Abstract: A biological capture device including an elongate member configured to be inserted into a region of a body of a subject and having capture region on the surface of the elongate member containing a capture ligand capable of binding to a target biological material when the device is in the body, and methods of use of the device to detect and measure target biological materials in a body.

Abstract: A method for using pulse oximetry connected to a portable device case comprising: acquiring a pulse oximetry data using the pulse oximeter; storing the acquired pulse oximetry data in a memory in the portable device case; connecting a patient monitoring device to the portable device case via a patient monitoring device port; and transmitting the stored pulse oximetry data to the patient monitoring device.

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

Abstract: An apparatus includes an inlet configured to be placed in fluid communication with a bodily fluid source and an outlet configured to be placed in fluid communication with a fluid collection device. A sequestration portion can be configured to receive an initial volume of bodily fluid. A flow controller disposed in the sequestration portion can be configured to transition from a first state to a second state in response to contact with the initial volume of bodily fluid. As the flow controller transitions, a negative pressure differential can be defined that is operable to draw the initial volume of bodily fluid into the sequestration portion. When the flow controller is in the second state, the negative pressure differential can be substantially equalized such that (1) the sequestration portion sequesters the initial volume and (2) a subsequent volume of bodily fluid can be transferred from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: A blood handling device (1) has a syringe (1(a)) for taking a blood sample, and a container (1(b)) releasably connected to the syringe. The syringe may be used to take a blood sample when the container (1(b)) is disconnected. The container is then re-connected and the full device is centrifuged so that a fraction migrates into a chamber (6) of the container (1(b)). This migration is through a fluid passageway (61, 82) between the syringe volume and the chamber (6). A connector (21) interfaces between the syringe (4, 20) and the container (5), the connector having the fluid passageway (61, 82). The connector has a first part (21(a)) forming a base for the syringe, and a second part (21(b)) arranged to connect to the container (1(b)) during centrifuging and to a cannula after removal of the container.

Abstract: Urine amount estimation device 100 is provided with ultrasonic sensor 1 which transmits ultrasonic waves into the body and which detects waves produced by reflection of ultrasonic waves; and estimating unit 52 which estimates the amount of urine in the bladder based on whether reflected wave W3 from the bladder detected by ultrasonic sensor 1 is present and/or based on the magnitude of reflected wave W3 from the bladder detected by ultrasonic sensor 1.

Abstract: A cervix measuring device is provided including an elongated shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, a positioning member slidably carried by the elongated shaft, the positioning member having a semicircular shape to allow partially encirclement of a base of a ectocervix, and a stop member stopping the positioning member from sliding past the distal end of the elongated shaft.

Abstract: The invention provides a fetal position monitoring system, comprising an abdominal belt or a glove comprising a force and/or deformation sensor arrangement for obtaining resistance information of a plurality of local areas of the abdomen in response to an applied pressure. A data analysis processor interprets the resistance information to derive a fetal position and/or fetal size and optionally also fetal movement and an output is provided giving a representation of the fetal position and/or fetal size and optionally also fetal movement. This system provides a way of generating an output of the fetal position or size which requires minimum medical knowledge of the user, and it may be used at home.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting and reducing bruxism is described. The method includes the placement of a pressure resistive (or piezoelectric) sensor on the skin above the temporalis muscle in order to detect grinding of the teeth based on movement of the temporalis muscle. Alternatively, a pressure resistor could be used in the ear. The pressure resistive sensor could be made of carbon-impregnated polyolefin. Once bruxism is detected, a patient is notified and uses bio-feedback to curtain the grinding of the teeth.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to objective evaluation of shoulder stability. An accelerometer is attached adjacent the subject's shoulder and the subject is provided with a vibrating device that is held in the hand of the subject's outstretched arm. The subject is instructed to keep his or her arm as still as possible while holding the vibrating device. Data is obtained from the accelerometer over a predetermined length of time. Using a processor, preferably wirelessly connected to the accelerometer, shoulder stability is evaluated in relation to the subject's ability to resist vibratory forces. In an embodiment, the processor evaluates shoulder stability by averaging measured g-forces obtained from the accelerometer along three axes. The average g-forces across each axis are averaged together to give an overall average. The overall average is compared with available normative values to determine the risk level.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of determining energy balance in individuals such as exercising individuals, individuals consuming a 13C-enriched test composition and individuals consuming a fixed diet with a known ?13C. The ?13C pre- and post-exercise, or pre- and post-consumption of the test beverage or fixed diet indicate whether the individual is in neutral or positive energy balance, or in energy deficit. The methods are particularly useful for individuals participating in weight management programs, and individuals under the care of health care professionals.

