Abstract: The invention relates to a diagnostic apparatus comprising a mounting (20) and a measurement circuit (15) attached to the mounting, the mounting comprising a gutter (12) having a shape which substantially complements that of a dental arch, the measurement circuit comprising at least one force sensor (24) arranged at the bottom of said gutter, a clock (28), a memory (30), a control module (32) capable of recording in said memory the force measurements taken by said at least one force sensor and the corresponding times read by said clock, and a battery (36) for supplying the measurement circuit with electrical energy, the mounting comprising at least two layers encapsulating said measurement circuit, the apparatus being characterised in that the measurement circuit comprises a sheet substrate (26), said substrate comprising first and second portions connected by at least one bridge (42) having a width (l) of less than 2 mm.

Abstract: Assessing the sleep quality of a user in association with an electronic device with one or more physiological sensors includes detecting an attempt by the user to fall asleep, and collecting physiological information associated with the user. The disclosed method of assessing sleep quality may include determining respective values for one or more sleep quality metrics, including a first set of sleep quality metrics associated with sleep quality of a plurality of users, and a second set of sleep quality metrics associated with historical sleep quality of the user, based at least in part on the collected physiological information and at least one wakeful resting heart rate of the user, and determining a unified score for sleep quality of the user, based at least in part on the respective values of the one or more sleep quality metrics.

Abstract: Selecting and presenting messages to user of an activity/health monitoring platform. The health/activity monitoring platform may receive physiological data for a user. The health/activity monitoring platform may identify a set of messages based on the physiological data. The health/activity monitoring platform may also determine a set of scores for the set of messages. Each score from the set of scores may be associated with a message from the set of messages and each score from the set of scores may be indicative of whether a respective message should be presented to the user. The health/activity monitoring platform may also identify a first message from a set of messages based on the set of scores and cause the first message to be presented via a display of a computing device of the user. The health/activity monitoring platform may also update a first set of penalties associated with the first message in response to causing the first message to be presented.

Abstract: Examples described herein include systems and methods for determining sleep characteristics based on movement data. In one example, a device including at least one accelerometer can be worn by a user during the night. The accelerometer can be configured to detect small motions of the user and provide an output signal. The output signal can be filtered and used to determine whether the user was sleeping during a particular timeframe. The output signal can also be used to determine a sleep characteristic of the sleep, such as light sleep, deep sleep, REM sleep, obstructive apnea, or central apnea.

Abstract: A paralysis monitoring system can be utilized during various medical procedures. Generally, the system is used during procedures involving anesthesia, when general paralysis is necessary, e.g., during surgery that requires cutting through or mobilizing muscle tissue. The paralysis monitoring system stimulates a nerve with low voltage signals and can provide for continuous monitoring and recording of the evoked muscle activity throughout and after a procedure. By monitoring a quantitative response of the muscle activity to nerve stimulation, an anesthesiologist may adjust subsequent doses of a paralytic agent to achieve a desired level of paralysis.

Abstract: Methods and systems are presented for determining physiological information in a physiological monitor. A physiological signal (e.g., an EEG signal) received from a subject is wavelet transformed and first and second related features that vary in scale over time are identified in the transformed signal. First and second coupled ridges of the respective first and second related features may also be identified in the transformed signal. A non-stationary relationship parameter is determined and is indicative of the relationship between the first and second features and/or between the first and second ridges. Physiological information, which may be indicative of a level of awareness of a subject, is determined based on the non-stationary relationship parameter.

Abstract: A dual purpose wearable patch includes a stretchable and permeable substrate, a sensing unit mounted in the stretchable and permeable substrate, wherein the sensing unit can conduct a measurement of a user to produce a measurement signal, one or more electrodes respectively attached to the stretchable and permeable substrate, a circuit substrate on the stretchable and permeable substrate, wherein the circuit substrate includes a circuit electrically connected with the one or more electrodes and the sensing unit, and a semiconductor chip mounted on the circuit substrate and in connection with the circuit. The semiconductor chip can receive the measurement signal from the sensing unit and can produce a treatment control signal to control the one or more electrodes to apply a voltage across the user's body.

