Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and devices for managing health conditions associated with posture. The devices can be configured to monitor patient body angles and alert caregivers when measurements are outside a recommended range for the health condition. The methods and devices can facilitate patient compliance and assist caregivers in adhering to action plans.

Abstract: An array of methods for assessing vaginal atrophy are disclosed. The methods may be used alone or in combination with a treatment or as part of a kit.

Abstract: A system for heart performance characterization and abnormality detection detects peaks and at least one of, a valley and a baseline comprising a substantially zero voltage level, of received signal data representing oxygen content of blood in a patient vessel over multiple heart beat cycles. The signal processor determines signal parameters including at least one of, (a) a signal amplitude magnitude between a maximum peak and minimum valley, of the received signal data, (b) a signal amplitude magnitude between a maximum peak and a baseline, of the received signal data and (c) a signal amplitude magnitude between a second highest maximum peak and minimum valley, of the received signal data. The system compares a determined signal parameter or value derived from the determined signal parameter, with a threshold value and generates an alert message associated with the threshold, in response to the comparison.

Abstract: First illumination light of a first wavelength range, in which light absorption coefficient of blood hemoglobin varies with oxygen saturation thereof, is projected into a test subject body, to capture a first image signal from the first illumination light as reflected from inside the test subject body. Then second illumination light of a second wavelength range different from the first wavelength range is projected into a test subject body, to capture a second image signal from the second illumination light as reflected from inside the test subject body. A subject image of the test subject is produced from the second image signal. Oxygen saturation levels of the test subject are calculated using the first and second image signals. According to the calculated oxygen saturation levels, color properties of the subject image are changed to produce an oxygen saturation image.

Abstract: An oximeter probe includes sensor head with a probe face having one or more sensor structures to make measurements, a handle, and an elastic member connected between the handle and the base. A user can hold the handle while measurements are made and the elastic member permits the handle to flex relative to the sensor head with one or more sensor structures.

Abstract: Provided is a biological state assessment device for assessing biological state, such as mood or emotions, using non-invasive biophotonic measurement technology. The present invention includes a light irradiation unit (1041), a light-receiving unit (1061), and an inputting means (112). A subject (800) is presented with a plurality of different problems (first problem, second problem), and a biological signal in the interior of the subject is calculated from the intensity of light received by the light-receiving unit (1061). Subjective information about the subject is accepted by the inputting means (112). The difference is calculated between the subjective information and the relative value of the biological signal of the measurement point for the first problem and the biological signal of the measurement point for the second problem, and the result is displayed.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to detecting physiological and/or other characteristics of subjects. As may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments, a time series of cardiac intervals is computed from a recording of activity of a beating heart of a subject, and the time series is decomposed into subcomponents. An envelope of at least one of the subcomponents is computed, and the presence and/or degree of a depressive or stressed mental state of the subject is detected based upon characteristics of the envelope.

Abstract: Therapy delivery to a patient may be controlled based on a determined sleep stage of the patient. In examples, the sleep stage may be determined based on a frequency characteristic of a biosignal indicative of brain activity of the patient. A frequency characteristic may include, for example, a power level within one or more frequency bands of the biosignal, a ratio of the power level in two or more frequency bands, or a pattern in the power level of one or more frequency bands over time. A therapy program may be selected or modified based on the sleep stage determination. Therapy may be delivered during the sleep stage according to the selected or modified therapy program. In some examples, therapy delivery may be controlled after making separate determinations of a sleep stage based on the biosignal and another physiological parameter, and confirming that the sleep stage determinations are consistent.

Abstract: According to the embodiments described herein, a method for characterizing in vivo operation of a dental prosthetic can include providing subject position data and prosthetic position data. The method may further include transforming the subject position data into a reference three-dimensional coordinate system. The reference three-dimensional coordinate system can be ordered according to a coordinate index. The coordinate index can be based at least in part upon a subject position index of the subject position data. The method may further include comparing, automatically with one or more processors, the prosthetic position data and the reference three-dimensional coordinate system according to a comparison order to characterize the dental prosthetic. The comparison order can be based at least in part upon a prosthetic position index of the prosthetic position data and the coordinate index.

