Abstract: The endoscope herein described has a unique steering capability allowing the highly flexible distal end of the shaft of the device to be moved to a full range angular positions without rotating the device on its long axis, thus enabling the device to be steered within the cavity of interest. The relative lengths of the control cables used to move the distal end of the bendable shaft can be changed whenever the flexible or malleable shaft is to be re-shaped to a new configuration thus preventing the distal end or the steering mechanism from assuming an undesired angular position. When used as an endotracheal device, a novel tongue retractor is described which forms an internal conduit, allowing passage of the bendable shaft of the endotracheal intubation device and an endotracheal tube therethrough. Methods for performing a tracheal intubation and changing the relative lengths of the cables are disclosed.

Abstract: An endoscope illuminating optical system to be disposed at a front end of an insertion portion of an endoscope includes a lens formed by a transparent-resin molding having a function of a front-end frame, which is configured to be disposed at a front-end side of the insertion portion, and a light guide which is disposed adjacent to the lens. A surface of the lens facing the light guide is a composite concave surface in which two axisymmetric concave surfaces are overlapped, and has a gourd-shaped effective cross-section. An effective range of a distal end surface of the light guide has a shape of an ellipsoid, or an oval, or a gourd, and has a long axis in a longitudinal direction of the gourd-shaped effective cross-section of the surface of the lens facing the light guide side, and a short axis in a direction perpendicular to the long axis. The cross-section of the composite concave surface includes an end surface of the light guide.

Abstract: An endoscope optical system unit includes an endoscope illuminating optical system and an endoscope objective optical system. The endoscope illuminating optical system includes a light-emitting section and a first optical-path deflecting prism group, which includes a first prism, a second prism, and a third prism. The endoscope objective optical system includes a lens group and a second optical-path deflecting prism group, which includes a fourth prism, a fifth prism, and a sixth prism. A direction of irradiation of illumination light by the endoscope illuminating optical system, and a visual field direction of the endoscope objective optical system, are variable by rotation of the prisms.

Abstract: A method by which Spatial 3D stereoscopic video is generated with a dual camera subassembly in a hand held device. The 3D Left-Right Multiplexed Spatial Stereoscopic video stream is wirelessly coupled to a processing system for simultaneous visualization comparison with intraoral cavity digital dental impression 3D CAD formatted files, Cone Beam Panoramic Computed Tomography images, Optical Coherence Tomography planar images and Panoramic X-ray image digital files for Stereoscopic visualization on stereoscopic displays and occluding viewing glasses.

Abstract: An illuminated microsurgical probe may include a handle, a diffuser, an aspiration conduit, and an optic fiber bundle. The diffuser may include a diffuser distal end, a diffuser proximal end, and a diffuser inner bore. The handle may include a handle distal end, a handle proximal end, and a handle inner bore. The aspiration conduit may include an aspiration conduit distal end and an aspiration conduit proximal end. The aspiration conduit distal end may be disposed in the diffuser inner bore and the aspiration conduit proximal end may be disposed in the handle inner bore. The optic fiber bundle may include an optic fiber bundle distal end and an optic fiber bundle proximal end. The optic fiber bundle distal end may be disposed in the diffuser inner bore.

Abstract: An otoscope device is disclosed comprising a portion configured to be introduced in an ear canal of a patient's outer ear; and an electronic imaging unit configured for capturing at least one image of the patient's outer ear, especially of the eardrum. The otoscope device further comprises electronic and/or optic means configured for determining spectral information, especially with respect to wavelengths shorter than 550 nm; and is configured for identifying and/or locating objects shown in the at least one image, especially the eardrum, in dependence on a specific amount of blue components and/or UV components of the image or of radiation reflected from the object. Further, a method is disclosed for identifying and/or locating objects in a subject's ear or to a method of identifying an eardrum.

