Abstract: Methods for analyzing optical coherence tomography (OCT) images of the macula to reduce variance and improve disease diagnosis are presented. One embodiment of the invention is directed towards selecting analysis locations and data segmentation techniques to take advantage of structural homogeneities. Another embodiment is directed towards reducing the variance in a collection of normative data by transforming the individual members of the database to correspond to a Standard Macula. Variations in foveal size are corrected by radial transformation. Variations in layer thickness are corrected by axial shifting. Diagnosis is performed by comparing OCT images from a patient to the improved normative database.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sub-aperture correlation based wavefront measurement in a thick sample and correction as a post processing technique for interferometric imaging to achieve near diffraction limited resolution are described. Theory, simulation and experimental results are presented for the case of full field interference microscopy. The inventive technique can be applied to any coherent interferometric imaging technique and does not require knowledge of any system parameters. In one embodiment of the present application, a fast and simple way to correct for defocus aberration is described. A variety of applications for the method are presented.

Abstract: A system for tracking the 3D position and gaze angles of the eyes over their full range of movement in space relative to a camera or relative to the head without the need for calibration or specialized image aquisition equipment. The eyes are tracked on the basis of surface features in relation to a geometrical 3D model of the eyes by means of a standard consumer device for recording the sequence of face images in conjunction with computing capability. The resultant eye positions and pupil diameters are used to control the information on a viewing screen or in another device. The system further allows for deriving the angular trajectories of the eye movements and for fitting model functions of these trajectories to characterize the degree of normality and deviation from normality of the binocular eye movement parameters.

Abstract: Systems for determining an individual's current focal plane by measuring parameters associated with binocular vision focusing using one or two contact lenses are provided. In an aspect, a system includes a first contact lens and a second contact lens respectively configured to be worn over first and second eyes of an individual. The first contact lens and the second contact lens respectively include first and second substrates, and first and second circuits respectively disposed on or within the first and second substrates and configured to respectively generate first data related to a focal trajectory of the first eye and second data related to a focal trajectory of the second eye, wherein the first circuit employs the second contact lens to generate the first data and the second circuit employs the first contact lens to generate the second data.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a fundus of a subject. The apparatus includes a focusing unit which adjusts a defocus of the apparatus. The focusing unit includes a first focusing mirror and a second focusing mirror. The first focusing mirror and second focusing mirror are arranged so that an incident beam from the light source entering the focusing unit and an emitted beam exiting the focusing unit are substantially parallel to each other. Adjustment of the defocus is accomplished by moving both first focusing mirror and second focusing mirror such that incident beam and emitted beam remain substantially parallel to each other. The apparatus includes a wavefront sensor for detecting a shape of a wavefront. The apparatus includes a wavefront correction device. The wavefront correction device adjusts a wavefront of the light from the light source based on the shape of the wavefront detected by the wavefront sensor.

Abstract: A system for multi-scale closed-loop eye tracking to compensate for translation and rotation motion while imaging in vivo a surface area of an internal structure of an eye of a subject includes a narrow field imaging device optically coupled to an optical path to receive light reflected from the surface area of the structure of the eye. A wide field camera is optically coupled to the optical path by a beam splitter disposed in the optical path. A tracking mirror is disposed in the optical path between the beam splitter and the structure of the eye. A control process algorithm actively compensates substantially in real time for both translational and rotational movements of the eye. A system where a torsional correction device causes a rotating movement of a subject's head and a method for multi-scale closed-loop eye tracking are also described.

Abstract: Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for outpatient monitoring. In some examples, the outpatient monitoring technology includes a system for remote monitoring and consultations of patients' state associated with automated interpretation of vital signs signals. In other examples, the outpatient monitoring technology includes a system for remote monitoring of patients' state associated with analysis of full-disclosure vital signs digital signals with reduced bit data or channel data. In some examples, the outpatient monitoring technology includes a system for remote monitoring of patients' state associated with ongoing automated analysis and transmission of full-disclosure vital signs digital signals and automatically generated signals' interpretation results and manually marked patient symptoms.

Abstract: In one implementation, an apparatus estimates body core temperature from an infrared measurement of an external source point using a cubic relationship between the body core temperature and the measurement of an external source point is described, estimates temperature from a digital infrared sensor and determines vital signs from a solid-state image transducer, or determines vital signs from a solid-state image transducer and estimates body core temperature from an infrared measurement of an external source point using a cubic relationship between the body core temperature and the measurement of an external source point; after which the estimated and/or determined information is transmitted to an external database.

