Abstract: A variable-stiffness actuator includes a shape-memory member that has an end and another end and increases in stiffness on heating, and a heating member that is arranged along a longitudinal axis of the shape-memory member so as to surround an outside of the shape-memory member and receives a current to heat the shape-memory member. The variable-stiffness actuator also includes a conductive member arranged around an outer periphery of the heating member, so as to physically protect the heating member. The conductive member is electrically connected to the heating member.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes an endoscope including an insertion section formed in an elongated shape, a flexible tube portion provided at a proximal end side of the insertion section, and a rigidity changing mechanism portion provided inside the flexible tube portion, and configured to change rigidity of the flexible tube portion by an operation performed on a hand side, and a flexible overtube formed in a cylindrical shape extending in an axial direction, into which the insertion section is inserted, where a rigidity change region of the flexible tube portion by the rigidity changing mechanism portion is set to be from an intermediate portion to a proximal end portion of the flexible tube portion, and a total length of the overtube in the axial direction is set to be shorter than a total length of the rigidity change region.

Abstract: An endoscope includes: an insertion unit; an imaging unit to image a subject under examination and output an electrical image signal; a light modulation device to output an optical image signal based on the electrical image signal output from the imaging unit; a first light cable inserted in the insertion unit to transmit light emitted by a communication light source to the light modulation device; and a second light cable inserted in the insertion unit to transmit the optical image signal output from the light modulation device outside the insertion unit. The communication light source is different from an illumination light source emitting an illumination light for illuminating the subject under examination. The light modulation device modulates the light transmitted by the first light cable to generate the optical image signal.

Abstract: An endoscope camera head includes: a main body unit having an irregular tubular shape made of a metal or an alloy and including a hollow portion that is airtightly concealed; an imaging unit accommodated in the hollow portion of the main body unit and configured to generate an image signal based on light from an object; and an operating unit configured to output an operation signal for operating the imaging unit. The operating unit includes an input unit located at a position extending over a first face and a second face adjacent each other, of a surface of the main body unit, and configured to receive an input of the operation signal from an outside, and a fixing unit configured to fix the input unit to the main body unit.

Abstract: A bronchoscope adapter is configured for one hand operation by providing a slide lock that is captured within a housing and a retaining nut that can be operated with a single finger or thumb. Rotation of the retaining nut is eased by isolating rotational force from a compression block with a spacer ring.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for positioning electrodes within a body. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus for slidably moving multiple features relative to a sheath inserted into a body and positioned relative to a reference point includes a primary actuator configured to move a primary electrode, a secondary actuator configured to move a secondary electrode, and a control mechanism. The control mechanism is configured to selectively prevent movement of at least one of the primary actuator based on a position of the secondary actuator and of the secondary actuator based on a position of the primary actuator and lock positions of the primary actuator and the secondary actuator.

Abstract: An imaging device includes an image sensor, an optical system forming an image of an object on the image sensor, and a processor. The optical system switches between a first state of capturing an image of the object with a single pupil and a second state of capturing an image of the object with two pupils. The processor generates a simulative phase difference image from a first captured image captured with the image sensor in the first state, and executes matching processing of comparing the simulative phase difference image with a second capture image captured with the image sensor in the second state to detect a phase difference between an image formed with one of the two pupils and an image formed with another one of the two pupils.

Abstract: The instant disclosure provides for medical imaging systems that may be used in conjunction with an intraoperative medical device, such as an endoscope. Generally, the disclosed medical imaging systems include an illumination source configured to generate illuminating photons for illuminating a biological sample. An optical signal modulator is configured to separate one or more of the illuminating photons and photons that have interacted with the biological sample into a first optical signal having first multi-passband wavelengths and a second optical signal having second multi-passband wavelengths. At least one detector is configured to detect one or more of the first optical signal and the second optical signal and generate at least one image data set. A processor is configured to analyze the at least one image data set. In some embodiments, the processor is configured to differentiate between structures of the biological sample, such as between an ureter and surrounding tissue.