Abstract: In one embodiment, measuring mitochondrial capacity includes performing arterial occlusions on a patient, measuring oxygenated hemoglobin/myoglobin and deoxygenated hemoglobin/myoglobin within the patient's body during the occlusions, calculating a blood volume correction factor that accounts for a change in blood volume that occurs during the arterial occlusions, and applying the correction factor to the measured oxygenated hemoglobin/myoglobin and deoxygenated hemoglobin/myoglobin measurements to obtain correct oxygenated hemoglobin/myoglobin and deoxygenated hemoglobin/myoglobin measurements.

Abstract: A loading data generator can be used with a scaffold for delivery within a patient. The loading data generator includes a driving circuit electrically coupled to drive an impedance of the scaffold. A detection circuit generates loading data based on the impedance of the scaffold, wherein the loading data indicates an amount of impregnation of the therapeutic material in the scaffold.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrocardiograph sensor mat (100), the mat (100) comprising a multitude of electrodes (104) for acquiring cardiac signals and a plug (200), wherein the electrodes (104) are connected to the plug (200) by electric wires (102), wherein the wires (102) are segmented by switches (202), wherein the switches (202) are switchable between a closed state and an open state, wherein in the closed state the electrodes (104) are electrically connected to the plug (200) and wherein in the open state the electrodes (104) are electrically isolated from the plug (200).

Abstract: A wearable device has user movement sensors and core contraction sensors. Signals from the sensors are transmitted to a processor which analyzes the movement signals and determines when a qualifying movement is performed which benefits from core contraction. Signals from the core contraction sensors are also transmitted to the processor and are used to determine if the core is contracted during the qualifying movement. If the core is contracted during the qualifying movement, the movement is a protected qualifying movement. However, if the core is not contracted during the qualifying movement the movement is an unprotected qualifying movement. The system can inform the user when unprotected qualifying movements are performed.

Abstract: A heterogeneous multiple core control system for predictive medical monitoring is provided. The system includes a first processor platform that is optimized for serialized computation and a second processor platform that is optimized for parallelized computation. A memory stores instructions that are executed by either the first processor platform or the second processor platform to provide the functionality of the system. By executing the instructions, the system determines whether a condition of a first patient is to be monitored using a primarily parallelized model or a primarily serialized model. The predicted condition is calculated using the primarily parallelized model by executing the primarily parallelized model on the second processor platform. The predicted condition is calculated using the primarily serialized model by executing the primarily serialized model on the first processor platform.

Abstract: Systems and methods for non-invasive blood pressure measurement are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system comprises a wearable member configured to generate first and second signals (e.g., PPG signals), and a blood pressure calculation system. The blood pressure calculation system includes a wave selection module configured to identify subsets of waves of the signals, a feature extraction module configured to generate sets of feature vectors form the subsets of waves, and a blood pressure processing module configured to calculate an arterial blood pressure value based on the sets of feature vectors and an empirical blood pressure calculation model, the empirical blood pressure calculation model configured to receive the sets of feature vectors as input values. The blood pressure calculation system further includes a communication module configured to provide a message including or being based on the arterial blood pressure value.

Abstract: There is provided herein methods, apparatus and systems for evaluating carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration in a subject's breath, for example in subjects ventilated with High Frequency Ventilation (HFV), the method includes inserting to a trachea of a subject an endotrachial tube (ETT), sampling breath from an area in the trachea located in proximity to a distal end of the endotrachial tube (ETT) and evaluating one or more CO2 related parameters of the sampled breath.

