Abstract: An endoscope includes a handle connected to a flexible, steerable, kink-resistant insertion tube. An endoscope insertion tube may include a shaft, a lower durometer section proximate to a distal end of the shaft, and a higher durometer section positioned between the lower durometer section and a medium durometer section. The endoscope insertion tube may further include a fourth thermoplastic laminate section proximate to a proximal end of the shaft and having a higher durometer. A method of making an endoscope insertion tube may include inserting a mandrel with one, two, or more lateral slots and a liner into a shaft, wherein the liner is positioned between the mandrel and the shaft, bonding a bonded portion of the liner to an inner surface of the shaft, separating other portion(s) of the liner from the shaft, and inserting a first deflection wire in a gap between the shaft and the unbonded portion(s) of the liner.

Abstract: [Object] To present a three-dimensional image in a more favorable mode, regardless of differences in display conditions. [Solution] A medical stereoscopic observation device including: an acquisition section that acquires input image data; a parallax control section that controls, for each of a plurality of different display regions, a parallax value in accordance with display size of the display region; and an image generation section that generates, for each display region, a parallax image corresponding to each of a plurality of viewpoints for display in the display region, on a basis of the acquired input image data and the parallax value corresponding to the display region.

Abstract: The solid-state imaging device includes a semiconductor layer, an electrode, a wiring layer, a plurality of filters, an input terminal, and a voltage generation circuit. The voltage generation circuit generates a first voltage and a second voltage. The plurality of filters include a first filter and a second filter. The light transmittance of the first filter has a peak in a wavelength range corresponding to blue. The light transmittance of the second filter has a peak at a wavelength of 450 nm or more, and in the second filter, the transmittance of light having a wavelength of 450 nm or less is greater than the minimum value of the transmission of light having a wavelength longer than 450 nm. The first voltage and the second voltage are selectively applied to the electrode.

Abstract: Infrared imaging devices are provided which are configured to implement side-scan infrared imaging for, e.g., medical applications. For example, an imaging device includes a ring-shaped detector element comprising a circular array of infrared detectors configured to detect thermal infrared radiation, and a focusing element configured to focus incident infrared radiation towards the circular array of infrared detectors. The imaging device can be an ingestible imaging device (e.g., swallowable camera) or the imaging device can be implemented as part of an endoscope device, for example.

Abstract: The present invention concerns capsule endomicroscope having a predetermined axial length and a diameter being smaller than the axial length the capsule endomicroscope being adapted to acquire images of a surface of a hollow organ, comprising a microscopic image acquisition assembly the optical axis thereof is orientated into the radial direction of the capsule endomicroscope in a way to acquire microscopic images of a section of the surface of a hollow organ present in a predetermined image acquisition area on an radial outer surface of the capsule endomicroscope through a housing of the capsule endomicroscope consisting of at least sectionally light-transparent material, and a light source adapted to emit light rays in the radial direction of the capsule endomicroscope through the light-transparent material of the housing during image acquisition, wherein the light source and the light-transparent material of the housing located between the light source and the predetermined image acquisition area are inter

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment providing one or more improvements includes an endoscope which utilizes a single coherent fiber bundle for simultaneously carrying imaging and illumination light.

Abstract: An otoscope provides a circular display allowing a compact housing providing improved simultaneous viewing of the display and the patient's ear for improved positioning and stabilization of the otoscope. A recorded image may be rotationally corrected, and non-image data displayed on the screen may be rotationally corrected with the use of an inclinometer.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems, methods, and designs of speculum tips for pneumatic otoscopy. A speculum tip is disclosed and generally comprises: a cylindrical configuration including a narrow distal tip region longitudinally extending from a larger proximal region.

