Abstract: A catheter is disclosed for providing pressure measurements at a vascular lesion. The catheter includes an outer component having a side opening the providing transverse access to a lumen thereof and an inner component slidably disposed within the lumen. The inner component has a guidewire lumen with a proximal side port. When the inner component is longitudinally translated relative to the outer component, the side port of the inner component is accessible through the side opening of the outer component for providing transverse access to a guidewire. A first pressure sensor is disposed proximate of a distal end of the outer component and a second pressure sensor is disposed proximate of a distal end of the inner component, such that relative longitudinal translation between the inner and outer components permits a distance between the first and second pressure sensors to be varied.

Abstract: A pulse wave sensor includes: a light emitting unit configured to emit light onto a living body; a light receiving unit configured to receive light transmitted through or reflected from the living body based on the light from the light emitting unit; a pulse wave detecting unit configured to detect a pulse wave of the living body based on a result of light reception by the light receiving unit when the light is emitted from the light emitting unit with a normal light emission intensity; and a light emission intensity adjusting unit configured to cause the light emitting unit to emit light with a predetermined test light emission intensity in a test period prior to the detection of the pulse wave, and set the normal light emission intensity using detection light reception intensity in the light receiving unit by the light emission and a predetermined reference light reception intensity.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a description of various methods and systems associated with determining possible presence of Atrial Fibrillation (AF). In one example, a camera of a client device, such as a mobile phone, may acquire a series of images of a body part of a user. A plethysmographic waveform may be generated from the series of images. An autocorrelation function may be calculated from the waveform, and a number of features may be computed from the autocorrelation function. Based on an analysis of the features, a determination may be made about whether the user is experience AF. Such determined may be output to a display of the mobile phone for user review.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a description of various methods and systems associated with determining possible presence of Atrial Fibrillation (AF). In one example, a camera of a client device, such as a mobile phone, may acquire a series of images of a body part of a user. A plethysmographic waveform may be generated from the series of images. An autocorrelation function may be calculated from the waveform, and a number of features may be computed from the autocorrelation function. Based on an analysis of the features, a determination may be made about whether the user is experiencing AF. Such determined may be output to a display of the mobile phone for user review.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, a systems, and methods for determining the dipole densities on heart walls. In particular, a triangularization of the heart wall is performed in which the dipole density of each of multiple regions correlate to the potential measured at various locations within the associated chamber of the heart.

Abstract: A workout management method performed by a wearable device is provided. The workout management method includes receiving a first information about an amount of exercise to be performed by a user, obtaining a second information about a current fitness state of the user, comparing the first information and the second information, and outputting the result of the comparison to the user.

Abstract: A device is provided that includes a housing and a mount configured to mount the housing to a wrist of a wearer. The device also includes a first electrical contact disposed on an inner surface of the mount and configured to contact skin at a first external body surface. The device also includes a second electrical contact disposed on an outer surface of the mount and configured to be contacted by skin of a second external body surface. The device also includes a signal conditioner disposed in the housing. The signal conditioner is configured to determine data indicative of a biological state of the wearer based on voltage fluctuations between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for assessing the electrical function of a heart, comprising the steps of: (1) for each of a plurality of leads of an ECG, determining a value derived from the output of that lead and which corresponds to an action potential duration; (2) for each of the plurality of leads of the ECG, determining a value derived from the output of that lead and which corresponds to a diastolic interval; (3) for each of the plurality of leads of the ECG, determining a relationship between the determined values for action potential duration and for diastolic interval; (3) assessing the differences between the determined relationships for each of the plurality of leads. The invention further relates to apparatus and a computer program that may be used in the method.

