Abstract: A sensor (e.g., an optical sensor) that may be implanted within a living animal (e.g., a human) and may be used to measure an analyte (e.g., glucose or oxygen) in a medium (e.g., interstitial fluid, blood, or intraperitoneal fluid) within the animal. The sensor may include a sensor housing, an analyte indicator covering at least a portion of the sensor housing, and one or more therapeutic agents. The one or more therapeutic agents may reduce deterioration of the analyte indicator. The one or more therapeutic agents may be incorporated within the analyte indicator, a membrane covering at least a portion of the analyte indicator, and/or one or more drug eluting polymer matrices, which may be external to or within the sensor housing.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to measure reaction times and/or responses for head, eye, eyelid movements, and/or changes in pupil geometry. The system includes eyewear or headwear including one or more eye-tracking cameras for monitoring the position and geometry of at least one eye and its components of the user, one or more scene cameras for monitoring the user's surroundings, and one or more processors to determine reaction times. Optionally, the system may include one or more of a multi-axis accelerometer to monitor head movements, light sources to trigger visual evoked responses, and/or electronic inputs that may be used to indicate the time of occurrence of external reference events. Measured reaction times and other measurements may be monitored for use in a range of applications. Responses and reaction times may be measured continuously over extended periods, even over a lifetime to measure consequences of the aging process.

Abstract: A urine handling system capsule (105) for releasing an oil mixture in the lumen of a urine handling system, the capsule (105) comprising a capsule wall defining a space filled with an oil mixture, wherein the oil mixture comprises 90-100% of an oil selected from the group consisting of silicone fluids and mineral oils or a mixture thereof, and having a viscosity of at most 600 cSt, and wherein the capsule wall is made of a water-soluble material. A urine measurement system (101) comprising an oil mixture arranged in the luminal space of the measurement system. A method for inhibiting impairment of functionality and measurement accuracy in a urine measurement system comprising applying an oil mixture to the inner surfaces of the urine measurement system. Use of an oil mixture in treatment of luminal surfaces of a urine handling system.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for locating the parathyroid. In one aspect, temporal variation among a plurality of images is evaluated and at least one image is enhanced according to the temporal variation. The image may be enhanced to one or both of reduce conspicuity of the thyroid gland and enhance conspicuity of the parathyroid gland. Some of the plurality of images may be adjusted in order to align representations of a target portions. Adjustments may be based locations of one or more organs or one or more artificial markers affixed to a living body in the plurality of images. A local positioning system (LPS), GPS, or other locating system may be used to position a living body, align the plurality of images, or to guide the positioning of objects relative to the living body. An elastomeric gel marker for imaging applications is also disclosed.

Abstract: Determining an optical property of a sample having an illumination of a surface of the sample with the aid of a light beam, so as to form, on the surface of the said sample, an elementary illumination zone, corresponding to the part of the said surface illuminated by the said sample. A detection of N optical signals, backscattered by the sample, each optical signal emanating from the surface of the sample at a distance, termed the backscattering distance, from the said elementary illumination zone, N being an integer greater than or equal to 1, so as to form as many detected signals. A determination of at least one optical property of the sample, by comparison between: a function of each signal thus detected and a plurality of estimations of the said function each estimation being carried out by considering a predetermined value of the said optical property, characterized in that during the said detection step, at least one backscattering distance is less than 200 pm.

Abstract: A system and methods using tracheal sound intensity variations to screen patients suspected of obstructive sleep apnea during wakefulness. The system includes a mechanism positioning the patient and a sound input device attached to a recording device to receive breathing sound signals. A signal conditioning component amplifies and filters the breathing sound signals, and an analog to digital component digitizes the signals. A detecting component detects onsets of respiratory phases, and a separating component separates inspiratory sound signals and expiratory sound signals from the breathing sound signals. A segmenting component segments the inspiratory and expiratory phase signals into a short duration of overlapping windows, and a collection characteristic extraction component obtains characteristics from each window.

Abstract: The presence of disordered breathing is detected using an implantable medical device. A cardiac condition is detected that is indicative of the patient's cardiac status. Based on the presence of disordered breathing and the cardiac condition, the patient is identified as suitable for a cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Abstract: Methods and system to provide glycemic control and therapy management based on monitored glucose data, and current and/or target HbA1C levels are provided.

