Abstract: Provided are a neural electrode for measuring a neural signal, and a method for manufacturing the same. The method for manufacturing the same includes forming an ITO electrode on a substrate, forming a passivation layer for exposing a portion of the ITO electrode, forming ITO nanowires on the ITO electrode, and forming a metal oxide on the ITO nanowires.

Abstract: Computer implemented methods, devices and systems for monitoring a trend in heart failure (HF) progression are provided. The method comprises sensing left ventricular (LV) activation events at multiple LV sensing sites along a multi-electrode LV lead. The activation events are generated in response to an intrinsic or paced ventricular event. The method implements program instructions on one or more processors for automatically determining a conduction pattern (CP) across the LV sensing sites based on the LV activation events, identifying morphologies (MP) for cardiac signals associated with the LV activation events and repeating the sensing, determining and identifying operations, at select intervals, to build a CP collection and an MP collection. The method calculates an HF trend based on the CP collection and MP collection and classifies a patient condition based on the HF trend to form an HF assessment.

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

Abstract: An ergonomically designed wireless wearable smart band pair for continuous ECG monitoring is disclosed. The pair comprises primary and secondary smart bands with integrated electrodes. When the smart bands are worn around the two limbs, electrodes contact the skin. The primary smart band acquires biopotential data from the first wrist while the secondary smart band simultaneously acquires biopotential data from the second wrist and sends it wirelessly to the primary smart band. The primary smart band processes biopotential data via DSP and analog signal conditioning, and fuses information to acquire high-fidelity ECG data as per Einthoven's law without need for completing a circuit via leads and/or holding auxiliary electrodes. The primary smart band analyzes ECG data in real-time, generates pertinent alarms, stores data locally, and wirelessly transmits information to external devices.

Abstract: A method for attaching an electrode to cabling, including providing a cable having a plurality of insulated wires coiled around a central core. The method further includes removing insulation from each wire in a set of the coiled wires so as to provide a respective access channel to a respective section of a respective conductor of each wire in the set while the respective section remains coiled on the central core. The method further includes fastening a respective electrode to the respective access channel while the respective section remains coiled on the central core.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for signal analysis in an implantable cardiac device such as an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. In illustrative examples, captured data including detected events is analyzed to identify likely overdetection of cardiac events. Analysis of the apparent width of detected events is used to determine whether overdetection is occurring. If overdetection is identified, data may be modified to correct for overdetection, to reduce the impact of overdetection, or to ignore overdetected data.

Abstract: A catheter with basket-shaped electrode assembly with spines configured for hyper-flexing in a predetermined, predictable manner when a compressive force acts on the assembly from either its distal end or its proximal end. At least one spine has at least one region of greater (or hyper) flexibility that allows the electrode assembly to deform, for example, compress, for absorbing and dampening excessive force that may otherwise cause damage or injury to tissue wall in contact with the assembly, without compromising the structure and stiffness of the remaining regions of the spine, including its distal and proximal regions. The one or more regions of greater flexibility in the spine allow the spine to flex into a generally V-shape configuration or a generally U-shape configuration.

Abstract: A method and system for visualization of electrophysiology information sensed by electrodes on a catheter, includes recording times of electrode signal acquisition, designating a reference electrode signal acquisition, assigning a relative time to each recorded time of electrode signal acquisition relative to the reference electrode signal acquisition, identifying the electrodes with signal acquisition, correlating assigned relative times to identified electrodes to generate a sequence of electrode signal acquisitions, and generating a visual representation of the sequence of electrode signal acquisitions generating a visual representation with a graphical image of the electrodes, wherein individual electrodes are visually marked to represent the sequence of electrode signal acquisitions.

