Abstract: A lancet-release mechanism is adapted to be incorporated into a lancing device. The lancing device is adapted to receive a lancet assembly therein. The lancing device is adapted to move the lancet assembly between a resting position, a cocking position, and a puncture position. The lancet-release mechanism comprises a lancet holder and a cantilever beam. The lancet holder forms a central aperture. The central aperture is adapted to receive the lancet assembly therein. The lancet holder further forms a plurality of protuberances thereon. The cantilever beam has a projection extending therefrom. The projection is adapted to engage the plurality of protuberances located on the lancet holder. The projection is adapted to separate the plurality of protuberances from each other so as to enlarge the central aperture.

Abstract: Generally, methods of analyte monitoring management, and articles of manufacturing related thereto, are provided. The methods include receiving analyte measurement data and analyzing the analyte measurement data for health related parameters. Recommendations are determined for creating or modifying a treatment program based on the analysis, and provided within a user-interface that enables a user to create or modify the treatment program. Further, generally, methods of for managing analyte measurement data, and articles of manufacturing related thereto, are provided. The methods include receiving analyte measurement data that represent data collected over a time period, and analyzing the analyte measurement data for analyte episodes within that time period. Threshold based episodes and/or rate-of-change based episodes may be determined.

Abstract: A measurement device includes a housing that has an attached biosensor that includes a reagent selectively responding to a specific analyte in a biological fluid, and is configured so as to be carried by a user, an analyte measurer that measures a concentration of the specific analyte with a biosensor, and a motion measurer that measures a motion level of the housing. A living activity level calculator calculates a living activity level of the user based on the motion level measured by the motion measurer, a recorder records the living activity level calculated by the living activity level calculator, and a controller associates the concentration of the specific analyte measured by the analyte measurer with an event of living activity of the user, estimated based on the living activity level recorded in the recorder, and records them in the recorder.

Abstract: Methods of determining when to activate an analyte, e.g. glucose, related alarm, such as a hypoglycemia alarm, of a continuous analyte monitor is provided. Also provided are systems, devices and kits. Embodiments include methods for determining when to activate an analyte alarm of a continuous analyte monitor. The methods may include receiving information from the continuous analyte monitor related to the user's analyte concentration, wherein the information is received at a data processing component. The methods may also include receiving information that is input by the user, and the information is related to the user's analyte concentration.

Abstract: An active pulse blood constituent monitor is disclosed. A sensor configured to provide an artificial excitation to a portion of the patient at a known frequency provides additional information in determining the physiological condition of the patient.

Abstract: The disclosure includes pulse oximetry systems and methods for determining point-by-point saturation values by encoding photoplethysmographs in the complex domain and processing the complex signals. The systems filter motion artifacts and other noise using a variety of techniques, including statistical analysis such as correlation, or phase filtering.

Abstract: A device includes source and detector sensors. In a specific implementation, the device has two near detectors, two far detectors, and two sources. The two near detectors are arranged closer to the two sources than the two far detectors. A light-diffusing layer covers the two near detectors. The device may be part of a medical device that is used to monitor or measure oxygen saturation levels in a tissue. In a specific implementation, light is transmitted into the tissue and received by the detectors. An attenuation coefficient is first calculated for a shallow layer of tissue. The attenuation coefficient is then used to calculate an attenuation coefficient for a deep layer of tissue.

Abstract: A lancing system can include a device body having a sealing device coupled to a lancing end, a lancing shaft slideably coupled to the lancing end, a lancing spring coupled to the lancing shaft, a release mechanism, a main shaft slideably coupled with a free end of the device body in communication with the release mechanism, a piston coupled to the main shaft, a vacuum spring coupled to the piston, and a shaft coupler having at least two separable portions for removably coupling the lancing shaft to the main shaft. The system can include a lance tool having an insertion portion and a removal portion. A method can include creating a first portion of a vacuum, lancing a surface, and creating a second portion of a vacuum.