Abstract: Provided herein is a retraction device for retracting soft tissue from the dental surfaces in the oral cavity of a patient. The retraction device is comprised of a topology conformable structure, where the topology conformable structure is adaptable to be delivered to the oral cavity in a constrained shape. The device can then undergo a conformation change in the oral cavity, where the device transforms into its unconstrained shape. The unconstrained shape of the device creates a useable working field in the oral cavity. The useable working field can provide increased accessibility to and/or visibility within the oral cavity. Also provided herein are methods for using the device and kits.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention receives by an interface a retinal image from a patient, and identifies by a feature extraction device vessel fragments in the retinal image. The vessel fragments include at least a portion of a major vessel and at least a portion of a branch connected to a major vessel. A processor computes estimated blood flow velocities in the vessel fragments with a blood flow velocity estimation model and determines actual blood flow velocities in the vessel fragments. An analysis engine compares the actual blood flow velocities in the vessel fragments to the estimated blood flow velocities in the vessel fragments. The analysis engine detects a candidate plaque affected vessel fragment when the estimated blood flow velocities in the vessel fragments differs from the actual blood flow velocities in the vessel fragments by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: The present technology relates to an image processing device, a method of image processing, and a surgical microscope that can detect and report a dangerous condition on the basis of a tomographic image during eye surgery. An image processing device includes: a dangerous condition detection unit configured to detect a dangerous condition on the basis of a tomographic image of an eye acquired during surgery of the eye; and a control information generation unit configured to generate and output control information used to manage the detected dangerous condition. The present technology is applicable to, for example, a surgical system used for eye surgery or other surgical procedures.

Abstract: Provided is an ophthalmologic apparatus, including: a scan unit configured to repeat two-dimensional scanning on a fundus of an eye to be inspected with measuring light; an image generation unit configured to generate a two-dimensional image of the fundus based on reflected light of the measuring light from the fundus that is two-dimensionally scanned; and a control unit configured to control, in the two-dimensional scanning, an amount of the measuring light that is radiated to the fundus and is not used to generate the two-dimensional image to be smaller than an amount of the measuring light that is radiated to the fundus and is used to generate the two-dimensional image.

Abstract: Method for calibrating a head-mounted eye tracking device, the method comprising: all acquisition step (S3), during which eye data relating to the position of the eye of the wearer are acquired by the eye tracking device while having the wearer of the head-mounted eye tracking device look in a direction of reference with regard to the spectacle lens mount, an association step (S4) during which the eye data acquired during the acquisition step are associated with the gaze direction corresponding to the direction of reference, a recording step (S5), during which the associated eye data and the gaze direction are recorded—wherein the head-mounted mounted eye tracking device comprises a spectacle frame in which ophthalmic lenses are mounted and the gazing direction corresponding to the direction of reference is determined based on the dioptric function of the ophthalmic lenses.

Abstract: A method includes obtaining an image of an eye in a bright-pupil imaging mode in which a retinal retro-reflection complements the image of the eye in the bright-pupil mode, and obtaining an image of the eye in a dark-pupil imaging mode in which a cornea-scleral retro-reflection complements the image of the eye in the dark-pupil mode. One of the bright-pupil imaging mode and the dark-pupil imaging mode is selected based on quality of obtained images.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: an acquisition unit configured to acquire a tomogram of an eye portion of a patient to be examined; an information acquisition unit configured to acquire information of a predetermined portion and position information of a predetermined tissue structure from the tomogram; and a calculation unit configured to calculate an evaluation value based on a relationship between the information of the predetermined portion and a position of the predetermined tissue structure.

Abstract: Methods of obtaining a measure of blood flow using a Fourier domain optical coherence tomography (FDOCT) system is provided. The method includes obtaining a first optical coherence tomography (OCT) survey scan of a retina of a subject using an OCT scan beam and obtaining a second OCT scan of the retina. The second OCT scan is within an area defined by the obtained first OCT scan and includes a region of retinal blood vessels emerging from and returning to an Optic Nerve Head (ONH) of the retina. An optical phase change is determined from the obtained second OCT scan, the optical phase change being associated with blood flow in a retinal blood vessel in the region of the second OCT scan. An angle of the retinal blood vessel associated with the optical phase change is determined, the angle being measured relative to a direction of transmission of the OCT scan beam.

