Patents Issued in December 21, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170360340
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device and a method for extracting physiological information indicative of at least one health symptom from remotely detected electromagnetic radiation. The device comprises an interface for receiving a data stream comprising remotely detected image data representing an observed region comprising at least one subject of interest, wherein the image data comprises wavelength-dependent image information, wherein the wavelength-dependent image information is composed of at least two color channels representative of respective wavelength portions; an image processor for detecting channel signal strength information for at least two of the at least two color channels; and a data comparison unit for comparing detected channel signal strengths with respective reference values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Gerard DE HAAN
  • Publication number: 20170360341
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for a continuous analyte sensor, such as a continuous glucose sensor. One such system utilizes first and second working electrodes to measure additional analyte or non-analyte related signal. Such measurements may provide a background and/or sensitivity measurement(s) for use in processing sensor data and may be used to trigger events such as digital filtering of data or suspending display of data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Mark C. Brister, James R. Petisce, Peter C. Simpson
  • Publication number: 20170360342
    Abstract: Embodiments of a syringe-based device for procuring bodily fluid samples can include a housing having a port that can be coupled to a lumen-defining device for receiving bodily fluids, an actuator mechanism retained at least partially within the housing, the actuator mechanism including a pre-sample reservoir, a plunger operably coupled with pre-sample reservoir, a plunger cap, a plunger tube, a valve, a plunger seal, an a selectively attachable collection vial for capturing a bodily fluid sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Michael Hopkins
  • Publication number: 20170360343
    Abstract: A method of assembling a lancet housing assembly comprising multiple lancets for use in a portable handheld medical diagnostic device for sampling bodily fluids from a skin site of a patient is disclosed. The method includes forming a plurality of lancet structures in a lancet sheet. The lancet sheet has a removable ledge for releasing the lancet structures. The removable ledge of the lancet sheet is flexed for releasing the lancet structures from the removable ledge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Max Chen, Chris Fruhauf, Steven N. Roe
  • Publication number: 20170360344
    Abstract: A sampling apparatus can have an elongate tube and a liquid partitioning unit, first port can receive an incoming flow of test liquid and a second port may be coupled to the elongate tube. The liquid partitioning unit can combine the flow of test liquid with a plurality of partitioning elements to define a plurality of discrete liquid samples for movement along and storage in the elongate tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Stafford Louis Lightman, Jack Albert Leendertz, Ragini Bhake
  • Publication number: 20170360345
    Abstract: An apparatus for performing phlebotomy through a peripheral intravenous line. The apparatus includes an introducer and a catheter configured to advance the catheter through a peripheral intravenous line. A y-adapter with a port of larger diameter is configured to receive the catheter and place in fluid communication with the peripheral intravenous line. When advanced the catheter is configured to transport a bodily fluid (i.e. blood) to a volume outside of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: VELANO VASCULAR, INC.
    Inventor: Pitamber DEVGON
  • Publication number: 20170360346
    Abstract: A method, computer program product, and computing system for administering an alertness test on a client electronic device to determine a result for a user, wherein the result is indicative of a level of alertness of the user. Biometric information concerning the user may be received from a biometric device. The result for the user may be adjusted based, at least in part, upon the biometric information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Henry M. Bowles, Marcus T. Wichmann, Darren B. Chamberlin
  • Publication number: 20170360347
    Abstract: A method, computer program product, and computing system for administering an alertness test on a client electronic device to determine a result for a user, wherein the result is indicative of a level of alertness of the user. Circadian information concerning the user is received. The result for the user is adjusted based, at least in part, upon the circadian information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Henry M. Bowles, Marcus T. Wichmann, Darren B. Chamberlin
  • Publication number: 20170360348
    Abstract: A method, computer program product, and computing system for monitoring one or more environmental variables concerning a user of a client electronic device configured to administer an alertness test to the user. A disrupter is selected for inclusion within the alertness test based, at least in part, upon the one or more environmental variables concerning the user. The alertness test is administered to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: HENRY M. BOWLES, Marcus T. Wichmann, Darren B. Chamberlin
  • Publication number: 20170360349
    Abstract: A method, computer program product, and computing system for monitoring one or more environmental variables concerning a client electronic device configured to administer an alertness test to a user. A disrupter is selected for inclusion within the alertness test based, at least in part, upon the one or more environmental variables concerning the client electronic device. The alertness test is administered to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Henry M. Bowles, Marcus T. Wichmann, Darren B. Chamberlin
