Abstract: A fabric care device comprising a body having first and second ends for attaching respective first and second fabric care attachments, wherein at least one of the first and second ends is adapted to detachably attach one of the first and second fabric care attachments. An attachment for a fabric care device selected from the group consisting of a depiller, a delinter, a fabric pile restorer, and a brush.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tube assembly for an endoscope comprising a disposable tube that surrounds a working channel and preferably also a flushing channel and fixing means for fixing the disposable tube to the endoscope. Said fixing means have a fixing unit which is used to fix the disposable tube on the distal end of the endoscope in a rotationally and axially fixed manner. The endoscope fixing means also have a guide device which is used to displaceably fix the disposable tube on respective sections of the endoscope that are at a distance from the distal end of said endoscope.

Abstract: A surgical instrument, such as an endoscope, having a hermetically sealed housing for accommodating, optical and/or electrical devices therein. The housing having a wall with a via provided in the wall to electrically connect an electrical contact formed on the inside of the wall with an electrical contact formed on the outside of the wall, wherein the via has a penetration in the wall, and the penetration is filled with a filling material to form a hermetically sealed housing, wherein the electrical contacts are formed as at least one electrically conductive conductor path on the inside of the wall and on the outside of the wall, wherein one conductor path on the inside of the wall, and one conductor path on the outside of the housing are connected to each other by means of the via, and wherein the filling material of the via consists of metal or solder.

Abstract: A method of identifying objects in a subject's ear, comprising the following steps: introducing an optical electronic imaging unit and a light source into an ear canal of a subject's outer ear, wherein the electronic imaging unit exhibits an optical axis directed in a distal direction, especially directed at the eardrum of the subject's ear; using the electronic imaging unit to capture an image from an eccentric observation point positioned on the optical axis and positioned eccentrically within the ear canal; and determining brightness or color information to identify objects shown in the image by electronic means, in order to automatically identify the objects, especially the eardrum.

Abstract: A capsule medical device guidance system includes: an imaging unit arranged inside a capsule medical device; a guidance unit configured to guide the capsule medical device inside a subject; a display unit including a screen is displayed; a first operation input unit configured to input first instruction information for changing at least one of a position and a posture of the capsule medical device; a second operation input unit configured to input second instruction information for rotating within the screen, the image displayed on the screen, around a center of the image; a guidance controller configured to control the guidance unit so as to change at least one of the position and the posture of the capsule medical device, based on the first instruction information; and a display controller configured to control a direction of the image displayed on the screen based on the second instruction information.

Abstract: A dual objective endoscope for insertion into a cavity of a body for providing a stereoscopic image of a region of interest inside of the body including an imaging device at the distal end for obtaining optical images of the region of interest (ROI), and processing the optical images for forming video signals for wired and/or wireless transmission and display of 3D images on a rendering device. The imaging device includes a focal plane detector array (FPA) for obtaining the optical images of the ROI, and processing circuits behind the FPA. The processing circuits convert the optical images into the video signals. The imaging device includes right and left pupil for receiving a right and left images through a right and left conjugated multi-band pass filters. Illuminators illuminate the ROI through a multi-band pass filter having three right and three left pass bands that are matched to the right and left conjugated multi-band pass filters.

Abstract: An endoscope includes: an operation portion; an insertion portion pivotable relative to the operation portion; a pivot state switching instruction portion; a sliding member slidable in a longitudinal axis direction of the operation portion along with a switching operation of the pivot state switching instruction portion; a holding ring configured to hold the sliding member; and a pivot restriction switching device provided with a braking member on an end portion on pivot portion side of the sliding member, and configured to switch over a state of a pivot portion from a pivotable state to a pivot restricted state or from the pivot restricted state to the pivotable state, the braking member being pressed against and disposed on the pivot portion to apply braking force.

Abstract: A surgical robotic system automatically calibrates tubular and flexible surgical tools such as endoscopes. By compensating for unideal behavior of an endoscope, the surgical robotic system can accurately model motions of the endoscope and navigate the endoscope while performing a surgical procedure on a patient. During calibration, the surgical robotic system moves the endoscope to a target position and receives data describing an actual position and/or orientation of the endoscope. The surgical robotic system determines gain values based at least on the discrepancy between the target position and the actual position. The endoscope can include tubular components referred to as a sheath and leader. An instrument device manipulator of the surgical robotic system actuates pull wires coupled to the sheath and/or the leader, which causes the endoscope to articulate.