Abstract: A method for analysis of cardiac rhythms, based on calculations of entropy and moments of interbeat intervals. An optimal determination of segments of data is provided that demonstrate statistical homogeneity, specifically with regard to moments and entropy. The invention also involves calculating moments and entropy on each segment with the goal of diagnosis of cardiac rhythm. More specifically, an absolute entropy measurement is calculated and provided as a continuous variable, providing dynamical information of fundamental importance in diagnosis and analysis. Through the present invention, standard histograms, thresholds, and categories can be avoided.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided comprising an implantable lead having electrodes configured to be located proximate to a heart, the electrodes defining a sensing vector through a region of interest in the heart. The method and system collect an intra-cardiac electrogram (EGM) signal associated with an event of interest and determining an global amplitude characteristic (GAC) and a global slope characteristic (GSC) from the EGM signal under control of one or more processors within an implantable medical device (IMD). A QRS start time is defined, within the EGM signal, based on the GSC and determining a local amplitude characteristic (LAC) for a segment of the EGM signal within a search window of the GAC under control of one or more processors within an implantable medical device (IMD) A QRS end time is defined, within the EGM signal, based on the LAC; and calculating a QRS duration based on the QRS start time and QRS end time under control of one or more processors within an implantable medical device (IMD).

Abstract: A brainwave actuated apparatus has a brainwave sensor for outputting a brainwave signal, an effector responsive to an input signal, and a controller operatively connected to an output of said brainwave sensor and a control input to said effector. The controller is adapted to determine characteristics of a brainwave signal output by said brainwave sensor and based on said characteristics, derive a control signal to output to said effector.

Abstract: The invention provides an evaluation method capable of objectively evaluating average visual perception for a comparatively long period of time when a subject looks through an eyeglass lens to be evaluated, time-dependent change in visual perception, and visual perception when looking with both eyes, and the invention provides a design method, and the invention provides a calculation method for calculating characteristics of visual perception of the subject when viewing an object through a lens.

Abstract: A high-frequency device that detects biological information related to heartbeat, respiration, and the like with high accuracy. A high-frequency device (1) includes a biological signal extracting unit (heartbeat signal extracting unit 53, respiration signal extracting unit 63) that extracts a biological signal representing a specific frequency component; and an autocorrelation function processing unit (heartbeat autocorrelation function processing unit 54, respiratory autocorrelation function processing unit 64) that determines periodicity of an autocorrelation function to calculate biological information.

Abstract: Systems and methods of are disclosed for providing visual feedback to a subject during magnetic resonance imaging, where the visual feedback is associated with input provided by the subject to a magnetic resonance compatible touch panel. A video camera is employed to record video images of the interaction between the subject and the touch panel, and the video images are processed to generate a real-time video signal including a rendering of the input provided to the touch panel and the interaction between the subject's hands and the touch panel. The real-time video signal is provided to the subject as visual feedback, and is displayed within a time duration that is sufficiently fast to avoid the detection of the visual feedback as an error signal with the subject's brain in relation to the sense of proprioception. A measurement of the force applied to the touch panel by the subject may be recorded and employed when rendering the real-time video.

Abstract: Systems and methods for registering, verifying, dynamically referencing, and navigating an anatomical region of interest of a patient are provided. In one embodiment, the anatomical region of interest is imaged using an imaging device such as, for example, an x-ray device. A tracked registration device may then be removably inserted following a path within the anatomical region and the position of the registration device may be sampled by a tracking device as the registration device is moved within the anatomical region through the catheter. The sampled position data is registered to the image data to register the path to the anatomical region of interest. The same or a similar device may be used to dynamically reference the movements affecting the anatomical region and modify the registration in real time. The registration may also be verified.

Abstract: A breathing support system is provided. The system may include a breathing support device configured to deliver gas to a patient and a display device associated with the breathing support device. The display device may be configured to display a work of breathing graphic indicating one or more work of breathing measures regarding the patient's breathing.

Abstract: A sensor system is for determining a breathing type of a subject. It has first and second electromagnetic radiation (e.g. optical) sensors, for example PPG sensors. The sensors are for application to the skin of the subject at different sensor locations. The signals from the first and second sensors are analyzed to determine if there is predominantly a first breathing type (e.g. chest breathing) or predominantly a second breathing type (e.g. belly breathing), or a mixture of the first and second breathing types.

