Abstract: Apparatus for measuring a vital function of a living creature comprising: a light source, wherein the light source emits a first light signal and a second light signal; a receiver, wherein the receiver receives a reflected first light signal, wherein the receiver receives a reflected second light signal; an evaluating unit, to evaluate the received first light signal with the received second light signal, wherein the evaluating unit measures the vital function based on the evaluated received first light signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining tissue oxygenation such as arterial and venous oxygenation and cerebral oxygenation. In one embodiment, the optical properties of tissue are determined using measured light attenuations at a set of wavelengths. By choosing distinct wavelengths and using light attenuation information, the influence of variables such as light scattering, absorption and other optical tissue properties can be minimized.

Abstract: A device to maintain a user's vein in position includes at least two branches separated by a gap of width greater than the size of the vein. A positioner to position the branches around the vein. The device can additionally includes a heater to heat at least one branch and a controller to control the heater. The device can further include a cooler to cool at least one branch and the controller is configured to activate the cooler.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biological fluid collection device that includes a first end, a second end, and a sidewall extending therebetween defining a tube body. The biological fluid collection device further includes a sample collection portion having a cavity defined by a portion of the sidewall adjacent the first end and a puncturing element adjacent the second end. The cavity has a sample collection bottom surface and an external diameter. The puncturing element is adapted for movement between a pre-actuated position and a puncturing position. The portion of the sidewall surrounding the puncturing element has an external diameter that is substantially the same as the external diameter of the sample collection portion. The biological fluid collection device of the present disclosure can be used to both pierce a patient's skin surface to initiate blood flow and to collect a blood sample within the cavity of the tube.

Abstract: A biological fluid collection device that is adapted to receive a blood sample is disclosed. The biological fluid collection device includes a housing, a puncturing element transitionable between a pre-actuated position wherein the puncturing element is retained within the housing and a puncturing position wherein at least a portion of the puncturing element extends through the housing, and a cartridge removably connectable to a portion of the housing. After collecting a blood sample, the cartridge is removable from the housing and the cartridge is able to transfer the blood sample to a point-of-care testing device. The biological fluid collection device provides a closed system that reduces the exposure of a blood sample and provides fast mixing of a blood sample with a sample stabilizer.

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

Abstract: A configurable system is used to evaluate stimulus sensitivity of a subject. An action channel provides a stimulus to the subject and a reaction channel receives a response from the subject. A signal pathway is connected to the action channel and to the reaction channel. A controller establishes loops within the signal pathway. Loop types include a transduction loop including the action channel and forming a path terminating in the signal pathway, and a channel loop including the action channel and terminating at a reference unit. Other possible loop types include an interface loop including the action channel, the reaction channel and the reference unit having an initial parameter value, and an adaptive loop including the action channel, the reaction channel and the reference unit whose parameter value is adapted based on the response from the subject. A method using the system is also described.

Abstract: Provided is a biometric state determining method and apparatus. The biometric state determining apparatus may be configured to receive body data and biometric data of a user, and calculate a stress level based on an analysis of the received biometric data. The biometric state determining apparatus may calculate a biometric parameter based on a determined correlation between the calculated stress level and the received body data, and determine a biometric state of the user based on an analysis of the calculated biometric parameter.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for the treatment of bladder conditions using bladder visualization without the need for optical elements and for subsequent direct electrical pacing are provided. The systems, devices and methods generally apply pacing stimulus directly to the bladder wall, from one or more of the inner and outer bladder surfaces.

Abstract: There is provided a urine analysis device for bed side monitoring of a patient, comprising: an inlet sized and shaped for fluid communication with a urine collecting tube that receives urine from a patient; a drip chamber through which the urine flows towards an outlet; at least one sensor that analyzes each drop of urine and estimates a respective volume of each drop; a timing element that measures a reference time for each drop; a program store storing code; and at least one processing unit coupled to the program store for implementing the stored code, the code comprising: code to calculate a urine output flow rate of the urine output flowing through the chamber according to the estimated volume of each drop of the urine and the reference time for each drop; and code to output the urine output flow rate.