Abstract: A dilation catheter system comprises a guide member, a dilation catheter, and an image sensor. The guide member includes a shaft comprising a distal end and a proximal end. The shaft defines a longitudinal axis. The dilation catheter comprises an expandable dilator and is movable relative to the guide member. The expandable dilator is sized to fit within one or both of a Eustachian tube or a passageway associated with a paranasal sinus. The image sensor is configured to provide visualization within anatomy of a patient. The image sensor is integral with the dilation catheter.

Abstract: A video processor that is connectable to an endoscope and an external light source device that supplies illumination light to a light guide of the endoscope includes: a connection detector that detects a presence/absence of connection between the video processor and the light guide of the endoscope; an internal light source unit that supplies the illumination light to the light guide of the endoscope; a communication controller that performs communication with the external light source device, and obtains device data of the external light source device; and a utilized light source determination unit that determines a light source that supplies the illumination light to the light guide of the endoscope in accordance with a detection result of the connection detector or a state of obtainment of the device data of the communication controller.

Abstract: A light assembly for a hand-held medical diagnostic instrument. The light assembly includes a substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface, a light source mounted to the top surface, and the bottom surface having first and second electrical terminals. The light assembly further includes a circuit board disposed inclined to the substrate, the circuit board having first and second electrical terminals, a first connector mounting and electrically connecting the first electrical terminal of the substrate to the first electrical terminal of the circuit board, a second connector mounting and electrically connecting the second electrical terminal of the substrate to the second electrical terminal of the circuit board, a heat sink, and a thermal conductor thermally connecting at least one of the first and second electrical terminals of the substrate to the heat sink.

Abstract: A washing system includes a cylindrical body portion which is prepared for each kind of insertion portion and a supply hole portion which is provided in the body portion to communicate with the inside of the body portion and which supplies a fluid to an opening portion of an insertion portion housed in the body portion. The washing system includes a supply mechanism which is shared by the body portion corresponding to each insertion portion that is prepared which supplies the fluid to the supply hole portion and which is attachable to and detachable from the supply hole portion.

Abstract: An endoscope defogging and pre-heating device includes a bag including a first seal line and first and second chambers defined at an opposite lateral sides relative to the first seal line, a heat storage/release material flowing between the first chamber and the second chamber for storing/releasing heat energy, a fixation device for securing the bag in a folded status to hold the endoscope to be pre-heated between the first and second chambers, and an actuator bendable to generate oscillation waves for causing the heat storage/release material to produce a temperature rise and then to release heat for pre-heating the loaded endoscope to about 98° F.˜138° F.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of diagnosing meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), determining the severity of meibomian gland dysfunction in a subject, evaluating efficacy of treatment of MGD in a subject, selecting a subject for treatment of MGD, and selecting a subject for participation in a clinical study.

Abstract: A device providing an indication of eye disease in a patient comprises a light emitter; an optical assembly arranged so that light emitted from the light emitter reaches an eye of the patient; a camera arranged to image the eye of the patient; and a controller. The controller measures the eye's pupil area using images received from the camera and adjusts the luminance of the light emitted from the light emitter as a non-constant function of the eye's pupil area so as to create a plurality of stimulus intervals. At least two of the stimulus intervals differ in their average retinal illuminance. The controller analyzes the pupil measurements and/or an electrical response in at least two of the stimulus intervals to provide an indication of eye disease based. In some embodiments, the patient's age is also used in the analysis. Methods of using said device are also contemplated.

Abstract: A system, method, medium, controller, or ophthalmoscope for imaging a fundus of a subject. Estimating a first illumination center position for an illumination beam relative to a center position of a pupil of the subject. The first illumination center position may be offset from the center position of the pupil. Sending instructions to an ophthalmoscope to shift a center position of the illumination beam to the first illumination center position.

