Abstract: A biological information acquisition device includes: a light emitting unit which casts light on a living body; a plurality of light receiving units which receives the light transmitted through the living body; and a control unit which controls the light emitting unit and the light receiving units. The control unit causes the light emitting unit to emit light as a measurement light emitting unit, causes a plurality of measurement light receiving units spaced apart from the measurement light emitting unit by a first distance, of the plurality of light receiving units, to receive the light cast from measurement light emitting unit and thus acquires a plurality of light receiving results, and acquires biological information using a first light receiving result with a highest light reception intensity and a second light receiving result with a lowest light reception intensity, of the plurality of light receiving results.

Abstract: A sensor probe has a connector and the connector's corresponding receptacle on a console have security mechanisms that ensure that the connector and the receptacle are properly connected and mated. The connector and receptacle can have physical security features that block insertion of the connector into the receptacle if they are not aligned in a proper orientation. The console can also include a software security feature that allows optical measurements from the sensor probe only if the connector of the sensor probe and receptacle on the console are connected properly. An adapter can also be used to convert a conventional receptacle mounted on a console into a receptacle with security features.

Abstract: An on-body sensor (OBS) (5610) having a continuous monitoring (CGM) device is disclosed for use in identifying an analyte, such as glucose in blood or interstitial fluid (ISF), using a biomaterial, such as glucose binding protein (GBP), that is brought into contact with the analyte. The on-body sensor (5610) incorporating the CGM device includes a housing (5625?) which provides protection to the CGM device while providing comfort to a user wearing the device. The OBS also includes an adhesive structure that provides a comfortable, discreet and secure user experience.

Abstract: A regulator for modulation of the flow rate of blood out of a patients blood vessel during blood collection is disclosed. The regulator includes a housing having a housing inlet, a housing outlet, and a wall defining a housing interior. At least a portion of the wall includes a flexible member. A valve is associated with the flexible member and is in communication with the housing interior. The regulator is designed so that upon an application of a differential pressure within the housing interior, the flexible member and/or valve automatically move with respect to either the housing inlet or housing outlet to modulate a flow of blood moving through the housing. A manual over-ride device can be provided to enable a user to over-ride the automatic regulation and manually regulate the flow of blood through the housing.

Abstract: A puncturing system has a carrier tape carrying multiple lancets, a device housing comprising a conveying facility for moving the lancets into a usage position consecutively by moving the carrier tape in a conveying direction, a puncturing drive for accelerating one of the lancets that is positioned in the usage position in a puncturing motion, an opening in the device housing for touching against a body part in which a puncture is to be made by the puncturing motion of one of the lancets, an actuation facility for driving the conveying facility, and an unlockable interlock comprising a stop that blocks further transport of the carrier tape as soon as one of the lancets has reached the usage position.

Abstract: A catheter and associated method for taking a plurality of samples from within a length of a blood vessel. The catheter includes an elongate central body arranged to be inserted into and positioned along a central region of a blood vessel. A plurality of collection areas are defined along the elongate central body for collecting samples at the central region of the blood vessel. A plurality of mixers are provided radially outwardly of the elongate central body and arranged to create a flow of blood from a boundary layer at a wall of the blood vessel to the elongate central body. This enables the collection areas to collect samples from the boundary layer.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the condition of the driver of a vehicle including both the level of distraction being experienced by him/her as well his/her cardiac health are described. The system can detect and predict behavioral and cognitive distraction in real time. It can also monitor a driver's physical condition, detect and predict health events such as a myocardial infarction. The system can fuse inputs from various sensors and components including vehicle information (through CAN networks or other), IR camera, heart rate sensors, eye tracking and pupillometry technology. The distraction detection and health monitoring can be done in separate modules. Fusion algorithms can detect and predict risk related to the driver's lack of attention and the likelihood that he/she is or will experience a cardiac event.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the depth of an object below a surface or the thickness of the dermis. The apparatus and method use a plurality of piezoelectric fingers having probes with differently sized contact areas. A plurality of measurements is taken using each of the probes with differently sized contact areas in order to determine the depth of an object below a surface or the thickness of the dermis.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive pad, generally planar in shape for placement underneath a mattress or cushion, capable of outputting a spectrum of signals depending on the pressure applied on the pad, comprising a plurality of sensitive zones, each zone being connected to a respective controller, configured to measure the pressure on each zone. The pressure sensitive pad comprising two electrically conductive layers; a variable conductive foam layer between the two conductive layers; and a non-conductive layer comprising a plurality of holes, disposed between a first of the two electrically conductive layers and the conductive foam layer. A system operable with the pad calibrates to detect absence and presence of a person for a range of mattress types and mattress weights and person weights; and determines a relative weight and position of the person while the person is on the mattress.

