstract: A waveform analysis method for analyzing vital sign waveform data by using respiratory waveform data which are synchronized with the vital sign waveform data includes acquiring the vital sign waveform data and the respiratory waveform data, determining an expiratory phase and an inspiratory phase from the respiratory waveform data, extracting given waveform data corresponding to the expiratory phase, and given waveform data corresponding to the inspiratory phase from the vital sign waveform data, performing a first waveform analysis M which a given waveform analysis is applied to the extracted given waveform data corresponding to the expiratory phase, and performing a second waveform analyzing in which the given waveform analysis is applied to the extracted given waveform data corresponding to the inspiratory phase.

Abstract: A guide wire has a distal end incorporating a coil and a capacitive element that form a resonance circuit with a resonance frequency that is responsive to the pressure of blood external to the guide wire. The resonance frequency can be detected wirelessly, or through two contacts at the proximal wire end, or through one brush contact located inside an insertion sheath and a ground electrode. Wireless detection can be implemented via a second resonance circuit, and electronics for determining the frequency when the first and second circuits are in resonance with each other.

Abstract: A capillary refill measurement apparatus (1), comprising a support element (14) configured to receive the weight of a user through their foot, a light source (22) for illuminating a region of the foot that exerts weight onto the support element (14), a light detector (24) arranged to receive light from the illuminated region (36) of the foot and generate an output based on the received light, and a processor (26) configured to determine a capillary refill rate from the output of the light detector (24) when the user adjusts the amount of weight received by the support element (14).

Abstract: A vital signs information measuring apparatus includes a calculating section which calculates a baroreflex index, a sympathetic nerve index, a heart rate, an estimated cardiac output, and an alternative index of blood pressure by using at least one of an electrocardiographic signal of a living body, and a pulse wave of the living body and a displaying section that displays changes of the baroreflex index, sympathetic nerve index, heart rate, estimated cardiac output, and alternative index of blood pressure that are calculated by the calculating section.

Abstract: A system for non-invasively determining an indication of an individual's blood pressure is described. In certain embodiments, the system calculates pulse wave transit time using two acoustic sensors. The system can include a first acoustic sensor configured to monitor heart sounds of the patient corresponding to ventricular systole and diastole and a second acoustic sensor configured to monitor arterial pulse sounds at an arterial location remote from the heart. The system can advantageously calculate a arterial pulse wave transit time (PWTT) that does not include the pre-ejection period time delay. In certain embodiments, the system further includes a processor that calculates the arterial PWTT obtained from the acoustic sensors. The system can use this arterial PWTT to determine whether to trigger an occlusive cuff measurement.

Abstract: Described herein is a venous pressure monitoring system which is configured to determine central venous pressure based on jugular venous pressure. One embodiment of the JVP monitoring system may include at least one signal processor, at least one accelerometer, at least one memory 5 for storing computer instructions related to the processor(s) and/or accelerometer(s), at least one display, and at least one patch adapted to be held in place or otherwise secured to a patients neck. The signal processor may be in communication with the accelerometer(s) to translate the output from the accelerometer(s) to yield a signal and calculate the central venous pressure.

Abstract: A system and apparatus comprising a multi-sensor catheter for right heart and pulmonary artery catheterization is disclosed. The multi-sensor catheter comprises multi-lumen catheter tubing into which at least three optical pressure sensors, and their respective optical fibers, are inserted. The three optical pressure sensors are arranged within a distal end portion of the catheter, spaced apart lengthwise within the distal end portion for measuring pressure concurrently at each sensor location. The sensor locations are configured for placement of at least one sensor in each of the right atrium, the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery, for concurrent measurement of pressure at each sensor location. The sensor arrangement may further comprise an optical thermo-dilution sensor, and another lumen is provided for fluid injection for thermo-dilution measurements. The catheter may comprise an inflatable balloon tip and a guidewire lumen, and preferably has an outside diameter of 6 French or less.

Abstract: A pulse transmission time measuring apparatus includes a first photoplethysmographic sensor that includes a first light emitter and a first light receiver and detects a first photoplethysmographic signal, and a second photoplethysmographic sensor that includes a second light emitter and a second light receiver and detects a second photoplethysmographic signal. The first and second photoplethysmographic sensors are disposed on a contact surface that comes into contact with the body when the pulse transmission time measuring apparatus is attached to the body. The spacing between the second light emitter and the second light receiver is smaller than the spacing between the first light emitter and the first light receiver. The second photoplethysmographic sensor detects the second photoplethysmographic signal corresponding to the flow of blood in the capillaries.

