Abstract: A regional oximetry sensor has a sensor head attachable to a patient skin surface so as to transmit optical radiation into the skin and receive that optical radiation after attenuation by blood flow within the skin. The sensor includes windows that press into the skin to maximize optical transmission. A stem extending from the sensor head transmits electrical signals between the sensor head and an attached cable. In a peel resistant configuration, the stem is terminated interior to the sensor head and away from a sensor head edge so as to define feet along either side of the stem distal the stem termination. The stem interior termination transforms a peel load on a sensor head adhesive to less challenging tension and shear loads on the sensor head adhesive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photoplethysmography apparatus (100), comprising a source of light (110) configured to provide source light (130) of at least a first and a second spectral position directed at a tissue (140); alight detector (120) configured to detect scattered source light, and to provide at least a first and a second sensor signal (127, 29) indicative of the scattered source light of the first and second spectral position; and a processing unit (150). The processing unit is configured to calculate a corrected sensor signal (160), indicative of a variation in blood absorbance within the tissue, by removing a tissue-path error signal component, indicative of a variation in optical path length through the tissue over time, and a light-coupling error signal component, indicative of a variation of source light intensity of the source light emitted at the tissue, from the at least first and second sensor signals.

Abstract: A sensor head for a compact oximeter sensor device includes light sources and light detectors. A compact oximeter sensor device implementation is entirely self-contained, without any need to connect, via wires or wirelessly, to a separate system unit. The sources and detectors are arranged in a circular arrangement having various source-detector pair distances that allow for robust calibration and self-correction in a compact probe. Other source-detector arrangements are also possible.

Abstract: A method for determining oxygen saturation includes emitting light from sources into tissue; detecting the light by detectors subsequent to reflection; and generating reflectance data based on detecting the light. The method includes determining a first subset of simulated reflectance curves from a set of simulated reflectance curves stored in a tissue oximetry device for a coarse grid; and fitting the reflectance data points to the first subset of simulated reflectance curves to determine a closest fitting one of the simulated reflectance curves. The method includes determining a second subset of simulated reflectance curves for a fine grid based on the closest fitting one of the simulated reflectance curves; determining a peak of absorption and reflection coefficients from the fine grid; and determining an absorption and a reflectance coefficient for the reflectance data points by performing a weighted average of the absorption coefficients and reflection coefficients from the peak.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a light detector; a light source, laterally offset from the light detector by a first lateral offset; optics configured to receive light emitted by the light source and output the received light, wherein a majority of the light output is directed towards an offset region laterally offset from the light detector by at least a second lateral offset different from the first lateral offset.

Abstract: [Object] To measure a form of light scattering in a body more simply. [Solution] A measurement device according to the present disclosure includes: a light source configured to emit at least one kind of measurement light belonging to a predetermined wavelength band toward a measurement region formed by at least a part of a living body; a detection unit configured such that a plurality of sensors are arranged regularly in a predetermined disposition and the measurement light emitted from the light source and transmitted through the living body is detected by the plurality of sensors; and an analysis unit configured to analyze at least one of rectilinearity of the measurement light in the living body and an optical distance from the light source using a detection result of the measurement light detected by the detection unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for analyzing the composition of bodily fluid. The apparatus can include a fluid handling network including a patient end configured to maintain fluid communication with a bodily fluid in a patient and a pump unit in operative engagement with the fluid handling network. The pump unit can have an infusion mode, in which the pump unit is operable to deliver infusion fluid to the patient through the patient end, and a sample draw mode, in which the pump unit is operable to draw a sample of the bodily fluid from the patient through the patient end. The apparatus can include a spectroscopic analyzer positioned to analyze at least a portion of the sample; a processor in communication with or incorporated into the spectroscopic analyzer; and stored program instructions executable by the processor to obtain measurements of two or more properties of the sample.

Abstract: A person's suitability for many activities is manifest and made evident more in a sample of the person's spontaneous verbal and other voluntary behavior than in any traditional written document such as a resume or a certificate of educational or vocational qualification. For many social and commercial roles, a spontaneous positive outlook, an appropriate level of energy, and coherent, considerate spoken communication are key behavior elements that interviewers look for. Embodiments disclosed include improved systems and methods of extracting sentiment and estimating affect from speech-borne features, by capturing and incorporating other, non-speech, voluntary actions in response to a set of performance tasks and combining these non-speech parameter values with the content and manner of verbal behavior to produce more accurate estimates of expected human reaction to the performance samples within a given performance period and to derive accurate estimates from smaller intervals of a person's performance.

