Abstract: Airway impedance of a subject using a respiratory treatment device can be measured, in accordance with one or more embodiments. A conduit is configured to communicate a flow of inhaled gas and a flow of exhaled gas to and from an airway of the subject using the respiratory treatment device. A first valve is disposed within the conduit and configured to affect the flow of exhaled gas. One or more sensors are disposed within the conduit and are configured to provide a signal conveying information associated with one or more characteristics of gas exhaled by the subject while the flow of exhaled gas is affected or unaffected by the first valve. An airway impedance monitoring module can be executed by a processor to determine an impedance metric of the airway of the subject based on the information conveyed by the signal provided by the one or more sensors.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for preventing one or more cardiac channelopathies or conditions resulting from irregularities or alterations in cardiac patterns, or both, in a human or animal subject comprising: one or more pharmacologically active agents that causes at least one of IKr channel inhibition or QT prolongation by inhibiting the activity of an ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG); and one or more liposomes, wherein the liposomes are empty liposomes and administered prior to, concomitantly, or after administration of the pharmacologically active agent.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program for non-invasively monitoring a physiological parameter and providing biofeedback. The method, system, and computer program provide for the non-invasive detection of a physiological parameter by detecting changes in color channel values of a user in a live video feed and presenting biofeedback to the user indicating the relative position of the physiological parameter to an optimal range.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide an artery visualization device capable of very appropriately visualizing a to-be-punctured artery and an artery imaging device used for the artery visualization device.

Abstract: A system for detecting blood pressure based on imaging photoplethysmography (iPPG) includes an inward-facing head-mounted camera to capture images of a first region of interest (IMROI1) that comprises a portion of exposed skin of the user's face, and an outward-facing head-mounted camera to capture images of a second region of interest (IMROI2) that comprises exposed skin on a hand of the user. The head-mounted cameras may be coupled to a frame of eyeglasses or smartglasses, and the system further includes a computer to calculate a blood pressure value for the user based on first and second photoplethysmographic signals recognizable in IMROI1 and IMROI2.

Abstract: The invention provided herein relates to a wearable medical device and methods of use thereof for monitoring brain signals by electroencephalography technology in critically ill subjects suspected of having abnormal brain wave patterns including but not limited to electrographic seizures, spike and waves, periodic discharges and rhythmic delta activity.

Abstract: A portable biometric wrist device having an optical sensor and including at least one light source and at least one light detector installed onto a circuit board, a casing having at least one aperture for said at least one light source and at least one aperture for said at least one light detector, wherein each of said at least one light source and at least one light detector are optically isolated from each other inside said casing with a sealing plate between said casing and said circuit board, said sealing plate having at least one aperture for said at least one light source and at least one aperture for at said least one light detector. The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing said portable biometric wrist device.

Abstract: A connector interface configured to enable component interconnection with a location sensor of a catheter placement system is disclosed. The catheter placement system is configured to assist a clinician in positioning a catheter in a desired location within a body of a patient. In one embodiment, the location sensor assembly comprises a location sensor body for temporary placement on a portion of the patient body, and a connector interface. The connector interface is configured to removably attach to the location sensor and provide a plurality of electrically conductive pathways between the location sensor and additional components of the catheter placement system to enable the additional components to operably connect with the location sensor. The connector interface further includes a first connector configured to operably connect with a second connector of one of the additional components of the catheter placement system through a drape interposed between the first and second connectors.

