Abstract: A device for measuring a body temperature includes an earbud configured for insertion into at least a portion of an ear canal of a user to thereby create a substantially sealed ear canal. A temperature sensing element is fixed to the earbud at a location in which the temperature sensing element is thermally coupled to air in the sealed ear canal when the earbud is at least partially inserted into the ear canal. The temperature sensing element has a temperature-dependent electrical characteristic. The temperature sensing element is in electrical communication with a circuit that is configured to determine a temperature of the air in the sealed ear canal of the user in response to the temperature-dependent electrical characteristic.

Abstract: A physiological signal detection clamp for being detachably disposed on a fabric worn by a living body, the physiological signal detection clamp includes: a body, two electrode units, a processing unit and a wireless transmission unit. Each of the two opposite side surfaces of the body has a fixing unit. The body is configured to clamp on the fabric by the two fixing unit. When the body is clamped on the fabric, the sensing surfaces of the two electrode units are correspondingly exposed on the outer side surface of the body and attach to the body surface of the living body for detecting the micro electric signal on the body surface of the living body. The processing unit transfers the micro electric signal detected by the electrode unit into a wireless transmission signal, and the wireless transmission unit outputs the wireless transmission signal.

Abstract: A method for determining blood pressure is disclosed. The method comprises determining a plurality of heart sounds using a microphone of a handheld device and determining a pulse wave using a camera of the handheld device. The method includes determining an ejection time (ET), a vascular transit time (VTT), and a heart rate from any of the plurality of heart sounds and the pulse wave. The method includes performing regression analysis on received user-specific data, the ET, the VTT, and the heart rate to determine the blood pressure.

Abstract: According to one configuration, a system includes sensor hardware and signal processor resource to monitor and analyze bio-media (such as blood and/or other matter) of a person under test. During operation, the sensor hardware monitors the bio-media of the person under test and produces an output. The monitored output (such as one or more signals) varies in magnitude based at least in part on person-induced movement. The signal processor resource analyzes the output produced by the sensor hardware. Based on the analysis, and detected variation in the output of the sensor hardware as caused by the person's movement, the signal processor resource produces a setting for a biometric parameter of interest associated with monitoring the bio-media. Note that the system as described herein can be used to measure different biometric parameters of interest such as venous blood oxygen content, vein stiffness, etc.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a system and method for adaptively detecting a desired signal S(n) in a noisy environment. A main signal is obtained that the desired signal and at least one of noise and interference from a collective noise source, an auxiliary signal is obtained comprising a version of the noise and/or a version of the interference from the collective N noise source; and at a processing unit at least one signal feature is defined, noise and interference components corresponding to the noise and/or interference and the version of the noise and/or version of the interference are defined, and strengths thereof are estimated. The desired signal is estimated using the at least one signal feature and corresponding strengths, and the noise and/or interference components are estimated using the components and corresponding strengths.

Abstract: A mouthguard capable of sensing high concussive risk collisions via the utilization of linear and rotational acceleration calculations. With pre-programmed biometric data of the user, the mouthguard will assess individual impacts sustained by the subject in accordance to a determined concussion threshold. Intended to sense possible neurological injuries, the mouthguard enables wounded users to receive needed protocol and treatment before further damage is sustained. The mouthguard will be capable of calculating, logging, and distributing impact force data to onlooking third parties, like coaches, parents, and medical personnel.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system for receiving sensor data associated with a monitored individual, generating from the sensor data an activity profile of the monitored individual, generating comparison data by comparing the activity profile of the monitored individual to a target activity profile, detecting from the comparison data, an activity of the one or more of activities performed by the monitored individual that can adversely affect a biological condition of the monitored individual, and submitting a notification to equipment utilized by an advisor of the monitored individual. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An information processing device determines a short term length and a long term length so that a timing(s) at which a short-term moving average of a plurality of days of body temperatures measured during past menstrual cycles falls below a long-term moving average of the body temperatures coincides with a menstrual date. The information processing device identifies the timing at which a short-term moving average calculated with the determined short term length exceeds a long-term moving average calculated with the determined long term length, of body temperatures measured during a target menstrual cycle. Based on the identified timing, the information processing device predicts the next menstrual date or estimates the arrival of an ovulation date.

Abstract: The present invention includes a healthcare system for capturing and maintaining patient healthcare records and employing information in the records to proactively alert hospital workers to a condition that places patient health at risk.