Abstract: There is provided herein a system and method for performing a balance evaluation that utilizes a hand held accelerometer that measures upper body compensatory and correctional movement. Instead of testing movement in the waist or lower extremity as is commonly done, the instant invention measures thoracic trunk sway to estimate an individual's balance via positional change algorithms. By holding the measuring device to the chest and performing one or a variety of balance tests, the instant invention can determine the amount of sway in the trunk without attached or fixed monitors, which presents a novel approach to assessing postural sway above the center of mass.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, methods, and computer programs for detecting an allergic reaction. In one embodiment, a system configured to detect an allergic reaction of a user, includes: a frame configured to be worn on the user's head; a thermal camera, weighing less than 5 g, physically coupled to the frame, located less than 10 cm away from the user's face, and configured to take thermal measurements of at least part of the user's nose (THN); and a circuit configured to determine an extent of the allergic reaction based on THN.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices, systems, and methods for assessing and altering swallowing, speech, and breathing function. In particular, the present disclosure relates to devices and systems to assess and improve speech, breathing, and swallowing function in subjects in need thereof.

Abstract: A method for at least one of characterizing, diagnosing, and treating a condition associated with microbiome taxonomic features in at least a subject, the method comprising: receiving an aggregate set of biological samples from a population of subjects; generating at least one of a microbiome composition dataset and a microbiome functional diversity dataset for the population of subjects; generating a characterization of the condition based upon features extracted from at least one of the microbiome composition dataset and the microbiome functional diversity dataset; based upon the characterization, generating a therapy model configured to correct the condition; and at an output device associated with the subject, promoting a therapy to the subject based upon the characterization and the therapy model.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for long term, continuous, monitoring of pregnant mammals particularly to detect the onset of labor. For The example, the method enables communication of data representing impedance through tissue of a cervix of a pregnant mammal an external module for display and monitoring of the collected data by a clinician.

Abstract: A non-invasive imaging device includes an illumination source comprising an incident light source to direct unpolarized light upon skin of a person, the incident unpolarized light having polarization properties including electrical and magnetic properties. The device also includes a detector for detecting light reflected from the skin, the light reflected from the skin of the person having polarization properties including electrical and magnetic properties. A host system coupled to the detector detects differences in polarization properties of the detected light reflected from the skin of the person compared to polarization properties of reflected light from the person at a different point in time and generates an assessment of skin health changes based on the differences.

Abstract: Social media databases are minded for data related to a subject person. The data in indicative of a level of ultraviolet light exposure of the subject person. An ultraviolet violet exposure profile for the subject person is generated based upon the data and a health assessment report provided. The data may include timestamped images of the subject person and other related persons. The skin characteristics within images are analysed to determine an ultraviolet light exposure level for the subject person from each image. The skin characteristics may include skin colour, freckling and blemishing. The ultraviolet light exposure profile may be developed over an extended interval based upon the image timestamps. The health report may be used to mitigate risks, such as skin cancer, associated with exposure to ultraviolet light.

Abstract: The invention discloses a system and a method for the detection of sleep bruxism, the system comprising two sensor devices, the first sensor device is attached to the skin of the left masseter muscle of the patient and a second sensor device is attached to the skin of the right masseter muscle. The sensor devices each comprise an accelerometer, a processor module arranged for processing detection signals of the accelerometer and transmitting them to the processed signals to a wireless transceiver. The wireless transceiver is arranged for communicating the processed signals to a remote processor unit. An electronic circuitry comprises the accelerometer, the processor module and the wireless transceiver and is powered by a power source. The system further comprising a remote processor unit running software arranged for analyzing the communicated processed signals.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for tracking sleep dynamics in a subject. In one aspect, a method includes acquiring physiological data using sensors positioned about the subject, and acquiring behavioral data using input provided by the subject. The method also includes generating a statistical model of wakefulness by combining information obtained from the acquired physiological data and behavior data, and estimating a probability indicative of a degree to which the subject is awake at each point in time during sleep onset using the statistical model. The method further includes generating a report indicative of sleep onset in the subject.

