Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a modular pulse oximeter platform with interchangeable modules. The method comprises selecting a plurality of modules based on a health context and connecting in a serial manner the plurality of modules and a pulse oximeter platform via a plurality of connection means. The pulse oximeter interprets identification numbers from the plurality modules and operates the connected plurality of modules accordingly. Data received from the plurality of modules are associated with each other or with pulse oximeter data.

Abstract: Wireless electrochemical measurements methods using minimally invasive micro-sensors that monitor response of cells to specific analytes are described. Micro-actuators integrated on a same chip as the micro-sensors are used to provide closed loop in-vivo local therapy on demand. An in-vivo bio-electronic system that can monitor the health of cell colonies and accordingly dispense corresponding therapeutic drugs is also described.

Abstract: An analyte monitoring platform consisting of a proximity communicator and an implantable biosensor that includes system architecture for biosensor authentication, identification and methods to use analyte sensors for general wellness. The system architecture also permits multi-analyte sensing. In addition, the system and methods can be used for a single analyte or combination of analytes.

Abstract: To provide a storage tray in which flexible tubes are to be stored and with which the efficiency of work to be performed after priming can be improved. A storage tray that stores a flexible tube to be attached to a medical apparatus, the flexible tube allowing fluid to flow therethrough. The storage tray includes a tray body that is securable to a predetermined portion of the medical apparatus and in which the flexible tube is storable, and a receiving portion that is included in the tray body and is capable of receiving a priming solution, which is used for flushing the flexible tube attached to the medical apparatus, and storing a predetermined volume of priming solution.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for point-of-care nucleic acid amplification and detection. One embodiment of the point-of-care molecular diagnostic system includes a cartridge and an instrument. The cartridge can accept a biological sample, such as a urine or blood sample. The cartridge, which can comprise one or more of a loading module, lysis module, purification module and amplification module, is inserted into the instrument which acts upon the cartridge to facilitate various sample processing steps that occur in order to perform a molecular diagnostic test.

Abstract: An improved disposable puncture depth adjustable safety lancet includes a shell, a lancet core, a spring, and a trigger. The shell has an adjusting ring at a front end thereof to adjust a puncture depth, the adjusting ring being sleeved and clearance-fit at an outside of the trigger head. The adjusting ring and the shell are rotationally connected in a peripheral direction and are fixedly connected in an axial direction, and a rotational locating structure is formed by the adjusting ring and the shell in the peripheral direction. The adjusting ring has an inner wall equipped with a rotating step face or rotating bevel, and rotating the adjusting ring locates the adjusting ring in different locating positions. The rotating step face or rotating bevel is configured to meet the collision face of the lancet core in different axial positions, thereby changing the puncture depth of needle tip.

Abstract: A lancing device including a latch that pivots between a non-blocking position allowing a lancet carrier and a lancet to advance and retract through a first forward and reverse lancing stroke and a blocking position preventing further/excess/secondary oscillation of the lancet carrier and lancet. The pivotal latch can pivot about an axis perpendicular (e.g., for an L-shaped latch) or parallel/coaxial (e.g., for a sleeve latch) to the advancement and retraction motion of the lancet carrier and lancet.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to measure reaction times and/or responses for head, eye, eyelid movements, and/or changes in pupil geometry. The system includes eyewear or headwear including one or more eye-tracking cameras for monitoring the position and geometry of at least one eye and its components of the user, one or more scene cameras for monitoring the user's surroundings, and one or more processors to determine reaction times. Optionally, the system may include one or more of a multi-axis accelerometer to monitor head movements, light sources to trigger visual evoked responses, and/or electronic inputs that may be used to indicate the time of occurrence of external reference events. Measured reaction times and other measurements may be monitored for use in a range of applications. Responses and reaction times may be measured continuously over extended periods, even over a lifetime to measure consequences of the aging process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for measuring behavioral change in human consciousness that is based on 12 different personality consciousness codes, wherein each code enables to instantly change the state-of-mind of an individual person.

