Abstract: A device insertable into the anus of a patient for obtaining bioimpedance and/or pressure data. The data can be analyzed to treat defecation related disesases. The device may be shaped to be easily inserted and alternatively or additionally comprise a dissolvable outer shell and spongy inner portion wherein the spongy inner portion may absorb liquids and sensors disposed thereon may obtain data from the liquid. A method of use for using said devices is also described.

Abstract: In an aspect, the present disclosure discloses a medical sensor to be connected to a monitoring device for vital sign monitoring. The medical sensor includes a flexible circuit layer having an electrode pattern, a foam layer laminated on the flexible circuit layer, a bonding layer sandwiched between the flexible circuit layer and the foam layer to bond the foam layer with the flexible circuit layer, and a gel sponge disposed on and electrically connected to the electrode pattern through the foam layer and the bonding layer. The area of the bonding layer is smaller than the area of the foam layer. A part of the foam layer adjacent the perimeter is not covered by the bonding layer, and not bonded to the flexible circuit layer by the bonding layer to provide the medical sensor enough conformability to a body.

Abstract: A microelectrode array comprises three or more flexible oblong, electrically co-operating microelectrodes in wire and/or ribbon form disposed substantially in parallel. The microelectrodes are electrically insulated except for at a distal section thereof. The array further comprises electrically non-conducting microfibres connecting central portions of the microelectrodes in oblique directions in respect of the array axis. In a preferred array variety the microelectrodes are joined by a glue that is dissolvable or degradable in aqueous body fluid. Also disclosed is a combination of two or more arrays of the invention.

Abstract: A catheter includes a tip electrode with a shell and a support member to provide a plenum chamber. The support member is formed with a U-shaped passage for a safety line to wrap around and secure the support member (with the shell affixed thereto) to the catheter. Additional passages are formed in the support member to accommodate components such as irrigation tubing, lead wires and a thermocouple wire pair. A method of manufacture provides distal installation and/or anchoring of the safety line, lead wire and thermocouple wire pair in the support member prior to sealing the support member and mounting the shell.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are broadly drawn to methods for determining an optimum dose of an antiarrhythmic drug, for example sotalol. In particular, the method involves titrating the dose of the drug gradually to determine the optimum plasma concentration for a patient, whether the patient has normal or abnormal renal function.

Abstract: A stretchable raised electrode having a stretch property that can be used as a biological electrode for collecting biological signals while being pressed against a body is provided, and a method of manufacturing the stretchable raised electrode is provided. This raised electrode is a raised electrode formed by raising a surface of a sheet material having the stretch property. This raised electrode includes: a resin layer configured to be stretchable to follow the surface of the sheet material; and a plurality of conductive fibers each having an inserted portion, one end of which is inserted into the resin layer. The conductive fibers that are adjacent to one another are electrically in contact with one another at non-inserted portions into the resin layer, and the conductive fibers are formed in the resin layer so as to have such a density as causing an in-plane isotropic electric conductivity of an electrode region of the sheet material in which the conductive fibers are formed.

Abstract: This invention is a mobile wearable device for measuring electromagnetic brain activity. It can be embodied in a headband or eyewear with soft prongs and/or teeth which protrude into and/or under the person's hair. The prongs and/or teeth can be made from a silicone material (such as polydimethylsiloxane) which has been impregnated, doped, coated, or embedded with conductive material (such as a metal and/or carbon) in order to provide consistent but comfortable contact with the person's head.

Abstract: A position tracking system includes an electrical interface and a processor. The electrical interface is configured to communicate with one or more electrodes that are coupled to a distal end of a probe inserted into a heart of a patient. The electrical interface is further configured to receive, from a plurality of electrode-patches attached to a skin of the patient, position signals that are indicative of positions of the one or more electrodes in the heart. The processor is configured to select, based on the position signals, a partial subset of the electrode-patches whose position signals are least-correlated with one another, and to estimate a position of at least one of the electrodes in the heart, based on the position signals received from the selected partial subset of the electrode-patches.

Abstract: Disclosed systems include mobile ECG sensors, systems and methods. Some embodiments provide ECG sensors in a credit card form factor that allows a user to contact two electrically isolated electrodes to measure heart electrical signals for a Lead 1 ECG.