Abstract: A test device and a rotation module thereof are provided. The rotation module includes a rotation body and a driving element. The rotation body includes a shaft, a position limiting element, a reciprocation element, and a rotation element. The shaft is pivoted in a housing. The position limiting element and the reciprocation element are telescoped on the shaft, respectively. The rotation element engages with the shaft and is located between the position limiting element and the reciprocation element. The driving element is slideably disposed in the housing and coupled to a groove of the reciprocation element. When the driving element moves back and forth, the driving element drives the reciprocation element to rotate back and forth relative to the position limiting element through the groove. The rotation element is pushed by the reciprocation element to rotate along a rotation direction relative to the position limiting element.

Abstract: A lancer device that enables a user to draw blood from a patient and discard the used lancet without touching it. The device also has an adjustable tip for selecting the depth of stylet penetration into the patient and a triggering mechanism that utilizes a yoke latch and a leaf spring to discharge the lancet. The lancer also has a dampening feature to reduce vibrations when the lancet is moving.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a system and method for the detection of cancerous tissue by analyzing blocks of pixels in a thermal image of a region of exposed skin tissue. In one embodiment, matrices are received which have been derived from vectors of temperature values associated with pixels in blocks of pixels which have been isolated from a plurality of thermal images of both cancerous and non-cancerous tissue. The vectors are rearranged to form matrices. A thermal image of a subject is received. Blocks of pixels which reside within a region of exposed skin tissue are identified and isolated. For each identified pixel block, an image vector comprising temperature values associated with these pixels is formed. The vector is provided to a classifier which uses the matrices to classify tissue associated with this block of pixels as being either cancerous or non-cancerous tissue.

Abstract: A wearable dental apparatus for capturing dental properties of a patient includes a support structure. The support structure is configured to be worn on the dentition of the patient. The wearable dental apparatus includes at least one sensor. The sensor is coupled to the support structure. The sensor is configured to capture a series of measurement of a dental property of the patient. The measurements are associated with one or more locations on the dentition of the patient. A dental map is generated based on at least some of the measurements and is displayed. The dentition of a patient is restored by selecting a restoration material based on the measurements.

Abstract: Techniques relate to operating a medical device by classifying a detected posture state of a patient. This classification may be performed by comparing the detected posture state of the patient to posture state definitions available within the system. Each definition may be described in terms of a parameter (e.g., vector) indicative of a direction in three-dimensional space. The posture state definitions may be calibrated by automatically estimating values for these parameters, thereby eliminating the need for the patient to assume each posture state during the calibration process to capture actual parameter values. According to another aspect, the estimated parameter values may be updated as the patient assumes various postures during a daily routine. For instance, estimated vectors initially used to calibrate the posture state definitions may be changed over time to more closely represent posture states the patient actually assumes, and to further adapt to changes in a patient's condition.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant having a three-axis accelerometer is disclosed. The three-axis accelerometer is used to detect micro-motion in the implant. The micro-motion can be due to loosening of the implant. The implant is configured to couple to the muscular-skeletal system. In one embodiment, the implant is configured to couple to bone. An impact force is imparted to the bone or implant. The impact force can be provided via a transducer coupled to the implant. In the example, the impact force is imparted along a single axis. The three-axis accelerometer measures the impact force along each axis. Resultant peaks of the quantitative measurement and the frequencies at which they occur are measured. The peaks and frequencies of the measurements correspond to micro-motion. Typically, the frequency of interest is less than 1 KHz to determine if micro-motion is occurring.

Abstract: Example headsets and methods for gathering electroencephalographic signals are disclosed herein. An example headset includes an adjustment assembly including a first support to be disposed on a first side of a head of a person and a second support to be disposed on a second side of the head of the person. The example headset also includes an adjustor operatively coupled to the first support. Further, the example headset includes an electrode strip and a tension strap having a first end operatively coupled to the adjustor and a second end operatively coupled to the second support.

Abstract: Example headsets and methods for gathering electroencephalographic signals are disclosed herein. An example headset includes an adjustment assembly including a first support to be disposed on a first side of a head of a person and a second support to be disposed on a second side of the head of the person. The example headset also includes an adjustor operatively coupled to the first support. Further, the example headset includes an electrode strip and a tension strap having a first end operatively coupled to the adjustor and a second end operatively coupled to the second support.

