Abstract: An apparatus for advancing a device through a gastrointestinal tract. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes first and second grabbing mechanisms adapted to grab and release tissue of the gastrointestinal tract, the first grabbing mechanism being releasably attachable to the device, the second grabbing mechanism being attached to an outer element configured to at least partially surround the device, the first and second grabbing mechanisms being axially movable with respect to each other along the gastrointestinal tract; and a radially expandable blocking element disposed proximal to the first grabbing mechanism and movable with the first grabbing mechanism with respect to the second grabbing mechanism, the blocking element being adapted to move tissue of the intestinal tract with respect to the second grabbing mechanism when the blocking element is moved toward the second grabbing mechanism. The invention also includes corresponding methods.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are discussed herein for an endoscope. The endoscope has a distal tip with an oblique portion and a flat portion, the oblique portion defines a plane that forms an angle between and including 20 and 40 degrees to a central axis of the endoscope. A related sheath may have similar features at the distal tip.

Abstract: A pressure monitoring device is provided for use with a tool such as a medical endoscope. The device includes a housing which is fluidically coupled with an internal volume of the endoscope. A pump is used to change the pressure inside the device housing and endoscope, thereby establishing a pressure differential from the ambient environment. During an endoscopy procedure, the pressure inside the device housing is monitored, and a change in pressure exceeding a predefined limit causes an alarm signal indicating a leak has occurred in the endoscope. The device housing may be directly mounted to the endoscope, located remotely and connected with a coupling tube, or integrated with an accessory device connected to the endoscope. The pump may be integrated internally to the device housing, or it may be a separate external pump which is connected to the housing. The pressure differential may be positive or negative relative to ambient.

Abstract: A subject irradiated with violet light and green light is imaged to obtain RGB signals, based on which a base image is produced. Frequency filtering processing is applied to the B signal to obtain a blood vessel extraction signal, in which a most superficial blood vessel, a superficial blood vessel, and a middle-layer blood vessel at different depths are extracted. Edge strength of each blood vessel in the blood vessel extraction signal is calculated. Display control processing based on the edge strength of each blood vessel is applied to the base image. Thereby, a first image or a second image is produced. In the first image, the most superficial blood vessel, the superficial blood vessel, and the middle-layer blood vessel are displayed in a distinguishable manner. In the second image, the most superficial blood vessel, the superficial blood vessel, and the middle-layer blood vessel are selectively enhanced or suppressed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for navigating an imaging instrument in a branched structure. The branched structure includes a plurality of landmarks. The method includes selecting a target in the branched structure, selecting a first landmark from the plurality of landmarks, acquiring a virtual model of the branched structure, extracting a first virtual image of the first landmark from the virtual model, acquiring a first live image of the first landmark by the imaging instrument, and registering the first live image with the first virtual image. The first landmark is associated with the target.

Abstract: A head mount-type vision testing device, which is a head-mount type vision testing device mounted on a testee's head, including: a device main body having display devices for displaying a visual target for the testee and imaging devices for imaging eyeballs of the testee; a mounting fixture for mounting the device main body on the testee's head; and a controller that displays images of the eyeballs imaged by the imaging devices on the display devices, so that the testee can recognize a positional displacement state of the eyeballs caused by a positional displacement of the device main body mounted on the testee's head using the mounting fixture.

Abstract: A method, implemented by a computer device, for determining a risk score of an eye disease for a user, the method including a first eye-mediated physiological parameter providing step, during which a first eye-mediated physiological parameter indicative of a first eye-mediated perception or behaviour of the user is provided, a second eye-mediated physiological parameter providing step, during which a second eye-mediated physiological parameter indicative of a second eye-mediated perception or behaviour of the user is provided, and a risk score determining step, during which the risk score of eye disease is determined based on the first eye-mediated physiological parameter and on the second eye-mediated physiological parameter.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention relate to the generation of wavefronts for measurements, diagnostics, and treatment planning for ophthalmic applications. In some embodiments, a wavefront generator generates light having a uniform wavefront, which is focusable on the retina of an emmetropic eye by the normal function of the emmetropic eye. In some embodiments, the wavefront generator can generate light having a custom wavefront which is not focusable on the retina of the emmetropic eye. In some embodiments, the wavefront generator can receive information relating to an optical aberration of the eye, generate a custom wavefront, and project light having this custom wavefront, which in combination with the optical aberration of the eye is focusable on the retina.

