Abstract: A biological sensor capable of improving the signal-to-noise ratio of a detection signal obtained by a light-receiving element and amplified by an amplifier is provided. The biological sensor includes a driving signal generating unit that generates a pulse-form driving signal, a light-emitting element that emits light in response to the generated driving signal, a light-receiving element that outputs a detection signal based on an intensity of received light, an amplifying unit including first and second operational amplifiers that amplify the outputted detection signal, an offset signal generating unit and a voltage dividing resistor group that generate a pulse-form offset voltage for offsetting a reference potential of the first operational amplifier when amplifying the detection signal and apply the offset voltage to the first operational amplifier, and a computation unit that obtains biological information by processing the detection signal amplified by the amplifying unit.

Abstract: A catheter system and related method for measuring the oxidation state of biological molecules in a region of a measurement site of a subject. The system may include a catheter device having one or more emitters in mechanical communication with the catheter and configured to make contact with a tissue wall of the subject. The catheter device also includes one or more detectors in mechanical communication with the catheter and configured to make contact with the tissue wall of the subject. The emitters and the detector are in electromagnetic radiation communication with one another, whereby the electromagnetic radiation communication allows visible radiation or near infrared radiation emitted by emitters to be detected by the detector to determine tissue oxidation state of the region of the measurement site of the subject.

Abstract: Systems and methods of use involving sensors having a particle-containing domain are provided for continuous analyte measurement in a host. In some embodiments, a continuous analyte measurement system is configured to be wholly, transcutaneously, intravascularly or extracorporeally implanted.

Abstract: Systems and methods of use involving sensors having a particle-containing domain are provided for continuous analyte measurement in a host. In some embodiments, a continuous analyte measurement system is configured to be wholly, transcutaneously, intravascularly or extracorporeally implanted.

Abstract: A sensing device having a first and second opening, a first semipermeable membrane having a first surface and a second surface, and a second semipermeable membrane having a third and fourth surface, a ketone body sensor, and a void. The first opening is juxtaposed to the first surface and the second opening is juxtaposed to the third surface. The space between the first and second openings is the void and wherein the ketone body sensor is positioned within the void. Gasses may permeate through the first opening and into the void to contact the sensor and exit the void through the second opening.

Abstract: Generally, methods, devices, and systems for generating a hybrid analyte level output are provided. The uncompensated analyte levels lag in time with respect to the lag-compensated analyte levels, and the hybrid analyte level output tracks between the uncompensated analyte levels and the lag-compensated analyte levels according to predetermined criteria.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the parenteral procurement of bodily-fluid samples. The present invention is also directed to systems and methods for parenterally procuring bodily-fluid samples with reduced contamination from dermally-residing microbes. In some embodiments, a bodily-fluid withdrawing system is used to withdraw bodily fluid from a patient for incubation in culture media in one or more sample vessels. Prior to withdrawing bodily fluid into the one or more sample vessels for incubation, an initial volume of withdrawn bodily fluid is placed in one or more pre-sample reservoirs and is not used for the incubation in culture media.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the parenteral procurement of bodily-fluid samples. The present invention is also directed to systems and methods for parenterally procuring bodily-fluid samples with reduced contamination from dermally-residing microbes. In some embodiments, a bodily-fluid withdrawing system is used to withdraw bodily fluid from a patient for incubation in culture media in one or more sample vessels. Prior to withdrawing bodily fluid into the one or more sample vessels for incubation, an initial volume of withdrawn bodily fluid is placed in one or more pre-sample reservoirs and is not used for the incubation in culture media.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the parenteral procurement of bodily-fluid samples. The present invention is also directed to systems and methods for parenterally procuring bodily-fluid samples with reduced contamination from dermally-residing microbes. In some embodiments, a bodily-fluid withdrawing system is used to withdraw bodily fluid from a patient for incubation in culture media in one or more sample vessels. Prior to withdrawing bodily fluid into the one or more sample vessels for incubation, an initial volume of withdrawn bodily fluid is placed in one or more pre-sample reservoirs and is not used for the incubation in culture media.