Abstract: A method for determining an artery location on a living subject's skin and positioning a tonometry pressure sensor on the artery location for tonometric blood pressure measurement is provided. The method comprises a non-contact optical search followed by a contact pressure search. In the non-contact optical search, an optical-sensing unit is used to scan the skin along a scan path while maintaining a pre-determined distance between the unit and the scan path. A search region within the scan path and a height profile characterizing the scan path's curvature are determined. The search region is determined such that an artery is predicted to lie thereunder. The artery location is then searched within the search region by the contact pressure search, in which the pressure sensor sweeps along the search region and the sweeping is guided by curvature information provided by the height profile. A device using the method is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention involves systems and methods for determining nerve proximity, nerve direction, and pathology relative to a surgical instrument based on an identified relationship between neuromuscular responses and the stimulation signal that caused the neuromuscular responses.

Abstract: A sensor includes a sensor pad configured to be disposed on a portion of a patient's body. A light sheet is disposed on the sensor pad and has a first substrate and a second substrate spaced from one another. The light sheet further includes a light source configured to emit near-infrared light and a light detector configured to detect near-infrared light. The light source and the light detector are disposed between the substrates. The sensor pad is configured to allow light generated by the light source to travel through the portion of the patient's body to the light detector. The light received by the light detector is indicative of oxygen saturation of the portion of the patient's body through which the light travelled.

Abstract: A clamp for securing a terminal end of a wire to a surface electrode formed on a cylindrical tube includes a first semicylindrical element. A second semicylindrical element is configured to be attached to the first semicylindrical element to form a tubular clamp structure that is adapted to be clamped around the cylindrical tube. The tubular clamp structure includes an interior surface configured to securely hold a terminal end of a wire against a surface electrode formed on the cylindrical tube.

Abstract: Provided is a catheter that includes a catheter tube and a temperature sensor. The catheter tube includes a tip-flexible part and a base end part. The base end part includes a first base end section having rigidity higher than the tip-flexible part, and a second base end section having rigidity lower than the first base end section. The tip-flexible part has an axial length from 40 mm to 100 mm, the first base end section has an axial length from 200 mm to 400 mm, and the second base end section has an axial length from 200 mm to 900 mm. A value of the rigidity of each of the first and the second base end sections decreases linearly from the first base end section to the second base end section, in a region around a boundary between the first base end section and the second base end section.

Abstract: The invention proposes an apparatus for reducing motion artifact in an ECG signal of a patient. The apparatus comprises a calculating unit configured to calculate a mean value beat from the ECG signal; a first obtaining unit configured to obtain a residual signal based on the ECG signal and the mean value beat calculated from the ECG signal; a filtering unit configured to perform filtering of the residual signal with one or more cut off frequencies; a second obtaining unit configured to obtain a modified ECG signal based on the filtered residual signal and the mean value beat; and a determining unit configured to determine the one or more cut off frequencies of the filtering based on an acceleration signal representative of motion status of the patient. By using the proposed apparatus, motion artifacts can be greatly removed from the ECG signal and the quality of the ECG signal can be therefore improved.

Abstract: A system and method for cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is disclosed that facilitates the phase sensitive reconstruction of inversion recovery magnetization prepared data with minimal scan time penalty by acquiring the phase reference data with low spatial resolution. The technique can be applied for the investigation of myocardial tissue characterization by acquiring 2D and/or 3D late Gadolinium enhancement (LGE) scans after the injection of a Gadolinium contrast agent. Regional areas of contrast accumulation in scarred myocardial tissue appear bright on these T1-weighted images. As disclosed here the proposed technique for phase sensitive inversion recovery acquisition with low resolution phase reference is robust against changes in inversion time, change in T1 due to Gadolinium contrast washout, high signal-to-noise ratio, and low scan time penalty compared to magnitude LGE.

Abstract: A linked switching partial area and a non-linked switching partial area are set in at least one display area in which a tomogram is to be displayed. When an input operation giving an instruction to switch the tomogram is performed in the non-linked switching partial area, only the image displayed in the display area is switched. When the input operation is performed in the linked switching partial area, the image displayed in the display area is switched and an image displayed in each of the other display area or areas is also switched in a linked manner.

