Abstract: An endoscope system includes: a CMOS image pickup device configured to output digital signals of a plurality of systems; E/O converters configured to convert the digital signals of the plurality of systems to optical signals respectively; optical fibers configured to transmit the optical signals of the plurality of systems respectively; a transmission amount changer configured to convert a data amount of the digital signal of at least one system; and a metal wire configured to transmit the digital signal, the data amount of which is converted by the transmission amount changer.

Abstract: A medical apparatus including an endoscopic tool including first and second members longitudinally slideable relative to each other; and a control connected to a proximal end of the endoscopic tool. The control includes a housing and an actuation mechanism. The actuation mechanism is longitudinally slideably connected to the housing. The actuation mechanism has the first member and/or the second member connected thereto. The housing includes a connector configured to removeably connect the housing to a control section of an endoscope.

Abstract: A sheath assembly for an endoscope includes an elongate tubular body and a plug. The endoscope has a handle portion and a scope portion extending therefrom to a tip. The body includes first and second wall sections and extends along a longitudinal axis between first and second distal openings. The first wall section extends radially about the longitudinal axis to define a scope lumen. The scope portion is receivable in the scope lumen. The second wall section extends radially about a portion of the first wall section and longitudinally between second distal and proximal end openings. The first and second wall sections define an integral suction lumen in fluid communication with a first source of negative pressure. The plug is mated with the distal end opening for closing the scope lumen and includes at least one suction opening disposed in co-registration with the first distal end opening.

Abstract: The invention refers to a deflection movement transmission device comprising a control element (1) arranged at a proximal end of the deflection movement transmission device for effecting a deflection movement, an elongate transmission guiding body (5), and a bendable body (6) to be deflected that is arranged at a distal end of the deflection movement transmission device, wherein the control element (1) comprises an inner channel (16) through which the bendable body (6) to be deflected is guidable.

Abstract: System and method to provide a suspended capsule endoscope at a liquid gas interface is described. The capsule comprises a permanent magnetic dipole and has a density greater than the density of the liquid. An sphere-shaped external magnet is used to suspend and control the movement of the capsule endoscope at the liquid/gas interface. The capsule endoscope can translate along variable axes, rotate and tilt, according to the movement of the external magnet. The external magnet performs a translation and rotation simultaneously to keep the capsule endoscope still and anchored at the same position of the liquid/gas interface. The external magnet adjusts its distance to the liquid/gas interface during the rotation in order to apply a constant magnetic field force to the capsule endoscope.

Abstract: A highly articulated robotic probe (HARP) is comprised of a first mechanism and a second mechanism, one or both of which can be steered in desired directions. Each mechanism can alternate between being rigid and limp. In limp mode the mechanism is highly flexible. When one mechanism is limp, the other is rigid. The limp mechanism is then pushed or pulled along the rigid mechanism. The limp mechanism is made rigid, thereby assuming the shape of the rigid mechanism. The rigid mechanism is made limp and the process repeats. These innovations allow the device to drive anywhere in three dimensions. The device can “remember” its previous configurations, and can go anywhere in a body or other structure (e.g. jet engine). When used in medical applications, once the device arrives at a desired location, the inner core mechanism can be removed and another functional device such as a scalpel, clamp or other tool slid through the rigid sleeve to perform.

Abstract: There is provided a bending portion for an endoscope and the endoscope which can prevent the piece fall of bending pieces without enlarging the diameter of the bending portion and raising the filling rate of built-in components in the bending portion. In the bending portion, one bending piece of adjacent bending pieces is formed so that a cross-sectional shape is, for example, an elliptic shape whose major axis direction or minor axis direction corresponds to a first direction. The other bending piece of the adjacent bending pieces is formed so that a cross-sectional shape is, for example, a circular shape in which a length in the first direction differs from the first bending piece; and an abutting portion in which their end portions facing each other of the adjacent bending pieces abut on each other in at least two points when the bending portion is bent.