  • Publication number: 20170360350
    Abstract: A method, computer program product, and computing system for administering a first alertness test to determine a first result for a user, wherein the first result is indicative of a first level of alertness of the user at the time of the first alertness test. At least a second alertness test may be administered to determine at least a second result for the user, wherein the at least a second result is indicative of at least a second level of alertness of the user at the time of the at least a second alertness test. The first result is compared to the at least a second result to identify a level of cognitive decline for the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: HENRY M. BOWLES, Marcus T. Wichmann, Darren B. Chamberlin
  • Publication number: 20170360351
    Abstract: A system and method for determining a stress level of a person is provided. The system creates a numerical solution to mathematical model of a blood pressure (BP) regulation, lumped mathematical model of a radial artery and partial differential equation (PDE) model of the radial artery. These models are then used to generate an inference engine using. The inference engine is trained using an artificial neural network technique. At the same time the PPG signal of the person is sensed and preprocessed. The preprocessed PPG signal is then given to the trained inference engine. The trained inference engine generates a stress parameter corresponding to the person based on the processed PPG signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: Tata Consultancy Services Limited
    Inventors: Midhun Parakkal Unni, Srinivasan Jayaraman, Balamuralidhar Purushothaman
  • Publication number: 20170360352
    Abstract: A timeclock control system includes a client electronic device configured to administer an alertness test to a user. A timeclock controller is coupled to and configured to be actuated by the client electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Henry M. Bowles, Marcus T. Wichmann, Darren B. Chamberlin
  • Publication number: 20170360353
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device and a method for monitoring the bladder volume of a subject. A device for monitoring the bladder volume of a subject comprises a sensor to be attached to a region on the exterior surface of the abdomen of the subject, the region corresponding to the bladder of the subject, the sensor being configured to obtain a sensor signal indicating the bladder volume of the subject; a controlling unit configured to generate a control action signal if it determines, based on the sensor signal, that the change of the bladder volume of the subject exceeds a predetermined amount; an ultrasound probe to be attached to the subject and configured to emit, in response to the control signal, an ultrasonic signal toward the bladder of the subject and receive echo signals from the bladder of the subject; a deriving unit configured to derive the bladder volume of the subject from the received echo signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: JINGPING XU
  • Publication number: 20170360354
    Abstract: Provided herein are microelectrodes and methods of localizing and targeting the same. The microelectrodes include electrochemical or biological sensors, an array of electrical contacts along a long axis of the microelectrode, or both. The methods of localizing and targeting use statistical manipulations to reduce the errors inherent in spike train analyses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Erwin Montgomery, He Huang
  • Publication number: 20170360355
    Abstract: A method and system of screening and monitoring a person for Alzheimer's disease, Mild Cognitive Impairment, and Lewy Body Dementia (Dementia) using the King-Devick Test are provided including providing a visual display and a timing device; displaying on the visual display one or more series of symbols arranged in a pattern; providing an indication to the person being screened to begin reading aloud the symbols arranged in the pattern; capturing with the timing device the completion time to read the one or more series of symbols arranged in the pattern; comparing the completion time with a baseline time to complete reading the one or more series of symbols; and determining whether the person has an “abnormal” result based on comparing the completion time with the baseline time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Steven Devick
  • Publication number: 20170360356
    Abstract: A system and method for determining the immune status or immune cycle in a subject is provided. A sampling component for obtaining physiological data from the subject is provided together with a data storage component for storing the physiological data obtained from the subject. A processing component is provided to analyse the physiological data and thereby determine the immune status or periodicity of the immune cycle and the immune cycle of the subject. An output component for outputting the immune status or periodicity of the immune cycle, and the immune cycle of the subject and/or the future status or immune cycle of the subject is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Luke Ashdown, Daniel Trenton
  • Publication number: 20170360357
    Abstract: A system for monitoring medical conditions including pressure ulcers, pressure-induced ischemia and related medical conditions comprises at least one sensor adapted to detect one or more patient characteristic including at least position, orientation, temperature, acceleration, moisture, resistance, stress, heart rate, respiration rate, and blood oxygenation, a host for processing the data received from the sensors together with historical patient data to develop an assessment of patient condition and suggested course of treatment, including either suspending or adjusting turn schedule based on various types of patient movement. Compliance with Head-of-Bed protocols can also be performed based on actual patient position instead of being inferred from bed elevation angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: Leaf Healthcare, Inc.
