Abstract: A controller controls a first device, one of an endoscope and a treatment instrument being the first device, a remaining one of the endoscope and the treatment instrument being a second device, the endoscope comprising an insertion tube and a self-propelled mechanism adapted to generate force for insertion or removal of the insertion tube. The controller includes a determination unit configured to determine whether or not the second device is functioning; and a control unit configured to restrict an operation of the first device if the second device is determined to be functioning.

Abstract: An endoscope (1) with a shaft (2), a grip (3) connected to the shaft (2) at a proximal end region of the shaft (2), and a viewing region (4) formed in a distal end region of the shaft (2) by optical elements. The shaft (2) has at least one proximity sensor (5), of which the measuring region lies at least outside the viewing region (4), preferably in such a way that the measuring region of the proximity sensor (5) covers at least the distance of the lateral region of the distal end region. The endoscope has an evaluation device (6) which is configured to generate a warning signal when a definable distance threshold value is undershot.

Abstract: A controller which controls an operation of a self-propelled mechanism of an endoscope includes an inspection control section, a usual control section, an endoscope connection detection circuit and a control switch section. The endoscope connection detection circuit detects that the endoscope has been connected. The control switch section determines whether or not the inspection operation is performed for the endoscope at the time of the connection of the endoscope, causes the usual control section to perform the usual operation when the inspection operation is performed, and causes the inspection control section to perform the inspection operation and then causes the usual control section to perform the usual operation when the inspection operation is not performed.

Abstract: A processor first executes activation through a first program stored in a main memory when there is an activation instruction, a switching unit switches a program from the first program to a second program in sub memory when activation through the first program is impossible within a first period of time, and the processor halts power supply from the battery when activation through the second program is impossible within a second period of time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fully integrated sterilizable one time use disposable tissue visualization device and methods for using such devices. Preferred embodiments of the invention facilitate the visualization of an internal tissue site while causing a minimum of damage to the surrounding tissue. Further preferred embodiments may allow for the delivery of fluids and other treatment to an internal tissue site.

Abstract: An endoscopic guide for catheters and or endoscopes, comprising a tubular guiding element, an anchoring head, said anchoring head being provided at least with a container for accommodating a magnetic agent, the container being connected to said guiding element's longitudinal cavity, a magnetic agent which can move in said a longitudinal cavity in order to fill/empty the container and a manually maneuverable magnetic field source.

Abstract: An optical transmitter includes an optical device, a wiring board in which the optical device and an electronic component are mounted on a first primary surface, an optical waveguide plate in which an upper surface is bonded to the wiring board and an optical waveguide is photo-coupled with the optical device by a reflection portion, an optical fiber photo-coupled with the optical waveguide, and a conductor, a first groove and a second groove each having an opening in one of side surfaces are provided on the upper surface of the optical waveguide plate, the optical fiber is inserted into the first groove, and the conductor is inserted into the second groove and is bonded to an electrode on a second primary surface of the wiring board immediately above the second groove.

Abstract: Improved fluoresced imaging (FI) and other sensor data imaging processes, devices, and systems are provided to enhance use of endoscopes with FI and visible light capabilities. A first optical device is provided for endoscopy imaging in a white light and a fluoresced light mode with an image sensor assembly including one or more image sensors. A mechanism in the first optical device to automatically adjust the focus of the first optical device wherein the automatic focus adjustment compensates for a chromatic focal difference between the white light image and the fluoresced light image caused by the dispersive or diffractive properties of the optical materials or optical design employed in the construction of the first or second optical devices, or both. Adjustment mechanisms are provided using liquid lenses or repositioning sensors. The design may be integrated with a scope or detachable.

Abstract: It is an object to provide an inexpensive technology capable of alleviating pain of a patient during phlegm suction. A laryngeal camera unit (200) is used in combination with a portable device including a lens, which forms a part of a camera, and a light. The laryngeal camera unit (200) includes an illumination light transmission member (223) and an image light transmission member (222), both of which are rod-shaped and are to be inserted in an oral cavity. Illumination light from the light of the portable device is transmitted to a larynx by the illumination light transmission member (223), and image light from the larynx is transmitted from behind a uvula to the portable device by the image light transmission member (222). A user performs the phlegm suction while checking an image displayed on a display of the portable device.