Abstract: A surgical system includes a first instrument defining a first channel and a second instrument receivable by the first channel. The second instrument defines a second channel. A valve coupled to the first instrument controls fluid flow through the first channel, such that impedance of fluid flow through the first channel is substantially the same without the second instrument received in the first channel and with the first channel partially blocked by the second instrument. In another aspect, a surgical apparatus includes an outer member and an inner member received within the outer member to define a first channel therebetween. The inner member houses an optical lens and defines a second channel for receiving a surgical instrument. The first and second channels are configured such that a pump having an inflow rate of up to about 0.7 L/min connected to the second channel can maintain fluid pressure inside an organ.

Abstract: Systems and methods for visualizing ablated tissue are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system for imaging tissue comprising: a catheter having a distal end and a proximal end; an inflatable balloon disposed about the distal end of the catheter; and an optical housing extending from the distal end of the catheter into the balloon, the optical housing being configured to position inside the balloon a light source for illuminating a tissue outside the balloon and a camera for imaging the illuminated tissue.

Abstract: A medical system generally comprises a camera head, a beam, and a guide sheath. The camera head is connected to the beam which is bendable in a first direction and resists bending in a second direction opposite the first direction. The guide sheath slidably receives the beam, the beam extending through a distal end of the guide sheath such that the camera head projects from the distal end of the guide sheath. The guide sheath includes first and second sheath portions, and in an operative configuration the first sheath portion is angled relative to the second sheath portion to define a first bend. The beam is oriented relative to the guide sheath such that, as the beam is slid relative to guide sheath, the beam bends in the first direction through the first bend, and a projecting portion of the beam resists bending in the second direction.

Abstract: There is a need for robust and portable system, and apparatus for ophthalmology. We propose use of foldable ophthalmic system. Our system will have a chin-rest (or face-rest or forehead rest) that can be folded so that the ocular device could be transported in a brief-case type casing. Our system can be used for many modalities including optical coherence tomography.

Abstract: Described embodiments include a vision system and a method. A vision system includes a receiver circuit configured to receive data indicative of a presence of a wearable ophthalmic element in an optical path incident on a vision correction device. The vision correction device includes an electronically controllable vision parameter and configured to be placed in an eye of a human subject. The vision system includes a controller circuit coupled to the vision correction device and configured to change the electronically controllable vision parameter of the vision correction device at least partially in response to the received data indicative of the presence of the wearable ophthalmic element in the optical path.

Abstract: Systems and methods for classifying abnormalities within optical coherence tomography images of the eye are presented. One embodiment of the present invention is the classification of pigment epithelial detachments (PEDs) based on characteristics of their internal reflectivity, size and shape. The classification can be based on selected subsets of the data located within or surrounding the abnormalities. Training data can be used to generate the classification scheme and the classification can be weighted to highlight specific classes of particular clinical interest.

Abstract: An ophthalmic imaging device for capturing a tomographic image of an eye, includes: an OCT optical system detecting interference of reference light and measurement light; a measurement optical system including an optical scanner and an objective optical system, the optical scanner being configured to deflect the measurement light to perform scanning with the measurement light; a driver configured to displace a relative position of the optical scanner with respect to the objective optical system in an optical axis direction; and a controller configured to control the driver to adjust a turning position of the measurement light in the optical axis direction. The controller changes the turning position between a first position corresponding to a first depth band of the eye and a second position corresponding to a second depth band of the eye which is different from the first depth band.

Abstract: A physiological monitoring system includes a near-end portable monitoring module for generating first sensed data, capturing a user's first image, an image sensing module for synchronizing the first sensed data and the first image to form first combination data, and searching and connecting the corresponding near-end portable monitoring module to receive the first sensed data and display the near-end information display module corresponding to the screen of the first combination data, when the first sensed data includes a warning signal, the first combination data is transmitted and stored in the Internet by the second communication unit within a time period from a first time before the warning signal is issued to a second time for releasing the warning signal, and the first combination data within the time period from the first time to the second time is transmitted to the near-end information display module to display the first combination data.