Abstract: A sleep state determination method using biometric and motion information includes acquiring motion information of a user using a motion sensor; determining a primary sleep state of the user based on the acquired motion information; acquiring biometric information of the user using a biometric sensor when the primary sleep state is determined; and determining a final sleep state of the user by combining the acquired biometric information and the primary sleep state.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is to assess the performance of automated analysis of blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) recordings as a screening tool for OSAHS. As an initial step, statistical, spectral and nonlinear features are estimated to compose an initial feature set. Then, a fast correlation-based filter (FCBF) is next applied to search for the optimum subset. Finally, the discrimination power (OSAHS negative vs. OSAHS positive) of three pattern recognition algorithms is assessed: linear discriminant analysis (LDA), quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA) and logistic regression (LR). According to another aspect of the invention, oximetry is used to determine the OSAHS severity in children. For testing the severity of OSAHS, first spectral analysis is conducted to define and characterize a frequency band of interest in SpO2.

Abstract: A patient data capture and processing system that comprises general programmable medical device (GPMD) and a patient medical device controller (PPS). The patient server is configured to program the function data store of the GPMD, and obtain the data acquired by the GPMD, via the communications connection, wherein the data is stored in patient data records, and wherein the patient server is further configured to extract and output clinically significant events.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure provide a wearable audio product for obtaining biologically-relevant information associated with a user comprising. The audio product comprises a first electrode placed over the user's auditory cortex on a first side of the user's body, a second electrode placed on the first side of the user's body, a first reference electrode placed on the first side of the user's body, a processor coupled to the first, second, and first reference electrode, the processor configured to take one or more actions based on signals received from the first, second, and first reference electrodes, and an electroacoustic transducer coupled to the processor. Any or all of the electrodes described herein may include any integer number of electrodes clustered in the specified location.

Abstract: A surgical eye mask device that comprises a frame assembly, the frame assembly includes a frame body, a left eye opening and a right eye opening, a left eye lens coupled to the left eye opening and a right eye opening coupled to the right eye opening, and an oximeter coupled with the left eye lens and the right eye lens for being capable of independently monitoring the oxygen saturation of a patient's left and right eyes intraoperatively.

Abstract: A method for determining a status of a user utilizing wireless earpieces includes performing sensor measurements of a user utilizing at least optical sensors of the wireless earpieces, wherein the optical sensors detect metabolic abnormalities of the user, analyzing the sensor measurements, determining the status of the user utilizing at least sensor measurements from the optical sensors of the wireless earpieces, and communicating an alert to the user in response to there being a change in the status of the user. A wireless earpiece or set of wireless earpieces with optical sensors for detecting metabolic abnormalities are also provided.

Abstract: A sleep study system comprises a set of sensors for monitoring physiological parameters of a subject during sleep as part of a sleep study and for monitoring the sleep stage of the subject. It is determined if intervention to the subject is needed for maintenance or repair to the sleep study system. If so, a time to perform the intervention is also derived based on the sleep stage of the subject, in particular so as to be least disruptive to the subject.

Abstract: An electrode assembly includes a needle and a conductive thread electrode carried in a slot on the surface of the needle. The needle pushes the thread electrode into the body and leaves it in place when the needle is removed. The needle is secured in a housing in a retracted position and moved to an extended position by a latch. In the extended position, one end of the needle remains in the housing and the other end extends from the housing. The needle is attached to a spring inside the housing and is moved by the latch against the urging of the spring to the extended position and locked in place. A protective cover is applied over the needle while extended and removed to insert the needle into the body of a patient.