Abstract: A device designed to empower users to take control of their health by becoming aware of how their physical and mental health is affected by their lifestyle choices. In embodiments, the device can comprise a housing, at least one emitter source disposed within the housing, a first sensing element configured to detect a reflected portion of the at least one energy beam and generate a first signal corresponding to a measured composition of subcutaneous fat tissue, and a second sensing element configured to detect a plurality of physiological parameters.

Abstract: A wearable device is provided. The wearable device includes an optical sensor and a controller. The optical sensor is adapted to emit at least one optical signal, and receive at least one reflective signal corresponding to the at least one optical signal. The at least one reflective signal includes a physiological information. The controller is coupled to the optical sensor, and includes a signal filter. The signal filter is adapted to perform a signal processing operation to the at least one reflective signal according to at least one signal processing parameter. The controller adjusts the at least one signal processing parameter of the signal filter according to the physiological information. A method of operating the wearable device is also provided.

Abstract: The present application relates generally to computer software, mobile electronics, wireless communication links, and wearable monitoring systems. More specifically, techniques, fabrics, materials, systems, sensors, EMG sensors, circuitry, algorithms and methods for wearable monitoring devices and associated exercise apparatus are described. A garment borne sensor system may generate data on a user's performance during exercise, for example, and the data may be analyzed in real time and feedback may be provided to the user based on the analysis. A piece of exercise equipment may be instrumented and in communication with the sensor system or other system and may be controlled in real time to adjust its settings to affect the user during the exercise routine. Communication between the sensor system and other systems may be wireless. Conductive structures formed directly in a fabric of the garment may integrally include sensors, circuitry, controllers, conductive traces, and sensor electronics.

Abstract: An intelligent wearable device and a method for physical sign measurement, comprising a photoelectric sensor, an inflatable ring, an air valve and a control unit. When the valve is in an open state, the inflatable ring can be inflated and deflated alternately. When the air valve is in a closed state, inflation or deflation of the inflatable ring is stopped. The photoelectric sensor is located at an inner side of the inflatable ring for measuring physical signs, with the control unit is connected to both the photoelectric sensor and the air valve for controlling the state of open and close of the air valve according to the physical sign parameters measured by the photoelectric sensor. The device measures physical signs on the basis of automatically controlling the air valve, where the photoelectric sensor contacts the vascular wall, and as a result, improves accuracy the measurements.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes an attaching member and a sensing circuit. The attaching member includes a face configured to be attached to a detection target. The sensing circuit includes a sensing interface provided on the face. The sensing circuit is configured to obtain information related to a contact state between the sensing interface and the detection target from the sensing interface.

Abstract: Various embodiments concerns a system for measuring a force within a body comprising a catheter, the catheter comprising at least one sensor and an element located within the catheter, the element displaceable within the catheter relative to the at least one sensor. The system further comprises control circuitry configured to measure, for each of the at least one sensor, a change in a resonance frequency of the sensor based on a change in distance between the sensor and the element, the change in distance responsive to the force. The control circuitry is further configured to calculate at least one parameter of the force based on the change in the resonance frequency, and output an indication of the at least one parameter of the force.

Abstract: Various embodiments concern a system for measuring a force on a catheter. The catheter can comprise a proximal segment, a distal segment, and an intermediary segment comprising at least one strut. Each strut can extend from the proximal segment to the distal segment. Each strut can be formed from a super-elastic metal alloy material, such as nitinol. The plurality of struts can be configured to resiliently support the distal segment with respect to the proximal segment while permitting relative movement between the distal segment and the proximal segment. The system can comprise control circuitry configured to measure, for each of the plurality of struts, a change in an electrical property of the super-elastic metal alloy material of the strut when the distal segment moves relative to the proximal segment to determine a magnitude and direction of the force.