Abstract: A nasal speculum, rhinoscope, designed for examination of the nasal cavity in both humans and animals, is characterized in that it is made from one piece of material and has a resilient arc-shaped connector (1) of the arms (2), said arms connected centrally to one another by means of a catch (3) located in opening (4), said arms extending beyond the said point of connection in the form of parallel shorter arms (5), said shorter arms terminating in appropriately shaped members (6) resembling a truncated cone, the speculum being also provided with a lip (7) positioning the arms of the speculum and with indentations (8) that prevent slipping of the hand when arms (2) are being pressed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating disorders of the ear, nose, throat or paranasal sinuses, including methods and apparatus for dilating ostia, passageways and other anatomical structures, endoscopic methods and apparatus for endoscopic visualization of structures within the ear, nose, throat or paranasal sinuses, navigation devices for use in conjunction with image guidance or navigation system and hand held devices having pistol type grips and other handpieces.

Abstract: A bite block includes a body defining a first side wall, a second side wall, a first bite surface extending between the first side wall and the second side wall, and a second bite surface extending between the first side wall and the second side wall. A window is formed as part of the first side wall, an LED is positioned within the body and positioned to emit light through the window, and a power supply is positioned within the body and is connected to the LED. A switch is positioned within the body and is actuatable through the second side wall to selectively provide power to the LED.

Abstract: An anoscope comprises a graspable portion, arranged for being grasped by an operator, and a body, arranged for being inserted into the terminal tract of the rectum of a patient. A cavity and at least one operating window are made in the body of the anoscope. The anoscope further comprises a housing and a seat, which are comprised in the cavity of the body. The housing is arranged for containing at least one surgical instrument suitable for treating hemorrhoids and the seat is arranged for containing at least one lighting device.

Abstract: An ophthalmic examination support system of an embodiment includes a server and clients. The server includes a medical information storage apparatus that stores medical information on each patient, and a management apparatus that manages the medical information. Each of the clients can communicate with the management apparatus. The system includes an association information storage unit and an examination condition obtaining unit. The association information storage unit stores, in advance, association information in which association between predetermined medical information items and examination conditions of an ophthalmic examination is recorded. The examination condition obtaining unit receives medical information retrieved from the medical information storage apparatus by the management apparatus based on patient information transmitted from one of the clients, and obtains an examination condition corresponding to at least part of the received medical information from the association information.

Abstract: In a method for determining the visual acuity two spaced outer markings and an orientation marking lying between but not on a straight connecting line are displayed to the user on a display in an individual test as part of a plurality of tests, and the user is to move the orientation marking on the display perpendicularly to the straight connecting line by actuating the device until the user perceives the marking as lying on the straight connecting line. After, the electronic device then registers the effective distance between the orientation marking and the connecting line. At least two tests are carried out in which the outer markings are arranged along the same main axis, and at least the vertical main axis and the horizontal main axis are measured. After the manipulation, the effective distance from the individual tests of the series is used for ascertaining the visual acuity.

Abstract: A medical diagnostic device and method, the device including: (a) an alternating current source, adapted to produce an alternating current; (b) an electrode arrangement having at least first and second electrodes, separated by an electrically insulating region, the arrangement having an at least semi-rigid region that fixes the electrodes in a spaced-apart manner, the arrangement adapted to contact the soft tissue on the inner surface of the eyelid; and (c) a processor, associated with the electrode arrangement, said electrodes electrically connected to the alternating current source; wherein, when the electrode arrangement is provided with the alternating current, and is disposed against the soft tissue, the soft tissue electrically bridges between the electrodes to form an electrical circuit, wherein an electrical signal is produced by the alternating current electrically passing between the electrodes via the soft tissue; wherein the processor is adapted to receive in-vivo based electrical information orig

Abstract: An optical coherence tomography (OCT) interferometer includes at least a first optical fiber of a first type having a first length, in series with a second optical fiber of a second type which is different than the first type and having a second length, in at least one of the sample path and/or the reference path of the OCT interferometer. The dispersion characteristics of the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber are significantly different than each other. As a result, the total group delay dispersion of a first portion of the laser light passing through the sample path and the total group delay dispersion of the second portion of the laser light passing through the reference path may offset each other at the detector.