    Inventors: Barrett J. Larson, Mark Weckwerth, Charles Matthew Peterson Hammond, Daniel Z. Shen
  • Publication number: 20170360358
    Abstract: Example implants, systems and methods using sensors for orthopedic surgical assessment and/or planning are described herein. An example system can include a wearable sensor device for pre-operative use by a patient before an orthopedic surgery to generate pre-operative sensor data. The system can also include an implantable sensor device (e.g., a bone implant) to generate and aggregate post-operative sensor data associated with the patient after the surgery. The system can retrieve the pre-operative sensor data and the post-operative sensor data and predict, analyze or assess an outcome of the surgery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Louis-Philippe Amiot, Joseph Michael O'Reilly, Kenyon Mumford, Alfredo Castaneda, Randy Sessler, Robert M. Ronk, Marcus Bourda, Robert Sixto, Brian M. May, Stephen J. Vankoski, Orsa Britton
  • Publication number: 20170360359
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for monitoring and encouraging health and fitness. In accordance with a first aspect, an apparatus is provided that is adapted to assist in weight loss and exercise. The apparatus comprises a personal digital assistant (PDA) having computer program code adapted to assist in at least one of calorie counting, meal selection, meal suggestion, weight monitoring, weight loss or gain monitoring, fat consumption monitoring, sugar consumption monitoring and salt consumption monitoring. The PDA also includes computer program code adapted to display historical data regarding at least one of calorie counting, meal selection, meal suggestion, weight monitoring, weight loss or gain monitoring, fat consumption monitoring, sugar consumption monitoring and salt consumption monitoring. Numerous other embodiments are provided, as are methods, systems and computer program products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Brian M. Dugan
  • Publication number: 20170360360
    Abstract: A sleep-monitoring cap includes interconnected electrodes embedded within a body of the sleep-monitoring cap. The interconnected electrodes are located at positions across a central transverse region, below and along a side of each eye, and on a rear mid-region of a person's head when wearing the sleep-monitoring cap. The sleep-monitoring cap includes a vibratory device embedded within the sleep-monitoring cap, wherein the vibratory device is connected to the interconnected electrodes. The sleep-monitoring cap includes processing circuitry embedded within the sleep-monitoring cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Yousef ALQURASHI
  • Publication number: 20170360361
    Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a system (10) configured to determine spectral boundaries (216, 218) for sleep stage classification in a subject (12). The spectral boundaries may be customized and used for sleep stage classification in an individual subject. Spectral boundaries determined by the system that are customized for the subject may facilitate sleep stage classification with higher accuracy relative to classifications made based on static, fixed spectral boundaries that are not unique to the subject. In some implementations, the system comprises one or more of a sensor (16), a processor (20), electronic storage (22), a user interface (24), and/or other components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Xi LONG, Reinder HAAKMA, Pedro Miguel FERREIRA DOS SANTOS DA FONSECA, Ronaldus Maria AARTS
  • Publication number: 20170360362
    Abstract: A method for profiling sleep of an individual is provided. The method includes defining a sleep feature space for the individual, measuring a brain wave for the individual during the individual's sleep, and mapping the sleep feature space in response to a comparison of the brain wave and a previous brain wave measurement used to define the sleep feature space. The brain wave may comprise a brain wave spectrum. The sleep feature space may comprise, or be composed of, spectral power and envelope measures. The method also includes modelling the mapped sleep feature space in response to recognized neural network patterns corresponding to each of a plurality of sleep stages derived from recognizing the neural network patterns from the sleep feature space and deriving a sleep profile for the individual from sleep stages determined in response to the modelled mapped sleep feature space and the brain wave of the individual.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Zhuo ZHANG, Cuntai GUAN, Hai Hong ZHANG, Huijuan YANG
  • Publication number: 20170360363
    Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a system configured to detect slow wave sleep and/or non-slow wave sleep in a subject during a sleep session based on a predicted onset time of slow wave sleep and/or a predicted end time of slow wave sleep that is determined based on changes in cardiorespiratory parameters of the subject. Cardiorespiratory parameters in a subject typically begin to change before transitions between non-slow wave sleep and slow wave sleep. Predicting this time delay between the changes in the cardiorespiratory parameters and the onset and/or end of slow wave sleep facilitates better (e.g., more sensitive and/or more accurate) determination of slow wave sleep and/or non-slow wave sleep.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Pedro Miguel FONSECA, Xi LONG, Nicolaas Gregorius Petrus DEN TEULING, Reinder HAAKMA, Ronaldus Maria AARTS
  • Publication number: 20170360364
    Abstract: Presented herein are in-situ techniques for monitoring a recipient's cochlea health to proactively identify (i.e., predict) changes to the recipient's cochlea health outside of a clinical setting. The cochlea health monitoring techniques presented herein obtain one or more cochlea health biomarkers associated with a recipient's cochlea health, such the recipient's residual hearing, and analyze these biomarkers to predict that a cochlea health change is likely to occur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: John Michael Heasman, Luke Campbell, Stephen O'Leary, Kerrie Plant, Kristien Johanna Maria Verhoeven