Abstract: A biological fluid collection device that is adapted to receive a blood sample having a cellular portion and a plasma portion is disclosed. After collecting the blood sample, the biological fluid collection device is able to transfer the blood sample to a point-of-care testing device or a biological fluid separation and testing device. After transferring the blood sample, the biological fluid separation and testing device is able to separate the plasma portion from the cellular portion and analyze the blood sample and obtain test results.

Abstract: A needle assembly. The needle assembly enabling the analysis of fluid trapped in a flashback chamber after an insertion needle has been inserted into a patient's vein.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining the concentration of one or more analytes from a sample such as blood or plasma are described. The systems described herein can be configured to withdraw a sample from a source of fluid, direct a first portion of the withdrawn sample to an analyte monitoring system and return a second portion of the sample. The analyte monitoring system can be connected to the fluid source via a connector that is configured to improve fluid flow and reduce blood clotting risk. These goals can be accomplished, for example, by employing coatings in or on a connector, positioning a resilient substance at or near the junction, by reducing dead space volume, by using resiliency to improve fit, by extending a portion of one connector to better mate with a portion of another connector, etc.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a vehicle steering wheel, relating to the field of auto part technologies, and solving the problems of being prone to occurrent of traffic accidents and reducing traffic safety when the driver is driving in a fatigue state. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the vehicle steering wheel comprises a wheel rim, at least one oximeter is provided within handheld areas of the wheel rim and connected to a control device connected to an alarm device; and the control device is configured to judge whether or not a driver is in a fatigue driving state according to an oxyhemoglobin saturation value in the body of the driver detected by the oximeter, and to control the alarm device to operate if judging the driver is in the fatigue driving state. The present invention is mainly applied in vehicles.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for detection and diagnosis of concussion and/or acute neurologic injury comprising a portable headwear-based electrode array and computerized control system to automatically and accurately detect cortical spreading depression and acute neurological injury-based peri-infarct depolarization (CSD/PID). The portable headwear-based electrode system is applied to a patient or athlete, and is capable of performing an assessment automatically and with minimal user input. The user display indicates the presence of CSD/PID, gauges its severity and location, and stores the information for future use by medical professionals. The systems and methods of the invention use an instrumented DC-coupled electrode/amplifier array which performs real-time data analysis using unique algorithms to produce a voltage intensity-map revealing the temporally propagating wave depressed voltage across the scalp that originates from a CSD/PID on the brain surface.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a system and method to evaluate movement disorders. A movement data aggregator can combine data from a plurality of sensors into an aggregate movement data describing multi-dimensional movement of a handheld device. A calculator to compute an indication of a movement disorder based on the movement vector data and user input data, the user input data being generated in response to physical interaction between the handheld device and a human machine interface of a computing device/machine that is separate from the handheld device. In some examples, the handheld device can communicate with computing device via a wireless interface.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for evaluating the integrity of a uterine cavity. A method comprises introducing transcervically a probe into a patient's uterine cavity, providing a flow of a fluid (e.g., CO2) through the probe into the uterine cavity and monitoring the rate of the flow to characterize the uterine cavity as perforated or non-perforated based on a change in the flow rate.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and techniques for a motion capture system and a three-dimensional (3D) tracking system used to record body position and/or movements/motions and using the data to measure skin strain (a strain field) all along the body while a joint is in motion (dynamic) as well as in a fixed position (static). The data and technique can be used to quantify strains, calculate 3D contours, and derive patterns believed to reveal skin's properties during natural motions.

Abstract: The various embodiments of the method of the present invention include a method to improving or expanding the capacity of a sleep analysis unit or laboratory, a method sleep analysis testing a patient admitted for diagnosis or treatment of another primary medical condition while being treated or diagnosed for that condition, a method of sleep analysis testing a patient that cannot be easily moved or treated in a sleep analysis unit or laboratory and other like methods.