Abstract: A system includes a measuring instrument including a first sensor that acquires orientation information of the measuring instrument and a device that obtains movement information of the measuring instrument, and a controller that estimates muscle area in a cross-section of a human body on the basis of shape characteristics calculated from an at least partial contour of the human body, the at least partial contour being calculated on the basis of the orientation information and the movement information.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the disclosed subject matter involves identifying environmental factors and user context that affect sleep quality. Embodiments use information about the static sleep environment, as well as dynamic environmental factors, such as sound, light, movement, correlated with user context, such as physical and emotional state, as well, as recent behavior to classify sleep data. The correlated and classified sleep data may be used to provide change recommendations, where implementing the recommended change is believed to improve the user's sleep quality. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: The present invention is a Miniature Vein Enhancer that includes a Miniature Projection Head. The Miniature Projection Head may be operated in one of three modes, AFM, DBM, and RTM. The Miniature Projection Head of the present invention projects an image of the veins of a patient, which aids the practitioner in pinpointing a vein for an intravenous drip, blood test, and the like. The Miniature projection head may have a cavity for a power source or it may have a power source located in a body portion of the Miniature Vein Enhancer. The Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to one of several improved needle protectors, or the Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to a body similar to a flashlight for hand held use. The Miniature Vein Enhancer of the present invention may also be attached to a magnifying glass, a flat panel display, and the like.

Abstract: Disclosed are appendage mountable electronic systems and related methods for covering and conforming to an appendage surface. A flexible or stretchable substrate has an inner surface for receiving an appendage, including an appendage having a curved surface, and an opposed outer surface that is accessible to external surfaces. A stretchable or flexible electronic device is supported by the substrate inner and/or outer surface, depending on the application of interest. The electronic device in combination with the substrate provides a net bending stiffness to facilitate conformal contact between the inner surface and a surface of the appendage provided within the enclosure. In an aspect, the system is capable of surface flipping without adversely impacting electronic device functionality, such as electronic devices comprising arrays of sensors, actuators, or both sensors and actuators.

Abstract: A hand-held device, such as a remote control, is provided for operation of a consumer appliance and is equipped with one or more biometric sensors to capture and report on the health condition of a user of the hand-held device. The data captured by such a hand-held device may be evaluated locally in the hand-held device itself or may be conveyed to a target consumer appliance either for local evaluation by that consumer appliance or for onward transmission to a central off-site monitoring service.

Abstract: A biological information detection device or the like which can determine a mounted state or an unmounted state with high accuracy, or can appropriately present information on the basis of a determination result is to be provided. A biological information detection device includes a pulse wave detection unit 10 that outputs a pulse wave sensor signal and a processing unit 100 that processes the pulse wave sensor signal, in which the processing unit 100 performs a detachment detection process of the biological information detection device on the basis of a DC component change value of the pulse wave sensor signal in a predetermined period.

Abstract: A light source device simultaneously produces violet narrowband light and green narrowband light. A complementary color type imaging device of a complementary color type endoscope outputs first to fourth mixed pixel signals. In a complementary color second processor, a matrix operation unit performs a matrix operation of the first to fourth mixed pixel signals, and produces first and second display signals D1 and D2. A mixed color corrector corrects the first and second display signals D1 and D2 on the basis of relational expressions of “D1?=D1?K2×D2” and “D2?=D2?K1×D1”. K1 represents the ratio of a signal value of the second display signal to a signal value of the first display signal under independent application of only the violet narrowband light. K2 represents the ratio of a signal value of the first display signal to a signal value of the second display signal under independent application of only the green narrowband light.