Abstract: A computer Implemented method and system for detecting arrhythmias in cardiac activity are provided. The method is under control of one or more processors configured with specific executable instructions. The method obtains far field cardiac activity (CA) signals and applies a direction related responsiveness (DRR) filter to the CA signals to produce DRR filtered signals. The method compares a current sample from the CA signals to a prior sample from the DRR filtered signals to identify a direction characteristic of the CA signals and defines the DRR filter based on a timing constant that is set based on the direction characteristic identified. The method analyzes the CA signals in connection with the DRR filtered signals to identify a peak characteristic of the CA signals and determines peak to peak intervals between successive peak characteristic. The method detects at least one of noise or an arrhythmia based on the peak to peak intervals and records results of the detecting.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catheter useful in recording His electrogram alternans. The catheter includes a catheter probe containing at least one row of receiving poles positioned at an edge of the catheter probe, equidistantly spaced from each other.

Abstract: A non-invasive system for monitoring brain trauma, the system comprising: a plurality of spaced apart brainwave sensors configured to monitor brainwaves of a user of the system; one or more force determination sensors, configured to determine an amount of force exerted on the user's head; and a processing unit configured to: obtain a plurality of brainwave readings from the brainwave sensors and a plurality of force readings from the force determination sensors; provide a notification upon the force readings indicating that the amount of force exerted on the user's head exceeds a threshold or upon the brainwave readings indicating an abnormal brain activity.

Abstract: A textile device for measuring the electrophysiological activity of a subject including at least one element for measuring the electrophysiological activity of the subject and a textile structure made by knitting including at least two conducting rows separated by a plurality of insulating rows; in which the at least one element for measuring of the electrophysiological activity the subject is connected to the surface of the textile structure intended to be in contact with the skin of the subject.

Abstract: A first electrode and a second electrode are attached to a subject. A processor module acquires physiological information of the subject based on biopotential that are detected by the first electrode and the second electrode, respectively. A housing has a battery housing member for housing a primary battery which supplies an electric power to the processor module. The processor module is attachable to and detachable from the housing.

Abstract: A self-authenticating electrocardiography and physiological sensor monitor is provided. An electrode patch includes an elongated strip and electrodes exposed on each end. A receptacle is adhered to the elongated strip and includes electrical pads. Circuit traces are electrically coupled to the electrocardiographic electrodes and the electrical pads. A monitor recorder having a sealed housing is adapted to be secured into the receptacle. Circuitry within the housing includes a microcontroller with a private key. A copy of the private key is stored on the patch. Self-authentication is performed each time the monitor recorder is inserted into a new patch by challenging the patch using a code hashed with the private key and by receiving a response from the patch in reply to the challenge. A front end circuit senses electrocardiographic signals via electrodes on the patch when the response received by the microcontroller is positive, until the electrode patch expires.

Abstract: A system for detecting the location of an endoscopic device inside a patients' body comprises an endoscope assembly with an insertion tube having a set of codes indicative of an insertion depth and a rotational direction of the endoscopic device and a detector to detect the set of codes and calculate the location information. The images captured by the endoscopic device are automatically tagged with corresponding location information. Optionally, the endoscope assembly further comprises a system for generating three dimensional images and videos without increasing the number of cameras. Optionally, the endoscope assembly further comprises a system having a plurality of sensor devices for generating a real time image map of an endoscopic tip portion traversing a lumen. Optionally, the endoscope assembly further comprises a special garment for colonoscopy patients to preserve the modesty of the patients and to protect a physician from spraying fecal matter.

