Abstract: An aspect of the invention described herein includes a method for a digestion diagnosis of a subject. The method includes obtaining electrogastrogram (EGG), bowel sound and NIRS signals from one or more sensors positioned about an abdominal region of a subject, removing artifacts from the signals to obtain conditioned signal data, and determining a digestion condition or feeding readiness of the subject based at least in part on the conditioned signal data.

Abstract: A method for early detection of bone deficiency in a patient, comprising: collecting NMR signals of a bone marrow volume in a bone of the patient having normal bone density levels which are not indicative of bone deficiency as indicated by X-ray; and analyzing said collected NMR signals to detect at least a presence or absence of a preclinical stage of bone deficiency in said bone.

Abstract: The various embodiments of the method of the present invention include a method to improving or expanding the capacity of a sleep analysis unit or laboratory, a method sleep analysis testing a patient admitted for diagnosis or treatment of another primary medical condition while being treated or diagnosed for that condition, a method of sleep analysis testing a patient that cannot be easily moved or treated in a sleep analysis unit or laboratory and other like methods.

Abstract: There is provided a method for oral drug dosage medicament regime adherence monitoring comprising creating an oral drug dosage medicament regime for a patient, the medicament regime having a plurality of medicament intervals for the oral consumption of a plurality of oral drugs, loading the plurality of oral drugs into a cartridge of an oral drug dispensing device, providing a patient wearable vital sign monitoring device for being worn by the patient and associating the patient wearable vital sign monitoring device and the oral drug dispensing device with a patient profile, the patient profile being further associated with the oral drug dosage medicament regime.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of administering a therapeutic agent directly to the brain parenchym through a compromised region of the blood-brain barrier in a subject having a brain disorder, that involves first disrupting the blood-brain barrier (BBB) at an isolated region by locally administering an effective amount of a hyperosmolar agent at said region using a catheter, followed by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a therapeutic agent. The step of disrupting the BBB is carried out with non-invasive MR (magnetic resonance) imaging with a contrast agent to visualize local parenchymal transcatheter perfusion at said isolated BBB region thereby indicating that the BBB region is compromised. The method of the invention allows for highly precise drug delivery to the brain through blood brain barrier disruption at specifically controlled regions.

Abstract: A method and a device for determining an incorrect positioning in the alignment of prostheses for the lower extremities are disclosed. The method includes determining inertial measurement data and/or variables derived therefrom using at least one inertial sensor, over at least one walking cycle, for an extremity provided with a prosthesis. The method also includes comparing the inertial measurement data that has been determined and/or the variables derived therefrom with desired values and/or with measurement data that has been determined or variables derived therefrom for the corresponding extremity that is not provided with the prosthesis.

Abstract: A measurement method for brown adipose tissue includes a light input step of inputting near-infrared light from a light input unit into a measurement target portion, a light detection step of detecting light intensity of the near-infrared light having propagated through an interior of the measurement target portion by a light detection unit, and a calculation step of calculating an index value for a BAT amount from an oxygenated hemoglobin concentration or the like of the measurement target portion, which is acquired by near-infrared spectroscopy based on the detection result by the light detection unit.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring a vital parameter in the auditory canal comprising a sensor element (1) and a positioning element (3), both connected to a sensor element attachment (2). The positioning element (3) has a shape that reproduces the inside of the ear and positions the sensor element (1) and sensor element attachment (2) at least partially in the auditory canal (8) in a stable manner. The position of the sensor element (1) in the auditory canal (8) is determined by the depth of penetration of the sensor element attachment (2) in the auditory canal (8). The sensor element (1), the sensor element attachment (2), and the positioning element (3) are arranged at least partially in a housing (4) adapted to the anatomy of the person's head.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, using a pressure sensor to detect body sound information of a patient, such as cardiac murmurs, respiratory sounds, etc.