Abstract: A display panel having health monitoring function, including a first substrate; a second substrate; and a monitoring unit. The monitoring unit is configured to monitor a change in human physiological information and is disposed on the first substrate or the second substrate through a patterning process. Such display panel having health monitoring function solves the technical problem that existing display panels having health monitoring function are poor in level of integration with incompact structures.

Abstract: In a method or system for obtaining patient biometric parameter data from a patient support surface comprising at least one air pressure bladder inflated by air pressure through an air supply line from an air pump reservoir controlled by a bladder air controller receiving an air pressure signal from a pressure sensor in the air supply line, signal processing a variation of the air pressure signal from the pressure sensor to extract the patient biometric parameter data.

Abstract: A blind area is reduced by reducing an area between a subject and a receiver in which acoustic waves do not propagate. The present invention relates to a subject-information acquisition apparatus including a base; a subject holding member on the base; a receiver including a plurality of transducers and a support member on which the plurality of transducers are disposed; and a fluid-level adjusting mechanism configured in such a manner that an acoustic matching material in a space enclosed by the base, the subject holding member, and the receiver can be at a fluid level higher than a boundary between the subject holding member and the base.

Abstract: An optical vital signs sensor is provided which comprises at least one light source with a primary and a secondary light unit and a photo detector, a motion sensor configured to detect a motion of a user, a periodicity metric unit to analyze an output signal of the at least one motion sensor to detect a periodicity in its output signal and a control unit configured to control an operation of the at least one primary and secondary light unit and to activate the at least one secondary light unit in addition to the at least one primary light unit when the periodicity metric unit does not detect a periodicity in the output signal of the motion sensor.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an ECG signal processing apparatus is configured to be connected with an electrocardiograph and an MRI apparatus and includes memory circuitry and processing circuitry configured to (a) store a parameter of an ECG signal as a first parameter in the memory circuitry, the ECG signal being acquired from the electrocardiograph operating in combination with the MRI apparatus in a period during which a gradient pulse is not applied by the MRI apparatus, (b) implement an adaptive filter for estimating noise mixed into the ECG signal due to the gradient pulse, by using the first parameter stored in the memory circuitry and a gradient magnetic field signal acquired from the MRI apparatus in a period during which the gradient pulse is applied, and (c) remove the noise mixed into the ECG signal in the period during which the gradient pulse is applied, by using estimated noise.

Abstract: To acquire a higher-quality image with high-speed imaging in an MRI apparatus or the like to which compressed sensing is applied. Included are: an observation unit that does not observe, when any one of two points being point-symmetric with respect to the origin is observed, the other point in observation of a high frequency component of a K-space of the MRI apparatus; and a reconstruction unit that reconstructs an image from a component of the K-space observed by the observation unit. The reconstruction process of the reconstruction unit includes an image correction process based on an observation pattern of the observation unit.

Abstract: A biological information processing system includes a heart rate information acquisition unit that acquires heart rate information of a user, a determination unit that determines a basal heart rate based on the heart rate information, and an update unit that determines an update condition of the basal heart rate and performs update processing of the basal heart rate if a determination that the update condition is satisfied is made.

Abstract: A blood pressure related information display apparatus acquires blood pressure data including at least early-morning blood pressure data measured in the morning and night-time blood pressure data measured at night in a certain period for the measurement subject. The blood pressure related information display apparatus sets one of early-morning blood pressure and night-time blood pressure on a horizontal axis and the other on a vertical axis and performs graph display of points determined using early-morning blood pressure data and night-time blood pressure data on the display screen.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and methods for facilitating personal safety monitoring via an apparatus with multiple sensors are disclosed. The sensors may include a number of biometric sensors including a body temperature sensor, a pulse rate sensor and a blood oxygen sensor and/or any other sensors. The apparatus may be configured to generate various alerts in response to signals generated by the sensors. For example, the apparatus may generate a variety of biometric stress alerts corresponding to different biometric stress signatures associated with the biometric sensors. The alerts generated by the apparatus may be transmitted to a server or a client device associated with the apparatus for further processing, which may include generating a notification for presentation on the client device in response to an alert being received from the apparatus.

