Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for preventing, diagnosing, monitoring, and/or treating bruxism as well as related diseases of an individual. In a first aspect the invention relates to an apparatus for preventing bruxism of an individual, comprising: means for applying a plurality of stimulation signals for providing relaxation of at least one of the masticatory and/or facial muscles of said individual, means for applying said stimulations signals with a predefined setting, and means for applying said stimulations signals independent of activity of said muscle(s). The invention may be suitable for both nocturnal and awake bruxism.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing device including: a sleep environment controlling unit configured to, when exerting control of, on the basis of a result of forecast of a transition of a depth of sleep of a user at least in a period from a first time to a second time, a sleeping environment of the user such that the depth of sleep at the second time falls below a first depth-of-sleep threshold value estimated as an upper limit of a first depth-of-sleep region in which the user is likely to awake, decide a temporal pattern of the control in the period from the first time to the second time in accordance with a temporal pattern of the transition.

Abstract: A method for evaluating pain experienced by a human is disclosed. The method includes applying a first noxious stimulus to a normative site on the human, wherein the first noxious stimulus is applied below a pain threshold of the human and logging a first information associated with the first noxious stimulus. The method further includes applying a second noxious stimulus to a source of the pain in the human, wherein the second noxious stimulus is applied until pain threshold is reached and logging a second information associated with the second noxious stimulus. The method further includes increasing the second noxious stimulus until pain tolerance is reached and logging a third information associated with the second noxious stimulus. The method further includes continuing to apply the second noxious stimulus until the human can no longer tolerate the second noxious stimulus and logging a fourth information associated with the second noxious stimulus.

Abstract: An integrated system for injection including an injection device (10) in electronic connection with a communication device (A) is provided. The external communication device may be a handheld electronic device such as a Smartphone or a dedicated reader such as a reader capable of reading information contained on an RFID tag. The injection device includes a needle (12) and a drug delivery portion (28) enclosed within an external housing. Optionally, a plurality of sensors (16) is affixed to the surface of the needle to collect data about the injection and physical characteristics of the patient. The data may be recorded on a data capture module (36). The electronic chip may be a readable and writable electronic chip such as a nonvolatile memory chip. The injection device may further include a data transmitter (42) for sending information obtained from the data capture module to the external communications device.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a patient's compliance with a medication regimen includes an electronic tag integral with or attached to a medicine delivery device such as a capsule, the tag having an antenna and a receiver/transmitter, the system also including a reader positioned externally for detecting the presence and location of the delivery device in the patient.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for rapidly introducing treatment to patients suffering traumatic brain injuries. A wearable map of the brain electroencephalography (EEG) points is worn in a headscarf, helmet, or other headgear for providing real-time information on a wearer's brain condition. The overall system includes an application (app) or program software that may run on a tablet, portable communication device, or computing device that processes the data from the EEG sensors and interprets the data in real time. If there is an accident or other stress forces experienced by the wearer that mimics a concussion, the system initiates the real-time ejection of a cooling agent within the headgear to provide a reduction in the victim's brain temperature with the helmet cooling system. A drug intervention system and injury detection app for expedited treatment of a potential brain injury during the critical early phases of the injury is also provided.

Abstract: An expert diagnosis system integrated in a hearing prosthesis system is configured to diagnosis, grade, and remediate inner ear crises. In particular, the expert diagnosis system analyzes combinations of in-situ measured inner ear potentials, obtained in response to electrical and/or acoustic stimulation, in order to identify crisis signatures and to correlate those crisis signatures to clinical symptoms of a specific type and cause of an inner ear crises (i.e., automatically diagnosis the inner ear crisis). The expert system is further configured to grade the severity of the identified clinical symptoms and initiate some form of remedial action to address the identified inner ear crisis.

Abstract: An intracerebral current simulation method including a first step of providing head image data; a second step of forming a three-dimensional brain model including micro-polyhedron units; a third step of providing first information which includes conditions under which a coil is placed on a patient's head, an electric current is applied to the coil, and the patient's reaction to the magnetic stimulation is observed, the conditions including a position and orientation of the coil, an electric current applied to the coil, and a structure relating to a generated magnetic field of the coil; and a fourth step of calculating an eddy current or electric field induced inside each of the micro-polyhedron units on the basis of the first information provided in the third step and second information which includes conductivity assigned to each micro-polyhedron unit. Also disclosed is a transcranial magnetic stimulation device and system.