Abstract: Devices systems and methods are disclosed for removing secretions from the lumen of a functional assessment catheter for the lungs. The system comprises a flushing unit configured to deliver a clearing fluid to the lumen of the pulmonary catheter to remove debris, secretions, or moisture from the lumen or sensors.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using a smart carpet to monitor a health status of an individual. The smart carpet has electronics and a plurality of pressure sensing areas for sensing plantar pressure of the individual. A monitoring computer comprising a processor and a memory including machine readable instructions processes carpet data. A first part of the smart carpet is scanned at a first frequency and a second part of the smart carpet is scanned at a second frequency greater than the first frequency. Plantar pressures are received from the second part of the carpet and the instructions evaluate the plantar pressures to determine at least one of a physical activity and a physiological activity. Where an emergency condition is determined, an alarm is communicated to monitoring personnel.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide an apparatus wearable by a user. The apparatus can comprise a biometric sensor constructed to generate signals based upon measurements of the user. The apparatus can comprise a processor constructed to determine a significant detrimental change in the user via an algorithm based upon the signals.

Abstract: There is provided a system architecture including a PPG hardware module and a MEMS hardware module. The PPG hardware module processes PPG raw data, which is generally composed of analog signals or digital signals. The PPG hardware module filters the raw data for later digital calculation to, for example, find out frequency signals with higher peak values. The PPG hardware module then outputs the selected frequency signals to an MCU for heart rate calculation. The MEMS hardware module receives MEMS raw data from a motion detector made of MEMS elements. The MEMS raw data represents motion status of a user that could possibly affect the heart rate determination result. The MEMS hardware module filters the raw data for later digital calculation to find out frequency signals with higher peak values caused by motion.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for estimating biophysiological rates using the Hilbert transform includes receiving a quasiperiodic data stream from a biophysiological sensor, and removing at least a portion of an offset from the quasiperiodic data stream to provide a smoothed data stream by filtering the quasiperiodic data stream through a bandpass filter and phase compensating the filtered quasiperiodic data stream. The method also includes transforming the smoothed data stream into an analytic data stream using a Hilbert transform approximation and calculating the time derivative of the phase angle of the analytic data stream, where the time derivative is a frequency of the quasiperiodic data stream. The method further includes providing an output data stream derived from the frequency.

Abstract: Rather than rely on variation from physician to physician and limited imaging information for assessing plaque vulnerability of a patient, medical imaging and other information are used by a machine-implemented classifier to predict plaque rupture. Anatomical, morphological, hemodynamic, and biochemical features are used in combination to classify plaque.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a health characteristic of a user based on one or more biological measurements may include selecting a context from a plurality of contexts, each context corresponding to a baseline health value, and each context being defined by a plurality of recorded events each comprising one or more of repeated biological states, repeated user activity, or space-time coordinates of the user, and then monitoring the health characteristic of the user based on one or more bio-sensing measurements in comparison to the baseline health value corresponding to the selected context.

Abstract: Composition methods and kits for diagnosing and treating tumors within a subject. The compositions disclosed comprise: a gold nanoparticle; PEG or derivatives thereof, wherein said PEG or derivatives thereof have a molecular weight of 400 to 1500 Dalton; and a 2-Deoxy-D-glucose, wherein the PEG or derivatives thereof are linked to the gold nanoparticle and to said 2-Deoxy-D-Glucose, and wherein the 2-Deoxy-D-Glucose is linked to the PEG or derivatives thereof at the 2-Carbon position of the 2-Deoxy-D-Glucose.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for calibrating a nuclear medicine imaging system. In one embodiment, a method comprises: detecting, with a plurality of detectors, photons emitted by a calibration source comprising a radioactive line source and a fluorescence source, while pivoting one or more detectors of the plurality of detectors; and calibrating, with a processor communicatively coupled to the plurality of detectors, each detector of the plurality of detectors based on energy measurements of the detected photons. In this way, a two-point energy calibration of detectors can be performed with a single isotope, and without removing or adjusting a collimator attached to the detector.