Abstract: An endoscope system comprises an image acquisition unit, a discrimination processing unit, and a discrimination processing control unit. The image acquisition unit acquires an endoscope image obtained by imaging an observation target using an endoscope. The discrimination processing unit discriminates a portion having a specific feature in the observation target by performing discrimination processing, using an endoscope image. The discrimination processing control unit controls a start or an end of the discrimination processing on the basis of a change in operation of an endoscope or the endoscope image.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a flexible circuit for insertion into a pill capsule. The flexible circuit has a first portion having an electrical contact to electrically connect with a battery, a second portion having an electrical contact to electrically connect with the battery, a first arm separating the first portion and second portion, a third portion comprising a first antenna, a second arm separating the first portion and third portion, a fourth portion comprising a second antenna, a third arm separating the first portion and fourth portion, a third arm separating the first portion and fourth portion, and a fifth portion comprising a third antenna. The first portion, second portion, and first arm form a first receptacle to receive a battery. The third portion, fourth portion, and fifth portion form a second receptacle to receive a cube ferrite core.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing an air leak in a lung compartment of a patient may include: advancing a diagnostic catheter into an airway leading to the lung compartment; inflating an occluding member on the catheter to form a seal with a wall of the airway and thus isolate the lung compartment; measuring air pressure within the lung compartment during multiple breaths, using the diagnostic catheter; displaying the measured air pressure as an air pressure value on a console coupled with the diagnostic catheter; and determining whether an air leak is present in the lung compartment based on the displayed air pressure value during the multiple breaths.

Abstract: An impedance-based respiration monitoring system for apnea detection includes at least three surface electrodes configured to record impedance respiration data from a patient's torso, a signal processing system, and an apnea detection module. The signal processing system is configured to generate a first respiration lead formed by a first set of surface electrodes from the at least three surface electrodes, the first respiration lead providing a first series of impedance measurements, and to generate a second respiration lead formed by a second set of surface electrodes attached to the patient's torso, the second lead providing a second series of impedance measurements. The apnea detection module is executable on a processor to calculate a first apnea metric based on the first series of impedance measurements, and calculate a second apnea metric based on the second series of impedance measurements. An apnea event is then detected based on the first apnea metric and the second apnea metric.

Abstract: A state determination device for determining a state of an object that is present in the vicinity of a plurality of electrodes includes: a selection unit configured to select a plurality of electrode pairs from the plurality of electrodes; a capacitance pattern measurement unit configured to measure a capacitance pattern for the plurality of electrode pairs; and a neural network that is trained to determine a state of the object based on the capacitance pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining an antioxidant index may include an image acquirer configured to acquire an image by capturing a correction reference object and a skin of a user and a processor configured to determine a first degree of yellowness of the correction reference object and a second degree of yellowness of the skin based on the image, and determine an antioxidant index of the user based on the first degree of yellowness and the second degree of yellowness.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device 1 for analysing the regularity and symmetry of a sequence of N gait or running cycles of a person, comprising measurement sensors 2 for measuring raw time signals of a physical movement variable of a body segment, a processing unit connected to the measurement sensors 2 and having calculation and processing means set up to separate the raw time signals into distinct time signals Ci, the Ci series being associated with a given gait or running cycle i of the person, to calculate at least one similarity coefficient between the signal Ci associated with gait or running cycle i and another signal Cj associated with a gait or running cycle j of the same person, display means 4 connected to the processing unit and displaying the matrix M(i,j) with each value of the similarity coefficient shown in the matrix M(i,j) by a colour in a graduated colour scale to make it possible for the similarity between the gait or running cycles i and j to be seen with the naked eye.

Abstract: A blood pressure measuring apparatus performs blood pressure measurement of a person to be measured. The apparatus includes: setting a measurement mode including at least a nocturnal blood pressure measurement mode to perform the measurement; and determining whether a blood pressure measurement posture is good under a first determination condition based on a height difference between a position of the apparatus and a heart position of the person in a sitting posture, and under a second determination condition based on a height difference between a position of the apparatus and a heart position of the person in a supine posture. A determination condition of the determining is switched to the second determination condition when the nocturnal blood pressure measurement mode is set.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new method for quantifying key components of manual dexterity. The present invention also provides methods for diagnosing impaired upper limb and/or hand function in patients based on how these components are affected.