Abstract: A stimulus is displayed in a visual field on a stimulus side (e.g., right or left) of a subject. An input is received from an input side of the subject. Where the input side is contralateral to the first stimulus side, a crossed reaction time is determined as a span of time between displaying the stimulus and receiving the input. Where the input side is ipsilateral to the stimulus side, an uncrossed reaction time is determined as a span of time between displaying the stimulus and receiving the input. A crossed-uncrossed difference time can be determined as a difference between the crossed reaction time and the uncrossed reaction time. The crossed reaction time, the uncrossed reaction time, and/or the crossed-uncrossed difference time can be used to determine a severity of Traumatic Brain Injury of the subject.

Abstract: A method for identifying brain injuries in a test subject includes acquiring, at a selected number of instances across a selected time interval, a set of signals indicative of force from a set of force sensors when the test subject stands on a pressure measurement unit. The method includes calculating a center-of-pressure of the test subject at the selected number of instances across the selected time interval based on the acquired set of signals from the set of force sensors. The method includes calculating a metric indicative of randomness of the center-of-pressure of the test subject across the selected time interval. The method includes determining a state of brain health of the test subject based on the metric indicative of randomness of the center-of-pressure. The method includes reporting the state of brain health of the test subject to a user interface.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems and methods for performing nerve monitoring. An exemplary nerve monitoring system may include one or more stimulating devices for stimulating target nerves and one or more recording devices for recording responses from muscles associated with the target nerves. The methods can be employed for simultaneously monitoring the recurrent laryngeal nerve, the superior laryngeal nerve, and the vagus nerve during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: Sensing circuitry of an implantable medical device (IMD) system may sense a cardiac signal that varies according to a cardiac cycle of a patient. Processing circuitry of the IMD system may determine a series of consecutive cardiac cycle length metric values based on the sensed cardiac signal, identify a plurality of pairs of the cardiac cycle length metrics, each of the pairs of cardiac cycle length metrics separated by an integer ‘n’ of the cardiac cycle length metrics, and construct a distribution of the pairs of cardiac cycle length metrics based on values of the cardiac cycle length metrics for each of the pairs. The processing circuitry may detect a sleep apnea episode of the patient based on one or more characteristics of the constructed distribution, and control communication circuitry of the IMD system to transmit an indication of the detected sleep apnea episode to the external computing device.

Abstract: A device includes a handle, an expandable structure including a plurality of splines extending from a proximal hub to a distal hub, a first electrode on a first spline of the plurality of splines, an outer tube extending from the handle to the proximal hub, and a shaft extending through the outer tube from the handle to the distal hub. The expandable structure has a collapsed state and a self-expanded state. The handle is configured to retract the shaft. Retracting the shaft may expand the expandable structure outward of the self-expanded state.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for measuring or monitoring a subject undergoing one or more therapeutic treatments in real time to prevent drug abuse or misuse. The devices of the invention are intended to be worn or carried by the subjects, and they can thus be defined as portable or wearable devices. The devices are further configured to monitor the subjects and to prevent potential drug abuse or drug overdose.

Abstract: The present invention limits measurement error and sensor element damage. When a contact-type sensor (200) is placed in contact with skin (10), a gap (200a) is formed between the skin (10) and a sensor element (214). The contact-type sensor (200) is provided with a water-repellent resin base plate (212) and a water-absorbing sheet (211) that, together with the skin (10) and the sensor element (214), surround the gap (200a).

Abstract: A modular intelligent clothing is provided, which includes a clothing body, modular main board, and a functional board, in which the modular main board is disposed at any position of the clothing body, the functional board is disposed at any position of the clothing body, and the functional board is electrically coupled with the modular main board. The electrically connection between the functional board and the modular main board utilize the metal conductor, magnetic induction, or wireless communication. Accordingly, the functional board and the modular main board are matched each other to sense the physiological signals of the user, to position of the location of user, or to perform the home care monitoring.