Abstract: A user equipment that includes a touchscreen, and at least one processor configured to generate first timestamp data based upon detection of a first touch event on the touchscreen, and second timestamp data based upon detection of a second touch event on the touchscreen, for calculation by a medical device system of a patient-specific functional status parameter associated with a Sit-To-Stand performance test over a time segment inclusively bounded by a first time defined by the first timestamp data and a second time defined by the second timestamp data.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a PET detector module suitable for using in a PET/MR hybrid system. The PET detector module comprises a scintillator, a set of frontend electronics and a positioning means configured to securing relative position between the scintillator and the frontend electronics. The PET detector module may further comprise a temperature control system, such as an air-cooling system or a heat exchange plate. The present disclosure also relates to a heat exchange plate, which comprises a fluidic passage for containing a flow of a heat exchange media. The heat exchange plate is suitable for use in the magnetic field environment of a MRI system.

Abstract: A tomographic imaging system includes a source configured to irradiate an object; a first image sensor including a first semiconductor substrate having a first face upon which a monolithic first pixel array is located; and a gantry configured to hold the first image sensor and rotate the image sensor around the object about a first rotation axis, the first pixel array including a first plurality of pixels configured to receive light that travels through or from the object based on the irradiation, the first plurality of pixels of the first pixel array being arranged in one or more rows and a plurality of columns such that, a total number of the one or more rows is less than a total number of the plurality of columns, and the one or more rows extend in a first direction, the first image sensor being arranged such that an angle between the first direction and a second direction is greater than 45 degrees and equal to or less than 90 degrees, the second direction being a direction parallel to the rotation axis o

Abstract: A medical imaging apparatus is provided. The medical image apparatus includes an output unit; and a controller configured to control the output unit to display an image obtained by photographing an object and to display, over the image, a top indicator for setting a top limit for an area to be X-rayed and at least one guideline indicating a bottom limit for the area to be X-rayed according to the top indicator and the number of partial photographing operations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a system and method for transarterial chemoembolization using differently sized drug-eluting microsphere beads filled with drugs and determining a delivered drug concentration using an imaging system.

Abstract: A mobile grating-detector arrangement has an X-ray detector and at least one grating. The grating-detector arrangement is configured to record an interferometric X-ray image of at least one body part of a patient in a patient bed in operation. In addition, an X-ray system with such a grating-detector arrangement and its use for X-ray interferometric imaging is described.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a phantom including a confined fluidic path defining a plurality of regions of monotonically decreasing, discrete cross-sectional dimensions with respect to an imaging plane. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of assessing imaging. The method includes: placing a phantom as described herein within an imaging system; flowing one or more fluids through the phantom; and capturing one or more images of the phantom. Another aspect of the invention provides a kit for assessing imaging. The kit includes a phantom as described herein and instructions for use.

Abstract: A multi-mode system and method for imaging a patient's breast with x-rays in one or more of a CT mode, a narrow-angle tomosynthesis mode, a wide angle tomosynthesis mode, and a mammography mode, using essentially the same equipment, on one or more compressions or immobilizations of the breast.

Abstract: A medical image processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry detects three or more bones and a joint space region from three-dimensional medical image data captured for images of a joint formed between the three or more bones, the joint space region corresponding to a joint space of the joint. The processing circuitry divides the joint space region into a plurality of small regions corresponding to different pairs of opposed bones of the three or more bones. The processing circuitry obtains information on each of the small regions based on the small regions into which the joint space region has been divided that correspond to the different pairs of bones. The processing circuitry outputs the obtained information.

Abstract: A method of processing x-ray images comprises training an artificial neural network to process multi-spectral x-ray projections to determine composition information about an object in terms of equivalent thickness of at least one basis material.

Abstract: A method of updating a model of a luminal network. The method includes performing first imaging of a target, generating 3D image data including locations of fiducial markers using images captured in the first imaging, performing second imaging of the target from a first viewpoint and a second viewpoint, generating 2D image data including locations of the fiducial markers from the first viewpoint and the second viewpoint using images captured in the second imaging, determining locations of the fiducial markers in 3D space according to locations of the fiducial markers within the 2D image data of the first viewpoint, locations of the fiducial markers within the 2D image data of the second viewpoint, and the known angle, and registering the 3D image data generated using images captured in the first imaging with the determined locations of the fiducial markers in 3D space. The first viewpoint and the second viewpoint are oriented at a known angle relative to each other.

Abstract: Anatomic range planning is provided in positron emission tomography (PET). The user indicates one or more ranges on an image of a patient based on anatomy. Rather than planning by bed position, the planning is based on the anatomy of the patient without reference to the length of the PET detector. The user interface for PET examination avoids overlapping boxes and other confusion based on bed position. Different anatomical ranges may be assigned different PET parameters, such as reconstruction parameters. A processor may automatically alter the examination (e.g., by extending the detection range beyond the region of interest or by increasing duration at an end position) to account for the sensitivity profile since the anatomical region of interest is known. Anatomical region specific directions may be included as part of planning, aiding in performing different protocols for different anatomical ranges.