Abstract: A bra configured to provide coverage of a patient's breasts and easy deployment of at least one health parameter sensor coupled to the patient's breasts is disclosed. In one embodiment, a first cup of the bra is sized and shaped differently than a second cup of the bra so as to allow one or more sensors to contact exposed portions of the patient's breast left exposed by the first cup. In a further embodiment, the bra includes at least one pocket located on one or both cups of the bra, the at least one pocket configured to hold and secure at least one health parameter sensor configured to transmit health parameter signals to a monitoring device either via a wire or wirelessly.

Abstract: One embodiment of a system described herein can include an axis guide for placement over a patient's right and left ASIS and at least two guides attachable to the axis guide to provide a through hole that is perpendicular to the axis guide. The system can further include at least two probes that can fit through the through holes and extend beyond an end of the axis guide by a predetermined distance, as well as at least two bone engaging pins that fit through the through holes. When the guides are assembled to the axis guide and the probes are assembled to the guides, the axis guide can be placed so that the probes contact the patient's pelvis and the probes can be replaced by the pins to mount the pins to the patient's pelvis in a known orientation.

Abstract: A catheter for in vivo imaging comprising a monolithic outer sheath terminating in a monolithic atraumatic tip having a guidewire lumen. The catheter for in vivo imaging comprising a rotary drive shaft that passes through a central lumen of the monolithic outer sheath to impart rotary motion.

Abstract: A method of processing a signal may include receiving an input signal including a motion artifact, determining a filter parameter based on a frequency component of a motion-based signal analogous to the motion artifact, and filtering the input signal using a filter having the determined filter parameter.

Abstract: A device to detect a state of a human being is provided. The device determines a time-series waveform of a frequency from a time-series waveform of a biological signal acquired from an upper body of a human being, and determines time-series waveforms of a frequency slope and frequency variation to analyze these frequencies. Upon analyzing the frequencies, it determines power spectrums of frequencies corresponding to a preset functional adjustment signal, fatigue reception signal, and activity adjustment signal, and then determines a state of the human being from a time-series change in each power spectrum. Dominant degrees of the functional adjustment signal and activity adjustment signal are compared as distribution rates thereof, in addition to a degree of progress of fatigue, to determine a state of the human being, for example a relaxed state, fatigued state, prominent state of sympathetic nervous, prominent state of parasympathetic nervous.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring a patient during a procedure. A physiological parameter of a patient is monitored during a procedure at an associated sensor. Respective cumulative times are measured for which the monitored physiological parameter of the patient meets each of a plurality of threshold values during the procedure. A risk metric is calculated for the patient, representing an effect of monitored physiological parameter on a patient outcome related to the procedure from the measured cumulative times for which the monitored physiological parameter of the patient met each of the plurality of threshold values.

Abstract: The invention provides a monitor for measuring blood pressure and other vital signs from a patient without using a cuff. The invention provides a hand-held device for measuring vital signs (e.g.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring material properties of a medium includes producing a multi-directional wave field in the medium and detecting, with a detection system capable of detecting wave fields propagating in a medium, the multi-directional wave field in at least two spatial dimensions over at least one time instance. The system and method also include determining a lowest wave speed, calculating at least one of wave speed and material properties of the medium, and generating a report indicating the at least one of wave speed and material properties of the medium.

Abstract: A method of measuring the relative position of a bone implant within a bone in a patient to detect movement between the implant and bone is provided, wherein one or more radiopaque bone markers have been implanted into the bone through a cannulated implant within the bone and one or more radiopaque implant markers have been implanted into the implant. The method comprises: i) determining a first relative position of the bone marker to the implant marker under a first parameter; and ii) determining a second relative position of the bone marker to the implant marker under a second parameter, wherein a change in the position of the bone marker relative to the implant marker from the first relative position to the second relative position is indicative of movement of either the implant or the bone.

