Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of continuously monitoring neuronal synchronization in a subject comprising (a) determining a deviation in mean synchronization (R) from a predetermined value at rest, wherein the pre-determined value of R is 1, and the variability of synchronization H; and (b) repeating step (a) one or more times to continuously monitor synchronization R and its variability H in a subject. The invention also features methods of determining and monitoring the degree of brain excitability. The invention furthermore features methods of determining or monitoring the degree of sleep deprivation in a subject, methods of identifying subjects that are susceptible to a sleep disorder and methods of diagnosing a sleep disorder in a subject.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for use with a subject, the assembly including, a substrate including at least one moveable substrate portion; first and second conductive elements provided on the substrate, the first and second conductive elements being spaced apart, and being adapted to provide an electrical connection to the subject; and, first and second terminals, each terminal being electrically coupled to a respective conductive element, and at least part of each terminal being provided on the at least one moveable substrate portion, such that movement of the substrate portion allows at least part of the terminal to extend away from the substrate to thereby facilitate connection of the terminal to a respective connector.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for measuring impedance within a human body, including: a spiral base plate; a plurality of electrodes arranged along the spiral base plate; and a plurality of first and second power lines connected to the plurality of electrodes. According to the present invention, the spiral base plate is used, so that it is possible to easily apply the device in accordance with a curve of a human body.

Abstract: Impedance devices for obtaining conductance measurements within luminal organs. In at least one embodiment of an impedance device of the present disclosure, the device, comprises an elongated body and an detector positioned upon the elongated body, the detector comprising at least five electrodes and configured to obtain one or more conductance measurements generated using a first arrangement of four of the at least five electrodes and further configured to obtain one or more fluid velocity measurements using a second arrangement of four of the at least five electrodes when the elongated body is positioned within a fluid environment of a mammalian luminal organ, wherein the first arrangement is different from the second arrangement.

Abstract: Devices and systems to measure luminal organ parameters using impedance. 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 pair of detection electrodes positioned in between a pair of excitation electrodes located at or near the distal body end, the pair of detection electrodes configured to obtain one or more conductance values within a mammalian luminal organ within a field generated by the pair of excitation electrodes, 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 device and a known distance between the pair of detection electrodes.

Abstract: A method, using patches fixed to a surface of a body, the patches including respective electrodes in contact with the surface, and at least one of the patches configured to output a signal in response to a magnetic field applied to the body. Initially, the signal is processed to compute first magnetic locations and first electrical locations of the at least one of the patches. Subsequently, the signal is processed to compute second magnetic locations and second electrical locations of the at least one of the patches. A first relation is computed between the first magnetic and the first electrical locations, a second relation is computed between the second magnetic and the second electrical locations, and upon detecting a difference between the second and the first relations, a magnetic location correction is computed and then applied to track a position of a magnetic sensor inside the body.

Abstract: A method, using multiple patches fixed to a surface of a body, the patches including respective electrodes in contact with the surface, and at least one of the patches configured to output a signal in response to a magnetic field applied to the body. Initially, the signal is processed to compute first magnetic and first electrical locations of the at least one of the patches. Subsequently, the signal is processed to compute second magnetic and second electrical locations of the at least one of the patches. A first relation is computed between the first magnetic and electrical locations, and a second relation is computed between the second magnetic and electrical locations. When there is a difference between the first and the second relations, a magnetic location correction is computed responsively to the difference, and the correction is applied in tracking a position of a magnetic tracking sensor inside the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1) and a system for determining a specific position of a distal end (11) of a catheter (10) in an anatomical structure, a method for determining a specific position of a distal end (11) of a catheter (10) in an anatomical structure, a computer program element for controlling such device (1) and a computer readable medium having stored such computer program element. The device (1) comprises a catheter (10) with a distal end (11) and a position sensor (12) arranged spaced apart from the distal end (11) in a proximal direction. The position sensor (12) is configured to provide position data.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) includes a core assembly having a housing with circuitry disposed therein. The IMD also includes an integrated electrode/antenna assembly. The integrated electrode/antenna assembly includes an electrode component and an antenna component.