  • Publication number: 20170360365
    Abstract: An expert diagnosis system integrated in a hearing prosthesis system is configured to diagnosis, grade, and remediate inner ear crises. In particular, the expert diagnosis system analyzes combinations of in-situ measured inner ear potentials, obtained in response to electrical and/or acoustic stimulation, in order to identify crisis signatures and to correlate those crisis signatures to clinical symptoms of a specific type and cause of an inner ear crises (i.e., automatically diagnosis the inner ear crisis). The expert system is further configured to grade the severity of the identified clinical symptoms and initiate some form of remedial action to address the identified inner ear crisis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: John Michael Heasman, Peter Gibson, Luke Campbell, Stephen O'Leary
  • Publication number: 20170360366
    Abstract: A system (100) for assessing fluid responsiveness includes an infusion pump (24) in communication with at least one processor (32), and a plurality of physiological monitors (40,42,44,46) operable to receive physiological signals from an associated patient. Physiological signals (48,50) acquired from the associated patient (10) during a fluid challenge are synchronized with a timing signal (54) of the infusion pump (24) administering the fluid challenge. One or more dynamic indices and/or features (58) is calculated from the synchronized physiological signals (50), and one or more dynamic indices and/or features (50) is calculated from baseline physiological signals (48) acquired from the associated patient (10) prior to the fluid challenge. A fluid responsiveness probability value (64) of the patient (10) is determined based on dynamic indices and/or features (58) from the synchronized physiological signals (50) and dynamic indices and/or features (50) from the baseline physiological signals (48).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Cristhian Potes, Bryan Conroy, Adam Jacob Seiver, Minnan Xu, Larry James Eshelman
  • Publication number: 20170360367
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring the evolution of an indicator used to indicate physical state comprising the body fat of a subject and/or the muscular mass of a subject, comprising periodical steps of analysis of a biological fluid for the quantification of a biomarker representative of a metabolic activity comprising lipolysis, myolysis, lipogenesis or myogenesis, and of transmission of the result of said analysis to a remote connected apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Cyril TORRE, Matthieu SERGENT
  • Publication number: 20170360368
    Abstract: A biological information processing device includes: a pulse wave sensor which measures a pulse wave of a user; a body motion sensor which detects a body motion of the user; and a processing unit which performs estimation processing for pulse wave information of the user. The processing unit performs the estimation processing based on body motion information acquired using a signal from the body motion sensor, even if the pulse wave sensor is off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ichiro AOSHIMA, Fumio KOYAMA
  • Publication number: 20170360369
    Abstract: An esophageal monitoring device includes a camera and, optionally, one or more lights to enable visualization of an interior of a subject's esophagus. Visualization of the interior of the subject's esophagus before and after a left atrial ablation procedure may enable a healthcare provider to determine whether or not the left atrial ablation procedure has damaged the subject's esophagus before the subject experiences any symptoms of such damage. An esophageal monitoring device may also include sensors and/or markers that enable a determination of its location within a subject's esophagus. Such an esophageal monitoring device may be configured for three-dimensional mapping, and enable the generation of an accurate three-dimensional map of the physical relationship between a subject's esophagus and the left atrium of his or her heart. Methods of monitoring a subject's esophagus while a left atrial ablation procedure is being conducted on the subject's hear are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Leroy D. Geist, LeRoy D. Jutte
  • Publication number: 20170360370
    Abstract: Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the intravascular devices include at least one electronic, optical, or electro-optical component positioned within a distal portion of the device and one or more connectors positioned at a distal portion of the device. In some instances, the connectors are flexible coils, such as a ribbon coil, formed of a conductive material. In some particular instances, the conductive coil is embedded within a polymer tubing. Further, in some embodiments the electronic, optical, or electro-optical component is positioned within a flexible element at the distal portion of the device. In some instances the flexible element is a coil. Methods of making and/or assembling such intravascular devices/systems are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: DAVID H. BURKETT
  • Publication number: 20170360371
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring EMG signals of a patient's laryngeal muscles includes an endotracheal tube having an exterior surface. Conductive electrodes are formed on the endotracheal tube. The conductive electrodes are configured to receive the EMG signals from the laryngeal muscles when the endotracheal tube is placed in a trachea of the patient. At least wireless sensor is formed on the endotracheal tube, and is configured to wirelessly transmit information to a processing apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC XOMED, INC.