Abstract: A system for examination of an eye of a subject includes a laser for irradiating a select portion of the retina with a short pulse light having a wavelength of about 800 nm to about 1400 nm at an intensity effective to stimulate two photon induced isomerization of visual pigments in the select portion of the retina of the subject's eye, and an input device to permit the subject to input a reaction or response of the subject to the irradiating light.

Abstract: Improved optical coherence tomography systems and methods to measure thickness of the retina are presented. The systems may be compact, handheld, provide in-home monitoring, allow the patient to measure himself or herself, and be robust enough to be dropped while still measuring the retina reliably.

Abstract: A system for identifying abnormal eye movements includes a near-eye display (NED), an eye-tracking camera, a frame supporting the NED and the eye-tracking camera, and a processor in data communication with the NED, the eye-tracking camera, and a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium has instructions thereon. When executed by the processor, the instructions cause the processor to provide a target on the NED to a user's eye and change the target or move the target to a plurality of locations in three dimensions on the NED according to one or more tasks of a task module. The processor further records positional information and pupil information of the user's eye during the one or more tasks of the task module and compares the positional information to at least one threshold value of an abnormality identification algorithm.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a double-reflecting contact lens and carrier assembly for viewing the anterior chamber and the anterior chamber angle of an eye, the eye having an optical axis, includes a lens including a lens body having a contact end defining at least a portion of a first surface configured for contacting an eye and a viewing end defining at least a portion of a second surface, a first reflecting surface disposed adjacent the lens body at an angle relative to the optical axis of the eye, and a second reflecting surface disposed adjacent the lens body opposing the first reflecting surface at an angle relative to the first reflecting surface, and a carrier configured for carrying the lens in a manner that provides rotation of the lens relative to the eye of a patient.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a double-reflecting contact lens for viewing the anterior chamber and the anterior chamber angle of an eye, the eye having an optical axis, includes a lens body having a contact end defining at least a portion of a first surface for contacting an eye and a viewing end defining at least a portion of a second surface, a first reflecting surface disposed adjacent the lens body, wherein the first reflecting surface is a planar surface extending from the viewing end to a middle region in the body between the viewing end and the contact end, and a second reflecting surface disposed adjacent the lens body, wherein the second reflecting surface is a planar surface extending from the viewing end to the contact end, the second reflecting surface opposing the first reflecting surface at an angle relative to the first reflecting surface.

Abstract: Compact telescope configurations for light scanning systems and related methods are disclosed. According to an aspect, a system for imaging or relaying an image of an object includes a first optical element having a first focal length f1 for imaging or relaying an image of an object at the distance f1 from the first optical element. The system also includes a second optical element having a second focal length f2 for receiving an image of the object from the first optical element and for focusing an output of the image at the distance f2 from the second optical element on a side that opposes the first optical element. The first optical element and the second optical element are separated by a distance of approximately [Formula I], wherein r is the finite radius of curvature of the wavefront of light located at the object or image of the object.

Abstract: In various embodiments, device for determining a condition of an organ of either a human or an animal may be provided. The device may include a first optical source and a second optical source. The device may also include a detector. The device may additionally include a lens system. The device may further include a switching mechanism configured to switch between an optical examination mode and a Raman mode. The lens system during the optical examination mode may be configured to direct a first light emitted from the first optical source. The lens system during the Raman mode may be configured to direct a second light emitted from the second optical source. The lens systems during the Raman mode may be further configured to direct a third light to the detector.

Abstract: Implementations described herein disclose a method for direct screening and monitoring of health parameters of multiple individual subjects in a remote location with easy access and periodic visits by such multiple individual subjects, where such remote location is not a healthcare facility. Furthermore, an apparatus disclosed herein enables remote health monitoring of individual subjects including children outside the confines of a healthcare facility.

