Abstract: The present invention relates to a sample information acquisition apparatus including a determination unit that determines a state of contact between a probe and a sample and whether the sample is on an optical path on the basis of an ultrasonic echo signal of ultrasonic waves received by the probe for the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the probe, prior to generation of a photoacoustic image; and a control unit that causes a light irradiating unit to irradiate the sample with light on the basis of a result of the determination. The determination unit determines the state of contact on the basis of information about multiple ultrasonic echo signals received by multiple transducers that are set apart from each other, among the multiple ultrasonic echo signals received by the multiple transducers in response to the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the multiple transducers in the probe.

Abstract: A flash lamp 32 excites a laser rod 31. A Q switch 35 which changes the loss of the optical resonator according to the voltage applied is inserted on the optical path of a pair of mirrors 33 and 34 forming the optical resonator. An optical path shutter 39 is provided on the optical path of laser emission light. In a first operation mode in which laser emission is performed, the optical path shutter 39 is opened and the voltage applied to the Q switch 35 is changed from a high voltage to, for example, 0 V to emit pulsed laser light after the flash lamp 32 excites the laser rod 31. In a second operation mode in which the laser emission is interrupted and waited for, the optical path shutter 39 is closed and the voltage applied to the Q switch 35 is, for example, 0 V.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to determining a user's blood pressure via information collected by a camera and a microphone of a portable communication device (PCD). In an illustrative example, the PCD simultaneously records a blood flow and a pulsation for the user. The blood flow may be recorded by positioning the camera such that camera aligns with a finger of a first arm of the user. The pulsation may be recorded by positioning the microphone such that the microphone proximate to an antecubital artery of the second arm of the user. In response, the PCD uses the recorded blood flow and pulsation information to determine a systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure for the user in accordance with previously input body parameters (e.g., height, weight, age, gender) of the user.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, devices, and methods for cardiac monitoring. In particular, the systems, devices, and methods described herein may be used to conveniently sense the presence of an intermittent arrhythmia in an individual.

Abstract: An electronic device according to one aspect includes a blood flow data acquisition unit configured to acquire information related to blood flowing inside a living body as blood flow data based on Doppler shift, a power spectrum calculator configured to calculate a power spectrum of the blood flow data based on the blood flow data, and an outline index calculator configured to calculate an outline index from the power spectrum. An electronic device according to one aspect further includes an estimator configured to estimate viscosity of the blood based on the outline index, and the estimator is configured to display an estimation result of the viscosity of the blood on a display.

Abstract: A Phono-Electro-Cardiogram Monitoring Unit that detects and monitors ECG and PCG signal comprising a phono-electro-cardiogram sensor button capable of electrical conduction of the electrical potential changes arising from the heart activity of a user or a patient. The sensor button includes a microphone which allows detection of electrocardiography signal and phonocardiogram signal simultaneously and the detected electrocardiography signal and phonocardiogram signal are processed by a multifunction microprocessor and the processed electrocardiography signal and phonocardiogram signal data are stored in a memory or be transmitted to a work station or a personal cloud for further processing and storing where the data can be forwarded to authorized individuals via wireless connectivity for communication, interpretation, service and help.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods that provide community based managed health kiosks and prescription drug dispensing systems, and more particularly to facilitating automated drug dispensement by a kiosk system following authorization by a remotely located health care professional who can monitor and communicate with a patient via the kiosk system.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus configured to measure the biological information includes a light emitter configured to emit measuring light, a light receiver including a plurality of light receiving areas that receive scattering light of the measuring light from a measured part, and a controller configured to generate the biological information based on output from the plurality of light receiving areas.

Abstract: Technologies and implementations for a multifunctional healthcare monitoring apparatus are generally disclosed.

Abstract: A blood circuit having a pressure measurement portion connected to a pressure measurement device includes: a first measurement portion provided downstream of a pumping segment; and a second measurement portion provided upstream of the pumping segment. The first measurement portion includes: a first housing having a tubular shape; and a first flexible membrane having a tubular shape and provided in the first housing. The second measurement portion includes: a second housing having a tubular shape; and a second flexible membrane having a tubular shape and provided in the second housing. A space between the first flexible membrane and the first housing is larger than a space between the second flexible membrane and the second housing in an initial state before permitting the blood to flow.