Abstract: Certain examples provide systems, methods, and apparatus for patient care and support. An example apparatus includes a controller including a particularly programmed processor to generate a three-dimensional model for printing a three-dimensional model of a portion of a patient anatomy to form a physical avatar. The example printed three-dimensional model is formed based on image data obtained of the patient. The example controller is configured to link electronics in the physical avatar to a virtual avatar at the controller. The example virtual avatar is formed based on an electronic record for the patient. The example virtual avatar is to interact with the physical avatar via the controller according to a treatment plan. The example apparatus also includes a communication device to facilitate exchange of information between the controller and the physical avatar.

Abstract: Methods and devices for monitoring the position of a subject are disclosed. One such method includes sensing pressure waves generated by the subject moving on a divided bladder comprising interleaved portions, generating signals indicative of the pressure waves for each of the interleaved portions, and sending the signals to a processor. The method further includes determining the position of the subject based on the difference between the signals from each of the interleaved portions and generating a pattern for the subject. The pattern includes the presence and/or position of the subject over time. The method further includes predicting an action such as an exit of the subject from the divided bladder based on comparing a current pattern for the subject to previous patterns for the subject.

Abstract: This application discusses, among other things, curved plates for immobilizing a breast of a subject for medical imaging. In an example, an immobilization assembly Can include a curved compression plate assembly, a curved support plate assembly, an assembly coupling configured to position a first concave major surface of the curved compression plate assembly opposite a second concave major surface of the curved support plate assembly, wherein a cross section view through the curved compression assembly and the curved support plate assembly includes two portions of a single ellipse separated by a distance, and wherein the curved compression plate assembly and the curved support plate assembly are configured to immobilize the biological specimen between the first concave major surface and the second concave major surface.

Abstract: An x-ray system including an x-ray source, a detector having an input area, a monitor configured to display detected images, means for determining a location of a Region of Interest (ROI) of a patient on the displayed image; and a collimator having means for projecting the region of interest (ROI) on a selected fraction of the input area exposed by the x-ray source, the collimator movable in a plane parallel to the detector input area, the collimator includes a plurality of holes having different sizes, each one of the holes configured for projecting the selected fraction of the exposed area for a different zoom of the detector.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for displaying a selected acquisition field of view of a medical tomography apparatus in the region of a patient table of the tomography apparatus with the aid of an illumination device including at least one light source. In this regard, the illumination device includes at least one setting device for revealing and/or masking boundary areas of a field of illumination of the illumination device which are revealed or masked as a function of the selected acquisition field of view. An illumination device is also disclosed for this purpose.

Abstract: A radiation irradiation apparatus includes a radiation source that irradiates, with radiation, a subject to be examined, a camera that obtains a photographic image of the subject to be examined by performing photography on the subject to be examined, a monitor that displays the photographic image, a housing that houses the radiation source, the camera and the monitor with a display direction of the photographic image directed in a second direction opposite to a first direction that is an irradiation direction of the radiation and a photography direction of the photographic image, and plural grasp units that project in directions different from the first and second directions and are attached to positions of the housing facing each other.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes a determination unit and a display control unit. The determination unit that determines whether an X-ray image serving as a first image is to be displayed as a moving image or a still image and a second image is to be displayed as a moving image or a still image according to display states of the images. The display control unit that controls a display unit to display thereon at least any one of superimposed images of a combination of a moving image and a moving image, a combination of a moving image and a still image, and a combination of a still image and a moving image of the X-ray image and the second image, according to the determination made by the determination unit.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a dose distribution display apparatus includes storage circuitry, processing circuitry, and display circuitry. The storage circuitry stores position information of a support frame which supports an X-ray tube, and X-ray information concerning X-rays generated by the X-ray tube. The processing circuitry edits at least one of the X-ray information and the position information in accordance with an operator instruction, and generates a plurality of simulated dose distributions in time series based on the X-ray information and the position information, at least one of which has been edited, The display circuitry sequentially superimposes and displays the simulated dose distributions on an object model.