Abstract: A device for performing ophthalmic measurements on an eye is presented. The device comprises a plurality of first light sources each configured to emit light towards a cornea of the eye and a plurality of first optical detectors each configured to generate a two-dimensional image of a plurality of light spots each resulting from light emitted by one of the plurality of first light sources and reflected by the cornea towards the corresponding first optical detector. The device further comprises a controller configured to determine topographic features of the cornea and a position of the eye with respect to the device by performing raytracing on a modelled optical configuration and by comparing results of the raytracing with positions of the plurality of first light sources and/or with positions of the light spots in the two-dimensional images. Further, a method for performing ophthalmic measurements on an eye is presented.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for estimating an age of a target individual includes obtaining information of eye movement of the target individual, analyzing the information of the eye movement to extract a feature of the eye movement, and estimating the age of the target individual using the feature of the eye movement.

Abstract: An object is to simply and easily evaluate differences in behavior of the eyes of subjects. A binocular measurement system 1 includes a photodetector 7 that detects reflected light from the right eye ER and the left eye EL of a subject, and outputs image signal of the reflected light, a feature amount calculating unit 11 that calculates a feature amount corresponding to the right eye ER and a feature amount corresponding to the left eye EL based on the image signal, and a comparison value calculating unit 13 that calculates, based on the two feature amounts, a comparison value obtained by comparing the two feature amounts.

Abstract: An apparatus for tracking eye gaze includes a capacitive sensor array having a plurality of capacitive sensors. The capacitive sensor array is configured to detect eye movement based at least on a proximity of the plurality of capacitive sensors to a part of an eye of a user (e.g., a bulge in the cornea). A frame of the apparatus is configured to be worn on a head of the user and configured to support the capacitive sensor array positioned in front of the eye. A control circuit of the apparatus is configured to receive signals from the capacitive sensor array. A body electrode of the apparatus is positioned on the frame and electrically connected to the control circuit, the body electrode configured to establish an electrical connection with a body of the user. A conductive line of the apparatus connects the body electrode to the control circuit.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for measuring angular direction of individual photoreceptors in an eye. A light source is projected through the pupil of the eye onto the retina. An image of the light reflected back from the plurality of photoreceptors is captured at a first focal depth and then at a second focal depth, where the first focal depth is different than the second focal depth. At least one individual photoreceptor is identified in both images and a lateral difference of the position of the identified photoreceptor is measured. The angular direction of the photoreceptor is then calculated based on the measured lateral difference.

Abstract: An operating microscope (2, 48) for observing an eye (77) is provided. The operating microscope (2, 48) comprises a main objective (5) and a fundus imaging system (71) that is positionable in the beam path (7) between the eye (77) and the main objective (5), said fundus imaging system having an ophthalmoscopy magnifier (73). The main objective (5) of the operating microscope (2, 48) has a focal length in the range between 90 mm and 160 mm. The fundus imaging system (71) also can comprise an optics group (81), the dispersion properties of which are matched to the dispersion properties of the ophthalmoscopy magnifier (73) in such a way that the optics group (81) compensates a chromatic aberration of the ophthalmoscopy magnifier (73).

Abstract: An ophthalmologic imaging apparatus that includes a first optical system, a first driver, and a first focus controller. The first optical system includes a first focus lens and a diopter correction lens, and guides light from a subject's eye to a first light receiving element. The first focus lens is movable along the optical axis of a first optical path. The diopter correction lens is insertable into and removable from the first optical path. The first driver moves the first focus lens. The first focus controller executes mutually different focus control of the first driver in a removed state in which the first diopter correction lens is removed from the first optical path and in an inserted state in which the diopter correction lens is inserted into the first optical path.

Abstract: In one example an input/output interface to receive motion tracking data from at least one remote motion sensing device and a controller coupled to the input/output interface and comprising logic, at least partially including hardware logic, to receive the motion tracking data, generate estimated position data using the motion tracking data; and present the estimated position data on a display device coupled to the electronic device. Other examples may be described.

Abstract: An external medical device including monitoring circuitry and communication circuitry. The monitoring circuitry monitors a cardiac condition of a patient using the external medical device. For example, the communication circuitry initiates a communication link with a remote location. The remote location can be selected based on data associated with at least one of the external medical device and the patient using the external medical device. In some examples, supporting data can be transmitted to the remote location.