Abstract: A uterine activity analysis apparatus, comprising a rendering device at least one controller coupled to the rendering device, and configured to acquire a uterine activity signal (UAS) corresponding to uterine activity of a patient; determine uterine activity information based upon the acquired UAS and render, on the rendering device, content based at least in part including UAS upon the determined uterine activity information. The controller may compare the determined uterine activity information with threshold uterine activity information and provide clinical decision support (CDS) based upon the decision. Furthermore, the controller may render a breathing guide to illustrate a preferred breathing pattern, when the start of a contraction is detected.

Abstract: An example method includes performing amplitude-based detection to determine location of R-peaks for a plurality of electrograms. The method also includes performing wavelet-based detection to determine location of R-peaks for the plurality of electrograms. The method also includes adjusting the location of the R-peaks determined by the wavelet-based detection of R-peaks based on the location of R-peaks determined by the amplitude-based detection of R-peaks. The method also includes storing, in memory, R-peak location data to specify R-peak locations for the plurality of electrograms based on the adjusting.

Abstract: An example method includes analyzing morphology and/or amplitude of each of a plurality of electrophysiological signals across a surface of a patient's body to identify candidate segments of each signal satisfying predetermined conduction pattern criteria. The method also includes determining a conduction timing parameter for each candidate segment in each of the electrophysiological signals.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to detecting Atrial Fibrillation (AF). As may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments, a time series of inter-beat intervals is computed from a recording of activity of a beating heart. The time series is decomposed into subcomponents, and an envelope of at least one of the subcomponents is computed. The presence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is detected based upon characteristics of the envelope that are indicative of AF.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for locating tracts of electrical brain activity. A source localization procedure may be performed including solving the inverse problem subject to one or more constraints resulting from a tractographic procedure, and a tractographic procedure may be performed that includes obtaining a probabilistic assessment of tract connectivity that takes account of the results of a source localization procedure.

Abstract: An implantable electrode device includes a carrier made of a polymer material, at least one measurement electrode formed by an electrically conducting pad located on the carrier, wherein the electrically conducting pad has a contact surface, a barrier layer enclosing the carrier by covering all surfaces of the carrier, wherein the contact surface of the electrically conducting pad is exposed to an outside environment, at least one electrically conducting trace, and at least one electrically conducting terminal. The electrically conducting trace can electrically connect the measurement electrode to the electrically conducting terminal. A surface of the implantable electrode device on a side on which the measurement electrode is located can have a maximum valley depth or a maximum peak height between the contact surface of the measurement electrode and a meanline of a surface of the implantable electrode device, excluding measurement electrodes, being equal to or smaller than 100 micrometres.

Abstract: A mono-layer electrode sensor suitable for a multitude of electrophysiology testing applications is disclosed. The electrode sensor can include a mono-layer of conductive film shaped with a soft-form geometry that is modifiable to a targeted size tailored to a patient. The conductive film includes a sensing area that is complementary to a size and morphology of a body structure of the patient. The conductive film can have a connector coupled to the sensor, and the skin adherent side can have a bio-compatible hydrogel coated there over including a non-conductive material formed over the connector portion of the conductive film.

Abstract: Physiological monitoring can be provided through a wearable monitor that includes a flexible extended wear electrode patch and a removable reusable monitor recorder. A pair of flexile wires is interlaced or sewn into a flexible backing, serving as electrode signal pickup and electrode circuit traces. The wearable monitor sits centrally on the patient's chest along the sternum, which significantly improves the ability to sense cutaneously cardiac electric signals, particularly those generated by the atrium. The electrode patch is shaped to fit comfortably and conformal to the contours of the chest approximately centered on the sternal midline. To counter the dislodgment due to compressional and torsional forces, non-irritating adhesive is provided on the underside, or contact, surface of the electrode patch, but only on the distal and proximal ends.

