Abstract: An apparatus is operable to process a medical instrument by passing a detergent and a disinfectant through a plurality of channels defined by the medical instrument. The apparatus includes a detection system, a set of instrument profiles, and a control system. The detection system is configured to collect information regarding the channels of the medical instrument. The control system is configured to pass a detergent and a disinfectant through the channels of the medical instrument based at least in part on a selected instrument profile selected from the set of instrument profiles. The selected instrument profile is selected based at least in part on the information collected by the detection system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reprocessing a medical device includes a decontamination basin, a first flush conduit, a second flush conduit, and a manifold. The first and second flush conduits have respective first and second coupling ports configured to fluidly connect to the medical device positioned within the decontamination basin. The manifold is fluidly connected to the first and second flush conduits and configured to distribute the fluid received therein accordingly. The apparatus also includes a first valve, a second valve, and a primary pump configured to discharge the fluid into the manifold at a predetermined supply flow rate. The first and second valve are positioned respectively in the first and second flush conduits for balancing the respective flow rates discharged therefrom at a first predetermined conduit flow rate and a second predetermined conduit flow rate.

Abstract: An endoscope having an endoscope shaft, with a distal shaft portion, a central shaft portion and a proximal shaft portion, and a light admission face at the distal shaft portion. The cross section of the central shaft portion is smaller than the cross section of the distal shaft portion and smaller than the cross section of the proximal shaft portion.

Abstract: An endoscope includes: a first lens located at a distal-most position, a part of the first lens being exposed outside; a movable lens barrel configured to be able to move, and configured to hold a movable lens disposed on a proximal end side with respect to the first lens; an actuator unit including a coil that drives the movable lens barrel and generates heat by receiving a supply of electric power; and a control section that outputs first electric power to the coil when holding the movable lens barrel at a predetermined position, and outputs second electric power larger than the first electric power to the coil when conducting heat generated from the coil to the first lens at the predetermined position.

Abstract: An ophthalmic light instrument includes a plug (1) and a light guide (7) for guiding light (10) to a surgical site in the eye. The plug (1) is configured to be magnetically attractable or attractive and can be positioned and connected releasably with respect to a light source in such a way, that coupling of the light (10) into the light instrument takes place at the focal point (14) of the light source (12). An ophthalmic illumination system includes such a light instrument and a socket of the light source. The socket of the light source (4) is configured to be magnetically attractable or attractive and can be positioned and connected releasably with respect to the light source in such a way, that coupling of the light (10) into the light instrument takes place at the focal point (14) of the light source (12).

Abstract: A small-sized head-mount type vision testing device, which is mounted on a testee's head, including: a display device that presents a visual target to an eyeball of the testee; a display optical system that guides light of the visual target presented on the device to the retina; an imaging device that images the eyeball; and an observation optical system that guides an image of the eyeball to the imaging device, and further including a mirror that reflects light of a specific wavelength and transmits the other light at a point closer to the eyeball side than the display device, wherein an optical axis from a pupil to the mirror in the display optical system and an optical axis from the pupil to the mirror in the observation optical system, coincide with each other, and the optical axes are bent through the mirror.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for performing structure measurement on a tear film of an eye of a subject. At least a portion of a surface of the tear film is illuminated using a broadband light source. A spectrum of light of the broadband light that is reflected from at least one point of the tear film is measured, using a spectrometer. Color information for a plurality of points of the tear film is obtained, by imaging a field of view of the tear film using a color camera. Using a processing unit, data from the color camera and data from the spectrometer that are indicative of characteristics of the tear film are received, and based upon a combination of the data received from the color camera and the data received from the spectrometer, an output is generated that is indicative of a structure of the tear film.

Abstract: Focus adjustment is enabled with respect to an object to be inspected even when an optical member for changing a field angle is inserted in order to change the field angle of an acquiring area of a tomographic image, and a clear tomographic image with a focus on the object to be inspected is acquired. In an optical tomographic imaging apparatus, an optical system includes a focus lens configured to focus a measuring light on the object to be inspected. The optical tomographic imaging apparatus includes a unit configured to compensate, when an optical member for changing a field angle is inserted between a scanning unit and the object to be inspected in order to change the field angle of an acquiring area of a tomographic image, a change in a focus position of the focus lens in association with the inserting.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for eye tracking using an optical coherence tomography (OCT) device are disclosed. Such eye tracking may be performed by using information about the shape of the cornea and the corneal apex or using the iris/pupil border obtained using the OCT device.

