Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is an articulation joint for use in a low cost medical device such as an endoscope intended for a single use. In one embodiment, the articulation joint comprises a plurality of interconnected segments. In another embodiment, the articulation joint comprises an elongated tubular body. In another aspect, the present invention provides methods of manufacturing an articulation joint for use in a medical device.

Abstract: In a multistage pushbutton switch device, n pushbutton switches and at least one load absorption spring are movably arranged in between a pushbutton member and a reaction force wall in the same axial line, each of the n pushbutton switches is composed of an electrical switch member and a pressing member that operates the electrical switch member, and (n?1) that is one less than n, or more pushbutton switches is arranged with an intermediate spring member, when the pushbutton member is pressed and displaced, the n electrical switch members are sequentially turned on, the load absorption spring is arranged in at least one of between the pushbutton member and the pushbutton switch that is the nearest to the pushbutton member, between pushbutton switches that are adjacent, and between the reaction force wall and the pushbutton switch that is the nearest to the reaction force wall.

Abstract: An endoscope includes: an elongated insertion section; a side observation window that includes a tapered part on a side circumference intersecting in a longitudinal axis direction of the insertion section, and includes a circumferential side surface formed in a cone shape; and a cleaning nozzle that includes an opening part through which liquid cleaning the circumferential side surface of the side observation window is ejected. The opening part is inclined to direct an ejection direction of the liquid toward a distal end of the tapered part. A center position of the opening part of the cleaning nozzle is provided on proximal end side with respect to a center position of the side observation window in the longitudinal axis direction.

Abstract: An imaging device includes at least one lens collecting light incident from an object; an imaging sensor receiving light from the at least one lens and converting the received light to an electric signal; a multi-layer substrate electrically connected to the imaging sensor, the multi-layer substrate including electronic components and conductive layers and vias; and a collective cable including at least one coaxial cable. A core connection electrode to which a core of the coaxial cable is connected is formed on a first surface of the multi-layer substrate, the first substrate intersecting with a height direction of the multi-layer substrate, and a shielded-wire connection electrode to which a shielded wire of the coaxial cable is connected is formed on a second surface of the multi-layer substrate that is adjacent to the first surface and that faces to a proximal end from which the collective cable extends.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a distal end rigid portion including a through hole, an elongated image pickup section, a distal end of which is inserted and fixed in the through hole, a light guide fiber bundle, distal end molded portions of which are inserted and fixed in the through hole, the light guide fiber bundle being formed as one bundle from a proximal end portion to a predetermined branched portion on a distal end side, and formed by being branched into a plurality of bundles on a distal end side with respect to the predetermined branched portion; a plurality of first cover tubes made of e-PTFE, and respectively covering the plurality of bundles from the distal end molded portions to the predetermined branched portion; and one second cover tube of a material other than the e-PTFE, covering the one bundle from the predetermined branched portion to the proximal end portion.

Abstract: An optical fiber scanning device includes a housing, an optical fiber configured to emit light, a magnet disposed on the optical fiber, four drive coils configured to drive the optical fiber by applying to the magnet a magnetic field generated by a received drive power signal, and four detection coils configured to output an induced electromotive force signal corresponding to variation of a magnetic field, wherein the drive power signal is controlled based on the induced electromotive force signal, and four coil assemblies each including any one of the drive coils and any one of the detection coils are disposed at rotationally symmetrical positions so as to interpose the optical fiber among the four coil assemblies.

Abstract: A capsule endoscope includes a first sensor, a second sensor, an information generator, a signal generator, and an imager. The information generator generates third instruction information on the basis of the first instruction information and the second instruction information. The first instruction information is an analysis result of first data generated by the first sensor. The second instruction information is an analysis result of second data generated by the second sensor. The signal generator generates an imaging synchronization signal on the basis of the third instruction information. The imager performs imaging on the basis of the imaging synchronization signal and acquires an image. The information generator generates the third instruction information on the basis of a combination of at least three pieces of instruction information.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes a camera assembly including an image sensor chip including a light receiving section configured to receive light of an object image, a driving circuit chip stacked on the image sensor chip, and a thin film capacitor chip stacked on the driving circuit chip, the image sensor chip, the driving circuit chip, and the thin film capacitor chip being stacked and bonded to one another, and a plurality of wiring connection sections formed in a hole shape by a through-silicon via connected by a core of a wiring of a cable being inserted into a back surface, on a side opposite to a bonding surface of the thin film capacitor chip to the driving circuit chip.