Abstract: A multi-purpose wearable patch includes a stretchable and permeable substrate, a first sensing unit mounted in the stretchable and permeable substrate, the sensing unit that can conduct a first measurement of a user to produce a first measurement signal, a treatment unit that produces a first treatment field in the user's body; a circuit electrically connected with the treatment unit and the sensing unit; and a semiconductor chip in connection with the circuit and configured to receive the first measurement signal from the sensing unit. The semiconductor chip produces a first treatment control signal to control the treatment unit to produce a first treatment field in the user's body.

Abstract: A system of networked wearable patches includes a plurality of wearable patches each of which includes a stretchable and permeable substrate, a first sensing unit mounted in the stretchable and permeable substrate, the sensing unit that can conduct a first measurement of a user to produce a first measurement signal, and an antenna over the stretchable and permeable substrate and in electric communication with the first sensing unit. The antenna can wirelessly transmit measurement data based on the first measurement signal. A wireless control device includes a measurement controller that can wirelessly transmit a measurement control signal to the antenna, wherein the first sensing unit is configured to conduct the first measurement in response to the measurement control signal. The wireless control device can wirelessly receive the measurement data from the antenna.

Abstract: An exemplary neural electrode device as disclosed includes a storage in which fluid is stored; an electrode array which delivers the fluid to a subject, acquires bio-signals from the subject, or provides stimulus to the subject; an electronic circuit unit which allows the fluid to flow from the storage to the electrode array, processes the bio-signals acquired from the electrode array, or provides stimulus signals to the electrode array; and a connection portion which includes a cable extending from the storage to the electrode array and provided with a leading wire electrically connecting the electrode array to the electronic circuit unit, and a fluidic channel through which fluid flows between the storage and the electrode array.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for the monitoring and management of an individual's wellness and nutrition using analyte data from an in vivo analyte sensor. Generally, a sensor control device is provided for wear on the body. The sensor control device can include an in vivo analyte sensor for measuring an analyte level in a bodily fluid, an accelerometer for measuring the physical activity level of the subject, as well as communications circuitry for wirelessly transmitting data to a reader device. Furthermore, disclosed herein are embodiments of various graphical user interfaces for displaying analyte metrics on a reader device, comparing the analyte response of various foods and/or meals, modifying daily nutrient recommendations based on analyte metrics and physical activity level measurements, and other features described herein. Additionally, the embodiments disclosed herein can be used to monitor various types of analytes.

Abstract: Provided are a wearable device capable of having a sensor for detecting a biological signal attached thereto or detached therefrom, and a method of controlling the wearable device. The wearable device includes: a strap part configured to be worn on a body part of a user; a first interface configured to accommodate a detachable sensor and receive a biological signal from the detachable sensor in response to the detachable sensor being connected to the wearable device through the first interface; and a main body configured to process the biological signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible wearable dry electrode and a preparation method thereof. A flexible wearable dry electrode comprises a base fabric, a transfer glue layer and a nano-conductive layer that are successively attached; the formulation of the transfer glue layer is as follows: weighed in weight percentage, 50%-90% of an elastic resin, 5%-15% of a curing agent, and 5%-35% of a filler; the formulation of the nano-conductive layer is as follows: weighed in parts by weight, 0.1-20 parts of a conductive nanomaterial, 0.1-30 parts of a dispersant, and 0.01-5 parts of a binder. The preparation method thereof is as follows: a conductive coating liquid and a transfer glue are prepared respectively, then both are successively transferred to a flexible release film and finally press-fit onto a base fabric, and subsequently, curing is achieved and the release film can then just be torn off.

Abstract: This document describes techniques for, and systems that enable, in-ear health monitoring. The techniques described herein enable early detection of health conditions (e.g., contagious disease) through use of an in-ear health-monitoring and audio device. These techniques prompt a user, often through the user's smart phone, to listen to audio content through the device, which also takes the user's temperature. Through repetitive use, the techniques are capable of determining a temperature differential for the user, which aids in early detection of a contagious disease or other malady.