Abstract: In one implementation, an apparatus estimates body core temperature from an infrared measurement of an external source point using a cubic relationship between the body core temperature and the measurement of an external source point is described, estimates temperature from a digital infrared sensor and determines vital signs from a solid-state image transducer, or determines vital signs from a solid-state image transducer and estimates body core temperature from an infrared measurement of an external source point using a cubic relationship between the body core temperature and the measurement of an external source point; after which the estimated and/or determined information is transmitted to an external database.

Abstract: A hospital bed is programmable with new firmware that is downloaded to the bed over a network. The firmware is downloaded to the bed automatically from a remote computer device. The remote computer device receives a message from the hospital bed which includes data regarding the version number of the bed's current firmware, and if the version number indicates that the firmware is an outdated version, the remote computer device downloads a new version of the firmware to the bed.

Abstract: A system includes one or more sensors to detect activities of a mobile object; and a processor coupled to the sensor and the wireless transceiver to classify sequences of motions into groups of similar postures each represented by a model and to apply the models to identify an activity of the object.

Abstract: A remote patient management system comprising a display and a processor. Execution of instructions cause the processor to: determine at least one first boundary value between a safe zone and a warning zone for each of at least one patient vital sign; determine at least one second boundary value between the warning zone and an alert zone for each of the at least one patient vital sign; repeatedly receive the at least one patient vital sign; determine a status value indicating the safe zone, warning zone, or alert zone; calculate a transition risk value; and display a patient status indicator which indicates the status level and the transition risk.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system (10) for navigating and positioning an instrument (12, 40, 112) in a body (14). The instrument (12, 40, 112) is detectable by the system (10) and the system (10) displays a view to an operator. The instrument (12, 40, 112) is adapted to identify tissue parameters. The system (10) is adapted to display an image being a combined image of the interior of a body (14) and an indication of the tissue parameter at the appropriate earlier locations. The present invention further relates to a method (44) including determining tissue parameters and displaying the parameters in an image of a body (14). The present invention further relates to a software implemented method (44) for being executed on a digital processor. The present invention further relates to an instrument (12, 40, 112).

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example method may include a method for calculating fractional flow reserve including providing a pressure sensing guidewire, advancing the pressure sensing guidewire through a blood vessel to a first position distal of an intravascular occlusion, determining a distal pressure within the body lumen with the pressure sensing guidewire, proximally shifting the pressure sensing guidewire to a second position proximal of the occlusion, determining a proximal pressure within the body lumen with the pressure sensing guidewire, measuring an aortic pressure, and calculating a pressure drift. The pressure drift may be the difference between the aortic pressure and the proximal pressure. The method may also include calculating a drift-compensated fractional flow reserve. The drift-compensated fraction flow reserve may correspond to (the distal pressure+the pressure drift) divided by the aortic pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of assessing a narrowing in a fluid filled tube having a fluid flow pressure wave having a backward-originating pressure component and a forward-originating pressure component without taking a flow velocity measurement, comprising: taking pressure measurements in the tube; separating the pressure components into the backward-originating pressure component and the forward-originating pressure component; identifying a time window when the differential of flow velocity (dU) is minimal or absent; and deriving the backward and forward pressure components for pressure measurements taken in at least the time window.

Abstract: A concentration presence/absence determining device includes: a brain blood flow volume obtaining unit configured to obtain a brain blood flow volume of the user; a varying threshold obtaining unit configured to obtain a varying threshold that is a value smaller than the brain blood flow volume of the user at a base time; and an determining unit configured to determine that the user concentrates, when the brain blood flow volume obtained by the brain blood flow volume obtaining unit falls below the varying threshold obtained by the varying threshold obtaining unit.

Abstract: In the present invention, a pump driving circuit includes a step-up unit that steps up a first DC voltage from a power supply and outputs it as a second DC voltage, and an H bridge unit that has first and second series circuits that each include two switching elements connected in series between a high potential corresponding to the second DC voltage and a reference potential. According to a control signal from the control unit, the two switching elements of the first series circuit and the two switching elements of the second series circuit are switched on and off. A voltage generated between a first contact point between the two switching elements of the first series circuit, and a second contact point between the two switching elements of the second series circuit is used as a driving voltage for driving a pump.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus, system, and method for utilizing a pressure transducer simulator that is configured for use with a pressure sensor device and a patient monitoring device. The pressure transducer simulator may be configured to generate a simulation of the output of an analog pressure sensing device to be compatible with the patient monitoring device. The simulation may be based upon a pressure signal received from the pressure sensor device. In one embodiment, the pressure transducer simulator includes a digital potentiometer that is configured to generate an analog signal based upon the pressure signal received from the pressure sensor device and wherein the digital potentiometer is configured to transmit the analog signal to the patient monitoring device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photoplethysmography sensor apparatus (200, 300), a photoplethysmography sensor method (400), and a photoplethysmography sensor computer program product. It is proposed to measure a photoplethysmographic signal without ambient light interference. Ambient light signals are rejected by subtraction of a compensation current at the input of a transimpedance amplifier (240, 340). The compensation current is controlled via a closed loop, without interfering with the low duty cycle operation of a photoplethysmography LED (210, 310).

