Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for measuring a state of anesthesia in a noninvasive manner. Optical techniques may be used to measure changes in a functional near-infrared (fNIR) signal, where the fNIR signal is received in response to directing wavelengths of light in a near-infrared range on a patient. The optical density change may be used to obtain a change in deoxyhemoglobin (deoxy-Hb) concentration and/or a change in an oxyhemoglobin concentration (oxy-Hb). The changes in the deoxy-Hb and/or the oxy-Hb may then be compared to determine a state of anesthesia. The effect of artifacts (e.g., strong surgery room lighting, patient-table tilting, patient intubation/extubation) on the fNIR signal may be removed using a noise removal algorithm. In selecting the noise removal algorithm, a switching technique may be used to select the component analysis algorithm, such as a principal component analysis (PCA), an independent component analysis (ICA), or the like.

Abstract: Some aspects of this disclosure include systems, methods, and/or computer programs that may be used to notify a user about a cause of emotional imbalance. Some embodiments described herein involve determining when a user is in a state of emotional imbalance based on a measurement of affective response of the user, which is taken with a sensor. Factors characterizing an event to which the measurement corresponds are examined in order to select a certain factor that, based on a model of the user, has an effect on the user that is congruous with the measurement of affective response. The user is notified about the certain factor in order to make the user more aware of the certain factor and its effect on the user.

Abstract: A monitoring system and method for monitoring and/or predicting drowsiness of a driver of a vehicle or a machinery operator are provided. A set of infrared, IR, or near infrared, NIR, light sources, is arranged such that an amount of the light emitted from the light source incidents on an eye of the driver or operator. The light that impinges on the eye of the driver or operator forms a virtual image of the signal sources on the eye including the sclera and/or cornea. An image sensor obtains consecutive images capturing the reflected light, wherein each image will contain glints from at least a subset or all of the light sources. A drowsiness index can be determined based on the extracted information of the glints of the sequence of images, wherein the drowsiness index indicates a degree of drowsiness of the driver or operator.

Abstract: A feedback device for measuring balance related information, and for producing a stimulation of the skin that encodes that information in a way that is useful to the wearer of the device. At least one sensor detects balance information and transmits at least one balance information signal to a signal processing subsystem. The signal processing subsystem converts the received balance information signal into at least one stimulation control signal. The signal processing subsystem then transmits the stimulation control signal to at least one stimulator, which provides stimulation to a wearer of the device reflecting the stimulation control signal received from the signal processing subsystem.

Abstract: The present invention provides a computer-implemented method, including: a. obtaining, in real-time, by a specifically programmed processor, electrical signal data representative of brain activity of a particular individual; b. processing, in real-time the electrical signal data representative of brain activity of a particular individual based upon a pre-determined predictor associated with a particular brain state, selected from a library of predictors containing a plurality of pre-determined predictors, wherein each individual pre-determined predictor is associated with a unique brain state, wherein the pre-determined predictor associated with a particular brain state includes: i. a pre-determined mother wavelet, ii. a pre-determined representative set of wavelet packet atoms, created from the pre-determined mother wavelet, iii. a pre-determined ordering of wavelet packet atoms, and iv. a pre-determined set of normalization factors, wherein the processing includes: i.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for selecting an audio file using motion data from a mobile computing device connected to or held by a user, the mobile computing device comprising or coupled to motion sensors. The method comprising steps of moving the mobile computing device, obtaining motion data from the motion sensors, computing from the motion data step data based on a number of steps taken by the user in a specific period of time, computing a metronome beat based on the step data and generating a metronome beat file, selecting a stored audio file having a predefined beat parameter matching the metronome beat of the metronome beat file, and playing the audio file.

Abstract: Example apparatus and methods reduce epileptic seizures in a human patient by non-invasively providing low frequency (e.g., 1-10 Hz) audio stimuli coordinated with low frequency (e.g., 1-10 Hz) visual stimuli to the patient. The signals are provided non-invasively through the eyes and ears. The audio stimuli and visual stimuli may be selected or coordinated based on a state (e.g., hyperexcitability, imminent epileptic seizure, epileptic seizure in progress, REM sleep) determined from an EEG signal acquired from the patient. Apparatus for delivering the audio stimuli and visual stimuli may be incorporated into a single wearable apparatus (e.g., glasses with earphones, hat, headband). The single wearable apparatus may also provide noise cancellation and visual stimulus diminution. The audio stimuli may be incorporated into music or random background noise.