Abstract: Physiological monitoring can be provided through a lightweight wearable monitor that includes two components, a flexible extended wear electrode patch with sewn electrodes and a reusable monitor recorder that removably snaps into a receptacle on the electrode patch. The monitor sits centrally on the patient's chest along the sternum oriented top-to-bottom. The placement of the wearable monitor in a location at the sternal midline, with its unique narrow “hourglass”-like shape, significantly improves the ability of the wearable monitor to cutaneously sense cardiac electrical potential signals, particularly the P-wave and the QRS interval signals indicating ventricular activity in the ECG waveforms. In particular, the ECG electrodes on the electrode patch are tailored to be positioned axially along the midline of the sternum for capturing action potential propagation in an orientation that corresponds to the aVF lead used in a conventional 12-lead ECG that is used to sense positive or upright P-waves.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that use wireless coupling of energy for operation of both external and internal devices, including external sensor arrays and implantable devices. The signals conveyed may be electronic, optical, acoustic, biomechanical, and others to provide in situ sensing and monitoring of internal anatomies and implants using a wireless, biocompatible electromagnetic powered sensor systems.

Abstract: The invention provides for a magnetic resonance imaging system (100) which comprise a magnet (104) and a magnetic field gradient generator (110, 112) for generating a gradient magnetic field within an imaging zone (108). The gradient magnetic field is aligned with a predetermined direction. The magnetic resonance imaging system further comprise a memory (134, 136) for storing machine executable instructions (150, 152, 154), a pre-calculated magnetic resonance fingerprinting dictionary (144), and pulse sequence instructions (140). The pulse sequence instructions cause the magnetic resonance imaging system to acquire the magnetic resonance data according to a magnetic resonance fingerprinting technique. The magnetic resonance fingerprinting technique encodes the magnetic resonance data as slices (125).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for performing phosphorous-31 spectroscopic magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF). The method comprises performing a pulse sequence using a series of varied sequence blocks to a volume in a subject where the volume contains phosphate metabolites. A series of signal evolutions are acquired from the volume in the subject to form MRF data. The MRF data is then compared to simulated MRF signal to determine parameters associated with phosphate metabolites and the chemical exchange rates between these metabolites. These parameters and exchange rates can be used in diagnosing a metabolic disorder in a subject.

Abstract: A method for measuring an intracranial fluid bioimpedance in a patient's head, to help detect an abnormality, may involve: securing a volumetric integral phase-shift spectroscopy (VIPS) device to the patient's head; measuring the intracranial fluid bioimpedance with the VIPS device by measuring a phase shift between a magnetic field transmitted from a transmitter on one side of a VIPS device and a magnetic field received at a receiver on another side of the VIPS device, at one or more frequencies; and detecting an abnormality in the intracranial bioimpedance fluid, using a processor in the VIPS device.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a casing for modules of electrodes of electrical impedance tomography. The casing comprises a foundation comprising: at least one accommodation portion of at least one module of electrodes; and at least one electrical contact portion, having at least one window; wherein, the at least one electrical contact portion is foldable over the at least one accommodation portion in a way that at least one window is placed on at least one electrode.

Abstract: A magnetic marker for use in locating tissue for surgery includes a casing and two to five magnetic elements arranged in a row. The two or more magnetic elements are separated from each other by an isolating material. The magnetic marker may be non-bio-absorbable. This means that the magnetic marker is invariable as it does not decay over time. This invariability ensures that on the basis of the signal measured by a magnetometer device a distance between a probe of the magnetometer device and the magnetic marker can be determined.

Abstract: Markers and related systems and methods are provided for localizing lesions within a patient's body, e.g., within a breast. The marker includes one or more photosensitive diodes for transforming light pulses striking the marker into electrical energy, one or more antennas, and a switch coupled to the photodiodes and antennas such that the light pulses cause the switch to open and close and modulate radar signals reflected by the marker back to a source of the signals. The antenna(s) may include one or more wire elements extending from a housing, one or more antenna elements printed on a substrate, or one or more chip antennas. Optionally, the marker may include a processor coupled to the photodiodes for identifying signals in the light pulses or one or more coatings or filters to allow selective activation of the marker.