Abstract: An optical scanning imaging/projection apparatus includes a light source that outputs illumination light and projection light in the visible range, an optical scanner that scans the illumination light and the projection light, which are output from the light source, along a predetermined scanning trajectory, a switch that switches the output from the light source so that the illumination light and the projection light are alternately output, an optical detector that detects observation light generated by a subject irradiated with the illumination light, a storage that stores data in which an intensity of the detected observation light detected is associated with information indicating a detection position on the scanning trajectory, and a projection light controller that controls, on the basis of the data stored in the storage unit, an intensity of the projection light to be applied to each position on the scanning trajectory.

Abstract: A terahertz endoscope suitable for intestinal tract lesion inspection and an inspection method are provided. The terahertz endoscope includes a combined tube body inserted into an intestinal tract, a terahertz signal enhancement module, a terahertz inspection module, and a real-time imaging module. The combined tube body mainly includes a sleeve tube (6), a sleeve head (7) and a hemispherical glass cover (8). The terahertz signal enhancement module mainly includes a tunable laser (2) and an optical fiber (9) installed in the sleeve tube (6). The terahertz inspection module mainly includes a terahertz wave detector (4), a terahertz wave transmitter (5), as well as a first stainless steel metal wire (12) and a second stainless steel metal wire (13) installed in the combined tube body.

Abstract: An endoscope reprocessor includes: a concentration measurement chamber; a liquid concentrate supply unit; a diluent supply unit; a holding unit configured to hold a concentration sensor; a memory; and a processor configured to produce information on a temporary standard curve based on a first point at which a first concentration is associated with a sensor output value at measurement of concentration of liquid concentrate and a second point at which a second concentration is associated with a sensor output value at measurement of concentration of a practical use solution after dilution, calculate a deviation degree between a standard curve and the temporary standard curve, and determine whether the temporary standard curve is valid from the deviation degree.

Abstract: An endoscope comprising a lens, and an anti-fog film, wherein an optically clear adhesive bonds the anti-fog film to the lens or lens section.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for evaluating the vision of an individual under certain brightness conditions, using a screen displaying an image including a background and characters to be deciphered which appear on the background. The method includes the following steps: a step of regulating the brightness of the background of the image; and a step of regulating the brightness of the characters to be deciphered which appear on the image, the two steps being independent from each other so as to obtain the desired contrast between the background and the characters.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are described that can facilitate automated administration of a low contrast visual acuity test to a user. The low contrast visual acuity test can be administered using a display device and a computing device. The computing device can score results of the low contrast visual acuity test and determine a visual status of the user based on the score.

Abstract: Systems and methods for locating the center of a lens in the eye are provided. These systems and methods can be used to improve the effectiveness of a wide variety of different ophthalmic procedures. In one embodiment, a system and method is provided for determining the center of eye lens by illuminating the eye with a set of light sources, and measuring the resulting first image of the light sources reflected from an anterior surface of the lens and the resulting second image of the light sources reflected from a posterior surface of the lens. The location of the center of the lens of the eye is then determined using the measurements. In one embodiment, the center of the lens is determined by interpolating between the measures of the images. Such a determination provides an accurate location of the geometric center of the lens.

Abstract: An improved retinoscopy paddle with lens received through openings extending through the paddle member has an axis compass with indicia for assessing the range of refraction error and axis of astigmatism in the eyes of a patient as part of an optical examination. The axis compass may be formed on the paddle member or on a receptacle member adapted for operative receipt on as associated retinoscopy paddle. A method is provided for integrating a retinoscopy paddle and axis compass.