Abstract: A device and method for determining an excretion flow rate of a body fluid of a person or an animal. The device includes an absorbent element equipped with at least three electrodes connected to a measuring system for measuring at least one electric parameter so as to be electrically coupled two by two and to form at least two pairs of electrodes, separating systems which include an inlet opening exposing a part of the absorbent element so as to create a diffusion path. At least two of the electrodes are first electrodes placed along the diffusion path in such a way that each of the first electrodes is at a distance from the inlet opening representative of a volume of absorbed fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process without a therapeutic target that evaluates at least one facial clinical sign and/or evaluates make-up, in particular evaluates wrinkles or fine lines from a portion of the face, including steps consisting in: —from a sequence of facial images of a person filmed while emitting at least one sound, extract from the sequence one or more images coinciding with the emission of at least one predefined sound, —from the resulting image or images extracted, evaluate at least one facial clinical sign appearing on the image or images extracted and/or evaluate at least one characteristic related to make-up.

Abstract: Dimensions of a surface feature are determined by capturing an image of the surface feature and determining a scale associated with the image. Structured light may be projected onto the surface, such that the position of structured light in the captured image allows determination of scale. A non-planar surface may be unwrapped. The surface may alternatively be projected into a plane to correct for the scene being tilted with respect to the camera axis. A border of the surface feature may be input manually by a user. An apparatus and system for implementing the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrocardiography and respiratory monitor recorder is provided. The recorder includes a sealed housing adapted to be removably secured into a non-conductive receptacle on a disposable extended wear electrode patch and an electronic circuitry comprised within the sealed housing.

Abstract: A magnetometer-based monitoring system comprising a magnet integrated with an object whose disposition is to be monitored, a first magnetometer secured in proximity to the object, and a second magnetometer secured at a fixed distance from the first magnetometer in proximity to the object. The monitoring system further comprising a processor to receive data from the first magnetometer and the second magnetometer, and calculate a measurement vector to determine the disposition of the object.

Abstract: A cardiac monitoring system including a long term ECG monitoring unit configured to be supported by the patient for long periods of time, including a power source, one or more electrodes electrically attached to the long term ECG monitoring unit and configured to be worn by the patient for extended periods of time, circuitry for receiving an ECG signal of the patient via the electrodes, and at least one processor operatively coupled to the circuitry for monitoring the ECG signal of the patient.

Abstract: Devices and methods for detecting meal intake are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, one or more sensors can be used to detect or monitor physiological parameters of a user (e.g., heart rate, body movements, temperature, pH, impedance, gastric stretch, sound emissions, and the like). The outputs of the sensors can be received by a computer system configured to analyze the sensor data and make a determination as to whether meal intake has occurred or is presently occurring. The computer system's determination can be used to trigger, modulate, or otherwise control one or more therapeutic devices. Other types of devices can also be controlled using this determination, such as monitoring or logging devices.

Abstract: A method for calculating the location of the center-of-rotation of a joint with an attached member. The method employs an inertial measurement unit (IMU) having an angular rate gyro and an accelerometer and coupling the inertial measurement unit to the member for detection of movement of the member. The inertial measurement unit outputs data representative of angular velocity and acceleration of the member mounted IMU in response to movement of the joint. The method further comprising analyzing the angular rate and acceleration data to determine the center-of-rotation of the joint.

Abstract: There is provided a method for estimating the volume of fluid in part of the body of a subject, the method comprising obtaining a measurement of the circumference, c, of the part of the body of the subject; obtaining a measurement of the impedance of the part of the body of the subject using electrodes attached across the part of the body of the subject; and estimating the volume of fluid in the part of the body of the subject from the measurement of impedance and the measurement of the circumference c. An apparatus comprising a control unit configured to perform the method is also provided.

Abstract: A sensor connection element of a catheter or an electrode line, which has a plate-like substrate including at least one recess and layer-like electrical conductors with sensor connection faces and/or actuator connection faces on or beneath at least one sensor surface.