Abstract: In one embodiment, A medical diagnostic imaging apparatus includes: a scanner that images a first site of an object and generates medical image data, wherein the scanner acquires biological information from a sensor that detects the biological information at a second site of the object that is different to the first site, and images the first site based on the biological information that changes according to a movement at the second site of the object.

Abstract: Methods and devices for controlling a motion position of a multi-leaf collimator are provided. An example device includes a control system and two trolleys connected with the control system. The multi-leaf collimator includes two rows of leaves arranged in opposite sides, and each of the trolleys carries one row of the leaves. Each trolley is movably connected with a first screw rod and driven by a first motor connected with the first screw rod. A first encoder is arranged on the first motor and operable to feed back first position information of the trolley to the control system. A displacement sensor is arranged on the first screw rod and operable to feed back second position information of the trolley to the control system. The control system is operable to control the motion position of the trolley based on the first position information and the second position information.

Abstract: A device for measuring image quality properties of an image acquisition device while the subject or object is being scanned contains an embedded grid pattern to measure spatial distortion along the length of the image acquisition table. The device also contains reference materials, which may run along the length of the device, for measuring fundamental imaging properties such as signal strength, noise, and resolution. Automated software can detect the device within an acquisition, measure its properties, and provide data and reports on the quality of the image acquisition.

Abstract: A device system and method for the non-invasive ultrasound measurement of the intravascular blood pressure is presented, wherein the blood pressure measurements are performed by means of the registration of the distances changes between the surface of the active piezoelectric transducer radiating an ultrasound beam into the localization area of the blood vessel or the heart chamber and the surface elements of the passive ultrasound beam reflector implanted into the blood vessel or the heart chamber. The invention is applicable to any medium transparent for ultrasound waves with the need to measure pressure changes of the liquid.

Abstract: A method for determining pressure gradients with ultrasound data includes acquiring ultrasound data of a vessel and generating a velocity vector profile for flow in the vessel with the ultrasound data. The method further includes computing an acceleration with the velocity vector profile. The acceleration includes at least a temporal acceleration, and computing the temporal acceleration includes reducing noise from the velocity vector profile and determining the temporal acceleration from the noise-reduced velocity data. The method further includes determining the pressure gradients with the computed acceleration. The method further includes displaying an ultrasound image of the vessel with indicia indicative of the pressure gradients superimposed thereover.

Abstract: Method and system for evaluating arterial pressure waves, vascular properties, as well as for diagnostic, physiological and pharmacological testing using various combinations of the following data acquisition and processing steps (some of the steps are optional): 1. Perturbing arterial pressure from its steady state. 2. Measuring the dynamics of at least one parameter related to the passage of arterial pressure waves along blood vessels. 3. Characterizing the magnitude and functional relation of changes in parameters described above in relation to changes in blood pressure during its displacement from and/or return to the steady state. 4. Classifying (comparing) the individual functional relation described above with a databank of parameters/functional relations for different states of vasomotor activity.

Abstract: A test for screening defects of a transmission/reception circuit in an IC is enabled at low cost, without withstand voltage violation, and without carrying out electrical contacts with many terminals connected to oscillators. In a transmission/reception separation switch circuit using transistors as switch elements, a potential of a gate is lowered in a test more than the potential in a case of reception to avoid gate-source withstand-voltage violation when a large-amplitude signal is input, and an internal-signal loopback test is carried out without destroying a reception circuit.

Abstract: An optical fiber guides light output from a light source to an ultrasound probe. The ultrasound probe includes a light guiding section that guides the light from a light input end, which is optically coupled with the optical fiber to a light output end provided in the vicinity of ultrasonic transducers. The light guiding section has a first light guiding portion that includes the light input end, and a second light guiding portion that includes the light output end. The first light guiding portion is formed by glass, and magnifies input light. The second light guiding portion is formed by resin, and emits the light toward a subject from the light output end.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes a plurality of transducers aligned in a line, a select circuit configured to cause transducers selected from the plurality of transducers to transmit an ultrasonic pulse and receive a plurality of received signals, respectively, and a digital signal processing circuit configured to align in time and add up the plurality of received signals weighted by a plurality of respective weighting factors, wherein the digital signal processing circuit changes the plurality of weighting factors according to a time position on the plurality of received signals such that ratios between the plurality of weighting factors change.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer includes: piezoelectric elements; a substrate configured to perform input and output of an electric signal with respect to each of the piezoelectric elements; signal input and output electrodes where each signal input and output electrode is provided between each piezoelectric element and the substrate; first backing materials where each first backing material is provided at each of the piezoelectric elements on a side where the signal input and output electrode is arranged; sealing portions where each sealing portion is configured to seal an outer surface of at least a portion of an electrical path connecting the substrate with the signal input and output electrode; a wall configured to surround oscillating portions including the piezoelectric element, the first backing material, the signal input and output electrode, and the sealing portion; and a second backing material provided in a hollow space formed by the wall and the oscillating portions.

