Abstract: A device for receiving a body fluid for analysis, comprising a container and at least one sample-receiving unit which can be impinged upon by the body fluid at a receiving point and which can be extracted from a guide chamber of the container by means of a drive unit. According to the invention, a coupling device is provided in order to couple the sample receiving unit to the drive unit to ensure back and forth movement between the guide chamber and the receiving point.

Abstract: A wrist joint performance measuring device includes a base having a seat and two positioning arms on two sides of the seat. A switching device is pivotably mounted to the base. A forearm support is connected to the switching device. A measurement device includes a pivotal seat, a torque meter, a first handle, and a second handle. The pivotal seat is pivotably connected to the forearm support. The torque meter is mounted to the pivotal seat. The first handle or the second handle is connected to a force receiving end of the torque meter. The forearm support and the measurement device are movable by the switching device to one of the two positioning arms and are positioned by the one of the two positioning arms.

Abstract: A system for providing a connected dental device is disclosed. In particular, the system may include integrating a network chip or transceiver into a dental device, such as a toothbrush, so as to enable the dental device to communicate with a user device and one or more accessory devices. Once the user device and one or more accessory devices are paired with the user device, the system may track information associated with the dental device and the user using the dental device. Based on the tracked information, the system may determine an action to be performed by the user using the dental device. Using the dental device, the system may transmit a notification to the user device to alert the user of the action that needs to be performed. The system may also transmit notifications providing status information for the dental device and the one or more accessory devices.

Abstract: A software and hardware system is described that enables effective lifestyle management by providing a dynamic assessment of a user's physical and behavioral metrics via a high feedback ratio interface.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a surgical instrument comprising a combination femoral nerve localizer and needle placement guide instrument. The instrument may be used with a neuromonitoring system to localize and monitor the femoral nerve during a spinal procedure.

Abstract: This invention is intended to strengthen play transmission between players and coaches before, and during plays. The wristband is an elastic, or adjustable wristband with a clear plastic window and LED strips or LED matrix that lights the Light Emitting Diode (LED) next to a desired play. The wristband is wirelessly linked to either a radio frequency panel, bluetooth device, or infrared controller. The wristband LED's are wired to a microcontroller, Bluetooth controller (or RF transceiver, or Infrared controller), and a battery power source. The LED's are displayed through the clear plastic window and the plays are slid over the top of the LED's. The micro controller, battery and wireless controller are contained in a velcro-enclosed, low-profile enclosure opposite the clear plastic window.

Abstract: A method for using an earpiece (800) in a work environment is provided. The earpiece (800) attenuates sound from the work environment to the user's ear. The earpiece (800) includes an ear canal microphone (820) for measuring a sound pressure level in an ear canal of the user. Sound pressure levels are measured periodically while in the work environment. Each measured sound pressure levels is stored in memory (127) of the earpiece with time and location information. The sound pressure level information is downloaded to a database (1704) when the earpiece is removed from the user ear for recharging. The sound pressure level information is analyzed and any potential noise compliance issues in the work environment are identified.

Abstract: A biological information measurement apparatus includes a sensor unit, a processing unit which detects biological information based on sensor information from the sensor unit, a communication unit which transmits the biological information to an information processing apparatus, and a time output unit which outputs time. The communication unit obtains a delay time of the transmission timing of the biological information based on apparatus-specific information, obtains a first transmission timing based on the time output from the time output unit, and transmits the biological information at a second transmission timing delayed from a first transmission timing by the obtained delay time.

Abstract: Systems and methods for suppressing electrical noise in an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal obtained by at least one electrode and displayed on an ECG monitor are disclosed. The system includes a conductive material distinct from the at least one electrode and configured to contact a surface of a patient, and filtering circuitry connected in series between the conductive material and ground. The filtering circuitry may be configured to filter to ground the electrical noise present within the patient before it is received by the at least one electrode and is prevented from distorting the ECG signal that is displayed on the ECG monitor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and methods generally aimed at surgery. More particularly, the present invention is directed at a system and related methods for performing surgical procedures and assessments involving the use of neurophysiology.