Abstract: An eye imaging apparatus includes a lighting device including a fundus illuminator and a cornea illuminator; a half mirror; an imaging device including a camera having a first objective lens; and a first polarizer. The first polarizer is disposed between the half mirror and the camera. The fundus illuminator irradiates the half mirror with first light polarized in a direction orthogonal to a transmission axis of the first polarizer. The half mirror receives the first light and outputs resulting light to an eye. A travel direction of the resulting light is in alignment with an optical axis of the first objective lens. The cornea illuminator emits light at a timing different from an emission timing of the first light, and the eye is irradiated with second light based on the light emitted by the cornea illuminator from a direction different from a direction parallel with the optical axis.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ophthalmologic apparatus includes an optical system, a support, a drive unit, an alignment optical system, two or more imaging units, an analyzer, and a controller. The optical system acquires data of an eye. The support is configured to support the face of a subject. The drive unit moves the optical system and the support relative to each other. The alignment optical system projects an indicator for performing alignment of the optical system with respect to the eye onto the anterior segment of the eye. The imaging units photograph the anterior segment of the eye, onto which the indicator is being projected, substantially simultaneously from different directions. The analyzer analyzes two or more photography images captured substantially simultaneously by the imaging units to specify the position of the eye. The controller controls the drive unit based on the position specified by the analyzer.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein provides methods for presenting glucose level data. Glucose data for a patient may be received. A current glucose level and a rate of change of the current glucose level may be determined based on the received glucose data. A first interface may be displayed on a screen of a device. The first interface may include a unitary icon. The unitary icon may display the current glucose level and a visualization of the rate of change. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes one or more wireless nodes forming a wireless mesh network; a user activity sensor including a wireless mesh transceiver adapted to communicate with the one or more wireless nodes using the wireless mesh network; and a digital monitoring agent coupled to the wireless transceiver through the wireless mesh network to request assistance from a third party based on the user activity sensor.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including generating a road map of a blood vessel in a portion of a subject's body. A given feature that is within the portion of the subject's body is identified in the road map, the given feature being visible even in images of the portion the generation of which does not include use of a contrast agent. A tool is inserted into the blood vessel, and a current location of a portion of the tool is determined with respect to the given feature, by imaging the tool and the feature. In response to the determined current location, a current position of the tool within the road map is determined. In response to determining the current position of the tool within the road map, the current position of the tool with respect to the road map is displayed. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Provided is a holder which comprises at least two probe mount portions and is to be put on the head of a subject by inserting a light-transmitting probe for emitting light from the tip thereof or a light-receiving probe for receiving light through the tip thereof in the probe mount portion, the holder characterized by being provided with a linear backbone portion extending in a first direction, at least two linear branch portions extending in a second direction different from the first direction, and a disposition reference point disposed so as to match a first specific point, the first specific point being set in the head of the subject.

Abstract: An optical measuring device including a light source, a light beam path adjuster, a light detector and a controller is provided. The light source may emit light toward an object in a predetermined progress direction. The light beam path adjuster may be disposed between the light source and the object and may change a progress path of the light emitted from the light source. The light detector may receive the light that is reflected from the object after passing through the light beam path adjuster. The controller may compare a first effective beam path length of the reflected light that the light detector receives with a predetermined target beam path length and control a refractive angle of the light beam path adjuster based on a beam path length difference between the first effective beam path length and the predetermined target beam path length.

Abstract: A method for locating at least one target, in an electromagnetically absorbent environment, includes: emitting at least one electromagnetic excitation signal from a source; receiving, by an acoustic sensor, an acoustic signal from emission of the excitation signal; detecting, in the received acoustic signal, a first time of receipt of a first response to the excitation signal from an acoustic disturbance caused by electromagnetic heterogeneity of the target in the environment; estimating a first distance between the target and the acoustic sensor using the first time of receipt; detecting, in the same received acoustic signal, a second time of receipt of a second response to the excitation signal from an acoustic disturbance caused by acoustic heterogeneity of the target in the environment; estimating a second distance between the source and target using the second time of receipt; obtaining a location of the target from the first and second estimated distances.

Abstract: Cerebral vasospasm is detected in subarachnoid hemorrhage patients by use of highly sensitive accelerometers in contact with the head. Acceleration data can be investigated in the time domain, typically averaged over a number of heartbeats, to detect a drop in energy during diastole, and diastole/systole ratio can be compared with known data of normal and vasospastic patients. Data from one or more accelerometers can also be subjected to FFT and optionally plotted in a waterfall diagram, to observe the appearance of energy at higher frequencies as 50 Hz to 1000 Hz, also indicating vasospasm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a measuring apparatus comprising: a light source unit; and a sensor unit configured to sense a plurality of properties to be measured with respect to an object by using light emitted from the light source unit, wherein the sensor unit comprises: a first region configured to sense a first property to be measured among the plurality of properties to be measured by sensing the light within a first wavelength range; and a second region configured to sense a second property to be measured among the plurality of properties to be measured by sensing the light within a second wavelength range that is different from the first wavelength range.