Abstract: A wearable electronic device may alert a wearer as to a presence of either a range of allergens or to specific pollen to which the individual is allergic. As such, the device may warn the user of bioparticles likely to affect them allergenically. The device may include an airflow path. A deterministic lateral displacement (DLD) array may be positioned within the airflow path to capture bioparticles of a particular size. An imaging device may capture images of captured bioparticles. The system may include a database of bioparticles in a range of sizes. The system may be configured to compare the captured bioparticles to the information in the database. A wearer may be alerted if bioparticles potentially allergenically problematic to the person have been found in the captured bioparticles.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting and reducing bruxism is described. The method includes the placement of a pressure resistive (or piezoelectric) sensor on the skin above the temporalis muscle in order to detect grinding of the teeth based on movement of the temporalis muscle. Alternatively, a pressure resistor could be used in the ear. The pressure resistive sensor could be made of carbon-impregnated polyolefin. Once bruxism is detected, a patient is notified and uses bio-feedback to curtain the grinding of the teeth.

Abstract: An electronic snore-ceasing device including an electroic snore-ceasing device body and a working module, the electronic snore-ceasing device body includes an ear-hook and an ear plug jointed together with the ear-hook, the working module is located inside the ear-hook and the ear plug; the working module includes a snore collecting circuit, a control circuit taking a Micro Control Unit (MCU) as a core thereof, a warning circuit, and a power supply circuit (24); when the control circuit determines that a received sound signal and vibration signal reach their respective threshold values, the control circuit transmits a control signal to the warning circuit located inside the ear plug, thereby activating the warning circuit to generate a sound stimulation signal, a vibration stimulation signal or an electrode stimulation signal that does not wake the user up in sleep to suppress snores.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, methods, and devices that may be used to incentivize inhaler use.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for reducing a risk of unintentional falls in a subject that is at risk for falls. The device includes a sensor and a stimulator. The sensor is configured to be positioned adjacent a body portion of the user that changes orientation when the user sits and stands. The sensor is also configured to emit an activation signal when the user stands and to emit a deactivation signal when the user sits or lies down. The stimulator is in communication with the sensor and is configured to be positioned adjacent one of a calf and a lower back of the user. The stimulator is configured to vibrate at a frequency that stimulates proprioceptors of the user without inducing muscle contractions upon receipt of the activation signal from the sensor and to cease vibration upon receipt of the deactivation signal from the sensor.

Abstract: A garment comprising a central portion including a plurality of electrocardiogram leads, a plurality of auscultation acoustic sensor devices, a flexible respiratory sensor located so that it substantially circumscribes the garment, one or more blood pressure cuff portions located on an at least one arm portion of the garment, wherein the cuff portions are adapted to be loosened and/or tightened and a hardware device for sending and receiving signals via wired or wireless communication.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating biometric information is provided. According to one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus may include a sensor comprising an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor configured to measure an ECG signal of a user and a pulse wave sensor configured to measure two or more pulse wave signals at two or more measurement sites of the user; and a processor configured to obtain biometric information based on the ECG signal and the two or more pulse wave signals measured by the sensor.

Abstract: A non-invasive sensor unit adapted to be coupled to a patient includes a pair of light emitters spaced apart a known distance, and a pair light detectors. The light detectors detect light emitted from the emitters and scattered by a patient. The unit determines one or more cardiovascular characteristics of the patient from the scattered light, such as the patient's pulse wave velocity; a saturation of peripheral oxygen (SpO2) level; a temperature; a respiration rate; a heart rate; and a blood pressure. The light emitters emit light that may have wavelengths between 600 and 1000 nanometers. The unit, in some embodiments, is integrated into a patch adapted to be secured to the skin of the patient. Readings from the unit may be transmitted to a separate device spaced from the unit, such as via Bluetooth, WiFi, or by other means.

Abstract: A microsensor and method of manufacture for a microsensor, comprising an array of filaments, wherein each filament of the array of filaments comprises a substrate and a conductive layer coupled to the substrate and configured to facilitate analyte detection. Each filament of the array of filaments can further comprise an insulating layer configured to isolate regions defined by the conductive layer for analyte detection, a sensing layer coupled to the conductive layer, configured to enable transduction, and a selective coating coupled to the sensing layer, configured to facilitate detection of specific target analytes/ions. The microsensor facilitates detection of at least one analyte present in a body fluid of a user interfacing with the microsensor.