Abstract: An imaging system configured to automatically detect a patient's body profile and to position the patient. The imaging system includes a scan support member configured to support a scan object, a processing device; and an identification device electrically connected to the processing device. The scan support member includes a machine identifiable code representing a distance from a position of the machine identifiable code to one end of the scan support member. The identification device is configured to identify the machine identifiable code, to decode the distance represented by the machine identifiable code and to send the distance represented by the machine identifiable code to the processing device. The processing device determines a distance from an interested location of the scan object to a scanning plane of the imaging system according to the distance represented by the machine identifiable code.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for obtaining pointing directions for every channel of a collimator which can then be used during the image reconstruction process to more accurately estimate the direction from which radiation has been received. The disclosed system and method provide for photographic measurement and analysis of individual collimator channel to determine the pointing directions for every channel in the collimator. This information is obtained by photographing the front and back sides of the collimator, and analyzing the digital image data to obtain the pointing angle of each channel. The resulting information, referred to as a “vector map” is included in the firmware of the collimator so that it can be called on during the projection and back-projection steps of the algorithm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system (100) for automating adjustment or adaptation of devices (141-143) such as light, computer programs and positioning of devices used during patient examination. The patient examination is performed by use of a scanner system where the patient is lying on a bed (102) which can be moved into a scanner zone of the scanner where the scanning can be performed and away from the scanner zone. The automated control is achieved by detecting the position of the bed and using the detected position for adjusting or adapting the state, i.e. the function or working of one or more devices (141-143).

Abstract: An arm construction of an intra-oral x-ray device according to the present invention comprises at least two elongated support arms (55, 56, 55?, 56?) jointed to each other, into connection with a substantially first end of the first support arm (55) of which is arranged a radiation source (4) and in which the jointing between the support arms is implemented such that the successive support arms (55, 56, 55?, 56?) connect to each other from sides (68, 69) of the support arms facing each other.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided that obtain a scan prescription and receive physiologic feature or interest (FOI) measurements of an object of interest during a scan time. The methods and systems further compare at least one of the received physiologic FOI measurements with a predetermined threshold range, and determine a scan setting by evaluating an acquisition rule set based on the physiologic FOI measurement.

Abstract: A wireless ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus (30) including a wireless ultrasonic probe (300) and a diagnostic device (400). The wireless ultrasonic probe (300) includes: a wireless transmission unit (306) which wirelessly transmits echo data (352); and an ultrasound transmission unit (303) which transmits pairing ultrasound (351) including probe information for identifying the wireless ultrasonic probe (300). The diagnostic device (400) includes: an ultrasound reception unit (401) which receives the pairing ultrasound (351); a probe information detection unit (402) which detects the probe information (452) from the pairing ultrasound (351); and a wireless reception unit (406) which determines, using the probe information (452), whether or not received data is the echo data (352) wirelessly transmitted by the wireless ultrasonic probe (300).

Abstract: An echogenic needle and a method of using the needle with an ultrasound machine, in which the needle has a turbulence inducing member positioned within the hollow body of the needle towards the tip end of the needle. The turbulence inducing member is preferably be a reamer. When fluid media passes through the flow path in the hollow body of the needle, the needle induces turbulent flow in the fluid exiting the tip of the needle. This turbulent flow is visible in color on an output display of the ultrasound machine using a color Doppler feature, and is helpful for determining the location of the tip of the needle in an image on the ultrasound display. The tip of the needle may be beveled or blunt. The turbulence inducing member may partially extend from the distal end of the needle and may be of different configurations.

Abstract: An image-guided ultrasound system may include an ultrasound probe, a display configured to communicate with the ultrasound probe to receive ultrasound signals to display images from the ultrasound probe, and an imaging device that may be attached to or integral with the ultrasound probe and configured to communicate with the display to display information derived from images from the imaging device. The imaging device may include a stabilization assembly, an imaging device assembly physically coupled to the stabilization assembly, a plurality of light-sensitive devices physically coupled to the stabilization assembly, and a memory unit physically coupled to the imaging device assembly, the memory unit configured to store calibration or usage information for the image-guided ultrasound system.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnosis device wherein a movable mechanism for supporting an operation panel is configured so that the degree of freedom in the position and attitude thereof is increased. Specifically, a movable section comprises the operation panel, a base, an arm mechanism, and a display unit. The movable mechanism has a lifting mechanism and a horizontal movement mechanism. The horizontal movement mechanism has a layered structure. The layered structure has, stacked from bottom to top, a left-right slide mechanism, a forward-backward slide mechanism, a rotation mechanism, and a rotation limitation mechanism. The rotation limitation mechanism changes a rotation range according to a sliding position in the forward-backward direction.