Abstract: Embodiments provide devices, systems and methods for measuring a gastric emptying (GE) parameter (GEP). Many embodiments provide a swallowable capsule having three electrodes one covered by a coating which remains in the stomach but is degraded in the small intestine (SI). The electrodes are coupled to circuitry such that when the capsule is in the stomach, current flow occurs between the first two electrodes generating a first signal and in the SI current flow occurs between the second and now uncovered third electrode generating a second signal. These two signals can be transmitted and analyzed externally or by an internal controller to determine a GEP e.g., GE time. The patient may wear an external device configured to receive and analyze the signals to determine GE time. Embodiments of the invention may be used to diagnose gastroparesis and provide patient's information on when to eat meals or administer insulin after eating.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for facilitating the extraction of cleaner biometric signals from biometric monitors. A motion reference signal is generated independently from a biometric signal and then the motion reference signal is used to remove motion artifacts from the biometric signal.

Abstract: A static charge filter (522) removes static charge in a cardiac electrical signal. The static charge filter includes a first amplifier (608) configured to amplify an input signal, which includes the cardiac electrical signal and static charge from an electrode, which is in a path of an X-ray beam. The static charge filter further includes a limiter (614) configured to limit a maximum voltage of the signal based on a predetermined clamping threshold, producing a voltage clamped signal. The static charge filter further includes a filter (616) configured to filter high frequency components of the voltage clamped signal, producing a filtered signal. The static charge filter further includes a second amplifier (620) configured to scale an amplitude of the filtered signal so that cardiac electrical signal in an output signal has a same voltage level as a voltage level of the cardiac electrical signal in the input signal.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the amount of fluid to be removed from a dialysis patient is disclosed. The system utilizes sensors and a computer. The computer obtains the input parameters from the sensors, along with information added directly by the user, and performs a forward algorithm to determine a recommended change in patient fluid level. As fluid is removed, the effect of the removal on the parameters is detected by the sensors and re-transmitted back to the computer. The computer then performs a backward algorithm to refine the variables used in the forward algorithm and obtain more accurate results. The system and method provide for changing the amount of fluid removed from the patient based on the results of the algorithm and the data received from the sensors.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring personal health, the method comprising detecting a photoplethysmograph (PPG) wave, the PPG wave generated based on a combination of infra-red and red lights, transmitting the PPG wave to a server, the server processing the PPG wave to infer biometric statistics based on machine learned correlations generated from a training set of PPG waves and biometric data, receiving the biometric statistics from the server, and generating display data based on the biometric statistics.

Abstract: A sensor may be configured to detect periodic limb movement in a sleeping person. The sensor may be a non-contact sensor, such as a radar motion sensor. The sensor may include a radio frequency transmitter for emitting radio frequency signals toward the person. The sensor may include a receiver for receiving reflected ones of the emitted radio frequency signals and processing the reflected ones of the emitted radio frequency signals to produce motion signal(s). A processor, such as one integrated with or coupled to the sensor, may evaluate the motion signals, such as in-phase and quadrature motion signals, and generate an indicator to identify occurrence of periodic limb movement in the motion signals based on the evaluation of the motion signals.

Abstract: A method is provided for generating a medical data set of a moving part of the human or animal body undergoing a cyclical movement such as cardiac movement. A raw data signal acquired by a magnetic resonance receiver coil arrangement is received. A magnetic resonance signal and a movement signal are separated from the raw data signal. At least two physiological phases of the moving body part are automatically assigned to the movement signal. The automatic assignment does not introduce a delay between the movement signal and the magnetic resonance signal. Time points used for triggering an acquisition of the magnetic resonance signal and/or for data post-processing of the magnetic resonance signal are determined or set.