Abstract: The present application relates to endotracheal tubes and to systems and methods for detecting airway edema and evaluating breathing with an endotracheal tube. An example endotracheal tube includes a distal portion, a proximal portion, and a linker portion. The linker portion couples the distal portion and the proximal portion. The linker portion includes at least two struts. The struts extend between the distal portion and the proximal portion. Also, there is at least one opening defined between and along the length of the struts. The linker portion is configured to contact the vocal cords of the subject when in use.

Abstract: Provided are devices and methods capable of interfacing with biological tissues, such as organs like the heart, in real-time and using techniques which provide the ability to monitor and control complex physical, chemical, biochemical and thermal properties of the tissues as a function of time. The described devices and methods utilize micro scale sensors and actuators to spatially monitor and control a variety of physical, chemical and biological tissue parameters, such as temperature, pH, spatial position, force, pressure, electrophysiology and to spatially provide a variety of stimuli, such as heat, light, voltage and current.

Abstract: An oximeter probe that takes into account tissue color (e.g., skin color or melanin content) to improve accuracy when determining oxygen saturation of tissue. Light is transmitted from a light source into tissue having melanin (e.g., eumelanin or pheomelanin). Light reflected from the tissue is received by a detector. A compensation factor is determined to account for absorption due to the melanin. The oximeter uses this compensation factor and determines a melanin-corrected oxygen saturation value.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes determining a variability of a plurality of measurements of a cardiovascular parameter of a patient suffering from hypertension, the plurality of measurements recorded one at a time over a predetermined time period. The method further includes comparing the determined variability with a predetermined reference value. If the comparing indicates that the determined variability is less than the predetermined reference value, the method includes designating the patient to be within a first class of patients representative of patients that are likely to be responsive to subcutaneous neuromodulation therapy as a treatment for hypertension. If the comparing indicates that the determined variability is greater than the predetermined reference value, the method includes designating the patient to be within a second class of patients representative of patients that are likely to be unresponsive to subcutaneous neuromodulation therapy as a treatment for hypertension.

Abstract: A method includes generating spectral projection data of a subject, including at least first spectral projection data corresponding to a first energy range and second spectral projection data corresponding to a second energy range, wherein the first and the second energy range are different. The method further includes constructing an image from a combination of the spectral projection data, and constructing a set of basis images for the 5 energy ranges and from the spectral projection data. The method further includes constructing a multi-dimensional histogram from the set of basis images, wherein the multi-dimensional histogram includes at least two axes, a first corresponding to a first basis component and a second corresponding to a second basis component, and the multi-dimensional histogram includes a set of clusters, including one cluster for each material 10 represented in the spectral projection data.

Abstract: An apparatus having at least one anatomical support member which comprises at least one layer of laminar sheeting and at least one articulating joint unit is in engagement with the at least one of anatomical support member. The joint is positionable in at least a vertical and horizontal orientations enabling smooth positioning of portions of an anatomy in three dimensions such that translational and/or rotational centrepoints in its x, y and z axes substantially coincide. The joint is preferably made of by material(s) that do not cause substantial radiographic or nuclear imaging artifacts when medically imaged thereby.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus comprising: a radiation absorption layer comprising an electrode; a counter configured to register a number of radiation particles absorbed by the radiation absorption layer; a controller configured to start a time delay from a time at which an absolute value of an electrical signal on the electrode equals or exceeds an absolute value of a first threshold; wherein the controller is configured to cause the number registered by the counter to change, in response to the absolute value of the electrical signal equaling or exceeding an absolute value of a second threshold during the time delay.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a table and an imaging system and method for PET/CT imaging. The table may include a base, a bracket, and a plate movable relative to the bracket. The bracket may include a releasing position, a CT scan position, and a PET scan position. The table may extend the scan range of the CT scanner without changing the size of the imaging system.