Abstract: A portable imaging system is presented. The system includes at least a display panel. Further, the system includes a control panel, where the display panel and the control panel include a seamless form factor of a single unit box, and where the seamless form factor is configured to aid in cleaning the system.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor according to the invention comprises at least one ultrasonic transducer, at least one resistor connected to the ultrasonic transducer and a housing accommodating the ultrasonic transducer and the resistor. The ultrasonic sensor is configured in such a way, that it is not or only slightly ferromagnetic, so that the ultrasonic sensor acts neutrally with respect to an external magnetic field (for example in an MRT).

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system and method includes identifying, with a processor, a subset of the ultrasound channel data with a specular reflector signature, and implementing, with the processor, a specular reflector processing technique on the subset of the ultrasound channel data to calculate at least one of a position and an orientation of a specular reflector. The system and method includes performing an action based on at least one of the position and the orientation of the specular reflector.

Abstract: The present invention presents a method of fabrication for a physiological sensor with electronic, electrochemical and chemical components. The fabrication method comprises steps for manufacturing an apparatus comprising at least one electrochemical sensor, a microcontroller, and a transceiver. The physiological sensor is operable to analyze biological fluids such as sweat.

Abstract: A biopsy instrument driver includes a drive member having a laterally extending catch arm and movable between a distal, fired position and a proximal, armed position. A reversible motor has a rotatable output comprising or otherwise being operatively connected to a drive shaft, such that activation of the motor rotates the drive shaft. A translating member is threadably coupled to the drive shaft, wherein rotation of the drive shaft causes axial translation of the translating member along the drive shaft. A latch base is operatively associated with the translating member. A latch arm is pivotally coupled to the latch base, and has a distal portion configured to selectively engage and retain the drive member catch arm, and a proximal portion operatively coupled to the translating member, such that movement of the translating member relative to the latch base pivots latch arm distal portion.

Abstract: A tissue sampling device includes for removing tissue from a target area in the body comprises a shaft having an outer surface. Two first portions and two second portions of the outer surface extend lengthwise of the shaft. Each first portion of the outer surface is associated with a different second portion and is spaced apart from its associated second portion. Each first portion of the outer surface at least partially defines a cutting edge extending in a straight line lengthwise of the shaft. Each first portion of the outer surface and its associated second portion are associated with a tissue-receiving surface extending lengthwise of the shaft. Each tissue-receiving surface defines a depression for receiving a tissue sample removed from the target area by the cutting edge of the associated first portion of the outer surface when the shaft is rotated about its longitudinal axis in the target area.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a vacuum source, and an elongate member having a lumen and a sample receiving notch. The sample receiving notch has a proximal hole, a distal end wall, and a floor. The proximal hole is separated from the distal end wall along the longitudinal axis. The proximal hole is in fluid communication with the lumen. A tissue anchor has a cantilever portion with a free end. The cantilever portion is configured to extend in a direction from the distal end wall toward the proximal hole. The free end has a tip portion configured to extend toward the floor. The tissue anchor and the proximal hole are collectively configured to place tissue received in the sample receiving notch in a state of tension between the tip portion and the proximal hole when a vacuum is applied by the vacuum source to the proximal hole via the lumen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bodily invasive steerable device (100) having a proximal (201) and distal (205) end comprising a steering mechanism (50) having a proximal bending part (202), a distal bending part (204), and an intermediate part (203) disposed between the proximal bending part (202) and the distal bending part (204) configured mechanically to transmit forces applied at the proximal end (201) to the distal end (205). The steering is mechanism configured such that the distal bending part (204) moves responsive to movements of the proximal bending part (202). The device also comprises a handle (206) coupled to the proximal bending part (202) to effect manual bending. The handle (206) comprises at least one grip member (210) that extends distally (205), at least over the proximal terminal end (171) of the proximal bending part (202).