Abstract: An electronic sticker assembly includes a first electronic sticker comprising an upper surface, a lower surface, and first one or more conductive connection dots on the upper surface, a first adhesive layer on the first electronic sticker and comprising a first window. The first window is positioned to expose the first one or more conductive connection dots. A second electronic sticker on the first adhesive layer includes a lower surface and one or more second conductive connection dots on the lower surface. The first conductive connection dots on the upper surface of the first electronic sticker are in contact with the one or more second conductive connection dots on the lower surface of the second electronic sticker through the first window in the first adhesive layer.

Abstract: Some embodiments described herein relate to an apparatus, such as an inserter, having a housing and a needle at least partially disposed within the housing. An actuator can be coupled to the needle and configured to move the needle between an actuated configuration and a retracted configuration. A wire can be at least partially disposed within the needle. The wire can be fixedly and immovably coupled to the housing. In some embodiments a biosensor can be disposed within the needle and the apparatus can be configured to deliver or implant the biosensor to a patient, for example, under the patient's skin. The biosensor can constructed of a non-rigid material, such as hydrogel. In some embodiments, the apparatus can be configured to deliver or implant the biosensor without applying a force to the biosensor.

Abstract: Aspine that may be used in the electrode assembly of an electrophysiologic catheter having controlled flexibility. The spine may have a flexible core that extends through a length of the spine, a polymeric cover and a plurality of electrodes, each having at least one lead, distributed longitudinally along the spine. An amount of material forming the spine may be adjusted longitudinally along the spine to compensate for changes in flexibility to the spine caused by varying numbers of electrode leads present at different relative longitudinal positions along the spine.

Abstract: A flexible probe has an assembly in its distal end that includes a transmitter and a receiver that receives signals from the transmitter for sensing a position of the receiver relative to the transmitter. A pair of flat spring coils disposed between the transmitter and the receiver deform in response to pressure exerted on the distal tip when the distal tip engages a wall of a body cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of vital signs monitors, and particularly to a device and system for monitoring of the vital signs of a plurality of patients simultaneously yet independently. The health monitoring system includes a medical signal processor which communicates with a wireless or Bluetooth distributed sensor system. The health monitoring system includes the patient data collection system coupled to a communications network for transmission of patient health data from a patient data collection system to a provider analysis system.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a stereotaxic frame for extremities that ensures that the extremity position is fixed and reproducible; keeping the same geometric conditions of the measurement or treatment devices regards the extremity, or part thereof, during the study or therapy. The frame comprises a positioning and fixing holder for the extremity and a measuring or treatment system, that includes a geometric locus where the measurement or treatment device is allocated, ensuring that the relative position of said device regards the region of the extremity under examination or treatment is reproducible.

Abstract: A variable indication estimator which determines an output value representative of a set of input data. For example, the estimator can reduce input data to estimates of a desired signal, select a time, and determine an output value from the estimates and the time. In one embodiment, the time is selected using one or more adjustable signal confidence parameters determine where along the estimates the output value will be computed. By varying the parameters, the characteristics of the output value are variable. For example, when input signal confidence is low, the parameters are adjusted so that the output value is a smoothed representation of the input signal. When input signal confidence is high, the parameters are adjusted so that the output value has a faster and more accurate response to the input signal.

Abstract: An exercise assistance system that supports a user and acquires basic information. There is provided an exercise assistance system including an acquisition section that acquires measurement data including at least one of biological information and activity information of a user, a determination section that determines whether measurement period of the measurement data satisfies a predetermined condition, and a processing section that calculates basic habit information and basic physical strength information based on the measurement data in a case where the determination section satisfies the predetermined condition, and generates first information to notify the user based on the measurement data in a case where the determination section does not satisfy the predetermined condition.