Abstract: Mouth guards having electrodes, sensors, and/or accelerometers for determining one or more physiological conditions of a subject. Processing circuitry receives the outputs of the electrodes, sensors, and/or accelerometers. Optionally, at least a portion of the processing circuitry can be positioned within a helmet that is worn by a subject. The mouth guard can optionally be tethered to the helmet.

Abstract: A monitoring device configured to be attached to the ear of a person includes a base, an earbud housing extending outwardly from the base that is configured to be positioned within an ear of a subject, and a cover surrounding the earbud housing. The base includes a speaker, an optical emitter, and an optical detector. The cover includes light transmissive material that is in optical communication with the optical emitter and the optical detector and serves as a light guide to deliver light from the optical emitter into the ear canal of the subject wearing the device at one or more predetermined locations and to collect light external to the earbud housing and deliver the collected light to the optical detector.

Abstract: A method including acquiring a body cavity image and receiving first and second sets of mapping points from a probe inserted into the cavity. A first registration, having a first cumulative error value, is performed between the first set's mapping points and the image, each of the first set's mapping points having a respective first point error value, and a 3D anatomical map is generated including the first set's mapping points whose respective first point error values are less than a specified threshold. A second registration is performed between the received mapping points and the image, each of the received mapping points having a respective second point error value, the second registration having a second cumulative error value lower than the first cumulative error value, and an updated 3D anatomical map is generated including the received mapping points whose respective second point error values are less than the specified threshold.

Abstract: An initial set of parameters for operating one or more detection tools is automatically derived and subsequently adjusted so that each detection tool is more or less sensitive to signal characteristics in a region of interest. Detection tool(s) may be applied to physiological signals sensed from a patient (such as EEG signals) and may be configured to run in an implanted medical device that is programmable with the parameters to look for rhythmic activity, spike activity, and power changes in the sensed signals, etc. A detection tool may be selected and parameter values derived in a logical sequence and/or in pairs based on a graphical representation of an activity type which may be selected by a user, for example, by clicking and dragging on the graphic via a GUI. Displayed simulations allow a user to assess what will be detected with a derived parameter set and then to adjust the sensitivity of the set or start over as desired.

Abstract: This special gut microbe and chemical substance sampling technology, utilizing swallowable capsules, is for purpose of determining roles gut contents play in some 52 of most costly, in lives and dollars, of diseases with their known origin in the human gut. Gut microbes and substances are collected, analyzed, medicinal substances and objects deployed, and special provisions for attracting, capturing and preserving certain strains of microbes, and means for perturbing the gut environment and immune system are all intended to research, discover, and ultimately find both the causes and cures for the most devastating human diseases, and in the process, create gut microbiome profiles.

Abstract: An arrangement is disclosed including a patient support apparatus with a support plate and an overlay for the support plate. In an embodiment, the support plate or overlay includes an electrically conductive first layer. The first layer is connected and/or connectable to a contact-making apparatus via a first electric transmission path. The contact-making apparatus is connected and/or connectable to a ground or mass via a second electric transmission path. And, in an operating mode of the arrangement in which a patient is supported on the patient support apparatus, the first layer is connected and/or connectable to the patient via a third electric transmission path.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for magnetic nanoparticle temperature imaging. Particularly, the present methods involve applying different combinations of magnetic fields to magnetic nanoparticles placed in a one-dimensional space, collecting AC magnetization signals of the magnetic nanoparticles, and analyzing the collected signals to obtain in vivo temperature information of the one-dimensional space. Different exciting magnetic fields are applied to the magnetic nanoparticles, so that one-dimensional temperature imaging is transformed into single-point temperature measurement of each minizone, and one-dimensional temperature imaging can be precisely and quickly achieved without knowing the concentration distribution of the magnetic nanoparticles.