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein generally relate to improved medical diagnostics for nuclear medicine (NM) imaging. The systems and methods define an uncertainty model of a medical imaging system. The uncertainty model is based on natural-statistics distribution of the medical imaging system response. The systems and methods acquire image data of a patient from the medical imaging system, and calculate an uncertainty map of the patient based on the uncertainty model and the image data. The uncertainty map represents a collection of realizations that are generated based on the image data and the uncertainty model. The systems and methods apply a classification or ranking algorithm to the image data and the uncertainty map to calculate image data classification or ranking of the patient including confidence values.

Abstract: A urological device include a patient table with longitudinal and broad sides, and an X-ray imaging system containing an X-ray source and an X-ray detector for detecting the X-ray radiation emitted by the X-ray source towards the patient on the patient table. A first linear drive is provided for moving the X-ray source parallel to the broad side and a second linear drive is provided for moving the X-ray detector parallel to the broad side, but in an opposite direction. A dedicated pivoting mechanism is configured to pivot the X-ray source around a first pivot axis.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure disclose a system and method for delivering for administering radiation to a patient. The method may include associating the patient with one of a plurality of coded dosage zones wherein each of the plurality of coded dosage zones corresponds to one or more values of a physical characteristic. The method may further include correlating the one of the plurality of coded dosage zones to a dose of radiation and then applying the dose of radiation to the patient.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a first imaging modality (1021), a second imaging modality (1022), wherein the first and second imaging modalities are in alignment with scanning zones for scanning an object or subject, and a third imaging modality (102N) which is selectively moveable between a first location (114) in which the third imaging modality is in alignment with the scanning zones for scanning the object or subject and a second location (122) in which the third imaging modality is outside of alignment with the scanning zones.

Abstract: An RT-CT integrated device comprising an RT system and a CT system is disclosed. The radiation-therapy centerline of the RT system and the scanning centerline of the CT system are on a same axis, and the RT system and the CT system are located at a same end of a treatment table.

Abstract: A cooling system of a computed tomography (CT) system provides for a more efficient operation than known heretofore. The cooling system of the CT system includes a gantry and a table that moves an object into a bore of the gantry. The gantry includes part boxes mounted therein, and blade elements are formed in regions of the part boxes. The cooling system of the CT system includes a cooling method that includes a multiple cooling method including a stand-by mode and an operating mode.

Abstract: A system and method for vascular roadmapping include an X-ray imaging device for generating a fluoroscopy image, a data base in which a plurality of contrast-enhanced images is stored, a user interface element and a processor. Each of the contrast-enhanced images is stored together with the imaging parameters based on which the image is generated. The user interface element may be configured for selecting any intended imaging parameters, such as by manually adjusting the imaging device in any position and orientation. The processor may be configured for identifying a stored contrast-enhanced image out of the plurality of contrast-enhanced images, which is generated with specific imaging parameters, where the deviation of the specific imaging parameters from the intended imaging parameters is as small as possible, thus the processor may be configured for identifying the nearest available roadmap.

Abstract: A method of estimating the distribution of bone mineral density in at least one portion of a person's skeleton. The method includes generating a geometrical representation of the portion of the skeleton; a geometrical representation in three dimensions of at least one portion of the outline of the person; and first and second X-ray images; and using software to estimate: a value for the thickness of soft tissue through which the given X-ray has passed; an attenuation coefficient of the soft tissues that have been passed through; a value for the thickness of bone tissue through which the given X-ray has passed; and using the thickness value for the soft tissue through which the given X-ray has passed, and a value for the attenuation of the given X-ray due to the thickness of the bone tissue through which it has passed, the software estimates a value representative of the bone mineral density of the bone tissues through which the given X-ray has passed.

