Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for assessing or obtaining an indication of vascular pressure associated with organs or visceral tissues of the body by using MRI imaging methods. The invention particularly relates to methods for assessing or obtaining an indication of portal hypertension using Magnetic Resonance T1, or T1 and T2* relaxometry, and T1, T2 and/or T2* mapping of the liver or spleen.

Abstract: A living body state estimation apparatus acquires information indicating a state of a living body. The living body state estimation apparatus is configured to include an electrocardiogram signal acquisition unit which acquires an electrocardiogram signal of the living body and an information acquisition unit which acquires a parameter as the information, the parameter specifying a predetermined function indicating a probability distribution for a reference wave interval which is a time interval between peaks of consecutive predetermined reference waves in the acquired electrocardiogram signal.

Abstract: A system for monitoring medical conditions including pressure ulcers, pressure-induced ischemia and related medical conditions comprises at least one sensor adapted to detect one or more patient characteristic including at least position, orientation, temperature, acceleration, moisture, resistance, stress, heart rate, respiration rate, and blood oxygenation, a host for processing the data received from the sensors together with historical patient data to develop an assessment of patient condition and suggested course of treatment, including either suspending or adjusting turn schedule based on various types of patient movement. The sensor can include one or more of bi-axial or tri-axial accelerometers, magnetometers and altimeters as well as resistive, inductive, capacitive, magnetic and other sensing devices, depending on whether the sensor is located on the patient or the support surface, and for what purpose.

Abstract: A method and system for continually monitoring oxygenation levels in real-time in compartments of an animal limb, such as in a human leg or a human thigh or a forearm, can be used to assist in the diagnosis of a compartment syndrome. The method and system can include one or more near infrared compartment sensors in which each sensor can be provided with a compartment alignment mechanism and a central scan depth marker so that each sensor may be precisely positioned over a compartment of a living organism. The method and system can include a device for displaying oxygenation levels corresponding to respective compartment sensors that are measuring oxygenation levels of a compartment of interest. The method and system can also monitor the relationship between blood pressure and oxygenation levels and activate alarms based on predetermined conditions relating to the oxygenation levels or blood pressure or both.

Abstract: A method and system for continually monitoring oxygenation levels in real-time in compartments of an animal limb, such as in a human leg or a human thigh or a forearm, can be used to assist in the diagnosis of a compartment syndrome. The method and system can include one or more near infrared compartment sensors in which each sensor can be provided with a compartment alignment mechanism and a central scan depth marker so that each sensor may be precisely positioned over a compartment of a living organism. The method and system may comprise hardware or software (or both) may adjust one or more algorithms based on whether tissue being monitored was traumatized or is healthy. The method and system can also monitor the relationship between blood pressure and oxygenation levels and activate alarms based on predetermined conditions relating to the oxygenation levels or blood pressure or both.

Abstract: A real time visualization method and system for evaluating and monitoring recovery progress of Anterior Cruciate Ligament reconstructed/injured subject is provided. The method includes receiving multiple super-imposed bio-signals from an eletromyogram (EMG) for muscles of limbs of the patient and signals pertaining to three dimensional kinematics measurement from a motion sensor set, processing the signals to extract wavelet features and evaluating the wavelet features to determine the extent of rehabilitation and a recovery classification of the patient's limb from ACL injury. The system includes an input interface circuit, a processing module, a comparator module and an output interface circuit for providing an estimate of the extent of rehabilitation the patient's limb from ACL injury.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for predicting fluid responsiveness. Embodiments include sensors configured to obtain a high-resolution electrocardiogram signal and a computer system connected to the sensors, the computer system including a memory, a processor, and a display device. Computer system may be configured to receive the electrocardiogram signal from the sensors. Processor may be configured to detect and process changes in at least one of length, amplitude, slope, area, depth, and height of at least one of P, Q, R, S, T, and U complex of the electrocardiogram signal caused by the influence of physiological variables on each other to create a prognostic index. Processor may be further configured to analyze, quantify, and combine the prognostic index of the changes in the electrocardiogram signal and generate a fluid responsiveness prediction. Display device may display the results of the fluid responsiveness prediction.