Abstract: As described herein, an unknown FFR is classified based on certain extracted features. In addition, an estimation of the unknown FFR can be determined based on certain extracted features. Furthermore, a confidence interval can be determined for the estimated FFR. In another instance, boundary conditions for determining an FFR via simulation are determined. The boundary conditions can be used to classify the unknown FFR.

Abstract: Methods and systems for sensing properties of an object or entity utilize non-resistive contact sensors alone or in combination with other sensors. The sensor data is utilized for detecting and visualizing properties of one or more biological or non-biological objects or entities.

Abstract: An X-ray CT system is provided to achieve simplification and time-saving in the work of setting the subject in scanning position. An X-ray CT system as an embodiment comprises a patient table, a gantry apparatus, a formation unit, a drive unit, a storage unit, and a drive controller. The patient table has a top plate, on which the subject is placed. The gantry apparatus executes scanning on the subject by rotating a detector unit, which includes an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector set facing each other. The formation unit forms image data of the subject based on the data acquired by the scanning. The drive unit changes the relative position between the top plate and the detector unit. The storage unit stores relative position information that indicates the relative position applied for the scanning.

Abstract: A system for estimating a position in an x-ray projection image that corresponds to a projected probe position of an intravascular probe at a time of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging. A marker detector identifies in the x-ray projection image a plurality of projected positions of markers that are located at predetermined distances along an acquisition trajectory of the intravascular probe. The projected positions are interpolated to obtain the projected probe position on the trajectory. The projected probe position corresponds to a location of the intravascular probe at a time of the IVUS imaging and is based on a distance along the acquisition trajectory between the intravascular probe at the time of the IVUS imaging and at least one of the markers.

Abstract: When two detector panels are rotationally moved around the entire circumference of a region of interest and projection images of the region of interest are captured during the rotational movement, the respective detector panels are moved along the tangential direction of the rotational movement to a position where the union of the capturing ranges of the projection images captured by the respective detector panels covers the entire region of interest. The projection images captured by the respective detector panels are used to reconstruct a transaxial image of the region of interest.

Abstract: A hybrid operating room with support structure. The hybrid operating room includes an interior for use in the imaging of and performance of surgery on a patient, the interior including a ceiling. The hybrid operating room also includes a support assembly positioned above the unit for supporting equipment used in conjunction with such imaging and surgery so that the equipment extends downwardly from the ceiling into the interior. The support assembly is designed to support a load of at least 3,500 pounds, and more in certain implementations.

Abstract: A method controls for a planned radiographic exposure the spatial position of a portable digital direct x-ray detector in a medical imaging system including multiple radiographic exposure stands. The method includes creating a three-dimensional spatial model of the medical imaging system, determining within the model the spatial position of the detector based on input received from three gravity sensors installed thereon, determining a three-dimensional volume space for each radiographic exposure stand, and checking whether the spatial position of the detector fits within the three-dimensional volume space of the radiographic exposure stand.

Abstract: A radiographic system includes a photographic unit; an operating panel including a button configured to be pressed to indicate that a movement direction of the photographic unit is to be limited to a specific movement direction; a measurement unit provided between the operating panel and the photographic unit and configured to measure a magnitude and a direction of an external force applied to the operating panel; and a drive unit configured to move the photographic unit only in the specific movement direction based on the magnitude and the direction of the external force measured by the measurement unit in response to the button being pressed.

Abstract: An imaging system (200) is configured for grating-based DPCI. The imaging system includes a rotating gantry (204) that rotates around an examination region, a radiation source (208), supported by the rotating gantry, that emits radiation that traverses the examination region, a detector array (212), supported by the rotating gantry, that detects radiation that traverses the examination region, and an interferometer, supported by the rotating gantry, which includes a source grating (214), a phase grating (218), and an absorber grating (220). At least one of the phase grating or the absorber grating continuously translates with respect to the other during an integration period and the detector generates and outputs an electrical signal indicative of the detected radiation, wherein the electrical signal includes an absorption component, a coherence component and a phase component.