    Inventors: David C. Hacker, Maria Charles Vijay Stanislaus, Wenjeng Li, Dwayne S. Yamasaki, William C. Brunnett, Kevin L. McFarlin, James Britton Hissong, Robert K. Vaccaro, John M. Murphy, Carla A. Pagotto, Tino Schuler
  • Publication number: 20170360372
    Abstract: A robotic surgical system includes a track, a catheter holding device including a catheter receiving portion translatably associated with the track, a translation servo mechanism to control translation of the catheter holding device relative to the track, a catheter deflection control mechanism, a deflection servo mechanism to control the catheter deflection control mechanism, and a controller to control at least one of the servo mechanisms. The catheter receiving portion is adapted for quick installation and removal of a catheter. The catheter receiving portion may be rotatable, with a rotation servo mechanism to control the rotatable catheter receiving portion. The controller controls at least one of the deflection and rotation servo mechanisms to maintain a substantially constant catheter deflection as the catheter rotates. An introducer, which may be steerable, and an expandable, collapsible sterile tube may also be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: John A. Hauck, Jeffrey A. Schweitzer, Troy Terrance Tegg, Jim D. Essington, Mark Johnson, Kedar Ravindra Belhe
  • Publication number: 20170360373
    Abstract: A system includes a controller coupled to one or more sensors. The controller receives sensor data indicative of biometric data an occupant of a vehicle seat from the sensors. The controller receives the sensor data and analyzes the data to provide biometric data associated with the occupant of the vehicle seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Sean M. MONTGOMERY, Pioter DRUBETSKOY
  • Publication number: 20170360374
    Abstract: The present application provides a personal hand-held monitor for the measurement of a subject's blood pressure and, optionally, one or more other vital signs, comprising a housing located on a personal hand-held computing device or a hand-held component of a computing system; a blood flow occlusion means located in the housing; a pressure sensor adapted to provide an electrical signal indicative of the pressure applied; a means for detecting the flow of blood in the body part of the subject when pressure is applied; and means for receiving electrical signals from the pressure sensor and the blood flow detecting means and for transmitting electrical signals indicative of the pressure and blood flow to the processor of the personal hand-held computing device or the computing system, wherein the processor of the personal hand-held computing device or computing system provide at least a measurement of the blood pressure of a subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: LEMAN MICRO DEVICES SA
    Inventors: Christopher Elliott, Marc-Eric JONES, Mikhail NAGOGA, Shady GAWAD, Mark BENNETT
  • Publication number: 20170360375
    Abstract: In embodiments, an external medical device is intended to care for a patient. If it receives an input that signifies that ventilation artifact is present in a signal of the patient, it transmits a corrective signal responsive to the received input. In further embodiments, a patient signal is received, which is generated from a patient while the patient is or was receiving chest compressions at a frequency Fc, and also receiving ventilations at frequency Fv. At least one filter mechanism may be applied to the patient signal to substantially remove artifacts at a) frequency Fc, b) a higher harmonic of frequency Fc, and c) a third frequency substantially equaling frequency Fc plus or minus frequency Fv, while substantially passing other frequencies between them. As a result, the patient signal can be cleaner, for diagnosing the patient's state more accurately.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Joseph L. Sullivan, Robert G. Walker
  • Publication number: 20170360376
    Abstract: Methods and systems for calculating a corrected Fractional Flow Reserve. Methods include delivering a pressure sensing device including a pressure sensor to a location in an artery having a stenosis, positioning the pressure sensor distal to the stenosis, measuring the distal pressure, measuring the proximal pressure, and calculating a corrected Fractional Flow Reserve using the measured proximal and distal pressures and applying a correction factor or correction equation. The correction factor or correction equation corrects for changes in the measured distal pressure caused by a presence of the pressure sensing device. A data set of correction factors or correction equations may be stored in a memory component of the system. The corrected Fractional Flow reserve may approximate the Fractional Flow Reserve that would be obtained if a different sized device was used to measure the distal pressure, such as a pressure sensing guidewire having a 0.014 inch outer diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Todd M. Suchecki, Alan K. Evans
