Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for assessing endothelial function in a mammal. In certain embodiments the methods involve using a cuff to apply pressure to an artery in a subject to determine a plurality of baseline values for a parameter related to endothelial function as a function of applied pressure (Pm); b) applying a stimulus to the subject; and applying external pressure Pm to the artery to determine a plurality of stimulus-effected values for the parameter related to endothelial function as a function of applied pressure (Pm); where the baseline values are determined from measurements made when said mammal is not substantially effected by said stimulus and differences in said baseline values and said stimulus-effected values provide a measure of endothelial function in said mammal.

Abstract: A blood pressure measurement device includes: a light emitting unit configured to irradiate a living body with measurement light; a light receiving unit configured to receive reflected or transmitted light of the measurement light; and a computational unit configured to calculate a blood flow and a volume pulse wave based on a light-receiving result from the light receiving unit, and to calculate blood pressure based on the blood flow and blood vessel resistance that is obtained from the volume pulse wave.

Abstract: A method for life sign monitoring and associated controller is provided. The method includes: obtaining a video signal, performing an activity modeling on the video signal to provide an activity signal, performing a vital sign extraction on the video signal to provide a vital sign, performing a filtering on the vital sign in view of the activity signal to suppress a correlation between the activity signal and the vital sign, and accordingly providing a filtered vital sign; and, according to the filtered vital sign and whether the activity signal exceeds an activity threshold range, providing a joint decision for categorizing result of life sign monitoring to one of a plurality of predetermined episodes.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of measuring a biosignal are provided. The apparatus of measuring a biosignal includes an optical source configured to emit a first light and a second light towards a target, an inserted layer configured to transmit the first light and to reflect the second light, and an optical detector configured to detect a first received light that corresponds to the first light reflected by or transmitted through the target, and to detect a second received light that corresponds to the second light reflected by the inserted layer.

Abstract: A biological information measuring device includes a display and a processor. The processor is adapted to generate heart rate information representing a heart rate of a living body, to specify a heart rate range of a plurality of predetermined heart rate ranges to which the heart rate belongs based on the heart rate information, and to control the display to display that the heart rate belongs to the specified heart rate range.

Abstract: A method for performing a non-contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (“MRA”) for a subject is provided. The method includes directing a magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) system to perform a pulse sequence to acquire k-space data from imaging slices that are oriented away from an axial direction of the subject. The method includes repeating the pulse sequence for a plurality of imaging slices, wherein a field-of-view (“FOV”) of at least one of the plurality of imaging slices is shifted by a predetermined value. The method also includes reconstructing, using the acquired k-space data, one or more angiographic images indicative of the subject's vasculature.

Abstract: A system and associated method is disclosed for determining whether signal is valid. The system comprises an electrode apparatus comprising a plurality of electrodes configured to be located proximate tissue of a patient. A display apparatus comprising a graphical user interface, wherein the graphical user interface is configured to present information to a user. A computing apparatus coupled to the electrode apparatus and display apparatus, wherein the computing apparatus is configured to determine whether a signal acquired from a channel associated with an electrode from the plurality of electrodes is valid and sufficiently strong by i) calculating a first derivative of the signal; ii) determining a minimum and maximum derivative from the first derivative; iii) determining whether signs of the minimum and maximum derivative are different; and in response to determining whether the signs of the minimum and maximum derivative are different, displaying on a display apparatus whether the signal is valid.

Abstract: Physiological monitoring can be provided through an actigraphy sensor imbedded into an electrocardiography monitor, which correlates movement and electrocardiographic data. Physiological monitoring can be provided through a wearable monitor that includes two components, a flexible extended wear electrode patch and a removable reusable monitor recorder. The wearable monitor sits centrally on the patient's chest along the sternum. The patient can place an electrode patch anywhere within the general region of the sternum. The occurrence of actigraphy events are monitored by the monitor recorder through an actigraphy sensor. Actigraphy becomes a recordable actigraphy event occurrence when the movement of the wearable monitor and, therefore, the patient, exceeds a certain criteria threshold of acceleration or deceleration as detected by the actigraphy sensor.