Abstract: An intraluminal microneurography probe has a probe body that is configured to be introduced into an artery near an organ of a body without preventing the flow of blood through the artery. An expandable sense electrode and an expandable stimulation electrode are fixed to the probe body at one end of each electrode such that movement of the other end toward the fixed end causes the sense electrode to expand from the probe body toward a wall of the artery. A ground electrode is configured to couple to the body, and a plurality of electrical connections are operable to electrically couple the electrodes to electrical circuitry. The sense electrode is operable to measure sympathetic nerve activity in response to excitation of the stimulation electrode. An ablation element is located between the expandable sense electrode and expandable stimulation electrode, and is operable to ablate nerves proximate to the artery.

Abstract: A biosignal measurement apparatus capable of measuring a user's biosignal in real time is provided, including a plurality of electrodes that are separated from each other and configured to measure a biosignal through contact with a user's body and a sensor that is electrically connected to the electrodes and measures an electrical signal formed in a circuit connected to the electrodes. The electrodes are also configured to be utilized as touch sensors for executing functions in addition to a biosignal measurement function of the biosignal measurement apparatus, and the biosignal measurement apparatus is configured to execute a different function according to whether the user's body has touched the electrodes and a period of time during which the user's body touches the electrodes.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a sensing circuit configured to generate a sensed physiological signal representative of cardiac activity of a subject, an arrhythmia detection circuit, a control circuit, and a memory. The arrhythmia detection circuit detects an episode of atrial fibrillation (AF) in the sensed cardiac signal using a first AF detection criterion, and detects the episode of AF using a second AF detection criterion. The first AF detection criterion has greater sensitivity to AF detection than the second AF detection criterion, and the second AF detection criterion has greater specificity to AF detection than the first AF detection criterion. The control circuit initiates storing of sampled values of a segment of the cardiac signal that includes the episode of AF when the episode of AF is detected by both the first AF detection criterion and the second AF detection criterion.

Abstract: A system and associated method is disclosed for determining whether a signal is ambiguous. The system comprises an electrode apparatus comprising a plurality of electrodes configured to be located proximate tissue of a patient. A display apparatus comprises a graphical user interface. The graphical user interface is configured to present information to a user. A computing apparatus coupled to the electrode apparatus and display apparatus, is configured to determine whether a signal acquired from a channel associated with an electrode from the plurality of electrodes is ambiguous. The computing apparatus is configured to calculate a first derivative of the signal, determine a first minimum from the first derivative, determine a second minimum from the second derivative and a second index within a window, calculate a ratio of the first and second derivatives, calculate a difference between a first and second index.

Abstract: A patient monitoring apparatus and method is provided. A plurality of moving average filters each receive a signal sensed from a patient and generates an output signal including a respective cutoff frequency. An extraction processor is coupled to receive the sensed signal and output signals from each moving average filters. The extraction processor determines at least one feature associated with the sensed signal based on at least one of the sensed signal and the output signals from each moving average filter and generates a feature signal including data representative of the determined at least one feature. A classification processor identifies a position of artifacts within the sensed signal based on the feature signal and generates a signal identifying the position of the artifacts.

Abstract: Electrophysiology mapping systems and methods that are used to determine longitudinal and transverse conduction velocities within myocardial tissue. The myocardial tissue can be contacted with at least three non-collinear electrodes. A selected electrical pacing protocol can include at least one pacing wave that is delivered to the at least three non-collinear electrodes. During each pacing wave, at least one pair of adjacent electrodes can generate an electrical activation pattern, and at least one additional electrode can detect the activation pattern. For each pacing wave, a processor determines a conduction velocity vector associated with the detection of the electrical activation pattern at a corresponding electrode. The processor can determine a singular value decomposition of the conduction velocity vectors determined during the electrical pacing protocol and use the singular value decomposition to determine the longitudinal and transverse conduction velocities within the myocardial tissue.

Abstract: A headgear for placing sensors on a subject's head includes a centerpiece; a plurality of arms attached to and radiating generally downward from the centerpiece; and sensor tips attached to the dorsal ends of at least some of the arms. At least one of the plurality of arms is a lower arm that is elastic and/or spring-like. When the headgear is placed on a subject's head, the at least one lower arm is so disposed in relation to the maximum circumference of the subject's head that the at least one lower arm must be bent outward for placement of the headgear on the subject's head and thereby provide a reactive force toward the head that causes the at least one lower arm to grasp at least a portion of the head that is at and/or below the maximum circumference of the head.