Abstract: An eye lens worn on a user's cornea monitors deformations of the cornea. The eye lens includes a substrate and at least one deformation sensor secured to the substrate. The deformation sensor is configured to monitor the curvature of cornea and any deformations, convert the deformations into digital signals, and transmit the digital signals out. A cornea monitoring system using the eye lens is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for eye monitoring using the natural reflections of the lenses and human eyes. The system includes a frame worn on the head of a user containing side supports and lenses. A light source and a camera are mounted on the side supports, so that they are located behind the eyes of the user, when the system is being worn by the user. The camera captures the natural light reflections from the lenses and the eye retinas, and uses the data to calculate a position or orientation of a user gaze.

Abstract: Provided is an imaging method for correcting aberration generated when imaging an object to be inspected. The imaging method includes: irradiating an imaging area with a first light beam which is scanned by a scan unit and taking an image of the object to be inspected based on return light of the first light beam; detecting a moving amount of the object to be inspected; comparing the detected moving amount with a predetermined threshold value; and adjusting the imaging area to be irradiated with the first light beam. The adjusting includes determining in accordance with a result of the comparison to change the imaging area by at least one of: using the scan unit, and using an aberration correcting unit.

Abstract: An ophthalmoscope device includes a support structure, an image capture device, and a display device. The support structure is configured to be worn by a subject. The image capture device is configured to capture images of the eye fundus of the subject. The display device is configured to overlay images in the field of view of the subject. The overlaid images are used to align the pupil/fovea orientation axis with the optical axis of the image capture device.

Abstract: An actively-powered temperature data logger patch with wireless data communication includes a sealed, flexible battery configured to provide continuous electrical power, and a flexible circuit including a microprocessor, a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature of a target subject, a wireless communication transmitter and an antenna. In one example, the temperature sensor is located at a first end of the patch, and the antenna is located at an opposite, second end of the patch. The patch is configured to conform to a curved surface of the target subject and includes an adhesive configured to be removably applied to skin of the patient. An external computing device is capable of receiving communication from the wireless communication transmitter of the patch via an electromagnetic field.

Abstract: A method for determining a spatial location of at least one patient data gathering device includes the steps of receiving at least one signal from a geolocation system and analyzing the at least one signal to determine the spatial location of the at least one patient data gathering device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for remote monitoring of patient treatment are disclosed. A medical device may transmit telemetry directly to a patient terminal, or the medical device may be retrofitted with instrumentation for the patent terminal to collect telemetry. The patent terminal may collect patient self-reporting data. The telemetry and the self-reporting data may be sent to a cloud server, which may store the patient data. The patient data may be used to generate an alert, or it may be sent to a doctor terminal for display and review.

Abstract: A device for judging state of motion of a user is disposed on multiple carried articles carried by the user. The device includes multiple sensation modules disposed on the multiple carried articles. Each sensation module serves to generate motional state information. The device further includes a first processor. The first processor serves to receive and compare the respective motional state information. In case it is found that both the motional state information have instantaneously changed data, the first processor generates notice information. Accordingly, the device can more precisely judge the state of motion of the user to reduce waste of social resource and increase survival rate in case of an accident.

Abstract: The present technology relates to a communication device, a communication method, and a program that enable improvement in security of electric field communication. Biological information about a user is detected in accordance with an action of the user, and electric field communication being performed by an electric field communication unit is controlled in accordance with the biological information. The present technology can be applied to communication devices that perform electric field communication using an electric field, such as intra-body communication using the human body as a communication medium.