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 camera system for monitoring an inside of a body, which reduces an influence of a high-frequency noise, and has high reliability and ease of use is realized. The camera system for monitoring an inside of a body includes a camera support tube (13) formed of a conductive material, a metal spring (191) causing the camera support tube (13) to be grounded, a support-tube joining unit (14) joining the camera unit (11) and the camera support tube (13), and a control system (3) including a display (18).

Abstract: An endoscope tubing includes: a picture-taking component defined with a front end and a rear end and having an image-capturing lens disposed at the front end to capture images forward, a light source and an outer wall, with the light source disposed at a rim of the image-capturing lens to illuminate, and the outer wall being circular and protruding toward the front of the picture-taking component to form a protruding dam; a spring tube with an end connected to the rear end of the picture-taking component and another end connected to a predetermined device; a tensile cable with a portion thereof connected to the picture-taking component and another portion thereof passing through the spring tube to connect to the predetermined device; and a wire with an end connected to the picture-taking component and another end passing through the spring tube to connect to the predetermined device.

Abstract: The resolution of narrow band imaging is improved, while color reproducibility is improved when performing white-light observation. Provided is an endoscope system including an image pickup device having three types of color filters, said types being blue, green, and magenta, and also including an image processor that generates an image by processing a signal acquired by the image pickup device. The image processor includes a ratio calculator that calculates the ratio between a blue signal and a magenta signal, and also includes a red-signal generator that generates a red signal based on the ratio calculated by the ratio calculator.

Abstract: A lighting module includes a housing portion, a clip portion having a receiving space between configured to receive a speculum, an arm portion extending from the clip portion and including a lighting element, and a power source electrically connected to the lighting element. Also, a speculum assembly including a speculum and a lighting module is disclosed. Finally, a method of using a lighting module is disclosed.

Abstract: A device may be configured for white balancing a medical videoscopic camera system prior to videoscopic medical procedures, as well as optionally simultaneously or non-simultaneously applying a fog-prohibiting agent to the distal lens of a medical videoscope such as an endoscope or laparoscope. The device combines a white balancing mechanism, protective mechanism, and defogging mechanism in one simple easy to use device.

Abstract: An apparatus for intraoral imaging has an intraoral camera that defines a field of view with a first dimension and a second dimension orthogonal to the first dimension. A projector has a laser diode energizable to emit a light beam; a collimator in the path of the emitted light beam; first beam-shaping optics disposed to shape the collimated light beam in the second dimension to form a linear light pattern; focusing optics disposed to focus the shaped collimated beam at a focal plane; and a scanner that is disposed substantially at the focal plane and that is energizable to scan the formed linear light pattern along the second dimension to successive positions of the field of view. A control logic processor coordinates energizing the laser diode and scanner with image capture by the intraoral camera.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a dental mirror includes an image sensor, a plurality of light sources, a mirror surface, an appendage affixed to the mirror surface to extend the mirror surface into a patient's mouth, and a handle affixed to the appendage. The mirror surface includes a transparent planar material covering the image sensor and the plurality of light sources, and a reflective coating portion on the transparent planar material. The plurality of light sources are positioned around a perimeter of the mirror surface close enough to one another to emit a continuous ring of light.

Abstract: A dental instrument system has an optical component with a mirror for the dental practitioner to view a patient's mouth. A light source and an airflow source have a plurality of output levels that are controlled by a user input on the handle, such as a single button. The output levels of the light and airflow are controlled by a single or double click, wherein a single click increases the output level of the airflow and a double click increases the output level of the light, for example. The light source illuminates the mirror and the airflow source produces airflow over the mirror to remove debris and bodily fluid. A clearing flow of air may be initiated by holding the single button down on the handle and release of the button may return the airflow to the previous level.