Abstract: A catheter for imaging and treating a selected tissue and method of use is provided. Imaging, and treatment assemblies may be co-located at a distal end of a single catheter. The imaging assembly may include at least a portion of a confocal microscope. The treatment assembly may include at least a portion of the imaging assembly. A method of treating a selected tissue is also provided. The method may be performed using a single catheter. The imaging and treatment steps of the method may be performed simultaneously.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring a user's intoxication including receiving a set of signals, derived from a set of samples collected from the user at a set of time points; providing a sobriety task to the user proximal to a time point of the set of time points; generating a performance dataset characterizing performance of the sobriety task by the user; receiving a supplementary dataset characterizing a demographic profile of the user and/or a physiological state of the user; determining a set of values of an intoxication metric, derived from the set of signals; generating a predicted temporal profile of the intoxication metric for the user based upon the set of values, the set of time points, and the supplementary dataset; generating an analysis of the user's sobriety based upon the performance dataset and the predicted temporal profile; and providing a notification to the user based upon the analysis.

Abstract: A method for use in detecting and monitoring effects experienced by a subject taking a first drug, drug A, and at least one other substance, substance B, the method comprising: (a) obtaining a plurality of measured values of a physiological characteristic of the subject over a time period; (b) comparing the measured values to a predefined signature, the drug A signature, associated with the first drug, and thereby calculating a measure, Adiff, of the difference between the measured values and the drug A signature; (c) comparing the measured values to a predefined signature, the substance B signature, associated with the at least one other substance, and thereby calculating a measure, Bdiff, of the difference between the measured values and the substance B signature; (d) comparing the measured values to a predefined signature, the DO signature, associated with a desired physiological state of the subject, and thereby calculating a measure, DOdiff, of the difference between the measured values and the DO signat

Abstract: A hydration sensor or sensing element is configured to measure the hydration level of a user. The sensing element can include a water-permeable material positioned in between two water-impermeable materials. The sensing element can be coupled to a bottle of fluid, or a carrier with a timer. The sensing element can be incorporated into a handheld device. The sensing element can be a disposable element, an element applicable for more than one-time use, or a re-usable element. The sensing element or sensor can be calibrated for a specific user or a group of users. One or more additional sensors that do not measure hydration level of the user can be coupled to a hydration sensing element to determine the amount of fluid consumption for the user in different conditions.

Abstract: A method for measuring a physical condition of an individual by using a post-exercise heart rate recovery rate is provided and, has steps of: acquiring a heart rate of the individual during a recovery period after a physical activity of the individual; calculating a heart rates recovery rate of the individual using a nonlinear regression equation, which includes a parameter representing the rate of heart rate recovery; and determining the physical condition of the individual based upon the parameter. Hereby, the accuracy of measuring the heart rate recovery rate is better than other conventional methods.

Abstract: A biological information detecting device includes: a biological information detector which detects biological information of a subject; and a band. In the band, a first surface which is on the side of the subject when the band is worn is wave-shaped in a cross section taken along a long-side direction of the band.

Abstract: A biometric monitoring device and multiple carrying cases for same are provided. In some implementations, the case may be made from a flexible viscoelastic material and the biometric monitoring device may be slipped into a receptacle in the case through an opening in the case; the opening may become distended during the insertion of the biometric monitoring device. In some implementations, the case may feature a display window that, in combination with materials of the biometric monitoring device, may mask a display of the biometric monitoring device from view when the display is off and may allow the display to be seen when the display is displaying content.

Abstract: A detection module-included fabric includes an arranged combination of at least one detection module, a surface layer, and a fabric layer. The detection module includes a contact surface. The surface layer is combined with the at least one detection module. The detection module is below the surface layer. The surface layer includes at least one window opening. The contact surface of the detection module is exposed through the window opening of the surface layer. The fabric layer is combined with the surface layer. A gap is formed between the fabric layer and the surface layer. The detection module is located between the surface layer and the fabric layer. As such, the detection module mounted to the surface layer is hard to slide or shift in position so that the detection module is constantly kept in contact engagement with a surface of a human body for stabilization of signal detection.