Abstract: In an X-ray imaging system, first X-ray irradiation and second X-ray irradiation are performed in performing X-ray imaging once. A preview producing circuit subjects first image data outputted from a sensor panel after the first X-ray irradiation is finished to binning processing or thinning processing to produce a preview image. The produced image is transmitted through a communication I/F to a console while the sensor panel performs an accumulation operation in the second X-ray irradiation. The preview image is displayed on a monitor of the console in the second X-ray irradiation.

Abstract: A computerized method for determining an objective tumor response to an anti-cancer therapy using cross-sectional images includes receiving a cross-sectional image of digital medical image data, identifying a set of pixels within the cross-sectional image corresponding to a target lesion, and analyzing the set of pixels with an image processing module to identify an upper and lower threshold of pixel intensities within a total range of pixel intensities, define a subset of pixels from the set of pixels that correspond to vascularized tumor and that have pixel intensities greater than or equal to the lower threshold and lower than or equal to the upper threshold, and derive a vascular tumor burden for the set of pixels. The method further includes determining the objective tumor response for the target lesion, wherein the objective tumor response is based on the vascular tumor burden.

Abstract: A method is for generating X-ray image data of an examination object with reduced calcium blooming. The X-ray image data is based on X-ray projection data acquired with an energy-selective X-ray detector and in respect of at least two energy windows. An embodiment of the method includes determining a calcium content in the X-ray projection data by way of a base material analysis, the calcium content describing the calcium-determined part of the X-ray attenuation caused by the examination object; generating a mixed X-ray projection data record with calcium content suppressed by way of a weighting factor of less than one; and reconstructing the X-ray image data from the mixed projection data record by applying a reconstruction algorithm.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, system and methods are provided comprising determining one or more image locations at which motion occurred within an image volume of an object containing movable anatomical features prior to segmenting the movable anatomical features; estimating motion at each of the one or more image locations; correcting one or more motion artifacts in the image volume at each of the one or more image locations, where motion was estimated resulting in the generation of a final motion compensated image; and segmenting one or more features of interest in the final motion compensated image. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: It is possible to reliably avoid a problem that radiation irradiation does not stop even when an accumulated radiation dose reaches a target radiation dose. An AEC unit starts monitoring an integrated value of a radiation dose detection signal from a detection pixel and an output of an irradiation continuation signal at the same time, and continuously transmits the irradiation continuation signal in a predetermined period while the integrated value does not reach a threshold value. When the integrated value reaches the threshold value, the output of the irradiation continuation signal is stopped. The irradiation continuation signal is transmitted to an irradiation signal I/F of a radiation source control device through an irradiation signal I/F by wireless. The radiation source control device stops X-ray irradiation by an X-ray source when the irradiation signal I/F does not receive the irradiation continuation signal.

Abstract: An individualized imaging method, comprising the following steps: scanning an imaging subject mold; conducting calibration, rectification and optimization on the imaging system according to the information obtained after mold imaging: scanning the imaging subject with the calibrated, rectified and optimized imaging system; optimizing information obtained by scanning the imaging subject and the mold thereof to obtain higher quality imaging results and data analysis result; and applying the higher quality imaging results and data analysis results to optimize the mold for use in the next imaging.

Abstract: A method of operating a tomographic imaging system whereby a plurality of radiographic images of an object are captured at a first orientation of the system's source and detector. After the radiographic images are captured and stored, geometric calibration data for the system is measured, corresponding to the first orientation of the system. A three dimensional image of the object is reconstructed using the measured geometric calibration data corresponding to the first orientation.

Abstract: An electronic stethoscope lacking an earpiece assembly can include a chestpiece base. The base can include a diaphragm, a transducer, a computer readable storage medium, and a transceiver. The transducer can detect analog auscultatory sounds from an auscultatory source and convert the sounds to a digital encoding. The encoding can be transmitted to a proximate or remote computing device via a secure communication channel. The earpiece assembly can be a cavity for transmitting the analog auscultatory sound from the base to the ear canal of a user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for locating wireless fetal monitoring probes in a set area. The method comprises the following steps: instructions are sent via a plurality of wireless base stations to instruct the wireless probes in the action scopes of the wireless base stations to send base station signal intensity data tables; the wireless probes search all receivable base station signals, establish the base station signal intensity data tables; operations are carried out based on the received current base station signal intensity data tables and base station signal intensity data tables of reference points to obtain a distance reference table; the position of one with the smallest distance value is selected to be regarded as the current position of the corresponding probe. The method and the device have the benefits of quickly locating each wireless probe and avoiding loss of monitoring data.