  • Publication number: 20170360377
    Abstract: A heart-rate associated with a heartbeat signal is determined. A transform is selected based on the determined heart-rate associated with the heartbeat signal and a reference heart-rate associated with a dictionary of a sparse approximation model. The transform is selected independent of other factors associated with generation of the heartbeat signal. The selected transform is applied to the dictionary of the sparse approximation model, generating an adjusted dictionary of the sparse approximation model. Anomalous heartbeats in the heartbeat signal are detected using the adjusted dictionary of the sparse approximation model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Beatrice ROSSI, Pasqualina FRAGNETO, Diego CARRERA, Giacomo BORACCHI, Daniele ZAMBON
  • Publication number: 20170360378
    Abstract: There is provided a system and methods for quantitatively assessing fetal well-being based on observing fetal movement activity in an audio/visual data feed. The system includes a method that detects and quantifies fetal movements in an audio/visual data feed by audio/visual-processing motion estimation techniques. The system also includes a method that captures metrics relating to fetal movements sensed by the mother or other independent party, whereby termed “maternal perception”. The system further includes a method that cross validates the fetal movement detected by the system with fetal movement sensed by “maternal perception”. The system further includes a method that generates output to summarize fetal movement activity over a recorded time period. This output may be reviewed by a third party to assist in determining if further intervention is needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Ghassan S. Kassab, Sonky Ung
  • Publication number: 20170360379
    Abstract: The following relates generally to the medical monitoring arts, medical warning systems concerning a monitored patient, and so forth. In clinical settings, alarms are usually triggered when a single-parameter or a multi-parameter score exceeds certain thresholds. When a score needs to be determined, if certain parameters are not available, the common practice is to use the most recent measurements of the parameters for the score calculation. However, a patient's status may change from moment to moment. The parameters measured hours ago may not be a good indicator of the patient's current status. This uncertainty can put deteriorating patients at great risk. An embodiment uses statistical methods to estimate a range of scores and the probability of these scores if old measurements have to be used for score determination. Instead of giving a single number at a time, a confidence interval may be displayed to emphasize the fact that the score is determined partially based on old measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Lin Yang, Eric Thomas Carlson, Larry James Eshelman
  • Publication number: 20170360380
    Abstract: A meal time estimation method includes: acquiring time series data of heart rate, by a processor; calculating a feature amount obtained by indexing a degree of similarity with a feature of heart rate change that appears at end of a meal from the time series data of the heart rate, by the processor; and estimating a meal time from the feature amount, by the processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Tatsuya Mori, Akihiro lnomata
  • Publication number: 20170360381
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus including determining a rate of occurrence of a glycemic excursion event, determining a frequency of an alarm activation associated with the glycemic excursion event, determining an analyte level associated with the alarm activation, and setting an alarm parameter based on one or more of the determined rate of occurrence of the glycemic excursion event, the frequency of the alarm activation associated with the glycemic excursion event or the determined analyte level are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventor: Geoffrey V. McGarraugh
  • Publication number: 20170360382
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for obtaining useful data about the angiogenesis in a patient's lower limbs, and particularly in the lower limbs of patients with diabetes subjected to treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: José García-Revillo García, Miguel Canis López, Noelia Romero Mata
  • Publication number: 20170360383
    Abstract: Method for positioning an artificial heart valve at the anatomic position of a malfunctioning heart valve of a heart of a patient, by employing a catheter bearing the artificial heart valve and a valve fixation device, at the tip of the catheter, the method including the procedures of receiving a marking input associated with an image of the heart, and respective of the anatomic position, in a medical positioning system (MPS) coordinate system, moving the tip toward the anatomic position, constantly detecting the current position of the artificial heart valve, and producing an indication when the current position substantially matches the anatomic position, thereby enabling the catheter to fix the malfunctioning heart valve in place, by the valve fixation device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Gera Strommer, Uzi Eichler, Liat Schwartz, Itzhak Shmarak