Abstract: This invention is a wearable device for an arm with a plurality of close-fitting biometric sensors. These sensors can be spectroscopic sensors which project light onto an arm surface at different angles. Alternatively, these sensors can be electromagnetic energy sensors which measure tissue impedance, resistance, conductivity, or permittivity. These sensors can be on the circumference-center-facing wall of an elastic fluid, gel, or gas filled member. Data from these sensors can be used to measure a person's hydration levels, oxygen levels, glucose levels, or heart rate.

Abstract: The disclosed technique relates to an insert for footwear and to a composite orthotic insole comprising said insert, wherein the insert is embedded with a plurality of force (or pressure) sensors, and may be used to provide feedback on important information regarding the wearer's gait biomechanics. The layer of sensors may be used to assist in monitoring the wearer's health via foot pressure tracking. The insole can use a relative large number of sensors, which together provide broad coverage of the human foot impact area.

Abstract: A system is provided for monitoring physiological parameter(s) and providing a context under which the physiological parameter is measured. The system may include a data processing device. The data processing device may be configured to receive data corresponding to physiological parameter(s) measured from a body. The data processing device may be further configured to receive data that enables determination of one or more of orientation of the body and determination of movements of the body. The data processing device may be additionally configured to correlate and present the correlation between the measured physiological parameter(s) and one or more of orientation a body and activity the body is indulged in, which is derived based on the movements of the body.

Abstract: A body-mountable device includes a flexible substrate configured for mounting to a skin surface. The flexible substrate is configured to be adhered or otherwise mounted to the skin in a manner that minimally impacts activities of the body. The device includes a flexible display configured to provide indications to a user, e.g., indications of sensor readings, medical alerts, or operational states of the device. The display could be operated on a very low power budget, e.g., the display could be operated intermittently. In some examples, the display could include an e-paper display or similar low power display elements. In some examples, elements of the display, e.g., electrodes of a multi-segment display, could be formed on the flexible substrate such that additional elements of the display, e.g., a layer of display medium and a layer of transparent conductor, could be adhered or otherwise attached to the formed elements.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that relate to a body-mountable device. The body-mountable device includes a first light source and a second light source, which may emit light having at least a first and second wavelength, respectively. The body-mountable device includes at least one sensor configured to detect light having the first wavelength and the second wavelength. The body-mountable device includes a battery, a communication interface, and a controller. The controller includes a memory, a processor, and a sigma-delta analog-to-digital converter (ADC) having one or more channels. The controller performs various operations, such as causing the first light source and the second light sources to emit light and receiving information indicative of at least one physiological parameter via the at least one sensor. The controller may also perform processing, via the sigma delta ADC, the information indicative of the at least one physiological parameter so as to provide physiological data.

Abstract: A sensor includes: a base layer; first and second conduction paths supported by the base layer; a first adhesive layer covering a first portion of the first conduction path; a second adhesive layer covering the second conduction path; an insulation sheet including: a first protecting portion covering the second adhesive laver; a second protecting portion disposed between a second portion of the first conduction path, and a part of the second conduction path; and a third protecting portion covering the first adhesive layer; a detecting section; a wireless transmitter; and a power source. When the insulation sheet is peeled off, the second portion of the first conduction path, and the part of the second conduction path are caused to be in contact with each other, and an electric power is supplied from the power source to the detecting section and the wireless transmitter.

Abstract: A system for detecting bioelectrical signals of a user comprising: a set of sensors configured to detect bioelectrical signals from the user, each sensor in the set of sensors configured to provide non-polarizable contact at the body of the user; an electronics subsystem comprising a power module configured to distribute power to the system and a signal processing module configured to receive signals from the set of sensors; a set of sensor interfaces coupling the set of sensors to the electronics subsystem and configured to facilitate noise isolation within the system; and a housing coupled to the electronics subsystem, wherein the housing facilitates coupling of the system to a head region of the user.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for inserting at least a portion of a sensor into a patient is provided.