Abstract: A dilation system (10) comprising a speculum (20) with a body and at least one jaw (24,26) pivotally attached to the body; and a sheath (30) that is attached on the body around the at least one jaw, and expandable from a constricted position to an expanded position. A dilation comprising: at least one proximal ring (133P) spaced apart from at least one distal ring (133D); a plurality of longitudinal ribs (32) spanning between each of the proximal and distal rings; and a web (34) spanning between at least each of the plurality of ribs, wherein the sheath is expandable from a constricted position to an expanded position. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a first acquisition portion acquiring a front image of an eye fundus, a second acquisition portion acquiring an En-Face image on the basis of a plurality of tomographic images of the eye fundus, and a display control portion controlling a display unit to display the En-Face image in a superimposed relation to the front image. The display control portion changes a depth range, at the eye fundus, of the En-Face image superimposed on the front image.

Abstract: A method of determining a predisposition to contact lens discomfort in a patient is provided, comprising determining a detection threshold of the patient by delivering a cool mechanical stimulus to the cornea of the patient, optionally applying a series of cool mechanical stimuli to the cornea of the patient, and classifying the patient as being predisposed to contact lens discomfort if the detection threshold is at or below a cut-off value predetermined to be associated with predisposition to contact lens discomfort and/or the patient does not adapt to the series of cool mechanical stimuli.

Abstract: The disclosure herein provides methods, systems, and devices for improving optical coherence tomography machine outputs through multiple enface optical coherence tomography angiography averaging techniques. The embodiments disclosed herein can be utilized in ophthalmology for employing optical coherence tomography (OCT) for in vivo visualization of blood vessels and the flow of blood in an eye of a patient, which is also known generally as optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

Abstract: Systems and processes for performing posterior segment visualization and surgery assist a surgeon during surgery. Adapted instruments (I) used in ocular surgery include unique indicia, markings, or the like (40) which, when in the surgical field, can be identified by the system (FIG. 9). In turn, the system modifies the images that are projected into a display (10), e.g., a heads-up display, used by the surgeon, to display parameter data that is particular to the instrument (I) in use. The system also tracks the tip (16) of the instrument (I) in real time, determines the tissue that is closest to the instrument tip, automatically collects OCT data for that tissue, and displays images (20, 22) representative of that data in the display used by the surgeon. In this way, as the surgeon moves a surgical instrument around in the surgical field of the eye, the system automatically displays OCT image data of the tissue closest to the instrument tip.

Abstract: A method for establishing the refraction of an eye (9) by means of a refractometer (3) is provided, in which the current visual axis (S) of the eye (9) is established before establishing the refraction, the refractometer (3) is aligned with respect to the visual axis (S) of the eye (9) and the refraction is established after the alignment. The visual axis (S) of the eye (9) is established on the basis of the position of a Purkinje image of at least one light source (41, 50) used to illuminate the eye and a relationship between the position of the Purkinje image and the visual axis (S).

Abstract: An ophthalmic device that comprises a first objective lens system, an optical system, an anterior eye segment photographing system, and a first optical-path combining member. The first objective lens system includes two or more lenses. The optical system includes a projection system configured to project light onto a target eye via the first objective lens system. The anterior eye segment photographing system is used for photographing an anterior eye segment of the target eye.

Abstract: Systems and method for monitoring patient physiological data are presented herein. In one embodiment, a physiological sensor and a mobile computing device can be connected via a cable or cables, and a processing board can be connected between the sensor and the mobile computing device to conduct advanced signal processing on the data received from the sensor before the data is transmitted for display on the mobile computing device.