Abstract: Provided is an object information acquiring apparatus, having: an ultrasound transmitting element; a plurality of transducers each detecting a first acoustic wave generated by light, which is radiated into an object, and outputting a first electric signal, and detecting a second acoustic wave generated by an ultrasound wave, which is transmitted from the ultrasound transmitting element and which is scattered inside the object, and outputting a second electric signal; a support supporting the plurality of transducers so that directivity axes of the transducers are concentrated; and a processor acquiring property information on the object based on the first electric signal and the second electric signal respectively.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of inducing vascular inflammation using modified paramagnetic nanoparticles with improved therapeutic loading efficiency and enhanced circulation properties. The method comprises loading lipophilic agent into the fatty acid coatings of a paramagnetic nanoparticle (PMNP). In certain embodiment, the lipophilic agent is lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Described herein is a method of inducing vascular leakiness. In certain embodiment, the method induces a significant enhancement of vascular leakiness in a human body. In certain embodiments, the vascular leakiness allows for enhanced local delivery of nanoparticle and non-nanoparticle based therapeutics, imaging agents and theranostics. Also described herein is a method of using the PMNP for the treatment of diseases. In certain embodiments, the method of treatment is a combination therapy. Described herein are imaging of therapeutic delivery of PMNP and diagnostic methods using the PMNP.

Abstract: A tactile sensor, computer readable medium, methods of using and manufacturing the tactile sensor, and methods and apparatuses for processing the information generated by the tactile sensor. The tactile sensor includes a planar optical waveguide comprised of a flexible and transparent layer; a light configured to direct light into the optical waveguide; a light sensor or an imager facing the optical waveguide and configured to generate signals from light scattered out of the optical waveguide; and a controller which may be configured to generate an image of the object and characteristics of the object. The waveguide may be configured so that some of the light directed into the optical waveguide is scattered out of the waveguide if the waveguide is deformed by being pressed against the object. A finite element and a neural network are used to estimate mechanical characteristics of the objects.

Abstract: Devices for localizing an intracerebral hematoma or blood mass in brain tissue. The devices include an elongate probe a color sensors and a light emitter on the distal end of the probe. The color sensors produce a signal corresponding to the color of light reflected into the color sensors. A display is provided to indicate the color detected.

Abstract: An object information acquiring apparatus comprises a receiving unit including an acoustic wave detection elements; a setting unit configured to set to the object an area of interest for forming characteristics information on the object; a position control unit configured to move the receiving unit to predetermined reception positions; a recording unit storing information on the time taken for the acoustic waves generated from the area of interest to reach the acoustic wave detection elements and information on the predetermined reception positions after associating these two pieces of information; and an acquiring unit configured to acquire the characteristics information on the object using the electrical signals corresponding to the acoustic waves propagated from the area of interest and also using the information on the time.

Abstract: A body monitor (12) for monitoring a condition of a living being (10) includes (i) a monitor housing (28) that is positioned adjacent to the living being (10); (ii) a first laser source (240) that directs a first output beam (240A) at the living being (10) to generate first photoacoustic waves; (iii) a second laser source (242) that directs a second output beam (242A) at the living being (10) to generate second photoacoustic waves; and (iv) a photoacoustic detector (16) secured to the monitor housing (28). The photoacoustic detector (16) detects the first photoacoustic waves and the second photoacoustic waves to monitor the condition of the living being (10). The output beams (240A) (240B) have a different center wavelength and can be in the mid-infrared range.

Abstract: A testing apparatus for an optoacoustic device includes a light pulse sensor operatively connected to a light output port of the optoacoustic device, the light pulse sensor being adapted to sense a pulse of light capable of generating an optoacoustic response in a subject and to distinguish between the light pulse and the at least one other light pulse on the basis of the predominant wavelength. The light pulse sensor outputs a trigger signal associated with the distinguished light pulse when such light pulse is sensed. A transducer signal simulator outputs a first plurality of electrical signals simulating those produced by a transducer array and reflective of an optoacoustic response in a subject to a light pulse at a first wavelength in response to a trigger signal from the light pulse sensor associated with a light pulse having a first wavelength.

