Abstract: A method for determining a time point of a heart movement is described, wherein an EKG signal showing the heart movement is received. A first time point is determined, after which a mechanical signal characterizing the heart movement will probably be received, as a function of the received EKG signal. A mechanical signal is also received after the determined first time point. The time point of a heart movement can be concluded based on the receive time point of the mechanical signal. An apparatus for determining a time point of a heart movement is also described. The apparatus has a first receive facility, a timing facility, a second receive facility, and an evaluation facility. The evaluation facility is configured to determine the receive time point of the mechanical signal and to determine a time point of a heart movement based on the determined receive time point of the mechanical signal.

Abstract: Scores made by a player participating in a game can be tracked by using a sensor device coupled to the player to detect when the player attempts to make a score with a ball or other projectile. When a score is made, such as when something enters a goal, it is determined whether the projectile from the player is what made the score so that the score can be properly attributed to the player or another player. Attribution can be based on whether the score occurred within an appropriate time window, which could be computed from data from the sensor device. Attribution can also be based on the use of machine readable identifiers on the projectile, player, and/or goal.

Abstract: Aspects of changing power consumption of a sensor of a wearable electronic device worn by a user are discussed herein. For example, in one aspect, based on detecting that a state of the user, as tracked by the wearable electronic device, has transitioned into an asleep state, an embodiment may decrease power consumption of at least one sensor from the set of sensors. Additionally, based on detecting that the state of the user, as tracked by the wearable electronic device, has transitioned out of the asleep state, the embodiment may reverse the decrease of power consumption of the at least one sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for determining a respiration of a subject (305) in which, with a single multi-axial accelerometer (310) positioned on a body of the subject (305), accelerometer signals are generated (101) indicative of the acceleration of the subject (305) along different spatial axes, a vector magnitude signal of the acceleration of the subject (305) along the different spatial axes is calculated (102) from the accelerometer signals, a non-respiratory motion contribution to the acceleration along the different spatial axes is identified (103, 203) from the vector magnitude signal, which non-respiratory motion contribution is not caused by the respiration, and a respiration signal indicative of the respiration of the subject is determined (104, 204) by filtering the non-respiratory motion contribution from at least one of the accelerometer signals.

Abstract: Methods of classifying pleural fluid are disclosed. The methods typically include determining the level of indicator nanoparticles, such as lipids, particularly large lipids, in the pleural fluid of a subject. The level of lipids can be determined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), such as proton NMR (1H-NMR) by measuring the NMR signal corresponding to methyl protons, methylene protons, methene protons, or combinations thereof. The level of large lipids in pleural fluid can be carried out in vitro on a sample of pleural fluid obtained from the subject or in vivo using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). The pleural fluid can be classified as exudate or transudate with a sensitivity, selectivity, or combination thereof of 85%, 90%, 95%, 99%, or higher, a selectivity of 85%, 90%, 95%, 99%. The method can be coupled with diagnosing and/or treating the subject with a disease, disorder, or condition.

Abstract: A platform has microneedles for determining blood levels of compound of interest, such as glucose.

Abstract: In general, this disclosure describes techniques for placing a capsule for sensing one or more parameters of a patient. In particular, the techniques provide for anchoring of the capsule to a tissue at a specific site and releasing the capsule from the device using a single actuator. As an example, a delivery device may anchor the capsule to the tissue site during a first motion of the actuator and release the capsule from the delivery device during a second motion of the actuator. This allows a user to place the capsule by interacting with only a single actuator, thus making delivery of the capsule easier and more reliable.

Abstract: A time domain rule-based processor provides recognition of pulses in a pulse oximeter-derived waveform.

Abstract: The endoscope system includes: an image signal acquisition unit acquiring B1 image signal corresponding to blue narrow band where the amount of light absorption changes according to the oxygen saturation of blood hemoglobin, G2 image signal corresponding to green wavelength band where the amount of light absorption changes according to a blood volume of an observation target, R2 image signal corresponding to red wavelength band where a change in the amount of light absorption with respect to the oxygen saturation or the blood volume is small compared with the B1 and G2 image signal, and B2 image signal corresponding to a wavelength band, a difference between a center wavelength of the wavelength band and a center wavelength of the blue narrow band being 20 to 100 nm; and an oxygen saturation calculation unit calculating the oxygen saturation based on the B1, G2, R3, and B2 image signal.