Abstract: A method for generating a movement signal of a body part, of which at least a portion is undergoing a cardiac movement, includes providing a pilot tone signal acquired from the body part by a magnetic resonance receiver coil arrangement. A demixing matrix is calculated from a calibration portion of the Pilot Tone signal using an independent component analysis algorithm. The independent component corresponding to the cardiac movement is selected. The demixing matrix is applied to further portions of the pilot tone signal to obtain a movement signal representing the cardiac movement. An, adaptive stochastic, or model-based filter is applied to the signal representing the cardiac movement, to obtain a filtered movement signal.

Abstract: An information processing device includes: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to: specify part of sensor values from among the sensor values which is acquired from a wearable sensor when acquiring the sensor values stored in a storage of the wearable sensor via a read device, the part of sensor values corresponding to a certain time period stretching back from any one of first timing of reading from the wearable sensor, second timing that is due timing at which a user who is associated with the wearable sensor starts duty, and third timing that is due timing at which the user ends duty; and chronologically control a display device to display the part of sensor values or calculated values that are calculated based on the part of sensor values.

Abstract: The present development is a device for monitoring uterine activity and sending an alert signal through a wireless communication means when uterine activity significantly changes relative to a preset standard. The device, which comprises at least one sensor, is intended to continuously monitor a prescribed activity, such as uterine contractions. The information gathered by the sensors is fed to a computer application for comparison to preset values and, if the gathered information falls outside of the range of the preset values, feeds a signal to a second application designed to send out notifications to preprogrammed devices indicating the physical location of the source data, or where the pregnant patient is located.

Abstract: An imaging system and methods including a gantry defining a bore and an imaging axis extending through the bore, and at least one support member that supports the gantry such that the imaging axis has a generally vertical orientation, where the gantry is displaceable with respect to the at least one support member in a generally vertical direction. The imaging system may be configured to obtain a vertical imaging scan (e.g., a helical x-ray CT scan), of a patient in a weight-bearing position. The gantry may be rotatable between a first position, in which the gantry is supported such that the imaging axis has a generally vertical orientation, and a second position, such that the imaging axis has a generally horizontal orientation. The gantry may be displaceable in a horizontal direction and the system may perform a horizontal scan of a patient or object positioned within the bore.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a radiological imaging system including a table for greater access to patient region of interest. The imaging system includes a gantry defining an analysis zone. A source suitable to emit radiation and at least one detector suitable to receive the radiation are housed within the gantry. The system includes a translating component to translate the gantry in a main direction. The system includes a bed extending along the main direction and having a table top to support a patient, a base, and at least one support member connected between the table top and the base. The table top may translate along the main direction, and at least one support member is adjustable to raise and lower the table top. The table top may also be translating in a direction perpendicular to the main direction in a Y axis or tilted along the Z axis.

Abstract: An apparatus having an x-ray source and an x-ray detector configured to be rotated about a standing patient to capture and store a plurality of radiographic images of the patient during the rotation. A portable enclosure surrounds the source, the detector and the patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray imaging device including a rotary collimator having a region (22) which is opaque to X-rays, a first slot (24) and a second slot (26), which are transparent to X-rays and extend in two different directions, passing through the opaque region, the collimator making it possible to determine the position of an element provided with X-ray sensors in an imaging system (FIG. 1).

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining an attenuation sinogram for a time-of-flight (TOF) positron emission tomography (PET) scan using only TOF PET data, and including use of the total amount of tracer provided to the subject of the TOF PET scan, are provided. The total amount of injected tracer can be used to determine the otherwise unknown constant shift present when an attenuation sinogram is estimated using the gradient of the attenuation sinogram. The attenuation sinogram can therefore be accurately and stably determined without any additional knowledge on the attenuation sinogram or map.