Abstract: An animate object detection system includes an apparatus configured for supporting an animate object and a sensor disposed in physical communication with the apparatus. The sensor includes a piezoelectric material and is configured for producing an electric signal in response to a force applied to the apparatus by the animate object. The system also includes a signal conditioner disposed in electrical communication with the sensor and configured for manipulating the electric signal and producing an output signal, and a receiver configured for receiving the output signal and generating an indicator signal. A method of detecting an animate object is also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a biological signal measuring system based on a driving environment for a vehicle seat. A biological signal measuring device is provided in a seat of a vehicle where most of the body of the driver who is driving a vehicle is consistently located to easily measure a biological signal of the driver and determine and remove noise from the biological signal which is caused by the movement of the driver due to change in a driving environment and a road condition, thereby improving reliability of measurement of a biological signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a smartphone based telemedical devices incorporating into smartphone medical devices such as stethoscopes, thermometers, ultrasound imaging devices and/or alarm generators for diagnosis or determination of the disease or health status or condition of a user. The present smartphone based telemedical devices can be advantageously and conveniently used to measure and generate and/or remotely transmitting the medical data or information generated by the incorporated medical devices thus allowing an accurate and rapid determination of the status of a user particularly under emergency particularly when there are no regular medical or hospital services are available.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for extracting physiological information from remotely detected electromagnetic radiation emitted or reflected by a subject. A data stream derivable from electromagnetic radiation emitted or reflected by a subject is received. The data stream comprises a sequence of signal samples indicative of desired subject motion and of disturbing motion. The signal samples represent at least one region of interest exhibiting an at least partially periodic indicative motion pattern attributable to at least one physiological parameter, and a non-indicative motion region.

Abstract: According to certain described aspects, multiple acoustic sensing elements are employed in a variety of beneficial ways to provide improved physiological monitoring, among other advantages. In various embodiments, sensing elements can be advantageously employed in a single sensor package, in multiple sensor packages, and at a variety of other strategic locations in the monitoring environment. According to other aspects, to compensate for skin elasticity and attachment variability, an acoustic sensor support is provided that includes one or more pressure equalization pathways. The pathways can provide an air-flow channel from the cavity defined by the sensing elements and frame to the ambient air pressure.

Abstract: The present application describes techniques to filter signals contaminated with blunt noise. Calculated filter coefficients may be applied to signals to generate filtered output signals without the blunt noise. Sets of filter coefficients may be calculated utilizing an ?-tube filter process in conjunction with an autoregressive exogenous (ARX) model. Sets of filter coefficients may be calculated in accordance with a constrained optimization algorithm using data indicative of a source of the blunt noise. When the blunt noise is modeled in accordance with the ARX model, filtered output signals are generated having amplitudes constrained to a selected Epsilon value, which may be the amplitude of a primary component of the unfiltered signal. A set of filter coefficients may be calculated by determining, from the set of filter coefficients that satisfy the constrained optimization algorithm, a solution that produces a filtered output signal having the most time-invariant frequency composition.

Abstract: A biological signal measuring system includes: first and second optical sensors attached to first and second body portions of a subject; a first average oxygen saturation acquiring section acquiring a first average value corresponding to an average value of the first oxygen saturation corresponding to an arterial oxygen saturation in the first body portion in a predetermined time period starting at a first time; a second average oxygen saturation acquiring section acquiring a second average value corresponding to an average value of the second oxygen saturation corresponding to an arterial oxygen saturation in the second body portion in the predetermined time period starting at a second time that is different from the first time; and a difference value acquiring section acquiring a difference value, to be displayed, between the first average value and the second average value.

Abstract: Automated critical congenital heart defect (“CCHD”) screening systems and processes are described. A caregiver may be guided to use a single or dual sensor pulse oximeter to obtain pre- and post-ductal blood oxygenation measurements. A delta of the measurements indicates the possible existence or nonexistence of a CCHD. Errors in the measurements are reduced by a configurable measurement confidence threshold based on, for example, a perfusion index. Measurement data may be stored and retrieved from a remote data processing center for repeated screenings.

Abstract: A system for predicting a likelihood of an occurrence of hallucinations in a subject including a master device configured to be at least one of moved, moved on, and manipulated by a subject, a slave device operably connected with the master device and adapted so that the subject is directly or indirectly touched by the slave device according with the master device's movement, a computer device operably connected to both the master and the slave device, the computer device configured to modulate at least one of a time, space, and force activation of the slave device in response to an activation of the master device, record data regarding a difference in at least one of time, space and force activation, compare the recorded data with reference data, and graphically or numerically showing the result of the comparison on a display device, as an indicator of the likelihood of the occurrence of hallucinations in a subject.