Abstract: DPC (differential phase contrast) images are acquired for each photon energy channel, which are called spectral DPC images. The final DPC image can be computed by summing up these spectral DPC images or just computed using certain ‘color’ representation algorithms to enhance desired features. In addition, with quasi-monochromatic x-ray source, the required radiation dose is substantially reduced, while the image quality of DPC images remains acceptable.

Abstract: A method of updating a model of a luminal network. The method includes performing first imaging of a target, generating 3D image data including locations of fiducial markers using images captured in the first imaging, performing second imaging of the target from a first viewpoint and a second viewpoint, generating 2D image data including locations of the fiducial markers from the first viewpoint and the second viewpoint using images captured in the second imaging, determining locations of the fiducial markers in 3D space according to locations of the fiducial markers within the 2D image data of the first viewpoint, locations of the fiducial markers within the 2D image data of the second viewpoint, and the known angle, and registering the 3D image data generated using images captured in the first imaging with the determined locations of the fiducial markers in 3D space. The first viewpoint and the second viewpoint are oriented at a known angle relative to each other.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus enables to improve workability and a register of a pathway information on X-ray imaging. The X-ray imaging apparatus comprises a control element that control a driving element 5 so that the X-ray irradiation element to image a subject S and a table loading the subject S are relatively movable based on a pathway information that is pre-registered when imaging the subject S.

Abstract: A CT scanner with a device configured to improve the electromagnetic properties and/or the shielding of the rotation transmission devices in the CT scanner. A corresponding method for improving the electromagnetic properties and/or the shielding, of the rotation transmission devices inserted in the CT scanner.

Abstract: A radiation irradiation device includes a radiation generating part that generates radiation; an arm part having the radiation generating part attached to one end thereof; a main body part having the other end of the arm part connected thereto; an electric power supply part provided at the main body part; and a cable part for electrically connecting the power supply part and the radiation part. The electric power supply part has a battery part having lithium ion batteries connected in parallel, and a first booster circuit part that boosts a voltage output from the battery part. The radiation generating part has a second booster circuit part that further boosts a voltage that is boosted by the first booster circuit part and is input to the radiation generating part via the cable part which is extended along the arm part.

Abstract: A calibration object is imaged in a radiographic system such as a CT system. The images are processed to calibrate the system, without prior measurement of the calibration object. Initial estimates are refined to improve accuracy.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for enabling volumetric image reconstruction from unknown projection geometry of tomographic imaging systems, including CT, cone-beam CT (CBCT), and tomosynthesis systems. The invention enables image reconstruction in cases where it was not previously possible (e.g., custom-designed trajectories on robotic C-arms, or systems using uncalibrated geometries), and more broadly offers improved image quality (e.g., improved spatial resolution and reduced streak artifact) and robustness to patient motion (e.g., inherent compensation for rigid motion) in a manner that does not alter the patient setup or imaging workflow. The method provides a means for accurately estimating the complete geometric description of each projection acquired during a scan by simulating various poses of the x-ray source and detector to determine their unique, scan-specific positions relative to the patient, which is often unknown or inexactly known (e.g.

Abstract: A method and a system for automatically aligning a positionable X-ray source of an X-ray system in alignment with a mobile X-ray detector is disclosed where the X-ray system detects the position of the mobile X-ray detector using a 3D camera and then driving the positionable X-ray source to a position in alignment with the mobile X-ray detector.

Abstract: An embryo replacement catheter has a flexible extruded shaft of a transparent polyurethane with a bore extending along its length. Gas bubbles of a diameter in the range 5? to 10? are incorporated into the thickness of the wall of the shaft by adding gas during extrusion. The bubbles are selected to increase the visibility of the catheter under ultrasound imaging whilst still enabling material flowing along the catheter to be seen.