Abstract: An x-ray imaging system includes an x-ray source, an x-ray detector including a plurality of detector strips arranged in a first direction of the x-ray detector. Each detector strip includes a plurality of detector pixels arranged in a second direction of the x-ray detector. A phase grating and a plurality of analyzer gratings including grating slits are disposed between the x-ray source and detectors. The x-ray source and the x-ray detector are adapted to perform a scanning movement in relation to an object in the first direction, in order to scan the object. Each of the plurality of analyzer gratings is arranged in association with a respective detector strip with the grating slits arranged in the second direction. The grating slits of the analyzer gratings of the detector strips are offset relative to each other in the second direction.

Abstract: To improve the scanning effect, a scanning method is provided, which comprises the steps of performing at least one of an nCT scan and a CTA scan on an object so as to obtain a set of images; detecting characteristics of a region of interest based on the set of images; and performing a CTP scan on the region of interest by adopting the characteristics to obtain a CTP image. By deriving the characteristics of the region of interest, e.g. a lesion or an area covering the lesion, before performing the CTP scan, and by adapting the subsequent CTP scan based on the characteristics of the region of interest, the drawback introduced by a limited scan area of the CTP scanner is mitigated, or even overcome.

Abstract: A computerized system and method for determining an optimum amount of radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT) to administer, comprising: performing processing associated with obtaining activity image information related to at least one agent for sub-units of at least one imaged organ from at least one detector; performing processing associated with running at least one calculation for the activity image information, using at least one computer application, to obtain absorbed dose rate image information; and performing processing associated with adding the absorbed dose rate image information, using, the at least one computer application, to obtain RPT total absorbed dose image information for the at least one imaged organ; wherein macroscopic distribution measurements that are related to microscopic or sub-unit distribution of the at least one agent are utilized.

Abstract: A computed tomography (CT) apparatus and a method for identifying photon-counting detectors that are polarized due to high flux, thereby rendering the photon-counting detector inoperable. The data obtained from the photon-counting detectors that are determined to be polarized is skipped during an image pre-reconstruction phase. The data is further assigned a weight of zero during an image reconstruction phase in order to avoid imaging artifacts in the reconstructed CT image.

Abstract: A radiation imaging system including: a radiation imaging apparatus for obtaining a captured image by radiographic image capturing of a subject; and an external apparatus connectable to the radiation imaging apparatus, the external apparatus including a system time management unit for managing a system time serving as a reference time of the radiation imaging system, the radiation imaging apparatus including: an imaging apparatus time management unit for managing an imaging apparatus time, which is a time on the radiation imaging apparatus; a storing unit for storing image capturing information in association with the captured image obtained by the radiographic image capturing, the image capturing information including at least image capturing time information which is determined based on the imaging apparatus time; and a time correction unit for obtaining the system time and correcting the image capturing time information based on the imaging apparatus time and the system time.

Abstract: A surgical instrument navigation system is disclosed that allows a surgeon to invert the three-dimensional perspective of the instrument to match their perspective of the actual instrument. A data processor is operable to generate a three-dimensional representation of a surgical instrument as it would visually appear from either of at least two different perspectives and to overlay the representation of the surgical instrument onto an image data of the patient. The image data and the representations can be displayed on a display.

Abstract: A computed tomography (CT) imaging apparatus includes a radiation source to emit X-rays while rotating in a predetermined trajectory; a plurality of detectors arranged in a circular ring and configured to detect the emitted X-rays; and processing circuitry to cause the radiation source to scan an object, and cause a subset of the detectors nearest to the radiation source to move in a direction intersecting with a plane of the predetermined trajectory of the radiation source in accordance with a determined location of the radiation source.