Abstract: A spectrometer includes an illuminating section; a receiving section configured to detect radiation reflected from an object including an optically inhomogeneous scattering medium; a hardware section configured to obtain a solution of an inverse problem to reconstruct an absorption spectrum of the optically inhomogeneous scattering medium, wherein the illuminating section includes at least one light-emitting diode source, a radiation spectral curve of which is divided, by at least two spectral filters having different spectral transmission curves, into at least two spectral regions, to form an equivalent radiation spectrum from at least two spectral sources, and wherein the hardware section applies the solution of the inverse problem based on information about a spectral content of the radiation of the illuminating section, a signal obtained in a form of a response from the optically inhomogeneous scattering medium, and a spectral sensitivity curve of the receiving section.

Abstract: An implantable pressure sensor arrangement is disclosed. The arrangement includes a substrate, a coil positioned on the substrate, a flexible membrane positioned proximate to the coil and configured to be moveable with respect to the coil, thereby forming a fluid chamber, fluidly sealed from outside of the implantable pressure sensor arrangement, a porous membrane positioned on the flexible membrane and configured to transfer pressure from outside of the implantable pressure sensor arrangement onto the flexible membrane wherein a differential pressure is generated on the two sides of the flexible membrane thereby causing the flexible membrane to deflect towards and away from the coil, and an electrode coupled to the flexible membrane.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe configured for use in a multi-modality imaging system includes a body including one or more electrical components of the ultrasound probe, an outermost housing enclosing the ultrasound probe, and an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield disposed between the body and the housing, wherein the EMI shield is configured to reduce interference between the ultrasound probe and one or more different imaging systems of the multi-modality imaging system. The ultrasound probe further includes a transducer disposed on a patient-facing surface of the ultrasound probe and a cable coupled to the body and configured to communicatively couple the ultrasound probe to an ultrasound imaging system of the multi-modality imaging system, wherein the ultrasound probe comprises substantially non-ferromagnetic material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for estimating an onset time of an infarct region based on brain images, the method including: obtaining brain images; extracting from the infarct region included in the brain images a set of quantitative values that vary according to the onset time of the infarct region; and having the set of quantitative values correspond to the onset time of the infarct region by applying a corresponding relation prepared therefor.

Abstract: A technique for correlating electroencephalogram (EEG) with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) to place probes in optimal locations and generate 4D maps of neuronal activity in the brain is presented. EEG and MEG probes may be positioned relative to tract clusters based on a volumetric isotropic sequence and a DTI sequence. Each probe may include multiple electrodes. The probes may be associated with a helmet on which probe position is automatically adjusted. A baseline map may be compared with a pathological state map to aide in characterizing neurological function and disorder.

Abstract: The invention provides various methods for imaging a subject's cardiovascular system. The imaging method may be used to provide a diagnosis or prognosis of various cardiovascular diseases in the subject, without contrast agents or radioactive tracers, and further generating a Gaussian Mixture Model to obtain a reference value of a normal myocardium.

Abstract: A device to estimate mechanical properties of brain and abdomen organs undergoing magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) includes electromagnetic actuators, mechanical wave generation mechanisms, and a control unit to generate oscillatory motion signals in synchronization with the MR scanner. Preserving only the shear wave component, a local fitting algorithm is used to estimate the viscoelastic properties of soft tissues. The device is portable and easy to implement in clinical diagnostics, and can be modified to measure other soft materials.

Abstract: Multispectral images, including ultraviolet light and its interactions with ultraviolet light-interactive compounds, can be captured, processed, and represented to a user. Ultraviolet-light related information can be conveniently provided to a user to allow the user to have awareness of UV characteristics and the user's risk to UV exposure.

Abstract: A handheld skin monitoring or measuring device includes a camera having a camera optical axis; and a structured light arrangement configured to project three or more laser fan beams such that the laser fan beams cross at a crossing point in front of the camera.