Abstract: A system for detecting the dimensions and geometry of a native valve annulus for trans-catheter valve implantation includes a compliant balloon and a shaft within the balloon. One or more drive electrodes may be affixed to a surface of the balloon, and one or more sense electrodes may be affixed to the shaft. After insertion of the balloon into the native valve annulus, the drive electrodes may be energized with a predetermined voltage. Using a trained statistical model and the voltages measured at the sense electrodes, initial estimates of the cross-section of the valve annulus may be obtained. The initial estimates may then be provided to an optimization model of the valve annulus to obtain a highly accurate prediction of the cross-section of the valve annulus.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining an acceleration at a location of interest within one of a user's head and neck. At least one of linear acceleration data, angular acceleration data, angular velocity data, and orientation data is produced using at least one sensing device substantially rigidly attached to an ambient-accessible surface of the user's head. The location of interest is represented relative to a position of the at least one sensing device as a time-varying function. An acceleration at the location of interest is calculated as a function of the data produced at the sensing device and the time-varying function representing the location of interest. The calculated acceleration at the location of interest is provided to at least one of the user and an observer in a human-perceptible form.

Abstract: A method for motion data processing includes: sensing a plurality of motion data of football player by a magnetic football and magnetic sensors; according to the motion data, analyzing the player's motion trajectory by a processing chip, and identifying whether the player's kicking motion is sliding tackle, smashing or dribbling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for noninvasively determining the hematocrit value of a subject. The device comprises a light source (22, 23) for emitting light onto a skin area of the subject, said light comprising first light at a first wavelength in a first wavelength range between 500 and 1000 nm and second light at a second wavelength in a second wavelength range between 1000 and 2000 nm, a reflection detector (24) for detecting light reflected from said skin area of the subject in response to light illumination by said light source, a transmission detector (25) for detecting light transmitted through said skin area of the subject in response to light illumination by said light source, a processing unit (31) for deriving plethysmography, PPG, signals for said first and second wavelengths from the light detected by said reflection detector (24) and said transmission detector (25), and an analysis unit (32) for determining the hematocrit value of the subject from said PPG signals.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to noninvasive methods, devices, and systems for measuring various blood constituents or analytes, such as glucose. In an embodiment, a light source comprises LEDs and super-luminescent LEDs. The light source emits light at at least wavelengths of about 1610 nm, about 1640 nm, and about 1665 nm. In an embodiment, the detector comprises a plurality of photodetectors arranged in a special geometry comprising one of a substantially linear substantially equal spaced geometry, a substantially linear substantially non-equal spaced geometry, and a substantially grid geometry.

Abstract: A blood oxygenation sensor is provided comprising: a first current-powered light source to produce light having a first wavelength; a second current-powered light source to produce light having a second wavelength; a light sensor to produce a current signal having a magnitude that is indicative of intensity of light incident upon it; a current level driver circuit that includes a current source configured to couple the current source to alternatively provide current to one of the first current-powered light source and the second light current-powered light source; a processor configured to predict times of occurrence of one or more first time intervals in which arterial volume at a tissue site is at one of a maximum and a minimum; wherein the processor is configured to control the current source, to provide a first pattern of higher power-dissipation current pulses to the first and second current-powered light sources during the first time intervals, and to provide a second pattern of lower power-dissipation