Abstract: Provided are a health care device and a method of operating the health care device. The method includes: detecting, by the health care device, biosignal information of a user through skin of the user; obtaining health status information of the user by using the detected biosignal information; providing a task of the user for improving a health status, according to the obtained health status information; and monitoring whether the user achieves the provided task.

Abstract: A wearable device has a core contraction sensor and a movement sensor which transmits signals to a processor which analyzes the signals. The core contraction signal may determine if the user's core is contracted or relaxed. A video camera on a smart device may be used with the wearable device to record video of a user while data from the sensors on the wearable device are also recorded. The core contraction and movement sensor data may be sent to and viewed on the smart device display together with video of the user performing a movement. The simultaneous viewing of the video and sensor data may provide immediate feedback to the user regarding the timing of core contractions with body movements in an athletic, training, or therapeutic movement to allow the user to modify and improve coordination of core contraction with body movements to improve movement performance and achieve better results.

Abstract: Athletic activity may be tracked and monitored while providing encouragement and maintaining an individual's interest in continuing to perform athletic activity. For example, energy expenditure values and energy expenditure intensity values may be calculated based on the duration and type of activity performed by an individual. These values and other movement data may be displayed on an interface in a manner to motivate the individual and maintain the individual's interest. Other individuals (e.g., friends) may also be displayed on an interface through which a user's progress is tracked. This may allow the user to also view the other individuals' progress toward completing an activity goal and/or challenge.

Abstract: A differential or relative measurement between an orthogonal measurement vector and another measurement vector can be used to determine the location where fluid accumulation is occurring or the local change in such fluid accumulation. This can help diagnose or treat infection or hematoma or seroma at a pocket of an implanted cardiac rhythm management device, other implanted medical device, or prosthesis. It can also help diagnose or treat pulmonary edema, pneumonia, pulmonary congestion, pericardial effusion, pericarditis, pleural effusion, hemodilution, or another physiological condition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for monitoring a physiological parameter of players engaged in a sporting activity. The system includes a plurality of reporting units, a controller, and a signaling device. The reporting unit has an arrangement of sensing devices that measure the physiological parameter of an individual player and generate parameter data. The controller receives the parameter data transmitted from each reporting unit and then processes the parameter data to calculate a parameter result. When the parameter result exceeds a predetermined value, the controller communicates with a signaling device that provides an alert to sideline personnel to monitor the player(s) in question. The system also includes a remote storage device for holding historical data collected by the system which permits subsequent analysis.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods, systems and computer program products for monitoring a user of a helmet for cumulative concussions. Aspects include monitoring one or more sensors in the helmet and receiving an output from the one or more sensors corresponding to an impact experienced by the helmet. Aspects also include calculating a cumulative concussion score based on the output of the one or more sensors and displaying an indication of the cumulative concussion score via an indicator on the helmet.

Abstract: A system for monitoring biometric signals of a user comprising: a garment configured to be worn by the user and comprising a mounting module having an array of connection regions; a set of biometric sensors coupled to the garment and configured to communicate with the array of connection regions to receive and transmit biometric signals indicative of muscle activity of the user; and a portable control module configured to couple to the garment in a first configuration and to decouple from the garment in a second configuration and comprising: a housing comprising an array of openings; a set of contacts, each including a first region that hermetically seals at least one of the array of openings and couples to at least one of the array of connection regions in the first configuration, and an electronics subsystem coupled to the housing and in communication with a second region of each contact.

Abstract: A mobile healthcare device and method of operating the same are provided. The method includes setting a mode of the mobile healthcare device to a measurement mode, displaying a screen for guiding a user to maintain a predetermined position during the measurement mode, and, in response to a predetermined amount of time passing from a time at which the screen begins to be displayed, obtaining state information of the user based on bio information of the user, the bio information being received from a sensor.