Abstract: An information processing device obtains measurement data for calculating biological information of a measurement subject from a sensor that performs measurement without contact. Based on content of the measurement data, the measurement data is classified into a group associated with at least a position of the measurement subject, the biological information is calculated from the classified measurement data, and the calculated biological information is compared with a reference value associated with a group to which the measurement data belongs. Then, a notification is made based on the comparing.

Abstract: A physical monitoring system for monitoring and measuring a patient's respiration is described. The system includes one or more resistive or inductive respiration belts (110a, 10b), an electronic monitoring device (102) with a processor programmed to compute respiration and a module retainer (104) for accommodating the electronic monitoring device and securing the electronic monitoring device to the one or more resistive or inductive respiration belts. The system further includes electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes (108) attached to or embedded in theone or more resistive or inductive respiration belts. The ECG electrodes are connected with the electronic monitoring module (102) via wires passing through the belts. The system can further include an accelerometer (204) integrated with one or more of the ECG electrodes that are attached to or embedded in theone or more resistive or inductive respiration belts.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, systems, and methods for determining the dipole densities on heart walls. In particular, a triangularization of the heart wall is performed in which the dipole density of each of multiple regions correlate to the potential measured at various located within the associated chamber of the heart. To create a database of dipole densities, mapping information recorded by multiple electrodes located on one or more catheters and anatomical information is used. In addition, skin electrodes may be implemented. Additionally, one or more ultrasound elements are provided, such as on a clamp assembly or integral to a mapping electrode, to produce real time images of device components and surrounding structures.

Abstract: The capillary refill time (CRT) of a patient is an important feature in the determination of cardiovascular system health quick reperfusion of the microcirculation (namely, the capillaries) is a good indication that the cardiovascular system is able to efficiently distribute blood throughout the body. Current systems use unreliable or subjective methods to test the CRT. Additionally, the calculation of CRT is not generally used in the adult medical space as it is more commonly used in pediatrics. The present application describes a system and method for calculating a patient's CRT using a mobile device (102, 200, 300) with an integrated camera (204, 302) and light source (202), or an optical head-mounted display (300) using a light source (202) in combination with ambient light to calculate the CRT. Once a patient's CRT is calculated, the integrated application (206, 306) classifies the data and sends it to the treating clinician for review.

Abstract: A pulse measurement device according to an embodiment comprises: a pulse sensor which senses a user's pulse while in contact with the user's temple, and outputs the sensed result as a sensing signal; a signal processing unit which processes the sensing signal and outputs the processed result as a data signal; and a signal conversion unit which converts the data signal from an analogue form to a digital form and outputs the converted data signal as a pulse signal.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for generating EKG signal vectors for EKG sensing positions, comprising receiving an EKG axis vector and generating two or more component vectors from the EKG axis vector, each component vector identified by a magnitude and direction.

Abstract: This information processing device is provided with: a receiving unit which receives a detected value detected by means of a head-mounted device which is worn on the head of a user and detects the blood flow rate in the head; a calculating unit which extracts a first signal by passing the detected value through a first filter which extracts a signal in a first frequency band, extracts a second signal by passing the detected value through a second filter which extracts a signal in a second frequency band, which is a frequency band that is higher than the first frequency band, and extracts a third signal, which is the envelope of the second signal, from the second signal; and an output unit which outputs the first signal and the third signal in association with one another.

Abstract: A soft gripper that surrounds and grips an outer peripheral surface of an object, the soft gripper includes an elongated first actuator and an elongated second actuator, which are deformed in response to supply of a fluid. The first actuator and the second actuator extend from bases of the first and second actuators toward opposite sides each other. When receiving the supply of the fluid, each of the first and second actuators sequentially surrounds the object from the base toward a side of a leading end of the each of the first and second actuators.