Abstract: Provided is an information processing apparatus including: a first acquisition unit configured to acquire a plurality of pieces of tomographic data based on measurement light controlled to scan the same position of a fundus; a second acquisition unit configured to acquire a correction coefficient by performing an arithmetic operation on a first approximate parameter obtained by transforming, in a first dimension, a parameter of the tomographic data to be used for calculating a motion contrast, and a second approximate parameter obtained by transforming the parameter in a second dimension smaller than the first dimension; a correction unit configured to correct a parameter of at least one piece of tomographic data through use of the correction coefficient; and a generation unit configured to generate a motion contrast image through use of the at least one piece of tomographic data corrected by the correction unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a fundus image includes: a processor and a memory; an illumination component including a light source and operatively coupled to the processor; a camera including a lens and operatively coupled to the processor, wherein the memory stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to: execute an automated script for capture of the fundus image; and allow for manual capture of the fundus image.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for evaluating a patient's contrast sensitivity. The apparatus including a table or chart with a plurality of shaded marks printed in cells in the table or chart. The shaded marks printed with a various contrasts with a log of Weber contrast ranging from ?0.20 to ?2.15. Where a subject marks an observed position of the shaded marks and a key is used to check the observed position against an actual position of the shaded mark to determine a threshold contrast of the subject.

Abstract: A refractive measurement tool measures refractive aberrations of the human eye. The tool includes a variable lens system. One or more refractive attributes of the variable lens system—such as spherical power, cylindrical power, cylindrical axis, prism or base—are adjustable. The user holds the tool up to his or her eyes, and looks through the tool at a near or far scene. Iterative vision tests are performed, in which refractive properties of the variable lens system are changed from iteration to iteration.

Abstract: Optical sensors, systems and methods of use thereof are provided. Aspects of the subject systems include a sensor having a sensing surface and a configuration that directs a first optical signal to interact with the sensing surface at a first incident angle, and directs a second optical signal to interact with the sensing surface at a second incident angle. The subject sensors, systems and methods find use, e.g., in the diagnosis of dry eye disease.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for the identification and characterization of fluid accumulation in the retina using OCT imaging. The disclosed methods and systems are directed to the automated segmentation of retinal fluid using 2D or 3D structural OCT scan images. Approaches for visualization and quantification of both intraretinal and subretinal fluid are presented. Methods are also disclosed for using OCT angiography data to improve the quality of retinal fluid segmentation, and to provide combined visualization of fluid accumulation and retinal vasculature to inform clinical interpretation of results.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ophthalmic apparatus and to a treatment site measuring method for the apparatus. The ophthalmic apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a first image unit for capturing the lower region of a retina so as to generate an image of the captured retina; a second image unit for capturing the local region of the retina indicated by a surgical operator so as to generate an image of the captured local region of the retina; and a control unit for mapping the image of the local region of the retina generated by the second image unit to the image of the retina generated by the first image unit based on the image of the retina generated by the first image unit.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an identification unit configured to identify a retinal blood vessel based on a retinal image, a measurement unit configured to measure blood flow information for the blood vessel based on the retinal image, and a display control unit configured to display the measured blood flow information by at least one selected from a depth of the identified blood vessel, a size of the identified blood vessel, and a combination of both.

Abstract: The present invention is a method, system, and apparatus used to transmit information to an individual and or receiver who is not located at the actual ultrasound procedure that may monitor, communicate, and assist in the procedure in real time as well as provide protocols for specific procedures; wherein the ultrasound machine communicates to a receiver operational information such as but not limited to audio, visual, performance, and so forth; wherein the information may be received in real time to another party not located at the site of the procedure who may assist with the procedure, training, protocols, and so forth; and wherein the receiver may then transmit back to the ultrasound machine specific directions as well as communicate with the ultrasound operator.

Abstract: In one example, the present disclosure describes a device, computer-readable medium, and method for detecting potential health risks using nanorobotics. For instance, in one example, a device includes a detector, a sensor, and a transceiver. The detector triggers a chemical reaction upon contact with a target substance in a user's body. The sensor detects when the chemical reaction occurs. The transceiver transmits an electronic signal containing a record of the chemical reaction to a user endpoint device.