Abstract: Provided is a device for excitation of a fluorescent component associated with a predetermined target circulating in blood flowing through a blood vessel of a living being. The device includes a clamping device, a coherent light source that emits light causing excitation of the fluorescent component forming a conjugate with the predetermined target in the blood stream. A fluorescence sensor senses and measures a fluorescent effect exhibited by the fluorescent component forming a portion of the conjugate in response to excitation of the fluorescent component by the light emitted by the coherent light source. Optical fibers transmit the emitted light between the light source and the clamping device, and the fluorescent effect exhibited by the fluorescent component of the conjugate between the clamping device and the sensor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing sensor data and self-calibration are provided. In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided which are capable of calibrating a continuous analyte sensor based on an initial sensitivity, and then continuously performing self-calibration without using, or with reduced use of, reference measurements. In certain embodiments, a sensitivity of the analyte sensor is determined by applying an estimative algorithm that is a function of certain parameters. Also described herein are systems and methods for determining a property of an analyte sensor using a stimulus signal. The sensor property can be used to compensate sensor data for sensitivity drift, or determine another property associated with the sensor, such as temperature, sensor membrane damage, moisture ingress in sensor electronics, and scaling factors.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for blood analyte sensing, data processing, and transmission and storage. In one embodiment, the sensor comprises a spatially compact multi-element implantable blood glucose sensor apparatus which is configured to generate signals or data relating to sensed blood glucose levels of a host being, and process the data in vivo to generate e.g., data suitable for transmission to an external receiver device for storage and indication. The implanted sensor apparatus may also determine the need for an alert. In one variant, the sensor apparatus provides for ultra-low energy consumption through a number of coordinated mechanisms, including only issuing wireless transmissions (advertisements) when communication is needed, and use of multiple “layered” operating modes. Reduced energy consumption advantageously also extends implantation longevity and reliability/availability.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamically and intelligently estimating analyte data from a continuous analyte sensor, including receiving a data stream, selecting one of a plurality of algorithms, and employing the selected algorithm to estimate analyte values. Additional data processing includes evaluating the selected estimative algorithms, analyzing a variation of the estimated analyte values based on statistical, clinical, or physiological parameters, comparing the estimated analyte values with corresponding measure analyte values, and providing output to a user. Estimation can be used to compensate for time lag, match sensor data with corresponding reference data, warn of upcoming clinical risk, replace erroneous sensor data signals, and provide more timely analyte information encourage proactive behavior and preempt clinical risk.

Abstract: A noninvasive mid-infrared in vivo glucose sensor for use in connection with the skin of a test subject is disclosed. The sensor includes a mid-infrared light source configured to deliver a light beam to the skin of the test subject, a collector element configured to collect backscattered light from the skin and direct it to the detector, and a detector element configured to measure the collected backscattered light from the skin. The mid-infrared light source may be a quantum cascade laser. The sensor may include optical fibers configured to deliver the light beam to the skin of the test subject. The collector element may be an integrating sphere or a bundle of two or more optical fibers. The sensor may also include a probe containing or connecting to optical fibers coupled to the mid-infrared light source and configured to be placed on the skin to take glucose level readings.

Abstract: Systems and methods for hematocrit measurement are provided. The present disclosure provides systems and methods for a low power and low-cost utilization of a microprocessor to capture hematocrit measurements for a blood glucose meter. The systems and methods include an electronic meter for performing a diagnostic test on a sample applied to a test strip inserted. The electronic meter can include a low cost low power microcontroller for capturing the hematocrit measurements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for determination of the hemoglobin amount of a patient comprising: a closed gas volume (100); a gas outlet comprising a mouth piece (47), wherein the mouth piece (47) is configured to enable inhalation and exhalation of gas into and out of the closed gas volume (100); a means for carbon monoxide supply into the closed gas volume (100); characterized in that the means for carbon monoxide supply comprises a carbon monoxide reservoir (15) which is provided with sensors for the determination of temperature (19) and pressure (17) of the carbon monoxide in the carbon monoxide reservoir (15).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for non-invasively determining the blood oxygen saturation within a subject's tissue by near-infrared spectroscopy is disclosed. Embodiments of the apparatus and method use the multi-distance method and take into account the attenuation of the light signal due to light absorbers other than hemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin and the scattering properties of a subject's tissue.