Abstract: In a method and a device for wireless data transmission between two parts of a medical imaging device that are moving relative to one another, at least: a first communication device has at least one transmission unit to transmit at least one radio-frequency signal, a second communication device has at least one reception unit to receive at last one radio-frequency signal, and the first and second communication devices are arranged at the different parts of the rotating unit. A directional coupler has at least two radio-frequency conductors; with one of the radio-frequency conductors being connected at one end thereof with the first communication device, and the other end thereof is terminated with a real resistor. The second radio-frequency conductor is connected with the second communication device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of e.g. ultra-sound imaging. In particular the present invention relates to a device for supporting an ultrasound probe or probe with other contrast imaging technology, preferably during heart imaging. The device comprises a fixation part comprising an aperture for receiving the probe. The device also comprises at least two skin supports (2, 3) for supporting the probe against a tissue of a human or animal bodily organ. The fixation part is positioned above the skin supports and a cavity (4) between the skin supports (2,3) are provided for allowing the probe to perform measurements of the organ. In addition the invention relates to a handle for operating the device a system comprising a probe, the device and the handle.

Abstract: Ultrasound diagnosis apparatus comprises an image generator, a first structural information acquirer, a second structural information acquirer, and a synthesizer. The image generator generates, based on ultrasound waves transmitted and received in accordance with a plurality of transmission and reception conditions, sets of image data whose images represent at least partially a common area for each of the transmission and reception conditions. The first structural information acquirer acquires tissue-structure information indicative of tissue structures depicted, respectively, in the sets of image data. The second structural information acquirer acquires common structural information indicative of a tissue structure common in the sets of image data, based on the tissue-structure information.

Abstract: A real-time imaging method that provides ultrasonic imaging and optoacoustic imaging coregistered through application of the same hand-held probe to generate and detect ultrasonic and optoacoustic signals. These signals are digitized, processed and used to reconstruct anatomical maps superimposed with maps of two functional parameters of blood hemoglobin index and blood oxygenation index. The blood hemoglobin index represents blood hemoglobin concentration changes in the areas of diagnostic interest relative to the background blood concentration. The blood oxygenation index represents blood oxygenation changes in the areas of diagnostic interest relative to the background level of blood oxygenation. These coregistered maps can be used to noninvasively differentiate malignant tumors from benign lumps and cysts.

Abstract: Provided is an object information acquiring apparatus including elements with which an acoustic wave is transmitted to and received from an object and converted into a plurality of received signals, a processor that acquires a power intensity signal of the inside of the object, and a corrector that corrects the power intensity signal, the processor being configured to calculate correlation values of frequency components, perform frequency average processing on a correlation matrix that is a set of the plurality of calculated correlation values to acquire a first power intensity signal, and reduce variance of elements in the diagonal direction of the correlation matrix to acquire a second power intensity signal, and the corrector being configured to output a power intensity signal subjected to correction processing.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus performs transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves for forming focal points used to set sound velocities at predetermined timing such that sound velocities having been set for all of respective segment regions established by dividing a subject are all reset every predetermined number of frames. Owing to this configuration, it becomes possible for the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus to suitably reset sound velocities of ultrasonic waves in the subject and also reduce the amount of calculation for resetting sound velocities.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to devices and methods for collecting and stabilizing biological samples, and more particularly, for collecting and stabilizing blood or other bodily fluids from a user's fingertip, earlobe, heel or other locations. The present invention also relates to sample collection devices that simplify the process for mixing the biological samples with an additive or additives, provide for efficient storage and safe transport of the samples, and provide for easy access to the samples for subsequent processing.

Abstract: Biological samples, such as saliva, are commonly collected on a swab and subsequently transferred to an absorbent storage medium. Embodiments of the present invention provide a biological sample collection device 600 comprising a collection portion 620 and a body portion 610, the body portion including a holding portion 652 for holding a biological sample storage medium (618 FIG. 1), and a sample collection/transfer means. The collection portion 620 can be arranged in a first position shown in FIG. 4, separated from the body portion for collecting a sample. The device employs depressible latches (630, 640 FIG. 6) to control the movements of the collection portion.