Abstract: A system and method for co-registering image data includes generating a reference state model defined by deformable and non-deformable surfaces of a region of interest (ROI) of a patient. The reference state model is generated by identifying a deformable surface in a first image representing the ROI in a reference position, with the location of one or more anatomical reference points on the deformable surface tracked using at least one surface marker. Deformable and non-deformable surfaces of the ROI are identified within a medical image representing the ROI in a deformed position relative to the reference position. The non-deformable surface in the medical image is registered to positional coordinates of anatomical reference point(s) within the reference state model. The position of a target pixel in the medical image is projected to the reference state model based on a relative location of the target pixel between the deformable and non-deformable surfaces.

Abstract: An OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) handheld device is provided comprising: a housing configured for handheld OCT scanning during a surgical procedure, the housing comprising an OCT scanning end and a proximal end opposite the OCT scanning end; an OCT scanning device inside the housing, the OCT scanning device configured for one or more of OCT polarized scanning and Doppler OCT scanning from the OCT scanning end, the OCT scanning device further configured to receive and convey OCT light between the proximal end and an OCT analysing system; and a tip extending from the OCT scanning end, the tip being removably attached to the OCT scanning end, the tip configured to receive and collect the OCT light therethrough. The OCT handheld device is configured to be removably draped around the tip, for use in the surgical procedure.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to devices, systems and methods for intraoperative imaging.

Abstract: Disclosed are fiber optic devices and related methods that allow for measurement of blood flow and oxygenation in real time. These devices have particular application to the spinal cord. Such devices have applicability in, for example, the care of military members sustaining combatant and noncombatant spinal injuries, as well as to civilians. The devices also have utility in the acute and subacute management of spine trauma, enhancing the efficacy of interventions aimed at the prevention of secondary ischemic injury, and ultimately improving neurologic outcome.

Abstract: A photoacoustic probe includes a light output portion that outputs light, an acoustic wave reception unit that receives a photoacoustic wave generated by irradiation of the light and outputs a reception signal, a transmission unit that transmits signal data based on the reception signal, a signal acquisition unit that converts the reception signal into a digital signal, and a memory unit that stores signal data based on the converted digital signal.

Abstract: In an acoustic wave detection probe provided with a light guide section that guides measuring light such that the measuring light is outputted toward a subject and an acoustic wave transducer that detects a photoacoustic wave generated in the subject by the projection of the measuring light, the light guide section includes a homogenizer that flat-tops an energy profile of the measuring light entered from the upstream side of the optical system, a light condensing member that condenses the measuring light transmitted through the homogenizer, and a bundle fiber which includes a plurality of optical fibers and is disposed such that the measuring light transmitted through the light condensing member enters from an entrance end of the bundle fiber.

Abstract: A bandage sensory member for monitoring temperature differences is disclosed. The bandage sensory member comprises a sensory layer having a plurality of temperature sensors disposed thereon, and a chip unit directly or indirectly electrically connected to the temperature sensors. The chip unit is configured to detect the temperature of each of the temperature sensors and send a wireless signal to an external receiver. The wireless signal contains information about the temperature difference and/or maximum temperature difference between the temperature sensors.

Abstract: A system and method for real-time, a closed-loop, complete body hemodynamic simulation of a patient undergoing a surgical procedure is disclosed. A simplified model of blood circulation that is nevertheless comprehensive and derives input representative of the patient's entire circulatory system, is mathematically modeled by a combination of 1-D mathematical models, and lumped parameter models. The system allows a clinician to select an intended intervention that is then computationally simulated in real, or quasi-real, time. The results of the simulation are presented as a heartbeat by heartbeat simulation of clinician selected, relevant hemodynamic parameters, allowing the clinician to decide whether or not to proceed with the intervention. The system includes accurate simulation of the effects of gravity, respiration and natural compensatory mechanisms, including the baroreflex.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for filtering medical device noise artifacts from venous waveform signals are disclosed. A peripheral venous pressure (PVP) is measured and transformed from the time domain to the frequency domain for analysis to determine patient status. To avoid artifacts of the pumping, the time-domain PVP measurements are filtered to generate a filtered time-domain PVP signal by removing active pumping periods. The filtered time-domain PVP signal is transformed into a frequency-domain PVP signal, which is analyzed based upon peaks indicating respiratory rate, heart rate, or harmonics thereof. A metric of patient status is then determined from the peaks or corresponding frequencies. The patient status may be related to blood volume of the patient and may be used to control pump operation.