Abstract: Systems and methods for standardizing target lesion selection within cross-sectional medical images can include the acts of: (i) sending a plurality of cross-sectional images to a user device, where each cross-sectional image is a cross-sectional slice of digital medical image data captured at a first timepoint from a radiologic device; (ii) receiving a user input identifying a set of pixels corresponding to a target lesion within a cross-sectional image of the plurality of cross-sectional images; and (iii) generating a target lesion location file that includes a precise anatomical location of the cross-sectional image and a pixel location of the target lesion within the cross-sectional image. The systems and methods can additionally include the act of causing a digital marker to be displayed on the cross-sectional image and on each analogous cross-sectional image captured at a later timepoint.

Abstract: Embodiments associated with classifying a region of tissue using features extracted from nodules and surrounding structures. One example apparatus includes a feature extraction circuit configured to automatically extract a first set of quantitative features from a nodule represented in at least one CT image, and automatically extract a second set of quantitative features from the lung parenchyma region immediately surrounding the nodule represented in the at least one CT image; a feature selection circuit configured to select an optimally predictive feature set from the first set of quantitative features and the second set of quantitative features; and a training circuit configured to train a classifier using the optimally predictive feature set to assign malignancy risk to a lung nodule represented in a CT image of a region of tissue demonstrating lung nodules. A prognosis or treatment plan may be provided based on the malignancy risk.

Abstract: A radiographic imaging system includes a radiation detector, a controller, and determining unit. The radiation detector detects radiation emitted from a radiation source. The controller is capable of selectively performing wired communication or wireless communication with the radiation detector and controls the radiation detector and the radiation source. The determining unit determines whether or not a delivered dose delivered to the radiation detector reaches a reference value, by using a predetermined determination criterion on the basis of the detection result from the radiation detector. The controller controls the radiation source on the basis of the determination result from the determining unit, and the determining unit switches the predetermined determination criterion in accordance with whether the selected communication is the wireless communication or the wired communication.

Abstract: A method may include obtaining an initial image that is captured by scanning a scan object using the imaging device. The method may also include performing an iteration process including one or more iterations. Each of the one or more iterations may include determining, according to a thickness model, an equivalent thickness associated with the scan object based on a brightness of a first image and the target brightness, determining one or more second exposure parameters corresponding to the equivalent thickness and the target brightness based on the thickness model, and generating a second image by directing the imaging device to scan the scan object based on the one or more second exposure parameters using the imaging device. The first image may be the initial image in a first iteration of the one or more iterations or an image generated in a previous iteration.

Abstract: A sound detection system for detecting heart or lung sounds is disclosed, comprising a sound detection apparatus, a signal processor, and an indicator. A representative sound detection apparatus includes an optional flexible material layer; and an array of a plurality of sound sensors to generate a plurality of sound signals, and a signal output interface. A signal processor includes a memory storing reference data; and a processor adapted to receive the plurality of sound signals, to compare the received plurality of sound signals with the reference data, and when a variance or difference between one or more of the received plurality of sound signals and the reference data is greater than a predetermined threshold, to generate a corresponding command signal to the indicator to provide a warning signal indication.

Abstract: A Doppler fetal heartbeat monitor includes: a housing; a mainboard; a loudspeaker installed in the housing and electrically connected to the mainboard; and an ultrasonic transducer installed in the housing, electrically connected to the mainboard, and comprising at least one transduction wafer configured to generate an impulse wave, in which the ultrasonic transducer is internally provided at a head end of the housing, and the loudspeaker and the mainboard are internally provided at a tail end of the housing. By arranging the loudspeaker, the mainboard and the ultrasonic transducer in the housing, the Doppler fetal heartbeat monitor can have a compact structure and a small volume. Moreover, it is possible to reduce positive feedback of a sound system and a probability of a self-excited whistle.