Abstract: Medical device systems and methods for operating medical device systems conserve energy by efficiently managing computational demands of the systems. Signals from a subject are processed and analyzed and an estimate of a propensity for a subject to have a neurological event is determined. Based on the results of the analysis and the estimate, further analysis may be performed and the estimate may be refined. Succeeding cycles of signal measurement and analysis are scheduled depending on the results of the analysis and the estimate. The schedule may be varied temporally or with regard to the types and intensities of analyzes performed.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring EMG signals of a patient's laryngeal muscles includes an endotracheal tube having a first cuff and a second cuff. Conductive ink electrodes are formed on an exterior surface of the first cuff. The conductive ink 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 one conductor is coupled to the conductive ink electrodes and is configured to carry the EMG signals received by the conductive ink electrodes to a processing apparatus.

Abstract: A coated electromyography needle including an anti-microbial, electrically insulative coating applied to non-tip portion of an electrode of the electromyography needle.

Abstract: An intervention apparatus is described having a probe with an orifice insertion portion, the insertion portion being configured for insertion into an orifice of a patient. The apparatus also having an intervention tool securement and adjustment mechanism removably attached to the probe. The probe providing support to hold the mechanism in a position relative to the patient, and the adjustment mechanism providing adjustment of an entry point and an angle of entry for an intervention tool to the patient. In embodiments, magnetic resonance imaging, trans-orifice intervention and transperineal intervention are described. Methods for imaging and/or intervention are also described.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging device for prostate examinations with a patient in said device comprises a coil for generating a strong homogeneous magnetic field in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the patient, at least one transmission coil for generating an electromagnetic alternating field, three gradient coils and suitable reception coils, of which individual coils are arranged below the patient in the lower back region and/or at the rear part and at least one of said coils is arranged above the patient, and also comprises data processing for obtaining images from the signals of the transmission and reception coils, wherein a closed reception coil is provided which sits closely against the patient and surrounds the scrotum and the penis.

Abstract: Systems and processes for measurement of the eyelid movements of a subject, which explores eyelids' electrical conductivity, namely the established fact that eyelids are acting as sliding electrodes moving over the cornea, is comprised of a system for generating a high frequency weak and harmless oscillating electromagnetic field in the proximity of the eyelid movement path without interference with the vision or activity of any such subject, therefore induces so-called Eddy Currents in the eyelid, which in its turn produce its own electromagnetic field with a value depended on the eyelid position; the interaction between the basic oscillating electromagnetic field and the field generated by the eyelid is changing electromagnetic field inductance, which will be measured with very high accuracy by means of resonance sensing electronics; such systems can transmit data from its detecting electronics to a remote monitor that compels no restrictions on operator activity.

Abstract: Presented herein is a handheld analyte measurement device. The analyte measurement device includes one or more software applications to help the user manager their diabetes. Embodiments and descriptions of the various applications are provided below in conjunction with the handheld analyte measurement device.

Abstract: Methods and Devices to monitor the level of at least one analyte are provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring a blood oxygen saturation level within a subject's tissue is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) sensing the subject's tissue using a near infrared spectrophotometric oximeter, and producing a value representative of the oxygen saturation level within the sensed tissue; b) comparing the determined saturation value to a predetermined threshold oxygen saturation value; and c) determining at least one of a time under threshold (TUT) value or an area under threshold (AUT) value using the determined saturation value and the threshold value.

Abstract: The present invention provides techniques for measuring one or more parameters of a subject using a probe having an optical assembly configured and operable for applying optical measurements to a measurement location in a subject and generating optical measured data indicative thereof comprising at least one of pulsatile and occlusion measurements, a pressure system configured and operable for controllably applying pressure to the subject in the vicinity of the measurement location and measuring pressure inside the pressure system and generating pressure data indicative thereof, and a control system configured and operable for receiving and processing the pressure data to identify whether the optical measured data is valid, and for processing the valid optical measured data and determining at least one relation between the valid optical measured data and the corresponding pressure data indicative of at least one parameter of the subject.