Abstract: A leadwire for physiological patient monitoring is provided that transfers potentials received at a chest electrode to a data acquisition device. The leadwire includes an electrode end connectable to the chest electrode and a first conductive layer extending from the electrode end. The leadwire also has a device end connectable to a data acquisition device and a second conductive layer extending from the device end. The first conductive layer is galvanically isolated from the second conductive layer such that the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer form a capacitor.

Abstract: Systems for detecting contact between an electrode and a patient's skin using one or more contact detection schemes are provided. An example system can include an electrode assembly comprising at least one electrode configured to be disposed substantially proximate to the patient's skin and configured to at least one of sense an ECG signal of the patient and provide one or more therapeutic pulses to the patient, one or more sensors disposed on the electrode assembly and isolated from the electrode, the sensors configured to measure one or more properties to determine contact between the electrode and the patient's skin, and a controller configured to receive data representing the measured one or more properties and determine, based at least in part on the received data, whether the electrode is in contact with the patient's skin. The sensors can include temperature, impedance, capacitance, optical, and other similar sensors.

Abstract: Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the intravascular devices include at least one pressure sensing component positioned within a distal portion of the device. In some instances, a plurality of conductors are electrically coupled to the pressure sensing component and a potting material covers the electrical connections between the plurality of conductors and the pressure sensing component. In some instances, the potting material has a durometer hardness between about 20 Shore A and about 50 Shore A, a moisture absorption rate of about 0% per twenty-four hours, a linear shrinkage of 0%, a coefficient of thermal expansion (m/m/-° C.) of between about 1.0×10?5 and about 5.0×10?4, and a volume resistivity (?-cm) between about 6.0×1013 and about 1.0×1014. Methods of making and/or assembling such intravascular devices/systems are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring EMG signals of a patient's laryngeal muscles includes an endotracheal tube having an exterior surface and a first location configured to be positioned at the patient's vocal folds. A first electrode is formed on the exterior surface of the endotracheal tube substantially below the first location to receive EMG signals primarily from below the vocal folds. A second electrode is formed on the exterior surface of the endotracheal tube substantially above the first location to receive EMG signals primarily from above the vocal folds. The first and second electrodes are configured to receive the EMG signals from the laryngeal muscles when the endotracheal tube is placed in a trachea of the patient.

Abstract: A catheter comprises an elongate catheter body extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end, an expandable electrode assembly disposed at the distal end of the catheter body, the electrode assembly comprising a housing encasing a position sensor and a plurality of flexible splines extending from the distal end of the catheter body to a distal end of the housing, and a distal cap positioned over a distal end of the housing, the distal cap being configured to receive the distal end of the housing and to further receive distal ends of flexible splines of the plurality of flexible splines in longitudinal or about longitudinal directions relative to the catheter body. Distal portions of the flexible splines provide reduced stiffness as compared to more proximal portions. The expandable electrode assembly is configured to be transitioned between a collapsed configuration suitable for delivery and an expanded configuration.

Abstract: Provided is a correction data generation method that includes acquiring captured image data by imaging an indicator that is related to a predetermined illness; plotting a real imaging data point that corresponds to the acquired captured image data in a predetermined color space that is associated with the predetermined illness in accordance with a color component of the data point; calculating a correction value for correcting the values of pixels that make up a captured image captured by an electronic endoscope based on the distance between the data point and a predetermined target point in the predetermined color space; and storing the calculated correction value.

Abstract: Systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating transient non-glucose related signal noise due to non-glucose rate limiting phenomenon such as ischemia, pH changes, temperatures changes, and the like. The system monitors a data stream from a glucose sensor and detects signal artifacts that have higher amplitude than electronic or diffusion-related system noise. The system replaces some or the entire data stream continually or intermittently including signal estimation methods that particularly address transient signal artifacts. The system is also capable of detecting the severity of the signal artifacts and selectively applying one or more signal estimation algorithm factors responsive to the severity of the signal artifacts, which includes selectively applying distinct sets of parameters to a signal estimation algorithm or selectively applying distinct signal estimation algorithms.