Abstract: A device for extracting physiological information indicative of at least one vital sign of a subject from detected electromagnetic radiation transmitted through or reflected from a subject comprises an input interface for receiving a data stream of detection data derived from detected electromagnetic radiation transmitted through or reflected from a skin region of a subject. The detection data comprises wavelength-dependent reflection or transmission information in at least two signal channels representative of respective wavelength portions. A signal mixer dynamically mixes the at least two signal channels into at least one mixed signal. A processor derives physiological information indicative of at least one vital sign from the at least one mixed signal, and a controller controls the signal mixer to limit the relative contributions of the at least two signal channels mixed into at least one mixed signal and/or the rate-of-change at which said relative contributions are allowed to dynamically change.

Abstract: A shock probability determination system and method provides an output of probabilities for different types of shock based on input of selected patient demographic parameters and current clinical parameter values as well as normal ranges for each clinical parameter based on patient demographic data. The probability of different types of shock is determined based on comparison of current clinical parameter values of selected patient hemodynamic parameters to a normal range for each hemodynamic parameter. In one aspect, probabilities of cardiogenic shock, hypovolemic shock, septic shock, and anaphylactic shock are determined. In another aspect, a fluid status indicator is determined based on real-time probability of hypovolemic shock.

Abstract: Methods are described herein for adjusting characteristics of signals used to verify or track the reliability of communication between a remote sensor and a managing device. For example, an exchange rate of signals sent between the remote sensor and managing device may be adjusted to minimize power consumption when the devices are determined to be reliably communicating. In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods herein may further be configured to inform an individual of when a remote sensor approaches a physical boundary, moves out of a communication range, is turned off, becomes damaged, or otherwise has or may become incapable of proper or reliable communication.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray CT apparatus includes a gantry, storage circuitry and control circuitry. The gantry including an X-ray tube is relatively movable on a floor surface of an examination room. The storage circuitry store information of a first boundary indicating an outer edge of a FOV inside the opening portion and information of a second boundary located between the first boundary and an inner surface of the opening portion to prevent interference between an object and the gantry. The control circuitry control the X-ray tube to stop emitting X-rays based on a relative positional relationship between a scan target area of the object and the first boundary or control the gantry to stop moving based on a relative positional relationship between a non-scan target area of the object and the second boundary.

Abstract: Two detector units and two holding arms are provided. The detector units are each disposed on a part of an arc of a circle surrounding a subject. The holding arms each disposed on the arc hold the detector units individually. The holding arms move independently along the circle surrounding the subject, thereby causing the detector units to move. Consequently, a first detector unit is held with a first holding arm entirely, and a second detector unit is held with a second holding arm entirely. This causes less swing of the detector units achieving a simple configuration.

Abstract: A dental x-ray sensor holder adapted for engaging a portion of an x-ray tube and holding a digital sensor inside a patient's mouth. The holder includes a holder base arm with a first and second tube arm. The first and second tube arms are adapted for engaging a portion of a side of the x-ray tube and hold the tube in a fixed position next to a patient's cheek. The holder also includes a buccal arm adapted for receipt inside the patient's mouth and next to a buccal side of a tooth under review. The buccal arm includes an elongated arm opening for receiving a portion of a sliding interoral position arm. The position arm is attached to a digital x-ray sensor. The position arm is used to adjust the sensor in the middle of the patient's mouth.

Abstract: The invention comprises a multiplexed proton tomography imaging apparatus and method of use thereof. In one embodiment, a method for imaging a tumor of a patient comprises the steps of: (1) simultaneously detecting spatially resolved positively charged particle positions passing through each of a set of cross-section planes, where the cross-section planes are both prior to and posterior to the patient along a path of the positively charged particles; (2) determining a prior vector for each of the individual positively charged particles entering a patient using the detected positions; (3) determining a posterior vector for each of the individual positively charged particles exiting the patient using the detected positions; (4) generating a probable path of each positively charged particle through the patient; and (5) generating an image of the patient using the n probable proton paths and optionally a detected residual energy of each proton.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a radiographic imaging device that improves visibility by preventing a phenomenon in which a stent image is inverted in an enlarged displayed video of a stent image that appears in a live image. Specifically, the present disclosure is provided with a trimming unit that performs editing such that, from among two stent markers indicating the position of a stent image that appears in a superimposed frame generated by superimposing source frames that serve as the source of a live image, a specific stent marker is constantly oriented in the same direction on the frame. As a result of using the trimming unit to edit superimposed frames that are continuously generated, a problem seen in the prior art wherein an object to be displayed within video playback is inverted does not occur.