Abstract: Methods and systems for nanopillar sensors are described. Nanopillars can be defined on a substrate, and metal deposited on the nanopillars. A thermal treatment can reflow the metal on the nanopillars forming metallic bulbs on the top end of the nanopillars. These structures can have enhanced optical detection when functionalized with biological agents, or can detect gases, particles and liquids through interaction with the metal layer on the nanopillars.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a sampling assembly is for use with a main analyzer. The main analyzer is configured to sense an analyte in a body fluid obtained from a patient through a first fluid passageway extending from the main analyzer. The sampling assembly includes an instrument portion separate from the main analyzer and including at least one sensor. The instrument portion is removably engaged with the first fluid passageway. The at least one sensor is in sensing engagement with the first fluid passageway such that the at least one sensor can sense a property of a fluid within the first fluid passageway.

Abstract: Systems and methods for autonomous intravenous needle insertion are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a system for autonomous intravenous insertion include a robot arm, one or more sensors pivotally attached to the robot arm for gathering information about potential insertion sites in a subject arm, a medical device pivotally attached to the robot arm, and a controller in communication with the sensors and the robot arm, wherein the controller receives the information from the sensors about potential insertion sites, and the controller selects a target insertion site and directs the robot arm to insert the medical device into the target insertion site.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a method and system for determining health condition of a subject. First step of the method comprises receiving, by a computing unit, a first oxygen saturation level and a second oxygen saturation level from at least two sensors placed on the subject. Second step of the method comprises determining cerebral extraction of oxygen using the first and second oxygen saturation levels. Third step of the method comprises comparing the cerebral extraction of oxygen with a threshold level. Fourth step of the method comprises identifying a mental fatigue level of the subject based on outcome of the comparison, wherein the mental fatigue level indicates the health condition of the subject.

Abstract: A driver state detection unit detects a state of the driver of a host vehicle. For example, a drowsing state of the driver is detected. An outward warning device performs an outward warning operation pertaining to a warning directed at another vehicle traveling in the vicinity of the host vehicle. Then, an inward warning device performs an inward warning operation pertaining to a warning directed at the driver of the host vehicle.

Abstract: A system for monitoring incontinence in one or more subjects comprises display means; input means operable by a user; one or more transmitters, each transmitter being associated with one or more subjects being monitored; the one or more transmitters being configured to transmit signals containing continence-related data for the one or more subjects, wherein the continence-related data has been obtained over time from a continence sensor associated with an absorbent article worn by each respective subject; a receiver unit configured to receive signals from the one or more transmitters; and processing means in communication with at least the receiver unit, the processing means including a display processor configured to process the received signals and communicate display information to the display means for display of a visual representation of continence-related information derived from continence sensors in the absorbent articles worn by the one or more subjects being monitored.

Abstract: A mobile electronic device includes: waveform information acquisition part configured to add a time stamp to a waveform detected from a user and record the waveform with the time stamp as waveform information; condition information acquisition part configured to add a time stamp to information indicating a condition of the user and record the information with the time stamp as condition information; artifact waveform acquisition part configured to acquire, from artifact waveform data in which a condition and the artifact waveform are associated with each other and stored, an artifact waveform that corresponds a condition indicated by the condition information in the same time period as a time period of the waveform information; waveform correction part configured to correct the waveform information using the artifact waveform; and autonomic nerves diagnosis part configured to diagnose autonomic nerves of the user using the waveform information corrected by the waveform correction part.

Abstract: Systems and methods for selecting follicular units in a distribution of follicular units are provided. A selection parameter, such as a distance-related parameter separating the follicular units to be selected, may be used to determine a desired quantity of follicular units to be selected, such as a desired percentage of follicular units to be selected, and to help provide a substantially uniform distribution of selected follicular units. In addition, a characteristic parameter, such as a characteristic distance or characteristic density, may be determined. The characteristic parameter may be used in determining the desired quantity of follicular units to be selected and or may be used for treatment purposes.