Abstract: A personalized patient alarm management profile configured to be used when monitoring one or more medical parameters, the personalized patient alarm management profile determined based on at least two profile determinants.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a digital processing circuit to obtain a digital signal corresponding to an output signal of a photon-counting detector; determine, from the obtained digital signal, a plurality of X-ray photons received by the photon-counting detector during a measurement period; determine a corresponding energy level of each of the plurality of X-ray photons; determine, based on the corresponding energy level, a corresponding weight for each of the plurality of X-ray photons; and calculate a sum of the corresponding weights of the plurality of X-ray photons.

Abstract: A digital image (40) comprises pixels with intensities relating to different energy levels.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a medical image diagnosis apparatus is capable of imaging a subject based on a scan plan. The medical image diagnosis apparatus includes a gantry, a bed, a display, and a controller. The gantry images the subject. The bed includes a top-plate upon which the subject is positioned. The display is attached to the gantry. The controller displays, based on the scan plan, one of a moving distance of the top-plate, a moving direction of the top-plate, and a scan mode based on the scan plan.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining the composition of a kidney stone from a medical image. A feature extractor is configured to provide a plurality of features from the medical image. The plurality of features includes either a pair of an attenuation values including a first attenuation value from a first location in or on the kidney stone and a second attenuation value from a second location in or on the kidney stone or a function of the first and second attenuation values. The second location is spatially distinct from the first location. A classifier is configured to select one of a plurality of classes for the kidney stone from the plurality of features. Each class represents a specific constituent material. A user interface is configured to display the class to a user in a human comprehensible form.

Abstract: A method for dual-energy spectra CT scanning and image reconstruction of two tomographic image datasets from a higher-energy and a lower-energy x-ray energy spectrum is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, readings are taken with the different x-ray energy spectra during the scanning; the different x-ray energy spectra are also created at least by different acceleration voltages of the x-ray source; and the spatial distribution of the scanning x-rays per x-ray energy spectrum is undertaken randomly or pseudo-randomly (in the absence of a regular pattern). With the attenuation datasets thus obtained, reconstructions of two tomographic image datasets in accordance with a least one iterative CS reconstruction method are carried out and subsequently the reconstructed tomographic image datasets are stored and/or output and/or further processed.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to generating an emission activity image as well as an emission attenuation map using an iterative updation based on both the raw emission projection data and the raw radiography projection data, and an optimization function. The outputs include an optimized emission activity image, and at least one of an optimized emission attenuation map or an optimized radiography image. In some aspects an attenuated corrected emission activity image is obtained using the optimized emission activity image, and the optimized emission attenuation map.

Abstract: A medical image processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes a separating unit, a reconstructing unit, and an extracting unit. The separating unit separates projection data into pieces of line-integrated data each of which corresponds to a different one of basis materials set in advance. The reconstructing unit reconstructs pieces of basis material image data from the pieces of line-integrated data each of which corresponds to a different one of the basis materials, the pieces of basis material image data being configured so that each pixel value of each of pixels indicates an abundance ratio of corresponding each of the basis materials that is present at each of the pixel. The extracting unit extracts an artifact region, on a basis of attenuation coefficients of each of the pixels calculated from the pieces of basis material image data each of which corresponds to a different one of the basis materials.

Abstract: Selection of at least one measurement field of a measurement chamber formed with a plurality of measurement fields, for dose monitoring when making an x-ray recording of an object is provided. A subset of measurement fields from the plurality of measurement fields of the measurement chamber is predetermined by selecting an orientation of the object. Measurement fields not belonging to the subset of measurement fields are blocked for the selection. At least one measurement field is set for dose monitoring when making an x-ray recording of the object by selecting measurement fields from the subset of measurement fields.

Abstract: A mounting system is provided to allow the attachment of an acoustic collector to a handheld electronic device such that sound is conducted directly to the device's microphone. A fitted case or band encloses part of the device and includes a tube running from the collector to the device's microphone. In certain embodiments, the tube may be embedded in the case, and a detachable mount may be provided to connect the collector to the case. The collector may be a stethoscope chestpiece, or an open air collector, such as a parabolic collector.