Abstract: The heart rate of a subject can be measured on a regular basis during the subject's daily performance without causing the subject to take trouble to wear a special device or to feel bothersome to keep wearing a special device. A heart rate measurement system includes an intraoral electrode, a hand electrode, and a detection unit. The intraoral electrode is installed in a head portion with implanted brush hair of a toothbrush and comes into contact with an intraoral region of the subject. The hand electrode is installed in a grip of the toothbrush and comes into contact with the subject's hand. The detection unit detects the subject's heart rate. Based on signals from the intraoral electrode and hand electrode, the detection unit derives a potential difference between the intraoral region and the hand and, based on the potential difference, collects heart rate data on the subject.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic device. The electronic device according to an embodiment includes a memory and a processor electrically connected with the memory, wherein the processor is configured to obtain an identification of a portion of the media data and a sequence of heart rate (HR) data of a user of the electronic device while the portion of media data is output, and store, in the memory, the identification of the portion of the media data when the HR data sequence satisfies a specified condition.

Abstract: A real-time arrhythmia discrimination method is used in smartphones, which can discriminate between NSR, AF, PACs and PVCs using pulsatile time series collected from a smartphone's camera. To increase the sensitivity of AF detection and add the new capabilities of PVC and PAC identification, the arrhythmia discrimination method of these teachings combines Root Mean Square of Successive RR Differences (RMSSD), Shannon Entropy (ShE) and turning point ratio (TPR), with the Poincare plot, and utilizes the features of pulse rise/fall time and amplitude for arrhythmia discrimination.

Abstract: A system and method for real time estimation of heart rate (HR) from one or more face videos acquired in non-invasive manner. The system receives face videos and obtains several blocks as ROI consisting of facial skin areas. Subsequently, the temporal fragments are extracted from the blocks and filtered to minimize the noise. In the next stage, several temporal fragments are extracted from the video. The several temporal fragments, corrupted by noise are determined using an image processing range filter and pruned for further processing. The HR of each temporal fragment, referred as local HR is estimated along with its quality. Eventually, a quality based fusion is applied to estimate a global HR corresponding to the received face videos. In addition, the disclosure herein is also applicable for frontal, profile and multiple faces and performs in real-time.

Abstract: A physiological detection system including an array sensor and a processing unit is provided. The array sensor is configured to output array PPG signals. The processing unit is configured to construct a 3D energy distribution according to the array PPG signals to accordingly identify different microcirculation states.

Abstract: A device for obtaining an electrocardiogram of a user includes a contralateral arm electrode for independent contact with one of a left arm and a right arm of the user; an ipsilateral arm electrode for independent contact with an other of the left arm and the right arm of the user; a leg electrode for independent contact with a leg of the user; a controller configured to sense electric potentials between the left arm, the right arm, the left leg, and/or a common electric point, representative of a central terminal; and determine one, or multiple components, of a frontal plane, six-lead electrocardiogram of the user based on the resulting signals of the sensed electric potentials.

Abstract: Skin-mountable electronic devices and methods suitable for fabricating and using the devices. One embodiment of such a device includes a flexible structure comprising a pattern of individual interconnected traces each comprising a portion of an electrically-conductive layer that overlies and directly contacts an underlying portion of an elastomeric layer. At least some of the portions of the electrically-conductive layer within the pattern are functional electrodes of the skin-mountable electronic device.

Abstract: An emergency cardiac and electrocardiogram (ECG) electrode placement device is disclosed herein. The emergency cardiac and electrocardiogram (ECG) electrode placement device incorporates electrical conducting materials and elastic material into a pad that is applied to a chest wall of a patient, which places multiple electrodes in the appropriate anatomic locations on the patient to quickly obtain an ECG in a pre-hospital setting.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a magnetic sensor includes a first sensor element and a first interconnect. The first sensor element includes a first magnetic layer, a first opposing magnetic layer, and a first nonmagnetic layer provided between the first magnetic layer and the first opposing magnetic layer. A first magnetization of the first magnetic layer is aligned with a first length direction crossing a first stacking direction from the first magnetic layer toward the first opposing magnetic layer. At least a portion of the first interconnect extends along the first length direction. The first interconnect cross direction crosses the first length direction and is from the first sensor element toward the portion of the first interconnect. A first electrical resistance of the first sensor element changes according to an alternating current flowing in the first interconnect and a sensed magnetic field applied to the first sensor element.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a patient during MRI imaging to prevent patient burns. The system includes a barrel to provide an MRI image of a patient and an infrared camera to image the patient separately from the MRI image. The infrared camera includes an adjustable field of view and is positionable at a plurality of viewing angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the barrel. The infrared camera is coupled to a processor adapted to monitor the surface temperature of the patient based on the output of the infrared camera. The processor is further adapted to control at least one of the field of view of the infrared camera and/or the viewing angle of the camera during MRI imaging of the patient. The system further includes a patient gown formed of an infrared transmissive material that provides visual concealment for the patient.