Abstract: A miniature, low power electronic pressure sensor with a first, oil-filled chamber to protect its microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) pressure sensitive membrane and a second chamber filled with saline or body fluids connected by tube into an organ in the body, such as an eyeball, that needs pressure sensing, is described. The tube carries pressure from a sensitive area within the organ to the electronic pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may communicate wirelessly with external readers and pass data to a server or other computer. Running alongside the tube is another tube for draining and pressure relief. The tubes, or cannulas, can share an opening into the organ in order to minimize the number of holes needed. The tubes may be molded into a single oval cross section, combined coaxially, or share a lumen for a portion that enters the wall of an organ so as to promote healing.

Abstract: Contrary to popular belief, diabetes can be reversed through diet and lifestyle changes. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method to reduce or eliminate the medication intake of a patient with Type 2 Diabetes. This can also lead to the loss of weight and regaining energy levels. The present invention provides a novel and very effective regimen for treatment of Type 2 diabetes not previously available. It is a further object of the present invention to treat Type 2 diabetes with the combination of a specific meal plan, an exercise regimen and specific supplements for cleansing and overcoming bodily deficiencies.

Abstract: A circuit for non-contact electrocardiography monitoring according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a non-contact monitoring unit for acquiring and outputting plus or minus monitoring signal of signal source with non-contact; an amplification control unit for amplifying the monitoring signal to output to output terminal; and an input impedance calibration circuit for being connected to input terminal and output terminal of the amplification control unit to process calibration of input impedance in calibration mode.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting the amount or concentration of an analyte in a medium in living organism. The system may include an analyte sensor module and a transmitter module, which may be separate and distinct components. The analyte sensor module and transmitter module may be at different locations but connected by one or more transmission elements. The analyte sensor may include indicator elements configured to exhibit a detectable property based on the amount or concentration of the analyte in proximity to the indicator elements. The analyte sensor may include sensor elements configured to generate a data signal based on the detectable property exhibited by the indicator elements. The transmission elements may be configured to convey data signals generated by the sensor elements from the analyte sensor module to the transmitter module. The transmitter module may include an antenna.

Abstract: A system for fluorescence-based imaging of a target includes at least one excitation light source configured to emit a homogeneous field of excitation light and positioned to uniformly illuminate a target surface with the homogeneous field of excitation light during fluorescent imaging, a power source, and a portable housing configured to be held in a user's hand during imaging. The housing contains a lens, a filter, an image sensor, and a processor. The filter is configured to permit optical signals responsive to illumination of the target surface and having a wavelength corresponding to at least one of bacterial autofluorescence and tissue autofluorescence to pass through the filter to the image sensor. The at least one excitation light is adjacent to the housing so as to be positioned between the target surface and the image sensor during fluorescent imaging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for characterizing wounds, and in particular to the use of Raman spectroscopy to characterize the state of healing of a wound.

Abstract: An optrode may provide a cylindrical substrate two or more electrodes deposited said cylindrical substrate. The cylindrical substrate and electrodes may be coated by an insulating layer with openings or vias over certain portions of the electrodes that may provide a contact for the neural probe or may be utilized to connect lead lines. Manufacturing of an optrode may utilize a jig that secures a cylindrical substrate coated by a conductive material and a resist. A first mask may be positioned in an opening provided by the jig, and the cylindrical substrate may be exposed ions or neutral particles to define one or more electrode patterns. After regions of the resist and conductive material are removed to form the electrodes, a second mask may be utilized to define vias regions in which portions of the electrodes are exposed and uncoated by an insulating layer.

Abstract: A subject information acquisition device having a light source for emitting light to a subject; an acoustic wave detection unit configured to receive an acoustic wave generated by the subject in response to the light, and convert the received acoustic wave into an electric signal; a signal processing unit configured to implement emission of the light and acquisition of the electric signal at a non-periodic sampling timing, and add together electric signals acquired in time series at each sampling timing; and an image generation unit configured to generate an image representing characteristic information of the subject on the basis of the added electric signals.