Abstract: A support pad, including a first cushion layer, a second cushion layer, and a sensing device, is provided. The sensing device is positioned between the first and second cushion layers. The sensing device includes a plurality of sensing elements and a substrate. The substrate includes a plurality of tab portions and a plurality of expandable portions. The sensing elements are respectively mounted to the tab portions. The expandable portions are moveable between contracted and expanded positions in response to pressure applied thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for assessing the condition of the bone tissue in a patient's bone region (21). The apparatus includes an ultrasound device (11) that transmits/receives ultrasounds along a plurality of ultrasound propagation lines (15i) for the bone region (21), and for receiving in response from the bone region (21) a plurality of raw reflected ultrasound signals (36,38); a device for generating an ultrasound signal, a sonographic image formation device for forming a sonographic image (29) of the bone region (21), starting from the raw reflected ultrasound signals (36,38); a device for extracting at least one frequency spectrum (43.sub.i,44.sub.i,47,48) starting from at least one part of said plurality of raw reflected ultrasound signals (36,38) coming from corresponding points (34) of the bone region (21), each having a plurality of harmonic components.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for visualizing, scoring, recording, and analyzing sleep data and hypnograms. In some implementations, a method includes generating and providing a representation of sleep stages that includes a sequence of elements indicating a progression of the sleep stages over time during a sleep session. In some implementations, a method includes generating and providing one or more scores based on analysis of the sleep session. In some implementations, a wearable body data recorder includes a plurality of sensors and is configured to measure and process sensor data obtained during a sleep session of a subject.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a patient includes a sensor unit having a housing and sensors disposed in or around the housing; and a base having a shell and configured and arranged to be adhesively attached to skin of the patient. The sensors can be used to monitor physical therapy and rehabilitation of the patient. The sensor unit can provide information to a patient or clinician device to facilitate the monitoring. The sensor data can be used to determine measurements such as tilt angle of the sensor unit and range of motion measurements (such as extension, flexion, or forces associated with movement) of the anatomical region to which the sensor unit is attached. The sensor data can also be used for automated identification or classification of exercises performed by the patient.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vascular image positioning system, including an image enhancing device (1) and an image projection device (2) used cooperatively with the vascular image enhancing device (1). The transmission light emitted by the enhancing device (1) passed through the sites of the human body surface to be tested, is received by the image projection device (2), and after image processing, forms in situ images at sites on the surface of the skin of the human body to be tested. The enhancing device (1) comprises a light emitting unit (101) and a drive unit (102) driving the light emitting unit (101) to emit light. The vascular image positioning system provides the function of using a transmission light source to achieve in situ imaging of the blood vessels at the sites to be tested; secondly, it also provides a mode for combining a transmission light source with a reflection light source, thereby strengthening the function of in situ imaging and widening the application range.

Abstract: An oximeter includes a main body defining an opening and a finger clamping device arranged in the opening. The finger clamping device includes a shell, an upper clamping member, and a lower clamping member. The shell includes an inner wall carrying a sliding rail. The upper clamping member is arranged in the shell and defines a spindle. A portion of the spindle is received in the sliding rail and can slide along the sliding rail. The lower clamping member faces the upper clamping member and is coupled to the upper clamping member by a torsion spring. A finger being inserted between the upper clamping member and the lower clamping member causes the torsion spring to stretch, the finger is thus clamped by the upper clamping member and the lower clamping member with an elastic restoring force.

Abstract: A method of atrial rotational activity pattern (RAP) source detection is provided which includes detecting, via a plurality of sensors, electro-cardiogram (ECG) signals over time, each ECG signal detected via one of the plurality of sensors and indicating electrical activity of a heart. The method also includes determining, for each of the plurality of ECG signals, one or more local activation times (LATs) each indicating a time of activation of a corresponding ECG signal. The method further includes detecting whether one or more RAP source areas of activation in the heart is indicated based on the detected ECG signals and the one or more local LATs. Mapping information of the detected RAP source areas of activation in the heart is also generated for providing one or more maps.

Abstract: Ingestible devices and methods useful for providing information useful in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal abnormalities are provided.

Abstract: A method for assessing the orthopaedic performance of a joint of a patient can comprise implanting at least a first and second RF wirelessly detectable markers in first and second bones associated with a site and determining and storing their positions before a surgical procedure is performed. The procedure can be carried out on the site and the positions of the first and second markers can be detected and stored after the procedure has been completed. The detected positions can be used to generate a representation of the orthopaedic performance of the joint after the procedure.

Abstract: A wearable device comprising a memory storing data associated with a personal biology of a user, a short-range wireless transceiver for receiving, from a peer wearable device, data associated with a personal biology of a peer user, and a processor for comparing the received data with the data stored in the memory in order to determine whether or not there is a match. The device further comprises an indicator for generating a visual, audio or other sensory indication of a match when the data is determined to match.

Abstract: A tomography method includes: a step of having a photon counting detector to undergo a relative motion with respect to an X-Ray source, and capturing 2×N projected energy spectral data at 2×N individual discrete projection angles that divide the relative motion, the N being a positive integer; a step of reforming the 2×N projected energy spectral data at the 2×N individual discrete projection angles and establishing corresponding projection intensity data; and, a step of basing on the projection intensity data and the 2×N projected energy spectral data at the 2×N individual discrete projection angles to calculate the material decomposition images. In addition, a tomography system is also provided.