Abstract: A method for automatically monitoring fetal head descent in a birth canal is presented. The method includes segmenting each image in one or more images into a plurality of neighborhood components, determining a cost function corresponding to each neighborhood component in the plurality of neighborhood components in each of the one or more images, identifying at least two structures of interest in each image in the one or more images based on the cost function, wherein the at least two structures of interest include a pubic ramus and a fetal head, measuring an angle of progression based on the at least two structures of interest, and determining the fetal head descent in the birth canal based on the angle of progression.

Abstract: There is provided an endoscope apparatus in which a forceps elevator can be operated according to the operator's intention even when a treatment tool has large bending stiffness. The forceps elevator is erectably provided in a distal end part of the insertion part of the endoscope apparatus and guides the treatment tool led out from the distal end part. The forceps elevator has an erecting motion range from a minimum angular position to a maximum angular position. If a state in which the treatment tool is not led out from the distal end part is assumed, the erecting operation lever for operating the movement of the forceps elevator has: a first operation range where the erecting operation lever is operated within the erecting motion range of the forceps elevator; and a second operation range where the erecting operation lever is operated beyond the first operation range.

Abstract: An intravenous ultrasound (IVUS) system can include a catheter and a translation mechanism for translating the catheter. Engagement between the catheter and the translation mechanism may be detected, and the translation mechanism can be placed in a connected or disconnected mode, accordingly. When in connected mode, certain IVUS operations may be enabled when compared to disconnected mode, wherein such operations may be disabled. Thus, some embodiments may ensure proper engagement between the catheter and the translation mechanism prior to allowing certain IVUS operations to be carried out.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for ultrasound imaging using ultrasound sensor elements comprising thin film transistors. Specifically, ultrasound elements for use in a two dimensional array of ultrasound elements, two dimensional arrays of ultrasound elements, ultrasound sensor element array assemblies, ultrasound imaging devices and methods of performing an ultrasound scan using a two dimensional array of ultrasound elements. A sensor element comprises: an ultrasound transducer, a transmit circuit configured to provide an electrical signal to the transducer for output of an ultrasound signal; and a receive circuit configured to receive an electrical signal from the transducer, based on a received reflected ultrasound signal, wherein the transmit and receive circuits each comprise one or more thin film transistors.

Abstract: An ultrasonic device includes a plurality of piezoelectric elements, a driving electrode line connected to the piezoelectric elements, a first terminal, and a second terminal. The first terminal is connected to one end of the driving electrode line, and from the first terminal, a first driving signal for driving the piezoelectric elements, which is a voltage having an amplitude, is supplied to the piezoelectric elements. The second terminal is connected to another end of the driving electrode line, and from the second terminal, a second driving signal for driving the piezoelectric elements, which is a voltage having an amplitude, is supplied to the piezoelectric elements.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus, method, and computer readable medium are disclosed, which can detect in a case where a foreign substance such as air and blood other than transparent liquid is present inside a catheter, and can urge a user to perform priming so that an image having higher accuracy can be reconstructed. According to the present disclosure, the imaging apparatus can determined whether or not the foreign substance such as air and blood is present between an imaging core and an inner surface of a catheter sheath, from line data which is generated based on interference light data obtained when the priming is performed or at stages before and after pull-back scanning is performed. In a case where the foreign substance enters, a message urging the user to perform the priming is displayed.

Abstract: Methods and devices for delivering an agent to a solid tissue in vivo for assessment of efficacy are described. One method involves withdrawing of a needle from and injecting of the agent into the solid tissue; another method involves delivering the agent using a plurality of microdialysis probes to a solid tissue.

Abstract: The invention concerns a preoperative probe (2) for guiding an ablation tool, comprising a sensing head (21), said sensing head including: at least one optic fiber (2121, 2123) for receiving and guiding a signal emitted, by radioactive tracers and/or fluorescent molecules in a tissue zone, to an analyzing equipment (32), fixing means (2112) for mounting the head (21) on the ablation tool (1), such that the ablation tool is capable of extracting a portion of tissue in the tissue zone emitting the signal.

