Abstract: A combined OCT/pressure sensor system includes an optical cable comprising a single-mode core and a multi-mode core. An OCT optical imaging sensor near a distal end of the optical cable can be inserted into a lumen of a living being. First light exiting a distal end of the single-mode core illuminates an interior of the lumen. The OCT optical imaging sensor acquires image information about the interior of the lumen and transmits an optical signal carrying the image information into the distal end of the single-mode core, toward a proximal end of the single-mode core. An optical pressure sensor attached near the OCT optical imaging sensor receives second light from the distal end of the optical cable, senses ambient pressure within the lumen and transmits an optical signal indicative of the ambient pressure into a distal end of the multi-mode core, toward a proximal end of the multi-mode core.

Abstract: A system and apparatus comprising a multisensor guidewire for use in interventional cardiology, e.g., Transcatheter Valve Therapies (TVT), comprises a plurality of optical sensors for direct measurement of cardiovascular parameters, e.g. transvalvular blood pressure gradients. The guidewire has flexibility and stiffness characteristics for use as a support guidewire for TVT, e.g. for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI), comprises multiple optical pressure sensors and respective optical fibers, and a pre-formed three-dimensional flexible tip, e.g. in the form of a helix. The three-dimensional pre-formed tip is configured to assist with anchoring the guidewire within one of the ventricles and atria of the heart, or within the pulmonary artery or aorta, during interventional cardiology procedures.

Abstract: A method for evaluating heart function, comprising receiving a digitized cardiac signal, computing a power spectral density (PSD) or multiscale entropy (MSE) of the digitized cardiac signal, and evaluating heart function based on the PSD or MSE is provided. Systems and computer program products for doing same are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for heart rate monitoring are generally described herein. A method may include receiving, at a device, a spectrogram including a plurality of bins of represented frequencies corresponding to potential heart rate measurements, selecting a bin of frequencies from the plurality of bins of represented frequencies with an average power that exceeds average powers of remaining bins of frequencies of the plurality of bins of represented frequencies, determining whether a frequency of the bin of frequencies represents a valid heart rate based on the average power and a past valid heart rate, and in response to determining that the frequency represents a valid heart rate, outputting a heart rate corresponding to the frequency.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein relates to methods, systems, and computer readable media lor measuring systemic vascular resistance (SVR). In some examples, a method for measuring SVR includes determining, by a computer system coupled to a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor and a display device, a plurality of wave parameters from a cardiac waveform signal detected by the PPG sensor, wherein the wave parameters include at least a systolic peak amplitude, a diastolic peak amplitude, and a dicrotic notch amplitude. The method includes determining, by the computer system, an SVR value based on the wave parameters. The method includes displaying the SVR value on the display device or other available screen.

Abstract: Provided are methods of monitoring for a hemodynamically significant heart rhythm disturbance. The methods include obtaining baseline photoplethysmography (PPG) data from an individual, obtaining PPG signals from the individual during a monitoring period, comparing the PPG signals obtained during the monitoring period to the baseline PPG data, and producing an output when a hemodynamically significant heart rhythm disturbance is detected. In some aspects, the heart rhythm disturbance is detected based on a threshold reduction in PPG amplitude in the PPG signals obtained during the monitoring period compared to the baseline PPG data for a selected period of time; a threshold decreased slope in the initial positive deflection in PPG signals obtained during the monitoring period compared to the baseline PPG data for a selected number of consecutive beats; or both. Also provided are computer-readable media and computing devices that find use, e.g., in practicing the methods of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for direct photoplethysmography or direct PPG comprises obtaining during a time interval plural PPG signals for respective sensors in a wearable device; and combining the plural PPG signals to thereby obtain a multi-sensor PPG signal.