Abstract: A model and method for mapping tissue conductivity. The method of mapping tissue conductivity includes estimating an extra-axonal fraction using T1- and T2-weighted magnetic resonance images. Longitudinal and transverse flow directions are assigned using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance images.

Abstract: In a method and magnetic resonance (MR) apparatus for creating a maximum intensity projection of a volume of an examination subject, MR data are acquired for a number of slices of the volume, and an MR image is reconstructed for each of the slices that MR data have acquired in order to create a maximum intensity projection for each of the slices. The maximum intensity projection of the respective slice is shown on a display. The slices, which have a thickness of at least 15 mm, have various slice directions, in order to display the maximum intensity projections from various directions.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes a display, an input interface, and processing circuitry. The display displays at least a locator image and a reference image. The input interface sets a region of interest on the locator image displayed on the display. The processing circuitry scans a subject to obtain three dimensional data, generates a locator image from the three dimensional data and displaying the locator image on the display, generates a reference image corresponding to the location of the region of interest and displaying the reference image on the display, and makes, when a size or position of the region of interest on one of the locator image and the reference image is changed by the input interface, adjustments to correspondingly change the display magnification or position of the other one of the locator image and the reference image.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for producing respiration-corrected MR images of an examination volume containing the heart of a patient during respiratory movement of MR signals are recorded continuously during multiple cardiac cycles, each cardiac cycle having multiple time segments. One 2D navigator image data record per cardiac cycle is recorded during a time segment of that cardiac cycle, with k-space being filled along a Cartesian trajectory such that a spatial resolution is achieved in two spatial directions of the examination volume. Also, multiple 3D image data records are recorded in the other time segments of that cardiac cycle, with Cartesian filling of raw data space such that a spatial resolution is achieved in all three spatial directions of the examination volume. The respiratory movement is then determined from these navigator data records. The determined respiratory movement is corrected in the recorded MR signals.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for identifying or locating a tag within a patient's body that include a probe that transmits synchronized electromagnetic signals, e.g., RF energy, and optical signals, e.g., infrared light pulses into the patient's body, whereupon the tag converts the optical signals into electrical energy to open and close a switch in the tag to modulate signals, e.g., backscatter signals, transmitted by the tag in response to the electromagnetic signals. For example, the tag may include photodiodes coupled to the switch that transforms the optical signals to alternately short the antenna to modulate the backscatter signals. Alternatively, the tag may include a smart circuit that harvests electrical energy from the optical signals to power the smart circuit and/or modulate the backscatter signals, e.g., to include data related to the tag and/or alternate the tag between an information mode and a distance mode.

Abstract: Described embodiments include apparatus for use with a catheter. The apparatus includes a sheath configured for insertion into a body of a subject, and a sensor, coupled to the sheath, configured to detect an electric current passing through the catheter, when the catheter passes through the sheath and into the body of the subject. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A breath sensor (1) includes a heat exchange portion (41) that allows heat exchange between breath discharged from a second chamber C2 and breath introduced into a first chamber C1. Therefore, breath introduced into the first chamber C1 can be heated by breath discharged from the second chamber C2, to increase the temperature of the introduced breath. Since the temperature of the breath is increased, an effect of reducing power consumption of a heater (29c) in heating a conversion portion (21) and a detection portion (29a) is realized. The heater (29c) heats both the conversion portion (21) and the detection portion (29a) to a temperature in an operation or activation temperature range. Further, power consumption for heating to an operation temperature can be reduced by preheating the introduced breath as described above.