Abstract: A biopsy needle assembly includes a mandrel within a cannula, the needle assembly is fired into a target tissue to obtain a tissue sample using a force source imparting movement to the needle assembly. The mandrel and cannula design, and force source characteristics minimize needle deflection, and allow the needle assembly to excise extended length tissue samples. The mandrel forms tissue retention ridges within a tissue sample region to reduce fragmentation of the tissue sample.

Abstract: Various technologies for cartilage harvesting are provided. Some of the technologies include a method including coupling a cutting head onto an actuator; applying a force to the cutting head via the actuator; and cutting a cartilage with the cutting head based on the force. Some of the technologies include a method including coupling an adapter to a rotary tool, wherein the adapter adapts the rotary tool from a rotary power to an impact power; coupling a cutting head to the adapter; applying a force to the cutting head via the adapter; and cutting a cartilage with the cutting head based on the force. Some of the technologies include a device including a cutting head hosting a plug that is able to travel within the cutting head. Some of the technologies may include an extracted chondrocyte including a sidewall inclined from about five degrees to about twenty five degrees.

Abstract: A method for forming a tissue cutting member includes: providing a single longitudinally oriented opening in a side wall in a flared distal section of a distal tubular portion which radially opens to a lumen of the distal tubular portion, the single longitudinally oriented opening having an open distal end and extending from a closed proximal end to the open distal end; and providing a relief opening at the closed proximal end of the single longitudinally oriented opening, the relief opening having a transverse dimension larger than a transverse dimension of the single longitudinally oriented opening adjacent the relief opening, the single longitudinally oriented opening diverging from the closed proximal end to intersect a trailing cutting edge of a beveled front face of the inclined distal tip of the distal tubular portion and facilitating formation of the outwardly flared distal tubular portion.

Abstract: A method comprising: displaying, in a first region of a display screen, an image of a patient anatomy for guiding a medical instrument to a deployment location during a medical procedure; and recording a plurality of sample identifiers. Each sample identifier is associated with a corresponding tissue sample of a plurality of tissue samples. The method further includes recording a plurality of location stamps. Each location stamp indicates a location in the patient anatomy of a corresponding tissue sample of the plurality of tissue samples. The method further includes: receiving tissue sample pathology information for each tissue sample in the plurality of tissue samples; and displaying, in a table in a second region of the display screen, the plurality of sample identifiers, the plurality of location stamps, and the tissue sample pathology information for each tissue sample during the medical procedure.

Abstract: A mechanical interface for a robotic medical instrument permits engagement of the instrument and a drive system without causing movement of an actuated portion of the instrument. An instrument interface can include a symmetrical, tapered or cylindrical projection on one of a medical instrument or a drive system and a complementary bore in the other of the drive system or the medical instrument. Symmetry of the projection and the bore allows the projection to be compression fit to the bore regardless of the rotation angle of the drive system relative to the medical instrument.

Abstract: A jaw assembly for a surgical tubular shaft instrument includes a supporting component, a first arm and a second arm, the first arm and/or the second arm each having one link element. The arms are held by the supporting component in the axial direction. A cam carrier element is axially movable relative to the supporting component and carries at least two cams. Each link element is designed to be in contact with at least two cams when there is a relative axial movement between the supporting component and the cam carrier element, the cams being provided on the cam carrier element. Each link element is further designed to slide off of the cams to effect an opening or closing of the jaw assembly.

Abstract: A multi-utility surgical instrument may include a nosecone, a handle, a housing sleeve, an actuation facilitating sleeve, a piston tube, a hypodermic tube, and an end plug. The hypodermic tube may be disposed within the piston tube; the piston tube may be disposed within the actuation facilitating sleeve; the actuation facilitating sleeve may be disposed within the housing sleeve; the end plug may be disposed within a portion of the housing sleeve; the housing sleeve and the end plug may be disposed within the handle; the nose cone may be fixed to a distal end of the handle; and the hypodermic tube may be fixed to the nosecone.