Abstract: A method and system provides for headgear usable for electrophysiological data collection and analysis and neurostimulation/neuromodulation or brain computer interface for clinical, peak performance, or neurogaming and neuromodulation applications. The headgear utilizes dry sensor technology as well as connection points for adjustable placement of the bi-directional sensors for the recoding of electrophysiology from the user and delivery of current to the sensors intended to improve or alter electrophysiology parameters. The headgear allows for recording electrophysiological data and biofeedback directly to the patient via the sensors, as well as provide low intensity current or electromagnetic field to the user. The headgear can further include auditory, visual components for immersive neurogaming. The headgear may further communication with local or network processing devices based on neurofeedback and biofeedback and immersive environment experience with balance and movement sensor data input.

Abstract: An electrocardiogram detector including a pad, an electrical connection unit, a plurality of retaining members, and a plurality of electrode pieces is disclosed. The pad has a first face, a second face, and a plurality of through-holes. The electrical connection unit has an electrical connection port and a plurality of conducting lines electrically connected to the electrical connection port. The plurality of conducting lines is arranged on the first face of the pad. The plurality of retaining members is fixed to the first face of the pad and electrically connected to the plurality of conducting lines. The plurality of electrode pieces is electrically connected to the plurality of retaining members. The plurality of electrode pieces is fixed by the plurality of retaining members. In this arrangement, convenient operation of the electrocardiogram detector is improved.

Abstract: A garment that includes textile ECG-arm-electrodes (110LA and 110RA), such as knitted electrodes, wherein the textile ECG-arm-electrodes are located within the garment such that when the garment is worn, the textile ECG-arm-electrodes are situated adjacent to the bodily skin overlaying the outmost region of the Pectoralis major muscle, proximal to the shoulder muscle. Preferably, the positioning of the textile ECG-arm-electrodes, within the garment, is designed to match the size of the garment.

Abstract: A technique to detect an eye potential of a wearer of an eyewear by using an electrode abutting on the glabella of the wearer has been known, but it is desirable to surely cause the electrode to abut on the glabella so as to prevent deterioration in the detection accuracy of detecting a biosignal indicating an eye potential, myogenic potential, brain wave or the like. In view of this, an eyewear including: a frame; a first electrode that abuts on a glabella of a wearer of the eyewear; and an electrode holding unit that holds the first electrode such that a distance between the frame and the first electrode is changeable is included.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a universal adaptor that allows one to connect electrodes and/or electrode pads from a patient that is experiencing heart problems to an EKG and/or defibrillator from a different manufacturer from the manufacturer of the electrodes and/or electrode pads. The invention also relates to methods of saving a patient's life by eliminating the process and time that it would take to transfer electrodes and/or electrode pads on a patient by using this universal adaptor.

Abstract: A method of operating a magnetic resonance imaging system (10) with regard to acquiring multiple-phase dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance images, the method comprising steps of acquiring (48) a first set of magnetic resonance image data (xpre) prior to administering a contrast agent to the subject of interest (20), by employing a water/fat magnetic resonance signal separation technique, determining (52) a first image of the spatial distribution of fat (Ipre) of at least the portion of the subject of interest (20), acquiring (50) at least a second set of magnetic resonance image data (x2) of at least the portion of the subject of interest (20) after administering the contrast agent to the subject of interest (20), by employing a water/fat magnetic resonance signal separation technique, determining (54) at least a second image of the spatial distribution of fat (I2ph) of at least the portion of the subject of interest (20), applying (56) an image registration method to the second image of the spatial

Abstract: A physiology sensing device and an intelligent textile are provided. The physiology sensing device includes a fabric substrate and a conductive coating layer. The conductive coating layer is embedded from a side of the fabric substrate and leveled with the fabric body, and a thickness of the conductive coating layer is not larger than a thickness of the fabric substrate. The conductive coating layer includes a hydrophobic adhesive and a plurality of conductive particles distributing therein. The physiology sensing device receives variation of a signal of body potential on skin surface. Then a long range signal receiver receives the signal, the signal is shown on a monitory system so as to perform long distance monitoring.

Abstract: A health care system acquires data determines whether a patient is at risk of hypervolemia or hypovolemia. The method comprises (a) acquiring from a device memory a patient's absolute intrathoracic impedance data over a pre-specified time period, (b) determining a running average of the intrathoracic impedance data over the pre-specified time period, and (c) determining by the system whether the running average of the intrathoracic impedance data over the pre-specified time period exceeds one of a first and second range, the first range being a higher value boundary of intrathoracic electrical impedance and the second range being a lower value boundary of intrathoracic electrical impedance.