Abstract: An adherent device is configured to adhere to the skin of the patient with an adherent patch, for example breathable tape, coupled to at least four electrodes. The device comprises impedance circuitry coupled to the at least four electrodes and configured to measure respiration of the patient to detect sleep apnea and/or hypopnea. The impedance circuitry may be used to measure hydration of the patient. An accelerometer can be mechanically coupled to the adherent patch such that the accelerometer can be coupled to and move with the skin of the patient. Electrocardiogram circuitry to generate an electrocardiogram signal may be coupled to at least two of the at least four electrodes to detect the sleep apnea and/or hypopnea.

Abstract: Provided is a non-invasive system and method of determining human body fat based on image processing. The method includes receiving at least one ultrasound scan image of at least a portion of a skin layer as disposed above one or more additional tissue layers, the skin layer defining a horizontal axis and the image provided by a plurality of pixels. The method continues by horizontally blurring the pixels of the image and thresholding the pixels of the image to provide a binary image having a plurality of elements of different sizes. The method continues with morphing the structural elements of the binary image to remove small elements and connect large elements. With this resulting image, the method distinguishes a body fat layer from the remaining elements and determines the body fat layer thickness. An associated system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A diagnostic sheet for use in conjunction with a disposable absorbent garment is disclosed. The diagnostic sheet may be operable to wick fluid vertically, and includes one or more diagnostic elements and a radio frequency identification device (RFID). The one or more diagnostic elements may be integrated with the diagnostic sheet and positioned at a first region of the diagnostic sheet, and the RFID may be integrated with the diagnostic sheet and positioned proximate the first region. In the presence of the fluid, each of the one or more diagnostic elements may be configured to indicate a result of a particular diagnostic test. In the presence of the fluid, the RFID may be configured to provide an indication that the fluid wicked by the diagnostic sheet has reached the one or more diagnostic elements.

Abstract: A body-mountable device may include a first layer, a second layer, and an electronic structure. The first layer may include a first topographical feature, while the second layer may include a second topographical feature. The first topographical feature and the second topographical feature may be reciprocally-shaped. The second layer may be mounted on the first layer such that the first topographical feature interfaces with the second topographical feature, thereby mechanically securing the second layer to the first layer. The electronic structure, which may include an antenna, a sensor, and an electronic device, may be embedded in the second layer. In an example in which the body-mountable device is an eye-mountable device, the first layer may be a posterior lens, and the second layer may be an anterior lens.

Abstract: A system for detecting bioelectrical signals of a user comprising: a set of sensors configured to detect bioelectrical signals from the user, each sensor in the set of sensors configured to provide non-polarizable contact at the body of the user; an electronics subsystem comprising a power module configured to distribute power to the system and a signal processing module configured to receive signals from the set of sensors; a set of sensor interfaces coupling the set of sensors to the electronics subsystem and configured to facilitate noise isolation within the system; and a housing coupled to the electronics subsystem, wherein the housing facilitates coupling of the system to a head region of the user.

Abstract: A guidewire (10) includes a flexible elongated core (20) having a proximal end (22) and a distal end (24). An anchor wire (10) has a distal end (34) connected to the distal end (24) of the core (20) and a distally located helical portion (50) that encircles the core. The guidewire (10) has an anchoring condition in which the helical portion (50) is expanded radially away from the core (20). The guidewire (10) has an advancing condition in which the helical portion (50) is stretched longitudinally and contracted radially in response to tension on the anchor wire (30).

Abstract: A guidewire for a medical device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the guidewire includes a corewire having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, an elongate shroud disposed about the corewire, the shroud having a distal end, and a plug coupled with the distal end portion of the corewire and the distal end of the shroud, the plug having a distal, non-traumatic tip portion, an interior between the corewire and the shroud being configured to receive a sensor.

Abstract: Physiological signals such as ECG signals are obtained from a patient. In accordance with one or more embodiments, an apparatus, system and/or method is directed to process the digitized ECG signals (e.g., by removing noise).