Abstract: A method of differentiating between a strain and a contraction of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) of a subject includes receiving data generated by an orientation sensor provided within a vaginal probe device that is located within the vaginal canal of the subject and utilizing a processor to process data generated by the orientation sensor to determine a direction of rotation of the vaginal probe device during a measurement period. When the processor determines that the vaginal probe device has rotated in the cranial-ventral direction relative to the subject, an output is generated indicating that there has been a contraction of the PFM during the measurement period; and when the processor determines that the vaginal probe device has rotated in the caudal-dorsal direction relative to the subject, an output is generated indicating that there has been a strain of the PFM during the measurement period.

Abstract: According to an aspect there is provided a method of determining the health of a subject, the method comprising determining the absolute humidity and volume of air exhaled by the subject over time; and analysing the determined absolute humidity and volume of air exhaled by the subject to determine a characteristic of the air that was above the isothermic saturation boundary, ISB, of the subject.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems are disclosed for assisting patients in behavioral modification and cessation programs aimed at terminating undesired behaviors such as smoking, alcohol use and others. Patient devices configured to be easily carried or worn including test units such as carbon monoxide blood level sensors with automated patient prompting for self-testing, analysis of test results and data logging are included in a networked system with a specifically designed treatment modality. Devices and methods disclosed are particularly suited to use in smoking cessation treatment and programs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of measuring respiratory flow rate. The method includes a user exhaling through a flow dependent sound producing device which comprises a mouthpiece and a vortex chamber. The vortex chamber has an axis and an outlet such that exhaled air flows through the mouthpiece into the vortex chamber causing the exhaled air to form a vortex around the axis and then pass out of the chamber via the outlet in an axial direction, thereby producing a sound. The method further includes detecting the sound using a mobile electronic device and analyzing said sound to determine a frequency of said sound and using said frequency to determine the respiratory flow rate.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing a condition of a subject includes imaging an abdominal area of the subject to obtain one or more images of the abdominal area. Separation between rectus abdominis muscles in the abdominal area is located from the one or more images. Distance of the separation between the rectus abdominis muscles is quantified. The results of the quantified distance and one or more images are outputted on one or more display units.

Abstract: A medical implant including a drug sensor and a global positioning system (GPS) module connected to a wireless network. The GPS module sends a location of the patient and optionally information of when patient uses an illegal drug when the sensor detects the drug within the patient's bloodstream.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques for generation of sleep quality information based on posture state data. The techniques may include obtaining posture state data sensed by a medical device for a patient, generating sleep quality information based on lying posture state changes indicated by the posture state data, and presenting the sleep quality information to a user via a user interface.

Abstract: Method and system for determining real time analyte concentration including an analyte sensor having a portion in fluid contact with an interstitial fluid under a skin layer, an on-body electronics including a housing coupled to the analyte sensor and configured for positioning on the skin layer, the on-body electronics housing including a plurality of electrical contacts , on the housing; and a data analysis unit having a data analysis unit housing and a plurality of probes , on the housing. Each of the probes configured to electrically couple to a respective electrical contact when the data analysis unit is positioned in physical contact with the on-body electronics. The one or more signals on the probes correspond to one or more of a substantially real time monitored analyte concentration level (MACL), MACL over a predetermined time period, or a rate of change of the MACL, or combinations thereof, are provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a continuous analyte sensor having more than one working electrode, and configured to reduce or eliminate crosstalk between the working electrodes. In another embodiment, a continuous analyte sensor having more than one working electrode, and configured so that a membrane system has equal thicknesses over each of the electrodes, despite having differing numbers of layers over each of the electrodes. In another embodiment, a configuration for connecting a continuous analyte sensor to sensor electronics. In another embodiment, methods for forming precise windows in an insulator material on a multi-electrode assembly. In another embodiment, a contact assembly for a continuous analyte sensor having more than one working electrode.