Abstract: Ultrasound imaging systems can include a probe, and a cable that can be removably connected to the probe. The probes for ultrasound imaging systems may include a transducer array that emits acoustical energy and receives return reflections of the acoustical energy, a circuit board, a transmitter mounted on the circuit board and communicatively coupled to the transducer array for transmitting information relating to the return reflections, and a housing. The housing has an interior volume and the transducer array, the circuit board, and the transmitter are positioned in the interior volume. A battery pack may be removably mounted to the housing. The battery pack may provide electrical power for the transducer array.

Abstract: A thermoacoustic imaging apparatus comprises an electromagnetic radiation source, an acoustic signal detection probe and a radiation responsive acoustic signal generator outside the sample area. The detection probe arrangement detects both signals generated in the sample area in response to the electromagnetic irradiation and an acoustic signal from the radiation responsive acoustic signal generator that has traveled through the sample area. An acoustic transmission parameter such as a speed of sound or absorption as a function of a position in the sample area is computed from signals due to the radiation responsive acoustic signal generator. The acoustic transmission parameter is used to correct the computation of a thermoacoustic image from detections due to acoustic signals generated in the sampled area.

Abstract: Provided are an ultrasound system and method for providing a guide line corresponding to a pathway through which a needle is introduced or inserted. The ultrasound system includes an ultrasound data acquisition unit that transmits an ultrasound signal to a living body into which the needle is inserted, receives an ultrasound echo signal reflected from the living body, and acquires ultrasound data corresponding to each of a plurality of ultrasound images, and a processor that generates the plurality of ultrasound images by using the ultrasound data, creates a mask image for detecting a position and an angle at which the needle is introduced, detects the position and angle by using the mask image, and sets a guide line of the needle on the ultrasound image by using the position and angle.

Abstract: A mobile ultrasonic diagnostic device comprising: a battery (30); a storage processing unit (38) that performs storage processing of data used by the mobile ultrasonic diagnostic device; a high-speed storage unit (80) that performs storage processing faster than the storage processing unit (38); and a storage processing determination unit (36) that determines the storage processing on the basis of the temperature or remaining power of the battery (30). Data can be safely used without loss even when there is the possibility that power cannot be supplied from the battery, as a result of the storage processing unit (38) and the high-speed storage unit (80) performing storage processing on the basis of the storage processing determined by the storage processing determination unit (36).

Abstract: A cannula arrangement includes an outer tube and an inner tube. The outer tube has a proximal end and a distal end. The inner tube is disposed within the outer tube to define a space between an inner surface of the outer tube and an outer surface of the inner tube. A flexible sealing element is sized to seal the space between the inner surface of the outer tube and the outer surface of the inner tube. The flexible sealing element is connected to a proximal portion of the outer tube. The flexible sealing element has a cantilevered portion that longitudinally extends proximally from the proximal end of the outer tube. The cantilevered portion has an inner surface portion that does not contact the inner tube, and a proximal portion configured to define an interior edge to contact the outer surface of the inner tube.

Abstract: A surgical system is provided and includes an intelligent surgical device having a drive motor supported in the housing and being in electrical communication with the power source; and control circuitry. The control circuitry includes a feedback system for monitoring a condition of the surgical device during a use thereof and for changing an operative parameter of the surgical device when a change in the monitored condition occurs. The surgical system includes a non-intelligent loading unit for selective connection to the housing of the surgical device and which is actuatable by the drive motor, the loading unit having a first and a second condition. During operation, the drive motor actuates the loading unit from the first condition to the second condition; and when the loading unit achieves the second condition, a change in the at least one monitored condition occurs and an operative parameter of the surgical device is changed.