Abstract: An imaging system (100) includes a gantry (101) that defines an examination region (106) and a subject support (112). The subject support includes a tabletop (116) that supports an object or subject in the examination region for a scan of the object or subject and a base (114) that supports the tabletop. A support frame (132) supports the base. The base is moveably affixed to the support frame and moves between a plurality of predetermined locations, which are based on corresponding distances from the gantry. A support frame drive system (134) moves the base alternatively to one of the plurality of predetermined locations in response to an input signal indicative of the one of the plurality of predetermined locations, which corresponds to a location of interest for the scan of the object or subject.

Abstract: An object approach detection apparatus (ACU) includes an input interface (IN) for receiving a response signal from a proximity sensor (PSj) measured relative to a first base-value of said at least one sensor. A filter module (FM) is configured to filter said response signal to produce a filtered response signal. A proximity event declarator (PED) is configured to declare a proximity event has occurred if the filtered response signal fulfils a first condition, in particular crosses a first threshold. A base value adaptor (BVA) is configured to choose a new base value in response of the declaring that the proximity event has occurred.

Abstract: An imaging system and a related method include a marker detection system (MDS) to detect one or more markers (MK) spatially arranged in association with an area (A). If the marker detection system (MDS) detects that the area (A) is within a field-of-view (FoV) of the imaging system or is at least within a predefined distance thereof, a control signal is issued in respect of the area (A) to an image acquisition system (ACS) of the imaging system. The area (A) may be one of a hand of a human operator or a part of a patient to be imaged.

Abstract: A catheter tip-end rotation angle detection apparatus includes a catheter rotation angle detecting unit that detects a rotation angle of a catheter in an operator's hand, an image processing unit that extracts a catheter tip-end region from an x-ray fluoroscopic image of a first x-ray fluoroscopic capturing unit, a catheter tip-end rotation angle calculation unit that calculates an offset angle between an operator's hand-side rotation angle and a catheter tip-end rotation angle, from a fluoroscopic image captured at an action time of rotating the catheter by one turn, based on an angle at which a catheter tip-end region becomes a straight line in the image processing unit, and that calculates a catheter tip-end rotation angle based on the offset angle and the operator's hand-side rotation angle, during a catheter manipulation time, and an output unit that outputs the calculated catheter tip-end rotation angle.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intraoral sensor that includes: a sensor panel generating an electrical signal by detecting X-rays; an elasticity-adjusting member disposed behind the sensor panel and limiting elasticity of the sensor panel; a wireless communication circuit disposed behind the elasticity-adjusting panel, transmitting the electrical signal generated by the sensor panel to an external console wirelessly, and receiving the electrical signal from the console wirelessly; and a battery module disposed behind the elasticity-adjusting member and supplying power.

Abstract: The present invention relates to determining optimal C-arm angulation for heart valve positioning. In order to further improve the workflow in relation with the correct positioning of a valve prosthesis, it is described to provide (12) a 2D image of an aortic root of a heart of a patient, wherein the 2D image comprises three cusps of the heart in a visible and distinct manner. Further, 2D positions of the three cusps are indicated (14) in the 2D image. An analytical 3D model of the aortic cusp locations is provided (16), and the 3D positions of the three cusps are computed (18) based on the 2D positions and the analytical 3D model. Still further, an optimal C-arm angulation is computed (20) based on the computed 3D positions of the cusps, wherein, in the optimal C-arm angulation, the three cusps are aligned in a 2D image. The optimal C-arm angulation is then provided for further image acquisition steps.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling an x-ray imaging system. In one embodiment, a method for an x-ray imaging system, includes acquiring, with the x-ray imaging system, a plurality of images as an x-ray tube current of the x-ray imaging system is ramping from a predefined x-ray tube current to an updated x-ray tube current, the updated x-ray tube current determined based on an estimated patient thickness estimated from a prior image acquired with the x-ray imaging system while the x-ray tube current is at the predefined x-ray tube current, combining the plurality of images into a final image, and outputting the final image for display via a display device.