Abstract: An patch and sensor assembly for use in an EP mapping system has two portions: a reusable portion and a disposable portion. The reusable portion houses the biosensors used in magnetic based location and mapping systems and the electrical lead necessary to communicate between the biosensor and the mapping system. The reusable portion may also contain a portion of the electrode necessary to receive electrical signals from the body of the patient. The disposable portion of the patch and sensor assembly contains an adhesive covered flexible patch having at least a portion of the electrode used to receive electrical signals form the body of the patient and may contain the electrical lead necessary to communicate such an electrical signal to the mapping system. The disposable portion contains a receptacle adapted to receive and mechanically secure the reusable portion to the disposable portion of the assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ECG electrode lead wire connector which provides improved electrical and mechanical coupling of the ECG electrode press stud to the lead wire and is suitable for use during imaging procedures such as, without limitation, CT scans or MRI. The connector assembly includes a housing having. An engagement member is pivotably disposed within the housing to retain the connector on an ECG electrode fixed to a patient's body, an arcuate stiffener is deposed between the engagement member and a pivot member and a radiolucent resilient member configured to bias the engagement member.

Abstract: A system and method for mapping an anatomical structure includes sensing activation signals of physiological activity with a plurality of mapping electrodes disposed in or near the anatomical structure. Patterns among the sensed activation signals are identified based on a similarity measure generated between each unique pair of identified patterns which are classified into groups based on a correlation between the corresponding pairs of similarity measures. A characteristic representation is determined for each group of similarity measures and displayed as a summary plot of the characteristic representations.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a target physiologic event and storing physiologic information associated with the detected physiologic event are disclosed. A system can receive a physiologic signal obtained from a subject, and detect the target physiologic event using a first portion of the received physiologic signal. The system can confirm the target physiologic event using a second portion of the received physiologic signal. If the target physiologic event is confirmed, the system can store physiologic information associated with the confirmed target physiologic event in a memory.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods of a noninvasive technique for characterizing cardiac chamber size and cardiac mechanical function. A mathematical analysis of three-dimensional (3D) high resolution data may be used to estimate chamber size and cardiac mechanical function. For example, high-resolution mammalian signals are analyzed across multiple leads, as 3D orthogonal (X,Y,Z) or 10-channel data, for 30 to 800 seconds, to derive estimates of cardiac chamber size and cardiac mechanical function. Multiple mathematical approaches may be used to analyze the dynamical and geometrical properties of the data.

Abstract: A neurostimulation device includes a plurality of electrodes adapted to be electrically connected to a subject to receive multichannel electrical signals from the subject's brain, a multichannel seizure detection unit electrically connected to the plurality of electrical leads to receive the multichannel electrical signals, and a neurostimulation unit in communication with the multichannel seizure detection unit. The plurality of electrodes are at least three electrodes such that the multichannel electrical signals are at least three channels of electrical signals, and the multichannel seizure detection unit detects a presence of a seizure based on multichannel statistics from the multichannel electrical signals including higher order combinations than two-channel combinations.

Abstract: The system of the present invention includes at least one brain signal capturing device, at least one memory device for storing software instructions, and at least one processor. The processor is in communication with the brain signal capturing device and executes the instructions stored on the memory. The instructions include the steps of analyzing a user's brain signal patterns and searching based on the user's brain signals.