Abstract: Impedance devices and methods of using the same to obtain luminal organ measurements. In at least one embodiment of an impedance device of the present disclosure, the impedance device comprises an elongated body having a distal body end, and a first electrode located along the elongated body at or near the distal body end, the first electrode configured to obtain one or more conductance values within a mammalian luminal organ within an electric field, wherein a measured parameter of the mammalian luminal organ can be calculated based in part upon the one or more conductance values obtained by the first electrode.

Abstract: A catheter configured for use with a magnetic field-based localization system includes a distributed location sensor that includes a plurality of individual location sensing coils electrically connected in series. The distributed location sensor has an effective magnetic center based on the individual characteristics of each location sensing coil. The effective magnetic center can be located in a space occupied by another structure such as an irrigation fluid delivery tube. The plurality of individual location sensing coils are generally smaller, thereby easing placement, and collectively, when connected in series, output a relatively strong and noise-free signal.

Abstract: In an embodiment, the present invention is an apparatus, comprising: a foot mat; a depth sensing camera; an elevated foot platform that reduces or prevents rotational movement of a foot; a processor in communication with the depth sensing camera, the processor further configured to calculate the circumference of a user's leg based on data from the depth sensing camera while the user has one foot on the foot mat and one foot on the elevated foot platform, the processor further configured to select a recommended product for the user's knee or ankle from among a set of pre-manufactured candidate products for knees or ankles based at least in part upon the leg circumference of the user; and an output device to display information received from the processor, the information identifying the recommended product to the user.

Abstract: A mobile device comprises an air pressure sensor configured to measure a value of air pressure, a walk detector configured to detect whether a user is walking, and a controller configured to estimate a movement method of the user using an own device based on results of the air pressure sensor and the walk detector, wherein in a case where a change amount of the value of the air pressure detected by the air pressure sensor is equal to or larger than a reference value and the walk detector detects that the user is walking, the controller estimates that the user is moving on stairs.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a user interface device includes a body adapted to overlie an outer side of a hand of a user when the device is worn by the user, elongated finger straps extending from a distal edge of the body, an elongated thumb strap extending from a side edge of the body, and a finger cot attached to a distal tip of each finger strap and the thumb strap, each finger cot being adapted to fit over a fingertip or thumb tip of the user, each finger cot comprising a discrete conductive pad that covers only a portion of the finger cot, wherein contact between the conductive pad of the finger cot of the thumb strap and the conductive pad of the finger cot of a finger strap can be detected.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter includes optical tomographic systems for acquiring and displaying dynamic data representing changes in a target tissue sample to external provocation. For example, the disclosed devices, methods and systems may be used for quantifying dynamic vascular changes caused by imposed blood pressure changes for diagnosing peripheral artery disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an OECT sensor (1) for determining biochemical parameters in a subject's perspiration, comprising a filament (2) coated with a first layer (3) made of a conductive polymer, wherein the ends of the filament (2) are connected to two electrodes (4, 4?), wherein a first electrode (4) is grounded (V0), while a negative potential (V?) is applied to the second electrode (4?), the sensor (1) further comprising a control electrode (5), to which a positive potential (V+) is applied, wherein the filament (2) comprises a second layer (6) comprising an enzyme which catalyzes a transformation reaction of an analyte present in the liquid to be analyzed with generation of cations.

Abstract: A wireless colorimetric sensor for detecting, quantifying, or both detecting and quantifying, at least one analyte in a sample, the sensor including a light transparent chemochromic layer applied onto the photoactive surface of an image sensor, or attached thereto via an optic coupler, wherein the chemochromic layer comprises a chemochromic material that is optically altered when contacted with the analyte. A method for detecting at least one analyte with a colorimetric sensor.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for determining an estimate of an analyte level over time. The invention includes sampling sensor data using an analyte sensor positioned at least partially subcutaneously; storing a plurality of datasets of sensor data, each at a different rate; determining an estimated analyte level based on the datasets; and outputting the estimated analyte level to a display. Numerous additional aspects are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing data processing and control for use in a medical communication system are provided.

Abstract: Among others, the present invention provides devices each including a micro-filter, a shutter, a cell counter, a selector, a micro-surgical kit, a timer, and a data processing circuitry, wherein the micro-filter is capable of detecting or filtering circulating tumor cells.