Abstract: A catheter includes a sheath that is inserted into a lumen; a drive shaft that transmits mechanical drive force; a hub that moves the drive shaft; an outer tube that is provided in the sheath on a proximal side and comprises a first connector at a proximal portion; an inner tube that can move inside the outer tube; a second connector that can be connected to and disconnected from the first connector and can receive the inner tube; a sheath connection portion that connects the sheath and the outer tube; and a protective tube that protrudes toward a distal side further than the inner tube, accommodates the drive shaft, can be inserted into the outer tube and the sheath, and can be pulled out of the outer tube together with the hub and the inner tube as the second connector is disconnected from the first connector.

Abstract: A urine collection method and apparatus, the apparatus including a storage container for holding urine; a first closeable opening in the storage container for allowing urine to enter and exit the storage container, the shape of the opening configured for contacting a patient to allow the patient to urinate into the storage container; a second opening for allowing fluid transfer from the interior of the storage container to the exterior of the storage container; vacuum a seal for the second opening, the seal maintaining the urine within the storage container being sealed until an analysis vial is connected to the urine collection apparatus, the connection of the analysis vial opening the seal to allow urine to leave the storage container when the analysis vial is connected.

Abstract: A urinary funnel has proximal and distal openings and is preferably made from a resilient web scored to define two side panels foldable at a lower fold line that attach mutually together at a top flap. The funnel is collapsible so as to be carried in a wallet or purse. At least one biological indicator is fixed with the inner surface of the funnel structure proximate the distal opening for detecting the use of illicit drugs, pregnancy, or other biological conditions. The web may further includes a transverse slot proximate the lower fold line that is adapted to receive a biological indicator test strip therethrough. The biological indicator is applied to the biological indicator test strip that is in turn positioned through the transverse slot to rest against the inner surface of the funnel structure within the stream of urine flowing from the proximal opening to the distal opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding a biopsy instrument into tissue of a patent comprises a cannula, a guide device, a support structure, and a locking assembly. At least a portion of the biopsy instrument is insertable into the cannula. The guide device comprises at least one guide hole. The at least one guide hole is configured to receive the cannula. The support structure is configured to position the guide device relative to a breast of a patent. The locking assembly comprises a lock arm that is configured to engage the cannula to restrict translational movement of the cannula within the guide hole of the guide device.

Abstract: A tissue cutting device that is especially suited for neurosurgical applications is disclosed and described, as well as alternative systems for tissue preservation and transport. The cutting device includes an outer cannula in which a reciprocating inner cannula is disposed. A tissue collector is also provided and is in fluid communication with the lumen of the inner cannula. A temperature control sleeve may be disposed around the tissue collector to control the temperature of the tissue samples. A preservation system may be supplied that is configured to deliver fluids to tissue samples in the tissue collector. A fluid supply sleeve may be disposed about the outer cannula and is selectively positionable along the length of the outer cannula.

Abstract: A medical instrument including a shaft and an actuated structure mounted at a distal end of the shaft can employ a pair of tendons connected to the actuated structure, extending down the shaft, and respectively wound around a capstan in opposite directions. A preload system may be coupled to maintain minimum tensions in the tendons.

Abstract: A neuromodulation therapy is delivered via at least one electrode implanted subcutaneously and superficially to a fascia layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. In one example, an implantable medical device is deployed along a superficial surface of a deep fascia tissue layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. Electrical stimulation energy is delivered to the nerve through the deep fascia tissue layer via implantable medical device electrodes.

Abstract: A relocation system for influencing an anatomical structure in relation to an internal surgical site. The system is composed of an elongated member constructed and arranged for insertion into a patient. The elongated member is composed of a plurality of segments interconnected by a plurality of control lines. The plurality of segments having one or more straight segments, one or more deflection segments, which are used to shape and steer the elongated member upon manipulation of at least one of the control lines. This causes the elongated member to deform into any desired shape capable of influencing the anatomical structure.