Abstract: A system for monitoring biometric signals of a user comprising: a set of wireless sensor interfaces coupled to a garment, each of the wireless sensor interfaces comprising: 1) an electrode layer comprising a receiving region, 2) a positional identifier, associated with a position on the garment, and 3) a retention subsystem; a set of wireless sensor modules, each of the set of wireless sensor modules comprising: a contact region electrically coupleable to the receiving region of the electrode layer, a set of sensors configured to detect a set of biometric signal types, and a positional interrogator configured to identify the position associated with the corresponding wireless sensor interface; and a control module, communicatively coupled to the set of wireless sensor modules, wherein the control module queries a subset of the set of biometric signal types for transmission from each of the set of wireless sensor modules based on their positions.

Abstract: The invention provides a sensor for measuring both impedance and ECG waveforms that is configured to be worn around a patient's neck. The sensor features 1) an ECG system that includes an analog ECG circuit, in electrical contact with at least two ECG electrodes, that generates an analog ECG waveform; and 2) an impedance system that includes an analog impedance circuit, in electrical contact with at least two (and typically four) impedance electrodes, that generates an analog impedance waveform. Also included in the neck-worn system are a digital processing system featuring a microprocessor, and an analog-to-digital converter. During a measurement, the digital processing system receives and processes the analog ECG and impedance waveforms to measure physiological information from the patient. Finally, a cable that drapes around the patient's neck connects the ECG system, impedance system, and digital processing system.

Abstract: This invention provides a physiological monitoring garment having a band-like configuration and incorporating respiratory, cardiac and temperature sensors. The garment is designed so that it is easily constructed from a few number of separate elements, and so that one garment design can be adjusted to subjects of a range of sizes and shapes. The design is further adapted to require little on no wearer effort during donning or wearer attention during use.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring the condition of electrodes used in biological signal measurement are provided. One method includes applying a first test signal having a first frequency to at least one of a plurality of electrodes and applying a second test signal having a second frequency to at least one of the plurality of electrodes. Both frequencies are below a frequency range associated with the biological signal. The method further includes capturing the biological signal while applying the plurality of test signals and generating an output signal that includes both the measured biological signal and the plurality of test signals. The method further includes retrieving an output amplitude for each of the plurality of test signals from the output signal and calculating an estimated impedance for each of the plurality of electrodes based on the retrieved output amplitudes of the plurality of test signals.

Abstract: In a system and method for reconstructing cardiac activation information, an analysis cardiac signal and a reference cardiac signal are accessed and processed to determine a first point of change in the analysis cardiac signal at which a derivative of the analysis cardiac signal diverges with respect to a derivative of the reference cardiac signal. The signals are processed to determine a second point of change in the analysis cardiac signal at which a different derivative of the analysis cardiac signal with respect to a different derivative of the reference cardiac signal. An activation onset time is assigned in the analysis cardiac signal at a point based on a mathematical association among the first point of change and the second point of change to define cardiac activation indicating a beat in the analysis cardiac signal.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system for determining cardiovascular information for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of the patient's heart, and create a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of the patient's heart based on the patient-specific data. The at least one computer system may be further configured to create a physics-based model relating to a blood flow characteristic of the patient's heart and determine a fractional flow reserve within the patient's heart based on the three-dimensional model and the physics-based model.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a medical monitoring hub as the center of monitoring for a monitored patient. The hub includes configurable medical ports and serial ports for communicating with other medical devices in the patient's proximity. Moreover, the hub communicates with a portable patient monitor. The monitor, when docked with the hub provides display graphics different from when undocked, the display graphics including anatomical information. The hub assembles the often vast amount of electronic medical data, associates it with the monitored patient, and in some embodiments, communicates the data to the patient's medical records.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that facilitate providing guidance to a user during performance of a program or routine using a personalized avatar. In an aspect, a system includes a reception component configured to receive physiological and movement information about a user during performance of a routine or program, and an analysis component configured to analyze the physiological and movement information based on reference physiological and movement metrics for the routine or the program to determine whether, how and to what degree the user deviates from requirements of the routine or the program. The system further includes a reaction component configured to determine a response for an avatar displayed to the user based on a determination regarding whether, how and to what degree the user deviates from the requirements of the routine or the program, and an avatar control component configured to initiate manifestation of the response by the avatar as displayed to the user.