Abstract: An optical coherence tomography includes a light source, a light separator, a light generator configured to generate interference light, a detector configured to detect the interference light, a first optical element, and at least one of second optical elements comprising a pair of surfaces, and performs forming a tomographic image of a subject. The first optical element is arranged on a measurement light path so as to be closest to the subject, and satisfies at least one of following conditional formulas: ?(W?S)<U?2Z<X?W;??[a2] U?2Z<?W; and??[b1] U?2Z>X?W+S,??[c2] W: a predetermined operation distance U: a depth of interest S: a range of interest X: a distance which is greater than W+U+S and minimal among distance(s) between the pair of surfaces Z: a shallowest position of the area of interest relative to an origin position.

Abstract: In one implementation, an apparatus estimates body core temperature from an infrared measurement of an external source point using a cubic relationship between the body core temperature and the measurement of an external source point is described, estimates temperature from a digital infrared sensor and determines vital signs from a solid-state image transducer, or determines vital signs from a solid-state image transducer and estimates body core temperature from an infrared measurement of an external source point using a cubic relationship between the body core temperature and the measurement of an external source point; after which the estimated and/or determined information is transmitted to an external database.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing, transmitting and displaying data received from an analyte sensor, such as a glucose sensor, are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method for transmitting data between a first communication device associated with an analyte sensor and a second communication device configured to provide user access to sensor-related information comprises: activating a transceiver of a first communication device associated with an analyte sensor at a first time; and establishing a two-way communication channel with the second communication device; wherein the activating comprises waking the transceiver from a low power sleep mode using a forced wakeup from the second communication device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing, transmitting and displaying data received from an analyte sensor, such as a glucose sensor, are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method for transmitting data between a first communication device associated with an analyte sensor and a second communication device configured to provide user access to sensor-related information comprises: activating a transceiver of a first communication device associated with an analyte sensor at a first time; and establishing a two-way communication channel with the second communication device; wherein the activating comprises waking the transceiver from a low power sleep mode using a forced wakeup from the second communication device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a framework for facilitating image-assisted diagnostic evaluation. In accordance with one aspect of the framework, imaging parameters used in acquiring a treatment image of a portion of patient anatomy are automatically recorded during an imaging examination. The treatment image may indicate at least one location of at least one treated site. During a follow-up examination, a follow-up image of the portion of the patient anatomy may be automatically acquired using the recorded imaging parameters. To assist evaluation of treatment results, the treatment image with the indicated location of the treated site may be overlaid over the follow-up image.

Abstract: A method of achieving instrument independent measurements for quantitative analysis of fiber-optic Raman spectroscope system, the system comprising a laser source, a spectroscope and a fiber optic probe to transmit light from the laser source to a target and return scattered light to the spectroscope, the method comprising transmitting light from the laser source to a standard target having a known spectrum, recording a calibration spectrum of the scattered light from the standard target, comparing the known spectrum and the calibration system and generating a probe and/or probe-system transfer function, and storing the transfer function. Further provided is a method of performing real-time diagnostic Raman spectroscopy optionally in combination with the other disclosed methods.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for detecting the flow of blood or other fluids in biological tissue by illuminating the biological tissue with two or more beams of coherent light and detecting responsively emitted light. A difference in wavelength, coherence length, beam divergence, or some other property of the beams of illumination causes the beams to preferentially scatter from, be absorbed by, or otherwise interact with respective elements of the biological tissue. Flow properties in one or more regions of the biological tissue (e.g., a region with which both beams of light preferentially interact, a region with which only one of the beams preferentially interacts) could be determined based on detected responsively emitted light from the biological tissue. Variations in speckle patterns over time and/or space, Doppler shifts, or some other properties of the detected light could be used to determine the flow properties.