Abstract: Provided is a brain function measurement device capable of improving the reliability of brain function measurement using a simple configuration. The brain function measurement device includes light source probes LD2 and LD12 for irradiating the scalp of a test subject with light beams; linearly polarizing films P2 and P3 for polarizing the light beams emitted from the light source probes LD2 and LD12 in a first direction; a linearly polarizing film P1 for blocking components in the first direction of reflected light beams that are generated as the light beams emitted from the linearly polarizing film P2 and P3 are reflected by the hairs of the test subject; and a detection probe PD1 for detecting the intensity of a light beam that has passed through the linearly polarizing film P1.

Abstract: A dual-sided biomorphic polymer-based microelectrode array and method of fabricating the same. A measurement probe fabricated from a polymer consisting of two sides each with an array of paired recording sites for the measurement of molecules in an aqueous biological or chemical environment. Enzyme-based coatings are placed on microelectrodes of one measurement probe side specific to analytes of interest, and are coupled with a similar but non-functional protein matrix coating on the microelectrode on the opposite side to yield two distinct recording sites for subtraction of interferents, noise and non-Faradaic background current. Microelectrodes are arranged with variable spacing between each to match a variety of brain structures affording a biomorphic array allowing simultaneous recordings at multiple target depths and coordinates from one measurement probe system.

Abstract: This device makes accessing a vein practically fool-proof. The long, slender tines corral the vein, holding it snuggly in place and prevents the vein from ‘rolling’. This will reduce the number of missed attempts and reduce the number of needle sticks to the patient. The slight arc of the apparatus allows the health care professional temporarily occlude the vein in lieu of a tourniquet by simply rocking the device back and applying pressure. By rocking the device forward and reducing the pressure blood is allowed to flow free again.

Abstract: To reduce errors in determining a degree of arousal due to variations in blinking among an individual or between individuals. To execute the steps of: acquiring first biological information related to an ocular potential of a user from a processing device worn by the user; and calculating a degree of arousal of the user based on a distance between a projection axis parallel to an equal degree of arousal line and a point where the first biological information is plotted in a coordinate space where a height and width are the axes for an ocular potential peak.

Abstract: A method of assessing the balance impairment of a subject includes the steps of presenting the subject with a static scene on a display, collecting a first set of orientation measurements, presenting the subject with an unstable scene on a display, collecting a second set of orientation measurements, storing the first and second sets of orientation measurements on a computing device, referenced to a set of time indices, and calculating a balance score for the subject by comparing the second set of orientation measurements with the first set of orientation measurements. A system for assessing the balance impairment of a subject is also disclosed.

Abstract: A stimulation probe device including a first electrode, a stimulation module, a control module and a physical layer module. The stimulation module is configured to (i) wirelessly receive a payload signal from a console interface module or a nerve integrity monitoring device, and (ii) supply a voltage or an amount of current to the first electrode to stimulate a nerve or a muscle in a patient. The control module is configured to generate a parameter signal indicating the voltage or the amount of current supplied to the electrode. The physical layer module is configured to (i) upconvert the parameter signal to a first radio frequency signal, and (ii) wirelessly transmit the first radio frequency signal from the stimulation probe to the console interface module or the nerve integrity monitoring device.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for generating and displaying large bowel information. In at least one embodiment of a method of generating a gastrointestinal model, comprising the steps of obtaining size data within a mammalian gastrointestinal tract using a device configured to fit within the mammalian gastrointestinal tract, and modifying a model colon using the obtained size data to generate a patient-specific colon model.

Abstract: The invention discloses the smart brassiere which is used to prevent the breast cancer and other breast diseases in advance, and it includes two cups. There's arc-shaped sunk inner end face on cups and inner end face is installed with multiple sensors to monitor data information of breasts. There are various sensors inside the cups and they are respectively located in the different areas of the inner end face of the cups. The sensors on inner end face of cups present axisymmetric arrangement with symmetry axis of two cups being the center. Sensors and database system are connected through wireless signal. Through monitoring various data information of breasts with sensors for many times, data information will be transmitted to database system for storage, and the latest data information will compare with old data information to judge possible diseases of breasts.