Abstract: An x-ray interferometric imaging system includes an x-ray source with a target having a plurality of discrete structures arranged in a periodic pattern. The system further includes a beam-splitting x-ray grating, a stage configured to hold an object to be imaged, and an x-ray detector having a two-dimensional array of x-ray detecting elements. The object is positioned between the beam-splitting x-ray grating and the x-ray detector, the x-ray detector is positioned to detect the x-rays diffracted by the beam-splitting x-ray grating and perturbed by the object to be imaged.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that acquire image data of a first location of a region of interest (ROI) when located in a field of view of a medical imaging system as a contrast material injected into the ROI passes through the first location. The systems and methods further determine from the image data of the first location when a first contrast metric is reached, and after determining the image data of the first location, position the second location of the ROI in the field of view of the medical imaging system. The systems and methods further acquire image data of the second location as the contrast material passes through the second location, and determine from the image data of the second location when the contrast material reaches a second contrast metric.

Abstract: A method for assessing blood vessel stenosis using image data of a subject is disclosed. The image data represents a vascular structure of the subject. The method comprises: (a) segmenting, from the image data, a vessel segment representing a segment of a blood vessel, (b) obtaining, using the image data, a plurality of two-dimensional images of the vessel segment; said plurality of two-dimensional images representing respective cross-sections of the vessel segment, (c) identifying, for each of the plurality of two-dimensional images, a lumen area comprising lumen pixels representing a lumen of the corresponding cross-section, (d) obtaining a quantitative measure using the lumen areas of successive cross-sections of the vessel segment, and (e) assessing blood vessel stenosis using the quantitative measure. A computer system for performing the above method is disclosed.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for correcting the contrast levels of a medical image of a vascular system is described. One of the methods includes identifying a global reference contrast level. The method includes for each image location which represents a location within the vascular system, determining a corrected contrast level by multiplying the original contrast level of that location by the ratio of the global reference contrast level divided by a local reference contrast level.

Abstract: In a method, a water equivalent diameter (abbreviated to WED) of a slice plane of an examination volume is received via an interface. In an embodiment, a noise level based on the water equivalent diameter is determined via a computer unit, the noise level being an upper threshold value for the noise of a CT image dataset. Furthermore a reference dose parameter is determined based on the noise level and the water equivalent diameter via the computer unit, the reference dose parameter corresponding to a first x-ray dose, which would be absorbed in the slice plane during a recording of a first CT image dataset of the examination volume upon the noise of the first CT image dataset corresponding to the noise level. Finally, the reference dose parameter is indirectly proportional to a power of the noise level.

Abstract: A derivation unit derives imaging conditions corresponding to virtual grid characteristics (grid ratio) received by a receiving unit on the basis of a table stored in a storage unit. The derivation unit sets the derived imaging conditions in a radiation source control unit. The radiation source control unit controls a radiation source on the basis of the set imaging conditions such that a radiographic image is captured. An execution unit of an image processing device acquires the radiographic image captured by the radiation detector through a detector control unit. The execution unit performs a virtual grid process for the acquired radiographic image on the basis of the virtual grid characteristics received by the receiving unit and the imaging conditions derived by the derivation unit to generate a radiographic image from which the influence of scattered radiation has been removed and displays the radiographic image on a display unit.

Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus, including a plurality of pixels, a plurality of column lines and a processor, the plurality of pixels including first pixels and second pixels configured to generate signals of different values by receiving radiation rays of equal irradiation rates, and the plurality of pixels being arrayed such that their numbers are different between a first column and a second column of the plurality of columns, wherein the processor, after radiation irradiation is started, obtains a first signal of the first column and a second signal of the second column while maintaining each pixel to an OFF state and performs AEC based on the first and second signals.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes a scanning protocol creation unit, an image acquisition unit, a post-processing unit, and a storage unit. The scanning protocol creation unit creates a scanning protocol for a particular part of body of an object. The image acquisition unit acquires source image data by scanning the particular part using an imaging device according to scanning parameters in the scanning protocol. The post-processing unit performs post-processing on the source image data according to post-processing parameters in the scanning protocol to obtain processed image data. The storage unit stores the scanning protocol, or store the source image data and the processed image data or index identifiers thereof in association with parameters related to the scanning protocol as single job data of the object. The scanning protocol includes the scanning and the post-processing parameters, and information related to the imaging device and the post-processing unit.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus comprises an operating unit for inputting an instruction from an operator; and a controller for eliminating at least a part of the puncture guide line, which has been displayed so as to be superimposed on the ultrasound image, when an instruction for non-display of the puncture guide line is given through the operating unit during the freeze operation, and automatically returning the eliminated puncture guide line and displaying the eliminated puncture guide line so as to be superimposed on the real-time ultrasound image at the time of returning from the freeze operation to the live operation.

Abstract: A synthetic aperture ultrasound system includes an ultrasound probe, and an ultrasound signal processor configured to communicate with the ultrasound probe to receive phase and amplitude information from a plurality of ultrasonic echo signals from a corresponding plurality of ultrasound pulses. The synthetic aperture ultrasound system also includes a positioning system configured to communicate with the ultrasound signal processor to provide probe position information. The positioning system is configured to determine a first position and a second position of the ultrasound probe relative to a region of interest. The ultrasound signal processor is further configured to coherently sum, utilizing the probe position information, at least one of the plurality of ultrasonic echo signals from the first position with at least one of the plurality of ultrasonic echo signals from the second position to provide a synthetic aperture that is larger than a physical aperture of the ultrasound probe.

Abstract: Provided is a method of displaying a medical image, including: generating a first image showing a region of interest (ROI) by using echo signals corresponding to ultrasound signals transmitted toward the ROI; selecting second images showing the ROI from among prestored images; and displaying the first image and the second images on a screen.

Abstract: Provided is an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus including a data acquirer configured to obtain ultrasound data about an object having blood vessels; an image processor configured to extract a blood vessel area from an ultrasound image generated based on the ultrasound data, extract a plaque area included in the blood vessel area, and analyze a risk of plaque based on at least one of a surface shape of the plaque area and brightness information of the plaque area; and a display configured to display the risk of plaque.

Abstract: An estimated value of sound velocity of a subject interior is derived more stably and with higher accuracy. A phasing processing section provides, to each of received signals that were generated by piezoelectric elements respectively, respective delay times that were computed on the basis of each of plural set sound velocities, and phases the received signals per set sound velocity. A degree of similarity deriving section derives, for each of the set sound velocities, a degree of mutual similarity among received signals that were phased by the phasing processing section. An optimal set sound velocity deriving section derives, as an optimal set sound velocity, an estimated value of sound velocity of the subject interior on the basis of the degree of mutual similarity among the received signals of each of the set sound velocities.

Abstract: Systems and methods for relaying electrical signals representing acoustic response of a volume of tissue to light and ultrasound stimulation. In an embodiment, a plurality of ultrasound transducers receive acoustic energy from the volume and generate electrical energy, which is transmitted via an electrical path to a relay system. The ultrasound transducers are operated at a wide band frequency of at least 1 MHz to 5 MHz to receive acoustic energy from the volume of tissue responsive to light stimulation and at a narrower band frequency to receive acoustic energy from the volume of tissue responsive to acoustic stimulation. The relay system relays the electrical signals to an optoacoustic system or an ultrasound instrument for further processing depending on whether the electrical signals resulted from ultrasound or light stimulation. In an embodiment, optoacoustic, ultrasound, or other images are generated from the electrical signals and may be coregistered, overlayed, or displayed.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system (102) includes an ultrasound sub-system (104) with at least a transducer array (112), and an ultrasound resource pool (106). The ultrasound sub-system and the ultrasound resource pool are separate entities. The ultrasound resource pool provides temporary access to ultrasound processing resources of the ultrasound resource pool on an on-demand basis, based on an identified performance mode of the ultrasound sub-system for a scan.