Abstract: A method for determining and responding in real-time to an increased risk of death relating to a patient with epilepsy is provided. The method includes receiving cardiac data and determining a cardiac index based upon the cardiac data. The method includes determining an increased risk of death associated with epilepsy if the indices are extreme, issuing a warning of the increased risk of death and logging information related to the increased risk of death. Also presented is a second method for determining and responding in real-time to an increased risk of death relating to a patient with epilepsy comprising receiving at least one of arousal data, responsiveness data or awareness data and determining an arousal index, a responsiveness index or an awareness index, where the indices are based on arousal data, responsiveness data or awareness data respectively.

Abstract: Embodiments of medical device(s) configured for use by a debilitated or single handed user including flexible strap sections, a semi-rigid strap section configured to be formed into at least a partially enclosing semi-rigid shape by the user, and a ratcheting strap retraction unit or buckle coupled to one end of the first flexible strap section and an oversized buckle on an opposing end of the first strap section. A semi-rigid strap section is configured to insert into and be drawn into the oversized buckle and formed into an enclosing shape, maneuvered by the user over an injured appendage past a point of injury, then folded back over the oversized buckle; next the user operates the ratcheting strap retraction unit or buckle to constrict the strap sections to apply enclosing pressure to the injured appendage. Embodiments can further comprise an injector medical case module and a medical condition monitoring system.

Abstract: A system that monitors various conditions of a plurality of hospital beds located in different rooms of a healthcare facility is provided. Alternatively or additionally, other types of equipment may be monitored by the system. Various configurations of network interface units that are coupleable to or integrated into a hospital bed are also disclosed. The system receives data from the hospital beds and/or other equipment and initiates a communication to a wireless communication device of at least one designated caregiver in response to the received data being indicative of an alarm condition.

Abstract: A method for image acquisition includes selectively concealing and exposing an x-ray source to a target object while the x-ray source travels along a first path, virtually moving an x-ray detector along a second path in a first direction while the x-ray source is exposed to the target object, and virtually moving the x-ray detector along the second path in a second direction generally opposite the first direction while the x-ray source is concealed from the target object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for tomosynthesis imaging, the device comprising: a mask generator module (101) configured to generate a binary mask based on a geometric three-dimensional model of a scanned object; an image capturing module (102) configured to scan a series of two-dimensional projection images of the object; and an image processing module (103) configured to apply the generated binary mask during a reconstruction of a three-dimensional image volume from the scanned series of two-dimensional projection images and to restrict an extent of the reconstructed image volume to the extent of the geometric model.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress includes a top panel, a bottom panel, and a side panel coupled between a perimeter of the top panel and a perimeter of the bottom panel. The side panel defines a cutout sized and configured to receive a headrest therein. The top panel defines a fabric section extending over the cutout.