Abstract: A specimen information acquisition apparatus includes a signal processor which can selectively operate in first and second modes. In the first mode, when a first group represents a group of devices among receiving devices and a second group represents at least a fraction of a group of devices other than the first group, a photoacoustic image and an ultrasonic image are obtained based on received signals from the first group and the second group, respectively. In the second mode, when a third group represents a group of devices having at least a fraction of a group of devices other than the first group and a fourth group represents at least a fraction of a group of devices other than the third group, a photoacoustic image and an ultrasonic image are obtained based on received signals from the third group and the fourth group, respectively.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a noninvasive quantitative method for detecting extent and/or types of fibrosis in the heart. In embodiments, information pertaining to the extent and/or types of fibrosis may aid in the diagnosis of specific cardiac diseases and heart failure and/or may assist in determining suitable treatment options. Embodiments provide methods and apparatuses for determining the extent of fibrosis in viable and nonviable myocardium, which may then be correlated to heart disease and failure. Thus, in an embodiment, a method of screening individuals for the purpose of heart disease or heart failure prevention may be provided using the detection methodology described herein.

Abstract: A sensor system for measuring an elastic modulus and a shear modulus and a method for evaluating a tissue. The invention pertains to a method for determining the presence of and/or characterizing abnormal growths, using a piezoelectric finger sensor (PEFS) system. The PEFS system may be particularly useful for screening for tumors and various forms of cancer. Additionally, the PEFS system may be useful for various dermatological applications.

Abstract: System and method for obtaining information about a target structure. The system includes an optoelectrical element with an optical fiber having a core, a coating surrounding the core, an optical axis, a proximal end, and a distal end. The optoelectrical element also includes an electrical connector embedded within the coating along the optical axis between the proximal end and the distal end. A transducer is disposed at the distal end and electrically connected to the electrical connector. The transducer is operable to detect a first energy, generated in response to light that has been transmitted from the proximal end to the distal end and outcoupled from the distal end toward the target structure, and to convert the received first energy to an electrical signal to be transmitted along the electrical connector.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking temperature changes in tissue and bone is disclosed. In one aspect, the temperature changes are tracked simultaneously with high spatial encoding and temporal efficiency. The method is robust in terms of B0 and chemical shift off-resonance, as well as insensitive to eddy currents for accurate temperature mapping. Zero TE (ZTE) based MR thermometry is utilized herein to extract temperature changes from proton density and T1 weighted images. Additionally, T1 signal contamination is corrected for by calibrating T1 and B0 by using a variable flip angle method to achieve temperature mapping in bone, aqueous and adipose tissue simultaneously.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for detecting a physiological response based on multispectral data. In one embodiment, a system includes an inward-facing head-mounted thermal camera (CAM) that takes thermal measurements of a first region of interest (THROI1) on a user's face, and an inward-facing head-mounted visible-light camera (VCAM) that takes images of a second region of interest (IMROI2) on the face. The first and second regions of interest overlap, and the system includes a computer that detects the physiological response based on THROI1, IMROI2, and a model. Optionally, the model was trained based on previous THROI1 and IMROI2 of the user taken during different days. Optionally, the physiological response is indicative of an occurrence of an emotional state of the user, such as joy, fear, sadness or anger.

Abstract: A physiology signal sensing device includes an elastic pad and a strain sensor element. The elastic pad is used for contact with a human body, and corresponds a blood vessel of the human body. The strain sensor element is disposed in the elastic pad and includes a conductive element. The conductive element deforms according to the vibration of the blood vessel, and the resistance value of the conductive element varies according to the strain of the conductive element.

Abstract: A wrist-worn pressure sensing device includes a pressure sensor. The wrist-worn pressure sensing device also includes a first strap that sets the position of the pressure sensor on a wearer's wrist and a second strap that engages with the first strap to adjust the overall length of the strap without moving the set position of the pressure sensor on the wearer's wrist.

Abstract: A monitoring device includes a sensor band configured to be secured around an appendage of a subject, and a sensing element movably secured to the sensor band via a biasing element. The sensor band has a first mass, and the sensing element has a second mass that is less than the first mass. The biasing element is configured to urge the sensing element into contact with a portion of the appendage, and the biasing element decouples motion of the band from the sensing element. A monitoring device includes a band that is configured to be secured around an appendage of a subject. One or more biasing elements extend outwardly from the band inner surface and are configured to contact the appendage. A sensing element is secured to the band inner surface. The one or more biasing elements decouples motion of the band from the sensing element.