Abstract: A device is described for analyzing electrocardiogram data. The device comprises processing means for comparing at least one parameter derived from a temporal sequence of electrocardiogram data a previously recorded distribution of that parameter obtained from the user under a plurality of different physiological conditions. Based on the comparison, a signal representative of a risk of a myocardial infarction occurring in the body of the user is provided. A corresponding method, device and computer application for installing on a user device are also described.

Abstract: A variable indication estimator which determines an output value representative of a set of input data. For example, the estimator can reduce input data to estimates of a desired signal, select a time, and determine an output value from the estimates and the time. In one embodiment, the time is selected using one or more adjustable signal confidence parameters determine where along the estimates the output value will be computed. By varying the parameters, the characteristics of the output value are variable. For example, when input signal confidence is low, the parameters are adjusted so that the output value is a smoothed representation of the input signal. When input signal confidence is high, the parameters are adjusted so that the output value has a faster and more accurate response to the input signal.

Abstract: A device for generating alerts for Hypo and Hyperglycemia Prevention from Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) determines a dynamic risk based on both information of glucose level and a trend obtainable from a CGM signals. The device includes a display whose color depends on the DR (for example, red for high DR, green for low risk). When DR exceeds a certain threshold, alerts are generated to suggest the patient to pay attention to the current glucose reading and to its trend, both of which are shown on the display in numbers and symbols (e.g. an arrow with different slope or color).

Abstract: A method for determining a three-dimensional image dataset by an X-ray device is disclosed herein. The method includes recording projection images of an examination object from a plurality of recording angles, and reconstructing the image dataset from the projection images, wherein, for at least one examined projection image, in each case an interference condition is evaluated the fulfillment of which is dependent upon at least parts of the image data of the (respective) examined projection image and/or upon at least one parameter of the radiation source during the recording of the (respective) examined projection image and indicates that the (respective) examined projection image is a projection image with interference during the recording of which arcing has occurred in the radiation source.

Abstract: A patient monitor for displaying a physiological signal can include a visual element having a middle portion indicative of a transition in the physiological signal between physiological states. The visual element can also include first and second extremity portions, the first extremity portion extending from the middle portion in a first direction and the second extremity portion extending from the middle portion in a second direction. The visual element can also include an actionable value indicator to specify a value about the middle portion and the first and second extremity portions. The patient monitor can also include a processor configured to cause the value indicator to actuate in both the first and second directions according to changes in the physiological signal.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a method for determining changes in health of a user is disclosed. The method includes sensing multi-dimensional motion of a body part of a user to generate a first multi-dimensional motion signal at a first time and date; in response to the first multi-dimensional motion signal, generating a first neuro-mechanical fingerprint; generating a first health measure in response to the first NFP and user calibration parameters; sensing multi-dimensional motion of the body part of the user to generate another multi-dimensional motion signal at another time and date; in response to the another multi-dimensional motion signal, generating another neuro-mechanical fingerprint; generating another health measure in response to the another NFP and the user calibration parameters; and comparing the first health measure with the another health measure to determine a difference representing the health degradation of the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for x-ray imaging a patient's breast in combinations of dual-energy, single-energy, mammography and tomosynthesis modes that facilitate screening for and diagnosis of breast abnormalities, particularly breast abnormalities characterized by abnormal vascularity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for capturing a three-dimensional x-ray image (1) of an object (2) by means of an x-ray system (3) comprising an x-ray source (4), an x-ray detector (5) and a shutter matrix (7), the shutter matrix (7) having a plurality of shutter elements (18), the x-ray absorption properties of which are controllable. In the first method step, at least one region (21) to be captured of the object (2) is defined, wherein settings are planned for the individual shutter elements (18) of the shutter matrix (7) for different rotary positions (14, 15, 16, 17), taking into account the defined area (21) to be captured. Then, a plurality of two-dimensional x-ray images is captured from the planned rotary positions (14, 15, 16, 17) during at least one partial rotation (9) using the planned settings of the shutter elements (18), wherein the overall three-dimensional x-ray image (1) of the area (21) to be captured is generated from the individual two-dimensional x-ray images.