Abstract: According to an example, an apparatus for performing spectroscopy includes an elongated substrate having a shape and size to be inserted into a specimen, wherein the elongated substrate has a first end and a second end. The apparatus also includes a plurality of surface-enhanced spectroscopy (SES) elements positioned on an exterior surface of the elongated substrate at a location between the first end and the second end of the elongated substrate.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring individual metabolic response and for generating nutritional feedback involve monitoring of a glucose level in a qualified subject. The method comprises the step of consecutively performing a plurality of measurements of a glucose level in the qualified subject by a measuring device. In the measuring device first data corresponding to the measured glucose level is generated. This data is further transmitted to an analysis device. There, second data is generated representing at least one measure for variability of a glucose level of the subject from a time-series of glucose measurements represented by the first data. The second data is compared with reference data and a result of the comparison is further processed for generating a conclusion about nutritional quality of foodstuffs consumed by the subject and/or about a risk of long-term health complications of the subject. Finally, feedback is provided corresponding to the conclusion on an output device.

Abstract: Methods, devices, systems, and computer program products are provided to improve sensitivity calibration of an in vivo analyte sensor and usability of an associated analyte monitoring system. In certain embodiments, methods are provided that improve the user experience of using an analyte monitoring system. Certain embodiments of the present disclosure include features that reduce the amount of calibration or re-calibration performed by the analyte monitoring system. More specifically methods of using a suspect calibration attempt to avoid having to recalibrate by adjusting the calibration or mitigating effects of sensor signal attenuation that caused the calibration attempt to be suspect are provided. Additional features are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for modifying a psychophysiological state of a subject include detecting a psychophysiological measure of the subject; processing the detected physiological measure so as to provide a signal indicative of a psychophysiological state of the subject; and outputting at least one of an audio stimulus, visual stimulus, haptic stimulus, temperature stimulus and scent stimulus to the subject. The output stimulus may be derived from an audio-visual data signal provided to the apparatus. Further, the output stimulus is adjusting in real time based on the signal indicative of a psychophysiological state of the subject.

Abstract: A dyslexia screening system suitable for clinical use includes an integrated headset that efficiently and conveniently performs an auditory evoked response (ERP) test by positioning electrodes about the ears of the subject. An integral control module automatically performs the test, providing simplified controls and indications to the clinician. A number of screening tests that are stored in the headset are periodically uploaded for billing, remote analysis and result reporting. A paradigm that characterizes testing performed for a subject along with the patient identification and/or patient demographics are stored in an associated fashion for later fusion and analyses with similar but not necessarily identically constructed ERP tests.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, an image analyzing device includes a first acquirer, a constructor, a first calculator, a second calculator, and a third calculator. The first acquirer is configured to acquire image information on a joint of a subject and bones connected to the joint. The constructor is configured to construct a three-dimensional shape of the bones and the joint, and relation characteristics between a load and deformation in the bones and the joint from the image information. The first calculator is configured to calculate a positional relation between the bones connected to the joint. The second calculator is configured to calculate acting force of a muscle acting on the bones connected to the joint based on the positional relation. The third calculator is configured to calculate first stress acting on the joint based on the three-dimensional shape, the relation characteristics, and the acting force.

Abstract: In an embodiment, the invention relates to methods, apparatus, computer programs and computer program products for estimating a dry weight of a dialysis patient comprising the steps of determining a first fluid status of the patient between treatment sessions in a first stage, determining a second fluid status of the patient during treatment sessions in a second stage and estimating the dry weight based on the second fluid status.

Abstract: Provided are devices and methods suitable for immobilizing tissue and for use in non-invasive methods of assessing lower urinary tract symptoms as well as in surgical application.