Abstract: Drowsiness onset detection implementations are presented that predict when a person transitions from a state of wakefulness to a state of drowsiness based on heart rate information. Appropriate action is then taken to stimulate the person to a state of wakefulness or notify other people of their state (with respect to drowsiness/alertness). This generally involves capturing a person's heart rate information over time using one or more heart rate (HR) sensors and then computing a heart-rate variability (HRV) signal from the captured heart rate information. The HRV signal is analyzed to extract features that are indicative of an individual's transition from a wakeful state to a drowsy state. The extracted features are input into an artificial neural net (ANN) that has been trained using the same features to identify when an individual makes the aforementioned transition to drowsiness. Whenever an onset of drowsiness is detected, a warning is initiated.

Abstract: A graphical audio station of a nurse call system is operable to permit a user to perform one or more of the following functions: establish a two-way voice communication link with another computer device in another patient and/or with a another computer device located in another staff work area and/or with a wireless communication device carried by caregiver and/or with a telephone of the healthcare facility; broadcast a voice page to a group of other selected computer devices; compose and send a text message to a portable device that is carried by a caregiver and that has wireless communication capability; browse web pages and/or view multimedia content, such as videos, hosted on servers of the healthcare facility and/or that are accessible via the Internet; view and/or acknowledge and/or answer and/or cancel alerts or nurse calls originating in a plurality of patient rooms.

Abstract: A system for accurately detecting a patient's movement during imaging procedures includes a camera for providing a stream of camera images of a part of a patient's exterior and a fiducial element mountable on part of the patient's exterior. The fiducial element is detectable in the stream of images. An image processor is configured to detect a displacement of the fiducial element based on consecutive images including in at least the stream of images and to generate an output signal indicative of the displacement. The fiducial element has an in-plane stiffness which is substantially larger than an in-plane stiffness of the part of the patient's exterior. In addition, the fiducial element and the part of the patient's exterior are provided with substantially equal outer in-plane dimensions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical computed tomography imaging apparatus which is especially designed to enable cranial imaging. The structure of the apparatus includes a gantry (2) comprising imaging means (21, 22) and a positioning support (8) which positioning support (8) is arranged to position the patient's cranium for exposure such that, when exposed, the cranium is scanned by a radiation beam substantially parallel with a plane formed by the facial area of the cranium and substantially only in an area on the facial side of the cranium.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a bite tray having fiducial markers for head scan registration and method of use. The bite tray is held by a patient in his teeth while the scan of his head and the fiducial markers is made by x-ray, CT, or MRI and the scan is entered into a computer to register the scan to the fiducial markers. Instrument optical markers are placed on a dental instrument and it is observed by a camera and the observation is entered into the computer to register the instrument optical markers to the dental instrument. Patient optical markers are placed on the patient and it is observed by the camera and the observation is entered into the computer to register the patient optical markers to the patient. The tip of the dental instrument is then touched to one of the fiducial markers making the location of the tip and the fiducial marker the same. The computer then registers the scan to the instrument and the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor device for detecting radiation signals. To enable high signal integrity and cost efficiency while maintaining the capability of being four-sidedly buttable, the proposed sensor device comprises a sensor array (22) comprising a plurality of detectors (11, 11a-d), a sensor element (14) for converting said received radiation signals (74, 74?) into a plurality of corresponding electric signals, an interposer element (16, 16a-d) extending laterally between a first side (28) and a second side (30), and an integrated circuit element (18, 18a-d). The interposer element (16, 16a-d) comprises a front surface (24) facing said sensor element (14) and a back surface (26) parallel to said front surface (24), wherein a front contact arrangement (36) is provided on said front surface (24) for directing said electric signals to a back contact arrangement (40) provided on said back surface (26).

Abstract: A housing of an electronic cassette has an inclined surface which is formed between a side surface and a rear surface thereof and inclined relative to the side surface and the rear surface. An antenna opening through which a radio wave is transmitted is formed on the inclined surface. Since the antenna opening is formed on the inclined surface, the antenna opening is not blocked by a rear plate of a holder of an upright radiographic stand or a supine radiographic stand, and the antenna opening is not blocked by a side panel of an outer grid. Both in the case where the electronic cassette is set to the holder and in the case where the outer grid is attached to the electronic cassette, it is possible to perform stable wireless communication.

Abstract: A method for image acquisition includes selectively concealing and exposing an x-ray source to a target object while the x-ray source travels along a first path and moving an x-ray detector along a second path in a first direction while the x-ray source is exposed to the target object. The method further includes moving the x-ray detector along the second path in a second direction generally opposite the first direction while the x-ray source is concealed from the target object.