Abstract: A medical device for the measurement of brain temperature data through the Abreu brain thermal tunnel (ABTT) is described. Brain temperature measurement is the key and universal indicator of both disease and health equally, and is the only vital sign that cannot be artificially changed by emotional states. Currently, brain temperature is difficult to measure. However, the present disclosure describes a device that readily locates the Abreu brain thermal tunnel, and is configured to provide a non-contact temperature reading of the brain. Embodiments of the disclosed device enable an individual to measure their own temperature and enable medical professionals to measure the temperature of others.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for managing animals such as but not limited to livestock. In some embodiments, an ear tag assembly has a main body, a backing member and a shaft that extends through an aperture through an outer ear of an animal to interconnect the main body and the backing member. A primary temperature sensor obtains an outer ear temperature of the outer ear. An ambient temperature sensor obtains an ambient temperature of a surrounding environment external to the animal. A control circuit receives the outer ear and ambient temperatures and determines a state of the animal responsive to a comparison of the outer ear temperature and the ambient temperature over a selected time interval.

Abstract: A pressure pulse wave measurement apparatus includes: a sensor unit in which an element column including a plurality of pressure detection elements that are arranged side by side in one direction is formed; a pressing unit configured to press the sensor unit against a body surface of a living body; and a rotation control member configured to rotate the sensor unit about each of two axes that are orthogonal to a pressing direction of the pressing unit. The rotation control member includes a first member and a second member that are relatively rotated about a rotation axis extending in the pressing direction, and the first member and the second member both include a motion conversion mechanism for converting a rotational motion realized by the first member and the second member being relatively rotated, into a rotational motion of the sensor unit about each of the two axes.

Abstract: Sensing an environment by confining a monitored live subject in an enclosure, detecting an effect on a coaxial piezoelectric cable resulting from the monitored live subject, wherein the coaxial piezoelectric cable is located at least proximate to the enclosure, and deriving information about a state of the monitored live subject based on the detected effect.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present technology include a wearable physiological monitoring device, related algorithms and software that are tied to a portable electronic device for readout. The wearable device can perform real-time measurement of a number of physiological and environmental parameters including heart rate, pulse oximetry, respiration, movement, environmental particulate matter, moisture, temperature (e.g., ambient air and body temperatures) and geospatial location. Some embodiments may establish a physiological baseline for a patient by measuring the above parameters during a healthy state. Collected data can be wirelessly transmitted to a portable electronic device or monitoring and feedback platform where software will analyze the data and make assessments of the device wearer's health based upon the wearer's baseline.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices comprising multimodal depth electrodes for real-time quantification of chemistry and electrophysiology of the body. The devices are useful in several applications, including monitoring primary and secondary brain injury. The multimodal depth electrodes electrically transduce signals from biological parameters of interest, including EEG, temperature, pressure, oxygen level, blood flow, and chemistry.

Abstract: An exemplary cardio-postural assessment system (CAS) may desirably provide for continuous cardiovascular and postural data monitoring and assessment of a subject during standing. One such CAS may provide continuous cardiovascular and postural data monitoring using a non-invasive weight-scale platform. Another such CAS device may allow for an assessment of balance/posture control, posture muscle activation, and cardiovascular function components simultaneously and provide detailed output as to the proportion each area contributes to the cardio-postural stability of an individual.

Abstract: An automated measurement device and method for coronary artery disease scoring is disclosed. An example device includes a vascular tree reconstructor configured to receive vascular image data of a plurality of vascular segments of a patient and create a computerized model of the plurality of vascular segments by combining the vascular image data. The example device also includes a stenosis determiner configured to analyze the model to determine locations of potential lesions. The example device further includes a vascular state score calculator configured to, for each potential lesion, determine a first vascular state scoring tool “VSST”) subscore based on a size of the potential lesion and a second VSST subscore based on a distance of the potential lesion from a branch point in the plurality of vascular segment. The vascular state score calculator calculates a total VSST score by combining the first VSST subscore and the second VSST subscore.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for assessing endothelial function in a mammal. In certain embodiments the methods involve using a cuff to apply pressure to an artery in a subject to determine a plurality of baseline values for a parameter related to endothelial function as a function of applied pressure (Pm); b) applying a stimulus to the subject; and applying external pressure Pm to the artery to determine a plurality of stimulus-effected values for the parameter related to endothelial function as a function of applied pressure (Pm); where the baseline values are determined from measurements made when said mammal is not substantially effected by said stimulus and differences in said baseline values and said stimulus-effected values provide a measure of endothelial function in said mammal.