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of RFID chips affixed to a medical item, a data collection engine device, and a server device. The data collection engine wirelessly transmits power to a first one of the RFID chips and receives first medical data from the first RFID chip while the first RFID chip is activated by the power receiver. The data collection engine generates a first message indicative of the first medical data to be sent to the server device. The server device can determine aspects of the medical item such as position and risk states based upon the first medical data.

Abstract: A method records a tomosynthesis data set of a breast of a patient with an X-ray device. The device contains an X-ray detector for the support of the breast, a compression plate for the breast and being parallel to the X-ray detector, and an X-ray source, which is movable in a basic angle interval around a central position, in which the midperpendicular of the detector area corresponds to the central ray of the X-ray source. The tomosynthesis data set is reconstructed from projection images recorded at different projection angles over a recording interval. A recording angle interval that is asymmetrical relative to the central position is used in the case of an asymmetrically positioned breast, in particular for an MLO view.

Abstract: An arrangement with a movable apparatus part is provided. The arrangement includes a mat-like, removable collision detection device arranged on the apparatus part and a plurality of first fasteners of the collision detection device. The plurality of first fasteners are configured to form a releasable connection with corresponding second fasteners of the apparatus part. The arrangement also includes an electrical monitoring unit configured to monitor an electrical resistance of the connection of the plurality of first fasteners to the second fasteners. A medical imaging apparatus with such an arrangement, and an associated method are also provided.

Abstract: An X-ray apparatus capable of releasing a locked rotation of a wheel using a power supplied from an auxiliary battery of an X-ray detector when a body is discharged, and a control method thereof. The X-ray apparatus includes an X-ray detector provided with a detector battery mounted thereto and configured to detect X-rays using power supplied from the detector battery. A body includes a body battery and a detector accommodation unit, in which the X-ray detector is accommodated on the outside. A wheel in the body is rotatable by a power supplied from the body battery and a brake is configured to lock a rotation of the wheel when the body battery is incapable of supplying the power. A controller controls the brake so that a locked rotation of the wheel is released by the power supplied from the detector battery when a rotation of the wheel is locked.

Abstract: A marker-coordinate detecting unit detects coordinates of a stent marker on a new image when the new image is stored in an image-data storage unit; and then a correction-image creating unit creates a correction image from the new image through, for example, image transformation processing, so as to match up the detected coordinates with reference coordinates that are coordinates of the stent marker already detected by the marker-coordinate detecting unit in a first frame. An image post-processing unit then creates an image for display by performing post-processing on the correction image created by the correction-image creating unit, the post-processing including high-frequency noise reduction filtering-processing, low-frequency component removal filtering-processing, and logarithmic-image creating processing; and then a system control unit performs control of displaying a moving image of an enlarged image of a set region that is set in the image for display, together with an original image.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide apparatus for detecting particles of radiation comprising: a plurality of solid state semiconductor detector devices provided at spaced apart locations along a beam axis, the detector devices each being configured to generate an electrical signal indicative of passage of a particle through or absorption of a particle by the device; and at least one absorber portion configured to absorb at least a portion of an energy of a particle, wherein one said at least one absorber portion is provided in a particle path between at least one pair of adjacent detector devices, the apparatus being configured to provide an output signal indicative of the energy of a particle, the output signal provided being dependent on the electrical signals indicative of passage of a particle through or absorption of a particle by the devices.

Abstract: A transformable imaging system configured to operate in at least two configurations. A first configuration may be open and a second configuration may be closed. The closed configuration may allow for imaging in along an arc greater than 180 degrees.

Abstract: In a method to control movements of a medical apparatus via a control device with a touch-sensitive display, an apparatus component of the medical apparatus is selected and; and move the selected apparatus component is moved according to commands made at the touch-sensitive display. A safety loop must be closed in order to activate the movement of the apparatus component. A control device to control a medical apparatus, and a medical apparatus having at least one apparatus component, operate according to this method.