Abstract: Systems for monitoring left atrial pressure using implantable cardiac monitoring devices and, more specifically, to a left atrial pressure sensor implanted through a septal wail are presented herein.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to devices, methods and systems for determining blood oxygenation. By applying near infrared radiation of an appropriate wavelength to the tissue and determining the absorbance at a plurality of points where the distance between the source of the near infrared radiation and the detector are known, the oxygenation state of the hemoglobin can be determined based on position in a three dimensional space.

Abstract: Monitoring vital parameters of a wearer of a compression garment by analyzing a pressure signal waveform indicative of a fluid pressure in an inflatable and deflatable bladder of the compression garment. Analyzing the pressure signal waveform for an oscillating amplitude as a function of time and/or a representation of a pulse of the wearer provides an indication of blood pressure of the wearer.

Abstract: A wearable device for continuous health monitoring, the device comprising: a band for conforming to a first body part of a subject; an imaging unit, the imaging unit being connected in the band, wherein the imaging unit is configured to acquire a sequence of images from the subject's body, wherein the device is operable in a contact mode and in a non-contact mode, i.

Abstract: Reflective surfaces for the apertures of PPG optical components in PPG systems is disclosed. In a PPG system or device, the addition of reflective surfaces around, under, or near the apertures of the optical components can enhance the amount of light received by the light detector. As a result, the measured PPG signal strength can be higher and more accurate compared to the same PPG device without reflective surfaces. The reflective surfaces can reflect and/or recycle light that is incident upon the reflective surfaces back into the skin for eventual capture of the light by the light detectors. In some examples, the reflective surfaces can be diffuse or specular reflectors and/or can be configured to selectively reflect one or more wavelengths of light. In some examples, the back crystal and/or component mounting plane of the PPG system can be made of the same material as the reflective surfaces.

Abstract: A user-wearable device utilizes energy harvesting technology to lengthen battery life or eliminates the need to charge the wearable device. In one embodiment, a user-wearable device combines energy harvesting technology with low power sensors and high efficiency processing methods to realize a self-charging or battery-less biometric monitoring system. The wearable biometric monitoring system provides accurate biometric measurements while enhancing user experience by extending the battery life or completely eliminating the need for the user to charge the device.

Abstract: A system is disclosed herein. The system includes a server, a software-application and a wearable-device. The system includes virtual groups to allows guardians or caretakers to identify/be alerted of any issues with a monitored subject. Events are triggered by various sensed parameters including heart rate, location, medication, etc. Notifications and alerts are sent through the software-application to the guardians and may be viewed by first responders via a First Response Portal. The system is useful for utilizing social grouping to enable family members or close friends to provide caregiver ability to a subject remotely.

Abstract: A system for augmenting uterine forces includes a medical apparatus having a balloon body that transitions between a compacted state and an expanded state, a catheter that receives the medical apparatus and obtains electrical signals indicative of intrinsic uterine contractions, and a controller coupled to the catheter to receive the electrical signals, and to a source of an agent. The controller processes the electrical signals to detect an onset of an intrinsic uterine contraction, an increase in uterine contraction forces, or a decrease in uterine contraction forces. In response to a detection of an onset of an intrinsic uterine contraction or an increase in uterine contraction forces, the controller causes an agent to be delivered from the agent source to the balloon body to expand the balloon body. In response to a detection of a decrease in uterine contraction forces, the controller causes agent to discharge from the balloon body to collapse the balloon body.