Abstract: The present disclosure refers to a method for determining a blood glucose level for a patient, the method comprising detecting a present sensor signal in a present continuous interstitial blood glucose measurement for a patient; providing measurement data representing the present sensor signal; providing sensor signal correction data representing a patient-specific signal correction, the sensor signal correction data being determined from a former interstitial blood glucose measurement for the patient and comprising at least one of time delay data representing a patient-specific time delay ?t between a blood glucose value measured in a continuous interstitial blood glucose measurement and a blood glucose reference value measured in a capillary blood glucose measurement, and sensor sensitivity data representing, for the patient, a patient-specific sensor sensitivity for the sensor, determining corrected measurement data representing a corrected present sensor signal by applying the sensor signal correction dat

Abstract: Presented herein is a modular analyte measurement system having a replaceable strip port module that releasably connects and operably couples with an analyte meter. Embodiments of the present invention also relate to modular components of the analyte measurement system. In one aspect, there is provided a replaceable strip port module having a strip port and electrical interface for removably and electrically coupling with an analyte meter. In another aspect, there is provided an analyte meter that includes a processor and electrical interface for removably and electrically coupling with replaceable strip port modules. Methods of configuring the analyte measurement system and methods of determining an analyte meter with the analyte measurement system are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a processor and a system (1, 1?) for screening of the state of oxygenation of a subject (100), in particular for screening of newborn babies for congenital heart disease. The system comprises an imaging unit (2) for obtaining a plurality of image frames of the subject (100) over time, and a processor (3) for processing the image frames. The imaging unit, for instance a conventional video camera as used in the vital signs monitoring using the above mentioned principle of remote PPG, is used as a contact less pulse oximeter, by use of which a body map (for at least some body parts of interest) of at least the blood oxygen saturation is created. Picking certain body areas, e.g. right upper extremity versus left upper and/or lower extremity, and combining or comparing them can serve the purpose of detecting anomalies of heart and/or circuitry functions.

Abstract: Systems and methods directed to the assessment of tissue vascular health. An optical measurement device includes a light source with one or more wavelengths, configured to illuminate an area of tissue, a detector configured to capture the light reflecting from the tissue at the one or more illumination wavelengths, a processor configured to compute, based on the detected signal, one or more estimates of tissue vascular health, and a display or communication device (e.g., electronic data transfer) configured to store or report the tissue vascular health.

Abstract: A device for measuring brain oxygen level of a subject, including a probe (210) and a detecting means (220), which are respectively coupled to a processor (230). According to the example, the probe (210) includes three light sources (215a, 215b, 215c) that simultaneously emit the first, second, and third NIR wavelengths across the brain of the subject. The first NIR wavelength is the isosbestic wavelength for oxy-hemoglobin (HbO2) and deoxy-hemoglobin (Hb), the second NIR wavelength is shorter than the first NIR wavelength, and the third NIR wavelength is longer than the first NIR wavelength. The detecting means (220) includes a first, second and third detectors (221, 222, 223) for respectively detecting the NIR intensities of the first, second and third NIR wavelengths traveled across the brain. The processor (230) is configured to determine blood oxygen level based on the measured NIR intensities of the first, second and third NIR wavelengths by use of build-in algorithm derived from Beer-Lambert Law.

Abstract: Generally, embodiments of the invention relate to analyte determining methods and devices (e.g., electrochemical analyte monitoring systems) that have improved uniformity of distribution of one or more components of the sensor by inclusion of a low surface tension polymer leveling agent, where the components are disposed proximate to 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: A medical device for the separation of a concentrate enriched with cells from a biological fluid, in particular a concentrate of stromal or stem cells from medullar aspirate or venous blood, comprises: a treatment container for receiving and treating the biological fluid for the purposes of its separation into a number of fractions; a first collection container, for receiving a first fraction of the fluid, in particular a fraction poor in said cells; a second collection container, for receiving a second concentrated fraction of the fluid enriched with said cells; a deviator valve having a first way connected or prearranged for connection to the treatment container, a second way connected or prearranged for connection to the first collection container, and a third way connected or prearranged for connection to the second collection container; a first line for connection of the treatment container to the first way of the deviator valve, a second line for connection of the first collection container to the se