Abstract: A method of determining fractional flow reserve (FFR) in a blood vessel having stenosis includes injecting fluid into the blood vessel upstream of the stenosis using a power fluid injector, measuring pressure drop across the stenosis, and calculating FFR from measured pressure drop. The injected fluid may comprise a contrast medium. Further actions may include placing a pressure sensor proximal of the stenosis, injecting fluid into the blood vessel upstream of the stenosis using the power fluid injector, and measuring pressure in the blood vessel proximal of the stenosis. The pressure sensor may then be repositioned to a position distal of the stenosis, fluid may be reinjected into the blood vessel upstream of the stenosis using the power fluid injector, and pressure may be measured in the blood vessel distal of the stenosis.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for monitoring baby physical characteristics. In some embodiments, the method may include projecting light from a video monitoring system toward a monitored user, and detecting a heart rate of the monitored user at the video monitoring system based at least in part on detecting the projected light. The method may further include comparing the detected heart rate with a predetermined heart rate threshold, and initiating an alert based at least in part on the comparing.

Abstract: A pressure sensing apparatus has a pressure sensor component that includes a pressure sensing port, a pressure sensor for sensing a pressure of a fluid in the pressure sensing port, and a digital processor communicating with the pressure sensor for performing calculations involving fluid pressures sensed. The pressure sensing apparatus further includes a first chamber in fluid contact with the pressure sensing port, a second chamber fluidically connectable with a patient's cerebrospinal fluid system, and a membrane located between the first and second chambers so as to transmit fluid pressure from the second chamber to the first chamber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for measuring pressure in a patient are provided which may include any number of features. One feature is a pressure measurement system comprising a pressure source, a compliant bladder, a catheter in communication with the pressure source, pressure sensors, and a controller configured to determine a pressure within the compliant bladder. The pressure measurement system can inflate the compliant bladder with gas or air to determine a pressure within a patient. In one embodiment, the pressure measurement system measures pressure within a peritoneal cavity.

Abstract: A nerve electrode cuff includes an electrode and a cuff body.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter for peri-vascular nerve activity sensing or measurement includes multiple needles advanced through supported guide tubes (needle guiding elements) which expand with open ends around a central axis to contact the interior surface of the wall of the renal artery or other vessel of a human body allowing the needles to be advanced though the vessel wall into the perivascular space. The system also may include means to limit and/or adjust the depth of penetration of the needles. The catheter also includes structures which provide radial and lateral support to the guide tubes so that the guide tubes open uniformly and maintain their position against the interior surface of the vessel wall as the sharpened needles are advanced to penetrate into the vessel wall.

Abstract: Neuromodulation catheters with nerve monitoring features for transmitting digital neural signals and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A neuromodulation catheter configured in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, a handle and an elongated shaft attached to the handle. The shaft can have a proximal portion and a distal portion configured to be moved within a lumen of a blood vessel of a human patient. The neuromodulation catheter can further include an array of contacts at the distal portion of the shaft and a digitizer at the handle or the shaft. The contacts can be configured to detect analog neural signals from within the blood vessel. The digitizer can be configured to receive the analog neural signals from the contacts, digitize the analog neural signals into digital neural signals, and transmit the digital neural signals to a read/write module external to the patient.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and interfaces are described herein for identification of effective electrodes to be used in sensing and/or therapy. Two or more portions of a signal monitored using an electrode may be compared to determine whether the electrode is effective. The two or more portions may correspond to the same portion or window of a cardiac cycle. Further, signals from a first electrode and from a second electrode located proximate the first electrode may be compared to determine whether one or both of the electrodes are effective.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for preventing heart rhythm disturbances by optimally recording cardiac electrical activity, optimally measuring beat-to-beat variability in the morphology of electrocardiographic waveforms, and using the measured beat-to-beat variability to control the delivery of therapy to the heart.

Abstract: An ambulatory medical device including a plurality of electrodes configured to be disposed at spaced apart positions about a patient's body, an electrode signal acquisition circuit, and a monitoring circuit. The acquisition circuit has a plurality of inputs each electrically coupled to a respective electrode of the plurality of electrodes and is configured to sense a respective signal provided by a plurality of different pairings of the plurality of electrodes. The monitoring circuit is electrically coupled to an output of the acquisition circuit and is configured to analyze the respective signal provided by each of the plurality of different pairings and to instruct the acquisition circuit to select at least one of the plurality of different pairings to monitor based on at least one of the quality of the respective signal, a phase difference between the respective signal and that of other pairings, a position of electrodes relative to the patient's body, and other criteria.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to the present embodiments comprises a gantry device, a front light source and an exterior casing of the gantry device. The gantry device has a bore serving as a space where a magnetic resonance image is captured, with the gantry device being configured to acquire, when a subject placed on a couchtop has been moved into the bore by a couch device configured to move the couchtop, a magnetic resonance signal from the subject. The front light source is provided in surroundings of a front opening, with the front opening being an opening of the bore positioned at front of the couch device. The exterior casing of the gantry device, with a portion of the exterior casing being illuminated by light emitted from the front light source, is made of a transparent or translucent material.