Abstract: A device for determining a physiological property of a body includes an insulating support having a compliant contact surface with a conductive element to contact the body. A mounting fixture disposed over a mounting surface of the support removably holds a rigid sensor spaced apart from the body and coupled to the conductive element to determine the physiological property via that element. A method for enabling a physiological parameter to be measured without direct contact between an active device and the body includes arranging a conductive element over an inner surface of an insulating circumferential band. A sensor with the active device is attached to the exterior of the band and thus coupled to the element. A system includes the sensor having a mounting connector, and sensor carriers with respective supports, mounting fixtures, and conductive elements. The sensor mounted on a carrier determines the property via the respective conductive element.

Abstract: Devices, apparatuses, and systems configured to assist in the location of an ABTT terminus and then to measure the temperature of the ABTT terminus.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating ultra-miniature, ultra-compliant probe arrays through spin coating, wherein a dissolvable material in hydrogel form is dispensed onto an assembled mold with wires. Once the dissolvable material is dispensed onto the mold, centrifuging spin casts the material by evaporating the solvent, forming a dried dissolvable polymer. Finally, a device is used with water to remove excess dissolvable material to obtain a dissolvable needle with wires.

Abstract: An ear sensor provides a sensor body having a base, legs extending from the base and an optical housing disposed at ends of the legs opposite the base. An optical assembly is disposed in the housing. The sensor body is flexed so as to position the housing over a concha site. The sensor body is unflexed so as to attach the housing to the concha site and position the optical assembly to illuminate the concha site. The optical assembly is configured to transmit optical radiation into concha site tissue and receive the optical radiation after attenuation by pulsatile blood flow within the tissue.

Abstract: Apparatus, system and method for medical analysis of a seated individual, includes determining the aortic valve opening; the PTT; and calculating the PWV. Determining the aortic valve opening includes collecting BCG data while sitting on a seat and determining the timing of the aortic valve opening, taking into account posture. Measuring the aortic pulse wave transit time includes collecting BCG data while sitting on a seat capable of measuring changes in apparent weight; determining the timing of the aortic valve opening; detecting the arrival of the pulse wave at the end point; and measuring the relative timings of the two events. Calculating the PWV includes determining a length of the arterial segment through which a pulse wave is to be measured between a start point and an end point; and dividing the determined length of the arterial segment by the PTT.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle operating element (12) comprising a sensor (14) for non-invasive measurement of biomolecules in the blood of an operator of a vehicle operating element (12) by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, comprising at least one antenna (16) which includes at least a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer and an insulating layer being sandwiched between the two conductive layers. By means of the second conductive layer an excitation signal can be coupled out and an off-resonance excitation signal can be coupled into the antenna (16). Furthermore, a method of non-invasive measurement of biomolecules and a method of operating a vehicle are described.

Abstract: The method allows controlling the quality of an initial RR series consisting of a plurality of (RRi) samples which are respectively a function of time intervals (?ti) which separate two successive heartbeats. During this method, one resamples the RR series so as to obtain a resampled RR series, and one automatically controls the quality of the RR series by automatically calculating at least the mathematical norm value (NORME), in a sliding window, of the resampled RR series, said mathematical norm value being given by the following formula: NORME = ? i = 1 N ? ( RR i - 1 N ? ? i = 1 N ? ( RR i ) ) 2 where N is the number of RRi samples in said window.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of RFID chips affixed to a medical item, a device reader such as a data collection engine device, and a server device. The data collection engine wirelessly transmits power to an RFID chips and receives first medical data from the RFID chip while the RFID chip is activated by the power receiver. The data collection engine generates a first message indicative of the first medical data to be sent to the server device. The server device can determine aspects of the medical item such as position and risk states based upon the first medical data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for obtaining pulse transit time and/or pulse wave velocity information of a subject (14). Based on a set of image frames (19) of a subject (14) and detected motion of body parts of the subject (14) regions of interest are selected from different non-moving body parts and pulse transit time and/or pulse wave velocity information is obtained from acquired PPG signals extracted from different regions of interest and the respective determined physical distance between the respective regions of interest.

Abstract: A method for monitoring autoregulation includes receiving a blood pressure signal and an oxygen saturation signal, determining a phase difference between the blood pressure signal and the oxygen saturation signal, and determining a patient's autoregulation status based at least in part on a phase difference between the blood pressure signal and the oxygen saturation signal.