Abstract: In the electronic apparatus, a contact impedance compensation controller calculates a first compensation value and a second compensation value so that a resulting value obtained by adding a third resistance value between a measuring electrode and first skin to a first resistance value is equal to a resulting value obtained by adding a fourth resistance value between a reference electrode and second skin to a second resistance value, determines first information on the basis of the first compensation value, determines the second information on the basis of the second compensation value, and sends the first information to the first compensation circuit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a model for predictive inference on an operation of a machine. A processor is configured to acquire time series data, the times series data includes training data and test data, the time series data represents an operation of the machine for a period of time, and the training data includes observations labeled with an outcome of the predictive inference. Apply recursive and stable filters for filtering at a training time, at a test time or both, such that a data point in the filtered time series data corresponds to an observation in the time series data that is a function of the corresponding observation and past observations in the time series data preceding the corresponding observation. Determine the model for the predictive inference using the training data, based on filtering the training data with filters to produce filtered time series data, and store in memory.

Abstract: Systems and methods for supporting medical therapy decisions are disclosed that utilize predictive models and electronic medical records (EMR) data to provide predictions of health conditions over varying time horizons. Embodiments also determine a 0-100 health risk index value that represents the “risk” for a patient to acquire a health condition based on a combination of real-time and predicted EMR data. The systems and methods receive EMR data and use the predictive models to predict one or more data values from the EMR data as diagnostic criteria. In some embodiments, the health condition trying to be avoided is Sepsis and the health risk index is a Sepsis Risk Index (SRI). In some embodiments, the predictive models are neural network models such as time delay neural networks.

Abstract: A biological information processing device includes a controller programmed to obtain biological information indicating a body condition, and associate different kinds of the biological information with respective specific graphical elements. Each of the specific graphical elements is same kind of element that constitutes an appearance of a graphical figure. The controller is further programmed to set value to the specific graphical element depending on degree of the biological information for the at least one specific graphical element associated with the obtained biological information, and generate indicating data of a biological figure that is an aggregate of the specific graphical elements on the basis of the set value.

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

Abstract: 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: A method and system for identifying location of a touched body part. The method includes initializing a tracking system for monitoring travel of a pointer useful for indicating a touching operation, wherein the touching operation is performed on a body part. In addition, the method includes monitoring the travel of the pointer from a predetermined first location to a second location, wherein the second location coincides with a touch endpoint on a body part; and identifying the location of body part that was touched by the pointer.

Abstract: The device according to the disclosure is for stabilising a patient in a desired position during X-ray knee imaging. By default, a tibial inclination angle of 10° is envisaged, as according to statistics this constitutes an inclination for the ideal imaging of the knee joint space. This angle as well as the foot rotation angle are adjustable. The device is suitable for a majority of different body heights and shapes. Equipment sensors determine the achievement of the desired position and this is confirmed to the X-ray technician by means of an acoustic and optical transducer.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing aliasing artifacts in images generated in an imaging system, such as a computed tomography (CT) imaging systems. In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving a filtered signal generated by passing a primary signal through a collimator having a non-rectangular transition profile, the collimator positioned between an object and a detector of an imaging system, and generating an image based on the filtered signal received at the detector, the primary signal including radiation from a source of the imaging system attenuated by the object placed between the source and the detector. In this way, by filtering the signals at the collimator before reaching the detector, aliasing artifacts in the images may be reduced.

Abstract: A system for imaging biopsy samples obtained from a patient includes: a radiation source; a radiation detector having a surface that defines a first imaging region, a second imaging region, and a third imaging region; and a collimator having a body defining an opening and selectively adjustable between a first imaging position and a second imaging position. The first imaging position allows radiation rays to pass from the radiation source, through the opening, and into the second imaging region while restricting the radiation rays from passing into the first imaging region when the radiation source is in a first scanning position. The second imaging position allows radiation rays to pass from the radiation source, through the opening, and into the third imaging region while restricting the radiation rays from passing into the first imaging region when the radiation source is in a second scanning position.

Abstract: In a multiple frame x-ray imaging system, multiple stacked interchangeable filters mounted in a housing, each filter comprising a Region of Interest (ROI) aperture, said multiple filters comprising at least two filters having different Region of Interest (ROI) aperture shapes.