Abstract: Methods of determining when to activate an analyte, e.g. glucose, related alarm, such as a hypoglycemia alarm, of a continuous analyte monitor is provided. Also provided are systems, devices and kits.

Abstract: A tilting head support for use in medical imaging is described. The tilting head support allows a patient to receive the equivalent of a tilted gantry exam study even when using a scanner gantry that does not tilt. In certain embodiments, the tilted head support assembly has metallic or sharp edge components, if present, positioned outside the imaging area when in use. In addition, in certain embodiments, the tilted head support assembly allows for user selection of a tilt angle from among a continuous range of available angles.

Abstract: An offset of an actual positional relationship of a radiation source and an object from a reference positional relationship is determined and taken into account when positioning and/or tilting and/or collimating the radiation source so as to irradiate a region of interest of the object.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, an X-ray computed tomography (CT) apparatus includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to acquire projection data that is based on a spectrum representing an amount of X-rays with respect to energy of a radiation having passed through a subject; select a plurality of materials; generate, from the projection data, first density images for each of the selected materials; generate a monochromatic image of specific energy from the first density images; reconstruct the projection data corresponding to the specific energy to generate a reconstructed image; compare the monochromatic image and the reconstructed image; and provide a notification indicating a result of the comparison.

Abstract: An exposure dose management system according to an embodiment includes an image storage device, a first recording device, a misalignment correction device, and a second recording device. The image storage device stores a human body three-dimensional image. The first recording device records an exposure dose and an exposure area of a subject in a first irradiation step on the human body three-dimensional image. The misalignment correction device corrects misalignment between a position of the subject in a second irradiation step, which follows the first irradiation step, and a position of the human body three-dimensional image. The second recording device further records an exposure dose and an exposure area in the second irradiation step on the human body three-dimensional image in which the misalignment was corrected.

Abstract: High-speed three-dimensional reconstruction of elasticity data is obtained by acquiring a sparse set of data in planes sharing a common axis line and angularly arrayed about the axis line. The axis line may be an RF ablation probe and the reconstruction may enforce a circumferential smoothness in the reconstruction about the probe, as is compatible with an ablation volume.

Abstract: Provided is a medical diagnosis device that further increases the reliability of measurement results on the basis of an image of a subject. The medical diagnosis device is characterized by being provided with: an image generation unit that generates an image of a subject; an auxiliary information generation unit that generates auxiliary information on the basis of input from an operation unit; a measurement computation unit that computes a measurement position using the image generated by the image generation unit, the auxiliary information, and measurement conditions, and computes measurement values using the image generated by the image generation unit and the computed measurement position; and a display unit that displays the image generated by the image generation unit, the input position information, and the measurement value computed by the measurement computation unit.

Abstract: An excreta-sampling toilet is disclosed which includes a bowl, a processing apparatus, and a chiller. The bowl separates excreta into solid excreta and liquid excreta. The processing apparatus then processes the solid excreta into a solid excreta sample, including metering it by weight or volume and storing it in containers. The chiller lowers the temperature of the sample, which is stored to await analysis. A metered liquid excreta sample is also stored and chilled in separate storage containers.

Abstract: A specimen collection container having a separation chamber includes a first chamber, a second chamber, and a valve located between the first chamber and the second chamber. In an open position, the valve permits fluid communication between the first chamber and the second chamber. In a closed position, the valve maintains fluid isolation between the first chamber and the second chamber. A fluid stream passes from the first chamber to the second chamber through the valve permitting a predetermined volume of fluid to pass from the first chamber to the second chamber. When the predetermined volume of fluid passes to the second chamber, the valve transitions from the open position to the closed position so that additional fluid of the fluid stream received by the first chamber is maintained in the first chamber in fluid isolation from the predetermined volume of fluid contained in the second chamber.