Abstract: A heart monitor with diagnostic display including a plurality of electrodes structured to collect heart beat data from electrical pulses within a heart. The heart monitor also includes a processor adapted to receive the heart beat data from the plurality of electrodes and structured to connect with a long-range wireless network and a diagnostic display unit. The diagnostic display unit is structured to display biometric measurements including a first unit of time along a first axis and a second unit of time, smaller than the first unit of time, along a second axis. It also displays a gradient block having a primary characteristic indicative of a primary characteristic of a cardiac event detected by the processor in the heart beat data during a collection time and located at an intersection of the first axis and the second axis corresponding to a collection time of cardiac activity.

Abstract: A method for detecting and predicting an epileptic seizure. The method includes preparing a plurality of electrical signals, extracting a plurality of patterns from the plurality of electrical signals, extracting a plurality of features from the plurality of electrical signals by applying the plurality of patterns on the plurality of electrical signals, optimizing the plurality of patterns and the plurality of features, and classifying each of the plurality of electrical signals in a plurality of classes by applying a plurality of classifiers on the plurality of features. The plurality of electrical signals include a plurality of samples. The plurality of classes include a seizure class and a non-seizure class, and the plurality of classifiers include a plurality of cascaded AdaBoost classifiers.

Abstract: An electrode sensor involves a solid conductive polymeric substrate shaped as an electrode sensor or portion of an electrode sensor having a layer of silver-coated particles distributed on and embedded into a surface of the substrate. The electrode sensor is particularly useful for ECG electrodes and utilizes less silver without unduly sacrificing performance. A process for producing the electrode sensor involves distributing a layer of silver-coated particles on a surface of a solid conductive polymeric substrate shaped as an electrode sensor or portion of an electrode sensor and thermally embedding the silver-coated particles into the surface. The process is simpler and less costly than existing processes for producing electrode sensors.

Abstract: An electroencephalography (EEG) system includes a support configured to be positioned at least partially around the head of a user, an EEG electrode configured to be supported by the support and to be positioned for contacting skin of the user, an actuator operatively coupled to the EEG electrode and configured to move the electrode in at least two dimensions, including an axial dimension and a lateral dimension to enable the EEG electrode to contact the skin at different locations, and one or more physical processors operatively connected with the EEG electrode and the actuator. The one or more physical processors being programmed with computer program instructions which, when executed cause the one or more physical processors to: obtain an impedance signal from the EEG electrode; and actuate the actuator to move the EEG electrode based on a comparison of the obtained impedance signal with an impedance threshold.

Abstract: A system includes a pair of external body electrodes, a first control unit and a second control unit. The first control unit is arranged to provide a constant current at a first frequency across the pair of external body electrodes coupled to a body of a patient. The first control unit further arranged to provide a constant voltage circuit across the body of the patient at a second frequency different from the first frequency. The second control unit is arranged to measure a voltage of an internal electrode located within a chamber of a heart of the patient in the first frequency. The second control unit further arranged to measure a voltage of the internal electrode in the second frequency to determine a voltage change.

Abstract: A system for providing a standard electrocardiogram (ECG) signal for a human body using contactless ECG sensors for outputting to exiting medical equipment or for storage or viewing on a remote device. The system comprises a digital processing module (DPM) adapted to connect to an array of contactless ECG sensors provided in a fabric or the like. A selection mechanism is embedded into the DPM which allows the DPM to identify body parts using the ECG signals of the different ECG sensors and select for each body part the best sensor lead. The DPM may then produce the standard ECG signal using the selected ECG signals for the different body parts detected. The system is adapted to continuously re-examine the selection to ensure that the best leads are selected for a given body part following a movement of the body part, thereby, allowing for continuous and un-interrupted ECG monitoring of the patient.

Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a housing and a circuit board assembly. The housing includes a first accommodation cavity, a second accommodation cavity, a first connection portion, a second connection portion, and a third accommodation cavity. The first connection portion is connected to the first accommodation cavity and one end of the third accommodation cavity, and the second connection portion is connected to the second accommodation cavity and the other end of the third accommodation cavity. The circuit board assembly is accommodated within the first accommodation cavity, the second accommodation cavity, the first connection portion, the second connection portion and the third accommodation cavity. The width of the first connection portion and the second connection portion is less than the width of the first accommodation cavity, the second accommodation cavity and the third accommodation cavity.