Abstract: A monitor configuration system which communicates with a physiological sensor, the monitor configuration system including one or more processors and an instrument manager module running on the one or more processors. At least one of the one or more processors communicates with the sensor and calculates at least one physiological parameters responsive to the sensor. The instrument manager controls the calculation, display and/or alarms based upon the physiological parameters. A configuration indicator identifies the configuration profile. In one aspect of the invention, the physiological sensor is a optical sensor that includes at least one light emitting diode and at least one detector.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, receiving a user selection of a heart failure symptom, receiving a user selection of an abnormal psychological condition, receiving information about a physiological patient status parameter, and determining a heart failure status using the received information.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a supporting table and an imaging system including the supporting table. Said supporting table comprises: a supporting table body; a bracket provided on the supporting table body to be supported by the supporting table body and configured to bear a target object, wherein the bracket can move to protrude out of the supporting table body; a supporting roller, which can be detachably mounted between the supporting table body and the bracket to support the bracket relative to the supporting table body when the bracket moves. Accordingly, overhanging deformation of the bracket may be a voided or minimized by the support of the supporting roller.

Abstract: A system and a method for acquiring image data of a subject with an imaging system is provided. The system can include a gantry that completely annularly encompasses at least a portion of the subject, with a source positioned within and movable relative to the gantry. The source can be responsive to a signal to output at least one pulse. The system can include a detector positioned within and movable relative to the gantry to detect the pulse emitted by the source. The system can also include a detector control module that sets detector data based on the detected pulse, and an image acquisition control module that sets the signal for the source and receives the detector data. The image acquisition control module can reconstruct image data based on the detector data. The signal can include a signal for the source to output a single pulse or two pulses.

Abstract: In an X-ray scanning apparatus mounted with a photon counting type radiation detector, a data processing device of the X-ray scanning apparatus includes a correction unit that corrects a digital output value in each of the plurality of energy ranges with respect to each X-ray detection element in order to obtain an accurate projection image by correcting a counting error of the number of X-ray photons in each energy range. The correction unit includes an inflow amount calculation portion that calculates a digital amount corresponding to X-ray photons which flow from a certain X-ray detection element to another X-ray detection element, and an energy shift inflow amount/outflow amount calculation portion that calculates a digital amount corresponding to X-ray photons which flow into a high energy range due to energy shift in a single X-ray detection element, and performs correction by using the digital amounts calculated by the calculation portions.

Abstract: To improve performance in Photon Counting CT, pixel miniaturization, a reduction in circuit dead time, and dealing with scattered radiation and charge sharing are important. In addition, because the number of circuits increases, a reduction in power consumption of each circuit is important. Under these constraints, circuitry that deals with the scattered radiation is provided. Each pixel includes a circuit that determines whether radiation has been detected by another, adjacent pixel at the same time, and counters that count the radiation are switched on the basis of the result of the determination. On the basis of this result, counts of non-coincident events are primarily used, and coincident counts are used after being corrected, for reconstruction data.

Abstract: A system and method for simulating energy transport between particles and an object in radiotherapy is provided. A three-dimensional representation, having a plurality of voxels, is generated for a portion of a patient to be treated. A material index for each of the plurality of voxels is determined. The material index has an identifier for a first boundary material corresponding to a voxel and a percentage of the voxel associated with a second boundary material. The method further comprises simulating energy transport between a particle and the object by calculating an amount of energy deposited by a particle within the patient based on the material indices of the voxels and a list of boundary materials.

Abstract: Projection data are acquired by one or more gamma detectors of a medical imaging system. The counts for each projection are binned into time bins to provide respective frames. Using a computer processor, a respective weight factor is computed for each pair of input points among a plurality of input points associated with respective time bins, each input point being an M-dimensional representation of the frame corresponding to the associated time bin for one of the projections. Each weight factor is inversely proportional to a distance computed between the corresponding pair of input points according to an adaptive distance measure that is dependent on the projection data corresponding to said one projection. An N-dimensional surrogate respiratory signal (N<M) is generated based on an optimization of a nonlinear objective function using the weight factors, wherein the surrogate respiratory signal is indicative of patient respiratory activity.