Abstract: The invention provides a body-worn system that continuously measures pulse oximetry and blood pressure, along with motion, posture, and activity level, from an ambulatory patient. The system features an oximetry probe that comfortably clips to the base of the patient's thumb, thereby freeing up their fingers for conventional activities in a hospital, such as reading and eating. The probe secures to the thumb and measures time-dependent signals corresponding to LEDs operating near 660 and 905 nm. Analog versions of these signals pass through a low-profile cable to a wrist-worn transceiver that encloses a processing unit. Also within the wrist-worn transceiver is an accelerometer, a wireless system that sends information through a network to a remote receiver, e.g. a computer located in a central nursing station.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a nerve includes a Foley type catheter having an exterior surface, and first and second pairs of ring electrodes formed on the exterior surface of the Foley catheter. Each of the first and second pairs of ring electrodes is configured to perform at least one of stimulating the nerve and recording nerve activity.

Abstract: A measurement system for acquiring biopotentials is provided, which comprises a sensor device and a processing device, which are electrically connected to cooperate during use. The measurement system may be capable of simultaneous measurement of biopotentials by the sensor device and wireless transmission of amplified biopotentials by the processing device, and may be provided with means for preventing the measurements from being disturbed by the transmissions. Also disclosed are (i) a sensor device for measuring a biopotential having at least one sensor with a measurement electrode for measuring the biopotential at a measurement portion of a body and (ii) a processing device for processing biopotentials that has at least one sensor input for receiving the amplified biopotentials measured by a sensor of the sensor device.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating data and signals through the Medical Implant Communication Service Band using a repeater or base station in the proximity to an implantable device within a patient is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the device is capable for early detection and monitoring of congestive heart failure in a patient. Impedance measurements, or other health parameters depending on the type of implantable device or sensor used, are sent using a bi-directional low-power radio operating in the MICS band to a nearby base station which may provide signal processing and analysis. The base station may have an interface to one or more communications networks to connect to a remote location. The system and method of the present invention permits a healthcare professional to monitor an ambulatory patient's condition at a remote location and to program the implanted device.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method of determining a risk score for triage. In particular, a system is provided for providing an assessment of risk of a cardiac event for a patient, for example an incoming patient to a hospital emergency department complaining of chest pain. In the disclosure, the system includes an input device for measuring physiological data based vital signs parameter of the patient, a twelve-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) device for establishing an ECG obtained from results of the electrocardiography procedure, and determining an ECG parameter and a heart rate variability (HRV) parameter therefrom. An ensemble-based scoring system is further provided, establishing weighted classifier based on past patient data and where the vital signs parameter, the ECG parameter and the HRV parameter are compared to corresponding weighted classifiers to determine a risk score. A corresponding method to determine a risk score for triage is also provided.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for managing biological signals. In one implementation, a method includes receiving a cardiac biological signal that includes information describing events, determining a merit of each event based on one or more of a severity of a cardiac condition associated with the event and a quality of the event, and handling a subset of the events that meet a merit criterion. The subset can be handled for medical purposes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the quantitative determination of an individual's risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD) is described. Risk stratification is accomplished (and may have a sensitivity and specificity of greater than about 90%) by determining the presence in any individual being tested for SCD risk of sequences identified herein to correlate quantitatively with SCD risk. Both the number of such sequences present and their alignment scores (similarity) with the SCD risk sequence ensemble are used to calculate quantitative SCD risk.

Abstract: A method for constructing a stress-pliant physiological electrode assembly is provided. An electrode backing is formed from a stretchable woven textile material compatible to contact the skin on at least one surface. A pair of flexile wires is provided to serve as electrode circuit trace and electrode signal pickup. At least one of the flexile wires is sewn into the textile material which provides a stress-pliant malleability. Each of the flexile wires has an electrically-contacting area functioning for electric signal pickup. The electrically-contacting area may be sewn into the woven textile or affixed to the woven textile via conductive adhesives. The stress-pliant physiological electrode assembly is applicable for a wide array of physiological monitors, including ECG monitors, and especially is suitable for long-term wear. The method disclosed is both environmentally friendly and low-cost.