Abstract: A method is provided that includes inserting a catheter into an atrium of a subject, and deploying at least one loop from a wall of the catheter, such that a distal end of the loop is distal to a distal end of the catheter. The method further includes inserting the loop partially into an appendage of the atrium, and, while inserting the loop, atraumatically contacting a portion of a perimeter of an opening of the appendage with a portion of the loop. Thereafter, the loop is further inserted into the appendage. Thereafter, a size of the opening of the appendage is measured using the loop. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: The method for suturing small skin wounds includes providing a needle having a tip and an opposing trailing end, attaching a first end of a suture to the opposing trailing end, inserting the tip of the needle into the epidermis on a first side of the wound, extracting the needle from within an opposing second side of the wound, extracting the second end of the suture from within the first side of the wound, inserting the tip of the needle around the second end of the suture and into the first side of the wound, extracting the tip of the needle from the opposing second side of the wound to form a first loop, extracting the first end of the suture from within the second side of the wound to form a second loop, forming a knot in the suture, and tightening the knot to close the wound.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for securing soft tissue to a rigid material such as bone. A bone anchor is described that comprises an anchor body with expandable tines and a spreader that expands the tines into bone. Also disclosed is a bone anchor that comprises a base and a top such that suture material may be attached to apertures in the anchor top or else compressed between surfaces on the base and top to secure the suture to the anchor. Also described is an inserter that can be used to insert the bone anchor into bone and move the spreader relative to the anchor body attach suture material. Also described is an inserter that can be used to insert the bone anchor into bone and move the anchor top relative to the anchor body or anchor base to attach to or clamp suture material there between.

Abstract: A one-way knot pusher and/or locking device is provided and can be used for the adjustment of soft tissue anchoring components that create or improve continence. The device can be generally button- or disc-shaped and can include a carrier and a pin. When the device is pushed in the free sliding direction it acts as a knot pusher. However, when reversed the suture (e.g., the knot) jams or wedges inside of the cavity of the carrier, restricting or preventing motion in the opposite direction.

Abstract: An illustrative example suture securing method includes moving a first member in an insertion direction into bone. The first member includes an eyelet and suture threaded through the eyelet transverse to the insertion direction. The method includes moving a second member relative to the first member in the insertion direction into a suture securing position where the second member traps the suture.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for anchoring suture to bone. In one exemplary embodiment, a cannulated suture anchor is provided and it includes a suture-engaging member formed therein and configured to receive a suture therearound such that trailing ends of the suture can extend through the suture anchor. The present invention also provides exemplary sutures and drivers that can be used with the various methods and devices disclosed herein, or with other methods and devices known in the art.

Abstract: Suturing devices and systems used to close openings into a biological structure. The suturing device can comprise an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end, one or more arms, and one or more needles. One or more sheaths may be used with the device to maintain or substantially maintain haemostasis while the device is used and while a procedure is performed in the biological structure.

Abstract: Provided herein is a medical suture package that enables a medical suture to be wound therearound, stored therein, and carried, and which allows the suture to be drawn out when needed. The medical suture package is configured such that, when the suture is drawn out, friction between the suture and a main body of the package can be reduced, thus preventing a curling phenomenon, and making the operation of drawing out the suture easy. Particularly, even if external force is applied to the main body, a winding depression that is formed in the main body and in which the suture is wound around the main body can be maintained in shape, thus ensuring ease of the drawing-out of the suture, thereby markedly enhancing convenience in use.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a loading unit having proximal and distal portions. The proximal portion of the loading unit is configured to be attached to an actuation apparatus. The surgical device further includes a flexible shaft interconnecting the proximal portion and the distal portion of the loading unit. Additionally, the surgical device has a tool assembly disposed in mechanical cooperation with the distal portion of the loading unit. The tool assembly is configured to articulate upon activation of the actuation apparatus. In a further embodiment, the surgical device includes a guiding member operatively connected to the tool assembly. The guiding member has a body and a bore extending through the body. The bore slidably receives a suture.

Abstract: A staple cartridge comprising a cartridge body is disclosed. The cartridge body may comprise a deck and a plurality of staple cavities. The cartridge body further comprises a plurality of staples removably positioned within the staple cavities, wherein each staple is movable between an unfired position and a fired position. Each staple comprises a base, a first leg extending from the base, and a second leg extending from the base, wherein the first leg and the second leg define a plane. The base comprises an offset portion which is offset with respect to the plane when the staple is in the unfired position.