Abstract: A medical imaging system comprises at least an image plate, X-ray device for producing an image of an object on said image plate, and a reading device for reading image information held by the image plate. In connection with the image plate there is a tag containing information for controlling the arrangement in such a manner that when the arrangement has read the information in the tag the arrangement is adapted to perform at least one operation controlled by the information read.

Abstract: A method includes dynamically varying a data acquisition sample rate between at least two data acquisition sample rates during a contrast enhanced perfusion scan based on a level of contrast in image data generated during the scan. A system includes a computed tomography scanner and a console that controls the scanner based on a scan protocol, wherein the console dynamically varies a data acquisition sample rate of scanner during a contrast enhanced perfusion scan based on a level of contrast in the image data generated during the scan. A method for optimizing dose of a scan includes reducing a data acquisition sampling rate during at least a sub-portion of the scan in which a state of interest is not being scanned.

Abstract: A radiography apparatus and a method for controlling the radiography apparatus are provided. The radiography apparatus includes a radiographer configured to acquire a first radiation image of a subject before a contrast reagent is injected into the subject, and acquire a second radiation image of the subject after the contrast reagent is injected into the subject. The radiography apparatus further includes an image processor configured to calculate a difference between data of a pixel of the first radiation image and data of a pixel of the second radiation image, for each of pixels of the first radiation image, and acquire an image of the subject based the difference for each of the pixels of the first radiation image.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, An X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes an X-ray generator that generates X rays, an X-ray detector that detects the X rays generated by the X-ray generator and having passed through a subject, an X-ray restrictor that restricts an irradiation range on a detection surface of the X-ray detector of the X rays generated by the X-ray generator, a signal input unit that inputs a biomedical signal related to the subject, a signal detector that detects a biomedical change from the biomedical signal and also outputs an extension switching signal, and an X-ray restrictor controller that controls the X-ray restrictor such that the irradiation range of the X rays is extended in response to output of the extension switching signal.

Abstract: According to certain described aspects, multiple acoustic sensing elements are employed in a variety of beneficial ways to provide improved physiological monitoring, among other advantages. In various embodiments, sensing elements can be advantageously employed in a single sensor package, in multiple sensor packages, and at a variety of other strategic locations in the monitoring environment. According to other aspects, to compensate for skin elasticity and attachment variability, an acoustic sensor support is provided that includes one or more pressure equalization pathways. The pathways can provide an air-flow channel from the cavity defined by the sensing elements and frame to the ambient air pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and apparatus including medical devices having features for monitoring sounds and motions indicative of a state of health or administration of CPR to a subject. In one embodiment, a therapeutic device such as a therapy electrode comprises a layer configured to deliver a therapy to a subject and an acoustic sensor on the therapeutic device and coupled to the layer.

Abstract: A stethoscope system may include an array of sensors, which may include pressure sensors. The array may be implemented in a wearable “patch” that is conformable to a patient's body. The stethoscope system may include a control system that is capable of receiving signals from the array of sensors. The signals may, for example, correspond to measurements from multiple pressure sensors of the array. The control system may be capable of combining signals from multiple pressure sensors to produce combined signals. The control system may be capable of filtering the combined signals to remove, at least in part, breathing signal components and to produce filtered signals. The control system may be capable of determining a correspondence between heart signal components of the filtered signals and corresponding heart valve activity.

Abstract: An echogenic nerve block catheter and an echogenic catheter tip member include an echogenic tip member having a plurality of ridges on a first portion of the tip member and a retainer member is on a second portion of the tip member, and the second portion of the tip member is received within the lumen of the nerve block catheter.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system scans a plurality of planar slices in a volumetric region containing tissue which has been perfused by a contrast agent. The plurality of slices scanned are parallel to each other. Following detection of the image data of the slices the slice data is combined by projecting the data in the elevation dimension to produce an elevationally combined slice image. Combining may be by means of an averaging or maximum intensity detection or weighting process or by raycasting in the elevation dimension in a volumetric rendering process. The elevationally combined slice image is processed to produce a qualitative or quantitative measure of perfusion, such as an image with degrees of perfusion indicated by a range of brightness levels, an image of color perfusion parameters, or a perfusion curve or curve parameter indicating rate of perfusion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automated detection of a general, non-sinusoidal type of periodicity in ultrasound Doppler signals from pulsatile blood flow is described. The method computes a measure of pulsatility from the power spectrum near the peaks of the fundamental and harmonic frequencies of the Doppler signal information.