Abstract: The urine specimen capture device includes a capture bowl for collecting a urine specimen, a mounting frame for supporting the capture bowl within a toilet bowl, and an analytic device connected to the capture bowl to analyze a property of the urine specimen in the capture bowl. The capture bowl includes a capture flange for capturing flush water discharged from a toilet bowl.

Abstract: A medical device including a tissue characterization probe having an elongated carrier for carrying an array of tissue characterization sensors arranged in a spaced-apart relationship at least along an axis of said carrier within at least a distal portion thereof, such that progression of the probe through a tissue mass provides for locating and determining a dimension of an abnormal tissue specimen inside said tissue mass based on characterization signals from the sensors in the array. The elongated carrier has two integral portions including said distal portion and a hollow portion extending between a proximal end of the carrier and said distal portion. The carrier is configured for passing a predetermined treatment tool through the hollow portion thereof and enabling at least a part of the treatment tool to project from the hollow portion and extend along the distal portion.

Abstract: A biopsy stylet and needle system is provided that is configured for navigation and spring-loaded deployment through at least one tortuous or otherwise confined length. The system includes a needle cannula through which a notched biopsy stylet is disposed. The notched biopsy stylet includes at least one outer diameter length that is about the same as, but preferably very slightly less than, the inner diameter of the needle cannula. The notched biopsy stylet also includes at least one outer diameter length that has a smaller diameter, the lengthwise position of which corresponds to the tortuous or otherwise confined length through which the system is to be operated. The smaller stylet diameter length is configured to prevent binding between the stylet and the needle cannula and/or between the needle cannula and an overlying access cannula or other access passage structure.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a body, a probe cannula, a cutter, a vacuum source, a tissue sample holder, and a flexible tube. The probe cannula extends distally from the body and defines an internal passage with a side aperture. The cutter is translatable relative to the probe cannula to sever a tissue sample received in the probe cannula. The vacuum source is in communication with the cutter. The tissue sample holder includes a vacuum port on the exterior surface to communicate with the vacuum source and a removable portion to hold solid tissue samples. The removable portion is selectively removable from the tissue sample holder and includes a straining member to separate fluids from solids. The flexible tube couples the tissue sample holder with the body such that the tissue sample holder is flexibly spaced away from the body.

Abstract: A control device for controlling a surgical handpiece is suitable for controlling the surgical handpiece according to control parameters. The control device comprises local control means present on the control device, wireless communication means suitable for communicating with remote control means by a wireless communication link. The local control means and the wireless communication means is suitable for receiving instructions to adjust each control parameter. Selector means is provided for selecting either the local control means or the wireless communication means for adjusting each control parameter.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes an outer shaft, a manipulation device at the proximal end of the outer shaft, a tool at the distal end of the outer shaft, with a first effecting device for a first function and a second effecting device for a second function, a first transmission device in the outer shaft for transmitting at least either a force or a torque for controlling the first effecting device, and a second transmission device in the outer shaft for transmitting at least either a force or a torque for controlling the second effecting device. The outer shaft is at least either curved or able to be curved or has a pivot joint. The first transmission device and the second transmission device are each designed to be flexible at least in sections.

Abstract: In a method for inserting an endoscopic device, a guide wire is punctured into a subject from outside the body. A tip portion of the wire is inserted into a first hollow organ. A tip-side portion of the inserted wire is projected into a lumen of a second hollow organ that communicates with the first via an opening, from the opening. An endoscopic device is inserted through a flexible endoscope and pushed into the second hollow organ. A tip portion of the device is locked onto the tip-side portion of the wire projecting into the second hollow organ. A portion of the wire outside the body of the subject is held and is tugged outside of the body. The tip portion of the device is thus pulled into the first hollow organ from the second, via the opening. Therefore, the endoscopic device can be led to the first hollow organ.