Abstract: A surgical locator circuit identifies a surgical target such as a kidney stone by disposing an emitter such as a magnetic source behind or adjacent the surgical target, and employing the circuit to identify an axis to the emitter, thus defining an axis or path to the surgical target. An array of sensors arranged in an equidistant, coplanar arrangement each senses a signal indicative of a distance to the emitter. A magneto resistor sensor generates a variable resistance is responsive to the distance to a magnetic coil emitting a magnetic field. An equal signal from each of the coplanar sensors indicates positioning on an axis passing through a point central to the sensors and orthogonal to the plane. A fixed element and signal conditioner augments and normalizes the signal received from each of the sensors to accommodate subtle differences in magneto resistive response among the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: A system and method to detect fracture in a pedicle portion of a vertebra. The system includes a longitudinal member adapted for insertion into a pedicle and a sensor including first and second electrical contacts for connection to first and second portions of the longitudinal member. The longitudinal member includes a head portion having an opening extending axially within the longitudinal member. A conducting rod is positioned within the opening and is electrically coupled to the longitudinal member distal from the head portion. An insulating sleeve is interposed between the longitudinal member and the conducting rod, where the longitudinal member and the conducting rod form an electrically conductive path for connection to first and second contacts, respectively. The sensor is adapted to detect a breach in a pedicle based on a change in an electrical impulse signal between the first and second contacts.

Abstract: A diagnostic imaging system includes a first controller that detects any unsafe or dangerous conditions in a diagnostic scanner and generates safety/emergency data indicative of the unsafe or dangerous conditions. A communication unit generates a safety/emergency signal from the safety/emergency data using a digital protocol and communicates the safety/emergency over a local digital network.

Abstract: Image data can be obtained with an imaging device. A location of the imaging device relative to a subject can be determined. A location of an instrument can be tracked relative to the subject using two or more tracking systems operating with different tracking modalities. Also, the tracked location of the instrument can be illustrated relative to the image data.

Abstract: A gas concentration apparatus and a method of operating the gas concentration apparatus are provided. The gas concentration apparatus includes a gas concentration module. The gas concentration module includes a base component having a chamber configured to accommodate carbon foam, a gas inlet connected to one side of the chamber, a gas outlet connected to the other side of the chamber, and a heating device disposed on at least one side of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is a system, method, and apparatus that relates to providing a quick measurement the difference, if any, of a person's left and right leg lengths, in order to determine the correct thickness of an orthotic insert for the left and/or right shoes in order to provide correction and alignment of a person's skeletal frame.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for measuring the size of body parts treated by a compression therapy device. Either the volume or circumference of the body part may be measured. The methods may include evacuating an inflatable compression sleeve to a known pressure, inserting the body part into the compression sleeve, inflating the sleeve to a pre-set condition, and then measuring one or more inflation related parameters. The pre-set conditions may include a pre-determined pressure, volume, or size of the inflatable cells comprising the sleeve. The inflation related parameters may include the time to fill the cell to a pre-set pressure, the pressure attained after a pre-set time of inflation, or the measured volume of a cell after a pre-set amount of air is introduced into it. The methods may also include deflating the cells from the known inflation state to a second inflation state and measuring similar parameters.

Abstract: A system for sizing and fitting an individual for apparel, accessories, or prosthetics includes at least one energy emitter configured to emit energy onto a field-of-view that contains an individual, and at least one energy sensor configured to capture reflected energy from within the field-of-view. A spatial measurement module calculates spatial measurements of a surface portion of the body of the individual when the individual is either stationary or moving about in real-time, based on data from the energy sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recognizing a gait motion by detecting a landing point in time of a foot of a user based on sensed acceleration information, inferring a gait motion based on right and left hip joint angle information of the user sensed at the detected landing point in time of the foot of the user, and detecting a landing leg between both legs of the user based on the inferred gait motion may be provided.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are described that can facilitate recognition of an engagement between an object and a touch screen in the absence of human contact. Upon the engagement, an electrically conductive path can be established that extends from a surface of the touch screen such that sufficient electrons flow from the touch screen through the electrically conductive path to enable the recognition of the object on the touch screen in the absence of human contact with the object during continued presence of the object on the touch screen.