Abstract: A method for transmitting and receiving pulse oximetry data comprising: transmitting pulse oximeter sensor data to a pulse oximeter monitor; encrypting the transmitted pulse oximeter data by the pulse oximeter monitor; transmitting the encrypted data to a cloud-based medical service; sending back the encrypted data from the cloud-based medical service to the pulse oximeter monitor, where the data is decrypted and displayed; 5 generating a random number by the pulse oximeter monitor via a random number generator that is triggered by a random number on the sensor, creating a unique ID for a device pulse oximeter monitor for a device; and sending the unique ID over the cloud for each event.

Abstract: A mobile device is programmed with an application that uses the mobile device's camera, accelerometer and microphone to enable a parent, coach or player to use it as a tool to diagnose a concussion. The tool may diagnose concussion on the basis of one or multiple factors that are scored, for example the player's balance, eye movement, speech responses to questions, button pressing response time, and other information about the location of the impact. A mobile device may be equipped with speech recognition and voice prompting to enable a concussion examination of a player to be administered by another player or coach to the injured player without significant effort by the injured player or helper. Each test may be scored, by itself or against one or more baselines for the injured player to develop an overall score and likelihood of a concussion. When the coach thinks there is a concussion, he/she can use the application to help find a doctor.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes a coil which is configured for transmission and/or reception of RF fields for communication with external devices. The coil has a conductor that is wound around a core. The core is adapted to saturate in the presence of a static magnetic field or a B0-field generated by an MRI machine thereby reducing the voltage induced in the coil by an RF field and/or by a gradient field generated by the MRI machine.

Abstract: A handheld optical coherence tomography imaging and tissue sampling system and method of imaging and sampling a tissue is disclosed. The method includes inserting a catheter probe into a biopsy needle. The biopsy needle can be attached to a hand-held scanning and sampling device. The biopsy needle is maneuvered to an investigation site. A three-dimensional image of the tissue at the investigation site is captured with the catheter probe.

Abstract: An OCT catheter includes an interior member including a torque wire and an optical fiber, the torque wire transmitting rotation from a proximal end toward a distal end, the optical fiber being provided in a hollow portion of the torque wire and transmitting light. The OCT catheter further includes an outer housing 30 covering the interior member. The outer housing includes inside a pair of stepped portions that face each other in a lengthwise direction of the torque wire. The torque wire includes a torque-wire body and a flange provided on the torque-wire body. The flange is provided between the pair of stepped portions. A coil spring is provided between one of the pair of stepped portions and the flange. The flange is pressed toward the other of the pair of stepped portions by the coil spring.

Abstract: This optoacoustic imaging device is provided with: a light source part for irradiating an object to be inspected with light; an ultrasonic vibrator for detecting an acoustic wave generated from a subject to be detected in the object to be inspected which has absorbed the light emitted from the light source part; and a detecting part disposed in a probe body and including an acoustic lens disposed closer to the tip side of the probe body than the ultrasonic vibrator, wherein the acoustic lens is configured to have a light absorbance of 1-30% and a light reflectance of less than 85% with respect to light which has a wavelength band of 650-1000 nm and is emitted from the light source part.

Abstract: An electronic device and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. The electronic device includes a main body having a back surface contacting a body part of a user, a band portion extended from one side or both sides of the main body, the band portion having a back surface contacting the body part of the user, an electrode positioned on the back surface of the main body or the back surface of the band portion, the electrode having a current flow area and a non-current flow area, and a controller mounted inside the main body or the band portion, the controller configured to adjust a voltage applied to the electrode in response to a biometric signal of the user acquired through the electrode.

Abstract: Various examples are provided for non-contact vital sign acquisition. Information can be provided regarding vibrations of a target using a radar signal such as, e.g., non-contact vital sign measurement. Examples include estimation of heart rate, change in heart rate, respiration rate, and/or change in respiration rate, for a human or other animal. Implementations can produce one or both rates of vibration and/or change in one or both rates of vibration for a target other than an animal or human experiencing two vibrations at the same time, such as a motor, a vehicle incorporating a motor, or another physical object. Some implementations can estimate the respiration movement in the radar baseband output signal. The estimated respiration signal can then be subtracted from radar signals in the time domain and, optionally, can be further enhanced using digital signal processing techniques, to produce an estimate of the heartbeat pulses.