Abstract: A bio signal measuring apparatus is provided which includes a sampling unit, and a processing unit. The sampling unit samples a portion of a pulse included in a pulse signal penetrating a person to be measured, and portions sampled from a plurality of pulses included in the pulse signal are different from each other. The processing unit processes a sampled signal and measures a bio signal of the person to be measured based on at least one of a center frequency, a bandwidth, or amplitude of a reconstruction pulse obtained through the sampling.

Abstract: Method and system for determining the current position of a selected portion of a medical catheter inserted into a tubular organ (118) of the body of a patient, the method comprising the procedures of inserting a medical positioning system (MPS) (102) catheter into the tubular organ (118), acquiring a plurality of mapping positions (120) within the tubular organ (118), displaying a mapping position (120) representation of the mapping positions (120), constructing a mapping path (122) according to the mapping positions (120), inserting the medical catheter into the tubular organ (118) until the selected portion reaches the initial position, displaying an operational image of the tubular organ (118), a path representation of the mapping path (122), and an initial position representation of the initial position superimposed on the operational image, registering the selected portion with the initial position, measuring a traveled length of the medical catheter within the tubular organ (118) from the initial posit

Abstract: Implantation imaging techniques are presented herein to provide a surgeon with visual feedback during implantation of an implantable medical device in a recipient. The implantation imaging techniques may include the generation of a magnetic field that induces a voltage at a coil positioned in the recipient. The induced voltage is used to determine the orientation of the coil positioned in the recipient relative to direction of the magnetic field.

Abstract: An endoscope insertion shape observation probe that is elongatedly formed along a longitudinal axis direction and is insertable into a channel provided in an endoscope insertion section or is incorporated in the endoscope insertion section includes an electronic component, a housing section having a recessed shape that houses the electronic component, a pair of electric connection sections provided in the housing section, a pair of electric connection terminal sections provided in the electronic component and engaged with and electrically connected to the electric connection sections, the electric connection terminal sections mechanically holding the electronic component in the housing section, a groove section formed in the housing section, and two attaching-direction defining terminal sections provided in the electronic component, the attaching-direction defining terminal sections engaging into the groove section and defining a direction around a longitudinal axis in which the electronic component is attach

Abstract: A mask configured to be attached to the face of a subject includes a wall section that defines an internal space and covers at least a portion of a nose and a mouth of the subject, an expired gas introduction section that is disposed in the internal space and introduce the subject's expired gas, and a communication section defining a communication channel through which the subject's expired gas introduced from the expired gas introduction section is introduced into an expired gas concentration detection sensor. The position of the expired gas introduction section in the internal space is variable.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for evaluating the integrity of a uterine cavity. A method comprises introducing transcervically a probe into a patient's uterine cavity, providing a flow of a fluid (e.g., CO2) through the probe into the uterine cavity and monitoring the rate of the flow to characterize the uterine cavity as perforated or non-perforated based on a change in the flow rate. If the flow rate drops to zero or close to zero, this indicates that the uterine cavity is intact and not perforated. If the flow rate does not drop to zero or close to zero, this indicates that a fluid flow is leaking through a perforation in the uterine cavity into the uterine cavity or escaping around an occlusion balloon that occludes the cervical canal.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to analyte determining methods and devices (e.g., electrochemical analyte monitoring systems) that have a membrane with low temperature sensitivity. The sensing layer is disposed on a working electrode of in vivo and/or in vitro analyte sensors, e.g., continuous and/or automatic in vivo monitoring using analyte sensors and/or test strips. Also provided are systems and methods of using the, for example electrochemical, analyte sensors in analyte monitoring.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electrical connector for providing signal isolation between various components of a physiological monitoring system. In an embodiment, the electrical connector is placed between a sensor and associated monitoring system and includes a physical barrier and inductive components.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a hypersaturation index for measuring a patient's absorption of oxygen in the blood stream after a patient has reached 100% oxygen saturation. This hypersaturation index provides an indication of the partial pressure of oxygen of a patient. In an embodiment of the present invention, a hypersaturation index is calculated based on the absorption ratio of two different wavelengths of energy at a measuring site. In an embodiment of the invention, a maximum hypersaturation index threshold is determined such that an alarm is triggered when the hypersaturation index reaches or exceeds the threshold. In another embodiment, an alarm is triggered when the hypersaturation index reaches or falls below its starting point when it was first calculated.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a regional oximetry sensor may include a light emitting element configured to emit light, a light detector configured to receive the light, and a memory device configured to store a baseline. The baseline stored by the memory device enables a regional oximetry monitor to display the baseline on a display of the regional oximetry monitor.