Abstract: A surgical retrieval apparatus for receipt of multiple tissue specimens includes a collection bag, a support ring, and a flip ring. The collection bag includes first and second packets each having an outer portion and an inner portion. The first and second packets define first and second adjacent chambers, respectively, that are each configured for receipt of a tissue specimen therein. The first and second packets are coupled to both the support ring and the flip ring. The flip ring is pivotably coupled to the support ring and is rotatable relative to the support ring between a first position, wherein the first chamber is accessible for depositing a tissue specimen therein and a second position, wherein the second chamber is accessible for depositing a tissue specimen therein.

Abstract: An applicator device for applying at least one agent to a target site, including: a rigid section configured for the passage of fluid therethrough, the rigid section having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, the proximal end portion configured for communication with at least one fluid reservoir; a formable section attached to the distal end portion of the rigid section, the formable section configured to be shaped into a desired configuration, the formable section including at least a first lumen and a second lumen, the first lumen configured to receive fluid from the rigid section; and a malleable member positioned within the second lumen, wherein the malleable member is configured to assist in retaining the formable section in the desired configuration.

Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly 40 and a tissue retraction assembly 10, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes 23 for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor 15 to a surgical target site. The tissue retraction assembly 10 has a plurality of blades 12, 16, 18 which may be introduced while in a closed configuration, after which point they may be opened to create an operation corridor 15 to the surgical target site, including pivoting at least one blade 12, 16, 18 to expand the operative corridor 15 adjacent to the operative site.

Abstract: Provided are modular implant delivery systems, devices and methods. In some embodiments, spinal implant delivery devices and methods are provided. An exemplary delivery device may include a head supported by a handle. The head may have an opening defining an insertion axis. The handle may have a handle axis that traverses the insertion axis. The head may also be configured to releasably couple one or more blades.

Abstract: A retractor system, kit and method of use includes a plurality of retractors for use in retracting a wound during a minimally-invasive hip replacement surgery to define an access space to a surgical site is discussed. Each of the retractors comprises a handle portion configured to be held by a user, a curved bend portion distal of the handle portion, and a wound contact portion attached to the curved bend portion. The wound contact portion is configured to contact tissue of the wound when at least a portion of the retractor is inserted through a skin incision that defines the wound. Each retractor also has a distal portion disposed distally of the wound contact portion, wherein the wound contact portion has a generally curved cross-sectional profile perpendicular to its length that is configured to prevent necrosis of the tissue during retraction. In addition, the cross-sectional profile provides an improved line of sight during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A surgical access system for accessing a surgical target site within a spine includes a retractor and an elongated element. The refractor has a closed configuration defining a lumen with an internal circumference, and an open configuration in which the internal circumference, at least at the distal end of the retractor, is enlarged relative to said closed configuration. The open configuration creates and maintains an operative corridor to said target site. The elongated element is releasably coupled to an interior wall of the retractor and has an extension extending distal of the distal end of the retractor into the surgical target site. When coupled to the retractor, the elongated element covers a body structure at the target site without blocking access to the operative corridor.

Abstract: A fibrous tissue repair device includes first and second tubular anchors having corresponding longitudinal passages. The tissue repair device includes corresponding first and second inserters. Each inserter has a shaft with a distal portion received in the longitudinal passage of the corresponding tubular anchor. A flexible strand couples the first and second anchors.

Abstract: An anchor element serves for knotless fixing of a tissue to a bone by at least one suture threaded through the anchor element. A body of that anchor element has an outer surface with projections. A transverse bore is arranged in a distal end section of the body for receiving a threading passing therethrough. A clamp element serves for clamping the suture threaded transversely through the bore. The clamping element has a portion arranged within the body and is movable within the body towards that transverse bore.