Abstract: A sensing catheter having an outer flexible sheath and a distal section containing a sensing system having a sensing means, a radiant energy providing means and radiation transmitting means, preferably all housed within a fluid channel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a 3D scanner system for detecting and/or visualizing cariogenic regions in teeth based on fluorescence emitted from the teeth, said 3D scanner system including a data processor configured for mapping a representation of fluorescence emitted from the teeth onto the corresponding portion of a digital 3D representation of the teeth to provide a combined digital 3D representation.

Abstract: The present invention uses an object information acquiring apparatus having: an optical transmitter that transmits light and emits the light to an object; a first optical meter disposed at the incidence side of the optical transmitter; a second optical meter disposed at the emission side of the optical transmitter; a calculator that calculates an equation that indicates the relationship between the fluence of light measured by the first optical meter and the fluence of light measured by the second optical meter; a probe that receives an acoustic wave that is generated from the object due to the light emitted by the optical transmitter and converts the acoustic wave; and a processor that acquires specific information about the inside of the object.

Abstract: A method and system for remote sensing. The method includes applying an orbital angular momentum (OAM) mode on a light beam to generate an OAM light beam having an optical OAM spectrum, exposing a target object to the OAM light beam such that the target object absorbs energy of the OAM light beam to generate ultrasonic emissions, the ultrasonic emissions having a reflected OAM spectrum associated with the target object, and generating a high resolution image of the target object based on the reflected OAM spectrum.

Abstract: At least a tip portion of a puncture needle 15 is inserted into a subject. The puncture needle 15 includes a light guide member which guides light from a laser unit 13, and a light emission unit which is provided in the vicinity of the tip portion and emits light guided by the light guide member, and generates a photoacoustic wave caused by light from the light emission unit in the tip portion. A probe 11 detects the photoacoustic wave from the puncture needle 15 in a state where the puncture needle 15 is inserted into the subject. A Photoacoustic image generation unit 25 generates a photoacoustic image based on the detected photoacoustic wave. A Light source control unit 30 controls the amount of light emitted from the light emission unit based on the photoacoustic image.

Abstract: A passive planar thermo-optical structure for detection of a region of changed temperature on patient's skin is provided. The thermo-optical structure has a layered structure including a transparent film layer, a thermochromic layer, a securing layer, an adhesive layer, and a protective layer. At least one dye in the thermochromic layer is above a temperature threshold range of 31°-37° C., which adopts the first color and keeps it in a temperature range greater than or equal to 0.6° C. A width of this temperature range, in which the color is indefinite, is smaller than 0.3° C. A method of diagnosing allergy using the above-structure is provided. The method includes the steps of stimulation, measurement and comparison. After stimulating three regions of patient's skin, an evaluation of extent of histamine reaction is performed. Then, the extent of histamine reaction in the third region is compared to that in the first and second regions.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a portable vital monitoring system and a method for monitoring an individual's vitals using a portable vital monitoring system. The portable vital monitoring system includes a stand-alone portable vital monitoring device that allows the individual to detect or measure the individual's vitals. The stand-alone device includes a plurality of sensing devices for detecting data indicative of the individual's vitals and generating one or more signals indicative of the vital data. The system also includes a control unit connected to the sensing devices for processing the signal such that the data can be displayed to and understood by the individual. The system also includes a vital monitoring application in wireless communication with the vital monitoring device via a wireless communication module.

Abstract: Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the intravascular devices include at least one pressure sensing component within a distal portion of the device. In that regard, one or more electrical, electronic, optical, and/or electro-optical pressure-sensing components is secured to an elongated substrate such that the pressure-sensing component is mounted perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis of the device. In some implementations, the elongated substrate has a cylindrical profile. Methods of making, assembling, and/or using such intravascular devices and associated systems are also provided.

Abstract: A blood pressure monitor including a manually operable pressurizer is disclosed. The blood pressure monitor may include a cuff configured to apply a pressure to a target portion of a body of a user, a pressurizer, a depressurizer, and a sensor to measure a blood pressure. The pressurizer may include a rotator, and be configured to supply a fluid to the cuff, to cause the cuff to apply the pressure, through rotation of the rotator caused by an external rotational force applied to the blood pressure monitor to rotate the rotator. The depressurizer may be configured to reduce the applied pressure applied by the cuff to the target portion.