Abstract: An improved analyte monitoring system having a sensor and a transceiver with improved communication and/or user interface capabilities. The transceiver may communicate with and power the sensor. The transceiver may receive one or more analyte measurements from the sensor and may calculate one or more analyte concentrations based on the received analyte measurements. The transceiver may generate analyte concentration trends, alerts, and/or alarms based on the calculated analyte concentrations. The system may also include a display device, which may be, for example, a smartphone and may be used to display analyte measurements received from the transceiver. The display device may execute a mobile medical application. The system may include a data management system, which may be web-based.

Abstract: Medical devices are provided, comprising a medical device and a sensor.

Abstract: An implantable position detecting system is configured to detect a position of an implantable device with respect to a body structure. The system includes at least one proximity measuring transducer configured to be implanted on the body structure a distance from the implantable device, the at least one proximity measuring transducer being configured to receive energy from an external electromagnetic field generated by an external sensing interface, wherein the at least one proximity sensor is configured to emit an emitted signal responsive to the electromagnetic energy and to receive distance information comprising a sensing signal that is responsive to the distance from the implantable device.

Abstract: Described embodiments include an apparatus that includes an electrical interface and a processor. The processor is configured to receive via the electrical interface, from a plurality of sensors, a first signal that indicates a location of an intrabody tool inside a body of a subject, and a second signal that indicates a phase, of a physiological motion cycle of the subject, at which the first signal was acquired. The processor is further configured to acquire, using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner, a set of multiple images at the location indicated by the first signal, over a portion, of a subsequent physiological motion cycle of the subject, that includes the phase indicated by the second signal. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A modulated physiological sensor is a noninvasive device responsive to a physiological reaction of a living being to an internal or external perturbation that propagates to a skin surface area. The modulated physiological sensor has a detector configured to generate a signal responsive to the physiological reaction. A modulator varies the coupling of the detector to the skin so as to at least intermittently maximize the detector signal. A monitor controls the modulator and receives an effectively amplified detector signal, which is processed to calculate a physiological parameter indicative of the physiological reaction.

Abstract: A spectrometer includes a chamber, a vacuum generator configured to suck in internal air of the chamber to pull skin of a subject into the chamber, a light source configured to emit light to the skin of the subject pulled into the chamber, a photodetector configured to receive light passing through the skin of the subject and acquire a spectrum of the light; and a skin contact adjuster configured to determine a contact state between the chamber and the skin by analyzing the spectrum of the light and thereby generate a determination result, and adjust the contact state between the chamber and the skin by applying a physical force to a periphery of the skin pulled into the chamber according to the determination result.

Abstract: An imaging station/booth for automated total body imaging having a small footprint and capable of quickly, efficiently, effectively, and consistently capturing multiple body images of a user or patient over time with minimal assistance from medical staff.

Abstract: The present invention is a Miniature Vein Enhancer that includes a Miniature Projection Head. The Miniature Projection Head may be operated in one of three modes, AFM, DBM, and RTM. The Miniature Projection Head of the present invention projects an image of the veins of a patient, which aids the practitioner in pinpointing a vein for an intravenous drip, blood test, and the like. The Miniature projection head may have a cavity for a power source or it may have a power source located in a body portion of the Miniature Vein Enhancer. The Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to one of several improved needle protectors, or the Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to a body similar to a flashlight for hand held use. The Miniature Vein Enhancer of the present invention may also be attached to a magnifying glass, a flat panel display, and the like.