Abstract: The present solution discusses a system configured to evaluate the progress of labor induction by monitoring the uterine response to induction drugs or mechanical induction methods and assess the physiological status of the uterus. The uterine response to drugs can vary over the course of labor, but by categorizing the uterine response in real time the system can control an infusion system to deliver patient specific amounts of drugs to the patient that improves patient outcome while providing cost savings.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for providing an automatic cueing system for real-time communication, by: collecting a first person's profile data, which may include a medical history, to determine how the first person reacts to different voice or audio characteristics and sounds; analyzing the first person's voice or audio characteristics and sounds to categorize a current condition of the first person; and then dynamically adjusting voice or audio characteristics and sounds of responses made to the first person by a robotic device or a second person, based on the first person's profile data and the current condition of the first person. Thereafter, the first person's voice or audio characteristics and sounds, as well as the responses made to the first person, may be continuously monitored, along the first person's vital signs, to update the current condition of the first person.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing muscular biofeedback, comprising: facewear supporting biosensors arranged such that, in use, the biosensors are situated for detecting activity of a predetermined set of facial muscles; a feedback unit for providing biofeedback to a wearer of the facewear; and a control unit coupled to the biosensors and the feedback unit and arranged to identify patterns in the signals from the biosensors characteristic of one or more predefined imbalances in muscle activity between the left and right sides of the face; wherein the control unit is configured to, on identifying a pattern in the signals from biosensors characteristic of a first predefined imbalance in muscle activity between the left and right sides of the face, cause the feedback unit to provide biofeedback in correspondence with the imbalance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a detection apparatus and a method for detecting and manipulating a blood vessel under the skin of part of the body of a patient, which comprises a treatment chamber for accommodating the body part, a data processing control device, a vascular structure measuring device for detecting the position and/or dimensions of vascular structure data of the blood vessel in the treatment chamber by measurement, a vascular manipulation device for changing the position and/or dimension of the blood vessel, wherein the control device is designed to control the vascular manipulation device as a function of the vascular structure data.

Abstract: A headwear assembly is disclosed having an oximetry sensor and a circuit assembly configured to measure pulse and oxygen level for a user during exercise and/or physical activity. The oximetry sensor is positioned in a front section of the headwear assembly, proximate to the forehead when worn. Other sensors can also be included with the headwear assembly, such as temperature, blood pressure, and so on. The headwear assembly is configured to securely conform about a user's head when worn, such that the oximetry sensor is positioned and effectively immobilized on the forehead above the eyebrows. The headwear assembly can further provide integrated functionality with an external electronic device, such as a smart mobile phone. The headwear assembly can include a wireless charger for charging a rechargeable battery disposed on the headwear assembly.

Abstract: The problem of poor signal quality of biometric measurement is improved with a new headset construction. The new headset includes a sensor assembly that provides more stable and secure contact between the sensor electrodes and the scalp of the wearer of the headset. The sensor assembly includes a housing unit for the electrodes and has a flexible and collapsible wall portion, which flexes and deforms according to the strength and the location of the pressure applied to the electrodes to maximize the contact area between the scalp and the sensors.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure provide a method for obtaining biological information associated with a user, comprising receiving electrical signals via a first electrode on an ear tip of an earpiece inserted in an ear of the user, receiving electrical signals via a second electrode on an external portion of the earpiece, and deriving an electrocardiogram (ECG) based on the signals received via the first electrode and the second electrode. Aspects also provide a method for determining a pulse travel time (PTT) associated with a user, comprising obtaining a proximal signal using an earpiece inserted in of the user, obtaining a distal signal using the earpiece, and deriving the PTT based on the obtained proximal signal and the obtained distal signal.

Abstract: A novel back and neck orthotic device is disclosed. This back and neck orthotic device includes an elastic matrix layer; an electronic textile layer which electrochemically generates electrical energy when stretched; Additionally, an alert module is mounted to the one side of the elastic matrix layer, detecting when a person bends and alerting them correspondingly. When used, it is only necessary to attach the back and neck orthotic device to person's back and/or neck. When the back or neck is bent, the elastic matrix layer is elastically deformed, resulting in the electronic textile layer is to be deformed as well, allowing the electronic textile to output a voltage. When the output voltage exceeds the preset voltage threshold, the alert module is triggered to remind the user to correct their posture.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for integrated sensor and data processing assembly is provided.