Abstract: A radiological imaging system including a bed and a load-bearing structure supporting the bed. A free chamber is defined between a base of the load-bearing structure and the bed. The system also includes a gantry defining a main axis of expansion, and the gantry has a source suitable to emit radiation and a detector with a sensitive surface suitable to detect the radiation. The gantry also includes a casing having a cross-section large enough to surround the source and detector. In one embodiment, the gantry includes a rest configuration in which the casing is housed partially in the free chamber. The gantry may also include a working configuration in which the gantry at least partially extends around the bed.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes an X-ray tube, a driver, a supporter, and processing circuitry. The X-ray tube including a rotating anode. The driver rotates the rotating anode. The supporter supports the X-ray tube in an inclinable manner. The processing circuitry acquires information indicating an attitude of the supporter and controls the driver based on information indicating the acquired attitude.

Abstract: A system is provided. The system includes a C-arm with an X-ray source and an X-ray detector mounted thereon opposite each other. The system also includes a carrier coupled to the C-arm and configured to rotate the C-arm relative to the carrier. The system further includes a base and a multiple robotic arms coupling the carrier to the base. Each robotic arm of the multiple robotic arms includes two articulated segments and at least two rotary joints.

Abstract: An imaging system including a closed-loop controller (FC) for automatically adapting a power injector system (PJ). The power injector (PJ) injects contrast agent into an object (V) and the imager (100) acquires one or more images (AN, AN i) of the object (V) with the contrast agent resident therein. The controller (FC) calculates a desired optimal injection rate from the images (AN, ANi). Controller (FC) then controls the injector (PJ) according to the calculated optimal injection rate.

Abstract: Contrast-enhanced image data of breast tissue to be examined is generated. First two-dimensional contrast-agent-influenced x-ray projection data of the breast tissue are acquired at a first x-ray beam energy and a two-dimensional image data record is generated on the basis of the first two-dimensional x-ray projection data. Second two-dimensional contrast-agent-influenced x-ray projection data are acquired from different projection angles at a second x-ray beam energy that differs from the first x-ray beam energy and a three-dimensional tomosynthesis image data record of the breast tissue is reconstructed from the detected second two-dimensional x-ray projection data. Subsequently, a two-dimensional synthetic mammogram is calculated on the basis of the three-dimensional tomosynthesis image data record and a two-dimensional dual-energy mammogram is established by subtracting the image data of the synthetic mammogram from the image data of the two-dimensional image data record.

Abstract: A system (1) and a corresponding method enable an enhanced roadmapping visualization without unnecessary device-footprints. The system (1) includes an x-ray imaging device (3) for acquiring x-ray images and a calculation unit (5). The x-ray imaging device (3) is adapted for acquiring a first x-ray image (21) with an interventional device (17) present in the vessels (19) while no contrast agent is present in the vessels (19) and a second x-ray image (23) with the interventional device (17) present in the vessels (19) while contrast agent is present in the vessels (19). The calculation unit is adapted for creating a roadmap image (27) by subtracting the first x-ray image (21) from the second x-ray image (23) and automatically minimizing the visibility of the interventional device (17) in the roadmap image (27). A display unit (7) is adapted to display the roadmap image (27) or an overlay of a current fluoroscopy image (31) with the roadmap image (27).

Abstract: Systems and methods for moderating saturation in an image containing two or more levels of exposure. The present invention provides a filter and image processing to enable adjusting of the image in a region of interest (ROI) and/or adjusting the image outside of the ROI to provide a non-saturated image.

Abstract: A method is for generating image data using a computer tomography device. CT raw data is provided. An initial image is produced from the CT raw data. The initial image is segmented into regions based upon anatomical features. An image mask corresponding to the regions in each case is produced for the initial image, the image mask defining an effective region for a respectively assigned mapping rule. The mapping rules are applied in the effective regions defined by the respective image masks, and the image data is generated based upon the initial image processed via the mapping rules.