Abstract: An energy-efficient, wide-band, and compact wireless sensor reader remotely interrogates an implanted wireless inductive-capacitive (LC) sensor in order to measure a physiologic parameter of interest within a human body. The wireless sensor reader generates an instantaneous, spike-shaped, high-amplitude, low-energy pulse to excite the wireless LC sensor, causing it to emit a ring-down signal. The wireless sensor reader subsequently receives, amplifies, and filters the ring-down signal. Next, the wireless sensor reader digitizes the ring-down signal and transfers the digitized ring-down signal to a processing unit. The processing unit computes a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) of the digitized ring-down signal and then locates the resonant frequency of the LC sensor using a threshold peak detection technique.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for timing measurements in a non-invasive blood pressure measurement system. The systems and methods are capable of providing measurement results according to patient-specific time intervals. The disclosed systems may include a pump unit, signal acquisition circuit, user interface, clock, memory, microprocessor, power unit and communications module. The disclosed invention also contains a method for calculating an expected measurement duration. Additionally systems and methods for providing blood pressure results according to patient-specific time intervals using an expected measurement duration are discussed. Related apparatus, systems, methods and or/articles are described.

Abstract: A bio signal measuring apparatus is provided which a receiver configured to receive a pulse signal penetrating a person to be measured, a processing unit configured to process the pulse signal to analyze a bandwidth of the pulse signal and to measure a bio signal of the person to be measured based on an analysis result on the bandwidth, and a storage unit configured to store data used to measure the bio signal.

Abstract: In part, the disclosure relates to computer-based methods, devices, and systems suitable for performing intravascular data analysis and measurement of various types of data such as pressure and flow data. The disclosure relates to probes and methods suitable for determining an event in a cardiac cycle such as flow threshold such as a peak flow, a fraction thereof, other intravascular parameters or a point in time during which peak flow or a change in one of the parameters occurs. An exemplary probe includes one or more of a pressure sensor, a resistor, a flow sensor and can be used to generate diagnostic data based upon measured intravascular and other parameters. In part, the disclosure relates to methods and systems suitable for determining a coronary flow reserve value in response to one or more of intravascular pressure and flow data or data otherwise correlated therewith.

Abstract: A method for assessing the electrical function of a heart, a method for determining a subject's need for the implantation of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator or the need for administration of an anti-arrhythmic agent, and apparatus for assessing the function of the heart and a computer program product. The methods and products involve analysis of ECG.

Abstract: A medical device includes multiple electrodes and a processor. The multiple electrodes are coupled to a substrate attached externally to a patient and are configured to sense multiple respective electrical signals from an organ of the patient. The processor is configured to estimate two or more noise levels associated with the electrical signals sensed by two or more respective pairs of the electrodes, to select the electrical signals having a smallest noise level from among the two or more noise levels, and to provide only the selected electrical signals for analysis.

Abstract: A patient monitoring system includes a capacitive electrode connectable to a patient to detect an output signal and a signal generator unit that transmits a carrier signal to the capacitive electrode, the carrier signal having a carrier frequency and a carrier amplitude. The patient monitoring system further includes an amplifier unit that amplifies the output signal detected by the capacitive electrode to generate an amplified output signal. A gain determination module in the patient monitoring system determines an output amplitude of a carrier frequency portion of the amplified output signal, and determines a system gain based on a comparison between the output amplitude and the carrier amplitude. A voltage determination module in the patient monitoring system filters the output signal to isolate a physiological signal detected from the patient, and determines a voltage of the physiological signal based on the system gain.