Abstract: A blood collection apparatus is provided with a blood collection assembly including a casing tube including a forward nose, a plurality of connectors and a rear flange having a flexible projection, a plunger slidably disposed in the casing tube and including a forward plug and an elongated arm having a plurality of cavities, a blood collection tubes, an adapter assemblies each including a tube body, a first tube extending out of one end and insert into a related connectors of the casing tube, a second tube extending out of the end to insert into one of the blood collection tubes, and a butterfly needle assembly mounted to the nose of the casing tube. A pulling of the plunger moves the plug rearward and pivots the projection to engage in one cavity of the elongated arm and an orifice of the each related connectors is not blocked by the plug so as to flow blood from the tube casing to one of the blood collection tube via one connector and one adapter assembly.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting a condition includes a hydrogel configured to change thickness or volume in response to the condition. Magnetic particles are arranged in the hydrogel so that a magnetic property of the hydrogel changes with changes of thickness or volume of the hydrogel. Some such sensors include a magnetic-field detector that measures the magnetic field of the hydrogel. Other such sensors include a device coil is arranged with respect to the hydrogel so that changes in the magnetic property modulate an electrical property of the sensor. A sensing system using such a sensor includes a reader spaced apart from the sensor and including a reader coil and a resonance detector coupled to the reader coil to detect a the resonant frequency of the sensor. Changes in the magnetic property detectably modulate the resonant frequency.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flexible insert (100) for placement on the human eye, comprising a light source (110) in said insert such that light emitted from the light source is shielded from the human eye upon correct placement of the insert on the human eye, a light-responsive material (120) placed in the light path of the light source, said light-responsive material emitting light upon stimulation by the light from said light source, the intensity of said stimulated emission being sensitive to a chemical interaction of the light-sensitive material with an analyte of interest, a photodetector (130) for detecting the light emitted by the light-responsive material; and a transmitter (140) coupled to the photodetector for transmitting a photodetector reading. The insert may be used in conjunction with a reader for automated monitoring of an analyte of interest such as glucose in the tear fluid of its wearer.

Abstract: An apparatus and a program are provided which are capable of simultaneously measuring, evaluating, imaging and displaying the biological function of sites with different biological functions, such as the brain and the muscle, different parts of the brain or different muscle locations, using near-infrared spectroscopy. In an apparatus for evaluating biological function K, physiological indices, including parameters derived from changes in deoxyhemoglobin concentration and changes in oxyhemoglobin concentration, are calculated by a calculating part of a controller. To measure simultaneously, evaluate, image and display the biological functions of sites with different biological function, such as the brain and the muscle, different parts of the brain or different muscle locations, these physiological indices from different sites of the living body are adjusted in such a way that they can be compared with each other by the calculating part and displayed by a display part.

Abstract: Methods, structures, and systems are disclosed for biosensing and drug delivery techniques. In one aspect, a^ device for detecting an analyte and/or releasing a biochemical into a biological fluid can include an array of hollowed needles, in which each needle includes a protruded needle structure including an exterior wall forming a hollow interior and an opening at a terminal end of the protruded needle structure that exposes the hollow interior, and a probe inside the exterior wall to interact with one or more chemical or biological substances that come in contact with the probe via the opening to produce a probe sensing signal, and an array of wires that are coupled to probes of the array of hollowed needles, respectively, each wire being electrically conductive to transmit the probe sensing signal produced by a respective probe.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems and/or methods for subtracting in the current domain an output current primary signal from a primary sensor from an output current reference signal from a reference sensor to produce a frequency output signal indicative of the difference between the output current primary signal and the output current reference signal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing data processing and control for use in a medical communication system are provided.

Abstract: Devices are presented for measurement of an analyte concentration. The devices comprise: a sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a concentration of an analyte; and a sensing membrane located over the sensor. The sensing membrane comprises an enzyme domain comprising an enzyme, a base polymer, and a hydrophilic polymer which makes up from about 5 wt. % to about 30 wt. % of the enzyme domain.