Abstract: A method for creating a selective vessel image within a volume section of an examination object using an imaging system is provided. The method includes creating a vessel image of the volume section. The creating of the vessel image includes acquiring imaging data of the volume section within a predetermined time interval using the imaging system, determining a maximum opacity within the time interval on account of a contrast agent administered to the examination object per pixel of the vessel image, and segmenting vessels. The segmenting includes deciding, depending on the maximum opacity of the pixel, whether the respective pixel belongs to the vessel. The method also includes determining a contrast agent arrival time per pixel of the vessel image, and segmenting whether the respective vessel of the vessel image belongs to a vessel of the selective vessel image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to differential phase-contrast imaging, in particular to a structure of a diffraction grating, e.g. an analyzer grating and a phase grating, for X-ray differential phase-contrast imaging. In order to make better use of the X-ray radiation passing the object, a diffraction grating (14) for X-ray differential phase-contrast imaging is provided with at least one portion (24) of a first sub-area (26) and at least one portion (28) of a second sub-area (30). The first sub-area comprises a grating structure (54) with a plurality of bars (34) and gaps (36) being arranged periodically with a first grating pitch P G (38), wherein the bars are arranged such that thy change the phase and/or amplitude of an X-ray radiation and wherein the gaps are X-ray transparent. The second sub-area is X-ray transparent and wherein the at least one portion of the second sub-area provides an X-ray 1 transparent aperture (40) in the grating.

Abstract: A method for reconstructing a CT scan image, comprising: performing a first scan to acquire a first projection data, wherein the first scan is a scan that a subject is covered by a low dose X-ray beam in an axial plane; performing a second scan to acquire a second projection data, wherein the second scan is a scan that a target portion of the subject is covered by a high dose X-ray beam in the axial plane; determining a data filling point in the second projection data, wherein the data filling point is located in a truncated region; and filling the data filling point in the second projection data with a data from the first projection data which corresponds to the data filling point; and reconstructing a second scan image based on the filled second projection data.

Abstract: Data of a predetermined volume portion of an object under examination is captured by an x-ray system that includes an x-ray source and a detector. The x-ray source is activated to generate x-rays that emerge from the x-ray source, radiate through the volume portion, and after radiating through, impinge on the detector. X-rays impinging on the detector are captured pixel by pixel, in order to capture the data of the predetermined volume portion. With the pixel-by-pixel capture, only a subset of all the pixels of the detector is evaluated.

Abstract: An X-ray projection of a region of examination and an associated X-ray parameter are received via an interface, the X-ray projection including X-ray intensities in a first pixel set. The X-ray parameter relates to at least one X-ray voltage from an X-ray source. Scattered radiation intensity is determined in a second pixel set, the second pixel set being a subset of the first pixel set. A first calculation of first exposure parameters in the second pixel set then occurs, each of the first exposure parameters in a pixel of the second pixel set being based on the X-ray intensity in the pixel and the scattered radiation intensity in the pixel. Furthermore, a second calculation of a scalar second exposure parameter occurs based on the first exposure parameters and an adjustment of the X-ray parameter is performed by comparing the scalar second exposure parameter with a reference value.

Abstract: A quality control phantom comprises a container and a frame to secure quality control accessories in position within the container during radiologic exposure testing.