Abstract: A portable device for diagnosing medical conditions and/or physiological reactions includes internal sensors, cameras, mirrors, lasers, electronics, speakers and/or other components. Sensors may be mounted on one or more internal gimbals for stability. The device transmits data it obtains to be processed. Deep learning and other algorithms and tools may be employed to make a diagnosis, detect physiological reactions, or make other observations from data received from the device, as desired. Information from the analysis may be communicated to the device for display. In one embodiment, the device is in the shape of a common item such as a coffee cup. In another embodiment, the device is in the form of a musical instrument and is configured to sense a subject's reaction to music, beats, and/or other stimuli.

Abstract: Various embodiments include an apparatus and methods of use of a proximity sensor. An example apparatus includes a transducer circuit having a sensor circuit, the sensor circuit including an electrode, an electrical-signal sensing circuit, a substrate to support and at least partially enclose the transducer circuit and the electrical-signal sensing circuit, and a communication circuit. The transducer circuit converts changes in capacitance into electrical signals, the changes in capacitance being carried by the electrode and being responsive to pressure and/or electric field modulations attributable to hemodynamic or pulse-wave events. The electrical-signal sensing circuit senses the events in response to the electrical signals from the transducer circuit. The substrate can conform to a portion of a user and locate the sensor circuit sufficiently close to the user's skin for electrically sensing the hemodynamic or pulse-wave events.

Abstract: Intraocular physiological sensor implants include a physiological sensor, and a housing comprising a faceplate. The physiological sensor is integrated with the faceplate. The physiological sensor typically comprises an intraocular pressure sensor, such as a capacitive pressure sensor that may further include a flexible diaphragm electrode spaced apart from a counter electrode. The intraocular pressure sensor detects intraocular pressure, to identify patient conditions such as glaucoma.

Abstract: The invention is generally a system, apparatus, and method for monitoring and measuring a change in intrauterine pressure without rupturing the amniotic sac. A catheter is coupled to a pressure sensing module. The pressure sensing module is configured with a chamber that is in fluid communication with a balloon of the catheter. The chamber includes a pressure-sensing membrane coupled to sensing circuitry. The sensing circuitry is configured to detect a pressure applied to the pressure-sensing membrane and communicate the condition to a monitor of the system. Methods include inserting the catheter through the cervix so that the balloon may be inflated and situated in the lower segment of the uterus, resting against the amniotic sac. Because the balloon of the catheter is in fluid communication with the pressure-sensing membrane, pulsations of the amniotic sac will be sensed by the sensing circuitry of the pressure sensing module.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for detecting rhythmic synchronization of motor neurons. The system includes one or more sensors for receiving a first signal that measures an electrical signal of one or more neurons, the first signal having a first plurality of specific bursts. The system includes a processor connected to the one or more sensors. The processor is configured to receive the first signal. The processor is configured to generate a second signal based on the first signal using a discrete wavelet transform, the second signal having a second plurality of specific bursts. The processor is configured to determine a time delay between a specific burst within the first plurality of specific bursts and a specific burst within the second plurality of specific bursts using one or more expert rules. The processor is configured to apply the time delay to the first signal.

Abstract: Sense amplifier circuits particularly useful in sensing neural responses in an Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG) are disclosed. The IPG includes a plurality of electrodes, with one selected as a sensing electrode and another selected as a reference to differentially sense the neural response in a manner that subtracts a common mode voltage (e.g., stimulation artifact) from the measurement. The circuits include a differential amplifier which receives the selected electrodes at its inputs, and comparator circuitries to assess each differential amplifier input to determine whether it is of a magnitude that is consistent with the differential amplifier's input requirements. Based on these determinations, an enable signal is generated which informs whether the output of the differential amplifier validly provides the neural response at any point in time.