Abstract: A retractor for implanting a paddle lead of an electrical stimulation system includes a shaft defining a length, an interior lumen, a first end for receiving tools or paddle lead, and a second end opposite the first end and configured and arranged for insertion into tissue of a patient; a handle coupled to the shaft; and at least one divider disposed within the interior lumen and dividing a portion of the interior lumen into at least two compartments, wherein the at least one divider extends from at or near the first end of the shaft and no more than 70% of the length of the shaft. At least one of the compartments is sized for implantation of a paddle lead of an electrical stimulation system therethrough.

Abstract: A fluid joint spacer comprising a body having means for receiving a pressurized fluid from an external source and applying that pressurized fluid against a joint element so as to create a flowing fluid bearing within the joint.

Abstract: A suturing instrument includes a suturing head that is coupled to the shaft of an elongate body member of the instrument by a connector member which may be biased in either a linear orientation along the longitudinal axis of the shaft or any one of a variety of non-linear orientations with respect to the shaft's longitudinal axis. The connector member can comprise a resilient material such that an external force may be applied to the suturing head and move the suturing head from a biased orientation (e.g., linear) to an unbiased orientation (e.g., non-linear). Once the external force is removed, the resiliency of the connector member allows the suturing head to return from the unbiased orientation to the biased orientation. Therefore, a user may adjust the shape of the instrument by applying or removing an external force on the suturing head.

Abstract: Endoscopic devices and methods used for fastening multiple tissue layers, such as, for example, an endoscopic fundoplication procedure, are disclosed. The endoluminal device includes a tissue fastener, a flexible needle having means for grasping and releasing a portion of the tissue fastener, and a deflector for deflecting and guiding the needle toward the multiple tissue layers.

Abstract: A needle-suture combination includes a surgical needle having two ends and a suture connection location arranged between the two ends; a suture; and a connection part. A first end of the connection part is connected to the needle at the suture connection location and an opposite second end of the connection part is connected to the suture. The connection part includes a connection part cross section area and the suture includes a suture cross section area. The connection part cross section area is smaller than the suture cross section area. The connection part has a length which is larger than a longest distance from the suture connection location to each of the two ends of the needle.

Abstract: A suture passer comprising: a hollow tube, the hollow tube comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending from the distal end to the proximal end; and a clamping rod slidably received in the lumen of the hollow tube, the clamping rod comprising a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end being bifurcated into a first arm and a second arm, one of the first and second arms extending distally of the other of the first and second arms and including a clamping surface; wherein at least one of the first arm and the second arm comprises a friction-enhancing surface for facilitating manipulation of a suture via engagement of the suture with the friction-enhancing surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating, applying and maintaining compression to a site in a human or animal body, the apparatus comprising: a staple comprising: a bridge configured to be elastically bendable; a first leg connected to the bridge by a first hinge region configured to be elastically bendable; and a second leg connected to the bridge by a second hinge region configured to be elastically bendable; wherein the first hinge region comprises a first hole configured to mate with a first element of a delivery device and the second hinge region comprises a second hole configured to mate with a second element of a delivery device; and wherein the first and second legs are angled toward one another when they are in an unstrained state; whereby, when the staple is mounted to a delivery device so that the first hole of the first hinge region mates with a first element of a delivery device and the second hole of the second hinge region mates with a second element of a delivery device, and when the delivery device applies a

Abstract: A tissue buttress is provided on at least a first and second jaw of a surgical stapling apparatus. The tissue buttress comprises an electrophilic component and a nucleophilic component. At least a portion of the tissue buttress may be disposed within either or both of the staple pockets and staple forming pockets, securing the tissue buttress to at least one of the staple jaws.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument includes a tool assembly configured to eject staples. The tool assembly has a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly movable relative to each other. The cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly are configured to move between open and closed positions. The surgical stapling instrument further includes at least one transducer disposed in at least one of the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly. The transducers are adapted to effect vibrations to enhance stapling. In one embodiment, wires connect the transducers to a power generator. The power generator supplies energy to the transducers.