Abstract: A wearable computing device includes an electro-optical sensor to translate received light into an electrical signal. During a first mode of operation of the wearable computing device, a physical parameter of a wearer of the wearable computing device is assessed from the electrical signal. During a second mode of operation of the wearable computing device, encoded communication data is extracted from the electrical signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining information on a cardiovascular system based exclusively on measurements between two limbs and effected with a pair of distal electrodes on each limb. The measurement is made by causing an alternating current to flow between one electrode of each limb and measuring the potential difference between the other two electrodes, one also on each limb. This potential difference has a low frequency component which is an electrocardiogram (ECG) and another component having a frequency of the injected alternating current and from which an impedance plethysmogram (IPG) is extracted. The cardiovascular information is determined by measuring the time interval between any predefined characteristic element of the ECG and IPG.

Abstract: An organ evaluation device, system, or method is configured to receive electrophysiological data from a patient or model organism and integrates the data in a computational backend environment with anatomical data input from an external source, spanning a plurality of file formats, where the input parameters are combined to visualize and output current density and/or current flow activity having ampere-based units displayed in the spatial context of heart or other organ anatomy.

Abstract: This is directed to an electronic device having an integrated sensor for detecting a user's cardiac activity and cardiac electrical signals. The electronic device can include a heart sensor having several leads for detecting a user's cardiac signals. The leads can be coupled to interior surfaces of the electronic device housing to hide the sensor from view, such that electrical signals generated by the user can be transmitted from the user's skin through the electronic device housing to the leads. In some embodiments, the leads can be coupled to pads placed on the exterior of the housing. The pads and housing can be finished to ensure that the pads are not visibly or haptically distinguishable on the device, thus improving the aesthetic qualities of the device. Using the detected signals, the electronic device can identify or authenticate the user and perform an operation based on the identity of the user.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for using medical devices are disclosed. An example mapping medical device may include a catheter shaft with a plurality of electrodes. The plurality of electrodes may include a first pair of electrodes, a second pair of electrodes, a third pair of electrodes and a fourth pair of electrodes. The mapping medical device may further include a processor, wherein the processor may be configured to determine a first latency between the first pair of electrodes, determine a second latency between the second pair of electrodes, determine a third latency between the third pair of electrodes, determine a fourth latency between the fourth pair of electrodes, and determine a target signal by interpolating the first latency, the second latency, the third latency and the fourth latency.

Abstract: A method of determining the susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmias in a subject, the method including determining a reserve of refractoriness (RoR) and a reserve of memory (RoM) and combining the reserve of refractoriness (RoR) and the reserve of memory (RoM) to produce a metric of stability-of-propagation reserve (SoPR) in the subject, a higher value of SoPR indicating lower susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmias in the subject. Systems and apparatus for carrying out the method are also described.

Abstract: A method can include analyzing non-invasive electrical data for a region of interest (ROI) of a patient's anatomical structure to identify one or more zones within the ROI that contain at least one mechanism of distinct arrhythmogenic electrical activity. The method also includes analyzing invasive electrical data for a plurality of signals of interest at different spatial sites within each of the identified zones to determine intracardiac signal characteristics for the plurality of sites within each respective zone. The method also includes generating an output that integrates the at least one mechanism of distinct arrhythmogenic electrical activity for the one or more zones with intracardiac signal characteristics for the plurality of sites within each respective zone.

Abstract: A range of technique for investigating a sample such as obtaining images and/or spectral information are described. The techniques include a method for deriving structural information about a sample as a continuous function of the depth below the surface of the sample, a method for evaluating a part of the structure of a sample located between two interfaces within the sample, and a contrast enhancing method and apparatus which has a quick image acquisition time.

Abstract: Systems and methods are directed to generating and analyzing light. Spatial light response around a human fingertip in response to electrical stimulation is associated with the status of various body organs. A system that provides a particularized response indication based on spatial light response includes a camera, an electrical signal generator, a light source, a circuit, and a computer. The signal generator stimulates emission of light from the finger when the finger is at a position relative to the camera. The light source illuminates the finger at the position. The circuit activates the light source and the camera to obtain a first image of the finger at the position, activates the signal generator and the camera to obtain a second image of the emission of light from the finger at the position, determines a direction from the first image, determines a centroid from the second image, and determines a description of the second image in accordance with the direction and the centroid.