Abstract: Techniques for sensing neural responses such as Evoked Compound Action Potentials (ECAPs) in an implantable stimulator device are disclosed. A first therapeutic pulse phase is followed by a second pulse phase, which phases may be of opposite polarities to assist with active charge recovery. The second pulse phase is formed so as to overlap in time with the arrival of the ECAP at a sensing electrode, which second phase may generally be longer and of a lower amplitude. In so doing, a stimulation artifact formed in a patient's tissue is rendered constant, and of a smaller amplitude, when the ECAP is sensed at the sensing electrode, which eases sensing by a sense amp circuit. Passive charge recovery may follow the second phase, which will not interfere with ECAP sensing that has already occurred.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a bioelectrode, which can stably measure biological information and is suitable for repeated use, and a method of manufacturing the bioelectrode. This object is solved by a bioelectrode comprising a silver coating layer provided on a conductive silicone rubber electrode, wherein the conductive silicone rubber electrode is composed of a silicone rubber containing conductive carbon particles, the silver coating layer is composed of silicone rubber and at least one of agglomerated silver powder and flake-like silver powder, and the silver coating layer has a thickness of 18 ?m to 80 ?m, and, preferably, in which the silver powder contains both the agglomerated silver powder and the flake-like silver powder.

Abstract: A biological information measuring apparatus includes a cover member and a hardware processor. The cover member is provided with sensors for detecting biological signals to cover a position of a biological part of a subject. The hardware processor is configured to estimate a positional relation of the position of the biological part of the subject with respect to the cover member at a first time point. The hardware processor superimposes first point cloud and second point cloud. The first point cloud is acquired by a non-contact mechanism front the subject at the first time point and represents a surface of the biological part of the subject in a coordinate system of the sensors. The second point cloud is created based on a morphological image of the subject captured by a biological structure acquiring apparatus and represents the surface of the biological part of the subject.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program, the method comprising: receiving a first biopotential signal obtained by a first capacitive sensor; receiving a second biopotential signal obtained by a second capacitive sensor, the first capacitive sensor and the second capacitive sensor being positioned at different locations on a subject; synchronising biopotential signals obtained by the first capacitive sensor and the second capacitive sensor by applying a time adjustment to biopotential signals obtained by at least one of the first capacitive sensor or the second capacitive sensor; wherein features in at least one of the first biopotential signal and the second biopotential signal are used to synchronise the biopotential signals obtained by the first capacitive sensor and the second capacitive sensor.

Abstract: A biosignal measurement system comprises an adapter for a biosignal measurement device, and an external support structure separate from the adapter. The adapter comprises tool-less connectors, which are repeatedly connectable to and disconnectable from their counter connectors of the external support structure, and a device connector, which has an electrical connection with the tool-less connectors and which has a connection with the biosignal measurement device that the adapter carries. The external support structure comprises an electrode support structure with electrodes and tool-less counter connectors, the electrodes and the tool-less counter connectors having an electrical connection therebetween. The electrodes form an electrical contact with skin for receiving the biosignal. The counter connectors are in electrical contact with the connectors of the adapter for transferring the biosignal to the biosignal measurement device through the adapter.

Abstract: A brainwave signal collecting device includes a main part and an elastic sleeve having a first opening. The main part is installed t-e on the elastic sleeve, and the elastic sleeve can be positioned by suction on a user's head through the first opening after being pressed. The main part is in contact with the head to collect brainwave signals. The brainwave signal collecting device has an elastic sleeve serving as a flexible piece. When the brainwave signal collecting device is worn, the elastic sleeve can be pressed to partly exhaust the air therein so as to be positioned by suction on the head by the first opening of the elastic sleeve, which can improve the comfort of the head in contact with the elastic sleeve; and the position and angle at which the main part contacts the head can be adjusted through the deformation of the elastic sleeve.