Abstract: A probe for use in performing impedance measurements on a subject. The probe includes a housing for being held by an operator in use, a contact surface for contacting the subject and a connector for connecting the contact surface to a measuring device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an external standard reference system of a type inserted into the coil of a human magnetic resonance imaging equipment, and more specifically, to a system capable of analyzing metabolic components (quantity of metabolites) in a human body without an error and a limited range using an external standard reference analysis method, in order to enhance accuracy of diagnosis by utilizing magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the human magnetic resonance imaging equipment. A system for evaluating performance of magnetic resonance spectroscopy includes an outer container for inserting an RF coil and provided with a plurality of holes; a plurality of inner containers arranged to be inserted into the plurality of holes respectively and capable of being filled with metabolites different from each other in at least a type or a concentration; and a frame for fixing a head of an object arranged inside the outer container.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for detecting collagen within tissue using magnetic resonance imaging. In some embodiments, pulse sequences are employed to measure signals at multiple TE values including ultra-short echo times, and the TE dependence of the measured signal is fitted to a mathematical function including at least two decay terms, where the first (initial) decay term is modulated and is associated with the presence of collagen. In another example embodiment, spectroscopy or spectroscopic imaging is employed to measure the free induction decay within at least one region of interest, and the time-dependence of the measured signal is fitted to a mathematical function including at least two decay terms, where the first decay term is modulated and is associated with the presence of collagen. In some embodiments, the methods described herein may be employed for the detection and/or assessment of myocardial fibrosis.

Abstract: There is provided a medical image display apparatus comprising a storage unit which stores data of a plurality of different types of medical images including the same region of a subject to be examined which are generated by the same type of image generating device, and a display control unit which displays the plurality of medical images at substantially the same position on a screen while sequentially switching the medical images one by one.

Abstract: A method, including inserting a catheter having at least one electrode into a chamber of a body organ of a patient and recording at a sequence of times respective sets of currents between the at least one electrode and a plurality of patches positioned on skin of the patient. The method further includes, while recording the sets of currents, acquiring x-ray images of the at least one electrode, and determining locations of the catheter from the images. A relation is derived between the locations and the respective sets of currents based on the sets of currents and the images. The method also includes recording subsequent sets of currents between the at least one electrode and the patches, and determining, based on the relation, subsequent locations of the catheter in response to the subsequent set of currents.

Abstract: The present teaching relates to surgical procedure assistance. In one example, a first image of an organ having a lesion is obtained prior to a surgical procedure. Information related to a pose of a surgical instrument at a first location with respect to the lesion is received from a sensor coupled with the surgical instrument. A visual environment having the lesion and the surgical instrument rendered therein is generated based on the first image and the information received from the sensor. A second image of the organ is obtained when the surgical instrument is moved to a second location with respect to the lesion during the surgical procedure. The second image captures the lesion and the surgical instrument. The pose of the surgical instrument and the lesion rendered in the visual environment are adjusted based, at least in part, on the second image.

Abstract: A respiratory monitor is disclosed that includes features for conducting multiple pulmonary function tests in a single device and for detecting the presence of nitric oxide in exhaled breath. Also described is a mouthpiece that allows for separate inhalation and exhalation pathways and for filtering inhaled and exhaled breath for predetermined species prior to exhalation into the respiratory monitor. The monitor further allows for wired, wireless and network connectivity and for cloud-based systems for communicating and correlating pulmonary data as well as relevant environmental data and displaying the data for use by patients and health care professionals.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for foot sensors to be used to determine at least two characteristics of a subject's activity by using a combination of sensors for force and foot orientation/motion/position. A wearable footwear ecosystem is comprised of the subject's footwear, sensor-enabled insoles or insertable devices, in- or on-footwear electronics that is hard wired to the sensors and may contain additional sensors such as accelerometers, a master device and means to communicate (typically wirelessly) among the various sensor platforms, and the master device including clock synchronization. Correlating the time stamps for data among various sensors, and the master device communicating wirelessly is critical to accurate determination of the desired characteristics. Multiple force-sensitive resistors on a common substrate are individually optimized for dynamic range. Pulse sensors using arrays of such force-sensitive resistors are implemented.

Abstract: Provided are a method and an apparatus for herpes zoster diagnosis and a recording medium using the method. The method includes: displaying a body shape image that matches a body dermatome distribution for defining an affected part on the body shape image, determining an area ratio based on an area of at least one dermatome covered by the affected part, and determining whether the affected part concentrates on any one of a left side or a right side with respect to a center line of the body shape image and whether the area ratio is smaller than a predetermined ratio, so as to decide whether the defined affected part is herpes zoster.