Abstract: Blood oxygenation sensors including high-aspect-ratio photodetector elements are discussed herein. Such high-aspect-ratio photodetector elements may provide improved signal-strength-to-power-consumption performance for blood oxygenation sensors incorporating such photodetector elements as compared with blood oxygenation sensors incorporating, for example, square photodetector elements.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are membrane structures for use in analyte sensors, where the membrane structures exhibit low temperature sensitivity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting blood from the umbilical cord of a newborn into a standard vacuum collection tube is disclosed wherein the apparatus comprises a vessel in the general shape of a cup with an open top, a receiving cavity and a tapered bottom surface wherein the taper of the tapered bottom surface is away from the receiving cavity; a pick up tube with open top end and closed bottom, and side tabs, a needle inserted through an opening in the closed bottom of said tube wherein the diameter of the opening is of sufficient size to only allow the tip of the needle to be inserted, and a means for providing an air tight seal between the inserted needle and said opening.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to devices and techniques associated with diagnostics, therapies, and other applications, including skin-associated applications, for example, devices for delivering and/or withdrawing fluid from subjects, e.g., through the skin. In some embodiments, the device includes a system for accessing an extractable medium from and/or through the skin of the subject at an access site, and a pressure regulator supported by a support structure, able to create a pressure differential across the skin at at least a portion of the access site. The device may also include, in some cases, a sensor supported by the support structure for determining at least one condition of the extractable medium from the subject, and optionally a signal generator supported by the support structure for generating a signal relating to the condition of the medium determined by the sensor.

Abstract: A lancing device includes a housing, a lancing unit capable of reciprocating relative to the housing, an elastic member for causing the lancing unit to reciprocate, and a resistance generator for applying resistance to the lancing unit in motion. The reciprocating motion of the lancing unit includes a puncture section or interval and a retreat section following the puncture section. The puncture section includes a puncture point at which a lancing element of the lancing unit can prick the skin of a human subject, for example. The resistance generator is configured to apply a greater resistance to the lancing unit in the retreat section than in the puncture section.

Abstract: A blood analyzer device has a housing with a top section coupled to a bottom section, a driver and a plurality of penetrating members housed in a disposable positionable in the housing. A gripper engages each penetrating member. A manually actuated button advances the disposable to move penetrating members into launch positions. A power is source coupled to the driver. A display is at the housing.

Abstract: Avatars, computer program products, devices and systems are described that relate to at least one cohort-linked avatar comprising at least one avatar attribute that is at least partly based on an association of at least one physiologic activity of at least one member of a population cohort with at least one mental state.

Abstract: An inter-ureter signaling device intended to provide a surgeon with a signal to identify when a ureter is grasped by a surgical clamping device, such as a pair of forceps, the device being comprised of a catheter, a signal generator, and wiring, such that when the catheter component of the device, having been inserted into a ureter, is compressed by the surgical clamping device an electrical circuit is closed and the signal generator generates a human perceptible signal, indicating that the clamp has been placed on the ureter.

Abstract: The present invention generally pertains to an apparatus and a method for uroflowmetry. Uroflowmetry can generally be defined as the collection and measurement of a patient's urination for the purpose of determining urine flow data that are necessary to analyze the patient's urination by comparing the patient's urine flow data to standardized urine flow data of healthy individuals. The present invention allows medical professionals to non-invasively diagnose a patient's urination by collecting, measuring and computing urine flow data to determine if any medical conditions and symptoms that affect urine flow are present. The within invention is designed and constructed in such a manner as to allow for the collection and measurement of urination to be done quickly, easily and at a reduced cost.

Abstract: Systems and methods for magnetic resonance analysis and imaging are provided. IN particular, pulse sequences for DWI, APT, and MRS analysis and imaging are provided which rely on an RF excitation pulse for the signal of interest, followed by one or more refocusing pulses and acquisition steps, based on the type of imaging.

Abstract: Sleep apnea can be treated using positive airway pressure. Methods and systems for determining a level of airway obstruction allow beneficial adjustments to the level of expiratory positive airway pressure used to treat a subject.

Abstract: A medical device and associated method for detecting and treating tachyarrhythmias acquires a cardiac signal using electrodes coupled to a sensing module. During an initial detection process, a shockable cardiac rhythm is detected by a processing module configured to compare the cardiac signal to a first set of detection criteria. By analyzing the cardiac signal, the processing module establishes at least one patient-specific detection threshold during the initial detection process. Upon establishing the at least one patient-specific detection threshold, the initial detection process is stopped, and a next detection process is started which includes comparing the cardiac signal to a second set of detection criteria including the at least one patient-specific detection threshold. In some embodiments, user programming of tachyarrhythmia detection parameters is not required.