Abstract: A method for classifying a tissue sample of a biopsy specimen includes receiving a signal from at least one location of the tissue sample including a plurality of chromophores. Further, the method includes verifying whether the received signal comprises a predetermined amount of at least one of an attenuated illumination light and a re-emitted light. Also, the method includes determining that a spectrum of the received signal is within a predetermined range. In addition, the method includes processing the spectrum of the received signal to decompose the signal into a plurality of components. Furthermore, the method includes classifying tissue in the at least one location of the tissue sample into one of a plurality of tissue types based on the plurality of components.

Abstract: A tissue removal device includes a housing, an outer tube having a distal portion configured for transcervical insertion into a uterus, an inner tube slidably disposed within the outer tube lumen, a vacuum generation chamber disposed within the housing, a movable piston slidably disposed in the vacuum generation chamber, a collection chamber, a manual actuator moveably coupled to the housing and operatively coupled to the piston, and proximal and distal one-way valves. The outer tube has an outer tube lumen, a tissue in-take opening proximate a distal end thereof, and a proximal end coupled to the housing. The inner tube has an inner tube lumen extending from an open inner tube distal end to an open inner tube proximal end, the open inner tube distal end comprising a cutting edge configured to sever intrauterine tissue extending through the tissue in-take opening in the outer tube.

Abstract: A device for needle biopsy is presented. The device includes a handle member having proximal and distal portions. A proximal handle member is disposed to the proximal portion of the handle member and a distal handle member is disposed to the distal portion of the handle member. A sheath lumen is disposed within the handle member and extends from the distal portion of the handle member. A needle housing member is partially disposed to the proximal portion of the handle member and a needle is disposed within the sheath lumen. A plurality of protrusions is disposed upon the needle. A needle protection member is partially disposed to the distal portion of the needle housing member. The needle protection member includes a needle protection hub and a needle protection shaft.

Abstract: A cell collection device for collecting cells from the inner surface of a body lumen is disclosed. The cell collection device includes a longitudinal member, a plurality of struts that are expandable radially, and a sheath having an inner surface that constrains the outward movement of the plurality of struts when the sheath is in a first position and does not constrain the outward movement of the plurality of struts when the sheath is in a second position.

Abstract: In a puncture needle for an endoscope, in a state in which a distal end of an outer sheath is located in an observation field of an observation optical system of an endoscope and a needle slider is retracted to abut a needle slider engaging section, a distal end of an inner sheath is located closer to a distal side than a proximal end of a raising base in the outer sheath, and a proximal end of the inner sheath is located closer to a proximal side than a needle tip of a needle tube in the outer sheath.

Abstract: An ablation catheter system is disclosed that comprises a channel and a tubular braided element having an outer circumferential surface and a lumen. The tubular braided element is sized and shaped to be placed in the channel when in a compressed configuration and to be expanded in a target area of a blood vessel in a manner that the outer circumferential surface touches the walls of the target blood vessel in the target area when in an expanded configuration. The system also includes a longitudinal maneuvering element which is mechanically connected to a distal end of the tubular braided element and set to pull the distal end into the lumen so as to curve radially and outwardly a plurality of annular segments of the expand tubular braided element in a sequential manner.

Abstract: In one illustrative example, a device for sealing an opening in a vessel wall and/or tissue tract may include an anchor, a filament, a plug, and a knot. The anchor may be configured to be disposed adjacent to an interior surface of the vessel wall adjacent the opening in the vessel wall. The filament may have a distal end coupled to the anchor and may be configured to extend proximally through the vessel opening and/or tissue tract. The plug may be disposed about at least a portion of the filament member. The knot may be disposed about the filament proximal of the plug and may be configured to move over the filament and secure the plug relative to the anchor. The knot may be independent of the filament member.