Abstract: The present technology relates generally to a method and device for closing percutaneous punctures, and more particularly to a multi-lumen tamper for such a device. A closure device for sealing a percutaneous puncture in a wall of a body passageway is disclosed, the closure device including a plug configured to engage a surface of the puncture; a toggle configured to engage an internal surface of the body passageway; an elongate filament configured to associate the plug with the toggle; a locking member configured to engage the plug; and a tamper comprising at least two lumens, wherein a first lumen of the at least two lumens is configured to deliver a pharmaceutical agent to the plug.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a puncture through a vessel wall including a positioning assembly, a sheath releasably engaged with the positioning assembly, and a support member axially advanceable through the sheath. The positioning assembly includes a positioning element positioned at a distal portion of the positioning assembly and a sealant disposed at a distal portion of the positioning assembly. The sheath guides the sealant and positioning assembly to the puncture in the vessel wall.

Abstract: A device for closure of an opening in a medical patient's blood vessel wall is disclosed. It discloses a plug shaft which is: porous; blood absorbing; insertable in an opening in a blood vessel wall; and, at least partially comprises an ECM material. A first cap which is integral with the plug shaft at a proximal end thereof is disclosed. A second cap is integral with the plug shaft. An insertion tube, a pusher, surgical methods of use, and kits, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating heart disease by normalizing elevated blood pressure in the left and right atria of a heart of a mammal are disclosed. Devices may include an adjustable hydraulic diameter shunt portion which can be manually adjusted in vivo. Methods are provided for adjusting the flow rate of the devices in vivo.

Abstract: Devices for closing a passage through tissue communicating with a body lumen. The device may include an elongate body, a sheath disposed at the distal end of the device for disposition within a body lumen, a hollow needle disposed within a needle lumen of the body, the needle being selectively advanceable through the needle lumen, a suture-anchor ejection mandrel disposed within the hollow needle that is also selectively advanceable through the hollow needle, a suture-anchor and suture disposed within the hollow needle, a distal end of the suture attached to the suture anchor for ejection out the hollow needle by the mandrel. A needle guide disposed between the sheath and proximal end of the body may include a needle port through which the needle can exit. A hemostatic plug is disposed over the needle port so as to be penetrated by the needle upon exiting the port.

Abstract: A retractor having a housing having a handle portion at a first end and a blade portion at a second, opposite end. The retractor includes a light system having an organic light source for illuminating the blade portion. The light system is positioned within the housing such that it is fully encased by said housing. A pair of polarized light panels are attached to the blade portion for varying direction of light from the blade portion.

Abstract: An instrument access device (500) comprises a distal O-ring (11) for insertion into a wound interior, a proximal member for location externally of a wound opening and a sleeve (12) extending in two layers between the distal O-ring (11) and the proximal member. The proximal member comprises an inner proximal ring member (25) and an outer proximal ring member (24) between which the sleeve (12) is led. A seal housing (300) is mounted to the inner proximal ring member (25). A gelatinous elastomeric seal (302) with a pinhole opening (303) therethrough is received in the housing (300). An instrument may be extended through the seal (302) to access the wound interior through the retracted wound opening in a sealed manner.

Abstract: A surgical instrument with a first contact element and a second contact element for spreading tissue, bone, or the like. The instrument has a stationary base part and a sliding part, which is arranged on the base part in a longitudinally movable manner. The first contact element is integrally molded on the distal end of the base part, and the second contact element is connected to the base part and to the sliding part via a first arm and to the base part via a second arm. The first arm is arranged on the second contact element via a first pivot axis, on the base part via a second pivot axis, and on the sliding part via a third pivot axis, and the second arm is arranged on the second contact element via a fourth pivot axis and on the first contact element via a fifth pivot axis.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having an anchor and a plug is capable of anchoring a suture. The suture anchor has an anchor body having a top surface, a bottom surface distal to the top surface, a transverse bore and a well, the well having an outer surface, an inner surface, and an inner bottom surface. The plug has a post, a head, and a bottom face. The anchor body and the anchor plus form a suture anchor. The suture anchor may be used during surgical procedures and can be used in the re-tensioning of a suture.