Abstract: A method and a system for determining changes in a body state of an individual including receiving a signal from a monitoring system, where the signal indicates a measurement of cardiac activity of the individual over a period of time and determining at least one signal feature, where the signal feature is a reoccurring event of the signal over the period of time. The method also includes determining a first interval between two successive signal features and determining a second interval between two successive first intervals. A derivative is calculated based on the second interval. Changes in the body state are identified based on the derivative.

Abstract: An optical heart rate sensor includes an optical source configured to illuminate one or more blood vessels through a user's skin, an optical sensor configured to measure reflected illumination from the blood vessels, and one or more energy storage cells. A controller operates the optical source and optical sensor at a first rate of energy consumption during a first condition, and operates the optical source and optical sensor at a second rate of energy consumption during a second condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to medicine. The inventive method for non-evasively determining an endothelial function consists in reducing a transmural pressure in a limb, recording the amplitude of plethysmographic signals at different pressures, determining the pressure of a maximum plethysmographic signal amplitude, reducing the pressure to a value corresponding to the specified percentage of the maximum amplitude, carrying out an occlusion sample in the course of which a pressure higher by at least 50 mm Hg than the systolic pressure of a tested patient is produced in a cuff arranged proximally to the located limb area, wherein the occlusion is carried out during at least 5 minutes.

Abstract: An anatomical manometry catheter system, comprising a plurality of balloons on the distal end and being configured to be inflatable and/or deflatable. The system includes a connector assembly coaxially aligned with the catheter assembly, the connector assembly being connectable to the proximal end of the catheter. The connector assembly may have a connector interface connected to the proximal end of the catheter. The connector assembly may include a manifold comprising a plurality of channels configured to deliver the pressure transmission medium therethrough toward a respective catheter lumen for inflating one or more balloons. The connector assembly may include a charging mechanism fluidly coupled to the catheter that facilitates inflating each balloon of the plurality of balloons by a common actuating mechanism so as to simultaneously charge each balloon of the plurality of balloons.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for generating an electrophysiological map of a geometric structure. The system includes a computer-based model construction system configured to acquire electrical information at a plurality of diagnostic landmark points, assign a color value, based on the acquired electrical information, to each of the diagnostic landmark points, create a first 3D texture region storing floats for a weighted physiological metric, create a second 3D texture region storing floats for a total weight, for each diagnostic landmark point, additively blend the color value of the diagnostic landmark point into voxels of the first 3D texture region that are within a predetermined distance, normalize the colored voxels using the second 3D texture region to generate a normalized 3D texture map, generate the electrophysiological map from the normalized 3D texture map and a surface of the geometric structure, and display the generated electrophysiological map.

Abstract: Catheterization of the heart is carried out by inserting a probe having electrodes into a heart of a living subject, recording a bipolar electrogram and a unipolar electrogram from one of the electrodes at a location in the heart, and defining a window of interest wherein a rate of change in a potential of the bipolar electrogram exceeds a predetermined value. An annotation is established in the unipolar electrogram, wherein the annotation denotes a maximum rate of change in a potential of the unipolar electrogram within the window of interest. A quality value is assigned to the annotation, and a 3-dimensional map is generated of a portion of the heart that includes the annotation and the quality value thereof.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for detecting knowledge based on brainwave response to external stimulation. A subject can be exposed to stimuli and brainwave responses indicating a p-300 signal can be detected. Further stimuli or sequences of stimuli can be selected be presented to the subject based on the category correlated with the stimuli that indicate a p-300 response.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed which relate to the detection of cardiovascular efficiency and risk of disease. The rate of volumetric change of the heart can be determined by measuring the parallel conductance across electrodes attached to the heart. Measurements from a lumen would consider the total conductance. The rate of volumetric or lumen cross-section area change can then be compared to an average model to determine the health of a patient.