Abstract: An optoacoustic imaging system includes a handheld probe and a computing subsystem. The probe includes an ultrasound transducer array, the array being capable of receiving an acoustic return signal. The system further includes a light source capable of generating pulses of light and delivering the pulses to the handheld probe. The computing subsystem generates images from the acoustic return signal, and the subsystem is configured to store raw data frames in a buffer. Upon actuation of a playback mode via the user input device, the computing subsystem is caused to switch from a live mode wherein images from the acoustic return signal are displayed substantially in real time to the playback mode wherein images are generated from the frames stored in the buffer.

Abstract: A method of sleep apnea diagnosis includes providing interrogatories at a user interface; receiving responses to the interrogatories at the user interface; receiving blood pressure measurement information from a blood pressure monitoring device; receiving heart rate measurement information from a heart rate monitoring device; and determining, from the responses to the interrogatories, the blood pressure measurement information and the heart rate measurement information, a classification of a subject, the classification being either having sleep apnea disorder or not having sleep apnea disorder.

Abstract: A Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) guidewire and method of use includes at least two pairs of small surface area, closely spaced electrodes spaced axially along the length of the guidewire to allow one electrode pair to be positioned on each side of a coronary stenosis. The electrodes can sense electrical signals from the myocardium immediately adjacent to the electrodes, enabling the guidewire to record and analyze an Intra-Coronary Electrogram (ICEG) and heart pacing, and, therefore, facilitate more accurately diagnosis of an individual patient's stenosis and provide a more patient specific diagnosis of clinical need.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relates to systems and methods for detecting volume status, volume overload, dehydration, hemorrhage and real time assessment of resuscitation, as well as organ failure including but not limited cardiac, renal, and hepatic dysfunction, of a living subject using non-invasive vascular analysis (NIVA). In one embodiment, a non-invasive device, which includes at least one sensor, is used to acquire vascular signals from the living subject in real time. The vascular signals are sent to a controller, which processes the vascular signals to determine at least one hemodynamic parameter, such as the volume status of the living subject. In certain embodiments, the vascular signals are processed by a spectral fast Fourier transform (FFT) analysis to obtain the peripheral vascular signal frequency spectrum, and the volume status of the living subject may be determined by comparing amplitudes of the peaks of the peripheral vascular signal frequency spectrum.

Abstract: A pulse wave measuring device checks whether amplitude of a pulse signal satisfies a gain changing condition and, when the gain changing condition is satisfied, changes a gain. The pulse wave measuring device includes an amplitude storing unit and a mode progressing unit. The amplitude storing unit stores plural gain changing conditions, to which a series of order are assigned, respectively. A mode progressing unit 15 changes the gain changing condition to the next-ordered gain changing condition upon determination that the mode progress condition is satisfied. The gain changing condition is satisfied in case that Y1 or more number of pieces of X1 amplitudes are larger than an upper limit value U1 or smaller than a lower limit value L1. X1 is increased as the order of the set gain changing condition is higher.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of operating a long-term blood pressure measurement device having a measurement sensor for detecting a pulse wave signal, having a measurement sensor for body current signals, having a pressure cuff for a non-invasive determination of the blood pressure, having a control and evaluation unit for determining blood pressure values, on the one hand from signals acquired by means of the pressure cuff (pressure cuff signals), and, on the other hand from a pulse wave transit time that is derived from body current signals and pulse wave signals, and having a memory for storing blood pressure values.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting a stroke includes a non-contact ocular pulse measurement device configured to output a first and a second ocular pulse measurement signals for each of a patient's eyes, respectively. A computing system has a processor and a memory, and the memory stores instructions that when executed cause the processor to analyze the first and second ocular pulse measurements. An index of difference between the first and second ocular pulse measurements is determined, and a user interface is generated that includes a stroke advisory to the patient based on the index of difference.

Abstract: A sensor includes a light emitting element, a photodetector element for receiving light emitted by the light emitting element, and a circuit board having the light emitting element and the photodetector element mounted thereon. A light emitting surface of the light emitting element is facing the circuit board which is provided with a light-transmitting portion for transmitting the light emitted by the light emitting element.

Abstract: A medical lead screening connector includes a housing, a plurality of electrical contacts disposed within the housing, where each lead receptor channel includes at least two lead receptor contacts, and a cover hingedly attached to the housing. The cover includes a protrusion that is arranged and configured to register with one of the lead receptor channels and contacts a lead body received in the lead receptor channel when the cover is in a closed position.