Abstract: A respiratory monitor is disclosed that includes features for conducting multiple pulmonary function tests in a single device and for detecting the presence of nitric oxide in exhaled breath. The respiratory monitor includes one or more reactor and sensor assemblies. Also described is a mouthpiece that allows for separate inhalation and exhalation pathways and for filtering inhaled and exhaled breath for predetermined species prior to exhalation into the respiratory monitor. The monitor further allows for wired, wireless and network connectivity and for cloud-based systems for communicating and correlating pulmonary data as well as relevant environmental data and displaying the data for use by patients and health care professionals.

Abstract: A laparoscopic device and method of use for measuring the thickness of tissue is disclosed. The instrument includes an elongated tubular housing, an elongated shaft, a pair of jaws, an actuating mechanism and a tissue thickness indicator. The tissue thickness indicator includes an indicator scale on the housing and a marker located on a proximal portion of the shaft. The shaft is displaceable within the housing against the bias of a spring and is coupled to the jaws to open the jaws when the shaft is moved distally by the actuating mechanism, whereupon the tissue can be located between the open jaws. The actuator mechanism can then be released, whereupon the jaws close on the interposed tissue and move the shaft in the proximal direction so that marker is disposed adjacent to the indicator scale to thereby provide a readily visible indication of the thickness of the tissue.

Abstract: An impact detection device for detecting impacts to a body part of a user and various supporting systems are discussed. In an example, an impact detect device can include a circuit board, a component having a first section and a second section, a battery, and a molding for housing the circuit boat, the battery and the component. The circuit board can include impact detection circuitry including at least two sensors and a communication circuit. A zone of reduced rigidity can connect the first and second sections of the component, with the circuit board secured to the first section. The battery can be secured to the second section of the component allowing for flex relative to the circuit board. The molding can be shaped and dimensioned for mounting to a body part of the user.

Abstract: A system and method for assessing fine motor functions based on user input patterns. The method comprises collecting raw data related to at least an interaction of a user with a computing device; computing, based on the raw data, at least one biometric attribute; generating a session pattern based on the at least one biometric attribute; and generating using the session pattern and a decision model a scale index indicating a current condition of the fine motor functionality of the user data.

Abstract: Subject matter disclosed herein relates to monitoring and/or controlling blood glucose levels in patients. In particular, times for obtaining metered blood glucose samples of a patient may be altered based, at least in part, on a blood glucose level of said patient observed from a blood glucose sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for a continuous analyte sensor, such as a continuous glucose sensor. One such system utilizes first and second working electrodes to measure additional analyte or non-analyte related signal. Such measurements may provide a background and/or sensitivity measurement(s) for use in processing sensor data and may be used to trigger events such as digital filtering of data or suspending display of data.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of a sensor cartridge element include a sensor module, an electrode arrangement installed on the sensor module, and a delivery arrangement securely coupled to the sensor module. The sensor module includes an analysis cell and a skin piercing member. The electrode arrangement generates an electrical signal when exposed to a fluid sample collected in the analysis cell. The delivery arrangement includes a drug reservoir, a piston chamber, and a valve arrangement providing selective fluid communication between the drug reservoir and the piston chamber. Metering electronics and an actuator can manage collection of fluid samples and/or dispensing of drug doses.

Abstract: Specially designed collection strips and their processing. By using specially designed collection strips, having a backer and one or more absorbent pads, in conjunction with a unique processing method, the processes of analyzing biological samples such as blood, or the like, may be done efficiency with the elimination of cross contamination risk. Identification of the sample stays with the sample throughout the process as it resides on the collection strip. The strip absorbs a known volume. The sample with identification is placed directly in an elution solution, without mechanically separating the sample from its identification information. Elimination of the need for mechanical separation tends to reduce cross contamination, as well as reducing sample processing time.

Abstract: An automatically locking safety device, e.g., for use in a blood collection procedure, can include a housing, first and second needle covers that are at least partly received in the housing, and a needle that is at least partly received in at least one of the first and second needle covers. The needle can include a proximal tip configured for placement into a patient and a distal tip configured for placement into a blood collection vial. In some embodiments, the first and second needle covers are biased by a biasing member. In some cases, one or both of the first and second needle covers can be locked to prevent axial movement thereof after the blood collection procedure. In certain embodiments, a distal end of the device is configured to connect with a medical connector, such as a needleless IV access device.