Abstract: Provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure are a control method and device based on brain signal, and a human-machine interaction device, which periodically acquire EEG signals and cerebral oxygen signals within a target period, generate an electroencephalogram (EEG) wave curve representing changes of the EEG signals and a cerebral oxygen wave curve representing changes of the cerebral oxygen signals respectively within the target period, determine whether the EEG wave curve and the cerebral oxygen wave curve satisfy a condition for controlling a controlled device to perform a target operation, and control the controlled device to perform the target operation when the EEG wave curve and the cerebral oxygen wave curve satisfy the condition.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method of operating a system for neurofeedback (NFB) that includes trained animal in a feedback chain. Feedback chain consists of the following steps: A->B->C->D->A wherein said steps are: A. real time recording of the subject's EEG performed by the user module and forwarded to the mobile module; B. analytics of the recorded signal performed by the mobile module and algorithmic decisioning about the stimulation form; C. forwarding the stimulation towards the animal by using of one or more ultrasonic speakers simultaneously wherein the information needed for the animal performance is forwarded in the form of a coded ultrasonic signal; and D. performing of a learned action by the animal triggered by the received ultrasonic signal from the step C which provides a stimulus to the subject exposed to the NBF training.

Abstract: A system for delivering sensory stimulation a sensor; a sensory stimulator configured to deliver sensory stimulation to a patient during a sleep session, the sensory stimulation having varying stimulation intensity levels; and a computer system. One or more physical processors being programmed with computer program instructions which, when executed cause the computer system to: determine sleep stage information of the patient based on brain activity information of the patient during the sleep session from the sensor; provide input to the sensory stimulator based on the determined sleep stage information of the patient, the provided input causing the sensory stimulator to deliver the sensory stimulation to the patient; obtain stimulation response information from the patient, the stimulation response information including patient brain response to the delivered sensory stimulation; and determine a range of the stimulation intensity levels within which the patient brain response reaches a threshold.

Abstract: An electrocardiographic system, the electrocardiographic system includes a first part that includes: a first housing that comprises of a first bottom layer that is elastic and has an underside provided with an adhesive material; a first set of electrodes that is located within the first housing; wherein the first set of electrodes comprises at least one first electrode; a second part that comprises: a second housing that comprises a second bottom layer that has an underside provided with an adhesive material; a second set of electrodes that are located within the second housing; wherein the second set of electrodes comprises at least one second electrode; a mechanical adaptor that is arranged to be detachably connected to a electrocardiographic device that comprises a processor and a wireless transmitter; and an electrical connector that is detachably is arranged to be detachably connected to the electrocardiographic device and to electrically couple the electrocardiographic device to conductors that convey s

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for evaluating the sound quality of a digital engineering process by, in part, measuring the frequency following response (FFR) of the human auditory system elicited by identical auditory stimuli (e.g., a musical interval) encoded with variations of a digital signal processing technique (e.g., various sampling rates). Once measured, the FFR may be analyzed to determine the comparative effect of each digital signal processing technique on a human subject's ability to process complex stimuli presented by the digital engineering process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided to simultaneously provide good image quality and fast image reconstruction from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data by selecting an appropriate value for the regularization parameter used in compressed sensing (CS) image reconstruction. In CS reconstruction a high-resolution image can be reconstructed from randomized undersampled data by imposing sparsity in multi-scale transformation (e.g., wavelet) domain. Further, in the transformation domain, a threshold can be determined between signal and noise levels of the transform coefficients. A regularization parameter based on this threshold scales the regularization term, which imposes sparsity, relative to the data fidelity term in an objective function, thereby balancing the tradeoff between noise and smoothing.

Abstract: An apparatus to jointly measure oxygen utilization and tissue strain includes an imaging system and a computer processor operatively coupled to the imaging system. The computer processor is configured to control the imaging system to perform a pulse sequence on tissue of a subject. The computer processor also acquires oxygen utilization data and strain data responsive to the pulse sequence. The computer processor further determines an amount of strain on the tissue of the subject based at least in part on the strain data and an amount of oxygen utilization of the tissue of the subject based at least in part on the oxygen utilization data.

Abstract: A magnet assembly for a portable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system includes a former having a plurality of slots and a plurality of magnet blocks configured to create a single-sided permanent magnet. Each of the plurality of magnet blocks are positioned in one of the plurality of slots of the former. The arrangement of the plurality of magnet blocks is configured to optimize homogeneity over a target field of view for brain imaging and to form a cap-shaped configuration to be positioned on a head of a subject.