Abstract: Provided is a wrist-type body component measuring apparatus. The wrist-type body component measuring apparatus includes: a band configured to be worn on a wrist of a user; a first input electrode and a first output electrode disposed on an inside surface of the band and configured to be in contact with the wrist of the user; a second input electrode and a second output electrode disposed on an outside surface of the band; a measuring unit configured to apply a current to the first and second input electrodes and detect a voltage from the first and second output electrodes to measure a body impedance of the user; and an electrode converter configured to convert a disposition of the first and second input electrodes and the first and second output electrodes based on a determination of whether the band is worn on a left wrist or a right wrist of the user.

Abstract: A sensor unit for use in measurements on a subject is presented. The sensor unit includes a near field electromagnetic sensor and a flexible signal transmission structure, which are integral with one another by means of at least one common continuous surface. The flexible signal transmission structure is constructed from a first layer including signal connection lines associated with sensor cells near field electromagnetic sensor and a second electrically conductive layer electrically coupled to the electrically conductive material of the sensor.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting operation data associated with a medical apparatus including an internal device implanted in a subject and an external device that is magnetically-coupled to and drives the internal device. The medical apparatus may be monitored to obtain raw data associated with the operation of the medical apparatus and one or more calculations may be performed on the raw data, wherein the raw data and/or calculated values may be associated with voiding frequency and voiding volume of the subject. A report may be generated from the raw data and/or calculated values. In addition, one or more signals may be sent to the external device and/or a docking station, or communicated by other means, to indicate to the subject that the operation of the medical apparatus should be altered.

Abstract: An exhaled breath condensate collection device (10) is described. The device includes a condensation chamber (12) having an inlet and an outlet and arranged such that breath exhaled from the lungs of a user flows through the condensation chamber from the inlet to the outlet; at least one cooling element (16); and a frame (18) supporting the condensation chamber and the at least one cooling element. The frame (18) is movable between a first configuration in which the at least one cooling element is operable to cool the condensation chamber so as to promote the formation of breath condensate in the condensation chamber, and a second configuration in which the cooling element is displaced from the condensation chamber so as to encourage condensate to flow into a collection region in fluid communication with the condensation chamber. To be accompanied by FIG. 5.

Abstract: A feedback device determines when a person has placed enough weight upon his/her foot to safely take the next step, and then communicate that information to the person via a haptic device on the person's ankle or an audio, visual and/or vibration feedback display on an application on the person's smart phone. Five sensors in an insole between the person's foot and shoe determine the force of the person's leg. The five sensors in the insole will be positioned under the heel, the fifth metatarsal head, the first metatarsal head, the space between the second metatarsal head and the third metatarsal head, and the hallux (big toe).

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards a device, method of using a device, and a method of making a device for predicting the nutritional status in an individual of any age or weight. The device includes one or more strips for measuring the circumference of a body part of an individual. The method includes taking the girth measurement and reading a standard score from the device to estimate the nutritional status of the individual.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for targeted training of a person walking on a powered backward moving surface. Kinematic information of motor performance, such as ankle position and velocity, is measured throughout one or more phases of a gait cycle with a detector. The gait phase is determined, and a resistive/assistive force is applied to the leg that differs depending upon the gait phase and the measured kinematic information.

Abstract: A method to identify feature points associated with the heart valve movement, heart contraction or cardiac hemodynamics is revealed. The mechanocardiography (MCG) is a technology that makes use of vibrational waveforms acquired using at least one gravity sensor attached on one of the four heart valve auscultation sites on the body surface. The data of the electrocardiography (ECG) is recorded simultaneously with the MCG. The feature points are identified by comparing P, R and T points of synchronized ECG with the MCG spectrum. By the time sequences and amplitudes of the feature points, the method provides additional clinical information of cardiac cycle abnormalities for diagnosis.