Abstract: The invention provides, in some aspects, a system for implementing a rule derived basis to display volumetric image sets. In various embodiments of the invention, the selection of the images to be displayed, the generation of the 3-D volumetric image from measured 2-D images including the rendering parameters and styles, the choice of viewing directions and 2-D projection images based on the viewing directions, the layout of the projection images, and the formation of a video can be determined using a rule derived basis. In an embodiment of the present invention, the user is presented with sequential images making up a video displayed based on their preferences without having to first manually adjust parameters. The present invention allows for novel ways of viewing such images to detect microcalcifications and obstructions when reviewing Digital Breast Tomosynthesis and other volumetric mammography images.

Abstract: An x-ray imaging method comprises the steps of: providing a set of at least one training material, the set comprising different materials and/or different thicknesses of the or each material; obtaining observed x-ray images of the at least one training material with a pixellated detector; building a database in a simulator of simulated scatter kernels for variable parameters within the simulator for each of the at least one training material; generating a transfer function between parameters of the simulator and parameters of the observed image which is independent of sample type and thickness; generating a whole image scatter estimate; predicting the direct radiation for each scatter kernel; applying the transfer function to the scatter estimate and the direct radiation or the inverse of the transfer function to the observed intensity values; performing the calculation Z?S?D<threshold to provide scatter free data and/or a scatter free image.

Abstract: A method is for a medical imaging X-ray device including an X-ray generator, to which the collimator is assigned, an X-ray detector, a patient table for positioning a patient to be X-rayed, and a wireless, hand-held operator device including a touchscreen. In an embodiment, the method includes generating a display, visualizing a current setting of the collimator, on the touchscreen; adjusting the collimator according to operating data describing a manipulation of display elements of the display; determining position information, describing at least one of a position and orientation of the operator, from sensor data of at least one sensor; selecting a perspective, using the position information determined, corresponding at least approximately to a viewing angle of an operator with respect to the patient table; and generating the display for three-dimensionally visualizing, showing an X-ray beam with the collimator settings adjusted, at the perspective selected.

Abstract: A detector of a gamma camera is configured such that a radioactive point source is positioned within a field of view at a fixed distance from the detector. A predetermined number of gamma photons emitted by the point source and passed through a collimator are acquired. A system-specific planar sensitivity is computed for a combination of the collimator and detector using the number of gamma photons acquired, a time duration of the acquisition, and precalibrated radioactivity data of the point source corrected for decay that occurred after a precalibration time. A deviation of the computed system-specific planar sensitivity from a class standard sensitivity value for a combination of the radioactive point source, the collimator, and the detector is computed. A class standard sensitivity value for a combination of a radiopharmaceutical, the collimator, and the detector is scaled by the computed deviation, yielding a scaled system-specific sensitivity value for the radiopharmaceutical.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for correcting measurement variability across a scanner field of view within an image scan, such as in PET imaging. The method operates on a slice-by-slice application and identifies and negates scan inconsistencies across the scanner field of view by normalizing values across the image scan as a function of reference signals measured across the field of view.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method comprising: obtaining a third image from a first X-ray detector when the first X-ray detector and a second X-ray detector are misaligned; determining, based on a shift between a first image and the third image, a misalignment between the first X-ray detector and the second X-ray detector when the first and second detectors are misaligned; wherein the first image is an image the first X-ray detector should capture if the first and the second detectors are aligned.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a noise reduction assembly for auscultation of a body. An embodiment of the assembly includes an auscultation device formed of a first material and having a proximal end for engagement with the body when the auscultation device is in an operative orientation. An interior dampening layer, which may be formed of a second material, is formed along an exterior surface of the auscultation device and covering all exterior surfaces thereof except the proximal end. An exterior dampening layer, which may be formed of a third material, is then formed in covering relations relative to the interior dampening layer.