Abstract: A wearable device includes a mount configured to mount the wearable device to an external body surface proximate to a vessel, a downstream clamp configured to apply a force to the vessel sufficient to inhibit a flow of fluid through the vessel beyond the downstream clamp, and an upstream clamp, positioned upstream of the downstream clamp, configured to apply a force to the vessel sufficient to accelerate a volume of fluid in a downstream direction with respect to a direction of fluid flow through the vessel. A detector may also be provided for detecting a response signal transmitted from a probe region of the vessel positioned upstream of the first clamp. The response signal is related to the presence or absence of one or more target analytes in the vessel.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for analyzing a biological signal. The apparatus may measure the biological signal, detect a noise signal influencing the electrical characteristics of the measured biological signal, and display the measured biological signal by distinguishing a normal section of the measured biological signal from an abnormal section of the biological signal.

Abstract: A bioelectric signal measurement apparatus includes a first interface configured to detect a bioelectric signal of a testee through electrical interfacing with a skin of the testee; a second interface configured to detect a signal different from the bioelectric signal through electrical interfacing with the skin, the second interface electrically interfacing with the skin in a state that is different from a state in which the first interface electrically interfaces with the skin; and a signal processor configured to remove, from the detected bioelectric signal, a motion artifact between the first interface and the skin using the detected signal different from the bioelectric signal.

Abstract: The monitoring system for presenting a health state of a subject is disclosed. The monitoring system includes a processor for analyzing multiple health parameters associated with the subject. Based on this analysis, a health state indicator includes multiple gauges for visually presenting the health state of the subject. A gauge orients with respect to a gauge reference line based on the analyzed health parameters. In an embodiment, an interface element for visually presenting the health state of the subject in a monitoring system is disclosed. The interface element includes a health state indicator. The health state indicator includes multiple gauges, wherein one or more gauges orient with respect to one or more gauge reference lines based on analysis of the multiple health parameters to visually represent the health state of the subject. The health parameters are analyzed by the monitoring system.

Abstract: Ventilation information may be presented. Output signals may be received that convey information related to one or more breathing parameters of a subject receiving assisted or controlled mechanical ventilation. Based at least in part on the received output signals, volumetric components of a tidal volume of the subject may be determined. The volumetric components may include an alveolar dead space, an effective alveolar tidal volume, and/or other volumetric components. The alveolar dead space is the volume of inspired gas that occupies alveoli but does not take part in oxygen exchange in the lungs of the subject. The effective alveolar tidal volume is the volume of inspired gas that takes part in oxygen exchange in the lungs of the subject. A visual representation that textually or graphically represents the tidal volume, and/or textually or graphically represents the volumetric components separately from each other may be presented via a user interface.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing a cardiovascular score for a patient. A method includes receiving, using at least one computer system, patient-specific data regarding a geometry of multiple coronary arteries of the patient; and creating, using at least one computer system, a three-dimensional model representing at least portions of the multiple coronary arteries based on the patient-specific data. The method also includes evaluating, using at least one computer system, multiple characteristics of at least some of the coronary arteries represented by the model; and generating, using at least one computer system, the cardiovascular score based on the evaluation of the multiple characteristics. Another method includes generating the cardiovascular score based on evaluated multiple characteristics for portions of the coronary arteries having fractional flow reserve values of at least a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A tool dislodgement detection apparatus includes an MPS outputting position and orientation (P&O) readings for determining tool motion. A control generates an alarm based on the tool motion and dislodgement criteria. The criteria includes whether the tool motion meets a condition based on the type of medical procedure or tool, the tool parking position, a patient characteristic (e.g., age, weight, gender) or a physician preference. The criteria includes when the correlation between the tool motion and the cardiac, respiration and patient motion changes abruptly. In a prolapse detection apparatus, guidewire tip P&O readings determine a tip motion vector. The control generates an alarm using the motion vector and predetermined criteria. The criteria include a substantial change in the tip orientation not accompanied by a corresponding position change and a change in the motion vector by about 180° accompanied by a corresponding position change no greater than a threshold.

Abstract: A method for positioning a treatment instrument in a subject involves positioning a tissue protector of a visualization instrument in an epidural space of the subject. The tissue protector is viewed and positioned in the epidural space using fluoroscopy. A treatment instrument between a first vertebra and a second vertebra and while viewing the tissue protector positioned in the epidural space. A decompression procedure is performed using the treatment instrument.