Abstract: Systems and methods for super-resolution ultrasound imaging using a windowed and generalized TR-MUSIC algorithm that divides the imaging region into overlapping sub-regions and applies the TR-MUSIC algorithm to the windowed backscattered ultrasound signals corresponding to each sub-region. The algorithm is also structured to account for the ultrasound attenuation in the medium and the finite-size effects of ultrasound transducer elements.

Abstract: Systems and methods for super-resolution ultrasound imaging using a windowed and generalized TR-MUSIC algorithm that divides the imaging region into overlapping sub-regions and applies the TR-MUSIC algorithm to the windowed backscattered ultrasound signals corresponding to each sub-region. The algorithm is also structured to account for the ultrasound attenuation in the medium and the finite-size effects of ultrasound transducer elements. A modified TR-MUSIC imaging algorithm is used to account for ultrasound scattering from both density and compressibility contrasts. The phase response of ultrasound transducer elements is accounted for in a PC-MUSIC system.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system, a method for ultrasound imaging and a non-transitory computer readable medium that stores instructions executable by one or more processors to perform the method for ultrasound imaging are presented. The method includes convolving one or more base ultrasound pulses corresponding to a particular frequency with a desired code to generate an extended excitation wave. Further, the extended excitation wave is transmitted to a broadband ultrasound transducer to be transmitted towards the target. Subsequently, echo signals reflected back from the target in response to the extended excitation wave are received and de-convolved. One or more ultrasound images of the target corresponding to multiple frequencies are generated based on the de-convolved echo signals.

Abstract: Methods and devices for assessing, and treating patients having sympathetically mediated disease, involving augmented peripheral chemoreflex and heightened sympathetic tone by reducing chemosensor input to the nervous system via carotid body ablation.

Abstract: A device and method for shielding an ultrasound probe are provided. The ultrasound probe includes a handle having an interior chamber with an open front end and a transducer assembly provided in the chamber. The transducer assembly converts acoustic energy received through the open front end to electrical signals. The ultrasound probe further includes a shielding portion provided between the transducer assembly and an exterior of the handle.

Abstract: Provided are capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) probes that use wire bonding. A CMUT probe includes a CMUT chip which includes a plurality of first electrode pads which are disposed on a first surface thereof, a printed circuit board (PCB) which is disposed on the first surface of the CMUT chip and which is configured to expose the plurality of first electrode pads, a plurality of second electrode pads which are disposed on the PCB and which correspond to respective ones of the plurality of first electrode pads, and a plurality of wires which connect each respective one of the plurality of first electrode pads to the corresponding one of the plurality of second electrode pads.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a capacitive transducer is provided having a structure in which a vibrating film is supported to be able to vibrate. The method includes forming a sacrificial layer on a first electrode; forming a layer on the sacrificial layer, the layer forming at least part of the vibrating film; removing the sacrificial layer, including forming etching holes to communicate with the sacrificial layer; forming a sealing layer for sealing the etching holes; and etching at least part of the sealing layer. Before forming the sealing layer, an etching stop layer is formed on the layer forming at least part of the vibrating film. In the step of etching at least part of the sealing layer, the sealing layer is removed until the etching stop layer is reached.

Abstract: An ultrasound system may include a curved probe having a first set of elements that define a first aperture, and a second set of elements that define a second aperture. The probe may be configured to simultaneously transmit first and second ultrasound signals from the first and second apertures, respectively. The first ultrasound signal is configured to be transmitted in a first direction that is parallel with a first beam axis of the first ultrasound signal. The second ultrasound signal is configured to be transmitted in a second direction that is parallel with a second beam axis of the second ultrasound signal. At least one processor is configured to independently steer each of the first and second ultrasound signals.