Abstract: Users of head-mounted displays (HMDs) often experience nausea and other symptoms often referred to a “virtual reality sickness.” Various health and biometric sensors are employed to gather baseline sensor measurements. The HMD or a device associated with it can then generate a range or threshold such that any future sensor measurements that fall outside of the range or cross the threshold suggest a health concern for the user of the HMD. The HMD can also be coupled to a microphone, and natural language processing (NLP) is employed to detect negative words or noises made by the user that could also suggest a health concern for the user. After detecting the health concern, the HMD can warn its user, can shut off certain functions, can communicate with an external device, or can trigger an alarm.

Abstract: Methods, devices, systems, and kits are provided that buffer the time spaced glucose signals in a memory, and when a request for real time glucose level information is detected, transmit the buffered glucose signals and real time monitored glucose level information to a remotely located device, process a subset of the received glucose signals to identify a predetermined number of consecutive glucose data points indicating an adverse condition such as an impending hypoglycemic condition, confirm the adverse condition based on comparison of the predetermined number of consecutive glucose data points to a stored glucose data profile associated with the adverse condition, where confirming the adverse condition includes generating a notification signal when the impending hypoglycemic condition is confirmed, and activate a radio frequency (RF) communication module to wirelessly transmit the generated notification signal to the remotely located device only when the notification signal is generated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for characterization of a feature in a body part. It is describe to provide (210) tomosynthesis medical data comprising a plurality of images of the body part, wherein the plurality of images comprise image data associated with a plurality of rays of radiation that have passed through the body part, wherein the image data comprises spectral data associated with at least two photon energy levels of the plurality of rays of radiation, wherein the medical data comprises data of the feature. A delineated boundary of the feature is determined (220). At least one material composition of the body part inside the delineated boundary is determined (240) comprising a function of the spectral data inside the delineated boundary. The feature is characterised (250) as a function of the at least one material composition inside the delineated boundary of the feature. Data representative of the feature is output (260).

Abstract: Methods, devices, apparatuses and systems are disclosed for performing mammography, such as utilizing tomosynthesis in combination with breast biopsy.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a data acquisition device and a configuration method. The device includes a channel, wherein the channel includes a data control panel and a plurality of detection components. At least one of the plurality of detection components is directly connected to the data control panel. The data control panel may be configured to identify the channel and send a configuration command to the plurality of detection components. The plurality of detection components may determine channel location numbers of the plurality of detection components based on the configuration command and send the channel location numbers to the data control panel. The data control panel may determine identification numbers for the plurality of detection components based on the channel location numbers and allocate the identification numbers to the plurality of detection components.

Abstract: A high contrast instrument, such as a radiopaque portion, can be captured and/or viewed in an image that is acquired with an imaging system, such as with a fluoroscopic imaging system. A statistical model can be used to assist in identifying a possible or probable location of a target. A user may move the instrument coil to the statistically probable location of the target to, for example, perform a procedure or carry out a task.

Abstract: There is provided a method and an arrangement for determining a position of interaction of a photon in an individual detector diode of a photon-counting x-ray detector. The method includes determining the position of interaction in the detector diode based on pulse characteristics of a pulse generated by the individual detector diode in response to the photon interaction.

Abstract: An enclosure for a digital radiography detector includes a handle, a connector configured to electrically and mechanically engage the detector and an accessory cavity to provide storage space for an accessory that is electrically and mechanically engageable to the detector.

Abstract: A radiation image capturing system includes the following. A radiation irradiating apparatus irradiates the radiation image capturing apparatus according to control by a generator. A control device transmits an external synchronizing signal to the radiation image capturing apparatus, transmits an irradiating request signal to the generator, and synchronizes the radiation image capturing apparatus with the radiation irradiating apparatus. When the external synchronizing signal is received, the radiation image capturing apparatus switches the control mode. After the control mode is switched, the radiation image capturing apparatus starts a readout process of the image data at a timing delayed a predetermined amount of time from a timing that the external synchronizing signal is received. The control device transmits the irradiating request signal to the generator at a timing delayed a predetermined amount of time from a timing that the irradiating request signal should be transmitted to the generator.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus generating an X-ray image in a region of interest, includes a radiography device and processing circuitry. The radiography device takes a first X-ray image before injection of a contrast medium, and takes a second X-ray image and a third X-ray image after injection of the contrast medium. The processing circuitry generates an output image having pixel values that are ratios of pixel values between a difference between the second X-ray image and the first X-ray image and a difference between the third X-ray image and the first X-ray image.