Abstract: An example system, for analyzing biometric data, is disclosed. The system includes a sensor unit to measure biometric data of a user. The system also includes a controller unit coupled to the sensor to perform an analysis of the biometric data based on at least one predetermined criteria and determine at least one setting adjustment for a device based on the analysis. Further, the system includes a communication unit to deliver an instruction from the controller to the device. The instruction includes the at least one setting adjustment associated with the device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention disclosed herein relate generally to a cable hub apparatus. The cable hub apparatus is configured to communicate physiological data for a patient to a patient monitoring device. The cable hub apparatus includes: a plurality of analog sensor connectors configured to receive analog physiological sensor data for the patient; a plurality of digital sensor connectors configured to received digital physiological sensor data for the patient; a controller to control collecting the received physiological sensor data; and a digital interface configured to communicate through a single cable the received physiological sensor data to the patient monitoring device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a clip for attaching one or more transducers, such as arterial blood pressure transducers, to a variety of different objects. The clip typically includes first and second arms that are pivotally connected together. The clip also typically includes an alignment device that facilitates the alignment of the clip with a patient. The clip is configured to be movable between (i) a first orientation to place an object with an attachment location and (ii) a second orientation to secure the object within the attachment location. In some instances, the attachment location is rotatable relative to the clip.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus includes: a measuring section which performs an invasive blood pressure measurement, and which detects that a predetermined abnormal condition occurs in a blood pressure during the measurement; a detector which detects whether or not a zero point calibration is being executed on a transducer to be used in the measurement; and a notification controller which, in a case where the blood pressure measured by the measuring section is in the predetermined abnormal condition, controls whether an alarm is output or not, based on a detection state of the detector. The notification controller can select a first mode in which an alarm sound is output, or a second mode in which the alarm sound is not output, based on an elapsed time period from a predetermined timing relating to the zero point calibration, and an output from the measuring section.

Abstract: An end effector for determining blood pressure includes a jaw member including a jaw body, a piston coupled to the jaw body and configured to move relative to the jaw body, an inflatable member coupled to the piston, and a pressure sensor associated with the inflatable member. The piston is configured to apply pressure to tissue grasped by the end effector. The pressure sensor is configured to detect pressure fluctuations caused by blood flowing through the grasped tissue.

Abstract: A wearable device comprises a band structure, a main body, a micro air pump, an airbag, a driving control module, a sensor and an optical sensor. The micro pump is disposed within the receiving space. The sensor is disposed on the driving control module and connected with the micro air pump. The driving control module control the micro air pump to operate, making gas transported from the micro air pump to the airbag so that the airbag is inflated and expended to be fixed on a specific part of the user. The user is able to select the sensor to detect the physiological data, by which a precise detection is achieved. The user is also able to select the optical sensor to detect the physiological data, by which a rapid detection is achieved, and the physiological data is sent to the driving control module to be recorded.

Abstract: Disclosed is a connector for a blood pressure measurement system that includes a pressure generating and regulating system and a finger cuff, in which the connector comprises: a first half portion pneumatically and electrically connected to the pressure generating and regulating system; and a second half portion fixedly attached to the finger cuff, wherein the first half portion and the second half portion are connectable in two or more orientations, and wherein the pressure generating and regulating system and the finger cuff are pneumatically and electrically connected when the first half portion and the second half portion are connected.

Abstract: A photoplethysmography device comprises a light source configured to direct source light towards an external object; a light sensor arranged and configured to provide a sensor signal indicative of an intensity of a first source light fraction, which has been scattered by the external object; a casing for housing the light source and the light sensor, and having a cover plate transparent for the source light and an outer face to be facing the external object; and an optical blocking arrangement in the casing between the at least one light source and the outer face of the cover plate and configured to block a second source light fraction on its propagation path extending from the light source to the outer face of the cover plate and from the outer face of the cover plate to the light sensor without leaving the casing.