Abstract: A method, system, and program product are provided for providing a live 3D image of a body lumen. The 3D shape of a flexible surgical tool in the body lumen is determined using optical shape sensing. An x-ray image is taken of the body lumen, with at least one of the body lumen and the surgical tool being radiopaque. The determined 3D surgical tool shape is registered to the x-ray image.

Abstract: A system and a method for determining an orthodontic diagnostic analysis of a patient at various dental maturity stages predicts future conditions and/or treatment recommendations. The system and the method locate points in a mouth of a patient using an imaging device wherein the imaging device generates imaging data. The imaging data is transferred to a central processing unit wherein the central processing unit has access to a database having information associated with orthodontic conditions stored therein. The central processing unit obtains measurements associated with selected points and dentition in the mouth of the patient and predicts orthodontic conditions of the patient based upon the measurements and the information in the database. The central processing unit recommends treatments to the patient based upon the predicted orthodontic conditions.

Abstract: This specification discloses methods and systems for generating a stereo image of an object that is positioned within an imaging volume. The object is positioned within the imaging volume. Two stationary X-ray source points are selected and activated. X-rays from both stationary X-ray source points are transmitted through the object being scanned and detected using detector elements positioned across the imaging volume and opposite the stationary X-ray source points. Image data sets from the X-rays detected by the detector elements are generated and then combined to produce the stereo image.

Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus includes a plurality of pixels for acquiring a radiation image and a plurality of sensors for detecting radiation, a processing unit for sampling outputs from sensors constituting an effective sensor group, out of the plurality of sensors, and outputting information for control of irradiation in accordance with the sampled outputs. In a first period after the irradiation to the radiation imaging apparatus starts, the processing unit excludes, from the effective sensor group, a sensor, a value corresponding to an output from which has exceeded a first threshold, out of the plurality of sensors, and in a second period after the first period, the processing unit outputs the information in accordance with outputs from the sensors constituting the effective sensor group.

Abstract: A radiography system is provided. The radiography system includes a radiographic device arranged in a movable manner, a measuring device to measure at least one of external force and torque applied to the radiographic device, and a drive device to move the radiographic device based on a direction and magnitude of the at least one of the force and torque measured by the measuring device.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray source to generate and irradiate X-rays; an X-ray detector installed in at least one module of one or more modules, to detect the irradiated X-rays; an Identification (ID) resistor included in the module; a port included in the X-ray detector; and a controller to determine a module in which the X-ray detector has been installed, using the ID resistor and the port. The controller may assign a static Information Provider (IP) address to the module, and determine a module in which the X-ray detector has been installed, based on the static IP address. According to the X-ray imaging apparatuses and a control method thereof, it is possible to determine an installation location of the X-ray detector, and to use the X-ray detector in various modules without having to provide separate X-ray detectors for different locations.

Abstract: A periodic time-varying model of a guide wire, other device, or vessel is created from higher contrast CINE acquisition. A multivariate curve regression is used for periodic, phase dependent motion modeling. This model is then used to locate or track the guide wire, other device or vessel in lower contrast fluoroscopy images during intervention.

Abstract: A method includes planning a follow up three dimensional image acquisition of tissue of interest of a patient based on first and second two dimensional surview projection images, wherein the first two dimensional surview projection image was used to plan a previously performed baseline three dimensional image acquisition of the tissue of interest of the patient, wherein the first two dimensional surview projection image includes information corresponding to at least one region of interest identified in the first two dimensional surview projection image for the previously performed baseline three dimensional image acquisition, wherein the first two dimensional surview projection image includes information corresponding to a z-axis scanning extent identified in the first two dimensional surview projection image for the previously performed baseline three dimensional baseline image acquisition, and wherein the second two dimensional surview projection image was acquired for planning the follow up three dimension

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out an examination on the breast of a patient, includes an analysis head including at least one radiation detection device, configured to receive and detect radiation on a detection plane and at least one X-ray source to emit a corresponding beam of X-rays towards the detection plane. A first frame is provided with a floor support; a second frame supports the analysis head; and a third frame is connected to the first frame so that it can be moved from a horizontal position to a vertical position, and which supports the second frame. A movement mechanism moves the third frame from the horizontal position to the vertical position.