Abstract: A circulatory dynamic measuring apparatus includes: an electrocardiogram acquiring section which is configured to acquire an electrocardiogram of a subject; a pulse wave acquiring section which is configured to acquire a poise wave of an upper arm of the subject; and a calculator which is configured to calculate information that relates to a cardiac function of the subject, and that is based on a pulse wave transmit time obtained from the electrocardiogram and the pulse wave.

Abstract: The invention provides a sensor for measuring both impedance and ECG waveforms that is configured to be worn around a patient's neck. The sensor features 1) an ECG system that includes an analog ECG circuit, in electrical contact with at least two ECG electrodes, that generates an analog ECG waveform; and 2) an impedance system that includes an analog impedance circuit, in electrical contact with at least two (and typically four) impedance electrodes, that generates an analog impedance waveform. Also included in the neck-worn system are a digital processing system featuring a microprocessor, and an analog-to-digital converter. During a measurement, the digital processing system receives and processes the analog ECG and impedance waveforms to measure physiological information from the patient. Finally, a cable that drapes around the patient's neck connects the ECG system, impedance system, and digital processing system.

Abstract: To perform measurement of a vascular elasticity rate with high accuracy in a short time. A vascular elasticity rate evaluation apparatus of the present invention includes: a pressure detection unit that detects a pulse wave with an external pressure being applied to a blood vessel; and a control unit that forms a pulse wave amplitude indicating dependent characteristics due to elasticity of the blood vessel from a detection value of the pressure detection unit, calculates a plus area in an elevation process of the pulse wave amplitude and a minus area in a descent process thereof, and calculates the vascular elasticity rate using values thereof.

Abstract: Methods and systems for express estimation of the arterial elasticity in a subject are presented. The methods and systems provide simplicity in measurement and the opportunity to measure the arterial elasticity through HRV. The method includes imposing a rhythmical stimulation at a frequency between about 0.06 Hz and 0.081 Hz to cause an oscillation on the cardiovascular system of a subject. The method further include measuring a response associated with the oscillation on the cardiovascular system and determining the arterial elasticity of the subject based on a level of the response associated with the oscillation.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for visually depicting a vessel and evaluating treatment options are disclosed. The methods can include obtaining pressure measurements from first and second instruments positioned within a vessel of a patient while the second instrument is moved longitudinally through the vessel from a first position to a second position and the first instrument remains stationary within the vessel; and outputting a visual representation of the pressure measurements obtained by the first and second instruments on a display, the output visual representation including a graphical display of a pressure ratio of the obtained pressure measurements and at least a portion of a pressure waveform of the obtained pressure measurements identifying a diagnostic period utilized in calculating the pressure ratio.

Abstract: A blood flow meter capable of measuring the flow rate of the blood flow with high accuracy in a blood vessel of a living body is provided. An element holding body having a tubular shape and having an outer diameter smaller than or equal to the outer diameter of a hollow shaft, which has flexibility and is insertable into a blood vessel, is provided on the distal side of the shaft so as to be coaxial with the shaft. A flow rate sensor is accommodated in the element holding body. The flow rate sensor has a measurement element in which a nickel wire is spirally wound to be formed into a coil shape so that adjacent nickel wires are not in contact with each other and are insulated. A thermal conductive insulating member is provided between the flow rate sensor and the element holding body in the element holding body and the flow rate sensor is fixed in the element holding body by the insulating member.