Abstract: An interventional X-ray system (10), comprises a processing unit (30), a table (20) for receiving a patient (44), an X-ray image acquisition device (12) having an X-ray source (16) and an X-ray detector (18) and at least one optical camera (46) adapted for acquiring optical images of a patient (44) situated on the table (20) and for providing image data to the processing unit (30). The processing unit (30) is adapted for segmenting an outline (64) of a patient from an existing three-dimensional model, for receiving acquired images from the at least one camera (46) for determining an optical outline (66) of the patient, for registering the optical outline (66) to the outline (64) obtained in the segmentation and for determining a translation vector (48) representing a required movement of the table for coinciding a center (42) of the anatomy of interest given in the three-dimensional model with the iso-center (38) of a rotational X-ray scan that will be performed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for x-ray CT scanning with a dual-source system, in which two radiation bundles are each delimited by diaphragms such that these radiation bundles are free of mutual points of intersection at least in the examination object. An embodiment of the invention also relates to a dual source CT system, including a controller configured to control radiation-delimiting diaphragms, which delimit and align the radiation bundles such that these run free of mutual points of intersection at least in the examination object.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a circuit that includes a charge sensitive amplifier (CSA) that generates an integrated signal in response to a current signal. An active comparator is coupled to the CSA. The active comparator receives the integrated signal and a primary reference voltage signal, and generates an event detect signal. A first delay element is coupled to the active comparator and provides a fixed delay to the event detect signal to generate a convert signal. A discriminator system is coupled to the CSA. The discriminator system samples the integrated signal when activated by the convert signal.

Abstract: Applicant has disclosed an x-ray fluoroscopy machine made substantially entirely of parts which cannot be magnetized. By making the machine out of parts which cannot be magnetized, the x-ray machine can be placed in the same room as an MM machine without the fluoroscope affecting the magnetic field of the MRI machine. Both machines therefore are capable of operating (e.g., imaging) simultaneously in the same examination room. In the preferred embodiment, Applicant has disclosed making a mobile C-arm device, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,300,205, substantially out of materials which cannot be magnetized.

Abstract: A method and system to determine material composition of an object comprises capturing a series of digital radiographic images of the object using a single exposure energy level. An intensity of the captured images is determined as well as phase shift differences. A difference in material composition of the object may be determined based on a combination of the determined intensity and the modulated phase shifts of the captured images.

Abstract: A system and method for constructing fluoroscopic-based three dimensional volumetric data from two dimensional fluoroscopic images including a computing device configured to facilitate navigation of a medical device to a target area within a patient and a fluoroscopic imaging device configured to acquire a fluoroscopic video of the target area about a plurality of angles relative to the target area. The computing device is configured to determine a pose of the fluoroscopic imaging device for each frame of the fluoroscopic video and to construct fluoroscopic-based three dimensional volumetric data of the target area in which soft tissue objects are visible using a fast iterative three dimensional construction algorithm.

Abstract: A system and method for navigating to a target using fluoroscopic-based three dimensional volumetric data generated from two dimensional fluoroscopic images, including a catheter guide assembly including a sensor, an electromagnetic field generator, a fluoroscopic imaging device to acquire a fluoroscopic video of a target area about a plurality of angles relative to the target area, and a computing device. The computing device is configured to receive previously acquired CT data, determine the location of the sensor based on the electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic field generator, generate a three dimensional rendering of the target area based on the acquired fluoroscopic video, receive a selection of the catheter guide assembly in the generated three dimensional rendering, and register the generated three dimensional rendering of the target area with the previously acquired CT data to correct the position of the catheter guide assembly.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and other embodiments associated with classifying a region of tissue using quantified vessel tortuosity are described. One example apparatus includes an image acquisition logic that acquires an image of a region of tissue demonstrating cancerous pathology, a delineation logic that distinguishes nodule tissue within the image from the background of the image, a perinodular zone logic that defines a perinodular zone based on the nodule, a feature extraction logic that extracts a set of features from the image including a set of tortuosity features, a probability logic that computes a probability that the nodule is benign, and a classification logic that classifies the nodule tissue based, at least in part, on the set of features or the probability. A prognosis or treatment plan may be provided based on the classification of the image.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an X-ray imaging system, comprising: a first X-ray source; an image sensor, spaced apart from the first X-ray source; a table configured to be positioned between the first X-ray source and the image sensor and configured to accommodate a person for imaging in the X-ray imaging system; and a fiducial marker system; wherein the fiducial marker system comprises three markers, centers of the three markers not being collinear; wherein at least one of the three markers is distinct. The X-ray imaging system may be used to model the 3D shape and track the 3D motion of an object (e.g., a surgical instrument) in the person.