Abstract: A radiation protection device attaches to the C-arm of a fluoroscope and shields and collimates the X-ray beam between the X-ray source and the patient and between the patient and the image intensifier. One embodiment has a radiation shield of X-ray opaque material that surrounds the C-arm of the fluoroscopy system, the X-ray source and the image intensifier. A padded slot fits around the patient's body. Another embodiment has conical or cylindrical radiation shields that extend between the X-ray source and the patient and between the patient and the image intensifier. The radiation shields have length adjustments and padded ends to fit the device to the patient. The radiation protection device may be motorized to advance and withdraw the radiation shields. A blanket-like radiation shield covers the patient in the area surrounding where the X-ray beam enters the body.

Abstract: An exemplary system, method and computer-accessible medium for determining a location a radioactive seed(s) within a body, can include, for example receiving first imaging information of the radioactive seed(s) within the body based on a first imaging modality, receiving second imaging information of the radioactive seed(s) within the body based on a second imaging modality, and determining the location of the radioactive seed(s) within the body based on the first and second imaging information. The first imaging modality can be computed tomography, and the second imaging modality can be an ultrasound, which can be a transrectal ultrasound. Third information related to a seed implantation plan for a patient(s) can be received.

Abstract: According to some aspects, a portable magnetic resonance imaging system is provided, comprising a magnetics system having a plurality of magnetics components configured to produce magnetic fields for performing magnetic resonance imaging. The magnetics system comprises a permanent B0 magnet configured to produce a B0 field for the magnetic resonance imaging system, and a plurality of gradient coils configured to, when operated, generate magnetic fields to provide spatial encoding of emitted magnetic resonance signals, a power system comprising one or more power components configured to provide power to the magnetics system to operate the magnetic resonance imaging system to perform image acquisition, and a base that supports the magnetics system and houses the power system, the base comprising at least one conveyance mechanism allowing the portable magnetic resonance imaging system to be transported to different locations.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes a couch, an imaging unit, and processing circuitry. The couch includes a couch top on which a subject lies. The imaging unit includes an X-ray generator, an X-ray detector, and a holding device. The holding device movably holds the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector. The processing circuitry generates an X-ray image of the subject, based on an output of the X-ray detector, sets a first interference determination area including a device projecting from the subject, based on an image of the device included in the X-ray image, and controls the holding device such that movement of the imaging unit is restricted in the first interference determination area.

Abstract: A system and method includes detection of a trigger event, automatic injection, in response to detecting the trigger event, of a bolus of contrast medium into a patient volume after expiration of a predetermined injection delay period, automatic acquisition, in response to detecting the trigger event, of a plurality of images after expiration of a predetermined imaging delay period, where two or more of the plurality of images comprise an image of the bolus at respective different locations within vasculature of the patient volume, generation of a composite image based on the plurality of images, the composite image including a representation of the vasculature of the patient volume, and display of the composite image.

Abstract: A system for assessing muscle function of a patient is provided. The system includes: a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry device operative to scan the patient so as to generate a lean mass measurement; a bioelectrical impedance analysis device operative to scan the patient so as to generate an extracellular water volume measurement; and a controller that includes at least one processor and a memory device, the controller in electrical communication with the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry device and the bioelectrical impedance device. The controller is adapted to: receive the lean mass measurement and the extracellular water volume measurement; store the lean mass measurement and the extracellular water volume measurement in the memory device; and generate a muscle assessment indicator of the patient based at least in part on the lean mass measurement and the extracellular water volume measurement stored in the memory device.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for methods, devices and systems that can be used to determine a breast density value from an input image of patient's breast. In one example embodiment, the breast density value is calculated by receiving an input image corresponding to the digital mammogram, removing metadata information from the input image to generate an intermediate image, generating a region of interest (ROI) image based on the intermediate image, extracting values for predictor variables based on the metadata information, the intermediate image and the ROI image, and calculating breast density based on the values of the predictor variables. The breast density value is calculated based on a breast density model.