Abstract: A device is provided for automatically assessing functional hemodynamic properties of a patient is provided, the device comprising: a housing; an ultrasound unit coupled to the housing and adapted for adducing ultrasonic waves into the patient at a vessel; a detector adapted to sense signals obtained as a result of adducing ultrasonic waves into the patient at the vessel and to record the; and a processor adapted for receiving the recorded signals as data and transforming the data for output at an interface. Other devices, systems, methods, and/or computer-readable media may be provided in relation to assessing functional hemodynamics of a patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides an article or an interface having a distribution of a first partially spherical indentation and at least a second partially spherical indentation contained within the first indentation to form a multi-component or “compound” shape that is referred to as a “compound” or “nested” dimples or indentations. These compound dimples or indentions may be concentric and are etched or otherwise formed into a surface or interface of an article to enhance the ultrasonic imaging. Exemplary articles may be needles of the type used to conduct nerve blocks or the interface may be the surface of such a needle, cannula, catheter, catheter tip or similar article.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to systems and methods for determining if a fluid is present in a body region. The systems and methods include using ultrasound systems having operational parameters that provide ultrasound echo maps having high resolution B-line artefacts.

Abstract: A device is provided for automatically assessing functional hemodynamic properties of a patient is provided, the device comprising: a housing; an ultrasound unit coupled to the housing and adapted for adducing ultrasonic waves into the patient at a vessel; a detector adapted to sense signals obtained as a result of adducing ultrasonic waves into the patient at the vessel and to record the; and a processor adapted for receiving the recorded signals as data and transforming the data for output at an interface. Other devices, systems, methods, and/or computer-readable media may be provided in relation to assessing functional hemodynamics of a patient.

Abstract: A solution is proposed for analyzing a body-part of a patient, the body-part having been perfused before performing the method with a contrast agent capable of circulating within the patient and of being substantially immobilized on a biological target.

Abstract: A method of calibration for combining two synchronized motion pictures from Magnetocardiography (MCG) and Echocardiography (ECOCG) is accomplished here. To combine the two motion pictures of MCG and ECOCG is to locate the current dipole sources from a MCG onto a simultaneously beating heart images from an ECOCG. For this purpose, it needs to calibrate the space locations and orientations for the two motion pictures. In embodiments, the calibration of the spaces and orientation is accomplished by choosing two specific events during a cardiac cycle when the space locations and the orientations of the events for both the MCG and the ECOCG are relatively easy to be determined. Then the two pairs of corresponding space points can be lined up by a coordinate transformation.

Abstract: A patient monitor that acquires and displays first vital sign information and second vital sign information of a subject includes an event detection unit that is configured to detect an activation start event for starting an activation process of biological information processing software which performs a process pertaining to the second vital sign information and an activating event for activating the biological information processing software and a software control unit that causes the biological information processing software to be in a standby state, in which a part of the activation process of the biological information processing software has been performed, when the activation start event is detected by the event detection unit, and causes the biological information processing software to be in an active state from the standby state when the activating event is detected by the event detection unit.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to devices, systems, and methods for Fallopian tube diagnostics. In some embodiments a tube may have a distal end, and a balloon may have a first end coupled to the distal end of the tube. The balloon may be disposed in the tube in a first, inverted position, may be movable to a second, everted position, and may be extendable a distance distal of the tube. An extending portion may have a proximal end coupled to a second end of the balloon. The extending portion may be disposed within the balloon in the first inverted position, and may be extendable from the second end of the balloon in the second everted position.

Abstract: A biopsy forceps tool (preferably for endoscopic use) in which microwave energy is used to coagulate bleeding after a biological tissue sample is collected between a pair of jaws. The pair of jaws define an enclosure that is isolated from the microwave energy itself and insulated from any thermal changes that occur due to application of the microwave energy. The tool comprises a pair of jaws connected to a coaxial cable, each of the pair of jaws comprising an electrically conductive shell, the jaw assembly being movable between a closed position in which the electrically conductive shells enclose an internal volume for holding a tissue sample and an open position in which the internal volume is exposed in order to receive the tissue sample. The electrically conductive shells form a Faraday cage around the internal volume when in the closed position.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a variety of prostheses, delivery systems and techniques to facilitate closure of transvascular or transcameral access ports. Various embodiments of prostheses are provided including a plurality of radially expandable discs that can be filled with material to facilitate coagulation and to reduce or stop leakage from punctures in vessel walls.