Abstract: An ultrasound observation apparatus includes: a feature calculation unit configured to calculate a plurality of features based on the ultrasound signal; a feature image data generation unit configured to generate feature image data in which a feature of a display target to be displayed together with the ultrasound image, among the plurality of features calculated by the feature calculation unit, are colorized with a predetermined display specification; and a display specification setting unit configured to set at least one of a colorization range of the feature of the display target and a change rate of hue of the feature of the display target, which are display specifications of the feature of the display target, by comparing a representative value of other feature other than the feature of the display target with a threshold value.

Abstract: An apparatus can be used to generate acoustic imaging pulse sequences and receive corresponding echoes elicited by the acoustic imaging pulse sequences. An acoustic radiation force (ARF) pulse sequence can be generated to agitate a contrast medium in a tissue region between the acoustic imaging pulse sequences. A decorrelation between images corresponding to the received echoes can be determined. A weighting map can be applied to an image to weight a region of the image corresponding to a spatial location of the contrast medium using the determined decorrelation. In an example, the receiving of corresponding echoes elicited by the acoustic imaging pulse sequences can include receiving acoustic energy having a range of frequencies offset from a fundamental frequency associated with the acoustic imaging pulse sequences. An acoustic imaging pulse sequence can include a pulse having an inverted amplitude envelope with respect to another pulse included in the sequence.

Abstract: A speed evaluation unit in the present invention specifies measurement values that satisfy rejection conditions from among a plurality of measurement values. A propagation velocity Vs for which the sign is minus (reverse direction) is set as a subject to be rejected under condition 1. The propagation velocity Vs which is outside a threshold value range is set as a subject to be rejected under condition 2. The propagation velocity Vs at each depth in which fluctuation was detected is set as a subject to be rejected under condition 3. Specifying the changes in phase shift that accompany the passage of shear waves in regions (depths) at which fluctuations occur is difficult, so measuring the propagation velocity Vs of shear waves is difficult. Supposing that the propagation velocity Vs of shear waves in the regions (depths) at which fluctuations occur could be measured, the reliability of the measurements would be a concern.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filter assembly for a medical image signal and a dynamic decimation method using the same. The filter assembly includes a decimation filter that includes an integer number of multiplier accumulators (MACs), changes a cut-off frequency depending on a bandwidth of the medical image signal received through a dynamic impulse response update, and performs a decimation with respect to the received signal according to a decimation ratio, wherein the decimation filter determines a filter coefficient corresponding to an integer interval so as to up-sample the received medical image signal and supplies the filter coefficient to the MACs.

Abstract: An electronic system for determining a fertility phase of a female human comprises a wearable device (1) that includes a first sensor system (101), configured to determine heart rate and heart rate variability of the female human, and a second sensor system (102), configured to determine acceleration of the female human. The electronic system further comprises a processor (13, 30), configured to detect during menstrual cycles sleep phases with resting pulse, using the heart rate variability and the acceleration, to determine a change in the resting pulse during a menstrual cycle using the heart rate, and to determine the fertility phase using a time of the change in the resting pulse. The processor for determining the fertility phase is implemented in the wearable device (1), in a mobile communication device (4), and/or in a cloud-based computer system (3).

Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention, a frictional tissue sampling device with an expandable balloon and associated abrasive material can be used to obtain tissue biopsy samples. A frictional tissue sampling device with expandable abrasive material can be used to obtain an epithelial tissue biopsy sample from lesions. The device can be otherwise used to sample specific locations. In various embodiments, the head of the device can be passes through a catheter into a body canal to sample epithelial tissue.

Abstract: A biopsy unit is configured with a marker unit having at least one marker such that a treatment point can be displayed in accordance with the guidance of a biopsy needle on the surface of an object to be examined. The coordinates of a determined tissue alteration within an object to be examined are used in order to align the marker unit.