Abstract: A method for densitometric analysis of a computed tomography image is provided. The method includes converting CT numbers of each pixel of a cross-sectional computed tomography image of the brain into Hounsfield unit (HU) values; eliminating an artifact from the computed tomography image of which the CT numbers of each pixel have been converted into the HU values, and extracting the brain tissues; and extracting a density distribution of the HU values from the computed tomography image, in which the artifact has been removed and the brain tissues have been extracted.

Abstract: A method of testing waterproof performance of a radiological imaging apparatus including: a sensor panel including a plurality of radiation detecting elements two-dimensionally arranged; a housing containing the sensor panel; and an air pressure measuring unit configured to measure an air pressure in the housing having a vent hole allowing the air to flow into and out of the housing, includes: a load application step of continuing to apply a load to the housing; an air pressure measurement step of measuring the air pressure in the housing with the air pressure measuring unit, the air pressure changing while the load is being applied to the housing; and a waterproof performance determination step of determining whether the waterproof performance of the radiological imaging apparatus is normal based on a pattern of change in the measured air pressure in the housing.

Abstract: An implantable medical device that includes an elongated lead body having an outer surface and a first opening along the outer surface, a first sensor positioned along the lead body and configured to receive first acoustic signals through the first opening of the lead body and generate an electrical signal representative of sounds produced at a first targeted location along a patient's cardiovascular system, and a processor configured to determine an intensity of the first acoustic signals, and determine changes in blood pressure in response to the determined intensity.

Abstract: Ultrasound diffraction-grating transducers produce beams at an angle to their face, which makes them useful for Doppler measurement of scattering fluids such as blood. The present invention discloses a diffraction-grating transducer, with the capability to focus transmitting or receiving beams to a desired point in space. This focusing capability leads to greater sensitivity when the diffraction-grating transducer is used as a receiver, and greater concentration of ultrasound energy when used as a transmitter. The focusing is achieved by using curved elements instead of the straight ones in conventional diffraction-grating transducers, and by using non-uniform spacing among these elements rather than the uniform spacing of conventional diffraction-grating transducers. Methods of computing the proper curvature of the elements and their spacing for a desired focal point in space are provided.

Abstract: A medical imaging data processing apparatus for identifying an interface between anatomical features comprises a receiving unit configured to receive first medical imaging data that represents a region of a subject at a first time, and second medical imaging data that represents the region of the subject at a second, later time, a registration unit configured to perform a registration procedure to obtain registration data representative of a registration between the first medical imaging data and the second medical imaging data, and an interface identification unit configured to determine a variation of the registration data with location and to identify an interface between an anatomical feature and at least one further anatomical feature based on said variation of the registration data with location.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes plural ultrasound transducers which perform transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves toward a target site of a subject containing a puncture needle. A method of transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave uses the ultrasound transducers. The apparatus and the method form an ultrasonic beam to be transmitted from a transmit aperture set on the ultrasound transducers, acquire information relating to a specular-reflective component of the ultrasonic beam in the puncture needle, set a first receive aperture different from the transmit aperture set on the ultrasound transducers on the basis of the information relating to the specular-reflective component of the ultrasonic beam, and process an ultrasonic echo signal received by the ultrasound transducers using the first receive aperture.

Abstract: A system and method for providing image guidance for placement of one or more medical devices at a target location. The system can determine one or more intersections between a medical device and an image region based at least in part on first emplacement data and second emplacement data. Using the determined intersections, the system can cause one or more displays to display perspective views of image guidance cues, including an intersection indicator in a virtual 3D space.

Abstract: In tomographic image data, a reference region-setting unit (30) sets a body reference region for the body of a fetus and sets a cardiac reference region for the heart of the fetus. A body shift analysis unit (50) analyzes the movement of the fetus' body in the tomographic image data using the body reference region and obtains body shift information. A cardiac motion analysis unit (60) analyzes the movement of the fetus' heart in the tomographic image data using the cardiac reference region and obtains cardiac motion information. Once body shift information and cardiac motion information are obtained in this manner, a pulse information-processing unit (70) obtains fetal pulse information on the basis of the cardiac motion information from which the body shift information has been subtracted. The pulse information obtained by the pulse information-processing unit (70) is displayed on the display unit (80).