Abstract: The present invention includes strainers used to gather solids from voided urine. Embodiments include urinary bowl strainers, hand-held strainers and disposable hand-held urine strainers, all of which are particularly useful for gathering kidney stones passed in urine that are intended for verification of passing said kidney stones, and for laboratory analysis which may be used to guide clinical treatment to prevent recurrent kidney stone formation. Embodiments of disposable urine samplers are also disclosed. The embodiments of urine strainers and samplers disclosed herein are particularly adapted for use by female patients, though male patients may also use the devices.

Abstract: The dual syringe with percutaneous cannula is a medical device for harvesting and transferring cells for autologous transplantation without the requirement of a surgical setting or ambulatory care. The dual syringe is a closed sterile system that allows for the harvesting syringe to harvest the cells/tissue from a first location of a patient which is then centrifuged to aggregate the cells. The aggregated cell pellet is transferred to a transfer syringe. The cell pellet is then reinjected by the transfer syringe into the patient at a second location for therapeutic purpose. The percutaneous cannula permits insertion of a cannula, with the assistance of a needle, without the need of a surgical incision or trocar.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to programming a foot pedal and switches located therewith that is used with a medical device and/or medical device system. A user may select any switch or directional movement available on the foot pedal for programming by activating the switch and/or moving a treadle located on the foot pedal or by selecting a foot pedal feature on a display. The programming options available for the selected switch or directional movement are displayed on the display screen. Using the foot pedal, the display screen, voice command or combinations thereof, the user can navigate through different options to select one or more options and confirm the chosen option(s) for the particular switch or directional movement. The control and feel of the movement of the treadle and/or switch provides the user with the ability to program custom settings that suit the user's foot position(s) and/or particular style of surgery.

Abstract: A laparoscopic wound closure device includes an elongated body portion including a proximal end, a distal end, and a pair of vertical suture channels. Each vertical suture channel has an entrance at the proximal end and an exit near the distal end for passing a suture needle through, and travels parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body portion of the device. The vertical suture channels are designed to cause a suture needle to deflect laterally as it exits the wound closure device. The wound closure device can be an obturator or a sheath of a trocar assembly, and can be used to inject local anesthetic at the conclusion of surgery.

Abstract: A soft material retractor includes at least two soft actuators, each actuator having at least one pressurizable interior space, wherein the actuator has a first flexible resting state and a second stiffer pressurized state; and a flexible sheet spanning the actuators such that the actuators can be spaced apart from each other by a distance selected to displace a volume of material of a body cavity. The retractor can be uses for holding open wounds or incisions, with trochars, or to displace anatomical features such as organs within a body cavity.

Abstract: A pre-assembled, telescoping needle system comprising an outer needle surrounding a finer gauge needle which, after percutaneous penetration by the outer needle, extends to penetrate the intervertebral disc into which the injectable is to be delivered.

Abstract: Various devices, systems, and methods are provided for allowing surgical instruments to access a body cavity through an access device, such as a cannula. In one embodiment, a cap can be removably and replaceably coupled to a proximal end of cannula and can have an opening therethrough that communicates with an inner passageway of the cannula. Various surgical elements can be passed through the cap and cannula and into a patient when the cannula is positioned within the patient. The cap can have a side slot formed therein. The slot can be configured to allow surgical elements, such as sutures, to pass through the cap and into the cannula. At least one surgical seal can be in the cap and can be configured to receive surgical elements therethrough.

Abstract: The use of red or near infrared light upon neurons of the lumbar plexus that are in distress due to retraction-induced ischemia. The surgeon may protect nerves made ischemic in the surgery by: a) making an incision in a patient, b) inserting an access device into the patient through the incision to at least partially create a path to a spine of the patient, and c) irradiating nervous tissue adjacent the path with an amount of NIR or red light effective to provide neuroprotection.

Abstract: Assemblies for securing a fractured or weakened bone within a subject's body are provided. The assembly includes a frame having an adjustable flexible member construct thereon. The adjustable flexible member construct is disposed in the frame such that the adjustable flexible member and the frame encircle the fractured or weakened bone.

Abstract: A system and associated method for manipulating tissues and anatomical or other structures in medical applications for the purpose of treating diseases or disorders or other purposes. In one aspect, the system includes a delivery device and a plurality of anchor assemblies. The delivery system is configured to deliver a first anchor using loaded energy and reload the energy required to deliver an addition anchor.