Abstract: A catheter is responsive to external and internal magnetic field generators for generating position data of the catheter position and pressure data to determine pressured exerted on a distal end of the catheter when engaged with tissue, with a reduced number of sensing coils and reduced number of sensing coil leads for minimizing lead breakage and failure. The catheter includes a distal section adapted for engagement with patient tissue, where the distal section has a proximal portion, a distal portion and a flexible joint with a resilient member adapted to allow axial displacement and angular deflection between the proximal and distal portions of the distal section. The catheter may have three or less sensing coils with three or less leads, each transmitting signals between a respective sensing coil and the signal processor.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a system to detect abnormal breathing by a person, such as a baby, through a piece of clothing worn by the person. The piece of clothing may be adapted to include a sound sensor that can collect breathing sounds by the person. The piece of clothing may also be adapted to include an inflatable neck support that can be automatically inflated without the person's intervention. The breathing sound signals by the person can be processed for determining whether the person breathing abnormally. When it is determined that the person is breathing abnormally, an instruction to inflate the inflatable neck support of the clothing may be generated. Such an instruction can be transmitted to the clothing wirelessly to effectuate the inflation of the inflatable neck support so the person's incorrect breathing posture that causes the abnormal breathing can be addressed.

Abstract: A low dead space liquid trap includes: a tube, having an inlet, an outlet, and an aperture disposed between the inlet and the outlet at a bottom of the tube, wherein the tube defines a channel extending in a first direction between the inlet and the outlet, the channel having a cross section perpendicular to the first direction; a reservoir disposed beneath the aperture of the tube; and a gas permeable membrane extending across the channel at an angle greater than zero with respect to the cross section of the channel.

Abstract: A low back pressure mouthpiece for accurate detection of exhaled nitric oxide (NO) includes a conduit for receiving the exhaled breath from the subject. An oxidizing filter for sample conditioning, wherein the conduit and oxidizing filter operate to produce a back pressure of less than 4 cm H2O; and a device for measuring the level of one or more components of the received exhaled breath.

Abstract: A compound membrane breathing tube for use in spirometric applications is provided. The compound membrane comprises a first sheet and a second sheet of flexible sheeting connected together along the periphery thereof, and each of the sheets has an opening cut therethrough to create a flap. The flap of the first sheet overlaps the flap of the second sheet so as to present a higher relative resistance to airflow through the breathing tube at lower airflows.

Abstract: An apparatus for the collection of samples of exhaled air during normal respiration, comprising a flow generator, an orally insertable exhalation air receiver, and a device for isolating the nasal airways, wherein the apparatus further comprises: a sensor for detecting a change in a parameter representing the change from inhalation to exhalation and to transmit said change as a signal; a control unit adapted to receive said signal and to control said device for isolating the nasal airways; wherein the flow generator is connected to or integrated with the exhalation air receiver.

Abstract: Certain implementations relate to an exhalation measurement device that is used in checking pulmonary function, diagnosing asthma, and may perform zero point correction accurately even when there is disturbance. The exhalation measurement device may comprise a flow regulator. The flow regulator comprises a first offset adjuster that puts an exhalation inflow component and an exhalation outflow component in a separated state and performs first offset adjustment of an inflow pressure sensor and an outflow pressure sensor, a voltage difference detector that puts the exhalation inflow component and the exhalation outflow component in a linked state and detects an output voltage difference after the first offset adjustment of the inflow pressure sensor and the outflow pressure sensor, and a second offset adjuster that uses the output voltage difference to perform second offset adjustment of the inflow pressure sensor.