Abstract: A frequency decomposition unit performs frequency decomposition for a first radiographic image to acquire a plurality of band images. A scattered radiation removal unit calculates a scattered radiation component that is caused by a subject and is included in a second radiographic image which has a linear relationship with the amount of radiation, using the second radiographic image, and removes the scattered radiation component from the second radiographic image to acquire a scattered-radiation-removed radiographic image. A conversion function determination unit determines a conversion function for converting at least one of the band images according to the scattered radiation component included in the second radiographic image. A reconstruction unit converts the band image, using the conversion function, and generates a converted band image. The reconstruction unit reconstructs the scattered-radiation-removed radiographic image and the converted band image to acquire a processed radiographic image.

Abstract: A medical X-ray photographing apparatus includes: a support configured to hold the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector in a facing state, the X-ray generator emitting an X-ray, the X-ray detector outputting an electric signal according to an incident X-ray; a base body that rotatably holds the support; a turning driver that turns the support about a turning axis; and a turning controller that controls the turning driver. The medical X-ray photographing apparatus also includes: a light emitter disposed at a position on a virtual loop line surrounding the turning axis; and a light emitter controller that controls the light emitter in association with the turning of the support.

Abstract: A method and a system are disclosed for image acquisition, in which the protocol for controlling the CT scanner is computed automatically. The system includes a facility, which includes at least one CT scanner; a central PACS system in which image data and assigned metadata are stored as image data information, acquired with the facility; and an analysis unit, in terms of programming technology and/or circuit technology, for analyzing the captured image data information to automatically compute therefrom, the specific operating conditions and the facility-specific protocol parameters for the CT scanner protocol.

Abstract: A stethoscope with a body; a diaphragm; and an integral annular axially compliant suspension. The annular axially compliant suspension is located below the diaphragm and inside an inner perimeter of the body. An axially compliant reticulated foam pressure pad is located within the annular suspension, and the diaphragm is a very thin foil, preferably made from copper, to provide antimicrobial properties.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods for use in improving the diagnostic quality of images, including intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images, are disclosed. The methods include using a non-linear, probabilistic classifier algorithm to analyze a plurality of spatiotemporal features of RF backscatter and to produce a blood likelihood map or blood probability map that corresponds to the original IVUS image. The methods disclosed herein allow for visualizing both static and dynamic characteristic of a vessel either by producing a transparency modulated color overlay of the blood likelihood map without altering the underlying IVUS image or by processing the IVUS image based upon the blood likelihood map to better distinguish between static and dynamic components of the vessel.

Abstract: An endoluminal filter, comprising a first support member having a first end and a second end; and a second support member attached to the first end of the first support member or the second end of the first support member and forming a crossover with the first support member to form two loops one on either side of the crossover, wherein at least a portion of the first or second support member is modified to provide an enhanced echogenic characteristic. A system for positioning a filter within a vasculature including an endoluminal filter, a user interface, a display, and a processor is also provided. A method for positioning a filter within a lumen is also provided wherein the steps are performed using an intravascular ultrasound system and the filter is modified to provide at least one echogenic characteristic.

Abstract: A method includes receiving an intra-procedure image of a region of interest of an object. The intra-procedure image includes a representation of an instrument in the object. The method further includes identifying a location of the instrument in the object in the intra-procedure image. The method further includes combining the intra-procedure image with a pre-procedure image of the region of interest. The pre-procedure image includes a planned trajectory for the instrument from a surface of the object to a target in the object and segmented structure(s) to be avoided by the instrument during the procedure. The method further includes segmenting the same structure(s) in the intra-procedure image relative to the instrument using the segmented structure(s) in the pre-procedure image. The method further includes computing a risk of the instrument contacting the structure(s) along the trajectory with the identified location, the trajectory, and the segmented structure(s) in the intra-procedure image.