Abstract: A method and device for acquiring a radiological image of at least part of a patient placed in a gantry. The method includes causing a source to emit radiation that passes through the at least part of the patient and receiving the radiation at a detector. In one embodiment the detector may include at least one first linear sensor having a first sensitive surface and a second linear sensor having a second sensitive surface, wherein the sensitive surfaces are partially overlapped along the direction of movement. The method also includes generating the radiological image at a control unit by generating a first image acquired by the first linear sensor and a second image acquired by the second linear sensor. The control unit may overlap the first and second images in a region where the first and second linear sensors overlap.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for deep learning based automatic bone removal in medical images, such as computed tomography angiography (CTA) volumes, is disclosed. Bone structures are segmented in a 3D medical image of a patient by classifying voxels of the 3D medical image as bone or non-bone voxels using a deep neural network trained for bone segmentation. A 3D visualization of non-bone structures in the 3D medical image is generated by removing voxels classified as bone voxels from a 3D visualization of the 3D medical image.

Abstract: Various examples are directed to sleep management devices and methods of operating the same. A sleep management device may comprise a display. The sleep management device may be programmed to detect a first wake event and select a first wake routine associated with the first wake event. The sleep management device may execute the first wake routine at least in part by modulating an output of the display for a first duration. The sleep management device may also detect a second wake event different than the first wake event and second wake routine associated with the second wake event. The sleep management device may execute the second wake routine at least in part by modulating the output of the display for a second duration longer than the first duration.

Abstract: A system for planning a procedure to be performed using an interventional instrument may comprise a sensor system that generates sensor data and a control system that may receive information about an operational capability of the interventional instrument within a plurality of passageways in a model of an anatomic structure. The control system may also identify a plurality of optional deployment locations for positioning a distal tip of the interventional instrument to perform the procedure on a target structure in the model based on at least one of the sensor data or the information about the operational capability of the interventional instrument. A display system may display the model of the anatomic structure having the plurality of passageways and display the plurality of optional deployment locations in the model. A code may be displayed that provides information about a relative quality of each of the plurality of optional deployment locations.

Abstract: An information acquisition apparatus according to the present invention includes a container configured to store a deformable acoustic matching member, a receiving unit configured to receive an acoustic wave generated from an object and output a signal, and a processing unit configured to acquire object information based on the signal. The processing unit acquires sound speed information about the object, acquires sound speed information about the acoustic matching member, acquires positional information about the acoustic matching member, acquires propagation time information about the acoustic wave between an interesting position of the object and the receiving unit using the positional information, the sound speed information about the object, and the sound speed information about the acoustic matching member, and acquires the object information about the interesting position using the signal and the propagation time information.

Abstract: For acoustic radiation force ultrasound imaging, multiple displacement profiles for a given location are acquired. Physiological and/or transducer axial and/or lateral motion are accounted for using the displacements from the different acoustic radiation force impulses. For axial motion, a difference between the displacements of the different profiles provides information about motion during displacement at the location caused by just the undesired motion. A more accurate estimate of the undesired motion for removing from the displacement profile is provided. For lateral motion, the displacement profiles are obtained using waves traveling from different directions relative to the given location. An average of velocities estimated from the different profiles removes undesired lateral motion.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus and a method thereof are provided. The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes: a data obtainer configured to obtain volume data of an object; a display configured to display a reference cross-section of the object extracted from the volume data; a user input unit configured to receive a user input selecting a reference object included in the displayed reference cross-section; and an image processor configured to normalize the volume data by using location information of the reference object, and to extract a coronal plane of the object based on information of at least one anatomical landmark included in the normalized volume data, and the display is further configured to display the extracted coronal plane.

Abstract: A female urinary device including a urine stream collection container having a discharge opening and a stream collection opening, the stream collection opening being configured to surround and isolate a urethral opening, an internal baffle that cooperates with at least a urine sample container to provide a spillway to the discharge opening, where the spillway provides urine passage to a collection tank, and a probe configured for interior engagement with a vaginal opening for placement of the stream collection opening relative to the urethra opening.

Abstract: A bronchial piercing catheter assembly used to navigate to target tissue in a patient under EMN guidance includes a handle, a shaft, and a catheter tip. The shaft extends from the handle and includes a proximal end and a distal end. The catheter tip is located on the distal end of the shaft and is designed to penetrate tissue. The catheter tip further includes a base member defined along a central longitudinal axis of the bronchial piercing catheter and a trailing tip member adjacent to the base member. The trailing tip member tapers relative to the base member and a leading tip member adjacent to the trailing tip member. The leading tip member further tapers to a distal end.