Abstract: Orthopedic systems and methods are provided for use in preparing joints for implants. Specifically, hip preparation systems and methods are disclosed which can include a surgical orientation device. The hip preparation systems and methods can be used, for example, to orient the hip during the procedure, determine the orientation of an anatomical plane or planes, and orient a prosthetic component or components.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a device measures the length of the urethra. The device includes a hollow tube having markings, wherein the hollow tube includes an internal end and an external end. The internal end includes one or more fins that can be manipulated into an open position and a closed position. The external end includes an opening allowing the insertion of a push-tube sliding axially within the body of the hollow tube, the push-tube being used to manipulate the fins into the open and closed positions. Further, an outer ring moves axially along the exterior of hollow tube and is utilized to measure the length of the urethra.

Abstract: A balloon catheter comprises a catheter and a balloon located on the distal end of the catheter. A pair of stimulating electrodes for receiving a constant current stimulating signal when the balloon is inflated with an electrically conductive medium and a plurality of sensing electrodes for producing voltage response signals are located on the catheter. The voltage response signals are indicative of the values of the transverse cross-sectional area of the balloon adjacent the sensing electrodes. A first lumen accommodates the inflating medium to and from the balloon, and a second lumen accommodates electrically conductive wires to the stimulating and sensing electrodes. A pressure sensing element is located in a protective housing in the second lumen, and communicates through a communicating opening in the protective housing and through a communicating port in the catheter with a hollow interior region of the balloon.

Abstract: A system and method of operation involves collecting acceleration and gyroscope data from a first sensor positioned in a wearable device on a user's wrist and a second sensor located in a mobile device. The mobile device determines a trajectory for the wearable device by filtering the first sensor data using the second sensor data, and determines a probability of the user holding an automobile steering wheel using the trajectory. The method may also include determining a probability of the user holding an automobile steering wheel of a specific automobile selected from an automobile list. The disclosed system includes the wearable device and the mobile device.

Abstract: This invention provides a sensor or its related art to be easily used for measuring motor function of living body. This invention relates to a sensor for measuring motor function, which includes a magnetic field generator attached to one of two predetermined positions in a living body changing mutual distance caused by an action of the living body to have a coil board generating a magnetic field by electrification, and a magnetic field detector attached to the other of the two predetermined positions in the living body to detect the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator and have the coil board generating an electric current having a magnitude corresponding to a strength of the magnetic field as detected. Furthermore, each of the magnetic field generator and the magnetic field detector is provided with plastics covering a whole coil board thereof.

Abstract: A measurement system and method for operating a measurement system is disclosed for an analyte determination. The system includes an analysis unit, which is configured to determine a measured analyte value for a body fluid specimen that is applied, a fingerprint sensor, which is configured to detect fingerprint sensor signals for one or various users, and a control unit, which is connected to the analysis unit and the fingerprint sensor unit for data transmission. The control unit is configured to perform a user identification using the detected fingerprint sensor signals and after successful user identification to enable a determination of a measured analyte value with the analysis unit for an identified user. The control unit is additionally configured to analyze the detected fingerprint sensor signals and optionally additional detected fingerprint sensor signals in addition to the user identification in order to provide control signals for performing additional measurement system functions.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present embodiments provide sensor applicators and methods of use with pushbutton activation that implant the sensor, withdraw the insertion needle, engage the transmitter with the housing, and disengage the applicator from the housing, all in one smooth motion. Some embodiments contemplate engagement of the transmitter with the housing after release of the applicator.

Abstract: Devices associated with on-body analyte sensor units are disclosed. These devices include any of packaging and/or loading systems, applicators and elements of the on-body sensor units themselves. Also, various approaches to connecting electrochemical analyte sensors to and/or within associated on-body analyte sensor units are disclosed. The connector approaches variously involve the use of unique sensor and ancillary element arrangements to facilitate assembly of separate electronics assemblies and sensor elements that are kept apart until the end user brings them together.

Abstract: Devices and methods for determining analyte levels are described. The devices and methods allow for the implantation of analyte-monitoring devices, such as glucose monitoring devices that result in the delivery of a dependable flow of blood to deliver sample to the implanted device. The devices include unique architectural arrangement in the sensor region that allows accurate data to be obtained over long periods of time.