Abstract: A method of calculating an amount of exercise performed includes measuring noise based on a relative difference in displacement between a skin of a user and a sensor attached to the skin of the user, and determining a number of steps taken by the user based on the measured noise.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chemo-optical sensor unit for transcutaneous measurement of a concentration of a gas, comprising: at least one sensing layer adapted to be irradiated with a predetermined radiation; and at least one gas-permeable layer adjacent to one side of the at least one sensing layer, adapted to pass gas whose concentration is to be measured through the gas-permeable layer towards the sensing layer; wherein said chemo-optical sensor unit is adapted to operate with a contact medium between the gas-permeable layer and the skin, wherein said contact medium comprises a barrier layer which is gas-permeable and impermeable to water and ions; and wherein the chemo-optical sensor unit is adapted to measure an optical response of the at least one sensing layer, whose optical response depends on the concentration of the gas.

Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed here provide ways to discriminate fault types encountered in analyte sensors and systems and further provide ways to process such discriminated faults responsively based on sensor data, clinical context information, and other data about the patient or patient's environment. The systems and methods thus employ clinical context in detecting and/or responding to errors or faults associated with an analyte sensor system, and discriminating the type of fault, and its root cause, particularly as fault dynamics can appear similar to the dynamics of physiological systems, emphasizing the importance of discriminating the fault and providing appropriate responsive processing. Thus, the disclosed systems and methods consider the context of the patient's health condition or state in determining how to respond to the fault.

Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed here provide ways to discriminate fault types encountered in analyte sensors and systems and further provide ways to process such discriminated faults responsively based on sensor data, clinical context information, and other data about the patient or patient's environment. The systems and methods thus employ clinical context in detecting and/or responding to errors or faults associated with an analyte sensor system, and discriminating the type of fault, and its root cause, particularly as fault dynamics can appear similar to the dynamics of physiological systems, emphasizing the importance of discriminating the fault and providing appropriate responsive processing. Thus, the disclosed systems and methods consider the context of the patient's health condition or state in determining how to respond to the fault.

Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed here provide ways to discriminate fault types encountered in analyte sensors and systems and further provide ways to process such discriminated faults responsively based on sensor data, clinical context information, and other data about the patient or patient's environment. The systems and methods thus employ clinical context in detecting and/or responding to errors or faults associated with an analyte sensor system, and discriminating the type of fault, and its root cause, particularly as fault dynamics can appear similar to the dynamics of physiological systems, emphasizing the importance of discriminating the fault and providing appropriate responsive processing. Thus, the disclosed systems and methods consider the context of the patient's health condition or state in determining how to respond to the fault.

Abstract: A biological fluid sampling device for collecting a blood sample from a separate vascular access device and for ejecting a portion of the collected sample to a point-of-care testing device for analysis is provided. The biological fluid sampling device includes a body enclosing a reservoir. The reservoir has an internal volume sufficient to contain enough blood for use in a diagnostic test. The sampling device further includes: an access lumen extending from a distal end of the body for establishing fluid communication between a separate vascular access device and the reservoir; an outflow lumen also in fluid communication with the reservoir; and a removable vented cap attached to the outflow lumen including a gas permeable vent in gaseous communication between the reservoir and ambient air. In addition, several sample and transfer devices are provided for obtaining a sample from a subject and transferring the sample to a point-of-care testing device.

Abstract: A flushable fluid handling assembly including a housing element defining a central bore and at least first, second and third ports, the first and third ports being line connection ports and the second port being a syringe connection port, a handle element which is selectably positionable relative to the housing element, at least one fluid passageway communicating between at least two of the at least first, second and third ports, the at least one fluid passageway being selectably defined by rotational positioning of the handle element relative to the housing element, a first fluid flow guide extending radially to an inner facing wall of the central bore, the first fluid flow guide associated with the at least one fluid flow passageway and a syringe fixedly connected to the second port, the syringe including an axially displaceable plunger.

Abstract: Systems and methods for autonomous intravenous needle insertion are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a system for autonomous intravenous insertion include a robot arm, one or more sensors pivotally attached to the robot arm for gathering information about potential insertion sites in a subject arm, a medical device pivotally attached to the robot arm, and a controller in communication with the sensors and the robot arm, wherein the controller receives the information from the sensors about potential insertion sites, and the controller selects a target insertion site and directs the robot arm to insert the medical device into the target insertion site.