Abstract: A system and method for generating dynamic susceptibility contrast information from medical imaging data acquired using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system and from a subject having received a dose of a contrast agent. A plurality of images are acquired of the subject. Using the images, an arrival time correction (ATC) is determined that includes a value for at least one of a time shift variable, a time stretch variable, and an amplitude scale variable. The ATC is applied to a model of dynamic susceptibility contrast that relates a measure of signal change over time with a correction term to dynamic susceptibility contrast information to create a corrected model of dynamic susceptibility contrast including the ATC. At least one contrast agent concentration curve is generated from the plurality of images using the corrected model.

Abstract: Example apparatus and methods concern determining whether a target material appears in a region experiencing nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). One method acquires a baseline value for a magnetic resonance parameter (MRP) while the region is not exposed to a molecular imaging agent that affects the MRP and acquires a series of quantitative values for the MRP while the sample is influenced by a molecular imaging agent. Quantitative values may be acquired during a clinically relevant time period (e.g., 60 minutes) during which the change in the MRP (e.g., T1) caused by the molecular imaging agent is at least 90% of the peak change caused by the molecular imaging agent. The molecular imaging agent may be SBK2 and may produce a desired change in T1 for at least thirty minutes in glioblastoma.

Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing and using magnetic resonance (“MR”) visible labels or markers to encode information unique to the subject or object being imaged by a magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) system are provided. The use of such MR-visible labels or markers enables unique information associated with the subject or object being imaged to be encoded into the images of the subject or object. This information can be used to anonymize protected health information (“PHI”); to provide detailed information about a surgical simulation device, quality assurance phantom, or the like; to provide spatial orientation and registration information; or so on.

Abstract: Systems and method for positioning a neonate within an imaging device are provided. A capsule incubator, a cart, and a docking incubator are used to move a baby between an imaging device and a incubator, such that a baby can be imagined without having to move the baby from its environment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for navigation are presented. First and second response signals received from at least one magnetic sensor operatively coupled to a target device in response to a magnetic field are measured at reference and reversed sensitivity while an alignment of magnetic domains corresponding to the magnetic sensor remains unchanged. A useful portion of the first response signal is determined by eliminating common-mode noise from the first response signal based on a difference between the first and second response signals. Alternatively, a bias signal having a desired bias frequency is applied to shift a signal frequency of a response signal of a magnetoresistance sensor that includes common-mode noise. A useful portion of the response signal is determined by measuring the response signal at a shifted frequency that is a sum of the signal and bias frequencies. A position of the subject is then determined based on the useful portion.

Abstract: The Portable Unit for Metabolic Analysis measures human metabolic function. The compact invention attaches to the face of a subject and it is able to record highly time-resolved measurements of air temperature and pressure, flow rates during inhalation and exhalation, and oxygen and carbon dioxide partial pressure. The device is capable of ‘breath-by-breath’ analysis and ‘within-breath’ analysis at high temporal resolution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated sleep diagnosis and treatment device, and more particularly to an integrated apnea diagnosis and treatment device. The present invention additionally relates to method of sleep diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for detecting a physiological response based on thermal measurements while accounting for touching the face. In one embodiment, a system includes an inward-facing head-mounted thermal camera (CAM) that takes thermal measurements of a region of interest (THROI) on a user's face, and a sensor that provides measurements (M) indicative of times at which the user touches the region of interest (ROI). The system also includes a computer that detects the physiological response based on THROI and M. Optionally, the computer generates feature values based on THROI and M, and utilizes a model to detect, based on the feature values, the physiological response. Optionally, the model was trained based on samples, each including: (i) feature values generated based on previous THROI taken while M indicated touching the ROI, and (ii) a corresponding label indicative of an extent of the physiological response.