Abstract: A biopsy device comprises a needle, a body portion, and a needle firing assembly. The needle firing assembly is operable to fire the needle distally relative to the body portion. The needle firing assembly includes two translating members, a resilient member, and a motor. The motor is operable to selectively move the first translating member distally and proximally. The second translating member is secured relative to the needle such that the needle and the second translating member translate unitarily. The resilient member compresses as the first translating member is moved distally toward the second translating member. The first translating member is then secured to the second translating and the translating members are moved proximally while holding the resilient member in the compressed state. The second translating member is released from the first translating member when they reach a proximal position, which allows the resilient member to fire the needle distally.

Abstract: Aspects of positioning devices, methods, and systems are disclosed. An exemplary method comprises: moving a distal end of a tube into a body, the tube including a lumen and a shaft in the lumen, the shaft having a transducer; sending a first signal to the transducer; passing, with the transducer, in response to the first signal, a wave energy into the body; receiving, with the transducer, a reflected portion of the wave energy; generating, with the transducer, a second signal in response to the reflected portion of the wave energy; determining, with a processor, an indicia of the body in response to the second signal; and identifying, with the indicia, a targeted issue in the body; positioning the distal end of the tube at the targeted tissue in response to the indicia; and removing a portion of the targeted tissue with the distal end of the tube.

Abstract: An adapter assembly includes a base member, a housing, and a locking mechanism. The base member defines a longitudinal axis. The housing is rotatably secured to the base member and is rotatable in relation to the base member between a plurality of positions. The locking mechanism is supported on the housing and includes a locking member and a button. The locking member is moveable from a locked position in which a lock of the locking member is engaged with the base member to secure the housing in one of the plurality of positions to an unlocked position in which the housing is rotatable in relation to the base member. The button is positioned on the base member and is depressible to translate the locking member in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis from the locked position to the unlocked position.

Abstract: Components for an endoscopic vessel harvesting system suitable for harvesting target vessels such as the saphenous vein or radial artery for cardiac artery bypass graft surgery. The main components of such systems include a vessel dissector and a vessel harvester, both of which work in conjunction with a separately provided endoscope. The vessel dissector is an elongated cannula having a blunt tip for separating layers of facial around vessels. The tip may be movable, and is typically transparent to permit viewing forward of the tip using the endoscope. Internal features of the tip may reduce glare back to the endoscope. Several devices improve visibility through the tip by reducing interference from tissue or fluid on the tip. The vessel harvester also has an elongated cannula for receiving the endoscope. Several tools within the harvester permit manipulation, severing, and sealing of vessels forward of the distal end.

Abstract: An augmentation method is provided, wherein a thermoplastic augmentation element is subject to mechanical energy impact and mechanical pressure by a tool so that augmentation material of the augmentation element is liquefied and pressed into hard tissue to augment the hard tissue, wherein in at least one axial depth, the augmentation element is segmented as a function of the circumferential angle so that at this axial depth the circumferential wall of the initial opening in first regions is in contact with the augmentation element and in second regions is not in contact with the augmentation element.

Abstract: A retractor blade comprising a blade body having first and second ends, the first, end being a fee end and the second end comprising at least one formation which allows releasable engagement with a bone anchor pin, the second end formation retaining said bone anchor pin such that retention of the anchor pin allows the retractor to move with said anchor pins during distraction of bone m which said anchor pins are inserted.

Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue retraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed to reduce tissue trauma when a physician retracts a patient's tissues for surgery. A device includes a tissue engager adapted to engage a patient's tissue, a control system adapted to control the tissue engager to deform the patient's tissue, and a sensor adapted to produce a first signal based on the deformation.

Abstract: A positioning device is configured to selectively position or otherwise manipulate one or more organs within the body of a subject. The positioning device includes a shaped expandable element that is configured to be selectively transitioned between an unexpanded, or collapsed, state and an expanded state. While in the expanded state, the expandable element repositions or otherwise manipulates an organ. Systems that include positioning devices are also disclosed, as are methods for positioning or otherwise manipulating organs.

Abstract: A segmented annular tube is formed of a flexible material and includes an intussuscepted tube segment. The intussuscepted tube segment includes a core tube having a sheathed telescoping portion, surrounded by an inwardly folded sheathing portion of an outer tube. A pump selectively urges a fluid the segmented annular tube. Upon a fluid pressure, the folded sheathing portion unfolds and telescopes the core tube, expanding the segmented annular tube.

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

Abstract: A cervical retraction system includes a suture having a first end and a second end, a cervical anchor secured to the first end of the suture and a curved needle secured to the second end of the suture. A method of retracting a cervix includes providing the cervical retraction system, inserting the curved needle through tissue of a cervix of a patient, advancing the needle along a trajectory of a curve of the needle until it emerges through an external os of the cervix and applying counter tension by pulling the needle out through the external os.