Abstract: A system for processing the manometric measurements carried out by way of an anorectal probe includes one or more processing units, which include: an acquisition module configured for acquiring management parameters of an anorectal manometry; a basal module configured for processing the manometric measurements acquired during the basal maneuver of anorectal manometry in accordance with the management parameters; a squeeze module configured for processing the manometric measurements acquired during the squeeze maneuver; an endurance module, configured for calculating the time interval between the instant at which a maximum value is measured during the squeeze maneuver, and the instant at which the pressure measured falls below a squeeze threshold; a strain module configured for processing the manometric measurements acquired during the strain maneuver; and a memory module configured for the registration of functions and/or indexes calculated by the modules while processing said measures.

Abstract: Exemplary method, system and computer-accessible medium can be provided for diagnosing at least one disease and/or a subtype within a disease. For example, it is possible to determine at least one region of interest, and obtain a plurality of data points associated with each of such region(s) of interest. It is also possible to identify a particular pattern of the data points across each of such region(s) of interest. Further, it is possible, e.g., using a computer arrangement, to determine a likelihood of the disease(s) and/or the subtype by comparing the particular pattern to at least one known pattern.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting a probability of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures using a portable battery powered device placed on the body of a patient and a device for manually logging detected seizures within a time period. The device may, advantageously, have a seizure detection algorithm which automatically records seizures detected within that time period. The two sets of data may then be transferred to a another device where the logged time stamps are matched to the recorded time stamps for determining if the detected seizure is a generalized tonic-clonic seizure (GTCS) or might be a psychogenic nonepileptic seizure (PNES). This provides a cheap and simple method for registering a probability of PNES by using a seizure detection device having an EMG-sensor or an accelerometer.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to apparatuses and methods for diagnosing a swallowing dysfunction. The apparatuses may include a multi-parametric dysphagia analysis system in a plastic foil. The analysis systems may be smart sensing systems that are flexible, lightweight, and based on substrates having low-cost printed electronics technologies thereon. The methods may include measurement and classification of non-invasive parameters that may be indicative of a swallowing dysfunction or the probability of same. In a general embodiment, the methods include placing a sensor on a patient for measurement of at least one parameter associated with the patient's swallowing profile. The measured parameter is then analyzed and compared with several known normal and dysphagic swallowing profiles to provide an indication of the probability of an underlying swallowing dysfunction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wrinkle measurement apparatus and a wrinkle measurement method. The wrinkle measurement apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a surface direction compression part including first and second contact parts arranged at a preset gap while coming into close contact with the skin, so as to compress the skin in the direction of the surface thereof; and a wrinkle measuring part for measuring skin wrinkles in at least two states among pre-compression, mid-compression and post-compression.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a computer program product includes a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith. The embodied program instructions are executable by a processing circuit to cause the processing circuit to receive collected data from one or more data collection devices. The collected data is aggregated over a period of time lasting at least one month, and the collected data includes audio data of a user of the one or more data collection devices. The embodied program instructions also cause the processing circuit to store the audio data to a computer readable storage medium. Moreover, the embodied program instructions cause the processing circuit to analyze the audio data for indications of hearing loss in the user over the period of time.

Abstract: A medical device including a probe configured to be orally inserted into a lumen extending into the thorax of the subject, a plurality of electrodes, and a control circuit. The probe includes a first electrode. The plurality of electrodes includes at least one second electrode and at least one third electrode configured to be disposed externally on the thorax of the subject on a first side of a sternum of the subject and a second side of the sternum of the subject, respectively, the second side opposite the first side. The control circuit is electrically coupled to the first electrode and the at least one second and third electrodes and configured to measure an impedance between the first electrode and each of the at least one second and third electrodes and determine a ratio of arterial blood volume relative to venous blood volume based upon the measured impedance.