Abstract: A medical device for monitoring physical, chemical, or biological characteristics of an organ, such as the urinary bladder. The medical device may include an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end. The device may further include an end-effector assembly extending distally from the distal end of the elongate member. The end-effector assembly may also include a plurality of sensing elements for detecting abnormal organ function. Each of the plurality of sensing elements may include one or more of mechanical, visual, chemical, and biological sensors.

Abstract: A gastrointestinal (GI) sensor deployment device is disclosed. In implementations, the sensor deployment device includes an orally-administrable capsule with a tissue capture device removably coupled to the orally-administrable capsule. The tissue capture device includes a plurality of fasteners for connecting the tissue capture device to GI tissue within a body. A biometric sensor is coupled to the tissue capture device for continuous or periodic monitoring of the GI tract of the body at the GI tissue attachment location. A chamber within the orally-administrable capsule is configured to draw gastrointestinal tissue towards the plurality of fasteners when a fluid pressure of the chamber is increased. An actuator can be configured to cause an increase of the fluid pressure of the chamber. Control circuitry coupled to the actuator can be configured to trigger the actuator to cause the increase of the fluid pressure of the chamber at a selected time.

Abstract: A system for monitoring vital signs, configured to be used in conjunction with a computerized mobile device, the system including: a cover sensor assembly adapted to be operably engaged with the computerized mobile device, the cover sensor assembly having integrated therein at least one physiological sensor; a physiological data acquisition module configured to generate a physiological parameter measurement descriptive of a physical stimulus received by the at least one physiological sensor; and a validation module configured to control a validity status of the physiological parameter measurement.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for capturing hearing characteristics from self-administered hearing tests, including loudness tolerance levels at different sound frequencies, as an individualized shaped auditory profile for automatically enhancing audio to complement and address an individual's hearing deficits experienced via a particular signal pathway including the audio device used to administer the test, the sound environment, and the user's hearing capabilities. The user may self-administer a hearing test on a smartphone or other device. The shaped auditory profile may be used to produce enhanced sound subsequently transmitted to the individual via the same signal pathway. In some aspects, the invention is useful for any individual seeking an enhanced hearing experience, whether having hearing within normal range or hearing that is impaired.

Abstract: A biometric monitoring device is used to determine a user's heart rate by using a heartbeat waveform sensor and a motion detecting sensor. In some embodiments, the device collects output data from the heartbeat waveform sensor and output data from the motion detecting sensor, determines an expected heart rate range from the output data from the motion detecting sensor, and determines the user's heart rate within the expected heart rate range using the output data from the heartbeat waveform sensor.

Abstract: A system and associated method is disclosed for determining whether signal is valid. The system comprises an electrode apparatus comprising a plurality of electrodes configured to be located proximate tissue of a patient. A display apparatus comprising a graphical user interface, wherein the graphical user interface is configured to present information to a user. A computing apparatus coupled to the electrode apparatus and display apparatus, wherein the computing apparatus is configured to determine whether a signal acquired from a channel associated with an electrode from the plurality of electrodes is valid and sufficiently strong by i) calculating a first derivative of the signal; ii) determining a minimum and maximum derivative from the first derivative; iii) determining whether signs of the minimum and maximum derivative are different; and in response to determining whether the signs of the minimum and maximum derivative are different, displaying on a display apparatus whether the signal is valid.

Abstract: A biosignal processing apparatus includes a communication interface configured to receive a biosignal, and a processor configured to set a target interval of the biosignal, calculate a quality metric corresponding to the target interval based on a target component that is a frequency component of the target interval corresponding to a set value and a non-target component that is a frequency component of the target interval not corresponding to the set value, and estimate a quality of the biosignal based on the quality metric.

Abstract: A method for quantifying a glucose concentration is a method for quantifying a glucose concentration in which near-infrared light is emitted onto a living organism and a glucose concentration in a biological tissue is measured using a signal obtained by receiving diffusely reflected light or transmitted light from the biological tissue. A concentration calculation step calculates a concentration index of a glucose component by using at least a spectrum of a water component, a spectrum of a glucose component, and a spectrum of a fat component to synthesize a difference spectrum between a measurement spectrum at a time of measurement of a glucose concentration and a spectrum serving as a reference obtained previous to the measurement spectrum. A glucose concentration calculation step calculates a glucose concentration in the living organism using the calculated concentration index.