Abstract: An imaging system for a patient comprises an imaging probe. The imaging probe comprises: an elongate shaft for insertion into the patient and comprising a proximal end, a distal portion, and a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal portion; a rotatable optical core comprising a proximal end and a distal end, the rotatable optical core configured to optically and mechanically connect with an interface unit; a probe connector positioned on the elongate shaft proximal end and surrounding at least a portion of the rotatable optical core and an optical assembly positioned in the elongate shaft distal portion and proximate the rotatable optical core distal end, the optical assembly configured to direct light to tissue and collect reflected light from the tissue. A shear-thinning fluid can be provided between the elongate shaft and the rotatable optical core, such as to reduce undesired rotational variations of the rotatable optical core.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of removing a background noise from a photoacoustic image, the method including applying an ultrasonic signal to a target absorbing body having a multi-modal microbubble contrast agent injected thereinto and receiving the ultrasonic signal reflected by the target absorbing body in order to acquire an ultrasonic image, when a photoacoustic signal is generated from the target absorbing body having the multi-modal microbubble contrast agent injected thereinto as the result of absorbing a laser pulse applied to the target absorbing body, receiving the photoacoustic signal in order to acquire a photoacoustic image, applying a critical value to pixels corresponding to microbubbles in the ultrasonic image in order to generate a mask image, and removing a background noise generated from a non-target absorbing body, while maintaining the target absorbing body, from the photoacoustic image using the mask image.

Abstract: We disclose a device for measuring volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath. The device includes a cover which may be a mask. The cover fits over a user's face as the user breathes. The cover includes one or more removably attached filters which collect VOCs. Some embodiments include reference filters which measure VOCs in the air the user inhales. Reference filter measurements may be subtracted from total VOCs collected from exhaled breath to exclude VOCs that did not originate in the user's body. The filters may be removed from the device and sent for analysis by a gas analyzer which may be a gas chromatograph. Methods of using the device are also disclosed. The device may be used to assess a user's health status, identify or quantify compounds to which a user may have been exposed, or to aid in medical diagnosis.

Abstract: An external defibrillator system is provided. The system includes: a graphical display; one or more sensors for obtaining data regarding chest compressions performed on a patient; and a controller configured to display on the graphical display numeric values for depth and/or rate of the chest compressions based upon the data from the one or more sensors. A method for using an external defibrillator including the steps of: obtaining data regarding chest compressions performed on a patient; and displaying on a graphical display screen of the defibrillator numeric values for depth and/or rate of the chest compressions based upon the data is also provided.

Abstract: A method and system for evaluating physiological properties of a segment of blood vessel is provided. The method includes: acquiring a first measurement and a second measurement respectively at the first point and the second point; obtaining a transfer function configured to produce an output given an input, using the first measurement and the second measurement as the input and the output respectively; and determining the physiological properties of the section of the blood vessel based on the transfer function. The transfer function can be a velocity transfer function based on the blood velocity waveforms, or can be a pressure transfer function based on the blood pressure waveforms. The method and system can be used to non-invasively diagnose PH, COPD, and PA impedance in a pulmonary artery, and to detect a stenosis in a coronary artery.

Abstract: A blood pressure measurement device estimates blood pressure based on first internal pressure of cuff during a first period and Korotkoff sound during the first period or based on the first internal pressure during the first period and first pulse wave during the first period; calculates timings when the first pulse wave satisfies a predetermined condition, a third period between timings, and pressure of first internal pressure during the third period and generates first information where the third period and the pressure are associated; generates blood pressure information where the calculated first information and the estimated blood pressure are associated; and specifies the first information matching or resembling second information generated based on second internal pressure of the cuff during second period and second pulse wave during the second period, and estimates the blood pressure associated with the specified first information as blood pressure during the second period.

Abstract: Fluorescence based tracking of a light-emitting marker in a bodily fluid stream is conducted by: providing a light-emitting marker into a fluid stream; establishing field of view monitoring by placement of a sensor, such as a high speed camera, at a region of interest; recording image data of light emitted by the marker at the region of interest; determining time characteristics of the light output of the marker traversing the field of view; and calculating flow characteristics based on the time characteristics. Furthermore generating a velocity vector map may be conducted using a cross correlation technique, leading and falling edge considerations, subtraction, and/or thresholding.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for monitoring the wellbeing of a fetus by the non-invasive detection and analysis of fetal cardiac electrical activity data.