Abstract: Devices are provided to automatically access blood from beneath or within skin. These devices include an injector configured to drive a needle into the skin and subsequently to retract the needle from the skin. These devices additionally include a seal to which suction is applied. To drive the needle into the skin, the needle is first driven through the seal, creating at least one hole in the seal. The suction applied to the seal acts to draw blood from the puncture formed in the skin by the needle, through the at least one hole in the seal, and to a sensor, blood storage element, or other payload. These devices can be wearable and configured to automatically access blood from skin, for example, to access blood from the skin at one or more points in time while a wearer of a device is sleeping.

Abstract: A medical puncturing device having a wicking element disposed on a portion of the medical puncturing device is disclosed. The wicking element allows a user to remove a first drop of blood upon puncturing the skin using the medical puncturing device. In this manner, a subsequent drop of blood can be used to test their blood to determine their blood glucose level for proper insulin dosing.

Abstract: The invention relates to analyte monitoring/drug (pharmaceutical agent) delivery device. The invention is suited for monitoring various blood constituents such as glucose. The device has a housing that at least partially encloses a plurality of microneedles disposed on a carrier and an electronics portion. Each microneedle is in fluid communication with a corresponding microchannel. Each microneedle is individually addressable. That is, each microneedle can be extended and retracted individually via an actuator. The electronics portion includes a processor and associated circuitry (e.g., memory, supporting electronics and the like), a motor or the like, a sensor, a power supply (e.g., battery) and optionally an interface. In general, the processor controls the operation of the device and is data communication with the actuator, motor, sensor and interface. The invention provides for autonomous operation, that is, without intervention of the user.

Abstract: A system and a method for generating stress level information for an individual and stress level resilience information for an individual, which includes a stress information processing module configured to process stress information for the individual, the stress information for the individual comprising at least two of psychometric information for the individual, physiological information for the individual, behavioural information for the individual, and cognitive function information for the individual.

Abstract: Behavioral and mental health therapy systems in accordance with several embodiments of the invention include a wearable camera and/or a variety of sensors (accelerometer, microphone, among various other) connected to a computing system including a display, audio output, holographic output, and/or vibrotactile output to automatically recognize social cues from images captured by at least one camera and provide this information to the wearer via one or more outputs such as (but not limited to) displaying an image, displaying a holographic overlay, generating an audible signal, and/or generating a vibration.

Abstract: A system for human-digital media interaction tracking. One example system includes a database that stores information regarding a user's activity history for various different cognitive tasks, and a computing device that receives user behavior information indicating usage by a user of an interactive software program, the interactive software program associated with at least one of the cognitive tasks. The computing device, in response to the receipt of user behavior information indicating usage by the user of the interactive software program, updates the database information regarding the user's activity history for the at least one of the cognitive tasks.

Abstract: An analysis system analyzes a state of a person and includes a terminal configured to be worn on the person's body. The terminal includes an acceleration sensor, a storage unit, and a processing unit. The processing unit determines whether each value contained in the time series data is in a first state in which the value is equal to or greater than the threshold or in a second state in which the value is less than the threshold. The processing unit also determines a duration which is a period of time during which the first state continues. The processing unit quantifies a brain state of the person on the basis of the duration.

Abstract: Mechanical vibrations induced by the heart of the foetus, together with other vibrations coming from the body of the pregnant mother, are sensed by the at least one electro-mechanical transformer placed on the body surface of the pregnant mother, the vibrations are transformed into electrical signals and processed. The electrical signals are pre-amplified, frequencies including the heart sound of the pregnant mother are removed from amplified electrical signals of the perceived vibrations by active bandpass filtering, the signal level reduction due to bandpass filtering is compensated for by amplification, and the filtered signal is transferred to a device for processing and evaluation. A device suitable for implementing the method, and a computer-readable medium are proposed, the latter comprising instructions to be run on the device, e.g. the smartphone, for processing the measured signals, displaying them visually, showing trends and making proposals to the user based on the processed signals.