  • Publication number: 20170360384
    Abstract: An extra-oral dental imaging apparatus can obtain a radiographic image of a portion of a head of a patient. Exemplary dental apparatus and/or method embodiments can position a subject for dental radiographic imaging by providing a bitable dental arch mounting apparatus to offset the antero-posterior plane of the dental imaging apparatus and the plane of symmetry of the dental arch mounting apparatus. In one embodiment, the offset can be provided by a tilted dental arch mounting apparatus (e.g., relative to the horizontal).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: TROPHY
    Inventors: Philippe Congy, Emilie Comte
  • Publication number: 20170360385
    Abstract: Novel and advantageous methods and systems for performing spectral computed tomography are provided. An edge-on detector, such as a silicon strip detector, can be used to receive X-rays after passing through a sample to be imaged. An energy resolving process can be performed on the collected X-ray radiation. The CT scanner can have third-generation or fourth-generation geometry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Ge Wang, Yan Xi, Wenxiang Cong, Zaifeng Shi
  • Publication number: 20170360386
    Abstract: Provided is a mobile X-ray imaging device having a foldable arm unit equipped with an X-ray tube unit, and a storage concave for storing the folded arm unit on the front side of a main body. An end of the arm unit fixed to the main body side is made slidable with respect to the main body. With this configuration, it is possible to provide the mobile X-ray imaging device having a high degree of flexibility in arranging the X-ray tube when imaging is performed, and also the forward view is never be obstructed by the device in transit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Atsushi NINOMIYA, Katsumi USAMI, Masaru YOKOYAMA, Kazuyuki YANASE, Kaoru YAMAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20170360387
    Abstract: A mobile diagnostic imaging system includes a battery system and charging system. The battery system is located in the rotating portion of the imaging system, and includes one or more battery packs comprising electrochemical cells. Each battery pack includes a control circuit that controls the state of charge of each electrochemical cell, and implements a control scheme that causes the electrochemical cells to have a similar charge state. The battery system communicates with a charging system on the non-rotating portion to terminate charge when one or more of the electrochemical cells reach a full state of charge. The imaging system also includes a docking system that electrically connects the charging system to the battery system during charging and temporarily electrically disconnects the rotating and non-rotating portions during imaging, and a drive mechanism for rotating the rotating portion relative to the non-rotating portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Eugene A. GREGERSON, Michael CONNOR, Michael ALLEN, Paul SEBRING, Robert POWELL, Russell STANTON, Scott COPPEN
  • Publication number: 20170360388
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for molecular breast imaging. In one embodiment, a method for nuclear medicine imaging comprises: during an acquisition of emission data from an anatomy of interest, calculating an average counts per pixel in non-target tissue; and responsive to the average counts per pixel reaching a threshold, automatically stopping the acquisition. In this way, an amount of time spent by a patient undergoing an MBI procedure is optimized for the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Yaron Hefetz, Nurit Rivka Wartski, Pavel Livshits, Jonathan Sachs
  • Publication number: 20170360389
    Abstract: A medical image diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes a compression plate, an X-ray tube, an arm, an X-ray detector, and an ultrasound probe. The compression plate compresses a breast of a subject. The X-ray tube radiates X-rays. The arm holds the X-ray tube and moves, while the X-ray tube radiating the X-rays, an irradiation region of the X-rays in a direction perpendicular to a front-rear direction of the compression plate. The X-ray detector detects the X-rays having passed through the breast of the subject. The ultrasound probe transmits and receives an ultrasound wave, the ultrasound probe being movable in the direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the compression plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Rie OCHIAI, Yoshimasa KOBAYASHI, Naoko KURATOMI