Abstract: A method of controlling an emitted light strength for a heart rate monitoring (HRM) device is disclosed. The method includes steps of obtaining a surface condition of a skin of a user; determining an emitted strength of an emitted light according to the surface condition of the skin; and determining the heart rate of the user according to the emitted light with the emitted strength.

Abstract: A light emitting unit emits light including first light and second light. A light receiving unit outputs a signal of a level in accordance with intensity of incoming light. A first optical sensor is configured to outputs a first signal of a level in accordance with intensity of the first light entering the light receiving unit. A second optical sensor outputs a second signal of a level in accordance with intensity of the second light entering the light receiving unit. Based on the second signal, a controller determines whether or not the living body information sensor and a surface of the living body are in close contact with each other. The controller generates the information related to the living body based on the first signal obtained when the living body information sensor and the surface of the living body are in close contact with each other.

Abstract: A contact force sensor is constructed using a spring in which a resilient member is interposed between two contacting elements. Extensions connected to the resilient member are in contact with the elements. A force applied to at least one of the elements causes a deformation of the spring that correlates with a displacement of the elements relative to one another.

Abstract: A map of cardiac activation wavefronts can be created from a plurality of mesh nodes, each of which is assigned a conduction velocity vector. Directed edges are defined to interconnect the mesh nodes, and weights are assigned to the directed edges, thereby creating a weighted directed conduction velocity graph. A user can select one or more points within the weighted directed conduction velocity graph (which do not necessarily correspond to nodes), and one or more cardiac activation wavefronts passing through these points can be identified using the weighted directed conduction velocity graph. The cardiac activation wavefronts can then be displayed on a graphical representation of the cardiac geometry.

Abstract: The invention concerns a data processing apparatus for processing T-wave information or ST-segment information from an electrical signal from a myocardium of a heart of a human or animal, for an assessment of a condition of at least a part of the myocardium or the whole myocardium, characterized in that the data processing apparatus is configured to derive a T-wave deviation value from a difference of at least two T-wave parameters or ST-segment parameters, wherein each of the two parameters belongs to another T-wave or ST-segment from the same heart.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a system and a method for assessing a risk of ventricular arrhythmias for a patient. For example, the method may comprise receiving ECG data obtained from the patient; analyzing the ECG data to detect abnormal QRS peaks; determining the risk of ventricular arrhythmias for the patient based on the detected abnormal QRS peaks; and providing an indication of the risk of ventricular arrhythmias for the patient. The system may be configured to perform this method.

Abstract: Disclosed are a brainwave sensor unit and a brainwave measurement apparatus using the same. The brainwave sensor unit includes first and second contact electrodes located on a supporter, the first contact electrode obtains a brainwave signal from a living body, and the second contact electrode is spaced apart and electrically insulated from the first contact electrode and is grounded.

Abstract: Ambulatory monitors and related methods employ an adhesive layer with conductive and non-conductive regions to improve electrical isolation of electrodes. An ambulatory monitor includes a biocompatible layer, first and second electrodes, an adhesive layer, and a physiological data recording module. The adhesive layer is interfaced with the biocompatible layer and configured to adhere the biocompatible layer to the user's skin. The adhesive layer has a first conductive adhesive region comprising a conductive adhesive electrically coupled with the first electrode, a second conductive adhesive region comprising a conductive adhesive electrically coupled with the second electrode, and a non-conductive adhesive region comprising a non-conductive adhesive. The non-conductive adhesive region serves as an electrical insulator between the first conductive adhesive region and the second conductive adhesive region.

Abstract: Changes in electrical stimulation therapy delivered via a medical device are coordinated with Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) scans. In one example, a medical device delivers electrical stimulation therapy to a patient in an MRI unit, where the medical device is configured to cycle electrical stimulation therapy between a plurality of stimulation states. An indication that the medical device will cycle the electrical stimulation therapy or has cycled the electrical stimulation therapy while the patient is in the MRI unit or being imaged by the MRI unit is generated, and an MRI scan of the patient via an MRI workstation is initiated based on the indication. In another example, a medical device detects activation of an MRI scan and automatically switches stimulation states based upon the detection of the MRI scan, such that the scan is associated with a particular stimulation state.