Abstract: An independent blood filter device depends on flow geometry to deliver blood serum or plasma free of detrimental levels of hemoglobin. It depends critically on an upstream flow rate or pressure differential limiting control element or device that limits the rate of change of pressure differential across the filter element. Pre-evacuated versions can be used to simultaneously draw blood from a living being and provide pressure differential across the filter element between an evacuated collector and a supply end open to atmosphere. A unit pressurized by hand motion employs the external shape of a partially filled blood collection tube as a piston to produce pressure in advance of the control element or device to create the pressure differential across the filter element to a collector vented to atmosphere. The control element or device is disclosed in numerous forms, including specially sized flow constrictions and compliant arrangements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting seizures with motor manifestations including detecting EMG signals, isolating from the EMG signals spectral data for a plurality of frequency bands, and calculating a T-squared value there from. The T-squared values may be detected in real time, such as in a patient's home environment, and the T-squared data may be compared to a threshold T-squared value to determine whether an alarm is sent.

Abstract: An allergen exposure system includes a mixing chamber, delimited by walls and distinct from the air inlet duct and from the exposure room in which the patients are situated. A mixing between a stream of allergen particles from an allergen injection device and a flow of air devoid of allergens which has passed through a filtration device, occurs through a phenomenon of microturbulence in this mixing chamber which forms a widening with respect to the air inlet duct and makes it possible to obtain a flow of air laden with allergen particles which is injected into the exposure room through at least one diffusion outlet so that it can be inhaled by the patients. This invention is of benefit to medical and pharmaceutical research in the field of allergy study.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring vital signs, such as cardiopulmonary activity, using a ballistograph are provided. The method and apparatus may be used to monitor an infant sleeping in a crib, a patient in a hospital, a person with a chronic disease at home or in professional care, or a person in an elder-care setting.

Abstract: A patient data monitoring system is provided. The patient data monitoring system includes a patient monitoring device including at least one sensor configured to determine position information of the patient monitoring device. The patient monitoring device is configured to receive a patient data protocol, record position information of the at least one sensor coupled to the patient monitoring device, and transmit the recorded position information. The patient data monitoring system also includes a portable communication device communicatively coupled to the patient monitoring device configured to receive the transmitted recorded position information and display the recorded position information.

Abstract: Methods and a probes are disclosed for vaginal tactile and electromyographic imaging, and location-guided female pelvic floor therapy. Methods include the steps of inserting a vaginal probe equipped with tactile sensors and electrodes acting as electromyographic sensors into a vagina along a vaginal canal to separate apart two opposing vaginal walls, recording a tactile response and an electromyographic response from at least one of two opposing vaginal walls during pelvic floor muscle contraction, determining locations along the vaginal canal for delivery of therapy based on presence of tactile response above a predetermined tactile threshold and/or presence of electromyographic response above a predetermined EMG threshold along the vaginal probe, selecting at least one of target locations to be used for location-guided therapy, and applying the therapy such as electrical muscle stimulation to at least one of selected locations using the same electrodes at these locations.

Abstract: A system including a stent further including a plurality of conductive struts disposed within a non-conductive body. The stent is configured to exclude an aneurysm within a blood vessel of a person. In addition, the system includes a first electrode and a second electrode. Further, the system includes a controller coupled to the first electrode and second electrode. The controller is configured to measure an impedance between the first electrode and the second electrode and across tissue surrounding the stent to determine if a leak has occurred between the stent and the aneurysm.

Abstract: A wristband, an electronics module, and a wrist device are disclosed. The wristband and the electronics module form the modular wrist device. The electronics module, when mounted to the wristband, stiffens a structure of at least a portion of the wrist device in order to enable the wrist device to firmly attach against a wrist of a user and to enable optical heart activity measurement by the electronics module.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a medical device for measuring blood pressure. The medical device may include an elongated shaft having a proximal region and a distal region and a lumen extending therethrough and an optical pressure sensing block disposed within the lumen, the optical pressure sensing block including a distal portion bearing a pressure sensing membrane and a proximal portion forming an optical fiber connector extending proximally from the proximal portion. The optical fiber connector may be configured to be coupled to an optical fiber extending through the lumen.