Abstract: One implementation described herein includes a system for providing at least an estimate of substance concentrations in a bodily fluid. The system comprises a first emitter for generating signals using a first sensing modality, a first detector configured to detect signals from said first emitter that have travelled through the bodily fluid and output a corresponding first detector signal; a second emitter for generating signals using a second sensing modality different to said first sensing modality, a second detector configured to detect signals from said second emitter that have travelled through the bodily fluid and output a corresponding second detector signal; and a processor configured to receive the detector signals from said first and second detectors, to process said signals and to output an indication of at least an estimate of the concentration of said substance in said bodily fluid.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for monitoring oxygen level of an environment. The method comprises receiving at least one image of the environment comprising plurality of users from a capturing device. Then, at least one region of interest of each of the plurality of users is detected in the at least one image. A video plethysmographic waveform is generated by analyzing the at least one region of interest. Further, Peripheral Capillary Oxygen Saturation (SPO2) based on the video plethysmographic waveform is determined. Thereafter, oxygen level of the environment is determined by averaging the SPO2 level of each of the plurality of users. The determined oxygen level of the environment is compared with predefined oxygen level of the environment and an appropriate action is performed based on the comparison.

Abstract: A biometric sensor arrangement (10) comprises a first radiation source (11), a second radiation source (12) that is implemented as a flash radiation source and a driver (13) coupled to the first and the second radiation source (11, 12) and configured to selectively operate the first and the second radiation source (11, 12). Moreover, the biometric sensor arrangement (10) comprises a photosensor (16) and a signal conditioning unit (18) coupled to the photosensor (16) and designed to provide a biometric signal (SB).

Abstract: Novel membranes comprising various polymers containing heterocyclic nitrogen groups are described. These membranes are usefully employed in electrochemical sensors, such as amperometric biosensors. More particularly, these membranes effectively regulate a flux of analyte to a measurement electrode in an electrochemical sensor, thereby improving the functioning of the electrochemical sensor over a significant range of analyte concentrations. Electrochemical sensors equipped with such membranes are also described.

Abstract: There is provided a lancet wherein a lancet cap is composed at least of a grip member and a pricking-component protective member, and the pricking-component protective member has a two-part structure of a flexible part and a rigid part, the flexible part having a relative flexibility with respect to the rigid part, the rigid part having a relative rigidity with respect to the flexible part.

Abstract: A flow regulator for a blood collection assembly includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, which defines an interior space between the inlet and the outlet. A membrane having a first surface and a second surface is disposed at least partially within the interior space. The membrane has a first position where a flow path between the inlet and the outlet is substantially open, and a second position where the flow path between the inlet and the outlet is at least partially restricted. The membrane is configured to move between the first and second positions in response to a pressure differential acting on the membrane.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining the concentration of one or more analytes from a sample such as blood or plasma are described. The systems described herein can be configured to withdraw a certain volume of sample from a source of bodily fluid, direct a first portion of the withdrawn sample to an analyte monitoring system and return a second portion of the sample to the patient. The analyte monitoring system can be connected to the source of bodily fluid via a connector that is configured to maintain uniform velocity across the connector and reduce the dead space volume.

Abstract: The present systems and methods provide a mechanism to assess viewer behavior, features of stimuli, and the interaction between viewer behavior and stimuli. The systems and methods described herein for quantifying blink response and blink inhibition provide moment-by-moments measurements of viewer engagement by measuring what is or is not engaging enough to warrant viewers' inhibition of blinking. The present disclosure describes measures of visual scanning, eye movements, blink data, and blink timing data to derive a measure of how engaged a person is with what he or she is looking at. Blink-related data as a measure of viewer engagement provides a mechanism for determining the most engaging spatial and temporal aspects of a stimulus.

Abstract: A prick test kit comprises a bottom tray containing a plurality of wells disposed in an array, wherein each of the wells contains a vial of a small amount of a specific well associated antigen, with each well and associated vial having a different antigen disposed therein, each of the vials having a rubber cap disposed thereon that is sterile and able to be pricked by a needle such that the small amount of antigen can be removed therefrom. A penetrating plate is disposed above the wells and having on the lower surface thereof diametrically opposite from the vials in the wells a plurality of piercing needles, one associated with each of the wells and directed downward there to but not touching any of the files. A separating plate is disposed between the bottom tray and the penetrating plate. A sterile covering is provided for containing the entire assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for assessing the characteristics of the swallowing process in a subject a sensor that is capable of detecting vibrations of the throat during swallowing.