Abstract: A positioning and retaining system for intra-oral sensors includes a holder shaped to hold a curved intra-oral sensor, and a curved or flexible intra-oral sensor configured to be coupled to the holder.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a photon counting CT apparatus includes a scintillator, a photodiode array, a holder, a divider, and an image generator. The scintillator is configured to convert X-rays into light. The array includes first and second pixels. The first pixel includes a photodiode in a first range receiving the light emitted from the scintillator. The photodiode outputs an electrical signal based on the light. The second pixel includes a photodiode in a second range different from the first range. The holder is circuitry configured to hold a value of an electrical signal output by the second pixel. The divider circuitry is configured to count the number of photons of light incident on the first pixel by dividing an integrated value of electrical signals output by the first pixel by the held value. The image generator is circuitry configured to reconstruct an image based on the counted number.

Abstract: A computed tomographic (CT) apparatus and for a method of controlling the same are provided. The CT apparatus includes an X-ray scanner configured to divide X-rays penetrating a subject by energy bands, and capture scout images of the respective energy bands. The CT apparatus further includes an image processor configured to generate substance images of substances of the subject, based on the scout images, and a display configured to display a substance image of the substance images. The CT apparatus further includes an input interface configured to receive a scanning region for the displayed substance image.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a mammography apparatus includes an X-ray, an imaging stage, a pressing plate, a guide information generator, and an X-ray detection unit. The X-ray tube generates X-rays. The imaging stage supports a breast. The pressing plate presses the breast supported on the imaging stage. The guide information generator provides the imaging stage with guide information for guiding a placement position of the breast. The guide information is generated based on a nipple position, an image start position, and an image end position of a previous image of the breast. The X-ray detection unit generates X-ray projection data by detecting X-rays transmitted through the breast by an X-ray detector.

Abstract: A method of using PET imaging includes using PET images obtained using a radiotracer for the determination of the progressive course of regional brain PET activities for a progressive neurodegenerative disease (e.g., MCI, AD, and CTE). The method may be used for the automatic staging of neurodegenerative disease for a particular patient/subject based on regional intensity and spatial patterns of the brain signals measured by PET imaging. The method may also be used to diagnose or classify the disease of a patient among multiple possibilities based on PET imaging profiles (e.g., for separating or distinguishing CTE from AD).

Abstract: A method for extracting a blood vessel is provided. An image relating to a blood vessel may be acquired. The image may include multiple slices. A region of interest in the image may be determined. A blood vessel model may be obtained. The blood vessel may be extracted from the region of interest based on the blood vessel model.

Abstract: A boom has an x-ray head attached to one end thereof and the x-ray head has an x-ray source disposed therein. In a docked position of the boom, the x-ray source is disabled. In a deployed position, the x-ray source is enabled. A handle attached to the x-ray head is movable into at least two different positions. A first one of the positions disables the x-ray source while a second one of the positions enables the x-ray source. The handle extends a preselected distance from the x-ray source such that the handle maintains at least the preselected distance between the x-ray source and a subject to be exposed thereby.

Abstract: Among other things, a data communication system wirelessly transmits data between a stator and a movable unit (e.g., a rotor) as part of a computed tomography (CT) imaging modality. The data communication system includes a first magnetic portion including a first magnetic material. The first magnetic portion extends along a first axis. The data communication system includes a first conductive portion including an electrically conductive material. The first conductive portion is at least partially surrounded by the first magnetic portion. The first conductive portion extends along a second axis that is substantially parallel to the first axis. The first conductive portion will at least one of generate an electromagnetic field corresponding to data to be transmitted, or have induced therein a current based upon a received electromagnetic field, where the current is a function of the data to be transmitted.