Abstract: Devices and methods for detecting an event using a variable threshold. A patient monitoring system can receive physiologic information and compare the information to an onset threshold. When the onset threshold is exceeded, the system shifts to a reset threshold that is different than the onset threshold. When the reset threshold is crossed, the system shifts back to the onset threshold.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that facilitate visualizing how a user will appear in response to adhering to a health and fitness program. In an aspect, a system includes a reception component configured to receive information corresponding to a user's physical appearance and physical health, an analysis component configured to determine or infer one or more changes to the user's physical appearance based on predicted performance of a health and fitness program by the user and the user's physical health, and a visualization component is configured to generate a visual representation of the user based on the information and the one or more changes to the user's physical appearance.

Abstract: A method, system, and/or apparatus for automatically monitoring for possible mental or physical health concerns. The method or implementing software application uses or relies upon location information available on the mobile device from any source, such as cell phone usage and/or other device applications. The method and system automatically learns user activity patterns and detects significant deviations therefrom. The deviations are automatically analyzed for known correlations to mental or physical concerns, which can then be automatically communicated to a relevant friend, family member, and/or medical professional.

Abstract: In method for specifying an examination environment for a medical imaging examination, conducted by means of a medical imaging apparatus, at least one environment parameter of the examination environment of the medical imaging examination is selected by the patient via a selection unit that is accessible by the patient in the medical imaging apparatus. The at least one selected environment parameter is transferred to an environment adjustment processor, that specifies the examination environment on the basis of the at least one environment parameter.

Abstract: A radiographic apparatus includes a target array and an X-ray detecting unit. The target array includes a plurality of targets and a forward shielding member. The X-ray detecting unit includes a detecting portion. The X-ray detecting unit further includes a shielding portion extending toward an outer side of the detecting portion along an array direction in which the targets are arrayed.

Abstract: A hybrid x-ray device for mounted and portable use. The hybrid x-ray device can include a housing, an x-ray source, a support connector, a shield connector, and an interlock. The x-ray source is coupled to the housing and configured to generate x-ray radiation. The support connector is coupled to the housing and configured to mechanically couple to a support arm. The shield connector is coupled to the housing and configured to mechanically couple to a removable radiation shield. The interlock is coupled to the x-ray source and configured to disable activation of the x-ray source when both: (a) the support connector is mechanically uncoupled from the support arm, and (b) the shield connector is mechanically uncoupled from the removable radiation shield.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a medical image diagnostic apparatus includes an X-ray tube, X-ray detector, image generation circuitry, display, and correction circuitry. The X-ray tube generates X-rays to an object. The X-ray detector detects the X-rays. The image generation circuitry generate an X-ray image based on the detected X-rays. The display displays an incident dose of the X-rays on the object, on an object image indicating the object. The correction circuitry correct a relative positional relationship between the object image and a display area of the incident dose on the object image based on the X-ray image.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray generator configured to generate X-rays and radiate the X-rays to an object; an X-ray detector configured to detect the X-rays that have passed through the object and convert the detected X-rays into a signal; and a controller configured to generate a single energy X-ray image and a plurality of multiple energy X-ray images using the signal and control a display to display the generated single energy X-ray image and the plurality of multiple energy X-ray images together.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and medicaments useful for treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) by administering anti-CTGF antibodies. Methods for prognosing individuals with IPF are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for reconstructing a panoramic X-ray image. The apparatus includes a storage unit for storing image data of multiple image layers; an image processing unit for determining a reference image layer among the multiple image layers, finding blocks that correspond to at least one block designated in the reference image layer from other image layers, selecting a clearest block by comparing image data of the corresponding blocks, and reconstructing the reference image layer by replacing the designated block in the reference image layer with the clearest block selected in any of the other image layers, if the selected block is not the same as the designated block in the reference image layer; and a display unit for displaying a panoramic image of the reconstructed reference image layer.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to medical diagnostic high-frequency X-ray machines and power supply devices thereof. One power supply device can convert an alternating current into a direct current, which is further raised by a boost circuit and stored by a capacitor module, so that the power supply device can provide high voltage and sufficient power to an inverter. Another power supply device can use a lithium iron phosphate battery to power the X-ray machine. Accordingly, the X-ray machine can be lighter, smaller, resistant to high temperature, fast in electrical charging and discharging, and safer, and the usage life of the X-ray machine can be prolonged due to the long cycle life of the lithium iron phosphate battery.