Abstract: An X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus includes an operation element that includes a motion axis selection switch and a plurality of direction switches; and a control element that controls a shifting of a relative location between an imaging element and a table relative to a motion-axis by the motion-axis selection switch to a shiftable predetermined motion-axis mode.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image displaying device including: a display section that displays a pair of mutually related sectional images; a reception section that, for one of the sectional image pair, receives a successive change instruction for a slice position; a generation section that generates a combined sectional image, corresponding to the slice position of the one sectional image, from the other sectional image of the pair; and a controller that, in cases in which the reception section has received the successive change instruction, effects control to switch display of the one sectional image from the one sectional image being displayed to the one sectional image that corresponds to the slice position indicated in the instruction, and, in conjunction with switching, to successively switch display of the other sectional image from the other sectional image that is being displayed to the combined sectional image.

Abstract: Systems and methods for use in identifying a brain condition of a subject are provided. In some aspects, a provided method includes constructing a classifier to identify a brain condition of a subject comprising steps of receiving image data obtained from a plurality of subjects, wherein the image data is acquired during an acquisition period following administration of at least one radioactive tracer. The method also includes defining a plurality of brain condition classes using the image data associated with one or more time frames during the acquisition period, and processing the image data to generate signatures corresponding to each of the plurality brain condition classes. The method further includes constructing the classifier using the signatures. The classifier can then be applied to determine a degree to which the subject expresses one or more disease states in order to determine a brain condition of the subject.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a two-dimensional X-ray detector provided with a table of the position and size of a region-of-interest so as to change the position and size of the region-of-interest for each frame, and a cone-beam CT apparatus using the same and an operation method thereof. ROI projection data of a high resolution for a set ROI may be acquired, and the binning technique may be applied to non-ROI projection data created by the X-rays emitted onto a non-ROI region to acquire low-resolution data. Thereby, the amount of projection data may be reduced.

Abstract: Medical apparatus includes an elongate probe for insertion into a body of a patient. The probe includes an ablation element and an acoustic transducer disposed at a distal end of the probe. An array of acoustic sensors is placed over the body. While the distal end of the probe is positioned in a target location in the body, a control unit drives the acoustic transducer in a training phase to emit an acoustic signal, receives electrical signals from the acoustic sensors in response to the acoustical signal, and processes the electrical signals so as to derive a phase profile focused at the target location. In an operational phase, the control unit drives the ablation element to ablate tissue in the body at the target location, and receives and filters the electrical signals from the acoustic sensors using the phase profile so as to detect acoustical activity at the target location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for acquisition of volumetric breast images for screening and/or diagnosing breast cancers using a rotary scanning template and transducer.

Abstract: A system for finding improved views includes a shape sensing optical fiber system (104) disposed on or in a prosthesis (102) to track the prosthesis in a volume. A real-time imaging system (110) employs a non-ionizing radiation source to image the volume having the prosthesis and reference positions in the volume. A search program (140) is stored in memory to search images of the real-time imaging system to identify the reference positions in the volume. An image processing device (148) overlays shape sensing data and images from the real-time imaging system and computes an improved view in accordance with improved view parameters.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for operating an ultrasound system. The method and system acquire ultrasound data with an ultrasound probe according to at least one of: i) an examination protocol while maintaining an ultrasound probe against a patient region of interest as a patient is moved between first and second examination related positions in connection with the examination protocol; or ii) a monitoring protocol during which an ultrasound probe is maintained against a patient region of interest. The method and system collect probe position information and based on the probe position information, identify a patient movement based (PMB) transition of the probe. The method and system direct the ultrasound system to automatically perform an examination related task in connection with identifying the PMB transition.