Abstract: There is provided a system, comprising: internal probe(s) for transmitting and/or receiving an RF signal, the internal probe(s) set to be mounted on an elongated guiding element set for insertion via the pharynx into a tract of a patient, the internal probe(s) and elongated guiding element are configured to be directly inserted into the tract independently of another guiding device; external probe(s) which is set to be positioned in a location outside the body for transmitting and/or receiving an RF signal; a processing unit configured to analyze an RF signal transmitted between transducer(s) of the internal probe(s) and transducer(s) of the external probe(s), propagating via tissue(s) of the patient between walls of the tract and a skin layer of the patient, to estimate at least one dielectric property of the tissue(s); wherein the RF signals are unsuitable for generating anatomical images of the tissue(s).

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for assessing breathing disorders such as apneas and hypopneas are provided. An airflow monitoring device can be positioned in thermal communication with respiratory airflow (nasal and/or oral airflow). The airflow monitoring device can include a thermistor configured to measure heating and cooling cycles of respiratory airflow and determine respiratory airflow velocity from analysis of thermistor cooling. This velocity, alone or in combination with other physiological parameters, such as blood oxygen saturation, respiration effort, heart rate, body movement, etc. can be employed to assess sleep disorders.

Abstract: A light-weight, portable mask connects to a portable capnography device for monitoring carbon dioxide in expiratory gas. The mask includes an enclosure that fits over the mouth and nose of a patient, and a single outlet to which an expiration lumen is attached. The expiration lumen is configured to attach to the portable capnography device. The expiration lumen and the capnography device are in a position that is parallel to the patient's face when the mask is in use. The portable capnography device is smaller than the mask. The mask may also include a one-way inhalation inlet vent that allows atmospheric air to enter the enclosure when the patient inhales. In this manner, an apparatus including the mask and the capnography device is used to monitor the breathing of a non-intubated patient, and is not configured to supply oxygen to the patient.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus including circuitry configured to acquire weight distribution information of a subject by at least one sensor, analyze the acquired weight distribution information, and initiate a providing of feedback information based on the analyzed weight distribution information.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides wearable apparatus and method for calculating drift-free plantar pressure parameters for gait monitoring of an individual. Most conventional techniques use different kind of sensors placed in in-sole based wearable apparatus but are costly and not effective in calculating accurate plantar pressure parameters. The disclosed wearable apparatus uses off-the shelf piezoelectric sensors that are widely available in market with less cost. The drift-free plantar pressure parameters are calculated using drift-free static pressure data obtained by numerically integrating acquired dynamic sensor data from the piezoelectric sensors, using a LiTCEM correction mechanism. A 6-DOF Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU sensor) helps in isolating zero-pressure duration indicating when a foot of the individual is in air during a stride, while obtaining the drift-free static pressure data.

Abstract: A running analysis device includes a processor and a memory storing a program. By executing the program, the processor performs obtainment, setting, and estimation processes. By the obtainment process, first data on an acceleration in an up direction perpendicular to a moving direction of a subject and second data on an acceleration in a direction opposite to the moving direction are obtained from a motion sensor attached to the subject's head or neck and including an acceleration sensor, the first and second data being detected by the acceleration sensor while the subject is running. By the setting process, a candidate time range including a candidate timing for a ground-contacting timing when a foot of the subject contacts the ground is set based on the first data. By the estimation process, the ground-contacting timing is estimated in the candidate time range, based on a timing when the second data is minimum.

Abstract: A physiological feature of a subject is monitored by implanting a plurality of targets, such as magnets, and detecting at least one change in a physical property of the targets, followed by modifying a physiological feature of the subject in response to a change of state detected by the change in physical property detected in the targets. Cutaneous sensory feedback and proprioceptive feedback in a subject, as well as selective stimulation of axons or nerve fascicles of a neuron of a subject are provided.