Abstract: An alertness prediction bio-mathematical model for use in devices such as a wearable device that improves upon previous models of predicting fatigue and alertness by gathering data from the individual being monitored to create a more accurate estimation of alertness levels. The bio-mathematical model may be a two-process algorithm which incorporates a sleep-wake homeostasis aspect and a circadian rhythm aspect. The sleep-wake homeostasis aspect of the model is improved by using actigraphy measures in conjunction with distal skin, ambient light and heart rate measures to improve the accuracy of the sleep and wake estimations. The circadian rhythm model aspect improves fatigue prediction and estimation by using distal skin, heart rate and actigraphy data. The sleep-wake homeostasis and circadian rhythm aspects may also be combined with additional objective and subjective measures as well as information from a user to improve the accuracy of the alertness estimation even further.

Abstract: A sensor is disclosed comprising, in at least one embodiment an electrode, a track and an electrical connector, wherein, the track is comprising an electrically conductive flexible and elastic material that comprises an electrically conductive material that is non-contiguous that when stretched is able to transmit an electrical signal from an electrode to an electrical connector and from an electrical connector to an electrode.

Abstract: Systems and methods may provide for identifying sensor data associated with an intraoral device and analyzing a chemical composition of an ingestible product based on the sensor data. Additionally, a notification may be selectively generated based on the chemical composition. In one example, analyzing the chemical composition includes determining the level of one or more of an allergen, a toxin or a predetermined substance in the ingestible product.

Abstract: The invention provides a physiological probe that comfortably attaches to the base of the patient's thumb, thereby freeing up their fingers for conventional activities in a hospital, such as reading and eating. The probe, which comprises a separate cradle module and sensor module, secures to the thumb and measures time-dependent signals corresponding to LEDs operating near 660 and 905 nm. The cradle module, which contains elements subject to wear, is preferably provided as a disposable unit.

Abstract: This invention relates to an implantable device for a physiologic sensor, comprising an implantable expandable anchor, a bridge on which the sensor is secured, as well as an optional adapting ring. The invention also relates to a method of monitoring bodily functions using the anchor and sensor. The anchor is compressed and the bridge assumes an elongated shape during delivery to a target lumen. Upon deployment at the target site, the anchor expands and the bridge bows into the interior lumen of the expanded anchor, distancing the sensor from the vessel wall. This invention also relates to a method of manufacturing said device and a method of implanting a sensor.

Abstract: Elongated conductors are provided. Aspects of the elongated conductors include: an elongated structure having a proximal region and a distal region, where the elongated conductor includes two or more insulated conducting members that are in fixed relative position along at least a portion of the elongated structure and extend from the proximal region to the distal region. A pattern of insulation openings among the insulated conducting members is present at one or both of the proximal and distal regions. Aspects of the invention further include methods of making the elongated conductors, as well as devices that include the elongated conductors.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for autonomously soothing babies. An example method may include receiving a first sound input from a microphone, processing the first sound input, determining a baby status based at least in part on the first sound input, determining an output action based at least in part on the baby status; and implementing the output action at the children's apparatus.

Abstract: Embodiments relates to a method and apparatus for risk stratification, monitoring, detection and prediction of adverse events in bedridden people. The method and apparatus can be used to prevent heath related conditions in people.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compression of breasts during mammography, and in particular to a compression element for a breast holding arrangement for mammography examinations. In order to ensure an increased user comfort and an improved application of pressure force, a compression element (10) for a breast holding arrangement for mammography examinations is provided, comprising a supporting structure (12), a first surface (14), and a second surface (16). The supporting structure is configured to be attached to a mounting structure for exerting a compression force on a breast under examination. The first and second surfaces are attached to the support structure; and the first and second surfaces are arranged facing in opposite directions. The second surface is provided to compress the breast under examination. The first surface is provided to be visible to a user, wherein the first surface is provided as an optically adaptable surface (18).

Abstract: A method for acquiring electrical signals from a living subject, including injecting, via an injection electrode attached to the subject, a known calibration signal to the subject and measuring respective levels of output signals generated at input electrodes attached to the subject in response to the calibration signal. The method further includes deriving respective weighting factors for the input electrodes in response to the respective levels, and applying the respective weighting factors to physiological signals acquired by the input electrodes, so as to generate respective corrected physiological signals.