Abstract: Methods and systems for targeting, accessing and diagnosing diseased lung compartments are disclosed. The method comprises introducing a diagnostic catheter with an occluding member at its distal end into a lung segment via an assisted ventilation device; inflating the occluding member to isolate the lung segment; and performing a diagnostic procedure with the catheter while the patient is ventilated. The proximal end of the diagnostic catheter is configured to be attached to a console. The method may also comprise introducing the diagnostic catheter into the lung segment; inflating the occluding member to isolate the lung segment; and monitoring blood oxygen saturation. The method may further comprise introducing the diagnostic catheter into the lung segment; determining tidal flow volume in the lung segment; determining total lung capacity of the patient; and determining a flow rank value based on the tidal flow volume of the lung segment and the total lung capacity.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a catheter, an introducer having a first member and a second member, a locking mechanism coupled to a distal end of the first member and configured to couple the introducer to a peripheral intravenous line, and an actuator coupled to the catheter. The actuator is configured to move from a first configuration, in which the catheter is disposed within the introducer, toward a second configuration to move the second member to a distal position relative to the first member. A portion of a guide of the second member being distal to the first member when the second member is in the distal position. The actuator is configured to move relative to the second member to be placed in the second configuration when the second member is in its distal position such that the catheter is disposed within and extending past an end of the peripheral intravenous line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for monitoring and controlling the status of humans or animals, in particular relating to both the physical and the arousal status of an individual human or animal. These methods and systems rely on a dynamic and adaptive data-based on-line modelling technique wherein information on bioprocess inputs and outputs is measured in real-time and the model predicts an output based on the bioprocess input. The provided methods are particularly useful to monitor and/or control processes in which performance is important.

Abstract: Vascular conditions are detected non-invasively in the human body using a collection of information from small local regions of the vasculature. An array of accelerometers are attached to the head and blood flow sounds are recorded. Vibration signatures of vessel structures such as branches, aneurysms, stenosis, etc. using random, periodic, band limited or transient analysis provides a signature library for further processing. The signature library is used to localize the origin of recognized vascular features and the localized feature is presented to the physician in a clinically relevant manner.

Abstract: The present technology relates to an information processing device, an information processing system, and a program which enable a state of pores to be understood in further detail. A photographing unit photographs skin of a person irradiated with first light of a first wavelength band or second light of a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band. A pore detecting unit detects pores in a first skin image, which is an image obtained by photographing the skin of the person irradiated with the first light. A porphyrin detecting unit detects a pore state of the skin of the person based on pixel values of a plurality of color components of each of pixels of a second skin image, which is an image obtained by photographing the skin of the person irradiated with second light.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for monitoring a patient to produce a signal representing a blood oxygen concentration. The signal may be analyzed to determine the presence of one or more sleep apnea events, and an integral of the signal may be calculated if the signal is outside of a set range or threshold. A practitioner may choose to be informed of the presence of sleep apnea events if the blood oxygen concentration is less then a preset limit, if an upper limit has been reached for an integral representing the severity of the oxygen deprivation over time, or anytime sleep apnea events may be present in the signal.

Abstract: Systems, methods, sensors, and software for providing enhanced measurement and detection of patient pain response are provided herein. In a first example, a measurement system is provided that includes a capacitive system configured to measure a capacitance signal of tissue of the patient using a capacitive sensor proximate to the tissue of the patient. The measurement system also includes a patient monitor configured to measure an electrical signal representing brain activity of the patient. The measurement system also includes a processing system configured to determine pain metrics based at least on the capacitance signal and the electrical signal, and determine a pain response of the patient based at least on the pain metrics and pain calibration information for the patient.

Abstract: To provide a headband capable of correctly placing an electrode on a head of a user, a headband apparatus includes a plurality of headband portions integrally connected and configured to be positioned about a head of a user, wherein at least two headband portions are each configured to be positioned behind an ear.

Abstract: An EEG headset including an amplifier assembly, a headband assembly formed of a right and a left headband arm and an amplifier platform, a right and left lateral support assembly, at least one hinge assembly connecting at least one of the right or left lateral support assemblies to at least one of the right or left curved arms, and at least one EEG electrode assembly formed of a lead and an electrode. The electrode is in electrical communication with the amplifier assembly via electrical connections within the headset assembly and one of the right and left lateral support assembly.