Abstract: A device to make multiple, simultaneous measurements of electrical activity on neural, muscular and other animal cells. The invention discloses multiple electrodes at fixed position on a supporting structure and multiple wires to connect the electrodes to one or more measuring devices. The electrodes are preferentially closed spaced, to allow for small spatial discrimination between measurement points. The electrodes and the wires are selected by binary addresses. The device is also capable of injecting electrical stimulation using electrodes not in use for measurements. An injected electrical stimulation at a first location may be created to measure the effect of a well-known event at another location or locations, near or far away.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter for nerve activity ablation and/or sensing includes one or more needles advanced through supported guide tubes (needle guiding elements) which expand to contact the interior surface of the wall of the renal artery or other vessel of a human body allowing the needles to be advanced though the vessel wall into the extra-luminal tissue including the media, adventitia and periadvential space. The catheter also includes structures which provide radial and lateral support to the guide tubes so that the guide tubes open uniformly and maintain their position against the interior surface of the vessel wall as the sharpened needles are advanced to penetrate into the vessel wall. Electrodes near the distal ends of the needles allow sensing of nerve activity before and after attempted renal denervation. In a combination embodiment ablative energy or fluid is delivered from the needles in or near the adventitia to ablate nerves outside of the media while sparing nerves within the media.

Abstract: The present disclosure uses physiological data, ECG signals as an example, to evaluate cardiac structure and function in mammals. Two approaches are presented, e.g., a model-based analysis and a space-time analysis. The first method uses a modified Matching Pursuit (MMP) algorithm to find a noiseless model of the ECG data that is sparse and does not assume periodicity of the signal. After the model is derived, various metrics and subspaces are extracted to image and characterize cardiovascular tissues using complex-sub-harmonic-frequencies (CSF) quasi-periodic and other mathematical methods. In the second method, space-time domain is divided into a number of regions, the density of the ECG signal is computed in each region and inputted into a learning algorithm to image and characterize the tissues.

Abstract: A flexible dry electrode comprises a multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composite. The flexible dry electrode may be utilized for monitoring electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. The dry ECG electrode may be fabricated by screenprinting silver (Ag) ink on flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate, followed by bar coating of a MWCNT/PDMS composite.

Abstract: A method and system for determining a patient's risk of ventricular tachycardia are disclosed. The method includes receiving ECG signals from a patient and filtering the collected ECG signals to generate filtered ECG signals. The method further includes identifying a heart vector from the filtered ECG signals, and measuring a velocity of the heart vector movement. A change in curvature of the identified heart vector movement is quantified and a risk of ventricular tachycardia is determined based at least on the measured velocity and the quantified change in curvature of the identified heart vector movement.

Abstract: Methods and systems provide for quick and precise analysis of ECG data, with a simple and understandable visualization and an effective way of communicating the proposed diagnosis suggestion to the medical personnel. Systems and methods detect electrical potentials from at least one lead and process at least one signal. The measurement itself may be executed on the raw signal, to compare measured parameters with a set of criterions related to various diseases, for example to sudden death syndrome.

Abstract: A system including a medical device is provided. The medical device includes at least one sensor configured to acquire first data descriptive of a patient, first memory storing a plurality of templates, and at least one processor coupled to the at least one sensor and the first memory. The at least one processor is configured to identify a first template of the plurality of templates that is similar to the first data, to determine first difference data based on the first template and the first data, and to store the first difference data in association with the first template. The system may further include the programmable device.

Abstract: A method of automatically determining which type of treatment is most appropriate for a cardiac arrest victim, the method comprising transforming one or more time domain electrocardiogram (ECG) signals into a frequency domain representation comprising a plurality of discrete frequency bands, combining the discrete frequency bands into a plurality of analysis bands, wherein there are fewer analysis bands than discrete frequency bands, determining the content of the analysis bands, and determining the type of treatment based on the content of the analysis bands.