Abstract: A posture and breathing improvement device, system, and method. The system for improving posture and deep breathing may comprise: a sensor device; posture/breathing improvement software program, comprising one, both, or a combination of a posture improvement system interface and a breathing improvement system interface; and one or more user devices. The sensor device may be physically associated with a user and may communicate with the posture improvement software program. The sensor device may comprise: one or more sensors for monitoring positions and movements of the user. The system may calculate one or more optimum postural positions and breathing exercises for the user, based on data communicated by the sensor device and collected information about the user. The system may monitor a conformance of the user with the optimum postural positions and may display the conformance on the posture improvement system interface.

Abstract: A person's fall risk may be determined based on machine learning algorithms. The fall risk information can be used to notify the person and/or a third party monitoring person (e.g. doctor, physical therapist, personal trainer, etc.) of the person's fall risk. This information may be used to monitor and track changes in fall risk that may be impacted by changes in health status, lifestyle behaviors or medical treatment. Furthermore, the fall risk classification may help individuals be more careful on the days they are more at risk for falling. The fall risk may be estimated using machine learning algorithms that process data from load sensors by computing basic and advanced punctuated equilibrium model (PEM) stability metrics.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of detecting physiological attributes of a wearer of a computerized wearable device having one or more sensors comprises (1) using the information from the one or more sensors to assess the physiology of the wearer; and (2) notifying the wearer of the wearer's physiology. In various embodiments, the method involves using the wearable device to determine the wearer's current posture, balance, alertness, and/or physical state and comparing the current posture, balance, alertness and/or physical state to at least one baseline measurement. For example, the system may measure a baseline posture to determine when the wearer's current posture deviates from the baseline posture, and notify the wearer so that the wearer may improve his or her posture. In other embodiments, the computerized wearable device may detect one or more of the wearer's physiological characteristics (e.g., oxygen levels, pulse rate, pupil size, etc.) and determine the wearer's alertness level.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of gait measurement using tri-axial accelerometer/gyro in mobile devices. In particular, the present invention relates to a method of gait measurement using tri-axial accelerometer/gyro in mobile devices for monitoring and improving the physical movement of a moving subject.

Abstract: A method for improving subject's spatial cognition and spatial memory includes presenting spatial information to the person through non-visual means, parcellating the image to enhance understanding of the nature and relationships of the image components to augment image memory, drawing the image, detecting and encoding the errors in the drawing, and providing interactive feedback based on the individual's drawing performance. The methodology includes audio-haptic feedback to present the spatial image information non-visually using an audible signal that varies as a function of the distance of the finger/stylus from the regions of a display that express the image features.

Abstract: Optoacoustic diagnostic systems, devices, and methods are described. A system may comprise a console unit and a handheld probe. The console unit comprises a controller, a processor, a photodiode array, an acoustic processing subsystem, and a cooling subsystem. The probe directs light signals from the photodiode array to patient tissue. The light signals each have different wavelengths selected based on the physiological parameter of interest. The probe further comprises an acoustic transducer that receives acoustic signals generated in response to the directed light signals. The probe may comprise a finger-held working end that can be directed to the skull of a fetus within the uterus during labor. The probe can then accurately determine blood oxygenation of the fetus to determine if a caesarian section is necessary.

Abstract: A sensor (1) for detection of gas, in particular for detection of CO2. The sensor (1) has a contact face (2) which can be directed towards a measuring site. The sensor (1) includes at least one radiation source (3), a measurement volume (4) for receiving the gas to be measured, and at least a first detector (5) for detection of radiation transmitted from the source (3) to the first detector (5) through the measurement volume (4). The sensor has a path (6) of the radiation between radiation source (3) and first detector (5). The radiation propagates along the path in a non-imaging way.

Abstract: Devices and methods for positioning a portion of a sensor at a first predetermined location, displacing the portion of the sensor from the first predetermined location to a second predetermined location, and detecting one or signals associated with an analyte level of a patient at the second predetermined location are disclosed. Also provided are systems and kits for use in analyte monitoring.

Abstract: An analyte sensor is provided that comprises a substrate which includes a semiconductor material. Embodiments may include a core of a conductive material, and a cladding of a semiconductor material, in which the cladding may form at least a portion of a conducting path for a working electrode of the analyte sensor. Method of manufacturing and using the analyte sensor are described, as are numerous other aspects.

Abstract: A novel blood collection device is described to secure a needle in place in a placenta or umbilical cord to prevent needle stick before, during, and after cord blood collection procedure.