Abstract: An electrode configured to provide electrical contact with the skin of a user and configured to be positioned on or near a mastoid region of the user is provided. The electrode comprises an electrically conductive contact configured to receive electrical signals from the skin of the user, and a skin coupler that couples the contact with the skin of the user. The skin coupler comprises an adhesive layer that adhesively engages the skin. The skin coupler also comprises a base region that surrounds the contact, and at least two extension regions that extend away from the base region.

Abstract: An electrode padset and a method of using the electrode padset are disclosed herein. The electrode padset is a single unit, consisting of multiple patient-contacting conductive pads arranged on a single piece of material. The padset is comprised of a plurality of conductive pads, at least one conductive pad adapted to emit an electrical signal and at least one other conductive pad adapted to receive an electrical signal, and an electrically conductive material coupling the conductive pads.

Abstract: A sensor module includes multiple accelerometers mounted in a non-collinear arrangement onto a printed circuit board. A processor obtains linear acceleration vectors from each of the accelerometers and through the constraint imposed by the the non-collinear arrangement of the accelerometers onto the printed circuit board, the angular velocity vector of the sensor may be derived by the processor from the linear acceleration vectors.

Abstract: In the present invention, a configuration system for an electrophysiology (EP) study system provides the physician with the ability to input or select the particular procedure to be performed utilizing the EP system, such as performing an ablation procedure, a pacing procedure, or a diagnostic procedure, among others based on the clinical objective of the procedure. Based on the selection of the procedure to be performed, the EP system can handle the selection and switching of different filter selections for a physiological signal to achieve an optimal signal profile having a clinically acceptable display regardless of acquisition conditions with the minimum of user intervention, or knowledge. These selections may be automatically derived, or manually selected, or over-ridden by the user as needed within any typically, or atypical procedural workflow.

Abstract: A system and method for skin conductance-based regulation of an electronic device is described. The system includes a processor configured to receive, data representative of skin conductance of a user; determine, a conductance for the user as a function of a temperature and the skin conductance; and adjust, the temperature based on the determined conductance.

Abstract: A system for extending the visual capabilities and working channel of a bronchoscope including a probe having optic and/or tracking capabilities at a distal tip thereof and capable of being advanced through the working channel of a standard bronchoscope. The probe also includes a working channel through which various diagnostic and treatment tools may be advanced.

Abstract: A wireless communication system includes a first wireless device configured to be introduced inside a living body and including an antenna; and a second wireless device configured to communicate with the first wireless device via the antenna. The wireless communication system carries out communication between the first wireless device and the second wireless device via the antenna at a first frequency when the first wireless device is outside the living body and carries out the communication at a second frequency lower than the first frequency when the first wireless device is inside the living body.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally and specifically to computerized devices capable of diagnosis tailoring for an individual, and capable of controlling effectors to deliver therapy or enhance performance also tailored to an individual. The invention integrates sensors which sense signals from measurable body systems together with external machines, to form adaptive digital networks over time of general health and health of specific body functions. The invention has applications in sleep and wakefulness, sleep-disordered breathing, other breathing disturbances, memory and cognition, monitoring and response to obesity or heart failure, monitoring and response to other conditions, and general enhancement of performance.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally and specifically to computerized devices capable of diagnosis tailoring for an individual, and capable of controlling effectors to deliver therapy or enhance performance also tailored to an individual. The invention integrates sensors which sense signals from measurable body systems together with external machines, to form adaptive digital networks over time of general health and health of specific body functions. The invention has applications in sleep and wakefulness, sleep-disordered breathing, other breathing disturbances, memory and cognition, monitoring and response to obesity or heart failure, monitoring and response to other conditions, and general enhancement of performance.