Abstract: Techniques for determining average value of an arterial blood pressure parameter of an examined subject are disclosed. A pressure device is used to apply changing pressure conditions over a body part of a subject and generate pressure measurement data indicative of the pressure applied. A first measuring unit measures blood-pressure-pulse related signals in the pressure-affected body part, and generate blood-pressure-pulse related measurement data indicative thereof, and a second measuring unit measures blood-pressure-pulse related signals in a pressure-free body part of the examined subject, and generate reference blood-pressure-pulse related measurement data indicative thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, device, and system for improved mapping and/or ablation of a tissue. The device may generally include an elongate body and a distal assembly affixed to the elongate body that includes a treatment electrode having a conductive mapping region and a selectively conductive ablation region that is conductive of high-frequency current and substantially non-conductive of low-frequency current. Alternatively, the device may generally include a treatment electrode having a conductive mapping or ablation region and a region that is coated with an electrically insulated but thermally conductive layer.

Abstract: Systems and methods can be used to determine conduction velocity and generate one or more conduction velocity and/or pattern maps to facilitate identification of arrhythmogenic mechanisms.

Abstract: A system for facilitating display of cardiac information includes a display device configured to present a cardiac map; and a processing unit configured to: receive electrical signals and indications of measurement locations corresponding to the electrical signals; generate, based on the electrical signals, the cardiac map, which includes annotations representing cardiac signal features; and determine a set of interesting cardiac signal features. The processing unit also may determine, based on the set of interesting cardiac signal features, a region of interest; and facilitate display, via the display device, of the cardiac map and a representation of the region of interest. The representation of the region of interest includes a first display parameter value that is different from a second display parameter value, where the second display parameter value is associated with at least one cardiac signal feature that is not included within the region of interest.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods to receive physiologic information of a patient, to receive pulse pressure information from the patient different than the received physiologic information, and to determine an indication of atrial fibrillation (AF) using the received physiologic information and the received pulse pressure information.

Abstract: Methods and systems for evaluating the electrical activity of the heart to identify novel ECG patterns closely linked to the subsequent development of serious heart rhythm disturbances and fatal cardiac events. Two approaches are describe, for example a model-based analysis and space-time analysis, which are used to study the dynamical and geometrical properties of the ECG data. In the first a model is derived using a modified Matching Pursuit (MMP) algorithm. Various metrics and subspaces are extracted to characterize the risk for serious heart rhythm disturbances, sudden cardiac death, other modes of death, and all-cause mortality linked to different electrical abnormalities of the heart. In the second method, space-time domain is divided into a number of regions (e.g., 12 regions), the density of the ECG signal is computed in each region and input to a learning algorithm to associate them with these events.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and a method for determining the occurrence of a QRS complex in ECG data. According to an aspect of the present invention, an apparatus is proposed for determining the occurrence of a QRS complex in ECG data by utilizing a first, second and third set of ECG data that are acquired by respectively electrode leads II, V4 and V5 and by determining whether a QRS complex has been detected within the predefined temporal window in at least two of the first, second and third sets of ECG data. According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus is proposed for determining the occurrence of a QRS complex in ECG data by utilizing three sets of ECG data whose signal quality values V are the smallest three of the first to twelfth sets of ECG data that are acquired by respectively the standard 12 electrode leads and by determining whether a QRS complex has been detected within the predefined temporal window in at least two of the three sets of ECG data.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to measuring biosignals (particularly, electroencephalogram) of fish in a non-invasive and multi-channels manner, with a multi-channel electrode array of one or more conductive plates non-invasively attached to the epidermis of the fish outside of the water a; a reference electrode non-invasively attached to the epidermis of the fish outside of the surface of the water; a supply device that supplies a predetermined material and oxygen to the fish outside of the water; and a minute tube inserted into the oral cavity of the fish outside of the water to resuscitate the fish in a stable state to generate normal electroencephalogram.

Abstract: This device is designed to significantly improve the diagnostic value of Electrocardiography by reducing the time for placement of Electrocardiogram (EKG) leads on a patient and reducing technician variability in performing EKGs. By utilizing an elastomeric harness to which EKG leads can be pre-attached, the harness can be applied to the patient very rapidly and provide faster and more reliable information for the patient's care.