Abstract: Methods for assessing spinal health and treatment effectiveness for spinal conditions in a patient via use of an ultrasonagraphic system are shown and described. The ultrasonagraphic system includes optical targets, a transducer probe, an optical tracker unit, an image processing system, a 3D ultrasound processor, and a display. The methods include attaching optical targets to the patient's body; detecting locations of the optical targets on the patient; detecting a location of the transducer probe; moving the transducer probe over at least a portion of the patient's body to collect spinal image data; generating 3D image data; sending 3D image data to the image processing system; processing 3D image data; displaying a real-time 3D image of the one or more vertebrae on the display to allow a healthcare provider to assess spinal health and treatment effectiveness based on the displayed real-time 3D image.

Abstract: In one aspect, an enhanced ultrasound device may generally comprise an ultrasound probe including a housing and at least one transducer element disposed within the housing. The ultrasound probe may be configured to generate ultrasound image signals associated with an object being imaged. In addition, the device may include an acoustic receiver associated with the ultrasound probe. The acoustic receiver may be configured to generate auscultation signals associated with sounds generated by the object as the object is being imaged using the ultrasound probe.

Abstract: There are disclosed embodiments of devices and methods for imaging the inside of a body part, particularly a blood vessel. In particular embodiments, a catheter has a tip chamber, within which is an ultrasound transducer mounted on a pivot mechanism, a motor for turning the transducer, and an implement for pivoting the transducer. Examples of such an implement are a linear motor, a shaft or filament, and the pivot mechanism may be biased to return to a base position when the implement is not pivoting the transducer. In other embodiments, a mirror reflecting ultrasound signals from the transducer may be rotated and/or pivoted, using similar mechanisms.

Abstract: A portable ultrasonic probe includes a main body including a transducer to generate an ultrasonic wave and a folder portion including a display portion and pivotally coupled to an end portion of the main body, the main body includes a first heat radiation module configured to absorb and emit heat generated by the transducer, and the folder portion includes a second heat radiation module thermally coupled to the first heat radiation module when the folder portion is in a first position and configured to emit heat transmitted from the first heat radiation module.

Abstract: An imaging system comprises a catheter having a lumen, a rotatable imaging probe within the catheter lumen including a distal transducer and first and second conductors coupled to the transducer, and a coupler that couples the rotatable first and second conductors to non-rotatable third and fourth conductors, respectively. The coupler includes a rotary capacitive coupler.

Abstract: An image reconstructing apparatus creates a reconstructed image for every calculation operation by performing predetermined repetitive calculation by iterative reconstruction for a plurality of images obtained by acquiring an object from different angles, extracts at least one reconstructed image under a predetermined condition from the created reconstructed images, displays on a display unit information corresponding to the extracted reconstructed images and information corresponding to the extracted reconstructed image, selects at least one reconstructed image in accordance with an instruction of an operator on the display unit, and outputs the selected reconstructed image.

Abstract: A system for noninvasively monitoring cancerous cells within bodily fluid accumulated due to ascites, pleural effusion or pericardial effusion is provided including an implantable pump having control circuitry; a charging and communication system configured to periodically charge and communicate with the implantable pump to retrieve performance data; and monitoring and control software, suitable for use with conventional personal computers, for configuring and controlling operation of the implantable pump and charging and communication system. The implantable pump is configured to move fluid containing cancerous cells from a body cavity to the bladder such that the fluid may be excreted during urination, collected and analyzed with an analysis station to assess progress of the cancer or efficacy of a cancer treatment program.

Abstract: In accordance with aspects of the present invention, an applicator assembly suitable for application of a catheter patch with one hand comprises an upper arm with a proximal end and a distal portion, a lower arm with a proximal end and a distal portion, and a hinge member fixedly joining the proximal ends of the upper arm and the lower arm, wherein an upper surface of the upper arm distal portion abuts a lower surface of the lower arm distal portion. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a catheter patch assembly may be secured against a lower surface of the upper arm distal portion. The distal portion of the lower arm may include a securing mechanism for securing the catheter patch assembly to the applicator assembly. A method of applying a catheter patch is provided.