Abstract: A caregiver assistance system is disclosed for assisting a caregiver to ensure the beds of high fall risk patients are in desired states for reducing the likelihood of a patient falling. The system may also help the caregiver to perform rounding tasks. The system comprises a server in communication with the patients' beds and one or more mobile electronic devices (e.g. smart phones). The mobile devices receive answers to a plurality of fall risk questions and forward them to the server. The server generates a patient fall risk assessment from the answers, determines a desired state for fall-risk components of the bed if the patient fall risk assessment indicates the patient has a high risk of falling, compares the states of the fall-risk components to corresponding desired states, and issues an alert at the mobile device if any of the fall-risk components are not in their desired state.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking performance of a physical activity of a user on a field are provided. The system comprises a visual aid unit and a controller. The controller is configured to receive sensor data indicative of at least one of position and direction of movement of the user on the field. The sensor data is generated in relation to a first performance of the physical activity by the user. The controller analyzes the sensor data to generate visual indicators for the user. The controller controls the visual aid unit to project the generated visual indicators during a second performance of the physical activity by the user for reference of the user. The visual indicators are configured to aid in improving the performance of the user in relation to the physical activity.

Abstract: A hearing test system includes a sound generating unit, an user interface, and a control unit. The sound generating unit is configured to generate a first testing sound at a frequency for a subject. The user interface is configured to receive a first feedback of the subject based on the first testing sound. The control unit is configured to determine whether the first feedback is of heard response or an unheard response. When the control unit confirms that the first feedback is of the heard response, the control unit drives the sound generating unit to generate a second testing sound based on a lower testing limit at the frequency, in which a volume of the second testing sound is less than or substantially equal to a volume of the first testing sound.

Abstract: A method for a hearing test includes receiving a first testing hearing threshold for a subject at a first frequency under a first background noise level; calculating a first testing signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) between the first testing hearing threshold and the first background noise level; responsive to the first testing SNR, receiving a first adjusted hearing threshold; and responsive to the first adjusted hearing threshold, modifying a first hearing test result of the first frequency.

Abstract: Tissue-integrating biosensors, systems comprising these sensors and methods of using these sensors and systems for the detection of one or more analytes are provided.

Abstract: Provided are dermal sensors and dermal sensor applicator sets to insert at least a portion of a dermal sensor into a dermal layer of a subject, as well as methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: Disclosed are a blood glucose measuring device, a blood glucose measuring system, and a method for measuring blood glucose using the blood glucose measuring device. The present blood glucose measuring device comprises: a sensor for measuring blood glucose via a body fluid of a user; and a processor for obtaining error information of the sensor by comparing a first blood glucose level measured by the sensor, and a second blood glucose level measured via the blood of the user, at a first calibration interval during a preset time; calculating the time taken for the error range of the sensor to reach a preset threshold value, on the basis of the first calibration interval and the error information of the sensor; and setting the first calibration interval as a second calibration interval on the basis of the calculated time.

Abstract: A biocompatible analyte sensing material for intradermal or subcutaneous application includes a collection of microgel particles having one or more network crosslinker components and an endogenous or exogenous annealing agent that links the microgel particles together in situ to form a covalently-stabilized scaffold of microgel particles having interstitial spaces therein. A plurality of analyte-specific fluorophores are conjugated to the microgel particles, wherein the analyte-specific fluorophores, in the presence of the analyte and subject to excitation radiation, emit fluorescent light. The analyte sensing material may, in some embodiments, be applied to an excision made in the skin or injected into the skin of a subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the diagnosis of a diabetic foot, comprising at least one first unit for generating vibrations. The device is to be compact and easy to handle. According to the invention, the first unit has an electric motor (5), wherein a weight (14) is secured eccentrically on the shaft thereof such that vibrations of a predetermined strength are generated.