Abstract: A surgical stapler, including: an anvil assembly, a reload assembly, a movable handle, a fixed handle, a transmission assembly, a propulsion assembly, a safety apparatus, and an anti-triggering device. The anti-triggering device includes two rows of holes and clamp strips. The transmission assembly is disposed inside the fixed handle. The clamp strips are arranged in longitudinal symmetry on one side of the anti-triggering device. A row of counterbores and a clamp plate having a structure matching with the clamp strip of the anti-triggering device are arranged at an inner side of the casing of the fixed handle. The safety apparatus is fixed at one side of the propulsion assembly. The anti-triggering device is clamped inside the casing of the fixed handle and is attached to a side surface of the safety apparatus.

Abstract: An end effector usable with a surgical instrument includes a first jaw pivotably coupled to a second jaw. The first jaw includes staple forming depressions. A staple cartridge is releasably attachable to a channel of the second jaw. A plurality of staples is disposed in the staple cartridge. A shipping wedge is releasably attached to the staple cartridge. The shipping wedge maintains the staples in their respective retention slots and is usable to separate the staple cartridge from the channel of the second jaw.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument including a handle portion, a body portion, an articulating tool assembly and an articulation mechanism is disclosed. The body portion extends distally from the handle portion. The articulation mechanism includes an articulation link for articulating the tool assembly, an articulation knob operatively coupled to the articulation link, wherein rotational motion of the articulation knob is translated into axial motion of the articulation link thereby articulating the articulating tool assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical clip for minimally invasive surgery and to a device for clamping organic tissue, consisting of a first clamping bar corresponding with a second clamping bar, wherein the first clamping bar and the second clamping bar each have, on both sides on their base, shoulders for guiding them into a cartridge, and one clamping bar has a continuous retaining bore into which, in order to clamp the organic tissue, a retaining pin provided on the other clamping bar engages with a force fit and form fit, the first clamping bar (1) is mounted by means of clamp pressing in a cartridge (11), and the second clamping bar (2) with the continuous retaining bore (3) has, at its lower end, an arm (5) which, upon joining to the first clamping bar (1), slides with a form fit under the shorter first clamping bar (1) with the retaining pin (4), thus clamping the organic tissue, or the first clamping bar (1) with the retaining pin (4) at its lower end has the arm (5) which, upon joining to the second c

Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods for delivering implants that comprise multiple coupled anchors. The anchors are secured to tissue using a multi-opening guide tunnel that is configured to releasably retain one or more portions of the implant located between two of the anchors. The releasable retention of one or more intervening portions of the implant maintains the position of the implant and the guide tunnel until the implant is secured to the tissue. The multi-opening guide tunnel permits securement of the multiple anchors without requiring repositioning of the guide tunnel for each anchor.

Abstract: A shunt rivet for implantation in the aorta and inferior vena cava to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and a method of treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Abstract: A device includes a first end portion, a second end portion, an intermediate portion, and a graft material. The first end portion has a first end diameter. The second end portion has a second end diameter smaller than the first end diameter. The first end portion comprises a first material. The second end portion comprises a second material different than the first material. The intermediate portion is between the first end portion and the second end portion. The intermediate portion tapers between the first end portion and the second end portion. The graft material is coupled to at least the intermediate portion.

Abstract: A tissue resection method of resecting a portion of a hollow organ includes a first step of specifying a position and a range of a resection target tissue from the inside of the hollow organ and showing the position and the range in a visually recognizable manner from the inside of a body cavity; a second step of bringing a bioabsorbable member introduced into the body cavity into contact with the resection target tissue and pressing the resection target tissue, thereby inverting the resection target tissue to the inside of the hollow organ; and a third step of resecting the inverted resection target tissue over all layers from the inside of the hollow organ and performing anastomosis of a hole formed in the hollow organ from the inside of the hollow organ.