Abstract: A system for needle-free drawing of blood is disclosed. A device can include an evacuated negative-pressure barrel with a membrane sealing an aperture at a distal end, and a housing affixed to a proximal end. An accelerator barrel can be positioned within the negative-pressure barrel and fixed to the housing, with an open proximal end in a chamber in the housing, and an open distal end aligned with the aperture. The chamber can be filled with pressurized gas, and a trigger valve can hydrostatically separate the chamber from the open proximal end of the accelerator barrel. A micro-particle positioned within the accelerator barrel can be accelerated to high speed by an abrupt surge of gas by releasing the trigger valve. The micro-particle can attain enough momentum to pierce the aperture membrane and penetrate adjacent dermal tissue. A resulting micro-emergence of blood can be drawn into the negative pressure barrel.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a needle assembly for drawing blood. The needle assembly can be a standalone or part of an over-the-needle medical device, such as an intravenous catheter. A blood collection device is attached directly or indirectly to the needle hub of the needle assembly and/or to a catheter hub, such as through a Y-site or adaptor connected to a tubing that is connected to the catheter hub. The needle is configured to access the vascular system to draw blood, which then passes to the blood collection device via the needle lumen, which has a tip having a discontinuity opening, an opening with a movable stem, or a shaft element with a lumen.

Abstract: A portable medical apparatus including at least a sampling assembly for providing at least one sample of a fluid in an object, a detector for determining at least one parameter of the fluid, an injector for performing at least one injection of an injection medium, and which are operable independent of each other for improved self-treatment of diseases such as diabetes. The portable medical apparatus has a single common housing for these components and a switch for changing between the sampling mode, the determining mode, and the injection mode. The apparatus also includes an actuator means for individually actuating the other components. The apparatus is an all-in-one device that facilitates the medical treatment process for patients, medical professionals or others.

Abstract: A device for facilitating the testing of a fluid sample on a test strip includes a housing containing a loading receptacle, a support member, a disposal receptacle, a lancet device and a sensor device. The loading receptacle is adapted to receive the test strip. The support member is adapted to support the test strip. The disposal receptacle is adapted to hold the test strip. The sensor device is adapted to analyze the fluid sample. The device further includes a strip control assembly that is adapted to move the test strip from a first position in the loading receptacle to a second position on the support member, and from the second position to a third position in the disposal receptacle. The device may include a sample door that provides access to the test strip in the second position wherein the test strip is operatively engaged with the sensor device.

Abstract: This invention concerns measuring cognitive load. A word based input is produced by a person while performing a task (100). Predetermined grammatical features of the word based input are identified (104). Then, the identified grammatical features are weighted and combined to provide a measure indicating the person's cognitive load (106). The use of grammatical features represents a divergence from the known methods of providing a measure of a person's cognitive load. It is an advantage of the invention that by concentrating on the grammatical features it is able to provide an objective, non-intrusive measure of the person's cognitive load. Aspects the invention include a method, a computer system and software that are used to perform the method.

Abstract: A kidney viability assessment system (KVAS) is disclosed which provides objective and reliable tests to assess the viability of transplant or donor kidneys in vivo and predict their post-transplant outcomes. KVAS includes an optical device augmented by an intelligent algorithm that can evaluate the viability or quality of the donor kidney in a real-time, non-invasive way. In particular, it includes a handheld optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging device and at least one processor configured for executing a set of instructions corresponding to an automatic image processing algorithm for quantification of kidney microstructures and functions. Handheld OCT can survey the entire surface of kidney, and the image processing algorithm automatically segments and quantifies the diameter and/or density of the kidney microstructures, blood flows, etc., and quantitative values are displayed in real-time on a display of the KVAS.

Abstract: Methods for estimating and predicting tooth wear based upon a single 3D digital model of teeth. The 3D digital model is segmented to identify individual teeth within the model. A digital model of a tooth is selected from the segmented model, and its original shape is predicted. The digital model is compared with the predicted original shape to estimate wear areas. A mapping function based upon values relating to tooth wear can also be applied to the selected digital model to predict wear of the tooth.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus combine a calculation of chaos of a quantifiable cardiac characteristic associated with a patient with a measurement of a non-increasing parasympathetic activity of the patient to detect a physiological abnormality of the patient.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an image capable of realizing conversion of a 3D tissue structure into which an implant is inserted into a 2D image using a contour technique are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the finding that enrichment of D3-creatinine in a urine sample following oral administration of a single defined dose of D3-creatine can be used to calculate total-body creatine pool size and total body skeletal muscle mass in a subject. The invention further encompasses methods for detecting creatinine and D3-creatinine in a single sample. The methods of the invention find use, inter alia, in diagnosing disorders related to skeletal muscle mass, and in screening potential therapeutic agents to determine their effects on muscle mass.