Abstract: A method for non-invasively resolving electrophysiological activity in sub-cortical structures located deep in the brain by comparing amplitude-insensitive M/EEG field patterns arising from activity in subcortical and cortical sources under physiologically relevant sparse constraints is disclosed. The method includes a sparse inverse solution for M/EEG subcortical source modeling. Specifically, the method employs a subspace-pursuit algorithm rooted in compressive sampling theory, performs a hierarchical search for sparse subcortical and cortical sources underlying the measurement, and estimates millisecond-scale currents in these sources to explain the data. The method can be used to recover thalamic and brainstem contributions to non-invasive M/EEG data, and to enable non-invasive study of fast timescale dynamical and network phenomena involving widespread regions across the human brain.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, systems and devices for assessing brain neural activity and/or characteristics by providing at least two TMS stimulation pulses, obtaining an EEG indicative of brain activity responses associated with the at least two TMS stimulation pulses and compare the brain activity responses to evaluate neural characteristic of the brain.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for identifying non-penetrating brain injury in a subject, as well as methods for classifying a subject that received a hit to the body that transmitted an impulsive force to the brain as either having a non-penetrating brain injury or not, by analyzing one or more components of frequency-following response (FFR) following administration of an acoustic stimulus to the subject. In addition, the present disclosure provides methods for assessing a subject's recovery from a non-penetrating brain injury. Also disclosed herein are processes and systems for automatically generating acoustic stimuli and processing brain response data to identify non-penetrating brain injuries in subjects.

Abstract: A method for producing multiple temporal frames of a time-resolved contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiogram from a subject using an MR contrast agent by repeatedly applying RF pulses and sampling data in the corresponding image k-space along spiral trajectories that start at the k-space center and spiral outward toward the k-space edge.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for inducing tissue vibration for magnetic resonance elastography is described. The system includes a hydraulic drive component that is mechanically linked to a pneumatic drive component. The pneumatic drive component is pneumatically linked to a passive pneumatic actuator component that is positionable on a patient proximate to a target tissue. Alternating linear movement of an actuator piston within the passive actuator component induces vibration of the target tissue. The frequency of the alternating linear movement of the actuator piston within the passive pneumatic actuator component is controlled by adjusting how fluid is pumped in the hydraulic drive component.

Abstract: Techniques for co-imaging tissue stiffness and blood flow using a single MRI scan are disclosed. The methods use a combined gradient waveform that provides adequate sensitivity for concurrent encodings of flow and tissue stiffness. During a scan, the application of the combined gradient waveform, in the presence of an applied oscillatory motion, simultaneously encodes both flow and stiffness information into the phase of the resulting MRI image. To separate the flow information from the tissue displacement caused by the oscillatory motion, a Fourier transform applied along the direction of applied oscillatory motion. After the transformation, baseband information (flow velocity) may be separated from modulated information (tissue displacement). The separated data may be used to create a velocity map and a displacement map, which can then be converted to a stiffness map.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides, in part, methods for high spatiotemporal resolution self-sorted 4D MRI. These methods can be used to improve resolution of abdominothoracic MRI during breathing by facilitating the sorting of information corresponding to individual MRI pulse sequences according to phase within the respiratory cycle. An image of the anatomy for a particular phase within the respiratory cycle is then determined using both information corresponding to the particular phase and high-frequency MR imaging information corresponding to other respiratory phases. This method provides an increase in image resolution by sharing information at high frequencies in k-space, which may be less thoroughly sampled during any particular respiratory phase, between different respiratory phases.

Abstract: A method of optimizing scan parameters for LGE-MRI. At least one cardiac MRI TI scout scan is performed by applying an inversion pulse every predetermined heartbeat of a patient. An initial value of an inversion time TIinitial is determined by assessing a set of images generated from the scout scan. A first multiple of a duration between successive indicia of ventricular depolarization is selected, and a relaxation time T1 is determined based on the initial value Tinitial and the first multiple of duration. An optimized inversion time TIoptimal for LGE-MRI is determined based on the relaxation time T1 and a second multiple of a duration between successive indicia of ventricular depolarization. A correction factor is determined based on the optimized inversion time TIoptimal from the initial value of the inversion time TIinitial.