Abstract: A fetal movement monitoring method that limits the ultrasound radiation to safe levels and conforms to the ALARA principle is disclosed. The disclosed method of monitoring fetal movements by Doppler ultrasound comprises accumulating the time for which ultrasound is radiated into a subject, comparing the accumulated time with a first reference total time, counting the number of fetal movements in the subject, comparing the number of movements with a reference number, deciding at least one of a further action of the device and an action to be recommended to the subject and conveying at least one of a further action of the device, an information to the subject about the counted fetal movements and an action recommended to the subject. A Doppler ultrasound device for monitoring fetal movements in a subject is also disclosed.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe includes a capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (cMUT) array configured to generate ultrasonic waves, an integrated circuit to which the cMUT array is bonded, and a flexible printed circuit board having one end connected to the integrated circuit to output signals to the integrated circuit, the integrated circuit including pads provided on the integrated circuit and an anisotropic conductive film (ACF) provided on the pads, and the one end of the flexible printed circuit board being connected to the ACF to thereby connect the flexible printed circuit board to the integrated circuit.

Abstract: Disclosed are an ultrasound image providing apparatus and method. The ultrasound image providing apparatus includes an interface that displays a screen including a gain setting window which includes a plurality of slide bars for setting a plurality of time gain compensation (TGC) values of ultrasound image data, and receives, through the gain setting window, a user input for adjusting at least one selected from the sizes and number of slide bars, and a controller that performs control to update and display the gain setting window, based on the user input.

Abstract: A method of generating an ultrasound elastic image includes: inducing a shear wave that propagates in a second direction by transmitting a first ultrasound signal including a push signal to an object in a first direction, by a curved array probe; transmitting a second ultrasound signal to the object and receiving an echo signal reflected by the object in response to the second ultrasound signal, via the curved array probe; and generating an elastic image of the object by using the received echo signal. The second ultrasound signal includes a plane wave having a straight line waveform parallel to the second direction.

Abstract: A relationship is established between points or regions in images of objects deformed in different ways, for example images of the human chest in a mammography and 3D ultrasound process. While a plurality of recording parameters which can be used for such an automatic image registration are often known in X-ray and other imaging methods, precise recording parameters, in particular for the position of the chest, are usually not available in ultrasound processes. The object is to additionally detect the position, in particular the tilt, of the chest and the ultrasound transducer in a chest ultrasound. A linking of multiple ultrasound recordings to one another or a comparably more precise automatic image registration using other modalities can then be carried out using the position of the ultrasound transducer relative to the chest. The position is detected in a manner that is specific to the case.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry obtains three-dimensional medical image data, taken by using an ultrasound probe, of a region including a heart valve of a patient and a catheter inserted into a heart chamber of the patient. The processing circuitry determines an advancing direction of a tip end part of the catheter by obtaining information on a position and a posture of the tip end part included in the three-dimensional medical image data, by using at least one selected from shape information indicating the shape of the tip end part and reflection characteristic information indicating ultrasound reflection characteristics of the tip end part. The processing circuitry generates a display image from the three-dimensional medical image data in accordance with the position and the advancing direction of the tip end part. The processing circuitry causes the display image to be displayed.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment acquires a tomogram of a subject and displays the tomogram, based on a reception signal which is obtained by transmitting/receiving ultrasonic waves to/from the subject. The apparatus comprises maximum value memory circuitry, select circuitry, and an ultrasonic output controller. The maximum value memory circuitry stores a maximum value of an index value relating to an ultrasonic output, with respect to each of scan regions of the subject. The ultrasonic output controller acquires, from the maximum value memory circuitry, the maximum value of the index value corresponding to the scan region selected by the select circuitry, and controls the ultrasonic output such that the ultrasonic output does not exceed the maximum value of the index value.

Abstract: A medical ultrasonic probe includes an ultrasonic probe having a probe head and a connector. The connector includes a fluid cooling system comprising a pump configured to pump a cooling fluid between the connector and the probe head. A damper including a housing has a first portion defining a cavity receiving the cooling fluid and a second portion including a gas that is separated from the first portion by a membrane.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems are described for administering a swallowable cell collection device to a patient. Methods include releasing a swallowable bundle of string of the cell collection device from a bundling apparatus, maintaining the string in a swallowable bundle while releasing the swallowable bundle from the bundling apparatus, and placing the swallowable bundle on the tongue of the patient. Methods also include constraining a retrieval string of the cell collection device in a swallowable bundle with a dissolvable band and placing the swallowable bundle on the tongue of the patient.