Abstract: A sensor garment for monitoring an individual engaged in an athletic activity includes a garment formed of textile material, and a sensor module inseparably coupled to the textile material of the garment. The sensor module includes a single-purpose sensor configured to sense a single characteristic, and a radio antenna configured to transmit data generated by the single-purpose sensor. The sensor module includes no external port.

Abstract: A wearable monitoring device includes a plurality of cardiac sensing electrodes, a monitor, at least one motion sensor, and a controller. The plurality of cardiac sensing electrodes are positioned outside a body of a subject and to detect cardiac information of the subject. The monitor administers a predetermined test to the subject, and has a user interface configured to receive quality of life information from the subject. The at least one motion sensor is positioned outside the body of the subject and to detect subject motion during the predetermined test. The controller is communicatively coupled to the plurality of cardiac sensing electrodes, the monitor, and the at least one motion sensor, and receives and stores the detected cardiac information, the quality of life information, and the detected subject motion. The controller further communicates the stored detected subject motion and the quality of life information to a remote computer.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to footwear for monitoring health condition of foot of a user. The footwear comprises one or more image capturing devices and a control unit. The image capturing devices are placed at predefined locations in the footwear to capture one or more images of the foot, when the user is wearing the footwear. The control unit is configured to receive the captured images from the image capturing devices. The captured images are compared with one or more pre-stored images of a healthy foot to identify differences between the captured images and the pre-stored images. The control unit detects health condition of the foot of the user based on the differences. Further, the control unit provides a notification about the health condition of the foot to a computing device associated with the user or one or more care providers of the user.

Abstract: An implantable device system includes an implantable device, such as an annuloplasty ring, for controlling at least a shape and/or size of a heart valve annulus. The implantable device includes an arcuate body and an adjustment system configured to adjust the shape and/or size of the arcuate body. An adjustment tool is configured to be coupled to the adjustment system so that the adjustment tool can be used to activate and control adjustment of the arcuate body. A sensor system is configured to be coupled to the implantable device. The sensor system includes a first sensor configured to measure physiological data at an inflow portion of the valve annulus when the implantable device is implanted into the valve annulus, and a second sensor configured to measure physiological data at an outflow portion of the valve annulus when the implantable device is implanted into the valve annulus.

Abstract: A patient monitoring device and method that determines and monitors at least one patient parameter is provided. A configuration processor generates configuration information in response to a first input signal and an adaptive notch filter receives a second input signal. The second input signal includes a signal of interest and an interference signal in a predetermined frequency range. The adaptive notch filter automatically estimates the interference signal within the second input signal based on a filter parameter and removes the estimated interference signal from the second input signal to generate a target signal. A step processor is electrically coupled between the configuration processor and the adaptive notch filter and sets a value of the filter parameter based on the configuration information, wherein the adaptive notch filter uses the filter parameter to reduce a ringing artifact on the target signal below a threshold level.

Abstract: A signal representing physiological information may include information related to respiration. A patient monitoring system may generate a plurality of autocorrelation sequences from the signal and combine the autocorrelation sequences to generate a combined autocorrelation sequence. The combined autocorrelation sequence may be analyzed to identify one or more peaks that may correspond to respiration information. Respiration information such as respiration rate may be determined based on the one or more peaks.

Abstract: A method can include storing a plurality of data sets including values computed for each of a plurality of points for a given spatial region of tissue, the values in each of the data sets characterizing electrical information for each respective point of the plurality of points for a different time interval. The method can also include combining the values computed for each of a plurality of points in a first interval, corresponding to a first map, with the values for computed for each of the respective plurality of points in another interval and to normalize the combined values relative to a common scale. The method can also include generating a composite map for the given spatial region based on the combined values that are normalized.