Abstract: Motion artifacts are suppressed for three-dimensional parametric ultrasound imaging. Motion tracking is performed so that the parameter values derived over time are based on return from the same locations. Distortion due to the scan pattern is accounted for in the results of the motion tracking, such as by re-sampling the results to deal with discontinuity in time between data from adjacent sub-volumes and/or by aligning the scan pattern based on a direction of motion.

Abstract: An imaging conditions acquisition unit acquires imaging conditions relevant to the positioning of an irradiation device and a radiation detector for acquiring a medical image. An imaging control unit controls the irradiation device and the like so as to acquire a pre-shot image or the medical image of the subject. A correction amount calculation unit calculates the correction amount of the imaging conditions based on the pre-shot image. A notification unit sends notification of the correction amount.

Abstract: A first determination unit performs first determination as to whether or not to store ultrasound images acquired in time series. In a case where the first determination is positive, a storage control unit stores ultrasound images, which are determined to be stored by the first determination unit, in a storage. A second determination unit performs second determination as to whether or not one or more ultrasound images to be stored are stored in the storage. In a case where the second determination is negative, a notification unit notifies that the one or more ultrasound images to be stored are not stored in the storage.

Abstract: A stool collection device (10) comprising a rigid dissolvable fibre sheet adapted to fit above the water in a toilet pan.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed invention provide devices and methods for buffering fluid samples to enable accurate concentration measurements of analytes by salinity-sensitive or pH-sensitive sensors. The buffering capabilities of the device include the ability to control the salinity and pH of a fluid sample, specifically, through the management of solutes such as salts, H+, other ions, and other solutes, that are found in sweat, biofluids, or other fluids. The purpose of such control is to enhance particular fluid sensing device applications by improving detectability of the targeted analyte, or improving performance of analyte sensors. Some embodiments also include components to enable sample concentration to enhance the measurement of low-concentration solutes found in the fluid.

Abstract: An exemplary biopsy device includes (i) an elongated body, (ii) a hollow needle coupled to the distal end of the elongated body, the hollow needle having a channel that spans the length of the hollow needle, (iii) a trigger associated with the elongated body, (iv) a stylet having or associated with a biopsy element, the stylet being disposed within the channel of the hollow needle, operably connected to the trigger, and configured to extend beyond the distal end of the hollow needle and subsequently retract within the channel of the hollow needle, and (v) a spring mechanism operably connected to the trigger such that the spring mechanism compresses in response to operation of the trigger, extending the biopsy element, and is configured to rebound following compression, the rebound causing the biopsy element to retract toward or within the hollow needle.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for fastening or clamping tissue to tissue or non-tissue layers and for occluding tubular body structures.

Abstract: A hemostatic device for sealing a puncture of a vessel includes a first tube defining a first lumen. The first lumen is configured to receive a guidewire and a flow of a fluid therethrough. The hemostatic device also includes a second tube circumscribing at least a portion of the first tube and at least partially defining a second lumen. The hemostatic device further includes a substantially rigid stopper coupled to a distal end of the second tube. The stopper defines a stopper lumen that receives the first tube therethrough in an interference fit. A first opening is defined in a side wall of the first tube and positioned distally relative to the stopper. At least one injection groove defined in an outer surface of the stopper cooperates with the distal end of the second tube to define at least one second opening in flow communication with the second lumen.

Abstract: A method for performing a laparoscopic procedure may include inserting a bag through an opening. The method may also include delivering tissue into the bag, sealing the bag, and inflating the bag to create an artificial pneumoperitoneum that extends the abdomen and provides additional working and viewing space. Further, the method may include carrying out a procedure on the tissue located in the inflated bag.

Abstract: A system and associated method for manipulating tissues and anatomical or other structures in medical applications for the purpose of treating diseases or disorders or other purposes. In one aspect, the system includes a delivery device configured to deploy and implant anchor devices for such purposes.