Abstract: A defibrillator produces a biphasic defibrillation pulse waveform with adjustable tilt for the second phase. The tilt of the second phase of the biphasic waveform can be controllably adjusted by selectively switching a current path which bypasses the patient during delivery of the second phase of the pulse. The inventive biphasic waveform can be delivered by a defibrillator with a single capacitance.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for assisting cartilage diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and includes the steps of acquiring 3D osteocartilaginous parameters by using multimodal 3D tracked devices; incorporating these parameters into a volumic anatomic osteocartilaginous model from which a bone tracking virtual real-time environment is built; three-dimensionally computing an osteocartilaginous quality score from this multiparametric 3D osteocartilaginous model; providing real-time navigation in this 3D virtual environment in order to make ongoing therapeutic assessments and adjustments; and updating steps 1 to 3 according to the performed therapy. It will be appreciated that the above steps are compatible with arthroscopic procedures involving cartilage.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for real-time, transcranial monitoring of safe blood-brain barrier opening include determining an approach angle for targeted blood-brain barrier opening proximate a predetermined region in a brain of a patient, and positioning an ultrasound transducer to generate a focused ultrasound signal at the determined approach angle to the predetermined region in the brain.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus according to an embodiment includes a controller, a processor, and an image generator. The controller selects at least one transducer element in a reception aperture formed of a transducer element group arranged in a predetermined direction, based on at least a deflection angle of an ultrasonic wave transmitted to a subject. The processor performs processing on at least one reception signal of a plurality of reception signals generated in the reception aperture such that a signal intensity of a reception signal generated in the at least one transducer element selected by the controller is reduced to be lower than a signal intensity of reception signals generated in transducer elements other than the at least one transducer element, to output the reception signal of the reception aperture. The image generator generates ultrasonic image data, based on the reception signal of the reception aperture.

Abstract: The invention provides a frictional torque limiter assembly for an imaging core spinning in a patient's body. The torque limiter assembly torsionally isolates the imaging core from a motor that spins the imaging core. An interference fit between a slitted drive tube and a spacer tube acts as a clutch that allows a spinning imaging probe to slow or stop relative to the motor until the motor is stopped, thereby preventing an unsafe condition.

Abstract: Provided is an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus that measures an elastic modulus of a vascular wall, the apparatus allowing selection of a heartbeat suitable for the measurement of the elastic modulus. The problem is solved by storing M-mode images at predetermined intervals in the azimuth direction in a B-mode image, selecting a position in the azimuth direction in the B-mode image, and displaying the M-mode image of the selected position together with the B-mode image.

Abstract: Shading of a site other than a site of interest is disabled to allow construction of a visually good three-dimensional image even when the site other than the site of interest is displayed in a translucent manner. An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes a sending section that sends an ultrasonic wave to a diagnosing object via an ultrasound probe, a receiving section that receives a reflected echo signal from the diagnosing object, a three-dimensional elasticity image constructing section that performs volume rendering with shading on elasticity volume data with an elasticity value based on the reflected echo signal to construct a three-dimensional elasticity image, and an image display section that displays the three-dimensional elasticity image. The three-dimensional elasticity image constructing section performs the volume rendering using an elasticity opacity according to the elasticity value and disables the shading of a portion with the elasticity opacity with a predetermined value.

Abstract: Synthetic-aperture ultrasound tomography systems and methods using scanning arrays and algorithms configured to simultaneously acquire ultrasound transmission and reflection data, and process the data for improved ultrasound tomography imaging, wherein the tomography imaging comprises total-variation regularization, or a modified total variation regularization, particularly with edge-guided or spatially variant regularization.

Abstract: A system and method for testing an acoustic probe is provided. The system includes an electric signal generator connected to transmit an electric generator signal into selected transducer elements of the acoustic probe. The selected of transducer elements of the acoustic probe convert the electrical signal into an acoustic signal that reflects off the lens of the acoustic probe and is then converted by the selected transducer elements of the acoustic probe into a reflected electrical signal. An analysis engine is connected to receive the reflected electrical signal and determine the operability of lens and each selected transducer element for acoustic and electrical conversion. A display provides an illustration indicative of the operative ability of the lens and the selected transducer element of the acoustic probe for acoustic and electrical conversion.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a probe, a holster, and a tissue sample holder for collecting tissue samples. The probe includes a needle and a hollow cutter. The tissue sample holder includes a housing having one or more chambers that are configured to receive a removable tray including one or more prongs and a bulk chamber of a different volume than the one or more chambers. The housing is releasably engageable with the probe. Each tray prong is configured to receive a tissue sample communicated through the cutter lumen. The tray is removable from the housing, such as along an axial direction. The tissue sample holder is rotatable to successively index each chamber to the cutter lumen. The trays may be flexible, resilient, or rigid.