Abstract: An electro-physiology mapping catheter is disclosed which includes an elongated body having opposed proximal and distal end portions and defining a longitudinal axis therebetween, the distal end portion of the body forming a generally circular mapping loop that extends through a plane oriented generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body, the circular mapping loop having an inwardly bent distal tip section.

Abstract: An electrode support structure assembly in a body in accordance with one embodiment of the present teachings includes a plug defining a longitudinal axis. The plug includes a lumen extending in an axial direction and including an axial distal end and a distal tip adjacent to the axial distal end of the lumen and including a first channel. The assembly further includes a cap disposed around at least a portion of the plug and including a plurality of apertures and an interior. The assembly further includes a plurality of support members, each support member comprising a distal portion. The cap is configured to constrain relative movement of the distal portions of the plurality of support members with respect to the cap, and the first channel of the plug and at least one of the plurality of support members are configured to direct a fluid after exiting the lumen of the plug.

Abstract: A biological information measurement apparatus includes a plurality of biological sensors of the same type (111a and 111b) and a controller (120) that measures biological information based on biological measurement outputs obtained from the biological sensors (111a and 111b).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may provide automated techniques for signal analysis that may continuously provide up-to-date results that link EEG and behaviors that are important for daily activities. Such techniques may provide automation, objectivity, real-time monitoring and portability. In an embodiment of the present invention, a computer-implemented method for monitoring neural activity may comprise receiving data representing at least one signal representing neural activity of a test subject, pre-processing the received data by performing at least one of band-pass filtering, artifact removal, identifying common spatial patterns, and temporally segmentation, processing the pre-processed data by performing at least one of time domain processing, frequency domain processing, and time-frequency domain processing, generating a machine learning model using the processed data as a training dataset, and outputting a characterization of the neural activity based on the machine learning model.

Abstract: A method and system for acquiring data for assessment of cardiovascular disease, the method comprising one or more of: manipulating one or more hardware aspects of the photoplethysmography data acquisition system(s) implementing the method; manipulating or providing user experience/user interface (UX/UI) aspects of the system(s) implementing the method; acquiring, processing, and deriving insights population specific data; accounting for or controlling sampling site variability; and using other suitable sources of data in order to generate high quality data for characterization, assessment, and management of cardiovascular disease.

Abstract: The noninvasive blood sugar measurement device contains a device body, a sensor, a processing module, and an error reduction module. The sensor is configured on a side of the device body for detecting a glucose level in perspiration. The processing module and the error reduction module are configured inside the device body. The processing module is data-linked with the sensor for calculating and converting a measured glucose level into a corresponding blood sugar level. The error reduction module is data-linked with the processing module for reducing a progressive error accumulated by the sensor from repeated detection of perspiration glucose level. The present invention therefore completely avoids invasive means such drawing blood and puncturing skin.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system or biological sensor configured to detect a biological condition and alter monitoring of biological conditions responsive to such detection. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A dual, imaging and radiation system provides for finely aligned movement of a subject through the use of a computer controlled mounting stage having separate, non-gantry translational and rotational controllable movement. The system cycles a subject tissue between a treatment position where radiation doses are applied and an imaging position where high-quality computed tomography (CT) imaging is performed. Selective dose profiles and dose depths are achievable around an isocenter of the system.

Abstract: A method for reconstructing the spatial course of an elongate, flexible in a 3D world coordinate system, wherein the body has a plurality of x-ray markers, which are arranged on the body distanced from one another along said body, comprising: providing a 2D x-ray image of the body; determining the two-dimensional positions of the x-ray markers in an image coordinate system of the 2D x-ray image; determining possible 3D location coordinates of each x-ray marker in the 3D world coordinate system as beams each extending from a point of origin, which corresponds to the position of the radiation source for generation of the 2D x-ray image, to the position of the x-ray marker in question in an image coordinate plane; and repeatedly determining the spatial course of the body with use of said possible 3D location coordinates. A corresponding computer program and a corresponding system are also provided.