Abstract: A method for calibrating detectors in a CT scanner, wherein the new calibration process uses a combination of slab-based and water-based calibrations. By combining both calibrations, the complexity of each procedure can be reduced which will reduce restrictions on the quality of detectors used in the scanner. The slabs can be made out of commercially available material such as acrylic, and they will require no special treatment. Combining both calibrations also reduces the number of water phantoms needed for the calibration and the complexity of the calibration algorithm. Furthermore, the slabs can be shaped based on the scanner geometry so as to optimize the slab-based calibration step.

Abstract: In order to provide an X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus which can detect anomalies caused by factors other than wearing of a bearing of an X-ray tube, according to the present invention, there is provided an X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus including an X-ray tube that irradiates an object with X-rays, an X-ray detector that detects X-rays having been transmitted through the object, an image creation unit that creates a medical image of the object on the basis of the output of the X-ray detector, a change amount measurement unit that measures a change amount of an X-ray focal point which is an X-ray generation point of the X-ray tube, and an anomaly detection unit that detects an anomaly in the X-ray tube on the basis of whether or not the change amount falls within a predetermined normal change range.

Abstract: A method for quantifying an amount of fat contained in a liver or other tissue of a subject in vivo includes varying the temperature of a target area in a subject, imaging thermal strain of the target area using an ultrasound scanner, and quantifying the amount of fat in the targeted area based on the thermal strain imaging. In some embodiments, the thermal strain imaging is performed using high-resolution, phase-sensitive speckle tracking to differentiate between fat-based tissue and water-based tissue.

Abstract: A medical ultrasound acquisition-data analysis device acquires channel data (144) via ultrasound received on the channels, uses the acquired channel data to estimate data coherence and derive dominance of an eigen-value of a channel covariance matrix and, based on the estimate and dominance, distinguishes microcalcifications (142) from background. Microcalcifications may then be made distinguishable visually on screen via highlighting, coloring, annotation, etc. The channel data operable upon by the estimating may have been subject to beamforming delays and may be summed in a beamforming procedure executed in the estimating. In the estimating and deriving, both field point-by-field point, multiple serial transmits (116, 118) may be used for each field point. In one embodiment results of the estimating and deriving are multiplied point-by-point and submitted to thresholding.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of fabricating an ultrasound transducer. A substrate having a first side and a second side opposite the first side is provided. A bottom electrode is formed over the first side of the substrate. A piezoelectric element is formed over the bottom electrode. The piezoelectric element has a chamfered sidewall. A top electrode is formed over the piezoelectric element. A step metal element is formed over a portion of the top electrode proximate to the chamfered sidewall of the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: A model-independent method for producing a viscoelastic tissue property metric using ultrasound is provided. A mechanical stress, such as an acoustic force, is applied to a tissue using an ultrasound system and tissue displacement resulting from the applied acoustic force is measured. From the tissue displacement measurements, a complex modulus, such as a relative complex modulus, is extracted. A loss tangent is calculated from the extracted complex modulus. Using the calculated loss tangent, viscoelastic tissue property metrics may be calculated.

Abstract: A medical apparatus (200, 300, 400, 500) determines the concentration distribution of sonically dispersive elements (606, 2001) within a subject (306, 604, 1004), wherein the medical apparatus comprises: a memory (212) for storing machine executable instructions (224, 226, 228, 230, 232, 318) and a processor (206) for executing the machine executable instructions. Execution of the instructions cause the processor to: receive (100) shear wave data (214) descriptive of the propagation of shear waves (310, 608, 1118) within the subject for at least two frequencies; determine (102) a mechanical property (316, 618, 620) of the subject using the shear wave data at each of the at least two frequencies; determine (104) a power law relationship (218, 702) between the at least two frequencies and the mechanical property; and determine (106) the concentration distribution of the sonically dispersive elements within the subject using the power law relationship and calibration data (222, 704, 800).