Abstract: Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the intravascular devices include at least one mounting structure within a distal portion of the device. In that regard, one or more electronic, optical, and/or electro-optical component is coupled to the mounting structure. In some instances, the mounting structure is formed of a plurality of material layers. In some embodiments, the material layers have substantially constant thicknesses. Methods of making and/or assembling such intravascular devices/systems are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention includes systems and methods directed towards a wearable device (100, 200) that can measure health parameters in two levels. The wearable device can measure a health parameter of a user using an attached sensor (112). This sensor measurement is checked against a threshold database (126, 146, 156) that details an action to be taken if the sensor measurement satisfies a health threshold. The health can be predetermined by the user or by a professional. This action can be a request to the user of the wearable device to move the wearable device to another part of his/her body so that the wearable device can gather a second sensor measurement that can provide more detail or context for the first sensor measurement. The wearable device can thus provide two levels of sensor data measurement, which it can store and synchronize to storage on a network/cloud service (104) or to another electronic device (102).

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a monitoring mode or treatment mode of an implantable medical device based on the detection of an external signal. The system and related method allow for more frequent monitoring of medical parameters at times where more frequent monitoring is necessary, such as during or after a dialysis session, with less frequent monitoring at other times, allowing for a more efficient medical device. The invention also allows for the frequency or mode of treatment by the implantable medical device, or the transmission of data from the implantable medical device to be controlled based on the external signal.

Abstract: A heart-rate monitoring system for a monitoring subject for increasing performance improvement efficiency by the monitoring subject includes a heart-rate monitoring device having a sensor. The sensor is not in direct physical contact with the monitoring subject. The sensor provides sensing data; the heart-rate monitoring device calculates, from the sensing data, monitoring data relative to heart rate variability of the monitoring subject. The system includes an application server processing the monitoring data to calculate processed data and a user device for displaying the processed data in a format that increases the performance improvement efficiency by the monitoring subject.

Abstract: Central systolic and diastolic pressures are measured non-invasively using a peripheral sensor to capture a patient's peripheral pulse waveform. Either the peripheral pulse waveform or a central pressure waveform generated, e.g., using a transfer method is recalibrated to account for differences between non-invasively measured systolic and diastolic pressure and invasively measured systolic and diastolic pressure. The recalibration is based, at least in part, on cardiovascular features of the patient's waveform. The determined central systolic and diastolic pressure values can be used to generate a corrected central pressure waveform having cardiovascular features preserved and maximum and minimum values set to the determined values.

Abstract: A blood pressure estimating apparatus includes: a detecting unit that detects a first parameter representing a period length being a length of a period of a heartbeat of a living body; a processing unit that determines, using the detected first parameter, a change of a volume of at least one vessel among a plurality of vessels that resiliently deform in a mathematical model with respect to time, the mathematical model expressing blood flowing in a circulatory system of the living body with fluid flowing through a flow path formed by annularly coupling the plurality of vessels, and estimates blood pressure of the blood using the determined change and the mathematical model.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an intravascular catheter that can measure intravascular pressure using MEMS sensors. Exemplary devices can be equipped with multiple MEMS pressure and temperature sensors to acquire pressure and temperature readings in multiple vascular locations. The intravascular catheter can communicate with a receiver and monitor to display sensor data.

Abstract: Disclosed is a detection device suitable for use with a blood pressure measurement system for detecting improper functioning due to the absence of an inflatable cuff from a patient's measurement site, its improper attachment to the site, or it being disconnected from the system. The device is coupled to an inflatable cuff attached to the measurement site and arranged to perform a series of measurements, wherein for each measurement of the series, an inflation operation is performed to inflate the cuff. The device includes a determining unit for determining inflation speed-dependent parameter values during inflation operations, and a processor module arranged for receiving the determined inflation speed-dependent parameter values.

Abstract: A blood pressure related information display apparatus includes a blood pressure measurement cuff configured to be worn by being wrapped around a measurement site of a measurement subject. An acceleration sensor attached integrally to the cuff is included. An orientation detection unit for detecting an orientation of the measurement subject during blood pressure measurement based on an output of the acceleration sensor is included. A display control unit for performing control for displaying an orientation of the measurement subject detected by the orientation detection unit as an illustration on a display screen is included.