Abstract: A marker-coordinate detecting unit detects coordinates of a stent marker on a new image when the new image is stored in an image-data storage unit; and then a correction-image creating unit creates a correction image from the new image through, for example, image transformation processing, so as to match up the detected coordinates with reference coordinates that are coordinates of the stent marker already detected by the marker-coordinate detecting unit in a first frame. An image post-processing unit then creates an image for display by performing post-processing on the correction image created by the correction-image creating unit, the post-processing including high-frequency noise reduction filtering-processing, low-frequency component removal filtering-processing, and logarithmic-image creating processing; and then a system control unit performs control of displaying a moving image of an enlarged image of a set region that is set in the image for display, together with an original image.

Abstract: A bite-block and film-holding device is used with an x-ray film or a digital image sensor and held by a patient between teeth to align with an external camera device for dental radiographic imaging of the patient's teeth. The bite-block and film-holding device includes a disposable film holder having a bite block portion, a film-holding portion made of a plastic material, and a bonding member having a release layer attached thereto; and an aiming assembly having a coupling arm coupled to the disposable film-holder and an aiming ring assembly installed on the camera device and connected to the coupling arm. The aiming ring assembly is adjustable in position for the camera device to face at a right angle to the film-holding portion. After the dental radiographic imaging, the disposable film holder is separated from the aiming assembly and discarded to ensure the patient's oral cavity hygiene and health.

Abstract: A mobile X-ray apparatus for medical examination includes an apparatus for producing X-ray images having a digital Radiography detector positioned at a first spatial position, an X-ray tube assembly positionable at a second spatial position relative to the first spatial position, sensor(s) for providing the first spatial position and/or the second spatial position, a control unit for receiving the first and/or the second spatial position(s) from the at least one sensor and for controlling the first or second spatial position for alignment of the X-ray tube assembly with the detector based on the first and second spatial positions, a drive wheel, a base, optionally an elevating column, and a telescopic arm which is rotatable into a direction perpendicular to a driving direction of the base. The apparatus is controllable to drive along a patient table and/or the X-ray tube assembly is height adjustable in front of a wall stand, for alignment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically and dynamically modifying an image acquisition parameter for use in tomosynthesis breast imaging. A selected image acquisition parameter is modified in response to a measured characteristic of an imaged object such as a breast, and thus tailored to provide the highest quality image for the particular object. For example, image quality in a breast tomosynthesis system can be improved by dynamically varying motion and other acquisition parameters of the tomosynthesis system in response to physical characteristics of the breast to be imaged (determined during image acquisition), such as the breast thickness, density or composition.

Abstract: In order so that a scan range or a reconstruction range can be efficiently confirmed within a limited time during examination, the present invention relates to an X-ray CT apparatus that acquires and displays tomographic images of an object and is characterized by comprising a mode setting unit that sets a display time per confirmation image or the number of the confirmation images to be displayed as a mode that displays the confirmation images to be used for confirming the scan range and the reconstruction range according to a predetermined wait time and a display control unit that displays the confirmation images according to the display time or the number of display images set by the mode setting unit.

Abstract: Some embodiments are associated with an X-ray source configured to generate X-rays directed toward an object, wherein the X-ray source is to: (i) generate a first energy X-ray pulse, (ii) switch to generate a second energy X-ray pulse, and (iii) switch back to generate another first energy X-ray pulse. A detector may be associated with multiple image pixels, and the detector includes, for each pixel: an X-ray sensitive element to receive X-rays; a first storage element and associated switch to capture information associated with the first energy X-ray pulses; and a second storage element and associated switch to capture information associated with the second energy X-ray pulse. A controller may synchronize the X-ray source and detector.