Abstract: An image processing method and an image processing apparatus are provided. The image processing method measures a myocardial performance index (MPI), the image processing method including: obtaining a region of interest (ROI) for measuring the MPI, based on signal levels of an input signal and an output signal of a heart spectrum image; obtaining a plurality of marker areas, within the obtained ROI, wherein at least one marker for measuring the MPI is located in each of the plurality of marker areas, based on at least one from among a feature value of the input signal and a feature value of the output signal; and obtaining the at least one marker for each of the plurality of marker areas.

Abstract: An ultrasound endoscope includes: an ultrasound probe arranged in a distal end rigid portion; a suction and forceps port provided in a vicinity of the ultrasound probe; a treatment instrument insertion channel and a negative pressure channel communicating with the suction and forceps port; and a control valve configured to variably regulate a negative pressure for suction that is transmitted to the suction and forceps port through the treatment instrument insertion channel and the negative pressure channel to two or more states.

Abstract: A guide device establishes a guide passage through a guide tube, through which an operative tool can be deployed into an interior body region for use. A steering assembly, in use, deflects or bends the distal end region of the guide tube, so that the operative tool can be placed in a desired orientation with respect to tissue. The steering assembly is desirable configured for single handed operation by the clinician. The steering assembly is also desirably configured to provide a mechanical advantage sufficient to translate relatively small increments of clinician control into relatively larger increments of guide tube deflection. In one arrangement, the steering assembly includes a rack and pinion linkage system. In another arrangement, the steering assembly includes a pivoting lever system.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a housing, an endoscopic portion, a shaft portion, and an end effector is disclosed. The endoscopic portion extends distally from the housing and defines a longitudinal axis. The shaft portion is selectively connectable to a distal end of the endoscopic portion. The end effector is selectively connectable to a distal end of the shaft portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems, apparatus, device and methods for sealing a puncture in a tissue wall. According to one aspect, the system includes at least one supporting element for insertion into or placement on at least a portion of a tissue wall proximate a puncture to prevent expansion of the puncture; and a closing element adapted for at least partial insertion into the tissue wall and shaped to compress at least a portion of a tissue wall in an inward direction to close the tissue puncture when inserted at least partially into the tissue wall.

Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue refraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site.

Abstract: A cannula assembly having a retention member and a method of manufacture of the cannula assembly is provided. The cannula assembly includes a cannula and a sleeve disposed around the cannula from a proximal end to a distal end. The sleeve can be pre-formed by a stretch blow molding process then advanced over the cannula. The sleeve includes an inflatable balloon and an annular ring distal the inflatable balloon. The cannula includes an annular recess. The annular ring is sized to have an interference fit with the annular recess.

Abstract: An intraocular expansion and retention device (“IERD”) expands the iris, enlarging the pupil during intraocular surgery, and can be removed following the procedure without damaging the eye tissue. The intraocular expansion and retention device includes a number of stepped blades that form pockets to cup the iris margins and expand the pupil allowing increased visualization during intraocular surgery.

Abstract: An elevation apparatus, system and method for elevating the patient's limb when using a manual distractor unit is mounted upon a support frame attached to an operating table side rail. A foot strap is attached to the extension apparatus and to the patient's ankle with a patient's knee support pad, extending from the distractor unit, is positioned under the patient's knee to provide traction to the patient's ankle, which is secured to the support frame. The extension apparatus may be formed with a plurality of attachment points for the foot strap so as to provide improved access to the ankle area with advantages of allowing additional types of procedures a surgeon may perform on the patient and/or the ability of the surgeon to access the ankle area and lower leg.

Abstract: A boot assembly apparatus, system and method for elevating the patient's limb when using a manual distractor unit is mounted upon a support frame attached to an operating table side rail. A foot strap is attached to the boot assembly apparatus and to the patient's ankle with a patient's knee support pad, extending from the distractor unit, is positioned under the patient's knee to provide traction to the patient's ankle, which is secured to the support frame. The boot assembly apparatus may be formed with a plurality of attachment points for the foot strap so as to provide improved access to the ankle area with advantages of allowing additional types of procedures a surgeon could perform on the patient and/or the ability of the surgeon to access the ankle area and lower leg.

Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue retraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site.