Abstract: A method for determining oxygen saturation includes emitting light from sources into tissue; detecting the light by detectors subsequent to reflection; and generating reflectance data based on detecting the light. The method includes determining a first subset of simulated reflectance curves from a set of simulated reflectance curves stored in a tissue oximetry device for a coarse grid; and fitting the reflectance data points to the first subset of simulated reflectance curves to determine a closest fitting one of the simulated reflectance curves. The method includes determining a second subset of simulated reflectance curves for a fine grid based on the closest fitting one of the simulated reflectance curves; determining a peak of absorption and reflection coefficients from the fine grid; and determining an absorption and a reflectance coefficient for the reflectance data points by performing a weighted average of the absorption coefficients and reflection coefficients from the peak.

Abstract: Provided is a frequency domain (FD)-based multi-wavelength bio-signal analyzing apparatus including: four or more light sources configured to irradiate frequency-modulated light at four or more different discrete wavelengths; at least one light detector configured to detect an output light reflected and introduced from a subject; and a processing circuit connected to the four or more light sources and the at least one light detector and configured to calculate a scattering coefficient and an absorption coefficient at each discrete wavelength based on an output light detected by the at least one light detector and calculate a concentration of a chromophore present in the subject based on the scattering coefficient and the absorption coefficient at each discrete wavelength. Herein, the processing circuit drives at least two of the four or more light sources based on the chromophore present in the subject.

Abstract: An active-pulse blood analysis system has an optical sensor that illuminates a tissue site with multiple wavelengths of optical radiation and outputs sensor signals responsive to the optical radiation after attenuation by pulsatile blood flow within the tissue site. A monitor communicates with the sensor signals and is responsive to arterial pulses within a first bandwidth and active pulses within a second bandwidth so as to generate arterial pulse ratios and active pulse ratios according to the wavelengths. An arterial calibration curve relates the arterial pulse ratios to a first arterial oxygen saturation value and an active pulse calibration curve relates the active pulse ratios to a second arterial oxygen saturation value. Decision logic outputs one of the first and second arterial oxygen saturation values based upon perfusion and signal quality.

Abstract: A probe device includes an optical device including at least one of a photodetector or a first light source. A cover structure is included and is arranged in front of the optical device. The cover structure includes an electrode which contacts, in use, a body tissue.

Abstract: A sampling element (110) for generating a sample of a body fluid is disclosed. The sampling element (110) comprises a housing (114), the) housing having a chamber (122) with at least one puncture element (112) stored therein. A tip (132) of the puncture element (112) is movable through at least one puncture opening (124) of the housing (114) in order to perforate a skin portion of a user. The sampling element (110) further comprises at least one compression element (150), which is adapted to increase a pressure of the body fluid within a body tissue of the user in a region of puncturing when pressed onto the skin portion of the user. The compression element (150) is movably mounted to the housing (114). The sampling element (110) comprises at least one locking mechanism (168) for releasably locking the compression element (150) in at least two positions. The at least two positions comprise a first position (170) and a second position (172), the second position (172) being offset from the first position (170).

Abstract: A fluid sample optimization device for optimizing a fluid sample includes an inlet, an outlet, a sample path connected between the inlet and the outlet, and a contaminant containment reservoir connected between the inlet and the outlet. The contaminant containment reservoir includes an air permeable fluid resistor proximate the outlet, and is arranged to receive, when a pressure differential is applied between the inlet and the outlet, a first portion of the fluid sample to displace air therein through the air permeable fluid resistor and the outlet, such that upon receipt of the first portion of the fluid sample and containment of the contaminants in the contaminant containment reservoir, subsequent portions of the fluid sample can be conveyed by the sample path from the inlet to the outlet when subsequent pressure differentials are applied between the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: A blood collection tube for physically separating the plasma and red blood cell fractions of a centrifuged sample is described. The blood collection tube has an elastomeric sleeve with rigid tube segments at both ends. Following blood collection and centrifugation, the elastomeric sleeve may be twisted to constrict its inner diameter and physically separate the two fractions. The blood collection tube may be secured in this position with a pin and a clamp, and further with an adhesive tape with pH paper. This enables blood samples to be transferred over long distances to a central lab facility without spoiling.