Abstract: In a method for communication between a user and a medical network into which at least one medical imaging device is integrated, using mobile data glasses, the mobile data glasses are connected to the medical network by a network unit, and a medical examination to be conducted on a patient is selected from a database by a communication unit. At least one item of examination-relevant information of the medical examination to be conducted on the patient is also selected by the communication unit. The at least one item of examination-relevant information is displayed at the mobile data glasses.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlled administration of a tracer and quantification of uptake of the tracer by a target organ are described. The method includes administering a tracer to a patient and imaging at least two regions of the patient's body that cannot be imaged simultaneously. An input function for the tracer can be determined by imaging a first region of the patient's body during selected times, and using an injector to administer the tracer in a manner that accurately estimates the input function when this first region is not being imaged. One or more additional regions of the body may then be imaged to create data that may be used to estimate the input function. One or more parameters may then be estimated from each additional region of the body based on the input function and the imaging data gathered from each region.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a positioning system in a radiation therapy system is disclosed, including a radiation therapy unit having a fixed radiation focus. The method includes the steps of irradiating a calibration tool including at least one reference object, capturing at least one two-dimensional image including cross-sectional representations of reference objects of the calibration tool and determining image coordinates of the representation of each reference object. Based on the reference objects image coordinates, positions of the reference objects in the stereotactic coordinate system relative to an origin of the calibration tool and the position of the origin of the calibration tool relative to the imaging unit, a position difference between the position of the calibration tool in the stereotactic coordinate system and a position of the calibration tool in an imaging system coordinate system including a translational and rotational position difference is calculated.

Abstract: A portable ultrasound cart includes a support structure configured to releasably secure a portable ultrasound device. The support structure includes a wall and a planar surface which define a recess structured to receive a portion of the portable ultrasound device, a first male engagement feature positioned to engage with a first female engagement feature of the portable ultrasound device and a second male engagement feature positioned to engage with a second female engagement feature of the portable ultrasound device. The portable ultrasound cart also includes a tilt system positioned to adjust a tilt angle of the support structure relative to a remainder of the portable ultrasound cart, and a release lever linked to the second male engagement feature such that when the release lever is actuated, the second male engagement feature of the portable ultrasound cart disengages from the second female engagement feature of the portable ultrasound device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical imaging apparatus including a body and a noise reducing apparatus that is detachably disposed in the body to reduce noise generated from the body, wherein the noise reducing apparatus includes a neck and a cavity. The noise reducing apparatus disposes the neck and the cavity that are combined with each other according to a frequency of the noise generated from the medical imaging apparatus, thereby reducing noise generated from the medical imaging apparatus in an active manner, achieving improved silence.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe includes a housing shaped like a thin plate and having a sensor surface as a transmitting/receiving surface for an ultrasonic wave, and a hand part having an axial direction, and connected to a side surface of the housing at one end in the axial direction, the side surface crossing the sensor surface of the housing. Thus, it is possible to pick up the hand part to dispose the ultrasonic probe to a desired position, and it becomes possible to check an internal tomographic image of the object viewed from an arbitrary direction without suspending the operation.

Abstract: A device for ultrasound-assisted reflection and transmission tomography includes a measurement volume filled with an ultrasonic coupling medium and having an opening for inserting a body to be examined and a lateral surface remote from the opening, and a number of ultrasonic transducers arranged remotely from the opening of the measurement volume, arranged in direct contact with the ultrasonic coupling medium, and arranged oriented into the measurement volume. The arrangement of the ultrasonic transducers around the measurement volume aperiodically follows a random uniform distribution.

Abstract: A solution for use with an ultrasound scanner is proposed.