Abstract: In cardiac roadmapping, a “roadmap”, which is typically a representation of the vasculature of a patient obtained via previously acquired data from a CT scan, is overlaid on live intervention data, showing the position of an intervention device obtained using fluoroscopy. In this way, the intervention device may be tracked inside a realistic representation of the patient. The accurate registration of the fluoroscopic image to the roadmap data is an important step, otherwise the reported live position of the intervention device would not be shown at an accurate position inside the roadmap. Registration can be performed by the injection of contrast medium. In the case of cardiac roadmapping, the small vessel diameters mean that it is possible to register intervention devices directly. However, the behavior of intervention devices in larger vessels is difficult to predict, and so device-based registration is harder to achieve in such a context.

Abstract: A system for performing a bone density scan of a patient is provided. The system includes a radiation source operative to emit a radiation beam, a radiation detector operative to receive the radiation beam and generate an output signal based at least in part on the received radiation beam, and a controller in electronic communication with the radiation source and the radiation detector and operative to generate at least one of a bone mineral content measurement of the patient, a bone mineral density measurement of the patient, a body composition measurement of the patient, and a body thickness measurement of the patient. The controller is further operative to regulate the radiation beam such that a flux of the radiation beam at the radiation detector is within a target flux range.

Abstract: Systems and methods of estimating radiation dose include obtaining at least one radiation exposure value from a location marked on a patient model. A radiation exposure of the patient is estimated using a dose model which includes the patient model. At least one correction factor is calculated based upon the radiation exposure value and the estimation of radiation exposure using the dose model. The at least one correction factor is applied to the dose model and a refined estimation of radiation exposure is produced based upon the at least one correction factor and the dose model.

Abstract: A method of controlling an X-ray image capturing apparatus, including acquiring, using a camera, a first image by photographing a detector configured to receive X-rays emitted from an X-ray emission surface, generating a second image by performing a correction on the first image, wherein the correction includes changing a first detector shape in the first image to match a second detector shape photographed in a direction perpendicular to the X-ray emission surface, and displaying the second image.

Abstract: An anatomical structure is detected (110) in a volume of ultrasound data by identifying (150) the anatomical structure in another volume of ultrasound data and generating (155) an image of the anatomical structure and an anatomical landmark. A group of images are generated (130) of the original volume and compared (140) to the image of the other volume. An image of the group of images is selected (150) as including the anatomical structure based on the comparison.

Abstract: A needle guide system is provided. The needle guide system includes a puncture device, an ultrasound transducer, a first orientation detector, a second orientation detector, a proximity detector and a processor. The ultrasound transducer is configured to obtain an ultrasound image. The first orientation detector is disposed on the puncture device, and the second orientation detector is disposed on the ultrasound transducer. The proximity detector is disposed on at least one of the puncture device and the ultrasound transducer, configured to obtain a relative distance between the puncture device and the ultrasound transducer. The processor is configured to obtain a spatial relationship between the puncture device and the ultrasound transducer by using the first orientation detector, the second orientation detector, and the proximity detector, and predict a trajectory of the puncture device in the ultrasound image according to the spatial relationship.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to systems and methods for providing embolic protection to a medical procedure by filtration of debris generated by the medical procedure. The system and methods include an embolic protection device having an ultrasound transducer for assisting in intravascular navigation of the device.

Abstract: Aspects described herein disclose devices, systems, and methods for use in contexts such as minimally invasive surgery (MIS). A device is provided herein having a proximal portion and a distal portion, and an ultrasound transducer may be disposed within the distal portion and configured to scan tissue and identify certain portions of a patent's anatomy. In some aspects, different types of bones may be identified and the information used in determining a drill trajectory. Trajectory information may be presented to an operator of the device visually, such as in a 3-D volumetric image. By scanning the tissue, identifying the anatomy, and presenting the results to an operator, unnecessary damage to elements of the patients anatomy may be avoided or lessened.

Abstract: The invention provides a catheter (12) comprising longitudinally spaced acoustic emitters (S1, S2) and receivers (M1, M2, M3) for use in determining the locations of obstructions in an upper airway of a patient. A plurality of emitters and plurality of receivers are provided, such that, when inserted into an upper airway or oral cavity, the relative attenuation of signals received at each receiver from each emitter may be used to determine the existence and/or extent of obstructions located along the propagation path between each of the various emitter-receiver pairs. Also provided are methods for determining the locations of obstructions in an upper airway using signals received from acoustic receivers as comprised by catheter arrangements according to embodiments of the invention.