Abstract: Contrast-enhanced image data of breast tissue to be examined is generated. First two-dimensional contrast-agent-influenced x-ray projection data of the breast tissue are acquired at a first x-ray beam energy and a two-dimensional image data record is generated on the basis of the first two-dimensional x-ray projection data. Second two-dimensional contrast-agent-influenced x-ray projection data are acquired from different projection angles at a second x-ray beam energy that differs from the first x-ray beam energy and a three-dimensional tomosynthesis image data record of the breast tissue is reconstructed from the detected second two-dimensional x-ray projection data. Subsequently, a two-dimensional synthetic mammogram is calculated on the basis of the three-dimensional tomosynthesis image data record and a two-dimensional dual-energy mammogram is established by subtracting the image data of the synthetic mammogram from the image data of the two-dimensional image data record.

Abstract: A method to determine myocardial wall dynamics and tissue characteristics using a method provided to determine myocardial wall dynamics and tissue characteristics using a 3D model of the myocardium. The method comprises generating an epicardial surface and an endocardial surface from a plurality of SAX and LAX slices; identifying a plurality of nodes on the epicardial and endocardial surfaces or in between these surfaces within the myocardium in a reference frame; defining a set of coefficients, each coefficient being associated with the respective location of the corresponding node in a phase; determining the coefficients and in this way determining the model; determining the myocardial wall dynamics in terms of strain values and displacements.

Abstract: The embodiments relate to a method, an analyzer, a radiation dose disturbance system, and a computer program for automatically calculating a target radiation dose of ionizing radiation. In this case, both patient-specific parameters and equipment-specific parameters are taken into account. On a cloud-based data store, reference images are read out that concern the same anatomical target region in which the imminent examination is also intended to be carried out. The anatomical target region is advantageously determined in a manner dependent on the clinical issue. The reference images are evaluated with regard to radiation dose and image quality in order to generate a target radiation dose with a corresponding control command.

Abstract: An image obtainment unit obtains a radiographic image radiographed by irradiating a subject with radiation. A first information obtainment unit obtains information about at least one of a radiography condition during radiography of the subject, a subject condition and detector characteristics, which are characteristics of the radiation detector. A second information obtainment unit obtains body thickness information representing the body thickness of the subject. A target S/N setting unit sets a target S/N of the radiographic image based on the body thickness information and the information about at least one of the radiography condition, the subject condition and the detector characteristics. An image processing unit corrects the S/N of the radiographic image to the target S/N by performing, on the radiographic image, noise removal processing.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus and control method thereof precisely designates an imaging region and reduces user fatigue by designating a segmentation imaging region using an image of a target object captured by a camera and automatically controlling an X-ray generator according to the designated segmentation imaging region. The X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray generator to perform X-ray imaging of a target object by generating and irradiating X-rays, an image capturer to capture an image of the target object, an image display to display the image captured by the image capturer, an input part to receive designation of a region for which segmentation imaging is to be performed on the image displayed on the image display, and a controller to control the X-ray generator to perform segmentation imaging with respect to the designated region.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus and control method for the same relate to a mobile X-ray imaging apparatus that allows a user to recognize whether the X-ray imaging apparatus is in an appropriate imaging distance from an object. The X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray source, an input unit that receives distance information between the X-ray source and an X-ray detector, a reference light emitter that irradiates a light from the X-ray source in a direction where the X-ray detector is placed, at least one auxiliary light emitter that irradiates a light that overlaps with a light from the reference light emitter; and a controller that determines an auxiliary light emitter corresponding to the distance information among the at least one auxiliary light emitter, and controls the reference light emitter and the determined auxiliary light emitter so that the reference light emitter and the determined auxiliary light emitter irradiate a light.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are method and system for detecting and assessing brain injuries and conditions. The medical system is capable of detecting and assessing the severity of TBI is present. The determination is performed by multiscale analysis of complexity of cerebral blood flow velocity oscillations.

Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides a reference device that enhances image-guided surgical interventions. The reference device is tracked by the imaging system and used to verify the accuracy of the intervention tool placement before and during the intervention. The reference device holds a reference sensor in a position aligned with patient anatomy, so that images are displayed in the correct orientation to the operator, aiding in target recognition and better navigation. Also provided are methods using the reference device and programmed computer media for implementing at least a part of the methods.