Abstract: Disclosed are an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus and a method of operating the same, which more accurately measure a cervix length. The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes a pressure measurer that measures a pressure value applied from a probe to a cervix, an image generator that scans an object to acquire an ultrasound image, a controller that determines whether a cervix line is included in the ultrasound image, acquires the measured pressure value, corresponding to the ultrasound image, as a first pressure value when the cervix line is included in the ultrasound image, and acquires a second pressure value for measuring a length of the cervix line, and an output unit that outputs pressure information based on at least one selected from the first pressure value and the second pressure value.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging device including the ability to determine when a component, such as a removable probe cap, is attached to a portion of an ultrasound probe. Such a cap is employed in one embodiment to act as a spacer component to provide a standoff for the probe head. Detection of probe cap attachment to the ultrasound probe enables the resultant ultrasound image to be adjusted automatically by the ultrasound imaging system. In one embodiment, an ultrasound imaging system comprises an ultrasound probe, a cap or other component that is attachable to the probe, and a component attachment detection system for detecting attachment of the component to the probe. Once the cap is detected, an aspect of an ultrasound image produced by the imaging system is modified, such as cropping the image to remove undesired portions of the cap, such as the spacer component.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ultrasonic probe including an indicator for detecting whether a disinfectant or a cleaner is allowed to be used and thus can prevent from being chemically deformed or damaged by an unallowable disinfectant or an unallowable cleaner.

Abstract: Described embodiments include an apparatus that includes a plurality of flaps configured to fold over each other in a folded configuration. Each one of the flaps includes one or more ultrasound transducer elements. One or more balloons are coupled to the flaps, the balloons being configured to, upon being inflated, unfold the flaps from the folded configuration. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging apparatus having a Micro-machined Ultrasonic Transducer (MUT), such as a Piezoelectric MUT (PMUT) or Capacitive MUT (CMUT), with a transmitting mode and a receiving mode for generating and sensing acoustic pressure in imaging applications. During transmission in a PMUT the inverse piezoelectric effect on the piezo layer causes transverse stress, which causes a bending moment in the PMUT structure leading to out-of-plane deflection. Different applied signs of voltage generates different signs of stress inside the piezo that in turn cause oscillating motion generating an acoustic pressure wave. During signal reception, incident pressure waves deflect the PMUT creating transverse stress, resulting in a charge determined through measuring voltage between electrodes. The apparatus is particularly well-suited for use in health care, such as measuring fat/muscle thickness, blood-flow, and blood pressure.

Abstract: There is provided an acoustic wave image generating apparatus and method capable of obtaining an image with good visibility of a needle. In a case where ultrasound waves having an intensity distribution centered on a first direction are transmitted to a subject, ultrasound echoes return from the subject. Ultrasound echo data indicating the ultrasound echoes are phased and added along lines in virtual reception directions. As the ultrasound transducers transmitting ultrasound waves are updated, a plurality of first ultrasound images are obtained. Since the ultrasound images having various angles can be obtained, an image with good visibility of a needle can be obtained in a case where the needle is inserted into the subject.

Abstract: Operation of a patient's lungs may be analyzed by transmitting ultrasound energy into the patient's lung, and obtain power and velocity Doppler data while a vibration is being induced in the lung. At least one portion of the power and velocity data that corresponds to a fundamental harmonic is then identified. In some embodiments, portions of the power and velocity data that corresponds to higher order harmonics are also identified. The power observed in the fundamental harmonic and optionally the higher order harmonics can then be used to determine the condition of the lungs.

Abstract: The ultrasonic probe according to the present embodiment includes a first transducer set, a second transducer set and a transducer set supporter. The first transducer set arranges transducers in a direction parallel with an axis of the ultrasonic probe. The second transducer set arranges transducers on a plane substantially orthogonal to the axis. The transducer set supporter supports the first transducer set and the second transducer set, and is configured to pivot around the axis.

Abstract: A bone biopsy device includes an outer cannula having a mouth with a cutting edge to section a frustule of spongy bone, a plate mounted slidably within the cannula with a semi-cylindrical portion at its end, and a stylet mounted slidably within the plate and having a pointed tip protruding from the mouth of the cannula to pierce the bone. The mouth has a narrowing and the semi-cylindrical part of the plate has at its end at least one pair of opposed lunettes/anchorages bendable, with respect to a horizontal plane, towards the interior of the semi-cylindrical portion when they encounter the narrowing of the mouth, thereby occluding the lumen of the plate and clasp the base of the sectioned frustule and allow extraction of the frustule by way of the plate whilst the cannula is kept at the operating site, allowing aspiration of marrow after the frustule has been removed.